NPSNET: JANUS-3D Providing three-dimensional displays for a traditional combat model

Abstract

This work involves integrating the Army's existing combat modeling tool, JANUS, with the real-time three-dimensional graphics display offered by NPSNET. The development of a portable software package that can create a three-dimensional virtual world from any existing JANUS terrain database is explained. In addition, a scripting tool capable of rendering JANUS scenarios previously executed in the traditional twodimensional model is discussed. This replay capability allows the gamer/analyst the ability to watch the three-dimensional battle unfold from any position on the battlefield. Lastly, the implementation of a real-time, networked link from the two-dimensional JANUS model to NPSNET is detailed. This link involves an Ethernet connection from a Sun workstation, which houses the two-dimensional model, to a Silicon Graphics workstation used for rendering the real-time three-dimensional simulation. The methodology used and techniques developed are fully portable to any workstation with X-windows capability and any graphics workstation equipped with the GL libraries. CPT Walter concentrated his efforts in the areas of translations of JANUS(A) files to NPSNET file format and the networking of both JANUS(X) and NPSNET. CPT Warren's primary focus was on generating three-dimensional terrain and the writing of JANUS(A) scripts that NPSNET can read. Both CPT Walter and CPT Warren worked together to create the tree and city canopies and other cultural features.