IMPROVING PERFORMANCE IN PILOT TRAINING BY USING THE CHAIR FLYING TECHNIQUE

Real-time color blending of rendered and captured video Erik Reinhard, Ahmet Oguz Akyuz, Mark Colbert, Charles E Hughes School of Computer Science University of Central Florida Orlando FL Matthew O’Connor Institute for Simulation and Training University of Central Florida Orlando FL Augmented reality involves mixing captured video with rendered elements in real-time. For augmented reality to be effective in training and simulation applications, the computer generated components need to blend in well with the captured video. Straightforward compositing is not sufﬁcient, since the chromatic content of video and rendered data may be very different such that it is immediately obvious which parts of the composited image were rendered and which were captured. We propose a simple and effective method to color-correct the computer generated imagery. The method relies on the computation of simple statistics such as mean and variance, but does so in an appropriately chosen color space - which is key to the effectiveness of our approach. By shifting and scaling the pixel data in the rendered stream to take on the mean and variance of the captured video stream, the rendered elements blend in very well. Our implementation currently reads, color-corrects and composites video and rendered streams at a rate of more than 22 frames per second for a 720x480 pixel format. Without color correction, our implementation generates around 30 frames per second, indicating that our approach comes at a reasonably small computational cost. 2004 Paper No. 1502 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
The Future of Mixed Reality: Issues in Illumination and Shadows Charles E. Hughes, Jaakko Konttinen, Sumanta N. Pattanaik School of Computer Science University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Mixed Reality (MR) is a blending of real and virtual objects. How well that blending works is critical to a user’s experience within an MR scenario. The focus of this paper is on the visual aspects of this blending; other senses such as sound and haptics are covered elsewhere. Blending the real and virtual realities in MR requires that the virtual objects react properly to changes in real lighting and that the real react properly to the insertion of virtual lights (e.g., a virtual flashlight). Even more challenging, virtual objects must cast shadows on real objects and vice versa. Making this realistic means that all such interactions must occur at interactive rates (30+ frames per second). Our research focuses on algorithmic development and implementation of these procedures on programmable graphics units (GPUs) found commonly on today’s commodity graphics cards. The algorithms we develop are tailored to take advantage of the parallel pipeline architecture of GPUs and to carefully avoid some of the limitations found in currently available versions of these units. 2004 Paper No. 1883 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
An Integrated Procedure for Measuring the Spatial and Temporal Resolution of Visual Displays Marc D. Winterbottom Air Force Research Laboratory Mesa, AZ 85296 George A. Geri Link Simulation and Training Mesa, AZ 85296 Bill Morgan The Boeing Company Mesa, AZ 85296 Byron J. Pierce Air Force Research Laboratory Mesa, AZ 85296 Spatial and temporal resolution are two of the most fundamental characteristics of visual displays, and yet they are often incorrectly defined and specified. In order to address this problem, we have developed techniques for estimating both spatial and temporal resolution, and we have compared the resulting estimates to data obtained from perceptual tasks. The spatial resolution technique is based on a VESA standard (FPDM, Ver. 2.0), and was applied to several CRT displays. It was found that the pixel count does not adequately define display resolution when the former exceeds the bandwidth of the display device. In addition, the spatial resolution measurements were found to correlate well with perceptual assessments of the orientation of target aircraft simulated at various distances. The temporal resolution technique involved measuring the response of various displays to simple light patterns that could be flickered at up to 30 Hz. Data obtained for CRT projectors indicated that temporal artifacts obtained with these devices are due primarily to the limited frame rate of the image generator, rather than to limitations in the temporal response of the projectors. In addition, data obtained from liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) projectors indicated that their on- and off-responses are short enough to support 60 Hz simulator frame rates, but that the hold-time used to maximize image luminance interacts with eye movements to produce temporal artifacts that can reduce the quality of the displayed imagery. The results of a perceptual test, based on the perceived separation of moving lines, were consistent with the measured temporal resolution of the two displays. All measurement and analysis techniques described here have been implemented in a software package that is available from AFRL, Mesa, Arizona. 2004 Paper No. 1855 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
A Validation Methodology for Human Behavior Representation Models Lieutenant Colonel Simon R. Goerger, Ph.D. Colonel Michael L. McGinnis, Ph.D. United States Military Academy Department of Systems Engineering West Point, NY Rudolph P. Darken, D.Sc. Naval Postgraduate School Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation Monterey, CA The Department of Defense relies heavily on mathematical models and computer simulations to analyze and acquire new weapon systems. Models and simulations help decision-makers understand the differences between systems and provide insights into the implications of weapon system tradeoffs. Given this key role, the credibility of simulations is paramount. For combat models, this is gained through the verification, validation, and accreditation process required of DoD analytical models prior to their use in weapon system acquisition and other studies. The nature of nondeterministic human behavior makes validation of models of human behavior representation contingent on the judgments of subject matter experts that are routinely acquired using a face validation methodology. In an attempt to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of assessing human behavior representation using experts, and the face validation methodology, the authors conducted experiments to identify issues critical to utilizing human experts for the purpose of ascertaining ways to enrich the validation process for models relying on human behavior representation. The research was limited to the behaviors of individuals engaged in close combat in an urban environment. This paper presents the study methodology, data analysis, and recommendations for mitigating attendant problems with validation of human behavior representation models 2004 Paper No. 1589 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Opening Up New Possibilities: Simulation-Based Tactics Mining Sui Qing, Yeo Ye Chuan, How Khee Yin, Tan Poey Guan DSO National Laboratories 20 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118230 Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has been effectively made use of by the military for applications like training and supporting acquisition decisions. This paper proposes a new technology called Simulation Based Tactics Mining (SBTM) which will open up new possibilities for military applications of M&S systems. The goal of SBTM is to explore the use of machine learning techniques to enable one or more simulated agents to learn novel ways of task execution through interaction with the simulated environment. For instance, SBTM could enable the military to use an M&S environment to explore the space of possible tactics for a system of unmanned platforms to engage a system of ground targets. Another example is to use SBTM on robotic simulation systems to automatically acquire the rules for a system of multiple robots to search and localize multiple targets. The rules acquired by SBTM from robotic simulation environment can then be tested on actual physical robots. 2004 Paper No. 1494 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Adaptive and Modular M&S Configuration for Increased Reusability Nathalie Harrison, Bruno Gilbert, Alfred Jeffrey, Marc Lauzon, Richard Lestage Defence R&D Canada - Valcartier Quebec, Canada In the context of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) proliferation, modelers can take advantage of a Model-Driven Development (MDD) approach to increase the reuse of their models within different implementation frameworks. However, this MDD approach can still lead to monolithic M&S components of limited reusability. This paper focuses on the simulation modeling phase of a MDD approach applied to M&S. It presents a novel XML-based method to increase the reusability of M&S components through fine granularity. Granular instance-specific data elements are associated to granular generic model elements. Configurable simulation modeling data include model parameters, entity composition, scenario composition and log configuration. These elements can be reused through various models, scenarios and frameworks. The data and the components are assembled at run-time to build a specific simulation application. This method has been implemented in a M&S process designed for weapon system modelers who need to integrate their models into different simulation frameworks. The reusability of the resulting model components and XML data files was demonstrated in instantiating engagement simulations with various entities dynamically composed of defensive self-protection suites and weapon sub- systems having different parameters. An adaptive M&S configuration tool was developed to support this flexibility. It allows to create compositions and to dynamically display new parameters in adapting itself to the content of the XML data files. Simulation modeling, including scenario creation, is considered to be the entry point of any simulation framework. However, the model component interoperability is often limited since it is generally related to proprietary file formats and graphical user interfaces. It is believed that the method proposed in this paper could increase the interoperability and ease the exchange of models if XML schemas were standardized. 2004 Paper No. 1864 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Low Cost Virtual Cockpits for Air Combat Experimentation MAJ Chien Wei Chia, Ph.D. Singapore Armed Forces Centre for Military Experimentation (SCME), Future Systems Directorate (FSD), Ministry of Defence, Singapore The preamble in any experimentation usually involves a stage known as “screening” (Montgomery, 2001) or “discovery” (Alberts & Hayes, 2002). In general, the idea behind this stage is to identify the major independent variables that appear to have greater influences on the measures so that subsequent stages could be more focused on the important variables. This paper describes the research in which an innovative solution for a simulation environment was found to more cost-efficiently enable air combat discovery experimentation. In essence, the investigation was to see how the limited 60 degrees field of view imposed by a single display desktop virtual cockpit system could be circumvented cost efficiently. The solution in this case was the addition of a 2D display augmentation that provides information of what would be acquired visually by the pilots up in the air. The challenge was to decide the manner in which the information will be portrayed on this display. The human factors literature provided the guiding light during the research and helped narrow the effort down to an experiment with the Frames of Reference problem, i.e. deciding whether it should be egocentric or exocentric. With these insights an experiment was designed to benchmark the performance of the solution. The performances of 6 operational pilots were compared in four environments (domed simulator, desktop with no augmentation, desktop with egocentric augmentation and desktop with exocentric augmentation.) using a full-factorial experiment design with 3 replicates each. The outcome of the experiment showed that there was no statistical difference between the performance of the domed simulator and the desktop with the egocentric augmentation. 2004 Paper No. 1596 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Advanced Message Routing for Scalable Distributed Simulations Brian Barrett University of Southern California Marina del Rey, CA Thomas Gottschalk California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA The Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) Experimentation Directorate (J9)'s recent Joint Urban Operations (JUO) experiments have demonstrated the viability of Forces Modeling and Simulation in a distributed environment. The JSAF application suite, combined with the RTI-s communications system, provides the ability to run distributed simulations with sites located across the United States, from Norfolk, Virginia to Maui, Hawaii. Interest-aware routers are essential for communications in the large, distributed environments, and the current RTI-s framework provides such routers connected in a straightforward tree topology. This approach is successful for small to medium sized simulations, but faces a number of significant limitations for very large simulations over high-latency, wide area networks. In particular, traffic is forced through a single site, drastically increasing distances messages must travel to sites not near the top of the tree. Aggregate bandwidth is limited to the bandwidth of the site hosting the top router, and failures in the upper levels of the router tree can result in widespread communications losses throughout the system. To resolve these issues, this work extends the RTI-s software router infrastructure to accommodate more sophisticated, general router topologies, including both the existing tree framework and a new generalization of the fully connected mesh topologies used in the SF Express ModSAF simulations of 100K fully interacting vehicles. The new software router objects incorporate the scalable features of the SF Express design, while optionally using low-level RTI-s objects to perform actual site-to-site communications. The limitations of the original mesh router formalism have been eliminated, allowing fully dynamic operations. The mesh topology capabilities allow aggregate bandwidth and site-to-site latencies to match actual network performance. The heavy resource load at the root node can now be distributed across routers at the participating sites. 2004 Paper No. 1832 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Load Balancing for Distributed Battlefield Simulations: Tradeoffs in Workload and Communications David R. Pratt, Ph.D. SAIC Orlando, FL Amy E. Henninger, Ph.D. Soar Technology, Inc. Orlando, FL Load balancing attempts to optimize the utilization of processors in a parallel computing systems, and dynamic load balancing is a prime candidate for improving the performance of distributed battlefield simulation systems. Last year we reported on development of test-bed developed to assist in the empirical exploration of a number of dynamic load balancing heuristics. Unique to the test-bed was a modification of the classical discrete-event simulation (DES) scheduling paradigm that enabled us to determine processor lo ad at the application level. Experimental runs considered a number of load-balancing heuristics, corroborated results reported by other researchers, and provided confidence that our approach is indeed feasible. Absent from this initial study was a consideration of cost measures for the system and a recognition of the conflict between distributing workload evenly and minimizing communication cost s. For a load balancing system to be effective, the cost of balancing load must be less than the cost of the status quo. The cost is manifested by the monitoring, selection, transport, and initialization time, versus the processing and bandwidth requirements. Without proper monitoring and calibration, it possible to spend more time trying to balance the load than it does actually processing productive work. In this paper we present the implementation of additional test-bed infrastructure designed to capture these tradeoffs. Moreover, we motivate the selection of heuristics to be considered, present the results of experimental runs with these heuristics, and discuss the implications of the results. 2004 Paper No. 1638 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Training in Virtual Environments: Experimental Evaluations and Implementation Strategies Barbara Buck and Bruce Perrin The Boeing Company St. Louis, MO This paper summarizes a series of research studies conducted over a period of six years in which we investigated the effectiveness of virtual environments for aircraft maintenance training. In these studies, we systematically evaluated numerous aspects of virtual maintenance trainers (VMTs) that may impact training effectiveness, including comparisons of immersive vs. desktop virtual environments; high vs. low detail graphics; task selection and specific tasking requirements; and the effects of individual differences on learning effectiveness within virtual environments. In each study, we conducted an evaluation of training effectiveness, collecting objective performance measures of declarative knowledge, training transfer task performance time, and transfer performance errors. In addition, individual difference measures of spatial reasoning aptitude, computer/video game experience, and hand tool experience afforded the opportunity to analyze the impacts of these variables on VMT effectiveness. Within each study, rigorous experimental protocol in training procedures and data collection remained constant, allowing us to compare results across the multiple studies. The paper highlights significant results from each of these individual studies, as well as generalized findings across all of the studies. Our studies showed that interactivity and high graphic detail are important for training effectiveness, and that desktop VE trainers were a significantly more effective medium than immersive training. In addition, individual spatial reasoning aptitude is a significant mediator of virtual training effectiveness when the task would be learned and performed with limited visual feedback in the real world (e.g., a tactile or “blind” task). The impact of the spatial processing aptitude is similar for both hardware and VE-based training, however, when the task is normally learned and performed in the visual field. This paper summarizes these findings, as well as other study results, as a series of empirically driven guidelines for the implementation of virtual environments for aircraft maintenance training. 2004 Paper No. 1635 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Within-Simulator Training Effectiveness Evaluation Sara Elizabeth Gehr Boeing Mesa, AZ Brian Schreiber Lockheed Martin Mesa, AZ Winston Bennett, Jr. Air Force Research Laboratory Mesa, AZ There exists a need to formally assess the training benefits of Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) training on the performance of F-16 pilots. DMO training consists of multiplayer networked environments designed to enhance warfighter competency. Although many studies have converged on the effectiveness of training pilots in stand alone systems, very little research has been done on the effectiveness of DMO training of multiple pilots in networked simulators. As Bell and Waag (1998) outlined, to establish support for the effectiveness of training, several different levels of converging support are needed. A proper approach would involve collecting data from several sources that taken together will lend support to the significance of DMO training. To establish the effectiveness of networked simulated training, evidence from a variety of sources will be examined, including: (1) objective indicators of the performance of the pilots acting as a four-ship team engaged in point-defense actions, (2) ratings of team performance made by subject matter experts (SME), (3) scaling evidence collected using the Pathfinder paired-comparison methodology, and (4) pilot reactions to DMO as recorded on rating forms collected. Although all four types of data should show support for the effectiveness of DMO training, the inclusion of objective data allows stronger conclusions to be drawn. Objective data enables quantification of the subjective opinions and ratings, thereby providing indications of the return on investment (ROI), in terms of increased human performance, of the training system. Our current work involves assessing pilots using these methods, and the results should address the changes in capability of training our warfighters. 2004 Paper No. 1778 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Student vs. Software Pacing of Instruction: An Empirical Comparison of Effectiveness Bruce M. Perrin, Brandt W. Dargue, and Frederick Z. Banks Training Systems & Services, Boeing St. Louis, MO 63166 The research on how people control their learning processes (e.g., metamemory) indicates that students are sensitive to the difficulty of the material to be learned and will allocate their study time accordingly. In general, they will devote more time to more difficult material. This research also suggests, however, that students’ control of pace is not perfect and they do not always increase study time sufficiently for more difficult topics. As a supplement to learner-controlled allocation of study time, adaptive learning methods have been proposed that adjust time on a topic according to student performance. The relative effectiveness of software vs. student-controlled pacing, however, has not been empirically evaluated. The current study provides data relevant to this issue. We evaluated two adaptive learning methods, which are based on the capabilities provided by Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL™ ) Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM®) 2004. By using performance during training to diagnose student learning needs, these methods schedule additional practice and review as required. Our results indicate that adaptive methods significantly increased student learning, compared to classroom instruction or self-paced, computer-delivered training. Although students using the adaptive learning courses did study longer, statistical analysis indicated that the increase in learning was directly attributable to how study time was allocated to specific topics, and not just the increase in time spent. Implications for adaptive learning and ADL SCORM-based training are discussed, as well as directions for future research. 2004 Paper No. 1671 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Real-time translation of simulation data across multiple complex terrains Matthew Olson SAIC Arlington, VA Ben Wise, Ph.D. SAIC Vienna, VA Ed Ronan SAIC Burlington, MA Wes Braudaway, Ph.D. SAIC Arlington, VA We present with this paper the results of an ongoing research and development effort in which we integrate multiple live and synthetic environments representing complex terrain at different world locations into a single location environment using real-time entity translation. Our efforts stem from the increased number of US military engagements in complex terrains like Afghan caves, Philippine jungles, and Iraqi neighborhoods and the commensurate need for improvements in training and analysis capabilities for such operations. The combined use of live ranges and simulations can expand these capabilities, but the introduction of simulations requires that we generate from multiple terrain representations, a single simulation environment in which constructive, live, and virtual entities interact. Various means of generating this unified environment exist. We discuss currently used general methodologies and their associated trade-offs. We then describe a method of real-time entity translation that allow integration of multiple live ranges and simulated models of complex terrains at different world locations to produce a single location environment. The integration process is rapid and inexpensive, and it requires no modification of the simulation tools used or their terrain models. Run-time processing is computationally inexpensive. Our real-time method shifts position, velocity, and orientation relative to immediate surroundings for all simulation data. The translation of orientation is accurate to the point that small unit, small arms combat between entities modeled to exist at different locations on the globe is no different than small unit, small arms combat between entities modeled in the same terrain. Minimal perceptible degradation of fidelity or realism results from the translation. 2004 Paper No. 1763 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Digital Environment Data: Identifying Anomalies from Source to Final Databases Robert F. Richbourg, Timothy M. Stone, and George E. Lukes Institute for Defense Analyses Alexandria, VA Digital representations of the environment are being used in a wider spectrum of applications. Military units deploy to operational areas with a digital database of that area. This is one example of the many factors that have led the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA, formerly NIMA) to adopt a new data production strategy focused on providing digital geospatial data in addition to traditional paper map and chart products. The NGA emphasis on digital geospatial data promises new opportunities for simulation database developers and users. Simulation systems already utilize large-scale, high-fidelity, geo-specific databases to execute joint experiments including urban area operations. Expanded availability of digital source data can only increase this trend; however, the new geospatial data production model, coupled with more rigorous demands and expectations from the operational community, results in continued tension between data quantity and data quality within a crisis-response production environment. Processes developed and refined to produce traditional maps and charts are not sufficient to meet the demands for multi-purpose digital geospatial data. This paper reports on results of research into identifying the data anomalies that may arise in such an environment and describes the development of automated tools that can be applied early in the production process to detect those anomalies. 2004 Paper No. 1675 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Myths and Truths of Interactive Volume Graphics Andrew Woo, Paul Halmshaw NGRAIN Corporation Vancouver, BC, Canada Within the 3D graphics industry, there are many myths surrounding the use and effectiveness of volume graphics (based on voxels). The most common myths–that voxels produce poor image quality and slow performance, require significant memory and are not am enable to compression–prevent many developers from seriously considering voxels as a viable solution for their interactive visualization needs, and reinforce their continued dependence on standard surface technologies. In this paper, the authors examine and dispel the most common myths associated with volume graphics, by referring to the most current state-of-the-art literature, research and development work. Having shed light on these misunderstandings, this paper will further illustrate that a voxel representation can efficiently serve many interactive visualization needs in areas such as training applications for dangerous or complex machinery, dynamic synthetic environment, and battle damage assessment. 2004 Paper No. 1755 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Building a Mobile Augmented Reality System for Embedded Training: Lessons Learned Dennis G. Brown, David Armoza, Mark A. Livingston, Lawrence J. Rosenblum Advanced Information Technology Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DC Yohan Baillot, Simon J. Julier ITT Advanced Engineering and Sciences Alexandria, VA Paul Maassel ReallaeR, LLC Port Republic, MD Mobile augmented reality (AR) is a method for providing a “head up display” to individual dismounted users. A user wears a miniaturized computer system, tracking sensors, and a see-through graphics display. The system superimposes three-dimensional spatially registered graphics and sounds onto the user’s perception of the real world. Because information can be presented in a head up and hands free way, it has the potential to revolutionize the way in which information is presented to individuals. A mobile AR system can insert friendly, neutral, and enemy computer-generated forces (CGFs) into the real world for training and mission rehearsal applications. The CGFs are drawn realistically and properly occluded with respect to the real world. The behaviors of the CGFs are generated from two Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) systems: JointSAF and OneSAF. The AR user appears as an individual combatant entity in the SAF system. The AR user's position and orientation are fed to the SAF system, and the state of the SAF entities is reflected in the AR display. The SAF entities react to the AR user just as they do any other individual combatant entity, and the AR user interacts with the CGFs in real time. In this paper, we document the development of a prototype mobile AR system for embedded training and its usage in MOUT-like situations. We discuss the tradeoffs of the components of the hardware (t racking technologies, display technologies, computing technologies) and the software (networking, SAF systems, CGF generation, model construction), and we describe the lessons that have been learned from implementing several scenarios. 2004 Paper No. 1575 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Genetic Algorithm and Neural Network Hybrids for Controlling Mobile Robots Jimmy Secretan University of Central Florida Orlando, FL Guy A. Schiavone Institute for Simulation and Training Orlando, FL As the hardware capabilities of unmanned battlefield robots, such as Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), increases, so to must the intelligence of the software controlling them. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and Genetic Programming (GP) have proven effective in preliminary MAV and UGV simulations for evolving simple tracking and surveillance behaviors. However, the reactive approach that most robotic GAs provide falls short of demonstrating a comprehensive range of intelligence. If for instance, an object becomes occluded from a robot's view, GAs usually must evolve to considerable complexity before they can effectively handle such situations. In this paper, we suggest an approach whereby we augment the GA with a neural network predictor as one of its inputs. The robot’s task consists of following another moving object and maintaining a certain distance. The neural network system is trained with the behavior of the robot's intended target, and feeds this as an input to the GA. We present simulation results of how well this method achieves its task, as well as suggestions for adapting these techniques for implementation on advanced mobile cluster computers. 2004 Paper No. 1642
M&S within the Model Driven Architecture Andreas Tolk, Ph.D., James A. Muguira Virginia Modeling Analysis & Simulation Center (VMASC) Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia Currently, standardized distributed simulation systems are likely to follow the High Level Architecture (HLA) standard, not only because it is widely adopted in the United States for DoD applications, but also because it can be seen as the most matured M&S standard in this domain. However, the HLA focuses on the implementation level; thus it cannot solve problems on the conceptual level, such as validation, verification, or composability of models. The Discrete Event System Specification (DEV S) deals successfully with the conceptual challenges, but its application is limited to the academic community. The M&S community is still looking for a general method insuring interoperability on all levels, from the syntactic level via the semantic level to the pragmatic/dynamic level, and maybe even to the most general conceptual level. To this end, the communication-driven ideas of the HLA must be merged with the conceptually driven ideas of DEVS, preferably in a commercially viable way. One candidate is the Model Driven Architecture (MDA), proposed by the Object Management Group (OMG). The MDA can best be described as an overarching standard framework merging various middleware solutions and platform independent models of various application domains, using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as the common concept gluing the various components together. This paper introduces the concepts of the MDA and shows, how the complementary ideas and methods of the HLA and DEVS can be merged into a well-defined M&S application domain within the MDA framework, allowing heterogeneous solutions as well as the migration from existing solutions to alternatives. The focus of this paper is the proposal of a framework of methods ensuring reusability, composability, and orchestration of events in a heterogeneous M&S and information technology environment, based on the migration of successful and accepted concepts. 2004 Paper No. 1477 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.
Using Intelligent Agents to Control Teams of Robotic or Simulated Entities Scott D. Wood, Jack D. Zaientz Soar Technology Ann Arbor, MI DARPA’s vision of the future for armored and mechanized military structure includes the use of mixed teams of human and robotic forces on a dynamic and rapidly changing battlefield. Successful implementation of this shift will require autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic forces and a command and control infrastructure that will allow human, robotic, and mixed teams to be controlled quickly and easily. This infrastructure will need to allow human commanders to control the robot teams in a similar manner to how they command human teams, that is, in the language of the military, not the language of robotic control theory. Furthermore, the human interface for robotic command and control must simplify the controller’s tasks and automate processes in such a way that the cognitive workload is reduced, situation awareness is enhanced, and situational control is preserved. In this paper we present a theoretic approach to creating such a system. The approach is centered on recasting the robotic control problem as a supervisory control problem, focusing on the human commander as supervisor of an intelligent command and control (C2) system. To explore and evaluate this approach our team is building a C2 framework of cooperative interface agents that reflect roles found in current command staffs. The intention is to create a virtual command staff for the robotic controller by embedding these military functions within the system itself. Although this work is ongoing, the results to date suggest that the approach we have taken will significantly reduce cognitive and human performance workload, thus improving overall usability and reducing training requirements. In addition to robotic control, this work opens up a new approach to controlling simulated entities during experimentation, training and mission rehearsal. 2004 Paper No. 1867 This paper is available on the 2004 I/ITSEC CD ROM. Order it from I/ITSEC'S Website.