Abstract: A virtual coatings application system realistically simulates airless spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates the instrumented airless spray gun controller which is instrumented with a tracking device and an electronic on/off switch for the trigger. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to the setup parameters and the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface. The primary purpose of the system is to enhance training.

Abstract: A system and method for providing audio communications for a simulation system. A computer network has a server in data communication with client systems. The server receives audio from a transmitting client. It then executes transceiver models and impairment models, which inject effects of audio communications media and equipment into sampled audio data. The server then delivers the “impaired” audio to a receiving client.

Abstract: A computer simulation and virtual reality system for teaching proper spray painting techniques has features to foster structured training via planned lesson curriculum, and network capabilities that allow students to remotely view an instructor demonstrating technique on the system. The system also provides instructors software for developing lesson curriculum, managing classes, and reviewing lesson results of the students.

Abstract: A solar heating system comprising a lens collector arrangement, an insulation area, and a storage section positioned in an enclosing structure, and an associated utilization means. The collector lens is an array of light guide lenses having alternate high and low refractive surfaces. The array is contoured in a capping relationship over a focusing lens to provide an extremely high concentration of solar energy irrespective of the angle of the sun. The light guide lenses increase by several orders of magnitude the amount of solar energy striking the surface of the focusing lens. The focusing lens is a plurality of flat surface type of lenses stacked one over the other in spaced relationship and operable to concentrate the solar energy to a central region. Surrounding the perimeter of the plurality of focusing lenses in an array, in a "wall" configuration, of light guide lenses similar in construction to the aforesaid capping light guide lenses.