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== How Pointman Works ==
[[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 name=Biron>{{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.
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Pointman was designed by Dr. Jim Templeman of NRL and implemented by Patricia Denbrook of DCS, Inc. NRL's Base Funding Program supported the initial development of Pointman, and the [[Office of Naval Research]] (ONR) Rapid Technology Transition program office supported its integration with VBS2. ONR's Human Performance, Training, and Education Thrust Area added its support in refining and demonstrating Pointman.<ref name=Templeman_IITSEC />
A formal Military Utility Assessment (MUA) of Pointman integrated with VBS2 was performed by the MarForPac Experimentation Center at MCB Hawaii in September 2011.<ref name=Templeman_IITSEC /><ref name=Templeman_ISHS /><ref name=Biron /><ref name=MUA_Report /> The squad of Marines that participated in the study (Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 34d Marine Regiment) gave Pointman high marks for realism and usability. In response to a series of survey questions, the Marines felt Pointman allowed them to realistically: control viewing, perform tactical movements, control the virtual rifle, utilize cover, and control the avatar’s posture. They found it comfortable, easy to use, and that it enhanced the simulation. The primary recommendation of the MUA report was: “Transition the Pointman DISI (dismounted infantry simulation interface) enhancements into VBS2 to increase realism and efficacy as a virtual training aid.”<ref name=MUA_Report>{{cite journal|last=Office of Naval Research, Code 30: Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare & Combating Terrorism Dept.|title=Pointman Dismounted Infantry Simulation Interface Military Utility Assessment Report|date=2012}}</ref>
== Future Enhancements ==
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