Modular Crew Training System with 360-Degree HMD View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual crew training systems lack modularity and flexibility to accommodate both individual and collective training, and provide limited fidelity and field of view, making them impractical for standard trailers or portable shelters.
Innovation Solution
The Vehicle Crew Training System (VCTS) is a modular, computer-based simulation system that supports individual, crew, and collective training with varying levels of fidelity, utilizing self-contained crewman modules with head-mounted displays and moveable weapon mock-ups for a 360-degree field of view, allowing reconfiguration for different training needs and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If video projection screens and fixed mount weapon mockup are used, then realistic perspective is provided, but field of view is limited and physical footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the training environment into separate modular components: a crew station trainer module and a mounted weapon trainer module. Each module can be independently configured and positioned, allowing the weapon mockup to be placed optimally for 360-degree viewing without requiring a large fixed structure. The segmentation enables flexible arrangement of components to maximize field of view while minimizing overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a fixed two-dimensional projection screen to a three-dimensional immersive environment using head-mounted displays (HMDs). This dimensional change allows the gunner to view the simulated environment in all directions (360-degree field of view) rather than being constrained to a flat screen, effectively increasing the field of view without proportionally increasing the physical footprint of the training system.
2Manufacturing precision
If appended trainers or crew station trainers are used, then high fidelity is achieved, but modularity is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The training system is divided into separate modular components including a crew station trainer module and a mounted weapon trainer module. Each module can be independently configured, added, or removed based on specific training requirements. This segmentation maintains high fidelity through detailed replication of vehicle interiors and weapon systems while enabling flexibility in system configuration and adaptability to different training scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the same basic module structure to serve multiple training functions. The crew station trainer module can support both individual and collective training, and the mounted weapon trainer module can be configured for different vehicle types and weapon systems. This universality maintains high fidelity across different training configurations while reducing overall system cost through component reuse.
3Ease of manufacture
If desktop training systems are used, then cost is reduced, but fidelity and modularity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments training functions into separate modular modules that can be selectively deployed. This allows organizations to start with lower-fidelity desktop modules for cost-effective initial training, then progressively add higher-fidelity appended trainer modules or crew station trainer modules as needed. The segmentation enables a stepped approach to fidelity improvement while maintaining cost efficiency through selective module deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The training system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where modules can be added, removed, or repositioned based on training requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between different fidelity levels and configuration types, enabling cost-effective operation when high fidelity is not required while maintaining the capability to achieve high fidelity when necessary through selective module deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer based simulation system for virtual training for vehicle crews is disclosed. The Vehicle Crew Training System (VCTS) simulates crew positions for different military ground and air vehicles. Two or more crewman modules are networked together to support a partial or full vehicle crew. The crewman modules are self-contained devices that are modular in hardware and software design, easily reconfigurable, and require minimal facility space, allowing use in restricted environments such as trailers. The VCTS is modular at the crew position level; crewman modules are added or deleted as required to meet a particular training need.