PENtagon: A Computer-Based Simulator and Emulator

The mission of the modern mobile and fast response defense forces can only be fulfilled provided there exists a cadre of well qualified electronic technicians. It is therefore incumbent on the DOD to develop both field-portable instrumentation and effective training methods. The newly emerging field of virtual (or soft) instruments provides a possible partial solution to this problem. Unfortunately, existing desktop-computer virtual instruments remain in-situ, require the user to interact through dialog boxes, menus, command lines, etc. The Athena Group proposes PENtagon, a maintenance diagnostic and test instrument system, which is based on our innovative ARPA/PenGUIN computer-based instruction (CBI) technology. PENtagon provides DOD with a truly portable, robust, and powerful instrumentation and training environment for classroom, laboratory, home, and field use. Service personnel interact through dialog boxes, menus, command lines, etc. The Athena Group proposes PENTagon, a maintenance diagnostic and test instrument system, which is based on our innovative ARPA/PenGUIN computer-based instruction (CBI) technology. PENtagon provides DOD with a truly portable, robust, and powerful instrumenation and training environment for classroom, laboratory, home, and field use. Service personnel interact rhough PNEtagon's graphical user interface using natural hand gestures and voice commands. PENtagon also introduces a number innovations including powerful analysis and display software, a smart instrument interface, highly efficient presentation motigs, and important authoring capabilities. The proposed PENtagon research project will result in a demonstrable portable instrumentation and training technology. PENtagon will undergo preliminary field testing in Phase I to position itself for Phase II implementation. Anticipated Benefits: PENtagon is a programmable and portable test instrument and training environment. Its portability, unique user-friendly interface, advanced information presentation techniques, and robust instrument interface capabilities make it an ideal tool for use by defense and civilian technicians and in vocational education.