Forging a New Simulation Technology at the ICT

• Authors: Richard Lindheim;William Swartout
• Venue: Computer
• Year: 2001

Under the auspices of the US Army Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command, USC's Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) focuses on developing the art and technology for providing compelling yet synthetic experiences so participants react as if the simulations are real. ICT will bring verisimilitude--the quality or state of appearing to be true--to synthetic experiences. The Mission Rehearsal Exercise project seeks to create a virtual reality-training environment in which soldiers confront dilemmas that impel them to decide in real time under stressful circumstances. By using a simulator so that soldiers see the consequences of their actions and decision-making skills, the Army expects to better prepare its troops for dealing with similar dilemmas in the real world. ICT's objective is to build a special partnership with the entertainment industry and academia. With the Experience Learning System, the authors plan to develop a simulation training system for the Army that overcomes current simulation shortcomings while playing a complementary role with its legacy simulation systems. Ultimately, the Army seeks to implement a net-worked, immersive system benefiting from the creativity of entertainment industry artists and virtual reality technology.