Georeferenced AR Overlay for Realistic Military Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current training methods for emergency response and military maneuvers face challenges in achieving realism without the high effort and inflexibility of real environment simulations, and the artificiality of virtual simulations limits training effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that superimpose virtual image content onto real image content using a georeferenced simulation environment, allowing for dynamic and realistic overlays by determining the user's position and viewing direction and accurately positioning virtual objects within a high-resolution, 2.5D or 3D simulation environment to create a realistic backdrop for virtual objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a realistic scenario is prepared and staged in a real-world training environment using training vehicles, actors, or similar props, then the degree of realism is improved, but the effort and cost required to prepare and execute the scenario increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverealismVSAvoidpreparation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (simulation environment) of the real training environment, including terrain, objects, and scenarios. This digital replica allows trainees to practice in a realistic setting without the logistical burden of physically staging the entire scenario with real vehicles, actors, and props. The simulation environment is georeferenced to match the actual location, providing visual correspondence while eliminating the need for physical setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If a simulation environment is used to train personnel, then the variability and flexibility of training scenarios is improved, but the degree of realism and authenticity of the training experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescenario variabilityVSAvoidrealism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of both real-world training and simulation by combining a digital simulation environment with the actual physical location. The simulation is georeferenced to the real-world coordinates, and the display device shows virtual objects overlaid on the real environment as seen through the camera. This fusion allows the training to be conducted in the actual location (maintaining realism) while using digital elements (providing flexibility and variability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device acts as an intermediary between the trainee and the training environment. It captures the real-world view through a camera and superimposes virtual elements onto this real-world image, creating a composite view that maintains the authenticity of the physical environment while adding the flexibility of programmable virtual scenarios. This intermediary approach allows the trainee to experience both realism and scenario variability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If live ammunition, aircraft, or artillery units are used in military exercises, then the realism and effectiveness of training is improved, but the complexity, cost, and logistical requirements of preparation and execution increase dramatically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidlogistical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital copies of military equipment (vehicles, aircraft, artillery) and places them in the simulation environment. These virtual representations can be configured and controlled through software, eliminating the need to physically deploy actual military hardware for training purposes. The digital models can be easily modified, repositioned, and controlled without the logistical burden of real equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If a simulation environment is used for training, then modifications and flexibility of scenarios are improved, but the static and inflexible nature of prepared scenarios in real environments becomes a limitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescenario flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic training system where scenarios can be modified in real-time through software control. The simulation environment allows for dynamic adjustment of virtual objects, their positions, behaviors, and interactions without requiring physical reconfiguration. The system can adapt scenarios on-the-fly based on training objectives, making the training flexible and responsive to changing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3420539B1Method for operating a display device and system for displaying actual image contents of an actual environment overlayed with virtual image contents
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3420539B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3420539B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3420539B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and system for operating a display device (20) having a display element (21) arranged in the field of vision (2) of the user (22) for displaying virtual image contents (10), displayed overlaying actual image contents (11), comprising the following method steps: determining a position (14) and a viewing direction (15) of the user (22) in an actual environment (1); positioning at least one virtual object (19) in an object position (16) of a computer-generated simulation environment (13) that depicts the actual environment (1) in a geo-referenced, in particular geo-specific manner; determining a virtual position (14.2) and viewing direction (15.2) by transferring the determined position (14) and viewing direction (15) into the simulation environment (13); calculating a virtual image content (10) as a portion of the virtual object (19) in simulation environment (13) that is visible from the virtual position (14.2) and in the virtual viewing direction (15.2); calculating an overlay position (18) of the virtual image content (10) on the display element (21) based on the object position (16) and the virtual position (14.2) and viewing direction (15.2); displaying at least one virtual image content (10) on the display element (21).