虛擬實境戰場模擬繪圖系統
相信大家對著名電影駭客任務(Matrix)故事情節內容印象深刻，它勾勒出虛擬實境的未來，讓我們馳騁想像。「雖然它不是真實，卻能讓你有真實的感受」—這應該是可用以形容虛擬實境簡潔有力的一句話；在電腦系統功能日益多元之際，虛擬實境已充分運用在人類的生活中，提供人類更便利、實用的服務；而在軍事用途上，透過虛擬實境，可以將作戰實況完全呈現，使用者可以身歷其境般地執行相關戰術作為，並反覆檢討，進而提升訓練效益，減少成本。
何謂「虛擬實境」（Virtual Reality）？簡單的說，就是將實際的場景虛擬化，藉由電腦模擬現實環境中，人類所接受的感官刺激諸如聽覺、視覺、觸覺以及空間感等，讓使用者置身在由電腦產生模擬世界中宛如身處於真實世界般的一種高度整合技術。由於虛擬實境是將真實世界的畫面置入電腦系統中，讓電腦螢幕呈現出真實的場景，逼真度相當十足，虛擬實境不只限於商業3D動畫或多媒體，也是一種可任意結合硬體週邊（如數位電子手套、立體眼鏡、頭盔、追蹤器等）與電腦中存在的各種媒體的先進科技；進一步可以廣泛運用在軍事飛行模擬、各式戰甲車、軍艦、飛彈等相關武器的操控，甚至可藉以進行聯合軍事演習。
美國自第二次世界大戰後，便開始積極規劃，如何將虛擬實境應用在國防工業上，美國境內較具規模的國防軍事工業也都擁有獨立的虛擬實境應用研發部門；事實證明，美國現今的軍武虛擬實境應用工業，已躍居世界領導者地位，而美國軍方發展出來的軍事模擬技術，也從早期的平面模擬，逐漸轉變為三百六十度全方位的3DVR虛擬實境，全賴各領域的配套技術精進之故。
早在冷戰時期，美軍的戰車駕駛兵就已可在美國本土的基地中受訓，透過模擬器模擬遠在數千公里外的德國戰場，並與當時華沙公約組織的坦克進行虛擬戰鬥，透過虛擬實境，士兵可以實際感受真實的戰爭場景，體會各種地形與戰爭狀況，並作適當的反應，部隊先行熟悉了戰場環境，免於真正進入戰場後的盲目行動與傷亡，就效益與成本而言，都有相當的助益。1991年第一次波斯灣戰爭，美國之所以能夠掌握空中優勢，對伊拉克及周邊地區的地形瞭若指掌，虛擬實境無疑扮演了其中重要的關鍵，當時，美軍飛行員經由實地的空中偵查，將所攝得的地形影像，透過衛星傳送至美軍指揮部，並轉換成3D畫面，同時使用立體虛擬實境成像技術，配合可真實模擬戰鬥機運動的互動平台，讓飛行員反覆演練，致使在實戰中，飛行員可以清楚了解伊拉克的地形，進而掌握空中優勢，奠定致勝基礎。
由此可見，無論是模擬作戰、模擬飛行，「虛擬實境」都可以提供使用者置身實況的真實感受，不需耗費一槍一彈，不會有危安狀況發生，不必動員大量的人力、物力，就可以達成訓練的期望；因此，虛擬實境未來勢必將更廣泛運用於軍事訓練用途，對於廿一世紀講求現代化、科技化的建軍而言，無異是軍事訓練的絕佳利器之一。瑞典Calisto Data AB公司在軍事虛擬實境系統上成效卓著，以下我們忠於原味擷取重點原文呈現該公司在軍事VR系統上應用實績。
CALISTO DATA - VISUAL SIMULATION, MODELLING AND VIRTUAL REALITY SERVICES
Calisto Data AB provides services in computer based visualization, simulation and systems development for both military and civilian customers. Our specialties include visual simulation, animations, virtual reality, distributed simulation and design of network-based systems.
As well as delivering solutions in these areas we also work as consultants and independent experts in matters of specifying requirements, evaluating proposals and/or suggesting or reviewing hardware/software solutions in larger projects. We also provide customer-tailored training within our areas of expertise.
Our experience in dealing with military and engineering projects as well as our background in simulation sets us apart from other visualization companies that tend to have more of a media and entertainment perspective. The company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, but takes on assignments anywhere, on-site or remotely.
Visualization of future and current surface vessels for the Swedish Navy, including two Visby class stealth corvettes and a concept for a larger vessel.
Concept drawing of a possible layout for a marine bridge simulator, including control, debriefing and instruction facilities.
REAL-TIME VISUAL SIMULATION
Real-time interactive visual simulation has several applications, including Simulation Based Acquisition (SBA). The visual part of the simulation is often driven by an external input (e.g. HLA). Visualization of a simulation can take the form of simulated sensor outputs, a "god's eye" view with high visual realism or abstract views, maps and diagrams of various statistics collected during the simulation.
Man-in-the-loop operators can be given the possibility to interact with various parts of the simulation as it plays out. We can create visual simulations using standard tools for various platforms, or make completely custom-built visualizations from scratch or by using customers existing simulation platforms.
Highly detailed model of soon-to-be-refurbished interior of a submarine. The model will be used as a basis for a collborative design process using real-time graphics and virtual reality technology for direct manipulation of the model.
ANIMATION
Animated films (and still shots) can be used for several different purposes: visualization of future products, for SBA, building projects, illustration of tactics and doctrine, for education, marketing and information and even for entertainment.
Since the films are pre-rendered there is really no limit to the amount of visual realism and/or special effects that can be put into an animated film apart from the time and cost of production. Sound effects add an important level of realism to the animated films. Output media can be in the form of a video or DVD or a digital stream for use on a web page.
Shots from an animated sequence showing operation of a ROV for mine clearing from the Visby class corvette.
COLLABORATIVE DESIGN USING VIRTUAL REALITY
Using VR technologies such as stereographic displays and sensor gloves for direct manipulation of a model, we can staff modeling and design sessions for entire project groups. The model on screen is manipulated in real time according to the instructions from the project group. The output is a new or modified design and the fact that the whole group will have the same picture of what has actually been agreed on.
DISTRIBUTED SIMULATION
Calisto has extensive experience in creating and coordinating HLA and DIS simulations, as well as developing HLA federates for 2D and 3D visualization. Drawing from our general experience in 3D visualization we can create custom 3D models and advanced terrain models using geographical data (e.g. DTED, DFAD or SEDRIS) together with aerial/satellite photographic data.
Still shots of 3D and 2D visualization applications used in HLA simulations for evaluating future surface combat vessels for the Swedish Navy.
參考資料(Reference)：
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United States Department of Defense
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131
Public contact: +1 (703) 428-0711
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Corner Shot Holdings LLC
Offices at the Four Seasons Tower
1441 Brickell Ave., Suite 1430
Miami
Florida 33131-3426
USA
Tel: +1 305 416 0508
Fax: +1 305 416 0509
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Dolch Computer Systems Inc
Corporate Headquarters
3178 Laurelview Ct
Fremont, CA 94538
USA
Tel: +1 800 995 7560
Fax: +1 510 490 2487 |
Evans & Sutherland
600 Komas Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
USA
Tel: +1 801 588 1000
Fax: +1 801 588 4538
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Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH
Brueggeweg 54
D-28 309 Bremen
Germany
Tel: +49 421 457 01
Fax: +49 421 457 2900
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Calisto Data AB
Jungfrugatan 35
S-114 44 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46 8 459 58 80
Fax: +46 8 459 58 81
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RUAG Electronics
Simulation & Training
PO Box
3000 Bern 22
Switzerland
Tel: +41 313 247 455
Fax: +41 313 247 143 |