Abstract: Invention is apparatus for using selectable instruments in virtual medical simulations with input devices actuated by user and resembling medical instruments which transmit various identifying data to the virtual computer model from said instruments which have been selected; then, said apparatus assist in creating full immersion for the user in the virtual reality model by tracking and homing to instruments with haptic, or force feedback generating, receptacles with which said instruments dock by means of a numerical grid, creating a seamless interface of instrument selection and use in the virtual reality anatomy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a simulator for training medical teams, the members of which are located in different places, or stations, as they train together using apparatus in coordinated fashion in relation to a numerical data, or virtual, non-physical model without input from a live instructor, wherein each remote station provides a differentiated input with a plurality of differentiated devices, and receives differentiated feedback from the model to each individual station in representations which are visual, tactile, aural, and/or olfactory in their display, depending on the feedback required by each individual station.

Abstract: A medical investigative system in which a person interacts with the system to interject information that is utilized by the system to establish non-restricted environmental modeling of the realities of surrogate conditions to be encountered with invasive or semi-invasive procedures. This is accomplished by video display of simulated internal conditions that appear life-like, as well as by display of monitor data including, for example, blood pressure, respiration, heart beat rate and the like.

Abstract: A tool-workpiece instructional system is provided for simulating operation on a workpiece in the form of a welding site as shown on a display, by a student using a tool such as a welding torch simulator. The torch is a mock-up of as real torch, having mock values and torch tip, but is not supplied with any gas. A light pen and mercury switches are mounted inside to detect torch position and angular position relative to the display. A computer with a control program uses information regarding parameters of torch location relative to the display, including torch angle, torch distance to the display, torch position as projected on the plane of the display, welding rod position (as detected by a touch screen on top of the display) and oxygen and acetylene valve positions of the welding torch, and uses the parameters to determine what would happen to a welding site during a real weld and addresses appropriate segments in a video disc player to display a simulation of the welding site in real time.

Abstract: An automated interactive game, instruction and reference system having an optical laser videodisc player unit and using a videodisc record on which are recorded segmented groups of graphic and pictorial video information data interspersed with segmented groups of system control and programming data, a television video display unit, a user command/response unit having user manual input controls of variable functions and variable labelling means therefor to indicate the current function as established by signals from said videodisc record, and control processor means for receiving short segments of programming data from said videodisc record and distributing information signals from said videodisc record to the other units in accordance with said programming data.