Department of Computer and Information Science
Final thesis
Analyzing and Re-designing Legacy
Systems for Enhanced Usability
Pierre Anderberg
LIU-IDA/LITH-A--11/002--SE
2011-02-03
Final thesis
Analyzing and Re-designing Legacy
Systems for Enhanced Usability
- A Case Study on the CATS TCT
by
Pierre Anderberg
LIU-IDA/LITH-A--11/002--SE
2011-02-03
Supervisor: Tomas Friberg, BAE Systems C-ITS
Examinator: Arne Jönsson, IDA HCS
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Sammanfattning
Den militära simulatorn CATS TCT är en stabsträningsanläggning använd av Sveriges försvarsmakt för utbildning av befattningshavare i staber på kompani‐ och bataljonsnivå. CATS TCT utvecklades på nittiotalet och en av dagens utmaningar är hur systemet kan moderniseras för att möta ett ökat krav på användarvänlighet. Detta examensarbete är en del i detta arbete och i samband med denna rapport har en användbarhetsstudie av systemet genomförts i syfte att identifiera de brister som finns hos systemet idag.
Denna studie är genomförd hos BAE Systems C‐ITS i Linköping och har fokuserat på hur simulatorn CATS TCT kan analyseras och omdesignas i syfte att förbättra systemets användbarhet. Empirisk data i denna studie är inhämtad via sex stycken semi‐strukturerade intervjuer, en observation samt två fokusgruppintervjuer och resultatet av studien har kunnat visa på ett flertal problemområden hos simulatorn relaterade till någon av följande användbarhetsaspekter: inre effektivitet, yttre effektivitet eller tillfredsställelse (eng: efficiency, effectiveness samt satisfaction).
Slutsatserna av denna studie är att simulatorn CATS TCT är ett värdefullt och av användarna uppskattat utbildningshjälpmedel framförallt om aspekten yttre effektivitet beaktas. När det kommer till aspekten inre effektivitet finns det mycket att önska och de områden vari brister identifierats i denna studie är följande: informations arkitekturen, interaktionen med
gränssnittets komponenter, det sätt på vilket order till enheter ges samt implementationen av simulatorns regler. När det gäller användarnas tillfredsställelse av systemet har ingen entydig
slutsats kunnat visas.
Som komplement till de identifierade bristerna hos simulatorn har denna studie även givit exempel på hur prototyper kan användas för att lösa några av de identifierade problemen. Mer specifikt, i denna rapport har lösningar relaterade till hur användarna interagerar med kartan,
Abstract
The CATS TCT is a military wargaming simulator used by the Swedish Armed Forces for education of position holders within battalion or company staffs. The CATS TCT was developed during the nineties and one of the challenges today is how the system can be modernized in order to meet the increased demands on usability. This master thesis is part of the work with modernizing the CATS TCT and a usability study has been conducted in order to identify issues and problems of the current system related to usability.
This thesis is conducted at BAE Systems C‐ITS in Linköping and the main focus of this study has been how to analyze and re‐design the CATS TCT in order to enhance the usability of the system. Empirical data in this study has been collected through six semi‐structured interviews, one observation and two focus group interviews and the result of this study has elicit several problem areas related to any of following usability aspects: effectiveness, efficiency or
satisfaction.
The conclusions from this investigation is that the CATS TCT simulator is an valuable and appreciated educational tool – especially from an effectiveness point of view. When it comes to efficiency, however, several problems areas has been identified and these areas are: information
architecture, interface interaction, how orders are issued to units and how the simulation rules are implemented. When it comes to the users satisfaction of the system no unequivocal conclusion
has been possible to present.
As a complement to the identified issues and problems of the simulator this study has also presented examples on how prototypes could be used to solve some of the identified problems. More specifically, in this report re‐design solutions related to how the users interact with the
map, how orders are issued and how status overview is displayed has been presented.
Acknowledgement
This master thesis would not have been possible to realize without the support and feedback from several important persons, and for this reason I would hereby like to express my deepest gratitude to following persons: • Tomas Friberg, my supervisor at BAE Systems C‐ITS. • Arne Jönsson, my examiner at Linköping University. • Hans Eklund, the system administrator of the CATS TCT and the person who made sure that I had all the resources I needed during the practical parts of this master thesis.
• Daniel Gustavsson and Joakim Axelsson, two of the developers at BAE Systems C‐ITS who I turned to for support from time to time.
• Tom Widerström, my opponent and friend who have given me valuable feedback but also much support.
• My fellow colleagues at Skaraborgs Regiment and within the Armed Forces who participated as respondents.
Finally I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuous support throughout this master thesis.
Table of content
Chapter 1 Introduction ... 1 1.1 Background ...11.2 About BAE Systems CITS...2
1.3 The CATS Tactical Command Trainer...2
1.4 The Underlying Reason for this Thesis...2
1.5 Aim and Questions of Research...2
1.6 Scope...3
Chapter 2 The CATS TCT... 4 2.1 Terminology ...4
2.2 The System Infrastructure ...5
2.2.1 Hardware ...5
2.2.2 Software ...6
2.2.3 Information ...6
2.3 The User Environment ...7
2.3.1 Roles...7
2.3.2 System Administrator, Technician or Game Master ...8
2.3.3 Company Commander...9
2.3.4 Forward observer officer...9
2.3.5 Quartermaster ... 10
2.3.6 Supervisors ... 10
2.3.7 Battalion Commander and Battalion Staff Members ... 10
2.4 The CATS Client User Interface ...10
2.4.1 Menu Bar... 11
2.4.2 Tool Bar ... 17
2.4.3 Windows ... 18
2.4.4 Context Menus ... 21
2.4.5 Units ... 25
Chapter 3 Theoretical Frame of References ...27 3.1 Usability...27
3.1.1 The Definition of Usability... 27
3.1.2 User Experience ... 29
3.1.3 Usefulness... 30
3.1.4 The Reasons for Developing Usable Systems... 32
3.2 User Centred Design...34
3.2.1 The Definition of User Centred design ... 34
3.2.2 Prototypes ... 36
3.2.3 Other User Centred Design Methods ... 38
3.3 Synthesis...40
3.3.1 Usability, User Experience and Usefulness ... 40
3.3.2 User centred Design and User Centred Design Methods ... 42
Chapter 4 Methodology...44 4.1 Scientific Approach...44
4.2 Research Approach...44
4.3 Research Design...45
4.3.1 The Case Study... 46
4.4 Data Collection and Data Analysis ...48
4.4.1 Qualitative interviews ... 49
4.4.2 Observation... 49
4.4.3 Focus group interviews and prototypes ... 50
Chapter 5 Methods ...51 5.1 Semistructured Interviews ...51
5.2 Observation...52
5.3 Focus Group interviews and prototypes...52
Chapter 6 Results ...54 6.1 General Opinions About the CATS TCT and how It Is Used ...54
6.1.1 The Respondents Experience of the System... 54
6.1.2 Typical and non‐typical Activities during Simulation ... 55
6.1.3 Simulation Time Frame ... 56
6.1.4 Communication and Interaction During Simulation... 57
6.1.5 The Respondents Wishes for Future Evolution of The CATS TCT ... 57
6.1.6 The Respondents Opinions About The CATS TCT... 58
6.1.7 Benefits and Weaknesses of the CATS TCT... 58
6.1.8 The Respondents Training on the System... 59
6.2 Specific Issues and Problems in the CATS TCT Related to Usability ...59
6.2.1 Menus ... 59
6.2.2 Buttons... 60
6.2.3 Keyboard Shortcuts... 61
6.2.4 Mouse Enabled Activities... 62
6.2.5 Other Issues and Problems ... 62
Chapter 7 Analysis...64 7.1 General Opinions about the CATS TCT...64
7.1.1 Effectiveness... 64
7.1.2 Efficiency... 64
7.1.3 Satisfaction... 65
7.1.4 Overall Usability... 65
7.1.5 How to Prioritize Issues and Problem... 66
7.2 Usability Issues and Problems ...66
7.3 Redesign Solutions ...73
7.3.1 Map Interaction... 73
7.3.2 Context Menus ... 76
7.3.3 Status Overview ... 80
Chapter 8 Discussion ...84 8.1 The Quality of the Study ...84
8.1.1 Internal Validity ... 84
8.1.2 External Validity ... 85
8.2 Result Discussion ...85
8.2.1 Practical Use of The Results... 85
8.2.2 Future Challenges for C‐ITS ... 86
8.3 Future Work ...86
Chapter 9 Conclusions...88 9.1 General Conclusions ...88
9.2 Usability Issues and Problems of the CATS TCT...88
9.2.1 Conclusion Relating to the Information Architecture ... 89
9.2.2 Conclusion Relating to the Interface Interaction... 89
9.2.3 Conclusions Related to how Orders are Issued... 89
9.2.4 Conclusions Related the Artificial Intelligence of the Units... 89
9.2.5 Conclusions Related to Rules Implementation... 89
9.2.6 Conclusions Related to the Look and Feel of the User Interface... 90
9.3 How to Prioritize Issues and Problems...90
9.4 Redesign solutions...90
9.4.1 Map interaction ... 90
9.4.2 Unit Context menu ... 91
9.4.3 Status overview... 91
References...94 Appendix 1 – Interview Guide, Respondents version...96 Appendix 2 – Interview Guide, Researchers Version ...97 Appendix 3 – Background on Respondents ...99
Table of figures
Figure 1‐1: Military simulations scale...1Figure 1‐2: A schematic picture of the CATS TCT ...3
Figure 2‐1: The Battle Management System view ...6
Figure 2‐2: The 3D client view...9
Figure 2‐3: The CATS client view ...9
Figure 2‐4: The armoured vehicle mock‐up ... 10
Figure 2‐5: The CATS client view ... 11
Figure 2‐6: The View menu... 12
Figure 2‐7: The Map menu and sub‐menu ... 12
Figure 2‐8: The Measurements Units window ... 13
Figure 2‐9: The Exercise menu... 14
Figure 2‐10: The User Defined Formation window ... 14
Figure 2‐11: The Settings menu... 15
Figure 2‐12: The Tactical Radio menu ... 16
Figure 2‐13: The Tactical Radio interface ... 16
Figure 2‐14: The Weather Monitor window ... 17
Figure 2‐15: Some of the most commonly used toolbar buttons and their groups... 18
Figure 2‐16: The Height Info map view... 19
Figure 2‐17: An example of how to choose between different overlays... 20
Figure 2‐18: The Organization window ... 20
Figure 2‐19: The State Info window... 21
Figure 2‐20: The State Info settings window ... 21
Figure 2‐21: The waypoints context menu ... 22
Figure 2‐22: An example of the unit context menu ... 22
Figure 2‐23: Unit ASJ conducts a terrain analysis... 23
Figure 2‐24: The sub‐menu of field engineering ... 25
Figure 2‐25: The Load Resource window... 25
Figure 2‐26: Different unit affiliations according to NATO standards... 26
Figure 3‐1: Usability framework ... 28
Figure 3‐2: Nielsen’s aspect of usability... 28
Figure 3‐3: Facets of user experience, UX... 29
Figure 3‐4: Usefulness/ease of use grid ... 31
Figure 3‐5: Redeployment strategy for a system ... 32
Figure 3‐6: Discrepancy between how user and management view a particular system ... 32
Figure 3‐7: The number of possible designs and the cost of changes during the development life cycle... 33
Figure 3‐8: The user centred design process ... 34
Figure 3‐9: The user centred design process step‐by‐step guide ... 35
Figure 3‐10: The cyclical prototyping process ... 38
Figure 3‐11: The software development life cycle... 38
Figure 3‐12: A star diagram representing the key factors of usability ... 40
Figure 3‐13: An effective system with some problems related to efficiency and satisfaction ... 42
Figure 3‐14: Development strategy for a system in order to enhance usability ... 42
Figure 3‐15: How to combine user centred design processes... 43
Figure 4‐1: The relation between theory and praxis... 45
Figure 4‐2: The user centred design process ... 46
Figure 4‐3: A schematic picture of the case study ... 48
Figure 4‐4: The relationship between methods, report outline and report outcome... 49
Figure 4‐5: Gold’s classifications of roles during observation... 49
Figure 6‐1: Context menu for a unit in the organization window... 60
Figure 6‐2: An example of how shortcuts could be presented together with buttons ... 61
Figure 6‐3: Selecting units by drawing a box ... 61
Figure 7‐1: The degree of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of the CATS TCT ... 65
Figure 7‐2: The proposed new design of the map context menu ... 74
Figure 7‐3: Three of the different re‐design solutions and the current design... 76
Figure 7‐4: A menu with opened and closed segments on Eniro Maps homepage ... 78
Figure 7‐5: Context menu alternative 4... 79
Figure 7‐6: A state info box appearing to the right of the unit which the cursor is held over... 80
Figure 7‐7: A State Info box showing the status of the aggregated unit QJ... 81
Figure 7‐8: Interacting with the State Info Box... 82
Figure 7‐9: The route of unit AQQJ displayed ... 83
Figure 9‐1: The overall level of usability of the CATS TCT and the proposed strategy ... 88
Figure 9‐2: The second re‐design alternative of the unit context menu ... 91
Figure 9‐3: An example on how the State Info box could be implemented ... 92
Figure 9‐4: The route of a unit displayed and complemented with call signs... 92
List of tables
Table 2‐1: Terms and explanations...4Table 2‐2: User roles in the CATS TCT system ...7
Table 2‐3: The application group of buttons... 18
Table 2‐4: The radio and communications group of buttons... 18
Table 2‐5: The map group of buttons ... 18
Table 2‐6: The overlay group of buttons... 18
Table 2‐7: The lost detections group of buttons... 18
Table 2‐8: The unit group of buttons... 18
Table 2‐9: Items and sub menus of the Order menu item ... 23
Table 3‐1: Comparison of different levels of prototype fidelity... 37
Table 3‐2: Usability methods ... 39
Table 5‐1: Summary of the respondents... 51
Table 7‐1: Issues and problems related to information architecture ... 66
Table 7‐2: Issues and problems related to interface interaction ... 67
Table 7‐3: Issues and problems related to issuing orders ... 69
Table 7‐4: Issues and problems related to the AI of the units ... 71
Table 7‐5: Issues and problems related to the rules implementation ... 72
Table 7‐6: Issues and problems related to the look and feel of the user interface... 73
Chapter 1
Introduction
The introduction chapter of this master thesis consists of a short background to wargaming simulators and usability, the aim and reason of this thesis, the scope and the questions of research. Further, this chapter does also consist of a short description of BAE Systems CITS who has ordered this master thesis and the CATS Tactical Command Trainer system, which is the context of this study.
1.1 Background
The best way to train for and experience a conflict is to participate in a conflict. However, there is no guarantee that you will leave a conflict undamaged, physically or mentally and therefore are realistic training and thorough preparations a necessity. Throughout history field exercises, map exercises, war games and models has been used in order to prepare men and women for war and conflict (Dunnigan, 1997). Today the evolution in computer technology has made it possible to run war like simulations. These simulators exist in many forms and with varying degrees of realism. Early versions of simulators were strictly military but today there is a growing range of simulators which scope of simulation includes also political and social factors (Dunnigan, 1997). Simulators has become a common tool for education and there are several reasons for their growing popularity. According to Taylor (1983) simulations in contrast to full‐scale military exercises are generally less time consuming and requires less resources and further is the use of computer simulations more cost effective than the use of field exercises (see figure 1‐1). Figure 11: Military simulations scale (Taylor, 1983) One important aspect of wargaming simulators is usability, which is a term that can be described as how easy a tool is to learn and use in order to achieve a certain goal. In the website Usability.gov (2010), managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, usability is referred to as a combination of factors such as: ease of learning, efficiency of use and memorability ‐ which are all important factors in a wargaming simulator. The first factor is necessary because of the small amount of time users have for training in how to use the simulators. In the simulator used by the Swedish Defence Forces, studied in this thesis, users only have one or two hours of pre‐exercise education and training. The second factor, efficiency of use, is essential during a major simulation exercise since any delays in accomplishing a task may lead to a whole different scenario than intended. Finally, if a simulator is easy to remember less time is needed for re‐education prior to any new exercise.This thesis covers computer‐based simulators, usability and user centred design methods. More specifically: the objective of this thesis is to map usability issues and examine how to use the
user centred design method prototyping for redesigning the wargaming simulator CATS Tactical Command Trainer, developed by BAE Systems C‐ITS.
1.2 About BAE Systems C‐ITS
BAE Systems C‐ITS AB, further referred as C‐ITS, is part of the BAE Systems group of companies. C‐ITS has about 90 employees with operations in Stockholm, Linköping, Orlando and Singapore. The head office is situated in Stockholm whereas the main development site is in Linköping. (C‐ ITS homepage, 2010) The main business focus for C‐ITS is within the area of training and education solutions through simulation and e‐learning and C‐ITS portfolio includes a wide range of solutions for live, constructive and virtual training; advanced distributed learning and security. (C‐ITS homepage, 2010)1.3 The CATS Tactical Command Trainer
The Tactical Command Training Simulator, further referred to as CATS TCT, is a wargaming simulator used for training military staffs on brigade, battalion and company level. During a simulation the exercised staff is equipped with material similar to the material used in the real workspace environment such as communication devices and tactical C2 systems. (C‐ITS homepage, 2010)
1.4 The Underlying Reason for this Thesis
CATS TCT is a product developed in the early nineties by C‐ITS. During the years the product has undergone several updates both on the platform side of the system as well as on the graphical user interface. However, CATS TCT has never been developed according to user centred design, instead formal requirements have laid out the foundation for any development process so far. This year, 2010, C‐ITS started a modernization project on the CATS family of products and one of the important branches of this project was an approach to include user centred design methods for enhanced usability and user experience in the development of the products. Since there has been no user involvement prior to this project, other than bug reporting, C‐ITS concluded that a first step must be to map current issues and problems related to usability. A second step should then be to evaluate which user centred design methods to use and how to use them in order to enhance usability.There are several user centred design methods to use when designing for usability, however, since the product was already developed and in need of a re‐design, not a new design, several of these methods, such as personas or scenarios, are unserviceable. Instead focus is on an investigation on: which usability issues and problems the CATS TCT has and how to address these
issues using the user centred design method prototypes. This thesis will investigate the CATS
client, a software module of the CATS TCT. The expected result from this investigation is a list of prioritized usability issues and problems and set of prototypes addressing these issues and problems.
1.5 Aim and Questions of Research
The aim of this thesis is two folded. The first aim is to map and prioritize issues and problems of the CATS client relating to usability and for this reason the first question of research has been formulated as follows:
• Which are the usability issues and problems of the CATS client and how should they be
prioritized?
The second aim of this thesis is to address the identified issues of the CATS client and propose re‐design prototypes:
• How can the CATS client interface be redesigned in order to enhance the usability of the
system?
Even though the aim of this thesis is two folded they are not to be seen as two separated parts of this study. The first aim is essential since no re‐design can be conducted without mapping of usability issues and problems.
1.6 Scope
The scope of this study is the CATS‐client of the CATS TCT. CATS TCT is a colossal product including several software modules such as a 3D client, the CATS client, a communication protocol and a map presentation application. On the hardware side of the CATS TCT are several servers, desktops and IO‐devices and from a user environment perspective the hardware and the software are complemented with realistic mock‐ups of combat vehicles and staffing tents. Figure 1‐2 shows a schematic picture of the CATS TCT and its components.
The main reason for delimiting the scope of this thesis to only include the CATS client is effectiveness. C‐ITS is only responsible for developing the CATS client of the TCT. Other software modules are developed by subcontractors and under no or small influence of C‐ITS.
Chapter 2
The CATS TCT
The CATS TCT is a wargaming simulator used for training military staffs on brigade, battalion and company level. In this chapter three perspectives of the CATS TCT are described. These perspectives are: the system infrastructure, the user environment and the CATS client interface.2.1 Terminology
There are several CATS TCT specific terms used throughout this chapter and for this reason a table of terms and explanations is included (see table 2‐1). This table is based on a similar table used in the CATS TCT Operators Manual (2009, pp.1). Not all terms are included however. Table 21: Terms and explanations (after CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, pp.1) Term Explanation3D client A computer (workstation) with augmented graphics capability that displays the 3D synthetic landscape and drive both monitors and projectors
Affiliation A unit’s (organization’s) membership. The affiliation determines a unit’s behaviour (whom he considers hostile and will combat). The four relationships apply: Own, Enemy (who combat each other), Allied and Neutral (who neither shoot nor will be shot by the system; collateral damage (from mines, artillery and other weapons efforts, however, will occur. Configuration Collection of computers for a given purpose such as running a specific kind of exercise or creating a scenario, etc. Context menu The menu displayed when the right mouse button is pressed. The specific context menu is dependent on what is selected (or if nothing is), where the pointer is located on screen, etc.
Domain Grouping of workstations which share resources and which are coupled through a network
Exercise Exercises are the result of opening, preparing and starting an instance based on a scenario. They have (unique) names, start (and sometimes) stop times. During an exercise orders can be given to units, movements can be performed, etc. Each exercise is based on a scenario; removing the scenario removes the exercise and all recorded events pertaining to it.
CATS client Workstation with normal graphics capability used to display a map and the interface with organization, status information, etc. and offering control over units in the exercise. This client is sometimes referred to as the Map client.
Organization
node Branch of the Orbat (hierarchy) to which other organization nodes can be dependent and to which units can be affiliated. Party “Nationality” (see Relationship). There are ten parties which can be named and colour‐
coded by exercise control.
Preparation Phase of exercise start. An exercise is prepared through the exercise control panel. This results in the positioning of units in the terrain and map, initiation of resources, establishment of relationships, etc. Preparation is performed after the exercise is opened (read in) but before any recording has begun. Preparation is a prerequisite for starting an exercise. Scenarios cannot be prepared in this sense, only exercises.
Recording The registration of events in an exercise for later replay. Communications are included among all the events recorded.
Relationship Affiliation between roles due to party. There are four relationships: Own; Enemy (Hostile); Allied; Neutral.
Resources Items and supplies, which are allotted units. These can be consumed, loaded, transferred and destroyed during an exercise. Among resources are: fuel, weapons, ammunition, personnel, sensors, etc. Changes to resources and in the amounts available can be performed during the creation of a scenario and the running of an exercise.
Role The name of those that are able (have rights) to control units. Roles are associated to organization nodes and units. The Role is a filter, which inhibits presentation and control of units not detected and permits control (write permission) and selection (read permission) of allocated units.
Scenario The prerequisites for an exercise. The Scenario is built with all the units, their resources, information and associations, environmental aspects required for an exercise. The results of scenario creation are several database records. When exercises are run they are based on and belong to a specific scenario. A scenario cannot be run (prepared, started) but any number of exercises based on the scenario can. Unit The smallest item that can be controlled by issuing orders, and act independently, in an exercise. In the TCT simulator this is often a vehicle/craft with associated resources and crew. Workstation One (or more connected) computers onto which a user can log in.
2.2 The System Infrastructure
The system infrastructure of the CATS TCT can be divided in three parts. First there is hardware, then there is software and finally there is information. In this section all of these parts will be described briefly. 2.2.1 HardwareThe hardware of the CATS TCT consists of workstations, servers, battle management systems, and digital messaging systems, all connected by an Ethernet LAN (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009). Workstations are often called clients and processing different parts of the simulation. There is the CATS clients, that is, workstations displaying the map and managing units. There is also 3D clients which basically are workstations configured with a 3D rendering application. The CATS TCT uses two different servers for managing their databases. The first server is a Advantage Database Server managing the relational database while the second server is a pure SQL server (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009).
Besides the work stations and servers the CATS TCT include Battle Management Systems, BMS, and Digital Messaging System, DMS. The BMS is the same as the one used in the real world. The only difference is that the BMS of the CATS TCT is using input from the simulator instead of input from real units. The Battle Management System might look similar to the CATS client but there are differences. The CATS client is a simulator while the BMS is a device used for force tracking – a tool for enhancing the situational awareness. Another difference is that the BMS is using a touch screen for interaction. In figure 2‐1 the user interface of the BMS is displayed. The DMS on the other hand is basically a two‐way radio that enables communication between the position holders at battalion and company level.
2.2.2 Software
The software in the CATS TCT includes, among other things, a workstation operating system, a server operating system, the CATS client, the 3D client, a map presentation application, two database systems and a PC‐dart application. The operating system used throughout the simulator is Windows XP except for the servers, which run Windows2003 Server. Further is most of the code written in C++ and adapted for the Windows platform. (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009)
The CATS client is the simulation software that provides the interface for the users. The simulation software uses the generic CATS platform with special utility modules, such as a map presentation application, attached. An example of the CATS client view can be seen in figure 2‐3. Two different database systems are used in the CATS TCT for managing the necessary information and its relations. The structure of the database is explained in more detail in section 2.2.3. The last part of the software is the PC‐dart application. The PC‐dart application is a third party software developed for managing text message communication according to pre‐defined formats. The PC‐dart is usually used when calling on indirect fire support or supplies. However, there are several formats to use and reconnaissance units send their reconnaissance reports via the PC‐dart. 2.2.3 Information The information part of the CATS TCT infrastructure is made up by: behaviour models and four database structures from which all information used in the exercises or scenarios are collected. The behaviour models are the primary physical models used by the CATS TCT and comprise movement, detection, target acquisition, direct fire, indirect fire and unit vulnerability (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009). However, no simulation can be conducted without the basic building blocks that describe the attributes of each entity in the CATS TCT system. These basic building blocks are divided into four SQL database structures, organized as follows (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009):
• Configuration – This structure contains configurations, machine groupings, user permissions, and settings. • Basic data – The basic data structure contains the basic building blocks for simulations such as units, resources, parameters, weather, etcetera. • Scenarios and exercises – This structure includes organization structures, exercises that have been run, and their settings
• Events – This fourth and last database structure include all events that are generated during an exercise. These events are stored in a database which enables analysis both during and after an exercise
2.3 The User Environment
The user environment in the CATS TCT differs depending on what specific role the user has. There are several roles used in the system. There are administrative personnel, game masters, position holders at company and battalion level and there are also supervisors. In this section each role and its user environment is described briefly. 2.3.1 Roles In table 2‐2 each role in the system is presented. Some roles, such as game master, supervisor and battalion staff member are aggregated terms. There are, for example, several different game masters but in this thesis it is not necessary to describe each game master in detail. Therefore a more general description is sufficient. This is also the case for the other aggregated terms that are presented in table 2‐2. Table 22: User roles in the CATS TCT system Role Description System administrator The system administrator is the person responsible for the CATS TCT. His or her main tasks are to manage and maintain the system. During exercises the system administrator supports the game master by starting and stopping the exercises and solve technical problems if they occur. Technician The technician helps the system administrator to maintain the CATS TCT system. During exercises the task are similar to the tasks performed by the system administrator.
Game Master The game master is part of a team of game masters, each responsible for a particular area within the game. There are, for example, one game master responsible for intelligence reports and the enemy side. Another game master is responsible for fire support. During an exercise the game master plays his area according to a pre‐defined game plan. It is also the game master who decides the outcome of any situation in the game.
Company Commander The company commander is position holder within the unit (often a battalion) under training. The company commander controls units in the game that represents his or her units in the real world.
Forward observer officer A forward observer officer is responsible for coordinate the fire support within a company. Normally a company does not have any own resources for fire support and the forward observer officer request to use a battalion resource instead. Quartermaster The quartermaster is responsible for supplying the units of a company with
resources such as water, fuel, ammunition and provisions. During the exercises the quartermaster coordinates supplies from the battalion logistics company. Further is the quartermaster also responsible for controlling the units of the supply platoon.
Supervisor Each unit under training is responsible for bringing their own supervisors. Supervisor is an aggregated term describing several different types of
supervisors. Normally there is at least one person supervising the battalion commander, but there can also be supervisors supervising other position holder. During an exercise the supervisor observe the whereabouts of the battalion and gives feedback on its performance during the breaks for evaluation. Battalion Commander The battalion commander is the highest ranking officer in the unit under training. The training of the battalion commander and his staff is the main focus of the CATS TCT. During an exercise a battalion commander controls the units of the battalion. However, the battalion commander has no possibility to interact with the CATS client and must use radio communication for issuing orders. Battalion Staff Member The staff members are highly specialized position holders whose main tasks are to support the battalion commander. These individuals has no possibility to interact directly to the CATS client but must issue order through radio communication.
2.3.2 System Administrator, Technician or Game Master
The system administrator, the technician and the game masters have a similar user environment. They are all stationed in the gaming pit and use both the CATS client and the 3D client (the CATS and 3D client view can be seen in figure 2‐2 and 2‐3). The game masters are all equipped with one additional screen linked to the CATS client in order to be able to display the map on one screen. Since both the CATS client and the 3D client are separated each user is equipped with two keyboards and mice. There is also a headset for radio communication, but it is seldom used since most of the communication is to other users positioned in the gaming pit.
2.3.3 Company Commander
The company commander is stationed in the gaming pit together with other position holders on company level. Each company is assigned a game table and at each table a company commander, a forward observer officer and a quartermaster is positioned. The company commander uses a CATS client and a 3D client. Since these two clients are separate the company commanders needs two keyboards and two mice in order to interact properly. Radio communication is achieved through a headset and there is also a satellite phone available at the game table. 2.3.4 Forward observer officer
The forward observer officer is positioned together with the company commander and the quartermaster. The fire supports specialist is only assigned a CATS client and this particular client has more strict settings. In contrast to the company commander and the quartermaster, the forward observer officer does not control any units and the only interaction he or she can do is to navigate the map and send DART messages. Since the forward observer officer only uses one client he or she is only equipped with one keyboard, one mouse and a headset. Figure 22: The 3D client view (CITS homepage, 2010) Figure 23: The CATS client view
2.3.5 Quartermaster
The quartermaster has the same equipment as the forward observer officer, but unlike the forward observer officer he can command and control any of the units within the company. However, most of the time he or she is controlling the supply platoon units.
2.3.6 Supervisors
Supervisors are usually positioned in the gaming pit together with the game masters and the company position holders. However, in order to evaluate how the battalion commander or his or her staff is performing they need to move between the gaming pit and the other rooms of the facility. In the gaming pit each supervisor is equipped with a CATS client, a keyboard, a mouse and a headset. The supervisors have a configuration of the CATS client that allows them to observe all units in the game – friendly or hostile. They have also the possibility to interact with these units, but that is seldom done.
2.3.7 Battalion Commander and Battalion Staff Members
The user environment of the battalion commander and the battalion staff members are basically the same as in a real world scenario. Each command team is positioned in either a armoured vehicle mock‐up or a tent mock‐up. These mock‐ups are equipped according to how they are equipped in the real world. That is, none of the position holders at battalion level has any CATS client, except for the drivers of each vehicle mock‐up. However, those command teams that are positioned in the armoured vehicle mock‐ups have projections screens displaying the view of a 3D client. In figure 2‐4 a part of the projection screen and the armoured vehicle mock‐up can be seen. The person to the left in the picture is acting as a driver and he is the only one in the command team that has a CATS client.
2.4 The CATS Client User Interface
In this section the user interface of the CATS TCT is described. The first part of this section gives an overview of the interface while the later parts describes specific elements of the interface in more detail. Figure 24: The armoured vehicle mockup and one of the projection screens (CATS TCT Information Folder, 2008, p.2)The CATS client consists of three commonly used windows, a menu bar and a toolbar. However, further windows can be opened through certain menu choices (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009). In figure 2‐5 an overview of the user interface is presented focusing on the menu bar, the toolbar and the three commonly used windows, which are: Organization window, Map window and State Info window. 2.4.1 Menu Bar
The menu bar of the CATS TCT follows the standards of any Microsoft Windows application. That is, it behaves as any other Windows application menu bar and has the same look and feel. However, the differences between the CATS TCT and other applications are the content of the menus and how they are structured. The menu bar of the CATS TCT comprise of following menu elements if the company commander configuration is used (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009): FILE
This menu is a standard menu used in all Microsoft Windows applications and is used for managing the application. For this reason this menu is never used by the common user.
Figure 25: The CATS client view displaying: a.) Menu bar and Toolbar b.) State Info window c.) Organization window d.) Map window
VIEW The View menu is used for selecting which windows to show or hide. This menu is also used for selecting which set of toolbar buttons to display. The menu items and the toolbar sub menu is presented I figure 2‐6. MAP This menu is an extensive menu containing several menu items as well as sub menus (see figure 2‐7). However, many items are self‐explanatory and therefore not described any further in this thesis. Instead only a sub set of the items are explained and these items are: Units, Map Window, Zoom Aggregation Settings and Show Selected Route. Further are also overlays as an aggregated term described. Figure 27: The Map menu and submenu (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.56) Figure 26: The View menu (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.53)
The first item, Units, opens a window (see figure 2‐8) where the user can set the units of measurement used by the system. Map Window, which is the second menu element and contains a sub menu of several items, is used for controlling map interaction and map settings. Most of these Map Window items are also represented as buttons on the toolbar (see section 2.4.2).
Zoom Aggregation Settings is used for setting the map scales at which various levels of the
organizational units should aggregate. For example, a user can decide to aggregate his platoons as a company node whenever the map scale is between 1:100 000 and 1:50 000.
The last item, Show Selected Route, is used for displaying the selected route of a unit in the map. The selected route is depicted as a red pin‐jointed arrow. This functionality, however, can only be used on the highest node of an aggregated unit. That is, if a company has been assigned a route this route is not visible if units on a lower level of aggregation are selected, for example a platoon. If the route had been assigned directly to the platoon, the function Show Selected Route would have been possible to use. Overlay is a term describing an object drawn on the map. These objects are used by the users to create a visual tactical control plans or to mark important terrain features or enemy sightings. Overlays can be shared between users and it is common that the commander of reconnaissance units draws a reconnaissance map and distributes to the other commanders as a complement to the reconnaissance reports. SCENARIO PREPARATION Figure 28: The Measurement Units window (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.57)
This menu item does not contain any items when a regular user such as a company commander uses the CATS client. Only user with exercise control or system administration privileges can use this menu. EXERCISE The exercise menu is comprised of a wide range of menu items (see figure 2‐9). Some of these have their own sub menus while others are used to open function specific windows. The 3D item opens a sub‐menu where a user, for example, can specify which view mode to use on the 3D client, that is, how the 3D environment of a unit is presented. The second item, Messages, opens the message dialog box, which displays text messages generated by the system and the third item, Clear State Info, empty the State Info table.
The fourth item, User Defined Formation, is used for designing a formation, which units under a node will follow when they are given a route and Own Formation is selected in the formation drop‐down list. The window that is opened upon selecting User Defined Formation can be seen in figure 2‐10.
Figure 210: The User Defined Formation window (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.84) Figure 29: The Exercise menu (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.82)
The fifth item, Order Queue, opens a window where all issued orders of a unit are displayed. Menu item Events is used for displaying events linked to LULIS (Swedish: Luftlägesinformationssystem, English: Airspace State Information System). The sixth item, Select
Actor, is used for changing user assigned roles. A change off role effects which units are available
in the organization and thus which can be given orders. The last item, Workgroup, is used to connect or disconnect communications to a selected unit.
SETTINGS
The Settings menu collects some of the settings related items (see figure 2‐11). The first menu element, State Info Settings, is used for deciding which information to display in the State Info window. The second element, Label Settings, is used for defining the appearance of labels while the last element, Lost Detections, is used for setting the time lost detections are visible in the map.
Note there are several other function specific settings located elsewhere – as menu element items or as sub‐menu items.
TACTICAL RADIO
The Tactical Radio menu is used for determine which radio nets to monitor and on which to transmit. The menu itself is comprised of following menu items: Select Radio, Show Radio Panel and Radio Panel Settings, which can be seen in figure 2‐12.
The Select Radio element opens a separate window where the user can select which equipment a unit is to use for communication. Radio type, antenna and emitting power impact the range of the radio, how easy it is to detect and its susceptibility to interference as well (CATS TCT Operators Manual). The menu items Show Radio Panel and Radio Panel settings are linked to the radio panel interface used by the user. Where Show Radio Panel displays the tactical radio interface (see figure 2‐13) Radio Panel Settings is used to determine which nets to monitor and which to transmit on.
WEATHER
The Weather menu include the Weather Monitor item, which opens a separate window (see figure 2‐14). Through this window a user can monitor aspects of the weather, such as wind direction and speed, sight or precipitation.
Figure 212: The Tactical Radio menu (CATS TCT Operators Manual, p.91)
Figure 214: The Weather Monitor window (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.52)
HELP
When interacting with the Help menu a document with the CATS TCT Operators Manual is opened and the software version number is displayed. 2.4.2 Tool Bar The tool bar consists of several buttons that offer quick access to some of the most commonly used functions. The exact amount of buttons depends on a number of factors such as state of the exercise and user role. Further has each user the possibility to choose which group of buttons to show or hide. (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009)
The buttons are by default placed along the top of the application window and the different groups of buttons can be moved to any desired position on the screen (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009). In figure 2‐15 most of the tool bar buttons and their groups are presented. Note that each group of buttons is separated with a grey stripe.
Figure 215: Some of the most commonly used tool bar buttons and their groups (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.9)
Most of the buttons represents a function that also is available through the menus. In this particular configurations, depicted in figure 2‐15, following functions are represented as buttons (see table 2‐3 to 2‐8): Table 23: The application group of buttons APPLICATION View Table 24: The radio and communications group of buttons RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS Show Radio Panel Table 25: The map group of buttons MAP
Select Zoom in Zoom out
Pan Map Map View
Map Layer Settings Overlays
Contrast Static Measurement Dynamic Measurement
Print Map Scale Symbol Symbol with Headings
Zoom Aggregation Level Table 26: The overlays group of buttons OVERLAYS Draw Overlay Overlay Objects Table 27: The lost detections group of buttons LOST DETECTIONS Lost Detections Table 28: The unit group of buttons UNIT
Make New Route Remove Route Unit Speed
Fire on Call Remove Fire on Call Load Troops
Unload Troops Unit Formation
2.4.3 Windows
There are three main windows used in the CATS client: the Map window, the Organization
system and these windows are often opened when the user interacts with a tool bar button or a menu item. Some of these windows has been described in previous sections and are therefore not described in this section.
MAP
The Map window is a detachable window displaying the, for the scenario or exercise, chosen map view. In figure 2‐16 the map window is displaying a height info map but there are several different maps to choose from, such as different raster maps or the shaded height level map. (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009)
Figure 216: The Height Info map view and the Select Map dialog (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.67)
Another feature of the map window is overlays. There are a number of overlays displayed by default, such as the Symbols overlay. Each overlay can be set to be visible or hidden by the user. In figure 2‐17 is an example of how to choose which overlays to display. (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009)
ORGANIZATION The organization window displays all available units in a hierarchal order (see figure 2‐18). Note that the nodes are not physical units but aggregations of subordinate nodes and units. Only the leaves of this hierarchy are representations of real physical units. (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009) At the top of the organization window are three buttons (see figure 2‐18). The first one is used to separate the unit symbol from any hit or damage marking. The second button is used to display which units that are flag players and the third and last button is used for toggle display of aggregation in the organization. (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009) STATE INFO The State Info window is a detachable window in the same manner as the other windows of the CATS client. In this window, information on selected units in the organization is displayed in a simple table (see figure 2‐19). This information can be configured according to the users desires Figure 218: The Organization window (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.10) Figure 217: An example of how to choose between different overlays (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.68)
– which State Info items to display and the internal ordering of these columns. In figure 2‐20 is the State Info settings window and all State Info items presented. However, note that Symbol (S. in column one of figure 2‐19) is not selectable. This item is always displayed in the State Info window. Figure 219: The State Info window (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009, p.55)
As stated in the beginning of this section: only information on selected units is displayed. In order to add a unit to the State Info window the user must select that unit or aggregate of units and choose State Info from the context menu. When State Info is selected the unit will remain in the State Info window until it is removed. Removing a unit can be done either by double clicking on the row of the unit or by selecting Clear State Info from the Settings menu. (CATS TCT Operators Manual, 2009)
2.4.4 Context Menus
The CATS client uses context menus for command and control of entities in the game and for map interaction. The order and content of these context menus depends on several conditions, such as licensed functions, unit or entity characteristics and permissions granted to the user.
