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Title: Wargaming and interactive color graphics

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5047637

JANUS is a two-sided interactive color graphic simulation in which human commanders can direct their forces, each trying to accomplish their mission. This competitive synthetic battlefield is used to explore the range of human ingenuity under conditions of incomplete information about enemy strength and deployment. Each player can react to new situations by planning new unit movements, using conventional and nuclear weapons, or modifying unit objectives. Conventional direct fire among tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, helicopters, and other units is automated subject to constraints of target acquisition, reload rate, range, suppression, etc. Artillery and missile indirect fire systems deliver conventional munitions, smoke, and nuclear weapons. Players use reconnaissance units, helicopters, or fixed wing aircraft to search for enemy unit locations. Counter-battery radars acquire enemy artillery. The JANUS simulation at LLL has demonstrated the value of the computer as a sophisticated blackboard. A small dedicated minicomputer is adequate for detailed calculations, and may be preferable to sharing a more powerful machine. Real-time color interactive graphics are essential to allow realistic command decision inputs. Competitive human-versus-human synthetic experiences are intense and well-remembered. 2 figures.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
5047637
Report Number(s):
UCRL-84090; CONF-800819-3
Resource Relation:
Conference: Summer computer simulation conference, Seattle, WA, USA, 25 Aug 1980
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English