Abstract: A shifter simulator for driver training includes a shaft with a handle affixed to a first end of the shaft and a distal second end of the shaft being interfaced to a shifter mechanism. A first force sensing device is interfaced to the shaft, outputting a value representative of an amount of force applied to the handle in a forward/rearward direction and a second force sensing device is interfaced to the shaft outputting a value representative of an amount of force applied to the handle in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A training system has sensors that monitor at least one biological parameter. During training, a stress level is determined/calculated based upon data from the sensors and, if the stress level is out of bounds, the training is modified and/or personnel are notified. For example, if the stress level is too high, the training is slowed or stopped and a trainer is notified.

Abstract: A training system has one or more displays that simulate or mimic rear view mirrors, showing, for example, what is visible behind the simulated vehicle. The training system includes sensors, software, and related hardware for determining a position of a trainee's head within the simulated vehicle and calculating a viewing angle and/or distance between the trainee's eye(s) and the rear view mirrors. Based upon the viewing angle and/or distance, a rear image is panned/zoomed on each of the rear view mirrors corresponding to the viewing angle and/or distance.

Abstract: An application for a shifter simulator for driver training includes a shaft with a handle covering an upper end of the shaft. An upper plate is coupled to the shaft and is slideably interfaced to a lower plate by a plurality of linear bearings, allowing the upper plate to slide in a Y direction with respect to the lower plate. There are spring loaded Y ball detents attached to the lower plate which interface to Y detent grooves attached to the upper plate. The spring loaded Y ball detents and Y detent grooves provide a plurality of natural stopping locations similar to those of a transmission of the target vehicle. A shift arm guide is affixed to the shaft and interfaces to an H-gate. The H-gate is affixed to the lower plate and has detents such that the H-gate and shift arm guide simulate gear shifting positions.

Abstract: An application for a shifter simulator for driver training includes a shaft with a handle covering an upper end of the shaft. An upper plate is coupled to the shaft and is slideably interfaced to a lower plate by a plurality of linear bearings, allowing the upper plate to slide in a Y direction with respect to the lower plate. There are spring loaded Y ball detents attached to the lower plate which interface to Y detent grooves attached to the upper plate. The spring loaded Y ball detents and Y detent grooves provide a plurality of natural stopping locations similar to those of a transmission of the target vehicle. A shift arm guide is affixed to the shaft and interfaces to an H-gate. The H-gate is affixed to the lower plate and has detents such that the H-gate and shift arm guide simulate gear shifting positions.

Abstract: An application for an adaptive training system includes a computer interfaced to one or more graphics displays, one of more input/output devices and having access to a plurality of training segments. The input/output devices are in communication with a trainee. Software of the computer selects a first segment of the training segments and operates on the current segment by presenting the current segment on the graphics displays and input/output devices, thereby simulating an operation of the target vehicle. The software collects data from the one or more input/output devices and analyzes the data to determine a level of competency of the trainee. The software adaptively determines one or more next segments from the training segments based upon the level of competency.

Abstract: An application for a system for driver training is includes a computer with at least two graphics displays. A first graphics display simulates a windshield of a target vehicle and a second graphics display simulates a dashboard of the target vehicle. The computer generates images that simulate the dashboard of the target vehicle on the second graphics display. A touch screen interface is connected to the second graphics display and is operatively coupled to the computer thereby signaling the computer with positions of which the second graphics display is touched by a trainee. The trainee is prompted to touch an item on the dashboard (second graphic display) and the touch screen interface is read to determine if the trainee touched the appropriate item (e.g. gauge).

Abstract: Systems and methods for training students in a tripartite curriculum of ground vehicle learning are provided. The tripartite curriculum includes computer based testing, training on a simulator, and instructor-led classroom training. Such systems may be referred to as integrated learning systems (ILS).