Vehicle crew training system for ground and air vehicles
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.
1. A computer-based trailer mounted simulation system, the simulation system comprising:
a mobile trailer comprising:
a plurality of self-contained crewman modules, configured to simulate the operation of a one or more vehicles, configured to be connected to one another by a network;
a first self-contained crewman module of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules comprising a physical structure configured to provide a position for only an individual crew member, dedicated to a simulation of a first distinct crew station of a first vehicle, and configured to operate while geographically separated from at least one other of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules; and
a second self-contained crewman module of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules comprising a physical structure configured to provide a position for only an individual crew member, dedicated to a simulation of a second distinct crew station of the first vehicle, and configured to operate while geographically separated from at least one other of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules.
2. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second self-contained crewman modules are configured to simulate a gunner's position.
3. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 1 , further comprising a third self-contained crewman module of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules comprising a distinct self-contained physical structure configured to provide a position for only an individual crew member, dedicated to a simulation of a third distinct crew station of the first vehicle, and configured to operate while geographically separated from at least one other of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules.
4. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 3 , wherein the third self-contained crewman module is configured to simulate a driver's position.
5. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 3 , wherein the third self-contained crewman module is configured to simulate a pilot's position.
6. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 1 , further comprising a third self-contained crewman module of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules comprising a distinct self-contained physical structure configured to provide a position for only an individual crew member, dedicated to a simulation of a first distinct crew station of a second vehicle, and configured to operate while geographically separated from at least one other of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules.
7. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 1 , wherein the self-contained crewman modules are reconfigurable.
8. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 7 , wherein reconfigurable involves adding, deleting, or changing the mix of crewman modules.
9. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 7 , wherein the self-contained crewman modules are reconfigurable to simulate multiple types of vehicles.
10. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 7 , wherein the self-contained crewman modules are reconfigurable to simulate multiple types of weapons.
11. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 1 , further comprising an instructor station.
12. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 11 , wherein the instructor station is configured to function as a replacement of one of the plurality of self-contained crewman modules.
13. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 1 , wherein the simulation of the first distinct crew station comprises presenting a visual imagery to a vehicle crew member.
14. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 13 , wherein the visual imagery presented to the vehicle crew member is configured at multiple levels of fidelity.
15. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 14 , wherein a number of controls presented to the vehicle crew member are proportional to the multiple levels of fidelity.
16. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 14 , wherein a lower fidelity level presents a subset of capabilities as compared to a higher level of fidelity.
17. The computer-based trailer mounted simulation system of claim 14 , wherein a lower fidelity level presents a lower level of visual imagery in terms of field of view, resolution, and scene content.