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: 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 operates in either a simulation mode in which a trainee interacts with the adaptive training system as if the trainee was operating a target vehicle or in a training mode in which the trainee receives computer-based training from the adaptive training system, in particular, when the trainee does not perform well during the simulation mode of operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing movement to seating including theater seating generate complex motion responses in the seating by automatically analyzing an audio component of media being consumed for one or more aspects of the audio information contained in the audio component at certain frequencies or frequency ranges. The aspects analyzed include aspects relating to frequencies and frequency ranges substantially higher than the low-frequency signals used to drive motion of theater seating. From the analysis of the audio aspects contained in the audio component, a plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is generated. The plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is directed to a plurality of individual actuators incorporated into different locations in a seat to provide sensations of motion at different locations of the seat, such as at a seat location, at a lower back location, and at an upper back location.

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: 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: 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: Systems and methods for providing movement to seating including theater seating generate complex motion responses in the seating by automatically analyzing an audio component of media being consumed for one or more aspects of the audio information contained in the audio component at certain frequencies or frequency ranges. The aspects analyzed include aspects relating to frequencies and frequency ranges substantially higher than the low-frequency signals used to drive motion of theater seating. From the analysis of the audio aspects contained in the audio component, a plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is generated. The plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is directed to a plurality of individual actuators incorporated into different locations in a seat to provide sensations of motion at different locations of the seat, such as at a seat location, at a lower back location, and at an upper back location.

Abstract: A system for securely sharing data and conducting transactions in an electronic environment. The system may include a personal information device having a processor, memory and biometric sensor. Personal data is stored in the memory of the personal information device. The personal information device may be registered with a centralized system. Data stored on the personal information device may be uploaded to an access device upon verification of a user's identity using a biometric recognition technique.

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: 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 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: A timed aerosol fragrance dispenser includes a housing containing a programmable microprocessor, a low-voltage DC power source, a piezoelectric assembly for spraying timed bursts of fragrance, and circuitry for activating the piezoelectric assembly, and a magnetic reed switch air flow detector. A fragrance-containing reservoir attaches to the housing, which incorporates a clip which allows the dispenser to be secured to a heating and air conditioning vent register. When the air flow detector senses air flow from the vent register, the microcontroller in combination with other circuitry generates current pulses having a voltage sufficiently high to activate the piezoelectric assembly. Intervals between pulses are switch selectable. In addition, the normal programming can be overridden to spray fragrance for a set period even in the absence of air flow from the vent register.

Abstract: A timed aerosol fragrance dispenser includes a housing containing a programmable microprocessor, a low-voltage DC power source, a piezoelectric assembly for spraying timed bursts of fragrance, and circuitry for activating the piezoelectric assembly, and a magnetic reed switch air flow detector. A fragrance-containing reservoir attaches to the housing, which incorporates a clip which allows the dispenser to be secured to a heating and air conditioning vent register. When the air flow detector senses air flow from the vent register, the microcontroller in combination with other circuitry generates current pulses having a voltage sufficiently high to activate the piezoelectric assembly. Intervals between pulses are switch selectable. In addition, the normal programming can be overridden to spray fragrance for a set period even in the absence of air flow from the vent register.