Immersive simulator for fluvial combat training

Abstract

This paper presents a simulator's development. Its objective consists in training Colombian Navy soldiers. This device has three subsystems: A mobile platform, a graphical interface and a shooting device. The first was constructed by the connection of two linear actuators to a seat shaped, single user platform with two rotations over the horizontal axes. These actuators are activated by servomotors that are connected to a motion controller. Furthermore, the graphical interface permits the visualization of a realistic three dimensional world composed by a river, a firearm over a moving boat, targets and natural elements over the riversides. The software has the option of stereoscopic view and captures the shots provided by the third subsystem. The shooting device is the result of combining encoders with a cardan-type joint. It allows the aim movement in elevation and azimuth coordinates. Finally, preliminary tests of its potential use were conducted with satisfactory results. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2008.