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Operating within the simulator's synthetic environment are computer-generated
Semi-Automatic forces (SAF), drawing their behavior characteristics
and modes of operations from computerized libraries, such as
SAIC's OneSAF - a simulation development environment enabling
users to develop training scenarios simulating combat; combat
support; combat service support and C4ISR applications. Utilizing
this tool kit, users can compose new entities, units, groups,
behaviors and scenarios with little to no pre-programming. The
system builds on SAIC's Synthetic Environment Core (SE Core)
- as a set of virtual components, common to multiple simulation
systems, helping services to reduce redundancy, increase realism
and interoperability, while lowering development costs, operation
and support. Among the features provided by these components,
are common services such as after-action reviews, command, control,
communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(C4ISR) capabilities; scenario generation; and exercise management
tools. The system also integrates with the U.S. Army’s
OneSAF environment, providing enhancements, such as ultra-high-resolution
buildings.
These virtual landscapes can be 'populated' with objects such
as vehicles and warfighters, partly controlled by the trainees
and others, controlled by computer generated forces. These models
must also be maintained as realistic and as close as possible
to 'real world' systems. Most recently, an example is the introduction
of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, planned
to replace many missions currently carried out by HMMWVs in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mission simulators, such as urban warfare trainers,
convoy trainers must be modified to include the new vehicle,
its typical performance and associated operational procedures.
While the vehicle manufacturers are constructing the new vehicles,
simulators are being updated with new 3D vehicle libraries created
by MetaVR. These models depict the primary MRAP vehicles that
have been committed to production as 3D entities for simulating
counter IED activities, or route-clearance operations by Explosive
Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams. The new vehicles are represented
with their distinctive V-shaped hull, assisting deflection of
mine or IED blast away from the vehicle’s interior. With
their appropriate markings, accurate geometry, and damage states,
the new models can be used in counter-IED training scenarios.
Specializing in the development and presentation
of adversary entities, SAIC's RealTime Adversarial Intelligence
and Decision Making (RAID) anticipates and represents enemy
actions in tactical ground operations. The RAID program has
developed key technologies and tools capable of producing in-execution
running estimates and analysis of an enemy’s probable
activity. A primary focus is on tactical urban operations against
irregular combatants. RAID leverages novel, approximate game
theoretic and deception-sensitive algorithms, to predict enemy
actions, detect likely deceptions and provide tactical commanders
with real-time enemy estimates. RAID also produces improvised
explosive device (IED) threat regions and complex ambush estimates.
Further increasing realism are virtual 'entities',
employing complex behavior characteristics. Designers can create
more realistic and compelling simulations in urban settings.
AI.implant is advancing the state of visual simulation. AI.implant
from Presagis provides visual authoring tools for the creation
of computer-controlled characters, including humans and vehicles,
These Artificial Intelligence (AI) based characters are used
to 'populate' virtual environments in video games, simulations,
and training applications. AI.implant enables these simulated
characters to create sophisticated context specific decisions,
to move in realistic fashion within their environment. The system
enables users to designate the rules for motion and decision-making
logic of the characters. It also creates an 'AI world' used
for the character's perception and path planning. The system
is available as a plug-ins for Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya, as
well as a stand alone application called the Artificial Intelligence
Development Environment (AI.DE) for authoring and debugging
for Windows, Linux, Xbox 360, and Playstation3 applications.
These characters can represent civilians, friendly or hostile
elements as well as complex and illusive 'terrorist' characters,
which can assume 'innocent' or 'hostile' characteristics in
complex asymmetric warfare scenarios.
Characteristic of such new trends is Elbit Systems' Smart
Entities artificial intelligence-driven presentation of terrorist
elements, unveiled at I/ITSEC 2007. These interactive, Terrorist
Computer Generated Forces (TCGF) embedded into computer models
implements decades of operational experience and research, conducted
with Israel Ministry of Defense. "Smart Entities"
incorporate a broad range of terror and urban warfare scenarios,
providing Israel’s Defense Forces with a level of high
fidelity training, presented as real as it gets. These models
are based on Israel Defense Forces validated operational experience
in counter-terror and insurgency warfare, as well as in-depth
research, conducted with Israel’s Ministry of Defense
on terrorist behavior, under low intensity conflict (LIC) and
homeland security (HLS) scenarios. It is also an outcome of
collaboration with professionals in cognitive Human Behavior
Research & Modeling using unique AI technologies.
 Interacting
with such 'smart entities', warfighters can utilize immersive
displays, applying the new ExpeditionDI Un-Tethered, Man-Wearable
Immersive Training (MWIT) Platform currently available from
Quantum3D.
This battery-powered, wearable simulation suite is equipped
with multiple positional trackers and is powered by Quantum3D
Thermite man-wearable Tactical Visual Computer, providing high-fidelity
real-time graphics to eMagin's Z800
3Divison. ExpeditionDI allows researchers and training system
providers to integrate solutions with a wide variety of software,
synthetic environments and toolsets, in order to evaluate new
training technologies and deploy training systems for dismounted
infantry and first responders.
Fighting smart entities in an immersive virtual
reality battlezone? Can it be more realistic than that? Strategic
Operations, Inc. (St/Ops) is offering hyper-realistic training
environments for military, law enforcement and other organizations
responsible for homeland security, using state-of-the-art movie
industry special effects, role players, techniques, training
scenarios, facilities, mobile structures, sets, props, and equipment.
St/Ops is part of Stu Segall Productions, a large independent
TV/movie studio. Since most combat casualties are suffered by
few, but highly critical errors, frequently caused already early
in combat engagements, by less experienced personnel, new training
systems are becoming imperative in preventing the notorious
fratricide scourge, which haunts every combat commander. Strategic
Operations, Inc. (St/Ops) is promoting its "hyper-realistic"
training and rehearsing environment to practice combat before
it actually happens. St/Ops realistically simulate the look,
feel, smell, sounds, and effects of the battlefield in a high
degree of fidelity in a training environment that participants
willing suspend disbelief so as to emotionally (and physiologically
measurably) become totally immersed and eventually stress inoculated.
Other topics covered in this review:
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