MetaVR Real-time Models that are Relevant to Current Events

Real time visuals systems for 3D simulation and training are only as relevant as the content that they contain. Recent events in the Middle East and Libya demonstrate how critical it is to have a 3D visual system that remains current with its 3D content. The 3D entity model libraries for MetaVR’s image generator (Virtual Reality Scene Generator™ (VRSG™)) are continually updated with new models, and existing models are routinely upgraded.  As necessary, obsolete models are replaced with new models.

Two Libyan BM-21 vehicles in a publicly available photograph on the Internet. AP photo/Jerome Delay.

Real-time MetaVR VRSG screen capture of a scene similar to the photo above, featuring two Libyan BM-21 entities from MetaVR's 3D content libraries.

	On the left, a publicly available photo from the Internet of a Libyan T-55 tank following the battle at Brega. On the right, a real-time VRSG scene featuring MetaVR's model of the Libyan army's T-55 tank from MetaVR’s 3D content libraries, available with VRSG version 5.7. AP photo.

Keeping the 3D military models current is complicated by not only the vast diversity in military vehicle types that are fielded by many countries but by the field modifications that result from asymmetric combat. A case in point is when rebel forces repurpose government forces equipment and add their own markings, as shown in these next images.

	On the left, a publicly available photo from the Internet of a Libyan rebel T-55 tank. On the right, a real-time VRSG scene featuring MetaVR's T-55 model of the opposing forces tank from MetaVR’s 3D content libraries, available with VRSG version 5.7. AP photo/Hussein Malla.

Teaching target discrimination to pilots in fixed-wing ground-attack aircraft and to UAV camera payload operators is vital. Such skills are particularly important in cases where rebel forces repurpose government forces equipment and the only discriminating difference observed on such a vehicle is its external markings as shown in the T-55 images above. Below are images from VRSG, simulating a Predator UAV camera view, of MetaVR's T-55 entity of the Libyan army (on the left) and the T-55 entity of the rebel forces (on the right).

	VRSG sensor views simulating a Predator UAV camera payload. On the left, MetaVR's T-55 entity of the Libyan army. On the right, the T-55 entity of the rebel forces.

In VRSG's thermal sensor mode, one cannot distinguish between the models of the Libyan army and rebel forces T-55 tanks; the thermal signatures are the same. But when you switch to VRSG's Day TV sensor mode, the markings on the model of the T-55 tank belonging to the rebel forces become readily apparent as shown in the image above on the right.

Another example of the type of vehicles used in asymmetric combat is the variety of Libyan technicals. Technical vehicles are commercial vehicles that have been modified to include military equipment; such vehicles did not exist at the beginning of the recent rebellion.

	On the left, a publicly available photo from the Internet of a Libyan technical vehicle. On the right, a real-time VRSG scene featuring MetaVR's Technical-030 model from MetaVR’s 3D content libraries, available with VRSG version 5.7.

All Libyan vehicle models were developed jointly with EdgedSign.