Simulation modeling with artificial reality technology (SMART): an integration of virtual reality and simulation modeling

Simulation Modeling with Artificial Reality Technology (SMART) is a simulation modeling tool that provides a virtual reality interface for building graphical simulation models. The simulation models, comprised of nodes and arcs, are constructed in three dimensions. As the user builds a model, he may immerse himself in it using virtual reality hardware and software tools and take advantage of the three dimensional environment provided by SMART. Models built using SMART can be exported to AweSim, and simulated as SLAM models (Pristker et al., 1996). The virtual reality hardware includes an electronic glove and head-mounted display. The specific hardware is the 5DT Glove (Fifth Dimension Technologies, 1996) and VIO I-Glasses (Virtual I-O, 1995), respectively. By wearing the 5DT Glove, the user can navigate through virtual space and manipulate a three dimensional simulation model. The VIO I-Glasses allows the user to experience immersion in the virtual modeling world. The head-mounted device constantly responds to the motions of the user's head to reflect changes in his view of the virtual world. With SMART, simulation practitioners are no longer restricted to building simulation models on a flat two dimensional space. Rather, they can now build three dimensional simulation models with high non-planar complexity through the virtual reality interface provided by SMART.