The Use of Basic Object Models (BOM) in the Virtual Backlot (VB)

This paper examines the use of Base Object Models (BOM) as implemented in the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Virtual Backlot (VB) project. A BOM is a SISO approved form of Reference FOM designed to enable reuse of HLA components. SISO’s BOM Study Group has proposed general BOM design guidelines and federate development methodologies by which reuse capabilities may be designed into an HLA compliant simulation. The VB project is a natural testbed for the BOM paradigm. The VB project applies reuse methods that have roots in the traditional entertainment industry in which physical entities are repeatedly reused. For example, the same physical backlot street may appear in many movies with a minimum of modification, giving the illusion of different locations (New York, Paris, Rome, etc). It is a goal for the VB that virtual entities be repeatedly reused. These models are specifically designed for a Mixed Reality environment in which a user encounters a physical environment enhanced by the addition of virtual entities. The current VB project is directed towards rapid population of a physical MOUT facility with virtual entities. Ideally, the VB will provide a menu of readily reconfigurable virtual entities for MOUT scenario designers to work with. This paper will discuss aspects of the BOM philosophy that were able to be implemented in the VB as well as areas where the VB diverges from the BOM philosophy. Lessons learned and suggestions for future use are reported.