Impact tactor design and research for creating consequence in virtual military training

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2012-01-01
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Prater, David
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Stephen Gilbert
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Mechanical Engineering
Abstract

Current force-on-force military training simulators lack one major quality that is needed to impart a lasting impression on soldiers: the consequence of getting shot. This thesis presents one such solution to providing that necessary feedback in the form of a Tactical Tactile Training Vest (T3V) design and prototype. The T3V is equipped with torso-based haptic tactors, meant to be used in a mixed-reality training simulator as a feedback device and research platform for further work.

The tactile vest is equipped to provide an impact sensation intended to be a surprising disincentive. Assuming that a "surprise" is made up of an intense stimulus over a duration of time, it is assumed that a surprising physical hit can be classified as an impact--a force over a duration of time. Where other researchers specified a time duration needed for a "surprising" stimulus, this research presents a novel tactor capable of adjustable force with an expectation that a higher impact will yield a higher quality of attention grabbing disincentive.

With the use of a device like this, the teaching model for state-of-the art virtual reality training facilities can be changed from an outdated corrective feedback training approach to a consequential feedback model, whereby trainees are forced to consider why an action is important, instead of just how and when to perform an action. The results of this research outlines the design and testing of the specific impact tactors and controlling systems designed for this application and outlines the best parameters for safe and effective operation.

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Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2012