Validation and verification of virtual environment training systems

Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, a VE-based simulator for training submarine Officers of the Deck has been developed using a testbed of off-the-shelf hardware and software devices. The VE system uses a head-mounted display and voice recognition system to allow trainees to practice navigation of the surfaced submarine through a harbor channel marked by buoys, range markers, and other navigation aids. This paper describes the task analysis, derived requirements, and validation and verification (V&V) process used throughout development of the prototype simulation. Where possible, the general applicability of the V&V techniques to VE training is discussed