Graphical Authoring Tool for Inference Rules (GATIR)

The U.S. Army’s Natick Research, Development, and Engineering Center (RDEC) develops and applies modeling and simulation (M&S) technologies to evaluate new Ground Soldier systems in terms of their ability to maximize individual combatant (IC) effectiveness and small-unit Ground Soldier capabilities. Currently, the behavior models that control Ground Soldiers in most M&S efforts are fairly simple, relying predominantly on behavior scripting and simple rules. As a result, many critical perception, inference, and association (PIA) skills are not modeled. This limitation degrades the realism of the models and any conclusions drawn from the simulation-based studies. We propose a three-part approach to addressing this challenge. First, we will develop a PIA runtime technology for simulating PIA skills in constructive simulation systems. Second, we will work with subject matter experts to build a library of common PIA models. Third, we will develop an authoring tool for creating PIA models beyond those included in the initial library. During our Phase I effort, we identified inference/production rules as being well-suited to Ground Soldier PIA skill modeling. We will develop the Graphical Authoring Tool for Inference Rules (GATIR), which will extend existing modeling and simulation tools to better support the modeling of Ground Soldier PIA skills.