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ASW/ASUW Tactical Air Controller Intelligent Training Aid (ASTAC ITA) Sonalysts is currently developing a fully integrated Closed-Loop Adaptive Training system under a Navy SBIR Phase III contract. This PC-based system, referred to as the ASTAC intelligent training aid (ASTAC ITA), incorporates adaptive IMI, ASTAC console display emulation, simulation-based intelligent tutoring and a Learner Model. The ASTAC ITA is currently being used to support training at the U.S. Navy ASTAC schoolhouses in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. In addition, the system supports Sea Combat Air Coordinator (SCAC) training in San Diego, CA and Dam Neck, VA, and is being planned for installation in Yokosuka, Japan.
Radar System Controller Intelligent Training Aid (RSC ITA) This PC-based simulation was developed to address the requirement of training AN/SPY-1 radar system controllers in the correct employment of radar modes and "fixes" in varying tactical environments. The RSC ITA employs Sonalysts ExpertTrain™ intelligent tutoring engine. The installation of the RSC ITA in the electronic classrooms at the Aegis Training and Readiness Center in Dalhgren, Virginia resulted in a four-fold increase in student throughput. Students using the system showed a marked improvement in SPY operational proficiency.
Multiple Launch Rocket System Virtual Sand Table (MLRS VST) The MLRS VST is interactive courseware designed to augment and/or replace the current sand table exercise conducted as part of the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Field Artillery Captains Career Course at the Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, OK. This advanced distributed learning application trains Officers in tactics, techniques, and procedures for reconnaissance, selection, and occupation of position of Multiple Launch Rocket Systems. Hosted on a PC, this training aid employs intelligent tutoring technology with 2-D and 3-D terrain visualization. The MLRS VST offers options for single and multiplayer mode with two students acting as Firing Platoon Leaders and one as Battery Commander. An after action review provides a critique of the exercise based on student performance as assessed by the "intelligent tutor." An independent Army Research Institute study showed a "35% increase in learning effectiveness" by students using the MLRS VST versus those using the conventional sand table exercise.
Artillery Targeting Officer Intelligent Training Aid (ATO ITA) The ATO ITA Courseware allows the users to perform real world tasks through a web-based simulation. This approach allows the users to interact with, and react to, the information that is presented to them regarding artillery organizations from Target Acquisition Battery through Division Artillery, and Division Staff and their operation. As users move back and forth through various forms of instruction and training, each component allows them to process the information internally and externally through a number of exercises, scenarios and situations. Ultimately this training approach provides users with the opportunity, through a final simulation, to employ Field Artillery Units to support the maneuver commander's scheme of maneuver. The student has the ability to assume the role of Field Artillery Intelligence Officer, Counter-fire Officer, or Targeting Officer at the Division level or the student can assume the role of a Maneuver Brigade Targeting Officer. Players at the Division level can play multi-player and communicate with each other throughout the operation. The Brigade Targeting Officer role is designed for single player use.
Armor Interactive Terrain Board The Armor Interactive Terrain Board (ITB) is interactive courseware designed to train Military Occupational Specialty 19K40 (Armor Senior Sergeant) and 19D30 (Armored Reconnaissance Specialist) students in the conduct of section and platoon level tactics. The Armor ITB runs in a stand-alone mode on standard desktop or laptop PC. The courseware is delivered on a CD-ROM. The ITB is designed to allow users to plan and conduct tactical operations at the armor/scout platoon and section level. These are tasks that were formerly taught using the conventional sand table in a small-group setting. Unlike the conventional sand table the student receives individual instruction and tailored feedback in the tasks to be trained. An embedded, artificial intelligence-based tutor provides coaching during the exercise and generates a student evaluation after the exercise.
Wheeled Vehicle Tactical Movement Virtual Situational Training Exercise (WVTM VSTX) The WVTM VSTX is interactive courseware designed to train Military Occupational Specialty 88M40 (Motor Transport Operator) students in the conduct of wheeled vehicle convoy operations. The WVTM VSTX runs in a stand-alone mode on standard desktop or laptop PC. The courseware is delivered on a CD-ROM. Each student participates in a simulation-driven exercise and views information about the selected scenario OPORD, enters mission data and employs assets toward mission completion from a graphic user interface. An embedded, artificial intelligence-based tutor provides coaching during the exercise and generates a student evaluation after the exercise. The student plans and conducts map and ground reconnaissance of the selected convoy route and issues a platoon operations order (Convoy Commanders Briefing). The WVTM VSTX provides the ability for the student to define points along convoy routes using the mouse on the 2-D map display. The terrain defined by the 2-D map is pre-processed for each variable in the mission scenario so that the intelligent tutoring component can rapidly assess the student's actions. Pre-processing also determines go/no-go/slow-go mobility, major obstructions, bridge classifications, etc., which may change with weather conditions, enemy posture and mission profile.
Virtual Observer/Controller (VOC) for Small-Unit Dismounted Operations The Virtual Observer/Controller (VOC) is a prototype training system developed by Sonalysts, with support from the University of Central Florida (UCF), Institute for Simulation and Training (IST), and Advanced Interactive Systems (AIS) Reality Response pursuant to a Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) contract. The VOC represents the integrated application of three different technologies: Sonalysts' ExpertTrain-based intelligent tutoring technology to provide the "Coach" component, AIS' SVS simulation environment, and UCF/IST's Dismounted Infantry Virtual After Action Review System (DIVAARS). The resultant prototype VOC system is now being evaluated by the Army Research Institute and U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft Benning, GA to determine its instructional effectiveness in training small unit dismounted infantry leaders in urban operations.
Surface Ship Sonar IMI for Fleet ASW Training Center Sonalysts is currently developing hundreds of hours of SCORM-compliant content for the Fleet ASW Training Center in San Diego, California. This content, delivered through the Navy Integrated Learning Environment, includes both lessons based on legacy training materials as well as new training created by Sonalysts subject matter experts, instructional systems designers, and media specialists. Lessons range from basic oceanography to sonar equipment maintenance and operation ('A' School through Master Sonar Technician). In addition to knowledge-based courseware lessons, Sonalysts is currently developing Level-III skill-based SonaAuxiliary Operations and Maintenance lessons utilizing PC-simulation.
Submarine Learning Center (SLC) Technology Insertion Sonalysts has converted hundreds of hours of classroom curriculum to SCORM-compliant courseware for the Navy Submarine Learning Center. This content, delivered through the Navy Integrated Learning Environment, includes both lessons based on legacy training materials as well as new training created by Sonalysts subject matter experts, instructional systems designers, and media specialists. In addition, Sonalysts has implemented and tested a SIPRNET-based delivery architecture, developed a Learning Center Curriculum Style Guide, and developed a collaborative training portal for use by six submarine training sites around the world and over 100 crews ashore and at sea.
Submarine Onboard Training Courseware Sonalysts has been developing quality training products directly for the SOBT program for the past 10 years. Over these years, the SOBT development requirements have evolved from single-user, CD-ROM-based Interactive Courseware (ICW) to the current Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)-conformant, distributed learning, Learning Management System (LMS)-hosted IMI products. During this period, Sonalysts has not only kept pace, but also influenced the shape of the current development requirements. We strive constantly to set the standard for others to achieve. Specifically, Sonalysts has produced over 100 SOBT courseware modules totaling more than 250 hours of IMI instruction. The vast majority of these training products remain active in the SOBT catalog. Most of these products are HTML-based courseware. The 30 most recent courses are SCORM-conformant and in accordance with all of the requirements of the SOBT Developer’s Guide (Version 5.3).
Sonalysts Combat Simulations - Dangerous Waters™ Dangerous Waters is the latest in the Sonalysts commercial military game series and extends the Sub Command experience by adding a number of new platforms and capabilities. New platforms that can be "driven" by players include an Oliver Hazard Perry-Class Guided Missile Frigate, a P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft, an MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter, and a Kilo-Class Diesel-Electric Submarine. Each platform has a number of different watch stations that can be operated by the player controlling the platform or by different players - offering a "team" operating or training capability. Dangerous Waters is being used as a training tool by a number of navies across the world.
Jane's Fleet Command™ Jane's Fleet Command™ is a PC simulation game focusing on Navy battle group operations from the perspective of the battle group commander down to the unit commanding officer. The sim presents realistic graphical depictions and accurate modeling and simulation of the maneuvering and combat system capabilities of U.S., Allied, Neutral, and potentially hostile forces. These include surface, air, and submarine platforms and associated weapons (representing a reasonable order of battle for 16 countries), as well as land installations (airports, SAM sites, etc.). The simulation has been used by the U.S. Navy (U.S. surface ships, U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Warfare Development Command and the Naval War College) and foreign navies for a variety of training and simulation purposes.
Sub Command™ Sonalysts' second commercial submarine simulation, Sub Command, introduced the capability to directly control three different classes of attack submarines - 688(I) (USN), Seawolf (USN), and Akula (Russian). It also introduced a higher fidelity acoustic environment and improved 3-D graphics.
688(I) Hunter/Killer™ Sonalysts' first commercial game, 688(I) Hunter/Killer placed the player in command of a U.S. Navy SSN 688 Improved attack submarine. I also introduced a robust scenario generation capability that allowed players to create their own missions, adversaries, and geographic operating areas. 688(I) was modified to support submarine training and copies distributed to every submarine in the U.S.Navy.
Integrated Satellite Operator Trainer Sonalysts is currently working under a Phase II Air Force SBIR augmentation contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory in Mesa, AZ to create a proof-of-concept simulation for use in a standardized satellite operations trainer. This training simulation employs advanced modeling, simulation, and visualization technologies derived from our Sonalysts Combat Simulation Engine used in our commercial military game products. This proof-of-concept simulation will be evaluated by Air Force satellite operator instructors to determine the potential of using a PC-based micro-simulation environment for satellite command and control training in Initial and Unit Qualification Training.
Expeditionary Warfare Training Support Module Sonalysts and MÄK Technologies collaborated on a Phase II SBIR for Navy PMS 430 and sponsored by ONR and Navy's PEO Expeditionary Warfare. This prototype PC-based training system consists of Sonalysts' Fleet Command™ Naval combat simulation and MaK's Marine Corps military simulation, MAGTF XXI integrated using VR-Link™, a commercial HLA protocol tool. This exciting and revolutionary demonstration enabled game-play of transit of a Navy Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to an Amphibious Objective Area (AOA), debarkation of the Marines and their equipment in Navy landing craft to the beach, and follow-on tracking of the MAGTF units once ashore.
Gaming and Training Environment for Counter Space Operations Pursuant to a U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Mesa, AZ, Sonalysts has developed specifications for applying a gaming environment to the training, rehearsing, and exercising of Defensive Counterspace (DCS) Operations. Out team has innovatively applied our state-of-the-art commercial gaming engine, coupled with advanced human engineering, human performance, and training system development expertise to craft a set of specification that effectively meet the requirements of the DCS warfare area, while being economical to fully develop. The specification will support individual- and team-level support.
Total Readiness Instruction, Authoring, and Delivery (TRIAD) The TRIAD system is a suite of authoring and delivery tools that provides an integrated solution for authoring, then delivering, highly effective, performance-oriented support materials, such as tactical publications, technical manuals, operating guidelines, user guides, and textbooks. TRIAD is more than a simple IETM.
Agent-Based Performance Support and Training System Sonalysts has designed and developed a prototype for an Agent-based Performance Support and Training System(APSTS) as the first step toward support of just-in-time maintenance training and provide intelligent electronic performance support for shore-based Fleet training sites and onboard ship. This prototype provides just-in-time, system-specific training for Navy technicians prior to conducting maintenance actions. Once the maintenance action has commenced, an electronic performance support system (EPSS) intelligent agent will be available on a wearable computer to provide expert guidance to the maintenance person to support completion of the action. The EPSS agent provides reach-back capabilities for access to detailed electronic technical data and technical representatives, onboard and/or ashore. Sponsored by Program Executive Office Ships (PEOS), this technology is being developed under a Phase II SBIR effort and can be applied to address a wide range of other military and civilian training requirements where both just-in-time training and electronic performance support are essential.
Automated Passive Target Signature Fusion for DDG 1000 Human processes, especially those that have been historically viewed as both art and science, such as sonar operations, are notoriously difficult to automate. However, passive sonar operators do employ evaluation processes that can be represented as a set of deterministic and heuristic rules. This representation lends itself to an automation approach that blends both the mechanics of acoustic processing with the judgment of human operators and emulating the massive parallel processing accomplished by the human brain. For this Navy/ NSWC Dahlgren SBIR, Sonalysts developed a rule-based approach to acoustic data fusion based on human operator processes. In addition to passive sonar sources, this process is applicable to all acoustic data addressed by the DDG 1000 similar source fusion (SSF) process, to include hull-mounted sonar, sonobuoy active sonar, and multi-function towed array active acoustic data. Sonalysts has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of this approach by demonstrating the functionality of a subset of these rules, the test results of which are included in this report. These rules and this overall process readily lend themselves to automation in support of the DD 1000 SSF process. Prototype automated passive Target signature fusion software will be developed pursuant to Sonalysts' Phase II SBIR efforts.
Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Global Integrated Fire Control System (GIFC) In support National Missile Defense, Sonalysts HSI engineers and analysts provided direct input to the MDA National Team responsible for development of a Global Integrated Fire Control (GIFC) solution to integrating world-wide Missile Defense assets. Situation Awarenessand watchstander performance are key parameters in this critical mission area. The Sonalysts team enhanced these processes by providing experimental designs and software support to capture operator performance metrics and designing innovative user interfaces for Missile Defense warfighters.
DDG-1000 Program Sonalysts as a subcontractor under the DDG 1000 Detailed Design Integration Prime Contract providing Human Systems Integration (HSI) Cross Product Team (CPT) support in three task areas, namely, Human Computer Interface (HCI), Mission System Design and Analysis (MSDA), and Human Machine Interface (HMI). Specific work tasks performed include: Acting as Crew Advocates and provide operational expertise in MSDA design sessions for Undersea Warfare, Surface warfare, Air Warfare, Damage Control, Land Attack, Anti-Terrorist Force Protection, Training, Flight Operations, and other mission areas Identifying of task attributes Supporting HCI screen design Providing human factors expertise in crew performance analysis Reviewing system design requirements, and Supporting Fleet liaison events during ship design reviews.
Northern Command (NORTHCOM) Command Center Sonalysts has worked with NORTHCOM on two occasions to help design the Joint Command Center in Colorado. Recently Sonalysts helped integrate the Strategic Command teams into the existing NORTHCOM command center architecture. The design optimized for human and human-system interactions through a variety of situations.
Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Top Down Functional Analyses (TDFAs) Sonalysts led an extensive effort on behalf of NSWC Dahlgren to provide HSI support for the Navy's LCS program. From reviewing vendor specifications for adherence to requirements to creating use case scenarios and performing Top-down Functional Analyses, the Sonalysts team provided subject matter expertise and exceptional analytical services. The HSI related Technical Reports and support for government LCS design engineers provided by Sonalysts was instrumental in optimizing crew performance and reducing the total life cycle costs of this new and vital Navy asset.
CVN 21 Sonalysts acting as the governments lead for the CVN 21 Manpower, Personnel and Training Integrated Product team. Sonalysts engineers guide the IPT through the decision-making process and validation efforts to meet the next-generation carrier manpower KPP.
Total Ship Training System (TSTS) Sonalysts supports the TSTS HSI team by developing a variety of acquisition products including the Systems Engineering Plan and the System Requirements Document. Sonalysts reviews all Training System Ship Change Documents, Engineering Change Proposals, and System interface Requirements for HSI impact.
Air Force AC-130 As the USAF defines requirements for its next generation of Persistent Surface Attack System of Systems (PSAS), Sonalysts assisted in the effort to greatly improve crew member utilization and total system performance. The Sonalysts team provided HSI and SME support to develop realistic operational scenarios, clearly define the functions of each gunship crew member in the execution of those scenarios, and identify attributes associated with current functions (e.g. level of complexity, time to complete functions, associated safety issues and information sources).
Spatial Analysis and Link Tool (SALT) Sonalysts has developed the Spatial Analysis Link Tool (SALT) software tool for performing a link analysis of spatial layouts for human and hardware collaboration. By using SALT, an analyst or designer can examine the quality of various layout options on a two-Dimensional plane. Using a robust GUI, users add objects and links to a space and then re-arrange them on the scene. A variety of analysis algorithms provide immediate visual feedback of the effect on the quality of the changes.
Human Performance Analysis Tool (HPAT ) Suite Sonalysts developed the Human Performance Analysis Tool (HPAT) suite, a collection of software tools to assist trainers or usability engineers to plan, observe, and analyze repeatable data collection events. HPAT consists of three components: HPAT Planner is the tool for designing a Data Collection Plan (DCP) with reusable tasks and measures. HPAT Planner supports scenario based, event based, or free-form DCP generation in a GUI environment. HPAT Observer is the tool for collecting performance data by an expert observer. HPAT Observer takes DCP files generated in HPAT Planner and provides a rich, and easy-to-use GUI for entering observations. This tool is designed to work in a hand-held tablet PC, but is fully functional on any viable Java platform. HPAT Analyzer is the tool for examining the results of your observation. HPAT Analyzer is designed to provide the user with various ways to look at the data they have collected (time, context, type, subject, etc.). It also provides tools to merge the results of multiple exercises to view trends or inconsistencies across runs.
Functional Allocation Support Tool (FAST) Lite Sonalysts developed the Function Allocation Support Tool (FAST)-Lite, a database application for performing Top-Down Functional Allocation (TDFA) or Top-Down Requirements Analysis (TDRA). FAST-Lite provides a forms and reports necessary for performing High Driver analysis, function allocation (among technology and humans), workload estimates, task analysis, and other related analyses.
Trade Space for Systems Analysis (TSSA) The Tradespace for Systems Analysis (TSSA) is a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project (N03-202) that supports systems analysis collaboration within a quantitative and qualitative tradespace environment. The goal of TSSA is to apply a strategy of "quantitative common sense" within a structured, repeatable process for conducting systems analysis as a part of systems engineering. This strategy places equal emphasis on hardware, software, and human components as viable inputs to solution options that can be defined and quantitatively compared. This structure is founded on merging several methodologies to analyze the human and technology tradespace in a manner that can provide three tangible benefits. First, TSSA provides a framework to impose consistency, examine implications, and consider alternatives. Second, TSSA will generate several key engineering artifacts (functional architecture, test environment, system view, operating view, task lists, resource list, trades considered, trades chosen, and traceable criteria). Third, TSSA will provide opportunities for the engineering team to identify critical drivers that will aid in focusing their workload on issues that have significant cost, performance, and schedule impacts.
Virtual Communications Assessment Tool (VCAT) for Debriefing Distributed Simulation-Based Exercises (DDSBE) Sonalysts is one of the principal performers in the ONR/NAVAIR Orlando Debriefing Distributed Simulation-Based Exercises (DDSBE). Sonalysts created the vision statement and functional architecture that laid the foundation for execution. As a component technology developer, Sonalysts researched and developed the Virtual Communications Assessment Tool (VCAT). Within DDSBE, the objectives of VCAT are to provide a briefing, collection, assessment, and post-exercise review of collected data. VCAT provides instructors with a run-timeobservation and assessment interface. Some of the benefits sought in the R&D program were to provide structured assessment, synchronize and link instructors to the DDSBE automated processing, maintain instructor situation awareness of the scenario, and guide prebriefs and on-station hot wash-ups. The VCAT instructor tools include: Scenario timeline with a structure of events, tasks, audiences, and measures. Planned assessments are tied to the planned event structure Checklist and rating scale assessment capabilities Instructor notes as pen, text, or voice Screen server capability to support instructor screen capture General observation capability for teamwork assessments
Modeling Tool for Design Manning and Training of Shipboard Aircraft Operations Sonalysts is currently engaged in SBIR Phase II project N02-022, "Modeling Tool for Design, Manning and Training of Shipboard Aircraft Operations." This effort will develop a PC-based model using our Sub Command commercial naval simulation engine technology for concept analysis, manning, and training for shipboard aircraft operations. The ability to understand both manning and system impacts early in the design and acquisition process is critical to reducing a ship's life-cycle cost. The results of this effort will solve this problem by developing a computer-based modeling tool capable of providing computations, graphics, and simulation to support design, manning, and training of shipboard aircraft operations.
Next Generation Destroyer (DDG 1000) Training System Design Sonalysts has been providing technical support for the Next Generation Destroyer program since 1999 - first as a member of the Training Support Segment IPT for the DD 21/DD(X) Gold Team (led by Ingalls Shipbuilding)- and later as subcontractor to Raytheon responsible for manpower, personnel, and training activities. Our tasks include: Development of the DDG 1000 Navy Training System Plan (NTSP) Development of the DDG 1000 Training Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Interaction with the DDG 1000 National Team Interaction with Navy training activities, and Review of DDG 1000 training system requirements and design documentation
Navy Region Hawaii Web Commander, Navy Region Hawaii tasked Sonalysts to redesign, as well as integrating webs of five other Hawaii-area commands, into the Navy Region Hawaii website. The goal was to create a more-user friendly site for a variety of audiences, as well as give the Navy in Hawaii one common internet portal. Among the features created by Sonalysts was a database-driven news area to allow the Public Affairs Office to manage an archive of news more efficiently.
Kaho'olawe Ordnance Removal Program Sonalysts produced an interactive CD-ROM and accompanying website to educate stakeholders, government officials and the general public about the effort to clear unexploded ordnance from Kaho'olawe as the U.S. Navy prepared to turn the island over to the State of Hawaii for public uses.
DoD Humanitarian Demining R&D Program Sonalysts has developed and produced a major program multimedia (video, graphics, 3-D animation) presentation and video for the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM), in support of the Department of Defense Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. In addition, Sonalysts is currently redesigning the web site for this program.
Seapower 21 The Chief of Naval Operations tasked Sonalysts to produce a cohesive and coherent PowerPoint-based presentation, incorporating 3D imageryand animation, to explain the Seapower 21 concept, a blueprint for change in the U.S. Navy.
The Navy-Marine Corps "Operation Enduring Freedom" Story Sonalysts responded to a Chief of Naval Operations requirement to tell the Navy-Marine Corps Operation Enduring Freedom Story by producing an interactive multimedia chronology based in PowerPoint, as well as a Macromedia Director auto-execute program that included graphics, 3-D models, and animation. This project received the critical acclaim of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, members of Congress, and the public at large.
Navy's Quadrennial Defense Review Sonalysts worked with the Navy's QDR office to produce an interactive presentation integrating high-quality graphics, 3-D models, and animation to present a scenario of 21st Century joint operations. The presentation, which expands PowerPoint to a new level, allowed Navy control of the presentation while preserving the high quality multimedia. Sonalysts produced classified and public versions of the presentation.
United States Coast Guard Academy Recruiting Sonalysts created Cadet Recruitment CD-ROMs for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Director of Admissions. The original CD and the updated version were used to educate the public and applicants about the Coast Guard Academy and the admissions process. These CDs were mailed and given out to interested students to convey more about cadet life and a career in the U.S. Coast Guard. In-depth curricula information, an overview of campus locations, activities, events, and a flavor for the surrounding community were presented. The spirit, philosophy, and approach to education echoed in an eclectic grouping of images depicting the diversity of campus programs, the students, and professional opportunities for graduates of the school.
