Development of an Automated Management Information System to Provide Feedback and Optimize Usability/Functionality of Crewstation Simulators

The goal of this Phase I proposal is to formalize a concept, utilizing configuration management guidelines and, as approporiate, off-the-shelf software, integrated into a prototype data processing (Management Information System [MIS]) system which utilizes simulator operating parameters to determine the validity of the simulation being presented. The crewstation simulator is a new class of simulator being developed by the Army. It will utilize synthetic environments generated through the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) network to expose soldiers to simulated combat vehicles and other entities. This is an ambitious goal and will demand much of today's (and future) technology to present high quality simulations in an effort to effectively train their personnel to make informed decisions regarding their environment or "scene." The scenario may represent a battlefield or it could be used to examine equipment and acquisition decisions. Whatever the "scene," a basic question remains: Is the simulator presenting the "best" simulation available? This is a common concern among the simulation community which includes: users, manufacturers, and procurement activities. Phase II efforts would expand the Phase I concept to include a baseline methodology incorporated into an operating MIS for setting simulator standards to guide development, manufacture and simulator operations monitoring. The prototype system could be used in the automotive and flight simulator arenas. As a process it will have application in the design and development of commercial complex system construction. A more general application may be found in the verification and validation of software. It could also find use as a reference for the development of simulation standards applicable.