Graphical CONOPS Prototype to Demonstrate Emerging Methods, Processes, and Tools at ARDEC

This research is a continuation of research initiated in August 2011. The goal of the research was to continue the investigation of graphical 3D gaming environments in the construction of a shared mental model during concept development. A result of the research is an artifact that is a proof of concept prototype, the CONOPS Navigator. The Navigator is intended to provide a 3D virtual guide through the development of a CONOPS, and also to integrate various tools and applications currently in use. This integration is a widely-sought capability, one which will enable current CONOPS developers and users the flexibility to import and export analysis parameters and results to and from various familiar and well-used tools. Legacy systems are a fact of life in operational concerns; this prototype is intended to demonstrate interconnectivity on a limited scale between specific simulation and mathematical modeling software packages, via a main operational environment. This environment was built using a game development environment. This task was always envisioned as part of a larger CONOPS research agenda. As research progressed, the potential synergies from merging RT 31 with RT 23, and then combining development architecture and strategies with RT 30, became apparent. Some already-developed external interfaces were seen as adjuncts to the activities performed in RT 30 and these interfaces would certainly be useful in the future. By far, the greater synergies in the development effort were in architecture and operational issues--such issues are transparent to the user but vital to successful delivery. Further exploration led to an integrated data-set and application.