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Sandia Labs Creates "Sim-Terrorist Attack"

Posted by chrisd on from the i-want-a-copy dept.

linuxwrangler writes "This article in the San Francisco chronicle describes the new "Weapons of Mass Destruction Decision Analysis Center" software created at Sandia labs. Work started on the software, modeled after the popular Sim* series of games, well before 9/11. It is designed to simulate a "war room" atmosphere and looks like a cool way to put geek toys to practical use. Now if I could just download the tarball...." Be sure to examine the picture of it running on their CAVE like system.

5 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. CAVE-like? not... by jabbo · · Score: 5, Informative

    That thing looks nothing like a CAVE. I worked at the Cornell Theory Center and my group used our CAVE a lot... it is ideal to cover 3 angles (via 3 walls and projection) for immersion, and a CAVE is typically used for more immersive visualizations than spreading out information ala' their display.

    Theirs is more like a movie screen.

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    Remember that what's inside of you doesn't matter because nobody can see it.
  2. Getting ride of terrorists attacks is easy... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just go up to the menu and turn disasters off.

  3. Aeron Chairs?! by guttentag · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What are thousand-dollar Aeron chairs, which the dot coms were criticized for wasting money on, doing at a government lab?

    1. Re:Aeron Chairs?! by beer_maker · · Score: 4, Informative
      I work across the street, at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, and the answer is simple: They have the high tech ergonomic chairs to prevent RSI. It's one of the coolest features of working here that they will go to almost any length to accommodate a ergomonic need (not want, but need.)

      Waste of money, you say? Actually, given the cost of the security clearances (up to $100K) it's insanely cost-effective to spend money on keeping their people well. They don't buy these chairs because the chair is comfortable, they buy the chair because it is designed to let you work without hurting yourself, which seems to involve a high level of comfort.

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  4. Wow... by T3kno · · Score: 4, Funny

    That text is really sharp. It's amazing how the pale whiteness of her skin makes for a really good projection surface.

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