Introduction to Simulation & VR Interoperability Standards

Proven and well-established open international standards exist that reduce risk and lower costs when building multiplayer VR systems and connecting VR systems to other data sources and data consumers. Since the 1990s, the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) has been the world’s primary body dedicated to the promotion of modeling and simulation interoperability and reuse for the benefit of a broad range of modeling and simulation communities.

SISO is the standards body recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) for matters of simulation and VR interoperability. Simulation-based systems, including VR/AR/XR/MR-based systems, include flight simulators for entertainment or pilot training, ship’s bridge simulators, and simulation-based equipment operation and maintenance trainers. Frequently, it becomes desirable that these systems evolve from a standalone application to interoperable use by multiplayer teams. Unfortunately, too often, systems have been and still are made interoperable through proprietary, non-standard data exchanges that often are too limited or costly to grow and maintain. 

Real-world example applications in broad areas will be described. The presentation will also describe recent expansion of a key SISO-managed open standard to facilitate simulation and interoperability in space involving near-Earth operations, lunar-based activities, and deep space activities. The presentation will conclude with a reminder to attendees that SISO is an open organization devoted to simulation and VR interoperability for all domains. Therefore, SISO welcomes participation by AWE attendees who wish to influence the continuing evolution of open standards for VR applications. Note that SISO is a non-profit organization per IRS definition 501(c)(3).