Pointman (user interface): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:38, 31 March 2014

Revision as of 13:12, 1 April 2014

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[[File:Pointman Input Devices (Sketch).png|thumb|left|upright=1.2]] Pointman seeks to enhance the level of control provided by conventional desktop and console game controllers by engaging the user's whole body to control corresponding segments of the avatar's body.<ref name=Templeman_IITSEC>{{cite journal|last=Templeman|first=J.|coauthors=Denbrook, P.|title=Enhancing Realism in Desktop Interfaces for Dismounted Infantry Simulation|journal=Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC)|date=2012}}</ref><ref name=Templeman_ISHS>{{cite journal|last=Templeman|first=J.|coauthors=Denbrook, P.|title=Pointman: a User Interface for Dismounted Infantry Simulation|journal=Proceedings of the International Summit on Human Simulation|date=2012|page=95–105}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Biron|first=Lauren|title=Pointman Adds Head, Leg Motion to PC Sim|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130102/TSJ01/301020001/Pointman-Adds-Head-Leg-Motion-PC-Sim|publisher=Defense News|accessdate=2 January 2013}}</ref> The user employs his head and upper body to control looking and aiming, as well as leaning to duck and peek around cover. He uses his hands to operate virtual weapons and direct tactical movement, and he uses his feet for stepping and controlling his avatar's postural height.

Pointman uses a set of three consumer grade input devices: a [[TrackIR|Natural Point TrackIR 5]] head tracker, a [[DualShock 3|Sony DualShock 3]] gamepad, and a pair of flight simulator foot pedals from CH Products. The additional input from the head and feet offloads the hands from having to control the entire avatar and allows for a more natural assignment of control. Together, the three input devices offer twelve independent channels of control over the avatar's posture.

[[File:PointmanControlMappings-Head.jpg|thumb|center|upright=1.5]]

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== Integration with the Virtual Battlespace Combined Arms Simulator ==

The Virtual Battlespace combined arms simulators ([[VBS2|VBS^®2VBS2]] and its successor VBS^®3VBS3), from [[Bohemia Interactive Simulations]] (BIS), are used for training by the [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]], the [[United States Army|US Army]], and a number of the [[NATO]] armed forces. BIS worked closely with NRL to tightly integrate the Pointman interface with VBS, and to allow Pointman to control the posture of the user's avatar on a continuous basis.<ref name=Templeman_IITSEC /><ref name=Templeman_ISHS /> The detailed articulation of the user's avatar is made visible to other squad members running in a networked simulation. Pointman-enhanced VBS (VBS-Pointman) supports the operation of a wide range of small arms and additional forms of mobility, including climbing, swimming, and mounted roles (driver, passenger and gunner) using the full complement of manned vehicles.

== Development and Assessment ==