Virtual Reality Simulations — Everything You Need to Know

29 Apr.,2024

 

Virtual Reality Simulations — Everything You Need to Know

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Custom virtual reality simulations offer precise, tailored experiences for businesses aiming to elevate operational efficiency and customer engagement. These simulations provide an immersive platform for detailed scenario-based training, innovative product demonstrations, and interactive customer service experiences. With the ability to customize every aspect of the virtual environment, companies can address specific challenges, test new ideas, and gather valuable feedback without the constraints of the physical world.

Implementing such technology not only streamlines processes but also significantly cuts down on traditional costs associated with physical prototypes and real-world training setups. Moreover, it positions brands at the forefront of technological adoption, enhancing their reputation and appeal in the market. As the digital landscape evolves, the strategic integration of custom virtual reality simulations becomes an essential tool for businesses looking to stay ahead in their respective industries.

The Evolution of Virtual Reality and Simulations

The evolution of virtual reality (VR) technology and its pivotal role in simulation training are underscored by significant advancements over the decades. Beginning in the 1950s with Morton Heilig's Sensorama, an immersive machine designed to engage all senses, the foundation was laid for what VR would become​​. The early innovation demonstrated the potential of VR in creating engaging, multi-sensory experiences, setting the stage for future developments.

The 1960s brought further progress with Heilig's invention of the first head-mounted display (HMD) and Ivan Sutherland's "Ultimate Display," a concept that envisioned a virtual environment indistinguishable from real life​​. Such advancements highlighted the potential for VR to create highly immersive training environments, a concept that would be embraced by various industries in the years to come.

The military was among the first to recognize the value of VR for simulation training, with Thomas Furness developing advanced flight simulators in the late 1960s. This application of VR technology marked a significant shift towards practical, hands-on training tools, providing a safe and controlled environment for high-risk training scenarios​​.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, VR technology had evolved to include more sophisticated simulations and haptic feedback, allowing for more intuitive interaction with virtual environments. This period saw VR becoming more accessible to industries beyond entertainment, with applications in medical training, aviation, and beyond​​​​.

Today, VR simulation training is a cornerstone in numerous fields, offering innovative solutions for education, skill development, and operational planning. The journey from early sensory machines to advanced simulation platforms showcases a trajectory of rapid innovation driven by the need for immersive, effective training environments.

Understanding Virtual Reality Simulations

Understanding Virtual Reality Simulations within the context of "digital twin vs. simulation" unveils distinct business functionalities and applications. A simulation constructs a digital model to explore various scenarios within a controlled environment, offering insights for decision-making and strategic planning without real-world repercussions. It's a tool primarily used in design phases and for testing theoretical outcomes under different conditions​​.

On the other hand, a digital twin transcends mere simulation by integrating real-time data from its physical counterpart through IoT devices, enabling a dynamic and evolving virtual model. This allows businesses to not only simulate scenarios but also monitor and analyze actual performance in real time, making it invaluable for lifecycle management, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization​​​​.

The choice between digital twins and simulations hinges on specific business needs. For instance, simulations are ideal for scenario testing, training, and strategic planning where a high-fidelity representation of reality isn't crucial. Conversely, digital twins are best suited for applications requiring ongoing synchronization with real-world assets, offering deeper insights and predictive analytics based on real-time data.

In essence, while simulations provide a snapshot based on theoretical data, digital twins offer a continuous, data-driven reflection of the physical asset, enabling more nuanced decision-making and strategic foresight in business operations. Integrating virtual reality in both simulations and digital twins marks a significant leap in how businesses can visualize, interact with, and derive insights from their digital models, further blurring the lines between the virtual and the real.

Core Technologies Behind VR

Diving into the core technologies behind virtual reality, we uncover an intricate tapestry of innovation where advanced software algorithms meld seamlessly with cutting-edge hardware. These technologies, including high-definition displays, motion tracking systems, and powerful graphics processing, collaborate to create deeply immersive and interactive digital realms. By simulating sensory experiences such as sight, sound, and touch, VR technologies transport users to meticulously crafted virtual worlds, offering unparalleled experiences that challenge the very notion of reality.

Types of Virtual Reality Simulations

Exploring the types of virtual reality simulations reveals a spectrum from fully immersive environments to augmented realities that blend digital elements with the physical world. Each type offers unique experiences tailored to engage users in everything from complex training scenarios to interactive gaming and educational content.

Educational Simulations

Educational simulations in virtual reality offer an immersive learning platform where theoretical knowledge meets practical experience. By simulating real-world scenarios, students gain hands-on exposure without the risks or costs associated with physical trials. Complex subjects become accessible, from dissecting virtual cadavers in medical training to manipulating atomic structures in chemistry.

Interactive elements and immediate feedback enhance understanding and retention. Customizable environments cater to various learning styles, making education inclusive and engaging. VR simulations transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for the workforce of tomorrow.

Training Simulations for Businesses

Training simulations for businesses harness Virtual Reality to revolutionize professional development, enabling employees to master skills in risk-free, virtual settings. From intricate surgical procedures to high-stakes financial analysis, these simulations provide realistic practice opportunities across diverse industries.

Employees engage in lifelike scenarios, making decisions and learning from outcomes without real-world repercussions. Such an innovative approach accelerates learning, enhances performance, and reduces training costs. By offering a safe platform for error and experimentation, VR simulations empower businesses to cultivate a highly skilled workforce ready to tackle complex challenges confidently and competently.

Entertainment and Gaming

Virtual reality in entertainment and gaming creates immersive experiences transporting players to fantastical worlds. Gamers don intricate headsets, stepping into roles from intergalactic travelers to historical figures, engaging in adventures previously confined to the imagination. Enhanced interactivity allows for a deeper connection with the game environment, where every action and decision impacts the virtual experience.

Cutting-edge graphics and responsive controls add layers of realism, making digital landscapes almost indistinguishable from the real world. As this technology evolves, the boundary between player and protagonist blurs, offering a new dimension of storytelling and engagement in digital entertainment.

Both Sides of Using VR Simulations in Your Practice

Integrating virtual reality simulations into practice offers immersive training environments and cost-effective solutions, yet technological adoption and user experience challenges persist. Enhanced realism facilitates skill development without real-world risks, but technical issues and initial investment can hinder widespread implementation. Balancing the transformative potential against practical constraints ensures the effective use of VR in professional settings.

1. Advantages of VR Simulations

Virtual reality simulations transform learning and skill development by providing immersive experiences without physical constraints. Users engage in lifelike scenarios, enhancing retention and understanding through active participation. Industries from healthcare to aviation benefit from risk-free environments where errors become valuable lessons, not liabilities.

Customizability allows for tailored experiences, meeting specific training needs across diverse fields. Cost efficiency emerges as VR reduces the need for physical resources, travel, and time spent in traditional training setups. Accessibility broadens, with remote learning opportunities breaking geographical barriers, democratizing education and professional development.

2. Technical and Ethical Challenges

Virtual reality simulations, while transformative, present technical hurdles and ethical dilemmas. High-quality VR demands robust hardware and sophisticated software, necessitating significant investment and ongoing maintenance. Technical glitches can disrupt the immersive experience, detracting from learning outcomes.

Ethically, the realism of VR raises concerns about psychological impacts, desensitization to real-world consequences, and privacy in data-intensive environments. Ensuring equitable access poses another challenge, as not all institutions or individuals can afford the latest VR technologies. Navigating these waters requires a balanced approach, prioritizing user welfare and technological inclusivity.

3. Overcoming the Barriers

Addressing the challenges of virtual reality simulations involves a multi-faceted strategy. Investment in research and development can lead to more cost-effective and reliable VR solutions, broadening access. Establishing best practices and ethical guidelines ensures user safety and data protection, fostering trust in VR technologies.

Collaboration between developers, educators, and industry professionals aids in creating relevant and impactful content. Continuous feedback loops, incorporating user experiences, refine and improve VR applications. Education and awareness initiatives demystify VR, encouraging wider acceptance and integration into mainstream training and development programs.

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Applications of Virtual Reality Simulations to Get Inspiration from

Virtual reality simulations inspire across sectors, from immersive educational platforms that bring history to life to medical VR enabling surgeons to rehearse complex procedures. Architects visualize structures before construction, while environmental scientists simulate climate change impacts, offering insights for sustainable solutions and innovative approaches to global challenges.

Healthcare and Medicine

Virtual reality revolutionizes patient care, surgical training, and therapeutic practices, enhancing both medical education and patient outcomes.

1. Surgical training and planning

Virtual reality in surgical training and planning allows surgeons to practice complex procedures in a risk-free environment. By simulating realistic surgical scenarios, practitioners can refine their techniques, anticipate potential complications, and devise optimal surgical strategies. This not only boosts the surgeon's confidence but also enhances patient safety by reducing the likelihood of errors. VR's interactive nature enables continuous skill development, keeping pace with medical advancements and ensuring surgical teams are prepared for any challenge they might face in the operating room.

2. Therapy and rehabilitation

Virtual reality transforms therapy and rehabilitation, offering engaging and personalized treatment options. Patients recovering from strokes, injuries, or surgeries immerse themselves in virtual environments designed to promote motor skills, balance, and cognitive functions. By gamifying rehabilitation exercises, VR increases patient motivation and adherence to treatment plans. Real-time feedback and progress tracking enable therapists to adjust treatments based on individual needs, accelerating recovery times. VR's immersive nature helps patients overcome physical and psychological barriers, making rehabilitation a more positive and effective experience.

3. Medical education

Virtual reality elevates medical education by providing students with immersive learning experiences. Through VR, complex anatomical structures and physiological processes are visualized in three dimensions, fostering a deeper understanding of the human body. Students can practice diagnostic and surgical procedures without the need for cadavers, allowing for repeated practice and mastery of skills. VR simulations of rare medical conditions prepare students for real-life scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This innovative approach to medical education enhances learning outcomes and prepares future healthcare professionals for the challenges of modern medicine.

Aerospace and Defense

Aerospace and Defense take advantage of virtual reality for advanced training and strategic planning, enhancing safety and efficacy. Virtual reality in aerospace and defense transforms training, offering immersive experiences that closely mirror real-world challenges.

1. Flight and space simulations

Pilots and astronauts engage in flight and space simulations, mastering controls and responding to emergencies within safe, virtual confines. Tailored scenarios, from routine operations to critical system failures, ensure comprehensive preparedness. This precision in training enhances skill sets, reduces errors, and ensures high-stakes missions are executed flawlessly, reflecting the critical importance of virtual simulations in advancing aerospace capabilities. Thus, the immersive nature of VR aids in acclimating users to the psychological and physical demands of space travel and high-altitude flights, enhancing overall mission readiness and safety.

2. Military training and tactical planning

In military training and tactical planning, virtual reality creates realistic combat scenarios, from urban warfare to strategic operations, without the risks of live training. Soldiers practice in diverse environments, adapting to evolving tactics and enemy behaviors. The feedback loop from these sessions sharpens decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills, proving indispensable for modern military readiness. The technology's adaptability allows for the customization of scenarios to reflect current threats and challenges, fostering adaptability, strategic thinking, and teamwork among troops.

3. Disaster response training

Virtual reality also revolutionizes disaster response training, simulating catastrophic events with lifelike accuracy. First responders navigate through complex scenarios, from natural disasters to human-made crises, honing their skills in command, control, and on-the-spot problem-solving. The immersive nature of VR ensures that teams are not only technically prepared but also emotionally resilient, ready to face real-world calamities with competence and composure. Therefore, the controlled yet realistic setting of VR training enhances the ability to maintain composure, coordinate effectively with teams, and implement swift, life-saving actions under pressure.

Architecture and Urban Planning

Virtual reality revolutionizes design visualization and stakeholder engagement in architecture and urban planning, enhancing precision and inclusivity.

1. Design visualization and modification

Design visualization and modification through virtual reality transforms architectural concepts into tangible experiences. Architects and clients explore and traverse virtual models, assessing aesthetics, spatial dynamics, and material finishes with unparalleled clarity. Interestingly, the immersive interaction facilitates real-time modifications, allowing for the swift iteration of designs. The ability to visualize complex structures in detail before physical construction commences reduces errors, saving time and resources, and ensures that the final build aligns closely with the envisioned project.

2. Stakeholder engagement and communication

Stakeholder engagement and communication in architecture and urban planning benefit significantly from virtual reality. This technology bridges the gap between technical drawings and layperson understanding, enabling stakeholders to visualize proposed projects realistically and interactively. By walking through virtual models, stakeholders can provide informed feedback, fostering a collaborative design process. Such enhanced communication ensures that the final designs are more aligned with the community's needs and expectations, facilitating smoother project approval and implementation processes.

3. Safety and accessibility analysis

Safety and accessibility analysis within architectural design and urban planning gains a new dimension with virtual reality. Designers and engineers simulate the movement of diverse populations through virtual spaces, identifying potential hazards and accessibility barriers. So, the proactive approach to safety and inclusivity allows for the adjustment of designs to accommodate all users, including those with disabilities. By prioritizing safety and accessibility from the outset, projects not only comply with regulations but also promote a more inclusive and user-friendly environment.

Where Virtual Reality Simulations Bring Most Profit

Virtual reality simulations unlock significant profit potential in diverse sectors by enhancing training efficiency, product design, and customer experiences. Industries like healthcare, aerospace, and retail see substantial returns through improved performance, reduced costs, and innovative engagement strategies, positioning VR as a transformative investment for forward-thinking businesses.

Reimagining Healthcare Training

Reimagining healthcare training with virtual reality offers unparalleled opportunities for immersive learning and skill enhancement:

  1. Interactivity. Virtual environments enable hands-on practice without patient risk, allowing healthcare professionals to refine techniques and decision-making skills.

  2. Realism. High-fidelity simulations replicate clinical scenarios, from routine examinations to complex surgical procedures, enhancing procedural understanding.

  3. Customization. Training modules adapt to individual learning needs, focusing on specific skills or specialties and fostering personalized professional development.

  4. Feedback. Immediate performance assessments highlight strengths and areas for improvement, accelerating the learning curve.

  5. Accessibility. Remote access to VR training democratizes education, breaking down geographical barriers and expanding learning opportunities.

  6. Safety. Risk-free environments encourage exploration and mistake-making as learning tools without real-world consequences.

Transforming Architectural Design and Construction

Transforming architectural design and construction with virtual reality brings innovation and efficiency to the forefront:

  1. Visualization. Virtual models offer a comprehensive view of projects before construction begins, enabling detailed inspection and modification.

  2. Collaboration. Stakeholders from various locations can interact with designs in real time, facilitating consensus and accelerating decision-making processes.

  3. Integration. VR allows for seamless incorporation of data from various sources, ensuring all design aspects are cohesive and well-coordinated.

  4. Simulation. Environmental and structural simulations test the resilience and sustainability of designs under diverse conditions, ensuring safer buildings.

  5. Training. Construction teams train in virtual scenarios to understand complex structures, reducing on-site errors and enhancing safety protocols.

Enhancing Military and Defense Training

Virtual reality revolutionizes military and defense training by providing realistic, immersive environments for a wide range of combat and strategic scenarios:

  1. Tactical skills. Soldiers practice maneuvers and strategies in diverse, controlled settings, from urban warfare to jungle operations.

  2. Decision-making. High-pressure situations in VR develop quick, practical decision-making skills crucial for battlefield success.

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  3. Team coordination. Virtual exercises enhance unit cohesion and communication, which is essential for complex missions.

  4. Equipment familiarity. Troops gain proficiency with a variety of weaponry and technology within safe, simulated environments.

  5. Psychological preparedness. Exposure to stress-inducing scenarios builds resilience, preparing soldiers for the mental challenges of combat.

Innovating in Education and Classroom Learning

Virtual reality introduces groundbreaking approaches to education and classroom learning, making complex concepts accessible and engaging:

  1. Interactive lessons. VR transforms traditional subjects into interactive experiences, fostering more profound understanding and retention.

  2. Global exploration. Students virtually visit historical sites, natural wonders, and outer space, transcending classroom walls.

  3. Practical skills. Simulated labs and workshops offer hands-on practice in subjects like science and engineering without physical constraints.

  4. Language immersion. VR environments immerse students in foreign languages and cultures, enhancing linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness.

  5. Special needs education. Customizable VR settings accommodate diverse learning needs, providing tailored educational experiences for all students.

Boosting Retail and E-commerce Experience

Virtual reality is redefining the retail and e-commerce experience, offering customers innovative ways to interact with products:

  1. Immersive shopping. Consumers explore virtual stores, experiencing the ambiance and products as if physically present, bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping.

  2. Try-before-you-buy. VR enables customers to visualize products in real-world settings or try on virtual clothing, enhancing confidence in purchase decisions.

  3. Personalized experiences. AI-driven VR tailors product recommendations and store layouts to individual preferences, creating a customized shopping journey.

  4. Interactive storytelling. Brands use VR to convey their story and values, forging deeper emotional connections with consumers.

  5. Virtual pop-ups. Temporary VR stores for product launches or special events generate excitement and exclusivity, attracting a global audience.

Climb on Top with Program-Ace’s VR Simulations

Climb on top of industry innovation with Program-Ace, your professional software development service provider for cutting-edge VR simulations. Our expertise ensures your project transcends traditional boundaries, offering immersive experiences that captivate and engage. Selecting Program-Ace as your partner means engaging with a team that has a proven track record of overcoming complex technical challenges in the VR domain.

Our experts specialize in the latest VR development tools and methodologies, ensuring your project transitions seamlessly from concept to a fully functional VR application. With numerous successful VR projects across various industries, Program-Ace not only promises innovation but delivers tangible results, making your envisioned VR project a practical and operational reality.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation makes us the ideal partner for transforming your ideas into impactful VR solutions. For a partnership that elevates your objectives with unparalleled VR simulations, contact us. Let's shape the future together.

VR-Forces Capabilities

VR-Forces is ready to use from the moment you download and install the software. It has all the features you’ve come to expect in sophisticated simulation software: a robust system of scenario planning, multiple ways to view the environment in which you are developing your scenarios, intuitive and comprehensive user interfaces, and even the ability to control time itself.

Defining and Controlling Behavior

VR-Forces uses the concept of a scenario to define and control the behavior of the simulation objects within a simulation exercise. There are many ways to set up scenarios and plan simulation object behavior. A scenario can define simulation object starting positions and simulation object tasking (order of battle); users can interact with the scenario while the simulation is running; multiple people can collaborate on the scenario definition; the simulation object and those participating in a distributed exercise can trigger events that affect the simulation’s outcome.

  • Plans – Each simulation object can have a plan defined within the scenario. A plan is a collection of tasks to perform and the definition of conditions under which the plan may vary. The simulation object tries to execute this plan. Plans can be edited, saved, and reused repeatedly. This is useful for creating training curricula and for setting up scenarios for experimentation. Plans can be overridden by assigning individual tasks to the simulation object running the plan.
  • Tasks – VR-Forces has a built-in set of tasks and “set data requests” (commands that cause a simulation object to change a state variable immediately) that you can assign to simulation objects in plans or dynamically as the scenario unfolds. Tasks include actions like move to a location, move along a route, follow another simulation object, fire for effect, aircraft takeoff and landing, wait, and so on.
  • Triggers – Plans use triggers to interrupt its task sequence in response to specific events that you want simulation objects to react to, regardless of what they are doing at the time. Triggers can be based on the presence of simulation objects in specified areas, on receipt of text messages, on simulation time, or for other reasons. For example, the detection of an simulation object by a sensor model can cause a trigger to fire.
  • Scripted Tasks and Sets – Add to the built-in tasks and sets provided with VR-Forces by writing scripts using the Lua scripting language. The Lua interface gives you access to all built-in tasks and sets plus geometric data and simulation object state data that is not accessible in plans. Scripts, whether created by the engineers at MAK or by users, can be added to the task and set menus and used in plans just like the built-in tasks and sets.
  • Reactive Tasks – Scripted tasks can react to conditions in the simulation. Reactive tasks function similarly to triggers, but are independent of plans and due to the flexibility of Lua scripting, they can be more versatile than triggers. Multiple reactive tasks can be assigned with given priorities to enable simulation objects to react to complex situations.
  • Behavior Sets – Scripted tasks can be organized into behavior sets and applied to simulation objects as a function of their “force” value. In this way, sets of behavior can be designed to support the doctrine of different forces so that, like object types, they will behave differently according to their doctrine.
  • Path Planning – The path planning feature provides intelligent movement for human characters and ground vehicles. Movement tasks take the terrain, road networks, and sensor perception into consideration when planning navigation paths.
  • Pattern of Life – Quickly populate scenarios with purposeful human behavior that does not require entity-specific planning. Create individual entities that automatically move through the world to a random destination or that execute custom plans. For more information about pattern of life, read our white paper.
  • Crowd Behaviors - Create crowds and assign them tasks such as wander, gather around a location, or protest in front of an entity.
  • Simulation Object’s State – Set aspects of a simulation object’s state, such as heading, speed, formation, altitude, identify friend or foe (IFF), electromagnetic emissions, target, force affiliation, and many more.
  • Checkpoint and Snapshot Simulation State – Save the current state of the scenario as a checkpoint either automatically at specific intervals or manually. Each checkpoint is a complete save of the simulation in its current state. Once you have saved a checkpoint, you can run the scenario from that point by loading the saved checkpoint. Snapshots let you quickly roll back your scenario in increments as small as one second to replay from a point of interest. Snapshots are stored in memory, which decreases loading time and eliminates the overhead of saving to disk.
  • Scenario Collaboration – VR-Forces enables collaborative creation of scenarios. Multiple users can work simultaneously using multiple GUIs (front-ends) that operate on the same scenario. Or, they can work independently to create portions of a scenario and later merge then together with the Scenario Merge tool.
  • Interactive or Batch Runs – Scenarios can be run interactively or without interaction (batch mode) for Monte Carlo simulations. Command-line options let you create startup scripts for easy repetition of custom configurations.
  • Global Plans – Global plans run independently of the simulation objects within a scenario. They can use simulation time or events within the scenario to trigger all sorts of actions. They can create and delete simulation objects, control objects, and tactical graphics. Global plans can include commands for simulation objects that do not exist yet in the scenario.
  • Synchronization Matrix – Allows you to work with multiple entities or units and add coordinating plans and tasks that are laid out in a series of phases. It makes it easier for you to create and manage scenarios where there is synchronization between entities or units.

Viewing Modes

The visual components of VR-Forces are built with the VR-Vantage Toolkit. This means that your CGF has a full suite of visualization capabilities that can be accessed at run-time without ever having to leave the primary VR-Forces application.

  • Tactical Maps (PVD mode) – Whether you want 2D tactical map views that can show raster graphic maps or top-down views of the terrain database, it’s your choice. All the functionality you need to create and run a scenario can be found in the 2D plan view. Create simulation objects, give them tasks, and control the simulation time. simulation objects are shown with MILSTD 2525b symbology but can be replaced with alternative symbology. You can add tactical and informative graphics to make the most productive user experience possible.


  • Realistic 3D views (Stealth mode) – This mode provides a three-dimensional view that mimics what simulation users see in their training devices and lab simulators. This view allows you to precisely place entities into the scene without the need for a second application to view the 3D scene while you create a scenario. This view is particularly useful when creating scenarios in urban environments that require you to place entities inside of structures or at precise street locations.


  • Symbolic 3D views (XR mode) – XR mode exaggerates the scale and contrast of all the entities and adds 3D graphical information to make 3D, information-rich views that have characteristics of both the 2D tactical views and the Stealth views.


  • Sensor Views (EO, IR, NVG modes) – Sensor views mimic the view a simulation user would get looking through a sensor.


Intuitive User Control from the GUI

The graphical user interface (GUI) provides extensive control over the creation and management of the simulation scenario and all the simulation objects within. Create and remove simulation objects and move them arbitrarily about the terrain. Creating multiple simulation objects of a given type is just a matter of selecting the simulation object in the Simulation Objects Palette and clicking on the terrain. You can copy and paste simulation objects with their current state and plan.

Watch the simulation objects as icons on the map, in the 3D views, and as items in the configurable GUI panels. Pan and zoom the 2D views and fly through the 3D views. Navigate the terrain using game-like keyboard controls and the mouse. Attach to simulation objects and follow them around. And save the views in a file to recall later.

You can access commands through a main menu, through keyboard accelerators, and through context-sensitive popup menus. Undock toolbars and place them anyplace on the desktop, as you choose which toolbars you want visible and which hidden. Set feature options on multi-paged dialog boxes, and quickly toggle the most-used using menu options, toolbars, and keyboard shortcuts. Your GUI settings are saved automatically so that you can set up your preferred work environment once and then return to it every time you load VR-Forces.

You have complete control of the simulation environment from the GUI. Save the scenario for later execution, or run it right now. Play, pause, or rewind the simulation clock to control the action. If you are using multiple back-ends, you can specify the simulation engine on which a simulation object will be simulated. The Echelon View lets you view simulation objects by force type, expand and contract the display of units on the map, and even display ghosted views of the simulation objects in collapsed units.

Visual and Analytical Information

Visuals in VR-Forces are more than just pretty pictures – graphics are used to present information about what is happening in the simulation and are tools to help control the flow of the action. GUI panels provide access to all the internal information about the simulation while you are setting up the scenario and while it’s running.

  • Control Objects – Control objects are graphical objects that you draw on the terrain and organize within tactical overlays that affect the simulation. Waypoints, routes, phase lines, areas, and obstacles can be used in tasks and plans. Simulation objects know about them and can move to them, along them, through them, and in the case of obstacles, avoid them. You can edit the vertices of graphical objects using your mouse or dialog boxes. You can also add additional vertices to the objects. You can edit the characteristics of tactical graphics at run time manually, or using set data requests in plans.
  • Tactical Overlays – Analogous to clear film overlays that you might layer over a map, tactical overlays allow you to group control objects into meaningful sets. Tactical overlay objects are not just pixels on the display. They are first-class objects that are published via HLA or DIS. If you want to provide greater interaction between simulation objects and tactical graphics than is provided by VR-Forces out-of-the-box, they are fully accessible by custom vehicle model code.
  • Simulation Object Icons and 3D Models – Since you can display the simulation on both 2D maps and within 3D scenes, VR-Forces provides a rich library of 2D map symbols and 3D models to represent your simulation objects.
  • Fire & Detonate Lines – During engagements, VR-Forces displays fire and detonation lines, which show you the source and target of munitions fire. Animations highlight detonations and add to the experience with fire and smoke.
  • Object Information Panels – Information panels present the internal state information for the selected simulation objects, including: task status; position, appearance and state information; sensors, weapons, and resources status. Essentially all the state data from all the models associated with a simulation object can be inspected using object information panels.


  • Simulation Object Labels – On-screen simulation object labels present simulation object state information. In plan view mode, you can customize what information is shown.


  • Track Histories –Track histories display the path a simulation object has followed to arrive at its current position.


  • Threat Range Rings – Range rings graphically show the area in which the simulation object’s armaments are effective.


  • Task Visualization - Visualize the path a simulation object is taking as it carries out a task.


  • Tactical Smoke – Visualize the tactical smoke used to obscure visibility by sensors.
  • Electromagnetic Emissions – Electromagnetic emission volumes identify the on/off state of emitter systems on simulation objects.


  • Radio Comm Lines – When simulation objects send radio communications, these lines connect the sender with the receivers of the message. These lines work on flat maps and global 3D worlds.


  • Terrain Profile Graphs – The graphs plot lines and simulation objects against the height of the terrain to show relationships that are not apparent in plan view mode.


  • Intervisibility lines & fans – Intervisibility (line-of-sight) lines and fans help you understand what simulation objects can and cannot see.


  • Sensor Contact Lines - Intervisibility lines show what is visible by line-of-sight. Sensor contact lines show contacts that are actually made using all sensors.


  • Radar Coverage - VR-Forces can display the area in which a simulation object’s radar can detect objects.The radar coverage area is color coded based on the altitude at which it is testing intersections. Each color shown indicates full visibility at that altitude and above.


Sound Effects

Like visual graphics, sounds provide information about the simulation. VR-Forces plays sounds based on the proximity to a selected entity. Default sound mappings are included in the VR-Forces entity definitions and you can remap these with your own sound files as you see fit.

Time Management

Scenarios run in simulation time. Simulation time can be mapped one-to-one with wall clock time or it can run slower or faster than real time.

The simulation time can be changed through the Time Multiplier toolbar in the GUI, or programmatically through the APIs, even while the simulation is running.

Real-Time and Post-Simulation Analysis

As a VR-Forces scenario runs, you can view it in the VR-Forces GUI as the action unfolds and take advantage of various information panels for immediate understanding of simulation object behavior. If VR-Forces is participating in a distributed simulation, you can see its effect in the other simulation participants, such as IGs or other simulation federates. (VR-Forces distributes the simulation activity using industry standard simulation protocols, specifically the high level architecture (HLA) and distributed interactive simulation (DIS). And, of course, you can use the MAK Data Logger to capture the entire simulation (your VR-Forces action and the rest of the distributed simulation) and record it to a file for replay and further analysis.

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