Network latency and perceived fidelity of motion in a networked flight simulator

Abstract

We investigated the effect of delay in the transmission of position information on the perceived fidelity of motion in networked flight simulation setting. Observers rated perceived fidelity of motion and ability to perform a chase formation flight task for the simulated maneuvers of an F-16 under three conditions of constant network delay (50, 150, 300 ms), three conditions of variable network delay (± 0, 12, 25 ms), and two levels of smoothing, a position correction algorithm (no smoothing, smoothing across 1 sec). We found significant effects of variable delay and smoothing and that the greater contributor to decreased perceived fidelity of motion is variable network delay. Implications of these results will be discussed and suggestions provided as to when algorithms such as smoothing should be enabled.