Handheld Computer Architecture for Embedded Training

The Army is building the capability to project a dominant ground force anywhere in the world within days. Part of this process is the development of the Objective Force Warrior (OFW). OFW will demand a higher level of performance from individual soldiersas they perform their tasks. Virtual training is one method for improving soldier performance. As soldiers begin to carry more and more advanced systems (such as handheld computers, smart weapons, etc.) the ability to perform virtual training with thesesystems is becoming possible. Handheld devices do not provide the same capabilities as the simulators available at the training facilities. The current systems provide a totally immersive environment that would be difficult to duplicate with portabletrainers. This leads to providing embedded training on devices that the soldier will already be carrying. Cybernet proposes to identify the current or near-term hardware available to soldiers and the training applications that can be executed on thesedevices. Cybernet will leverage its experience with handheld computing devices and training simulations to identify the best possible path for creating useful embedded training utilities. Furthermore, we will study various input and output methods toincrease the realism and effectiveness of the training experience. The technology developed under this contract will be directly applicable to the training needs of the Objective Force Warrior. Additionally, it will be applicable to training tasks foremergency personnel and others.