Design and task analysis for a game-based shiphandling simulator using an open source game engine (DELTA3D)

Abstract

plication designed to reduce the knowledge gap between classroom instruction and hands-on training onboard naval academy training boats (YPs). The goal was to develop a proof-of concept game-based simulator that uses 3D graphics to replicate basic tasks executed onboard the YPs. Two missions were selected for a brief task analysis study to determine the design of the respective game scenario and requirements. The design process involved in building user interface, physics model, 3D models, and artificial intelligence actors are described in this work. For thesis purposes, YPSim was designed using the Brazilian Naval Academy's YP as a training framework development environment. Using a sample of the final end user population, we conducted a user acceptance study of proof-of-concept version of YPSim (v0.14) at the Brazilian Naval Academy. The findings in this work can be generalized to any other naval academy or institution where basic navigation and shiphandling instruction is provided. Initial results from a prototype implementation of YPSim at the Brazilian Naval Academy provided insights into the potential use of this training system.