News:

January 30, 2008 - Available for download here, summary of the Cyberball Technology.

October 26, 2007 - Available for download here, the PowerPoint Presentation shown to brazilian military authorities in Brasilia.

October 04, 2007 - The Orlando meetings attended by CSA during September, the descriptive document can be acessed here.

September 28, 2007 - CSA to attend brazilian Ministry of Defence Seminar. The invitation letter can be acessed here.

September 27, 2007 - Available for download, a STUDY OF THE ENTERPRISE VIABILITY of the Cyberball concept here.

Virtual systems and human interface might be the leading technology trend in the simulation industry. Instead of having an exact replica of cockpit (i.e.hardware) to train in, pilots will now have the opportunity to train with new systems based on helmets with head tracking systems and tactile gloves. Full fidelity simulators will no longer be hardware driven, but based on a virtual 3D environment.

Frost & Sullivan presents the 2004 Technology Innovation Award to Advanced Simulation Systems, Inc, (ASSI) for its Cyberball simulation system concept. Although not yet in production and about two years away from its first order, ASSI's Cyberball shows definite signs that it might lead the way to the next generation of flight training devices.

The Cyberball's main advantages will be total immersion for the pilot and its enhanced motion sensation and capabilities, far superior to a traditional motion platform of today, allowing a full 360-degree range of motion. This approach delivers the capability to provide a full-flight fidelity training experience in a virtual cockpit with physical flight controls providing force feedback. Another advantage of Cyberball is its small footprint that makes it easily deployable, an important benefit for today's very mobile military. This would allow pilots in theatre or far away from their formal bases to keep on training without risking a sortie or to rehearse a mission before executing the mission. In terms of training quality, there is no difference between traditional flight training devices and Cyberball other than the human interface. Multi-crew coordination can be accomplished by using two or more devices networked together. Cyberball also enables rapid flight deck prototyping and low cost updates (software changes only) to coincide with aircraft modifications.

Frost & Sullivan recognizes the importance of technology innovations to drive the market forward and improve the ease, quality, and safety of training. Cyberball combines all the key elements to successfully drive the market towards the next generation of flight training devices.

Although initially the virtual systems will be far more expensive than currently available simulators, they will come down in price. Reasons for high costs will be the cost of the different software needed for multiple aircraft configurations. Technology involving head tracking to keep the pilot’s head position and eye points synchronized, tactile seats and gloves, and multiple channel head mounted displays will also drive up the cost initially.

In response to the military's need for a complete training experience that includes G-force and motion sensations, Cyberball is configured to recreate a complete sensation environment. Although the G-loading will not be as intense as actual flight, motion cues and pressure points will be accurately conveyed to the pilot's body during unusual attitude maneuvers, basic fighter maneuvers (BFM) and inverted flight. The military had moved away from motion systems for fighter training because the original simulators were not realistic enough with regards to G-force and some motion sensations. Even with bladder G-suits and motorized seat harnesses, G-force simulation was not portrayed accurately enough. This resulted in a negative training experience for the pilots using the simulators, not preparing them well enough for the rigors of air combat. Consequently, emphasis was placed on 360-degree visual systems including domes. Cyberball will reintroduce motion back into the flight training equation for fighter pilots.