Interoperable architecture for joint real/virtual training in emergency management using the MPEG-V standard.

Operatives' training is crucial in emergency management. Traditional exercises to improve procedures interoperability and harmonization between agencies are complex and expensive. Research on command and control systems specifically designed for emergency management and on virtual reality use leads towards enhancing real world applications' capabilities, facilitating management and optimizing resource usage. This paper proposes a new architecture for a training system based on the interconnection between real and virtual worlds extending the MPEG-V standard; allowing real and virtual units' simultaneous and real-time training using commercial off-the-shelf equipment, and including a novel subsystem for video management from both real and virtual sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]/nCopyright of Computer Standards & Interfaces is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)