Abstract: An interactive computer-based training (ICBT) system operable over a computer network for training users. The ICBT system is provided with inter-dependent, state-machine-based hardware and software simulators for emulating hardware and software functionality associated with a piece of equipment on which the users are to receive interactive training. The state transition method effectuated in a computer-readable memory system includes the steps of: identifying a current state of the state machine wherein a transition is to be effectuated; determining if there is a state immediately prior to the current state, and if so, determining whether there is a dependency of the current state on the immediately prior state, the dependency being characterized as a first order dependency; inferring a reference value associated with the current state based on the first order dependency; and determining a future state of the state machine based on the inferred reference value.

Abstract: An interactive computer-based training (ICBT) system and method operable over a computer network for training users. The ICBT system is provided with a state-machine-based hardware simulator for emulating various hardware states associated with a piece of equipment on which the users are to receive interactive training. A software simulator provided as a command inference engine is coupled to the hardware simulator, wherein the software simulator allows the users to interactively interrogate the emulated piece of equipment for its software functionality. One or more independently selectable learning modules are provided as part of the ICBT system, wherein each learning module includes one or more lesson plans related to the hardware and software functionality of the emulated piece of equipment. Also, the learning modules are inter-dependently associated with the hardware and software simulators.