Design of an Interactive Computer Based System for the Training of Signal Corps Officers in Communications Network Management

摘要

This thesis makes a recommendation for the hardware design of a microcomputer based simulation system for the training of US Army Signal Corps officers in communications network management. In order to do this, the first step was to establish the requirements for communications network management in a Signal Battalion S-3 section, and based upon these requirements, establish the criteria for the simulation system. Once the criteria were established, several computer systems currently in use in the Armed Forces as simulators or as decision making aids, were rated against the criteria. Because of these ratings, the Army Tactical Frequency Engineering System (ATFES), with the Tower microcomputer, was selected for further study as the system the simulator design would be based upon. The system designed consisted of two networked Tower microcomputers, with the persons being trained using one, and the exercise controllers using the second. As a result of this design, the personnel being trained appear to be in an actual operations environment, and do not have any direct contact with the computer simulations. All simulations are given to the students through the controllers. In this manner, the realism is increased for the students, and a more effective training environment is established.