Year: 1977

Author: Larry Peterson

Abstract:

The implications of early simulation of emergent electronics systems are discussed. The effect of simulation on training programs and system usage in the field are illustrated by a recent experiment involving a new military communications system. Potential savings in money and time are identified, as well as increased system effectiveness as a result of early system evaluation. Early simulation is shown to significantly contribute to: (1) more cost effective training; (2) identification of problem areas within the system; (3) a realistic appraisal of system performance; (4) possible improvement of overall system effectiveness; and (5) savings in time throughout the systems life cycle.

The purpose of some aspects of training is, unfortunately, too often seen as a remedial effort to teach someone how to use a piece of equipment or a system which should not have been fielded in the first place (at least in its present form). No matter how cost effective the training process becomes, it cannot produce skilled personnel if the systems they are to work with are too complicated for anybody to ever use them effectively. As General John J. Hennessey said in Signal Magazine (March 77 issue) "Too often we discover that the success of the tactical system is the result of the extraordinary effort of our dedicated men and women overcoming, rather than being aided by, their equipment." It's a case of "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem" and in order to get maximum benefit from the problem of equipment, the ideal situation would be to have a minimum amount of complex things to teach.

Year: 1977

Author: Franklin Rozell

Abstract: This paper does not have an abstract.

Year: 1977

Authors: R. Graves, C. Kupiec

Abstract:

Unscheduled power plant outages are very costly and waste energy because that electrical energy must then be transmitted over longer distances from other plants to the locality whose power station is out-of-service. Better trained plant operators as well as better designed plant control and safety systems are germaine in this day and age when our world's emphasis is on conservation of natural resources.

This paper presents a Performance Measurement System that can be utilized for optimizing operator training efforts along with collecting man-machine operational research data on a training simulator. This system was developed for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and further work on this project is continuing. This paper presents a basic introduction to the system, methodology incorporated in its design, data and results obtained, as well as future plans for the coming three-year term.

Year: 1977

Authors: Edward Stark, William Bennett, George Borst

Abstract: Digital image generation systems can provide most of the visual information needed in performing and learning flight tasks. This paper discusses a methodology applicable for the selection of visual information for DIG representation. The methodology is designed to produce scenes which optimize learning through various stages and complexities, by identifying minimal cues for each task, subtask, and trainee level. Added capabilities of DIG systems include enhancement of the performance feedback cues normally available in the real-world task, and facilitation of learning by the provision of synthetic feedback where it is normally deficient in the real world.

Year: 1977

Author: Dale Fawcett

Abstract: This paper does not have an abstract.

Year: 1977

Author: Robert Cuykendall

Abstract: Models characterizing the step-wise decreasing failure rate associated with the software debugging process are applied to a past computer program development in novel ways. In these applications, the initial number of errors in the program, and the step-size constant, are determined from the error detection rates observed during an initial period of debugging. Formal manipulation of maximum likelihood equations permits estimation of debugging time to achieve a code with specified residual error content. [In any sizeable program it is impossible to remove all errors.]

Year: 1977

Authors: P. Marr, L. Shaffer

Abstract:

In today's visual technology there are many parameters, the values of which must be correctly chosen, to achieve an effective visual training simulator. Some of these parameters are resolution, brightness, contrast ratio, real image versus infinity image, collimation, field of view, field of view gaps, realism, target and area of interest fields of view, detectability and aircraft discernibility relative to slant range. True perspective and scene continuity across juxtaposed channels also are important parameters and are the subject of this report.

If single displays are used, scene continuity and true perspective is not usually a problem but most wide-angle visual systems today are composed of several optical windows, projectors or monitors to form a wide field of view while retaining good resolution.

When a specification requires juxtaposed displays, the designer must solve the problems of scene continuity with distortion-free perspective.

Year: 1977

Author: Gerry White

Abstract: This paper does not have an abstract.

Year: 1977

Authors: H. Povenmire, Paul Russell, Dale Schmidt

Abstract: The Variable Cockpit Training System in use at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama represents a drastic departure from traditional military pilot training. Through the use of a highly sophisticated flight simulator and several advanced training techinques the Coast Guard has realized dramatic savings in both training time and training costs. In addition, thousands of aircraft hours previously used in training have been released for use in other Coast Guard missions. Some of the new techniques were used in a pure aircraft training program prior to the delivery of the simulator. This allowed separate analysis of savings derived from certain facets, of the program.

Year: 1977

Author: Robert Fishburne

Abstract: This paper does not have an abstract.