Tangible VR Multi-user Simulation Methodology for a Balanced Human System Integration

With the purpose of facilitating a balanced Human Systems Integration of complex vision systems for military use and aid to ensure compliance with the expectations of new systems, a methodology for the integration of tangible VR and simulation was established. The methodology incorporates the requirements of stakeholders and users, which are defined through explorative workshops. These are then used to create a highly immersive simulator that takes advantage of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to test the design and performance of new systems at an early design stage. The methodology includes steps for data collection, creation of the virtual environment, construction of a physical mockup and use of tools for measuring different parameters to help in user performance assessment. To test this methodology, a multi-user tangible VR simulator was developed. The simulator allows a three-person crew to communicate and cooperate to carry out their task(s). Assessment of the complete simulation setup and the methodology was done with experienced military crews.