Simulated Voyages Using Simulation Technology to Train and License Mariners (1996) / Chapter Skim
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Appendix G: Microcomputer Desktop Simulation
Appendix G: Microcomputer Desktop Simulation
Pages 272-284
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From page 272... ...
INTEREST IN DESKTOP SIMULATIONS The rapid increase in the computational power and videographics capabilities of microcomputers has stimulated interest within the marine community in using these capabilities to bring simulators onto ships' bridges and into the classroom and the home.
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From page 273... ...
. ASSESSMENT FACTORS The following topics should be considered in determining the suitability of desktop simulations: • the technical and instructional state of practice in microcomputer desktop simulators; • the research and development basis for using microcomputer simulations in marine training and licensing; • the possible use and applications of instructional design process; • the training potential of microcomputer desktop simulators, including the ability to produce user behavior that would occur during actual opera tions and the potential for developing and retaining knowledge and skills; • the changes to marine licensing recommended by the internal USCG study group relative to microcomputer simulations (Anderson et al., 1993)
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From page 274... ...
The technological capability also exists to emulate electronic navigation equipment, such as radars and automatic radar plotting aids, at modest cost using microcomputer hardware and software. Because such emulations are driven by software, there is flexibility for upgrades without changing hardware.
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From page 275... ...
MICROCOMPUTER TRAINING ENVIRONMENT In contrast to the operation of most ships, which is normally conducted while standing, a basic microcomputer desktop simulator requires that an individual sit at a workstation. The person participating in a desktop simulation is in a simplified training environment when compared to that aboard ship and in ship-bridge simulators.
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From page 276... ...
These bases include general marine simulation research, U.S. Navy applied research in the development and use of interactive courseware and embedded simulations, and a small body of microcomputerspecific basic and applied research in the commercial marine transportation sector.
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From page 277... ...
Important issues that emerge from this research that need to be considered in the context of microcomputer simulators include: • the adequacy of the visual scene and cues, • the adequacy of the instrumentation cues, • the relationship of cues to cognitive and motor skills, • the accuracy and fidelity requirements, and • user indoctrination to the simulator-based training environment. Mariner Licensing Device The USCG has been searching for ways to improve rules-of-the-road testing for a decade.
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From page 278... ...
Navy. The ship-bridge simulator featured a 90-degree video projection; ship BOX G-1 Testing Objectives for Mariner License Testing Devices • Applying appropriate rules of the road when in meeting, crossing, and over taking situations under a variety of operational conditions.
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From page 279... ...
Hardware modifications to meet specifications for the prototype testing device included the addition of a visual bearing and "binocular-view" capabilities, whistle signal input controls, and a means for responding to multiple-choice questions (ECO, 1987)
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From page 280... ...
Interactive Video for Pilotage Training The feasibility of using interactive video for pilotage training was jointly researched by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and MarAd. The objective of the research was to determine whether such training could be substituted for some of the round trips over the Detroit, St.
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From page 281... ...
The accuracy of microcomputer maneuvering simulations is directly dependent on the accuracy of trajectory predictions generated by the mathematical model and the bathymetric and environmental data used. The general configuration and format of basic microcomputer desktop simulators is such that the mariner does not receive visual or physical cues in the same manner as when aboard ship.
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From page 282... ...
The normal use of a single, small screen for representation of visual scenes and instrumentation and the limitations of graphics imagery in the single-monitor format make it reasonable to presume that users of microcomputer maneuvering simulations with simulated bridge window views would experience depth perception problems similar to or perhaps greater than those observed in the DMI experiment. Such problems could possibly be mitigated with radarlike bird's-eye views, especially where integrated with electronic charting systems.
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From page 283... ...
(It has been established through actual operations and extensive field testing involving passenger ferries serving ports in the Baltic Sea region that computers can be used to automatically maneuver ships on precise trajectories along well-known pilot routes [NRC, 1994]
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From page 284... ...
1985. Interactive Video Pilotage Training, Deck Officers: Final Report.
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