Efficient creation of computer-generated force (CGF) entities using frequency response matrices

A computer system to generate a computer-generated forces (CGF) entity that includes a simulated external vehicle to be used within an interactive computer simulation that is displayed within an interactive simulation environment by an interactive computer simulation station, the simulated external vehicle being distinct from a simulated user-controlled vehicle controlled by a user of the interactive computer simulation, the computer system comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to:

• create an array of state-space model structures having initially unknown parameters that, once known, will define a linearized approximation of a non-linear model of the simulated external vehicle;
• generate frequency response matrices by exciting each input-output relationship of the non-linear model of the simulated external vehicle at a plurality of trim conditions using Gaussian pulses each having a period no longer than 2 seconds, wherein the Gaussian pulses are provided by physically manipulating one or more tangible instruments of the interactive computer simulation station via a mechanical instrument actuator, wherein the frequency response matrices define a plurality of linear equations;
• calculate the parameters by solving the linear equations of the frequency response matrices to thereby provide an array of state-space models that defines the linearized approximation of the non-linear model of the simulated external vehicle;
• and
• use the array of state-space models to generate the CGF entity.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable code which is executable by a processor to perform a method of generating a computer-generated forces (CGF) entity that includes a simulated external vehicle to be used within an interactive computer simulation that is displayed within an interactive simulation environment by an interactive computer simulation station, the simulated external vehicle being distinct from a simulated user-controlled vehicle controlled by a user of the interactive computer simulation, the method comprising:

• creating an array of state-space model structures having initially unknown parameters that, once known, will define a linearized approximation of a non-linear model of the simulated external vehicle;
• generating frequency response matrices by exciting each input-output relationship of the non-linear model of the simulated external vehicle at a plurality of trim conditions using Gaussian pulses each having a period no longer than 2 seconds, wherein the Gaussian pulses are provided by physically manipulating one or more tangible instruments of the interactive computer simulation station via a mechanical instrument actuator, wherein the frequency response matrices define a plurality of linear equations;
• calculating the parameters by solving the linear equations of the frequency response matrices to thereby provide an array of state-space models that defines the linearized approximation of the non-linear model of the simulated external vehicle;
• and
• using the array of state-space models to generate the CGF entity.