U.S. patent application number 15/088003 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for method and systems for anticipatorily updating a remote repository.
The applicant listed for this patent is CAE Inc.. Invention is credited to Sebastien EMOND, Alexandre GAUTHIER, Michel LAGACE.
Application Number | 20170286575 15/088003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59961026 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170286575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
EMOND; Sebastien ; et
al. |
October 5, 2017 |
METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR ANTICIPATORILY UPDATING A REMOTE
REPOSITORY
Abstract
Method and systems for executing an interactive computer
simulation of a simulated vehicle. A central repository comprises a
synthetic natural environment database (SNEDB) that comprises data
for a plurality of geographically-located terrain skin
representations of a computer generated. A remote data management
system maintains the remote repository comprising a subset of the
SNEDB accessible to an interactive computer simulation station. The
interactive computer simulation station sends, over the network, a
data request for geographical locations from the SNEDB and allows
users to interact in the interactive computer simulation for
controlling the simulated vehicle. The remote data management
system computes a plurality of expected geographical positions for
the first simulation station and anticipatorily updates, via the
network, the subset of the SNEDB stored in the remote repository
with a supplemental subset of the SNEDB corresponding to one or
more of the computed expected geographical positions.
Inventors: |
EMOND; Sebastien;
(Saint-Laurent, CA) ; GAUTHIER; Alexandre;
(Saint-Laurent, CA) ; LAGACE; Michel;
(Saint-Laurent, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CAE Inc. |
Saint-Laurent |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
59961026 |
Appl. No.: |
15/088003 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 30/20 20200101;
G06F 2111/02 20200101; G09B 5/02 20130101; G09B 9/52 20130101; G09B
9/04 20130101; G06F 30/15 20200101; G09B 9/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/50 20060101
G06F017/50; G09B 9/52 20060101 G09B009/52; G09B 9/08 20060101
G09B009/08; G09B 5/02 20060101 G09B005/02; G09B 9/04 20060101
G09B009/04 |
Claims
1. A remote data management system for supporting an interactive
computer simulation system that executes an interactive computer
simulation, comprising: a network interface module providing
network access towards a central repository for storing a synthetic
natural environment database that comprises data for a plurality of
geographically-located terrain skin representations of a computer
generated environment and towards a plurality of interactive
computer simulation stations, each one of the plurality of
interactive computer simulation stations allowing one or more users
to interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling
a vehicle in the computer generated environment thereof; a data
storage system comprising a remote repository accessible through
the network interface module for storing a subset of the synthetic
natural environment database, wherein the remote repository is
accessible to a first simulation station of the plurality of
interactive simulation stations; and a processor module that:
computes a plurality of expected geographical positions for the
first simulation station; and anticipatorily updates, via the
network interface module, the subset of the synthetic natural
environment database stored in the remote repository with a
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
corresponding to one or more of the computed expected geographical
positions.
2. The remote data management system of claim 1, wherein the
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
corresponds to geographical positions missing therefrom.
3. The remote data management system of claim 2, wherein the
processor module further monitors remaining storage capacity of the
remote repository and performs the anticipatory update until
reaching a high-level remaining capacity threshold.
4. The remote data management system of claim 1, wherein the
processor module computes the plurality of expected geographical
positions by, in non-real-time priority processing, computing a
training schedule for the first simulation station having one or
more associated training scenarios that include the plurality of
expected geographical positions.
5. The remote data management system of claim 1, wherein the
processor module computes the plurality of expected geographical
positions by: in real-time priority processing during execution of
the interactive computer simulation, computing a vector from past
update requests from the first simulation station before computing
therefrom the plurality of expected geographical positions; in
real-time priority processing during execution of the interactive
computer simulation, computing a training scenario for the
interactive computer simulation that includes the plurality of
expected geographical positions; in real-time priority processing
during execution of the interactive computer simulation, computing
a vector from past update data-resolution-increase requests from
the first simulation station before computing therefrom the
plurality of expected geographical positions; in non-real-time
priority processing, computing updates to the computer generated
environment at the plurality of expected geographical positions;
and in real-time priority processing, computing updates to the
computer generated environment at the plurality of expected
geographical positions.
6. The remote data management system of claim 1, wherein the
synthetic natural environment database further comprises navigation
content related to more than one vehicles in the computer generated
environment, the processor module computes the plurality of
expected geographical positions considering the navigation content
from the perspective of the first simulation station.
7. The remote data management system of claim 1, wherein the
processor module computes the plurality of expected geographical
positions by further considering a subset of data types associated
with a plurality of data consumers from the first simulation
station.
8. The remote data management system of claim 1, wherein the
processor module updates the subset at the remote repository
considering priority tags associated therewith.
9. A method for supporting an interactive computer simulation
system that executes an interactive computer simulation on a first
simulation station allowing one or more users to interact in the
interactive computer simulation for controlling a simulated vehicle
in a computer generated environment thereof, comprising: providing
access towards a central repository comprising a synthetic natural
environment database that comprises data for a plurality of
geographically-located terrain skin representations of the computer
generated environment of the interactive computer simulation; at a
remote data management system, computing a plurality of expected
geographical positions for the first simulation station; and from
the remote data management system, anticipatorily updating, via the
network, a subset of the synthetic natural environment database
stored in a remote repository accessible to the first simulation
station with a supplemental subset of the synthetic natural
environment database corresponding to one or more of the computed
expected geographical positions.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising monitoring remaining
storage capacity of the remote repository, the supplemental subset
of the synthetic natural environment database corresponding to
geographical positions missing therefrom, wherein anticipatorily
updating is performed until reaching a high-level remaining
capacity threshold.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the synthetic natural
environment database further comprises navigation content related
to more than one vehicles in the computer generated environment,
wherein computing the plurality of expected geographical positions
further comprises considering the navigation content from the
perspective of the first simulation station.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the remote repository is further
accessible to a second simulation station of the plurality of
interactive simulation stations and computing the plurality of
expected geographical positions is performed for the first and the
second simulation stations.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein a proximate repository, between
the remote repository and the first simulation station, is
dedicated to the first simulation station and accessible to the
remote repository for storing a proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database smaller than the subset stored in the
remote repository, the method further comprising, from the remote
repository, computing a plurality of proximate expected
geographical positions for the first simulation station and
anticipatorily updating the proximate subset with a supplemental
proximate subset of the synthetic natural environment database
corresponding to one or more of the computed proximate expected
geographical positions.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising executing a local
interactive computer simulation application that strictly accesses
the proximate repository via the network for displaying images in
relation to the computer generated environment of the interactive
computer simulation.
15. A system, for executing an interactive computer simulation of a
simulated vehicle, comprising a central repository, a remote data
management system, a remote repository and an interactive computer
simulation station interconnected via a network, wherein: the
central repository comprises a synthetic natural environment
database that comprises data for a plurality of
geographically-located terrain skin representations of a computer
generated environment of the interactive computer simulation; and
the remote data management system maintains the remote repository
comprising a subset of the synthetic natural environment database
accessible to the interactive computer simulation station; the
interactive computer simulation station: sends, over the network, a
data request for one or more geographical locations from the
synthetic natural environment database for rendering images for the
interactive computer simulation; and allows one or more users to
interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling the
simulated vehicle in the computer generated environment considering
the rendered images; and the remote data management system of the
interactive computer simulation system: computes a plurality of
expected geographical positions for the first simulation station
interactive computer simulation stations; and anticipatorily
updates, via the network, the subset of the synthetic natural
environment database stored in the remote repository with a
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
corresponding to one or more of the computed expected geographical
positions.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the remote data management
system further monitors remaining storage capacity of the remote
repository, the supplemental subset of the synthetic natural
environment database corresponding to geographical positions
missing therefrom, wherein the anticipatorily update is performed
until reaching a high-level remaining capacity threshold.
17. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second interactive
computer simulation station having access to the remote repository
via the network, wherein the remote data management system computes
the plurality of expected geographical positions for the
interactive computer simulation station and the second interactive
computer simulation station.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a proximate
repository, between the remote repository and the interactive
computer simulation station dedicated thereto, accessible to the
remote repository for storing a proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database smaller than the subset stored in the
remote repository, wherein the remote repository further: computes
a plurality of proximate expected geographical positions for the
interactive computer simulation station; and anticipatorily updates
the proximate subset with a supplemental proximate subset of the
synthetic natural environment database corresponding to one or more
of the computed proximate expected geographical positions.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a second proximate
repository, between the remote repository and the second
interactive computer simulation station dedicated thereto,
accessible to the remote repository for storing a second proximate
subset of the synthetic natural environment database smaller than
the subset stored in the remote repository, wherein the remote
repository further: computes a plurality of second proximate
expected geographical positions for the second interactive computer
simulation station; and anticipatorily updates the second proximate
subset with a second supplemental proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database corresponding to one or more of the
computed second proximate expected geographical positions.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the proximate repository and
the second proximate repository strictly access the remote
repository via the network for respectively complementing the
proximate subset and the second proximate subset and the remote
repository strictly accesses the central repository for
complementing the subset.
Description
PRIORITY STATEMENT
[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority
based upon the PCT patent application entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEMS
FOR ANTICIPATORILY UPDATING A REMOTE REPOSITORY", filed on even
date herewith in the name of CAE Inc., herein incorporated in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an interactive computer
simulations and, more particularly, to data management during
interactive computer simulations.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Interactive computer simulation systems are used to train
personnel on complex and/or risky tasks. The interactive computer
simulation allows a user to interact in a computer generated
environment by controlling a simulated system (e.g., an aircraft, a
ground vehicle, a space station, etc.). In order to provide a
realistic and meaningful experience to the users of the interactive
computer simulation. Simulated systems and computer environments
tend to become more complex and/or are simulated in a more complex
and thorough manner, which leads to an increase in the required
amount of data. The amount of data required is such that an
isolated computer system would have to be dimensioned unreasonably
to be able to cope with it. Furthermore, when the computer
generated environment needs to be modified, it is advantageous to
update one or a few network locations serving many distributed
simulation systems. However, when the data is distributed over a
network, quality of service becomes a big challenge (e.g., network
delay and limited bandwidth may affect the user experience). For
instance, the behavior of a simulated airplane needs to be
plausible and sufficiently predictable in the computer generated
environment considering simulated conditions and commands from the
user in the simulator, which requires access to a large amount of
data.
[0004] The present invention addresses data management
considerations in the context of interactive computer simulation
systems.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
[0006] In accordance with a first set of embodiments, a first
aspect is directed to a remote data management system for
supporting an interactive computer simulation system that executes
an interactive computer simulation. The remote data management
system comprises a network interface module, a data storage system
and a processor module.
[0007] The network interface module provides network access towards
a central repository for storing a synthetic natural environment
database that comprises data for a plurality of
geographically-located terrain skin representations of a computer
generated environment. The network interface module also provides
network access towards a plurality of interactive computer
simulation stations, each one of the plurality of interactive
computer simulation stations allowing one or more users to interact
in the interactive computer simulation for controlling a vehicle in
the computer generated environment thereof.
[0008] The data storage system comprises a remote repository
accessible through the network interface module for storing a
subset of the synthetic natural environment database. The remote
repository is accessible to a first simulation station of the
plurality of interactive simulation stations.
[0009] The processor module that computes a plurality of expected
geographical positions for the first simulation station and
anticipatorily updates, via the network interface module, the
subset of the synthetic natural environment database stored in the
remote repository with a supplemental subset of the synthetic
natural environment database corresponding to one or more of the
computed expected geographical positions.
[0010] Optionally, the supplemental subset of the synthetic natural
environment database corresponds to geographical positions missing
therefrom. The processor module may then further monitor remaining
storage capacity of the remote repository and perform the
anticipatory update until reaching a high-level remaining capacity
threshold.
[0011] The processor module may also optionally compute the
plurality of expected geographical positions by, in non-real-time
priority processing, computing a training schedule for the first
simulation station having one or more associated training scenarios
that include the plurality of expected geographical positions.
[0012] In some embodiments, the processor module may compute the
plurality of expected geographical positions by i) in real-time
priority processing during execution of the interactive computer
simulation, computing a vector from past update requests from the
first simulation station before computing therefrom the plurality
of expected geographical positions, ii) in real-time priority
processing during execution of the interactive computer simulation,
computing a training scenario for the interactive computer
simulation that includes the plurality of expected geographical
positions, iii) in real-time priority processing during execution
of the interactive computer simulation, computing a vector from
past update data-resolution-increase requests from the first
simulation station before computing therefrom the plurality of
expected geographical positions, iv) in non-real-time priority
processing, computing updates to the computer generated environment
at the plurality of expected geographical positions and/or v) in
real-time priority processing, computing updates to the computer
generated environment at the plurality of expected geographical
positions.
[0013] The synthetic natural environment database may further
comprise navigation content related to more than one vehicles in
the computer generated environment and the processor module may
then compute the plurality of expected geographical positions
considering the navigation content from the perspective of the
first simulation station.
[0014] The processor module may also optionally compute the
plurality of expected geographical positions by further considering
a subset of data types associated with a plurality of data
consumers from the first simulation station. The processor module
may yet also update the subset at the remote repository considering
priority tags associated therewith.
[0015] In accordance with the first set of embodiments, a second
aspect is directed to a method for supporting an interactive
computer simulation system that executes an interactive computer
simulation on a first simulation station allowing one or more users
to interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling
a simulated vehicle in a computer generated environment thereof.
The method comprises providing access towards a central repository
comprising a synthetic natural environment database that comprises
data for a plurality of geographically-located terrain skin
representations of the computer generated environment of the
interactive computer simulation. The method also comprises, at a
remote data management system, computing a plurality of expected
geographical positions for the first simulation station; and, from
the remote data management system, anticipatorily updating, via the
network, a subset of the synthetic natural environment database
stored in a remote repository accessible to the first simulation
station with a supplemental subset of the synthetic natural
environment database corresponding to one or more of the computed
expected geographical positions.
[0016] The method may optionally further comprise monitoring
remaining storage capacity of the remote repository and the
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
may then correspond to geographical positions missing therefrom.
Anticipatorily updating may also optionally be performed until
reaching a high-level remaining capacity threshold.
[0017] The synthetic natural environment database may further
comprise navigation content related to more than one vehicles in
the computer generated environment and computing the plurality of
expected geographical positions may then further comprise
considering the navigation content from the perspective of the
first simulation station.
[0018] The remote repository may also be further accessible to a
second simulation station of the plurality of interactive
simulation stations and computing the plurality of expected
geographical positions may then be performed for the first and the
second simulation stations. A proximate repository, between the
remote repository and the first simulation station, may optionally
be dedicated to the first simulation station and accessible to the
remote repository for storing a proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database smaller than the subset stored in the
remote repository. The method may optionally further comprise, from
the remote repository or from the proximate repository, computing a
plurality of proximate expected geographical positions for the
first simulation station and anticipatorily updating the proximate
subset with a supplemental proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database corresponding to one or more of the
computed proximate expected geographical positions. The method may
also further comprise executing a local interactive computer
simulation application that strictly accesses the proximate
repository via the network for displaying images in relation to the
computer generated environment of the interactive computer
simulation.
[0019] In accordance with the first set of embodiments, a second
aspect is directed to a system, for executing an interactive
computer simulation of a simulated vehicle, comprising a central
repository, a remote data management system, a remote repository
and an interactive computer simulation station interconnected via a
network. The central repository comprises a synthetic natural
environment database that comprises data for a plurality of
geographically-located terrain skin representations of a computer
generated environment of the interactive computer simulation. The
remote data management system maintains the remote repository
comprising a subset of the synthetic natural environment database
accessible to the interactive computer simulation station. The
interactive computer simulation station sends, over the network, a
data request for one or more geographical locations from the
synthetic natural environment database for rendering images for the
interactive computer simulation and allows one or more users to
interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling the
simulated vehicle in the computer generated environment considering
the rendered images. The remote data management system of the
interactive computer simulation system computes a plurality of
expected geographical positions for the first simulation station
interactive computer simulation stations and anticipatorily
updates, via the network, the subset of the synthetic natural
environment database stored in the remote repository with a
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
corresponding to one or more of the computed expected geographical
positions.
[0020] The remote data management system may optionally further
monitor remaining storage capacity of the remote repository and the
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
may then correspond to geographical positions missing therefrom.
The anticipatorily update may optionally be performed until
reaching a high-level remaining capacity threshold.
[0021] The system may optionally further comprise a second
interactive computer simulation station having access to the remote
repository via the network. The remote data management system may
then compute the plurality of expected geographical positions for
the interactive computer simulation station and the second
interactive computer simulation station. The system may yet further
comprise a proximate repository, between the remote repository and
the interactive computer simulation station dedicated thereto,
accessible to the remote repository for storing a proximate subset
of the synthetic natural environment database smaller than the
subset stored in the remote repository. The remote repository or
the proximate repository may then further compute a plurality of
proximate expected geographical positions for the interactive
computer simulation station and anticipatorily update the proximate
subset with a supplemental proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database corresponding to one or more of the
computed proximate expected geographical positions. The system may
further comprise a second proximate repository, between the remote
repository and the second interactive computer simulation station
dedicated thereto, accessible to the remote repository for storing
a second proximate subset of the synthetic natural environment
database smaller than the subset stored in the remote repository.
The remote repository or the second proximate repository may then
further compute a plurality of second proximate expected
geographical positions for the second interactive computer
simulation station and anticipatorily update the second proximate
subset with a second supplemental proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database corresponding to one or more of the
computed second proximate expected geographical positions.
[0022] The proximate repository and the second proximate repository
may optionally strictly access the remote repository via the
network for respectively complementing the proximate subset and the
second proximate subset and the remote repository may strictly
access the central repository for complementing the subset.
[0023] In accordance with a second set of embodiments, a first
aspect is directed to a remote data management system for
supporting an interactive computer simulation system that executes
an interactive computer simulation. The remote data management
system comprises a network interface module, a data storage system
and a processor module.
[0024] The network interface module provides network access towards
a central repository for storing a synthetic natural environment
database that comprises data of a plurality of data types for a
plurality of geographically-located terrain skin representations of
a computer generated environment of the interactive computer
simulation. The network interface module also provides network
access towards an interactive computer simulation station
participating in the interactive computer simulation. The computer
simulation stations allow one or more users to interact in the
interactive computer simulation for controlling a vehicle in the
computer generated environment, wherein the interactive computer
simulation station comprising a plurality of data consumers each
requiring data from one or more of the plurality of data types.
[0025] The data storage system comprises a remote repository for
storing a subset of the synthetic natural environment database.
[0026] The processor module, upon receipt of a data request from
the interactive computer simulation station for one or more
geographical locations, determines a set of data types considering
one or more requesting data consumers from the plurality of data
consumers and updates the subset of the synthetic natural
environment database in the remote repository for the one or more
geographical locations with data of only the set of data types.
[0027] Optionally, the plurality of data types may comprise
rendering-faces data, surface-texture data and reflectivity data.
The plurality of data consumers may comprise a radar system
requiring rendering faces data and reflectivity data and a visual
display system requiring rendering faces data and surface texture
data.
[0028] The set of data types may optionally be determined by a
logical union operation of required data types from the one or more
requesting data consumers.
[0029] Optionally, the processor module may compute a plurality of
expected geographical positions for the interactive computer
simulation station and monitor remaining storage capacity of the
remote repository. Updating the subset may then be performed for
one or more of the expected geographical positions until reaching a
high-level remaining capacity threshold.
[0030] The synthetic natural environment database may further
comprise navigation content related to more than one vehicles in
the computer generated environment and the processor module may
then determine the set of data types considering the navigation
content from the perspective of the interactive computer simulation
station.
[0031] The processor module may optionally update the subset at the
remote repository considering priority tags associated
therewith.
[0032] In accordance with the second set of embodiments, a second
aspect is directed to a method for supporting an interactive
computer simulation system that executes an interactive computer
simulation. The method comprises providing access towards a central
repository that stores a synthetic natural environment database
that comprises data of a plurality of data types for a plurality of
geographically-located terrain skin representations of a computer
generated environment of the interactive computer simulation and
receiving, over a network, a data request issued from an
interactive computer simulation station for one or more
geographical locations. The interactive computer simulation station
allows one or more users to interact in the interactive computer
simulation for controlling a vehicle in the computer generated
environment. The interactive computer simulation station comprises
a plurality of data consumers each requiring data from one or more
of the plurality of data types. The method also comprises
determining a set of data types considering one or more requesting
data consumers from the plurality of data consumers and updating,
over the network, a subset of the synthetic natural environment
database stored in a remote repository for the one or more
geographical locations with data of only the set of data types. The
remote repository is accessible to the interactive computer
simulation station.
[0033] Optionally, the plurality of data types may comprise
rendering-faces data, surface-texture data and reflectivity data.
The plurality of data consumers may further comprise a radar system
requiring rendering faces data and reflectivity data and a visual
display system requiring rendering faces data and surface texture
data.
[0034] Determining the set of data types may optionally be
performed by a logical union operation of required data types from
the one or more requesting data consumers.
[0035] The method may further comprise computing a plurality of
expected geographical positions for the interactive computer
simulation station and monitoring remaining storage capacity of the
remote repository. Updating the subset may then be performed for
one or more of the expected geographical positions until reaching a
high-level remaining capacity threshold.
[0036] The synthetic natural environment database may optionally
further comprise navigation content related to more than one
vehicles in the computer generated environment and determining the
set of data types may then be performed considering the navigation
content from the perspective of the interactive computer simulation
station.
[0037] Updating the subset at the remote repository may optionally
be performed considering priority tags associated therewith.
[0038] In accordance with the second set of embodiments, a third
aspect is directed to a system, for executing an interactive
computer simulation of a simulated vehicle, comprising a central
data management system, a central repository, a remote repository
and an interactive computer simulation station interconnected via a
network. The central repository comprises a synthetic natural
environment database that comprises data of a plurality of data
types for representing a plurality of geographically-located
terrain skin representations of a computer generated environment of
the interactive computer simulation.
[0039] The remote data management system of the interactive
computer simulation system maintain the remote repository storing a
subset of the synthetic natural environment database.
[0040] The interactive computer simulation station comprises a
plurality of data consumers each requiring data from one or more of
the plurality of data types, sends, over the network, a data
request for one or more geographical locations from the synthetic
natural environment database for rendering images for the
interactive computer simulation and allows one or more users to
interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling the
simulated vehicle in the computer generated environment considering
the rendered images
[0041] The remote data management system of the interactive
computer simulation system determines a set of data types
considering one or more requesting data consumers from the data
request and updates, over the network, the subset of the synthetic
natural environment database stored in the remote repository for
the one or more geographical locations with data of only the set of
data types.
[0042] The remote data management system of the interactive
computer simulation system may further compute a plurality of
expected geographical positions for the interactive computer
simulation station, monitor remaining storage capacity of the
remote repository and update the subset in the remote repository
for one or more of the expected geographical positions until
reaching a high-level remaining capacity threshold.
[0043] The system may optionally further comprise a second
interactive computer simulation station having access to the remote
repository via the network. The remote data management system may
then determine the set of data types considering one or more
requesting data consumers from the plurality of data consumers and
one or more second requesting data consumers from a second
plurality of data consumers of the second interactive computer
simulation station.
[0044] The system may further optionally comprise a proximate
repository, between the remote repository and the interactive
computer simulation station dedicated thereto, accessible to the
remote repository for storing a proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database smaller than the subset stored in the
remote repository. The remote repository or the proximate
repository may further determine a set of proximate data types
considering one or more requesting data consumers from the
plurality of data consumers and remotely updates, over the network,
the proximate subset of the synthetic natural environment database
stored in the proximate repository for the one or more geographical
locations with data of only the set of data types.
[0045] Optionally, the system may also further comprise a second
proximate repository, between the remote repository and the second
interactive computer simulation station dedicated thereto,
accessible to the remote repository for storing a second proximate
subset of the synthetic natural environment database smaller than
the subset stored in the remote repository. The remote repository
or the second repository may then further determine a second set of
proximate data types considering the one or more second requesting
data consumers from the second plurality of data consumers and
remotely update, over the network, the second proximate subset of
the synthetic natural environment database stored in the second
proximate repository for the one or more geographical locations
with data of only the second set of data types.
[0046] The proximate repository and the second proximate repository
may optionally strictly access the remote repository via the
network for respectively complementing the proximate subset and the
second proximate subset and the remote repository may likewise
strictly access the central repository for complementing the
subset.
[0047] In accordance with a third set of embodiments, a first
aspect is directed to a remote data management system for
supporting an interactive computer simulation system that executes
an interactive computer simulation. The remote data management
system comprises network interface module, data storage system and
a processor module.
[0048] The central repository is for storing a synthetic natural
environment database that comprises a plurality of data records for
a plurality of geographically-located terrain skin representations
of the computer generated environment. The network interface module
also provides network access towards a plurality of interactive
computer simulation stations, each one of the plurality of
interactive computer simulation stations allowing one or more users
to interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling
a vehicle in the computer generated environment thereof.
[0049] The data storage system comprises a remote repository
accessible through the network interface module for storing a
subset of data records from the synthetic natural environment
database. One of a plurality of priority tags is associated with
each one of the subset of data records and the remote repository is
accessible to the plurality of interactive simulation stations.
[0050] The processor module monitors remaining storage capacity of
the remote repository and, upon reaching a high-level threshold
value for the remaining storage capacity, removes, via the network
interface module, the most extraneous data record, identified
considering one or more of the plurality of priority tags, from the
subset of data records stored in the remote repository until
reaching a low-level threshold value for the remaining storage
capacity.
[0051] The processor module may optionally identify the most
extraneous data record as a top data record from a priority-ordered
target list for the subset of data records in the remote repository
considering the plurality of priority tags. Removing the most
extraneous data record may then be performed by removing the top
data record from the target list until reaching a low-level
threshold value for the remaining storage capacity. Each one of the
plurality of priority tags may comprise a time-based indication for
obtaining a corresponding relative record age and a
record-insertion-method indication. The record-insertion-method
indication may be considered before considering the time-based
indication for ordering the target list. The
record-insertion-method indication may be one of "requested from
simulation" and "predicted from repository", and the target list
may order all the "predicted from repository" records at the top
followed by all the "requested from simulation" records by age with
the oldest towards the top. The "predicted from repository"
indication may further orderly contain "geographic predicted",
"sub-data-type" and "best-guess" indications.
[0052] Each one of the plurality of priority tags may further
comprise a "number of requestors" indication considered before the
time-based indication for ordering the target list.
[0053] In accordance with the third set of embodiments, a second
aspect is directed to a method for supporting an interactive
computer simulation system that executes an interactive computer
simulation. The method comprises providing access towards a central
repository that stores a synthetic natural environment database
that comprises a plurality of data records for a plurality of
geographically-located terrain skin representations of a computer
generated environment. The method also comprises maintaining a
remote repository accessible through a network for storing a subset
of data records from the synthetic natural environment database.
Each one of a plurality of priority tags is associated with each
one of the subset of data records. The remote repository is
accessible through the network to a plurality of interactive
computer simulation stations, each one of the plurality of
interactive computer simulation stations allowing one or more users
to interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling
a vehicle in the computer generated environment thereof.
[0054] The method also comprises monitoring remaining storage
capacity of the remote repository and, upon reaching a high-level
threshold value for the remaining storage capacity, removing, via
the network, the most extraneous data record, identified
considering one or more of the plurality of priority tags, from the
subset of data records stored in the remote repository until
reaching a low-level threshold value for the remaining storage
capacity.
[0055] The method may further comprise identifying the most
extraneous data record as a top data record from a priority-ordered
target list for the subset of data records in the remote repository
considering the plurality of priority tags. Removing the most
extraneous data record may then be performed by removing the top
data record from the target list until reaching a low-level
threshold value for the remaining storage capacity.
[0056] Optionally, each one of the plurality of priority tags may
comprise a time-based indication for obtaining a corresponding
relative record age and a record-insertion-method indication. The
record-insertion-method indication may then be considered before
considering the time-based indication for ordering the target list.
The record-insertion-method indication may be one of "requested
from simulation" and "predicted from repository", and the target
list may order all the "predicted from repository" records at the
top followed by all the "requested from simulation" records by age
with the oldest towards the top. The "predicted from repository"
indication may further orderly contain "geographic predicted",
"sub-data-type" and "best-guess".
[0057] Optionally, each one of the plurality of priority tags may
further comprise a "number of requestors" indication considered
before the time-based indication for ordering the target list.
[0058] In accordance with the third set of embodiments, a third
aspect is directed to a system, for executing an interactive
computer simulation of a simulated vehicle, comprising a central
data management system, a central repository, a remote repository
and an interactive computer simulation station interconnected via a
network.
[0059] The central repository stores a synthetic natural
environment database that comprises a plurality of data records for
a plurality of geographically-located terrain skin representations
of a computer generated environment.
[0060] The remote data management system of the interactive
computer simulation system maintains the remote repository storing
a subset of data records from the synthetic natural environment
database. Each one of a plurality of priority tags is associated
with each one of the subset of data records.
[0061] The interactive computer simulation station sends, over the
network, a data request for one or more geographical locations from
the synthetic natural environment database for rendering images for
the interactive computer simulation and allows one or more users to
interact in the interactive computer simulation for controlling the
simulated vehicle in the computer generated environment considering
the rendered images.
[0062] The remote data management system of the interactive
computer simulation system monitors remaining storage capacity of
the remote repository and, upon reaching a high-level threshold
value for the remaining storage capacity, removes, via the network,
the most extraneous data record, identified considering one or more
of the plurality of priority tags, from the subset of data records
stored in the remote repository until reaching a low-level
threshold value for the remaining storage capacity.
[0063] The most extraneous data record may optionally be identified
as the top data record from a priority-ordered target list for the
subset of data records in the remote repository considering the
plurality of priority tags and the most extraneous data record may
then be removed by removing the top data record from the target
list until reaching a low-level threshold value for the remaining
storage capacity. Each one of the plurality of priority tags may
further comprise a time-based indication for obtaining a
corresponding relative record age and a record-insertion-method
indication and the record-insertion-method indication may then be
considered before considering the time-based indication for
ordering the target list. The record-insertion-method indication
may further be one of "requested from simulation" and "predicted
from repository", and wherein the target list orders all the
"predicted from repository" records at the top followed by all the
"requested from simulation" records by age with the oldest towards
the top.
[0064] The system may further optionally comprise a second
interactive computer simulation station having access to the remote
repository via the network. Each one of the plurality of priority
tags may then further comprise a "number of requestors" indication
considered before the time-based indication for ordering the target
list.
[0065] The system may also optionally comprise a proximate
repository, between the remote repository and the interactive
computer simulation station dedicated thereto, accessible to the
remote repository for storing a proximate subset of the synthetic
natural environment database smaller than the subset stored in the
remote repository. The remote repository or the proximate
repository may further monitor proximate remaining storage capacity
of the proximate repository and, upon reaching a high-level
threshold value for the proximate remaining storage capacity,
remove (remotely or locally), via the network, the most extraneous
data record, identified considering one or more of the plurality of
priority tags, from the proximate subset of data records stored in
the proximate repository until reaching a low-level threshold value
for the proximate remaining storage capacity.
[0066] The system may yet further comprise a second proximate
repository, between the remote repository and the second
interactive computer simulation station dedicated thereto,
accessible to the remote repository for storing a second proximate
subset of the synthetic natural environment database smaller than
the subset stored in the remote repository. The remote repository
or the second proximate repository may then further monitor second
proximate remaining storage capacity of the second proximate
repository and, upon reaching a high-level threshold value for the
second proximate remaining storage capacity, remove (remotely or
locally), via the network, the most extraneous data record,
identified considering one or more of the plurality of priority
tags, from the second proximate subset of data records stored in
the second proximate repository until reaching a low-level
threshold value for the second proximate remaining storage
capacity.
[0067] The proximate repository and the second proximate repository
may optionally strictly access the remote repository via the
network for respectively complementing the proximate subset and the
second proximate subset and the remote repository strictly may
likewise access the central repository for complementing the
subset.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] Further features and exemplary advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in
which:
[0069] FIG. 1 is a first logical representation of an exemplary
computer system in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0070] FIG. 2 is a second logical representation of the exemplary
computer system in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention; and
[0071] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are
flow charts of exemplary methods in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] Reference is now made to the drawings in which FIG. 1 shows
a logical modular view of an exemplary interactive computer
simulation system 1000 in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention. The interactive computer simulation system 1000
performs one or more interactive computer simulations. Each
interactive computer simulation comprises one or more simulated
systems such as simulated vehicles (simulated aircrafts, simulated
tanks or ground vehicles, simulated marine vessel, etc.). In the
depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the interactive computer simulation
system 1000 comprises a remote data management system 1100 for
supporting the interactive computer simulation system 1000 when
executing the interactive computer simulation(s). The interactive
computer simulation system 1000 typically comprises at least one
simulation station 1200.1, but typically comprises a plurality of
simulation stations 1200.1 . . . 1200.n. The plurality of
simulation stations is referred to together as the simulation
stations 1200 hereinafter. Each of the plurality of simulation
stations 1200 allows one or more users to interact to control a
simulated system in a computer generated environment of the
interactive computer simulation system 1000. The remote data
management system 1100 and the simulation stations 1200 are
depicted as being interconnected via a network 1940. The network
1940 may be connected or may provide access to a network 1840.
Skilled persons will readily understand that the direct connections
or a mix of direct and network connections may be used to
interconnect the remote data management system 1100 and the
simulation stations 1200. Various network links may be implicitly
or explicitly used in the context of the present invention. While a
link may be depicted as a wired link (using a coaxial cable, an
optical fiber, a category 5 cable, and the like), it could also be
embodied as a wireless link (using a cellular link, a wireless LAN,
and the like). A wired or wireless access point (not shown) may be
present on links. Likewise, any number of routers and/or switches
(not shown) may be present on links, which may further transit
through the Internet.
[0073] In the depicted example of FIG. 1, the remote data
management system 1100 comprises a memory module 1120, a processor
module 1130 and a network interface module 1140. The processor
module 1130 may represent a single processor with one or more
processor cores or an array of processors, each comprising one or
more processor cores. The memory module 1120 may comprise various
types of memory (different standardized or kinds of Random Access
Memory (RAM) modules, memory cards, Read-Only Memory (ROM) modules,
programmable ROM, etc.). The network interface module 1140
represents at least one physical interface that can be used to
communicate with other network nodes. The network interface module
1140 may be made visible to the other modules of the computer
system 1100 through one or more logical interfaces. The actual
stacks of protocols used by the physical network interface(s)
and/or logical network interface(s) 1142, 1144, 1146, 1148 of the
network interface module 1140 do not affect the teachings of the
present invention. The variants of processor module 1130, memory
module 1120 and network interface module 1140 usable in the context
of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons
skilled in the art.
[0074] A bus 1170 is depicted as an example of means for exchanging
data between the different modules of the remote data management
system 1100. The present invention is not affected by the way the
different modules exchange information between them. For instance,
the memory module 1120 and the processor module 1130 could be
connected by a parallel bus, but could also be connected by a
serial connection or involve an intermediate module (not shown)
without affecting the teachings of the present invention.
[0075] Likewise, even though explicit mentions of the memory module
1120 and/or the processor module 1130 are not made throughout the
description of the various embodiments, persons skilled in the art
will readily recognize that such modules are used in conjunction
with other modules of the remote data management system 1100 to
perform routine as well as innovative steps related to the present
invention.
[0076] A distributed data storage system is also provided in the
interactive computer simulation system 1000. In the example of FIG.
1, a central repository 1500 stored a synthetic natural environment
database that comprises data for representing
geographically-located terrain skin of the computer generated
environment. For instance, the terrain skin representation would
typically comprise material data and/or imagery data and/or
elevation data for different areas of the terrain (e.g., a portion
of the terrain identified by a geographical position has certain
properties. The synthetic natural environment database may also
further comprise geographically-located 3D polygon mesh data
(buildings and structure of the computer generated environment) as
well as vector data and metadata (e.g., default values on common
element). The central repository 1500 may also log dynamic data in
relation to the different simulated systems while the interactive
computer simulation is performed (e.g., weather-related (such as
clouds), modifications made by the simulated system on the computer
generated environment, etc.). The remote data management system
1100 comprises a remote repository 1600 for storing a subset of the
synthetic natural environment database. The central repository 1500
is accessible by the remote data management system 1100 through the
network interface module 1140. The remote repository 1600 is also
accessible to the simulation stations 1200 through the network
1940.
[0077] In some embodiments, each of the simulation stations 1200.1
. . . 1200.n are further connected to a proximate repository 1700.1
. . . 1700.n (referred to together as the proximate repositories
1700). The proximate repositories 1700 may thus each serve a small
number of the simulation stations 1200. In some embodiments (as
depicted), each of the proximate repositories is dedicated to a
single of the simulation stations. The distributed data storage
system may thus support a hierarchical configuration when the
proximate repositories are provided. The proximate repositories
1700 are accessible by the remote repository 1600 through the
network 1940. The proximate repositories 1700 are also accessible
to the simulation stations 1200 through the network 1940. In
embodiments where proximate repositories are provided, each of the
proximate repositories 1700 store their own proximate subset of the
synthetic natural environment database that are each fully
encompassed in the subset stored at the remote repository 1600.
[0078] FIG. 1 shows the remote repository 1600 as a database
integrated with the remote data management system 1100 while the
central repository 1500 and the optional proximate repositories
1700 are depicted as standalone databases. Skilled persons will
acknowledge that different data storage configurations may be
provided (standalone database system, a distinct module of a system
or a sub-module of a memory module). The distributed data storage
system does not necessarily comprise repositories implemented using
a single configuration or, conversely, mutual exclusive
configurations. The distributed data storage system may comprise
one or more logical or physical as well as local or remote hard
disk drive (HDD) (or an array thereof). The distributed data
storage system may further comprise a local or remote database made
accessible to the remote data management system 1100 and/or the
simulation stations 1200 by a standardized or proprietary interface
or via the network 1840/1940. The configuration variants of
distributed data storage system usable in the context of the
present invention will be readily apparent to persons skilled in
the art.
[0079] Users of the interactive computer simulation system 1000
(e.g., users of the simulation stations 1200) interact in the
interactive computer simulation to control a simulated system in a
computer generated environment of the interactive computer
simulation system 1000 (e.g., instructors or experts, trainees such
as a pilot and co-pilot, a driver, an operator, a surgeon, etc.).
Examples of simulated system include an aircraft, a ground vehicle,
a marine vessel, a spacecraft or space station, a control room, a
patient, etc.
[0080] The remote data management system 1100 may comprises a
graphical user interface module 1150 for performing various
management tasks on the remote data management system 1100.
However, as the remote data management system 1100 is mainly
accessible remotely, the management tasks are also typically
handled remotely.
[0081] The simulation stations 1200.1 . . . 1200.n each comprise a
tangible instrument module 1260.1 . . . 1260.n (referred to
together as the tangible instrument modules 1260). The tangible
instrument modules 1260 each provide one or more tangible
instrument to the user of the simulation stations for controlling
the simulated system in the interactive computer simulation(s).
Different tangible instruments are provided depending on the system
being simulated. In the example of the aircraft, typical tangible
instruments include various switches, levers, pedals and the like
accessible to the user for controlling the aircraft in the computer
generated environment of the interactive computer simulation(s).
Depending on the type of interactive simulation (e.g., level of
immersivity), the tangible instruments may be more or less
realistic compared to an actual aircraft. While the present
invention is applicable to immersive flat simulators certified for
commercial training, skilled persons will readily recognize and be
able to apply its teachings to other types of computer
simulations.
[0082] FIG. 2 provides a different logical view of the interactive
computer simulation system 1000. The central repository 1500 of the
distributed data storage system is depicted as being located at a
storage facility 1800. The remote repository 1600 and the
simulation stations 1200 are depicted as being co-located in a
simulation facility 1900. The network 1840 is depicted as a Wide
Access Network (WAN), which typically connect remote sites. The
network 1940 is depicted as a Local Access Network (LAN), which
typically connect systems at a single site. In comparison to the
example of FIG. 1, the example of FIG. 2 shows the proximate
repositories 1700 as being integrated in their respective
simulation stations 1200. In the example of FIG. 2, the simulation
station 1200.1 also comprises an internal network (LAN 1240)
interconnecting different simulation data consumers 1280, 1282,
1284 thereof towards the proximate repository 1700.1. The
simulation data consumers 1280, 1282 and 1284 are relevant in some
of the different embodiments to be further described with
particular reference to FIGS. 3A to 5B.
[0083] Skilled persons will readily recognize that an actual
interactive computer simulation system 1000 likely comprises many
simulation stations 1200 distributed over multiple simulation
facilities (only 1900 shown). In the depicted example, the central
repository 1500 contains all the synthetic natural environment
database for the interactive computer simulation system 1000. The
remote repository 1600 contains a subset of data stored at the
central repository 1500 and each of the proximate repositories 1700
store a proximate subset of the data stored at the remote
repository 1600. The synthetic natural environment database could
be distributed over different repositories (not shown) in a manner
transparent to the remote repository 1600 (i.e., single network
address for the central repository 1500, distributed or not).
Likewise, the subset stored at the remote repository 1600 could be
distributed over different repositories (not shown) in a manner
transparent to the proximate repositories 1700 or the simulation
stations 1200 (i.e., single network address for the remote
repository 1600, distributed or not). Similarly, when proximate
repositories 1700 are provided, the proximate subsets stored at the
proximate repositories 1700 may yet also be distributed over
different repositories (not shown) in a manner transparent to the
simulation stations 1200 (i.e., single network address for each of
the proximate repositories 1700, distributed or not). The
management functionalities of the remote data management system
1100 and/or central repository 1500 may also be distributed over
different network nodes or provided by a distributed virtual
computer system or cloud system.
[0084] As such, the central repository 1500 comprises the synthetic
natural environment database that comprises data for representing a
geographically-mapped computer generated environment of the
interactive computer simulation, comprising at least
geographically-located terrain skin representation. During the
interactive computer simulation, the simulated vehicle moves within
the computer generated environment considering, among other things,
commands received from user through the tangible instrument module
1260.1. In order to correctly convey the status of the simulated
system at the present location, the simulation station 1200.1
requires the relevant geographically-located data from the
synthetic natural environment database. As the complete synthetic
natural environment database is too large to be stored and managed
locally at the simulation station 1200.1, the simulation station
1200.1 loads relevant data when needed. For instance, the
simulation station 1200.1 would typically require data (imagery,
elevation, vector data, 3D polygon meshes, etc.) to feed many
different subsystems thereof (display system, simulated
instrumentation, simulated collision avoidance system, simulated
radar, simulated sonar, audible warnings system, line-of-sight
determination system, etc.). Different algorithms have been
developed for determining what data the simulation station 1200.1
should request data under different circumstances. However, as the
synthetic natural environment database is stored remotely from the
simulation station 1200.1, requesting the data incurs a first
network delay for the request and a second network delay for the
data. In addition, the network 1840 is typically a WAN that has
more limited and/or more costly bandwidth. It would be beneficial
to limit the number of exchanges and/or limit the amount of data
exchanged thereover. It is therefore beneficial to increase the
likelihood of getting the right data closer to the simulation
station 1200.1, i.e., in the remote repository 1600 (and/or the
proximate repository 1700.1), e.g., to avoid a request over the
network 1840 and/or 1940 and/or to select when the data is sent
over the network 1840 and/or 1940.
[0085] In accordance with a first set of embodiments particularly
depicted with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the
remote data management system 1100 is able to populate the remote
repository 1600 with data that is expected to be accessed by the
simulation stations 1200 (i.e., proactively pull data thereto). In
order to do so, the remote data management system 1100 computes a
plurality of expected geographical positions for a simulation
station 1200.1 and anticipatorily updates the subset of the
synthetic natural environment database stored in the remote
repository 1600 with a supplemental subset of the synthetic natural
environment database corresponding to one or more of the computed
expected geographical positions.
[0086] In accordance with a second set of embodiments particularly
depicted with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the
remote data management system 1100 is able to populate the remote
repository 1600 with data limited to a subset of data types
required by simulation data consumers 1280, 1282, 1284 of the
simulation stations 1200 (i.e., proactively filters data types
therein). In order to do so, the remote data management system 1100
parses one or more data requests from a simulation station 1200.1
for one or more geographical locations and determines a set of data
types considering one or more requesting data consumers 1280, 1282,
1284. The remote data management system 1100 then updates the
subset of the synthetic natural environment database in the remote
repository 1600 for the one or more geographical locations with
data of only the set of data types.
[0087] In accordance with a third set of embodiments particularly
depicted with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the
remote data management system 1100 is able to manage remaining
storage capacity of the remote repository 1600 by orderly removing
extraneous data records therefrom (i.e., proactively cleans the
remote repository 1600). In order to do so, the remote data
management system 1100 monitors remaining storage capacity of the
remote repository 1600. Upon reaching a high-level threshold value
for the remaining storage capacity, the remote data management
system 1100 removes a data record from the subset of data records
stored in the remote repository 1600 until reaching a low-level
threshold value for the remaining storage capacity. The most
extraneous data record to be removed is identified considering one
or more of a plurality of priority tags of the data records.
[0088] Reference is now made concurrently to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG.
3A and FIG. 3B describing the first set of embodiments. A method
3000 is disclosed for supporting the interactive computer
simulation system 1000 that executes an interactive computer
simulation on the simulation station 1200.1. The simulation station
1200.1 allows one or more users to interact in the interactive
computer simulation for controlling a simulated vehicle in a
computer generated environment. The method 3000 comprises
maintaining 3010, the central repository 1500 of the interactive
computer simulation system 1000.
[0089] The method 3000 then comprises computing 3020 a plurality of
expected geographical positions for the simulation station 1200.1
at a remote data management system 1100. Thereafter, from the
remote data management system 1100, the method 3000 follows with
anticipatorily updating 3050, via the network 1840/1940, a subset
of the synthetic natural environment database stored in the remote
repository 1600 accessible to the simulation station 1200.1 with a
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
corresponding to one or more of the computed expected geographical
positions.
[0090] In some embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the
method 3000 may further comprise monitoring 3040 remaining storage
capacity of the remote repository 1600. In such an example, the
supplemental subset may contain only data for geographical
positions missing therefrom (i.e., circular motion of the simulated
vehicle). The anticipatory update 3050 may also be performed until
reaching 3040 a high-level remaining capacity threshold in the
remote repository 1600.
[0091] In some embodiments of the method 3000, the synthetic
natural environment database may further comprise navigation
content related to more than one vehicles in the computer generated
environment. Computing 3020 the plurality of expected geographical
positions may then further comprise considering the navigation
content from the perspective of the simulation station 1200.1.
[0092] In some embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the
remote repository 1600 is accessible to multiple simulation
stations 1200.1 . . . 1200.n. Computing 3020 the plurality of
expected geographical positions is therefore performed for the
simulation stations 1200.
[0093] A method 3100 is disclosed for supporting the interactive
computer simulation system 1000 that executes an interactive
computer simulation on the simulation stations 1200. The simulation
stations 1200 each allow one or more users to interact in the
interactive computer simulation for controlling one or more
simulated vehicles in a single computer generated environment. The
method 3100 comprises maintaining 3110 the central repository 1500
of the interactive computer simulation system 1000.
[0094] The method 3100 then comprises computing 3120 a plurality of
expected geographical positions for the simulation stations 1200 at
the remote data management system 1100. Thereafter, from the remote
data management system 1100, the method 3100 follows with
anticipatorily updating 3130, via the network 1840/1940, a subset
of the synthetic natural environment database stored in the remote
repository 1600 accessible to the simulation stations 1200 with a
supplemental subset of the synthetic natural environment database
corresponding to one or more of the computed expected geographical
positions. In this example, computing 3120 the plurality of
expected geographical positions is therefore performed for the
simulation stations 1200.
[0095] In the exemplary method 3100, the proximate repository
1700.1 is accessible to the simulation station 1200.1, between the
remote repository 1600 and the simulation station 1200.1. The
proximate repository 1700.1 stores a proximate subset of the
synthetic natural environment database smaller than the subset
stored in the remote repository 1600. As mentioned with reference
to other embodiments, the proximate repository 1700.1 may be
dedicated to the simulation station 1200.1. The disclosed method
3100 further comprises, from the remote repository 1600, computing
3142 a plurality of proximate expected geographical positions for
the simulation station 1200.1 and anticipatorily updating 3152 the
proximate subset with a supplemental proximate subset of the
synthetic natural environment database corresponding to one or more
of the computed proximate expected geographical positions. While it
is not mandatory, in typical embodiments, each of the simulation
stations 1200 is associated with or provided with one of the
proximate repositories 1700. The remote repository 1600 or the
proximate repository 1700.1 . . . 1700.n, itself, would then
compute 3144 expected positions and update 3154 the relevant one(s)
of the proximate repositories 1700.
[0096] In the context of the exemplary method 3100, each of the
simulation stations 1200 may execute a local interactive computer
simulation application that strictly accesses their respective
proximate repositories 1700 for obtaining geographically-located
data (e.g., for displaying images) in relation to the computer
generated environment of the interactive computer simulation (or a
single point of contact therefor). Likewise, the proximate
repositories 1700 may strictly access the remote repository 1600
(or a single point of contact therefor) and the remote repository
1600 may strictly access the central repository 1500 (or a single
point of contact therefor).
[0097] In some embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the
method 3100 may further comprise monitoring (not shown) remaining
storage capacity of the remote repository 1600 and/or in the
proximate repositories 1700. In such an example, the supplemental
subset and/or the supplemental proximate subset may contain only
data for geographical positions missing therefrom (i.e., circular
motion of the simulated vehicle). The anticipatory update 3130,
3152 and/or 3154 may then be performed until reaching a high-level
remaining capacity threshold thereof.
[0098] Reference is now made concurrently to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG.
4A and FIG. 4B describing the second set of embodiments. A method
4000 is disclosed for supporting the interactive computer
simulation system 1000 that executes an interactive computer
simulation on the simulation station 1200.1. The simulation station
1200.1 allows one or more users to interact in the interactive
computer simulation for controlling a simulated vehicle in the
computer generated environment. The method 4000 comprises
maintaining 4010 the central repository 1500 of the interactive
computer simulation system 1000. The synthetic natural environment
database comprises data of a plurality of data types for
representing a plurality of geographically-located elements (e.g.,
at least terrain skin representation, but also typically 3D polygon
meshes, vector data and metadata) of the computer generated
environment of the interactive computer simulation. The method 4100
comprises receiving 4020, over the network 1840/1940, a data
request issued from the simulation station 1200.1 for one or more
geographical locations. In the second sets of embodiments, the
simulation station 1200.1 comprises the plurality of data consumers
1280, 1282, 1284 each requiring data from one or more of the
plurality of data types. In typical embodiments, each of the data
consumers 1280, 1282 and 1284 perform their own data requests. In
some other embodiments, the data request aggregates the data types
from the requesting data consumers 1280, 1282, 1284 for the
geographical location(s) and a single data request is therefor
sent.
[0099] The method 4000 comprises determining 4030 a set of data
types considering one or more requesting data consumers from the
plurality of data consumers 1280, 1282, 1284. This may be performed
by analyzing the data request(s) and determine a type of data
consumer from an identifier therein. The data consumers 1280, 1282
and 1284 may also register their required data types in the first
data request or in advance of the first data request. The
registration could be based on an identifier or an address of data
consumers 1280, 1282 and 1284.
[0100] The method 4000 then comprises updating 4040, over the
network 1840/1940, a subset of the synthetic natural environment
database stored in the remote repository 1600 for the one or more
geographical locations with data of only the set of data types.
[0101] For instance, the plurality of data types may comprise
rendering-faces data, surface-texture data and reflectivity data.
Examples of the data consumers 1280, 1282 and 1284 may include a
radar system requiring rendering faces data and reflectivity data
and a visual display system requiring rendering faces data and
surface texture data. Other examples of the data consumers 1280,
1282 and 1284 that may require different data types include sonar
(acoustic) sub-system, collision avoidance sub-system, infrared
sensors sub-system, night vision goggles sub-system,
electro-optical sub-system, computer generated forces sub-system
(e.g., other elements that act within the simulated system),
mission functions sub-system (e.g., own-ship environment data),
navigation sub-system, etc.
[0102] Determining 4030 the set of data types may be performed by a
logical union operation of required data types from the one or more
requesting data consumers 1280, 1282, 1284 (e.g. from different
requests for the same location(s) aggregated in a single data push
or within the single data request). When the method 3000 and/or
3100 is used together with the method 4000, it is also helpful to
consider data for expected locations for all of the relevant data
types. For instance, the method 4000 may further comprise computing
(not shown) a plurality of expected geographical positions for the
simulation station 1200.1 and monitoring (not shown) remaining
storage capacity of the remote repository 1600. Updating 4040 the
subset may therefore be performed for one or more of the expected
geographical positions until reaching a high-level remaining
capacity threshold.
[0103] The synthetic natural environment database may further
comprise navigation content related to more than one vehicles in
the computer generated environment wherein determining 4030 the set
of data types may then be performed considering the navigation
content from the perspective of the interactive computer simulation
stations 1200.
[0104] Updating 4040 the subset at the remote repository 1600 may
also be performed considering priority tags associated
therewith.
[0105] A method 4100 is disclosed for supporting the interactive
computer simulation system 1000 that executes an interactive
computer simulation on the simulation stations. Each of the
simulation stations allows one or more users to interact in the
interactive computer simulation for controlling one or more
simulated vehicle in the computer generated environment. The method
4100 comprises maintaining 4110 the central repository 1500 of the
interactive computer simulation system 1000. The synthetic natural
environment database comprises data of a plurality of data types
for representing a plurality of geographically-located data, as
exemplified previously, of the computer generated environment of
the interactive computer simulation. The method 4100 comprises
receiving 4122, 4124, over the network 1840/1940, data requests
issued from more than one of the simulation stations 1200 for one
or more geographical locations. In the second sets of embodiments,
the simulation stations 1200 each comprise the plurality of data
consumers 1280, 1282, 1284 each requiring data from one or more of
the plurality of data types. In typical embodiments, each of the
data consumers 1280, 1282 and 1284 perform their own data requests.
In some other embodiments, the data request aggregates the data
types from the requesting data consumers for the geographical
location(s) and a single data request is therefor sent.
[0106] The method 4100 comprises determining 4130 a set of data
types considering one or more requesting data consumers 1280, 1282,
1284 from the plurality of data consumers. This may be performed by
analyzing the received data requests 4122, 4124 together or, more
typically, by performing the determination 4130 for each of the
received data requests 4122, 4124. The determination 4130 may be
based on a type of data consumer from an identifier in the data
request 4122, 4124. The data consumers 1280, 1282 and 1284 may also
register their required data types in the first data request or in
advance of the first data request. The registration could be based
on an identifier or an address of data consumers 1280, 1282 and
1284.
[0107] The method 4100 then comprises updating 4140, over the
network 1840/1940, a subset of the synthetic natural environment
database stored in the remote repository 1600 for the one or more
geographical locations with data of only the set of data types. For
instance, the plurality of data types may comprise rendering-faces
data, surface-texture data and reflectivity data. Examples of the
data consumers 1280, 1282 and 1284 may include a radar system
requiring rendering faces data and reflectivity data and a visual
display system requiring rendering faces data and surface texture
data. Other examples were also previously provided.
[0108] Determining 4130 the set of data types may be performed by a
logical union operation of required data types from the one or more
requesting data consumers (e.g. from different requests for the
same location(s) aggregated in a single data push or within the
single data request). When the method 3000 and/or 3100 is used
together with the method 4100, it is also helpful to consider data
for expected locations for all of the relevant data types. For
instance, the method 4100 may further comprise computing (not
shown) a plurality of expected geographical positions for the
simulation station 1200.1 and monitoring (not shown) remaining
storage capacity of the remote repository 1600. Updating 4140 the
subset may therefore be performed for one or more of the expected
geographical positions until reaching a high-level remaining
capacity threshold.
[0109] In the exemplary method 4100, the proximate repository
1700.1 is accessible to the simulation station 1200.1, between the
remote repository 1600 and the simulation station 1200.1. The
proximate repository 1700.1 stores a proximate subset of the
synthetic natural environment database smaller than the subset
stored in the remote repository 1600. As mentioned with reference
to other embodiments, the proximate repository 1700.1 may be
dedicated to the simulation station 1200.1. The disclosed method
4100 further comprises, updating 4152 the proximate subset with a
supplemental proximate subset of the synthetic natural environment
database with data of only relevant data types. While it is not
mandatory, in typical embodiments, each of the simulation stations
1200 is associated with or provided with one of the proximate
repositories 1700. The remote repository 1600 or the proximate
repository itself would then determine the set of data types 4140
accordingly and update 4154 the relevant one(s) of the proximate
repositories 1700.
[0110] In the context of the exemplary method 4100, each of the
simulation stations 1200 may execute a local interactive computer
simulation application that strictly accesses their respective
proximate repositories 1700 for accessing relevant
geographically-located data (e.g., for displaying images) in
relation to the computer generated environment of the interactive
computer simulation (or a single point of contact therefor).
Likewise, the proximate repositories 1700 may strictly access the
remote repository 1600 (or a single point of contact therefor) and
the remote repository 1600 may strictly access the central
repository 1500 (or a single point of contact therefor).
[0111] In some embodiments of the second set of embodiments, the
method 4100 may further comprise monitoring (not shown) remaining
storage capacity of the remote repository 1600 and/or of the
proximate repositories 1700. In such an example, the supplemental
subset and/or the supplemental proximate subset may contain only
data for data types missing therefrom (e.g., reflectivity data
already present, but texture data missing as the radar system
reaches farther compared to the visual display system). The update
4140, 4152 and/or 4154 may then be performed until reaching a
high-level remaining capacity threshold thereof.
[0112] Reference is now made concurrently to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG.
5A and FIG. 5B describing the third set of embodiments. A method
5000 is disclosed for supporting the interactive computer
simulation system 1000 that executes an interactive computer
simulation on the simulation station 1200.1. The simulation station
1200.1 allows one or more users to interact in the interactive
computer simulation for controlling a simulated vehicle in a
computer generated environment. The method 5000 comprises
maintaining 5010 the central repository of the interactive computer
simulation system 1000. In this third set of embodiments, the
synthetic natural environment database comprises a plurality of
data records for representing the plurality of
geographically-located data (e.g. as better exemplified earlier,
terrain skin, polygon meshes, etc.) of the computer generated
environment. The remote repository 1600 accessible through the
network 1840/1940 stores a subset of data records from the
synthetic natural environment database and one of a plurality of
priority tags is associated with each one of the subset of data
records.
[0113] The method 5000 comprises monitoring 5020 remaining storage
capacity of the remote repository 1600 and, upon reaching a
high-level threshold value 5030 for the remaining storage capacity,
removing 5040 the most extraneous data record from the remote
repository 1600. The most extraneous data record is identified
considering one or more of the plurality of priority tags, from the
subset of data records stored in the remote repository 1600. The
removal 5040 is performed until reaching 5050 a low-level threshold
value for the remaining storage capacity.
[0114] In some embodiments, identifying the most extraneous data
record for removal 5040 may comprise sorting the subset of data
records in the remote repository 1600 to obtain a priority-ordered
target list such that a top data record therefrom represents the
most extraneous data record for removal 5040. Removing 5040 the
most extraneous data record is therefore performed by removing 5040
the top data record from the target list until reaching 5050 a
low-level threshold value for the remaining storage capacity.
[0115] In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of priority
tags comprises a time-based indication for obtaining a
corresponding relative record age and a record-insertion-method
indication. As exemplified in FIG. 5B showing a specific example of
the removal 5040, the target list may first be sorted 5042 by
considering the record-insertion-method indication before being
further sorted 5044 by considering the time-based indication. The
removal 5040 is therefore performed by removing 5046 the top data
record from the target list until reaching 5050 a low-level
threshold value for the remaining storage capacity.
[0116] For instance, the record-insertion-method indication may be
one of "explicitly requested from simulation" (e.g., requested by
one or more of the simulation stations 1200) and "predicted by
repository" (e.g., predicted using the method 3000 and/or 3100).
The target list may thus be ordered for all the "predicted" records
at the top followed by all the "requested" records by age with the
oldest towards the top. In this example, the "predicted" records
are all removed before the "requested" records. The "predicted by
repository" indication may further be expanded into "geographical
prediction", "sub-data-type" and "best-guess". Where the
geographical prediction is considered of higher priority than
sub-data-type, which is itself of higher priority than best-guess.
The priority tags may further comprise a "number of requestors"
indication considered before the time-based indication for ordering
the target list.
[0117] The method 5000 may also be performed when one or more of
the proximate repositories 1700 are provided. The method 5000 may
thus be performed hierarchically from the remote repository 1600
towards one or more of the proximate repositories 1700.
[0118] A method is generally conceived to be a self-consistent
sequence of steps leading to a desired result. These steps require
physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not
necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or
magnetic/electromagnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is
convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to
refer to these signals as bits, values, parameters, items,
elements, objects, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the
like. It should be noted, however, that all of these terms and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. The description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be
exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen to explain the
principles of the invention and its practical applications and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
invention in order to implement various embodiments with various
modifications as might be suited to other contemplated uses.
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