Year
2003
Abstract
Envision a chess game in which there are millions of possible moves. A seasoned expert will quickly differentiate between a successful move and one that is haphazard. Most computer games will look ahead for their next action based on a pre-scripted and limited rule set. Expand that vision into a real-world tactical operation and the enormous complexity to test each possible action. For example, an entire city may not be evacuated to test every possible threat scenario, nor will a military battalion have the luxury to test an operation on hostile soil prior to an actual event. However, the technology behind current video games has proven itself to be an invaluable resource in facilitating human interactions in complex, real-world scenarios. Applying the technology traditionally used for video-gaming to the needs of various government organizations, the Virtual Interactive Simulation and Inspection Tool (VISIT) team quickly and effectively produces highly detailed, real-time 3D, interactive simulation environments. Personnel now have an interactive way of exploring and analyzing real safety & security situations with the aid of 3D computer-generated environments. In these environments, users develop and execute strategies and tactics to be used in real-world tactical operations. The VISIT team uses cutting-edge technology to generate accurate, precision-based virtual environments with physics-based objects (e.g., people, vehicles, and equipment) and dynamic, interactive processes. The VISIT toolset is large enough to produce diverse true-to-scale environments, buildings and even cities. Outside environments can utilize satellite-generated terrain, while inside environments are precisely detailed containing interactive objects. System functionality includes but is not limited to; rule-based scenarios, autonomous computer-controlled characters and processes (e.g., artificial intelligence agents), database population and manipulation, and simulated events based on sensor information. The modular design of the core system allows for integration with complex and simple applications as well as proprietary systems. The VISIT team is developing methods to automate the creation of environments by both end users and developers with extensive, external data sources. VISIT staff work with clients to fully realize the value of 3D computer-generated environments integrated with their everyday operations. Older government projects can benefit from the VISIT functionality by gaining effective and inexpensive 3D solutions. Flexible, interactive, 3D computer driven scenarios enable users to analyze and solve complex problems where traditional, 2D, algorithm based systems fail.