This paper analyzes the tradeoffs involved in Computer Image Generation (CIG) system configuration and their implications for the developers of training systems. Most CIG visual system products have important interrelationships between system parameters and performance. An understanding of these interrelationships and their application to training systems will provide the basis for tradeoff decisions. These tradeoffs will permit proper alignment of CIG system parameters to training application requirements, resulting in cost reductions and improvements in training effectiveness.

This paper includes a comprehensive discussion of the important CIG parameter and performance interrelationships. For example, it discusses how viewing range, field of view angles, polygon throughput, and database density relate to provide different levels of image effectiveness. This paper also discusses how optical magnification, screen resolution, and antialiasing combine to influence the user's ability to detect, identify and recognize objects in a scene.

In the past, high fidelity CIG's have been used for aircraft out the window (OTW) views for training military and commercial pilots. The simulator "crew" had a common view and common task. Today, systems simulate tanks and helicopters training multiple "crew" members, each having different views of the scene and different tasks. The visual simulation must support multiple OTW views, periscopes, magnified optical sights, thermal and TV sensors within the same vehicle. In this paper, visual system requirements of different training applications such as ground vehicle driving, and precision gunnery are reviewed.

The paper will conclude with examples of how to use this analysis of interrelationships and tradeoffs to reduce CIG costs, and to prevent underachievement of training objectives or excessive specification for visual performance.