Next Generation Dismounted Infrantry Interactive Simulation

Current Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) environments permit mechanized units to fight on a simulated battlefield. Participants in the simulated battle sit inside of physical mock ups of vehicles and engage both real and simualted opponents. The current DIS environments do not address a key tactical element: the infantry. The "cab simulator" approach to DIS does not allow for extension to involvement of dismounted infantry into simulated battles. The proposed effort will result in the development of a hybrid virtual reality interface combining total immersion with unencumbered body tracking to allow dismounted infantry to engage directly in a simulated exercise. The Dismounted Infantry Virtual Environment (DIVE) will combine state of the art in head mounted displays, video image tracking, and articicial intelligence to create a total immersion experience that will allow infantrymen to engage in DIS exercises.