A SYSTEMS ENGINEERING APPROACH TO COMPARING MIXED REALITY GAMING ENGINES WITHIN THE DOD

Abstract

Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), the primary stakeholder of this report, identified a need to visualize the operating environment prior to mission execution. Historically, JSOC performed visualization by two-dimensional (2D) means that lacked real-time capabilities such as imagery or sand tables. Technological advances now enable visualization of the operating environment by three-dimensional (3D) means and in real-time environments by using mixed reality (MR). An essential component of an MR system is a gaming engine, which serves as essential software in creating the MR environment. Currently, dozens of proprietary and open-source gaming engines are available for use by system designers. This research applies the systems engineering "V" model, using mixed methods to explore the different comparison criteria of gaming engines. The research team developed a structured approach to assessing different MR gaming engine alternatives. Using Multiobjective Decision Analysis and Additive Value Modeling as a basis, the research team produced a credible, repeatable, traceable selection tool to compare alternatives. The team also discovered that the gaming engine is a critical component of the MR system, but it should not be the sole basis for MR system comparison. Other considerations for selecting an MR system are system developers, the hardware and software security considerations, and interoperability within the DOD system architecture.