Noblis Researchers Are Playing Games to Build Better Operational Concepts
The ConceptToday’s difficult problems and large, complex systems require well-defined and innovative operational requirements. Noblis is developing such innovative operational requirements by having potential system users play games. The research produced new technology that collects the out-of-the-box insights of the game players in a form useable by systems engineers.
The Research
The Noblis research consists of two parts: the game developed to allow first responders to virtually respond to a chemical and explosive attack in a virtual shopping mall, and the data extraction technology developed to allow game data to be collected, analyzed, and used by standard systems engineering tools.
The HotZone Game
Noblis researchers first developed HotZone, a first responder game using open source game engines and software. HotZone includes multiple first responders, an incident commander, and victims from a shopping mall. The game is played by the team of first responders saving lives through triage, evacuation, and decontamination. But the key is to find the source of the chemical release. HotZone is easily learned and played by first responders. While the game can be played completely in virtual space, to increase realism, Noblis researchers also interfaced the game to other high-tech environments such as our Mobile Wireless Laboratory allowing players to see the effects of new technology. HotZone was also presented at the Serious Games Summit.
Click here to see a video of HotZone.
Extracting Game Player Strategies
In order to make HotZone more than a game or training exercise, the Noblis researchers also developed the critical technology to extract the insights, strategies, and tactics as the first responders play the game. This newly developed technology will work with virtual games other than HotZone.
Working with First Responders
Noblis has a long history of working with first responders and public safety personnel through our Center for Criminal Justice Technology. To demonstrate that operational concepts can in fact be developed using games such as HotZone, many first responders have played our game. Locally, Arlington County Fire Department personnel, as well as first responders from Fairfax County, used their expert skills to play the game. But other experts from the Cary, N.C., Fire Department and EMS and ER personnel from the Duke University Medical Center have also played HotZone. Noblis is also working with Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, N.C., to train first responders using HotZone.
Noblis Research
Noblis Research (NR) is a vital and essential part of corporate life at Noblis; it provides an outlet for the creative and innovative spirit found throughout the Noblis organization. During 2005, Noblis funded and conducted research in six major areas: biometrics, networks, knowledge management, systems engineering, life sciences, and acquisition.
