Framework Doctrine

Determination

Simulation fidelity is defined by structure, not appearance.

This document defines the core determinations of the Simulation Fidelity Rating framework.

Core Determinations

Core

Simulation fidelity is determined by physics, not perception
Structure defines system behavior
Appearance does not indicate accuracy
Motion must originate from vehicle physics
The center of mass defines correct rotational behavior
Degrees of freedom must be independent to be valid
Synchronization across systems is required
Vestibular input must align with visual input
Timing defines perception
Incorrect input produces incorrect adaptation

Motion and Physics

Motion

Motion must represent the state of the vehicle
Rotation must occur about the correct axes
Yaw is required for trajectory understanding
Pitch and roll must align with vehicle dynamics
Motion that is approximated is not equivalent to motion that is derived
Mechanical movement is not equal to physical accuracy

System Architecture

Architecture

Physics must drive motion
Motion cannot be applied after the fact
Coupled axes cannot produce independent behavior
Inverse kinematics does not replace physical modeling
A system that cannot resolve motion at the center of mass is not in-the-loop

Timing and Perception

Timing

The brain prioritizes early sensory input
Vestibular detection precedes visual confirmation
Delayed motion produces delayed reaction
Visual-only response is slower than motion-informed response
Timing errors accumulate with repetition

Training and Transfer

Training

Training is only valid if it transfers to real conditions
Incorrect timing produces incorrect habits
Repeated exposure reinforces learned behavior
Confidence without correct input does not indicate capability
Simulation can improve or degrade performance depending on structure

Classification

Systems can be classified by structure
In-the-loop systems preserve correct behavior
Out-of-the-loop systems introduce deviation
Surface-level systems do not provide valid training input
Classification is not based on marketing or appearance

Evaluation

Fidelity must be measured to be validated
Evaluation must be repeatable
Data must be synchronized across systems
Absence of measurement does not indicate accuracy
Claims without measurement are not verification

The normative methodology for conducting SFR evaluations is defined in Evaluation Process, Reference Test Methodology, and Evaluation Inputs.

Consequences

Incorrect systems produce predictable outcomes
Delayed perception leads to delayed reaction
Incorrect motion leads to incorrect control
Conflicting inputs increase cognitive load
Systems that do not match reality change learning direction

Final Determination

Final

A simulation system must:

Represent vehicle physics accurately
Operate at the center of mass
Maintain independent degrees of freedom
Synchronize all sensory systems
Deliver correct timing

If these conditions are not met:

The system does not produce valid training.

If the structure is wrong, the outcome is wrong.

Application Layer

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Determination

Core

Motion

Architecture

Timing

Training

Classification

Evaluation

Consequences

Final

Return to the Framework

Evaluation Protocol

System Classification

Consequences of Incorrect Simulation

Who This Matters To

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