Wireless Embedded Data Acquisition Controller for Simulation-Based Training Systems, 07-9325
Printer Friendly VersionPrincipal Investigator
Robert L. Rogers
Inclusive Dates: 07/01/02 - Current
Background - The U.S. Department of Defense, other government agencies, and industrial companies have a need for off-line operational and maintenance training systems for their aircraft, ground vehicles, and other equipment. These off-line training systems reduce the need to dedicate time on the actual systems for training and reduce the wear and damage to the actual systems. For operational training systems, the training emphasis is on duplicating the operation of the actual system; and therefore the functional fidelity of the system components is most important. To achieve this required functional fidelity, these operational trainers often use simulated system components that mimic the operation of the actual component. The common design of these simulated components includes realistic front panels backed by trainer-unique components, which connect via numerous cable bundles to a data acquisition chassis and a central simulation computer.
In contrast, the training emphasis for maintenance trainers often requires trainees to take the system apart, which places a premium on higher physical fidelity. To achieve this high physical fidelity, maintenance trainers are usually populated with actual system components. The student receives "positive training" by experiencing the true size, weight, and feel of the components during troubleshooting and remove and replace procedures. Because this type of system design traditionally uses actual system or military-qualified components, these trainers cost more than trainers utilizing simulated equipment, and they suffer extended downtimes because system components are frequently removed for use on the actual system.
This effort is investigating a new design for high-fidelity, simulation-based operational and maintenance training systems, based on the use of wireless embedded data acquisition controllers. The goal is to design and prototype a simulated system component that can meet the high functional requirements of an operational trainer and the high physical fidelity requirements of a maintenance trainer.
Approach - The primary goal for this project is the implementation of a client/server network using embedded data controllers and wired network communication links. The secondary goal is the elimination of the remaining trainer-unique data cable through the use of wireless data communication. To demonstrate this design, the project team is developing a simulated system component containing an embedded computer system that can be programmed to duplicate the operation of the actual component, an aircraft radio. The embedded computer will communicate with a central simulation computer using either a dedicated network connection or wireless technology, resulting in a unit design with no trainer-unique cables. The demonstration at the end of the project, which will be held in an aircraft training system environment, will allow a user to operate the simulated radio and view corresponding changes in the graphical user interface displayed on the server.
Accomplishments - The project team has completed the technical assessment phase and is currently involved in hardware and software design and development. During the technical assessment phase, the team determined the typical size and performance requirements for the embedded computer and identified the PC/104 computer architecture and PCMCIA wireless modems as effective and expandable/upgradeable design components.
