Advanced Technology for Real-Time Image Generation

Currently, real-time visual simulation on low cost personal computer platforms is limited by commercially available hardware and software that omits key features needed for simulation. Adding just a few features can greatly increase costs by requiring asubstantially more expensive platform. The proposed research critically examines the current deficiencies and proposes solutions for the PC platform that can be added incrementally. In Phase I, innovative solutions to load management and synchronizationproblems are to be demonstrated, and a survey and analysis of other PC simulation problems is to be conducted. A preliminary analysis reveals a number of areas, including mission functions, scene management, and sensor simulation, where modular solutionscan be developed for the PC platform.The goal is to lower the cost of high quality simulation by curing a variety of shortcomings in present technology. This willpermit more simulation to be performed on low cost platforms, and with high fidelity thanpresently possible. Aside from militarytraining, there is a rapidly growing market for PC simulation for commercial driver training, industrial training, and interactiveentertainment systems. The developed technology will be commercialized for the generalmarkets.