Abstract: An exoskeleton that typically provides human power and endurance augmentation is adapted for use with a simulator system that generates a virtual environment by accepting and processing commands from the simulator to implement gross motor virtual feedback in which some motions of the exoskeleton's wearer (called the “pilot”) are constrained by the exoskeleton to simulate the interaction of the pilot with virtual objects in the virtual environment. In this way, the pilot can interact with virtual objects generated by the simulator system not only visually but through touch as well. For example, a pilot in a combat simulation can move along a virtual wall by feel while maintaining cover from enemy fire and perform actions like pushing virtual objects to clear obstacles from a path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a practice includes a display device, a first controller, an input device and a second controller. The first controller, which controls the display device by displaying an input interface image in the first display area of the display device. The second controller, which controls the display device by playback a dynamic image representing a cue event indicating a cue of the operation in the second display area of the display device, or by continuously displaying a plurality of still images including an image related to a cue event. The second controller stops the playback of the dynamic image or the continuous display of the still images during the period from the moment an image related to a cue event is displayed to the moment an operation is input through the input device that is to be carried out by taking the cue event as a cue.

Abstract: Immersive training scenario systems and related methods are provided. The immersive training scenario systems can provide at least one simulated structure. The at least one simulated structure can include a base structure having at least one surface thereon. One or more substrates with one or more photographic images printed thereon are applied to the surface of the base structure so that the simulated structure has realistic visual characteristics representative of a mission site or mission scenario.

Abstract: A system and method for certifying a trainee to use a device is disclosed. The system and method include a testing computer configured to create an answer log containing at least one answer given by the trainee to at least one question of a certification test and a centralized grading server in communication with the testing computer, the centralized grading server configured to receive the answer log from the testing computer, evaluate the answer log to determine if the trainee has passed the certification test, and provide a license file providing a license file if the trainee passes the certification test.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reconfigurable platform management apparatus for a virtual reality-based training simulator, which enables a device platform to be reconfigured to suit various work environments and to fulfill various work scenario requirements of users. The reconfigurable platform management apparatus for a virtual reality-based training simulator includes an image output unit for outputting a stereoscopic image of mixed reality content that is used for work training of a user. A user working tool unit generates virtual sensation feedback corresponding to sensation feedback generated based on a user's motion to the outputted stereoscopic image when working with an actual working tool. A tracking unit transmits a sensing signal obtained by sensing a user's motion working tool unit to the image output unit and the user working tool unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus to coach a salesperson to complete a sale. One aspect is a computer-implemented method of coaching a salesperson to complete a sale including the steps of entering into a database information about an entity to whom the salesperson wishes to sell; entering into the database information about a sales opportunity of the entity; instantiating objects in the database in response to the entered information; executing a rule set over the instantiated objects; and displaying the results of executing the rule set. In one embodiment the step of displaying includes displaying a set of suggestions relating to completing the sale. Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer system for coaching a salesperson to complete a sale including a processor and a database. The processor executes a set of rules on a set of objects to generate a set of suggestions relating completing a sale.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: a display, a first display control section which displays, on the display, instructions for carrying out a plurality of inspection steps with the inspection apparatus, an evaluation section which performs an evaluation of a result of one of the inspection steps, a second display control section which displays, on the display, additional instructions for carrying out at least one additional inspection step; and, a control section which controls the second display control section to display the additional instructions in response to the evaluation section determining that said one of the inspection steps has not passed the evaluation.

Abstract: A team roping training apparatus that comprises a motor having a motor shaft, a spool having a spool shaft, and a switch to selectively energize the motor. The spool is selectively rotatable with the motor shaft such that when rotation of shaft is impeded through a roper's grasping of an attached rope, the spool is disengaged form the motor shaft. According to the preferred embodiment, such selective rotation is accomplished with a clutch mechanically coupling the spool shaft with the motor shaft.

Abstract: A training device is described for perfecting the art of forcibly opening a door in an emergency. The training device has a frame and a door placed in the frame. A dead bolt is mounted in the door and protrudes from the door in a locked position relative to the frame. A vise is attached to the frame. The vise has a movable jaw mounted on a block and a stationary jaw, and means for tightening the movable jaw against the dead bolt. The dead bolt protrudes from the door between the stationary and movable jaw. A method of using the training device causes the door to pivot and the dead bolt to move off of the vise, thus simulating an actual forced opening.

Abstract: A simulated body panel system is provided for aiding a person to learn how to paint a vehicle and for testing new paints and their spray application. The simulated body panel system includes a frame and a relatively thin and flexible body panel incapable of self support. The frame includes a front end, a rear end, a first side, a second side, and a panel support member mounted to the frame. The flexible body panel incapable of self support includes a top face and a bottom face. The body panel can be selectively mounted to and supported by the frame, wherein the body panel bottom face contacts and is supported by the panel support member.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: a display, a display control section which displays, on a first surface area of the display, instructions for carrying out a plurality of inspection steps with the inspection apparatus, and which displays, on a second surface area of the display that is greater than the first surface area, instructions for carrying one of the inspection steps, and a controller which controls the display control section to display instructions for carrying a first one of the inspection steps on the second surface area before the first one of the inspection steps is performed, and to display instructions for carrying a second one of the inspection steps on the second surface area after the first one of the inspection steps is performed and before the second one of the inspection steps is performed.

Abstract: A portable work capacities testing apparatus comprising a portable computer, a hub releaseably interconnected with the portable computer, a dynamic strength and lifting device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a hand grip strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger pinch strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a forearm/wrist strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a handling/proprioception device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger flexion device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a whole body coordination device releaseably interconnected with the hub, and a strength push/pull/lift device releaseably interconnected with the hub.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for evaluating educational programs which, firstly, develops criteria which will address the strengths and weaknesses of the educational program. The second step of the method is to observe the criteria, chosen in step one, in the educational program. The third step is to assign a numerical value to each of the criteria observed in step two. The next step is to assign an overall rating to the educational program based on the numerically valued criteria. The personnel involved in the educational program can then decide what steps in addition to the assessment can be done to improve or maintain the educational program.

Abstract: A method for training a gas turbine engine test cell operator during a simulated engine test is provided. The method includes transmitting, from a data acquisition and control system (DACS) to a software engine model, data indicative of at least one of an operator input and an instructor input. The method further includes receiving the data at the software engine model and transmitting response data from the software engine model to the DACS, the response data simulating to the DACS that an operational state of a live engine has changed in response to the at least one of an operator input and an instructor input. The method also includes receiving the response data at the DACS and outputting an indication of the changed operational state to the operator based on the response data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product are provided for optimizing a training regimen to achieve performance goals. Historical training data is provided. At least one training regimen is defined. A training objective is selected for at least one training regimen to optimize. The training regimen is optimized by computing an initial training regimen solution and computing a neighbor solution at a distance from the initial training regimen solution. The neighbor solution is compared to the initial training regimen solution. If the neighbor solution is determined to be a better solution than the initial training regimen solution, the initial training regimen solution is replaced with the neighbor solution. The distance is updated per a schedule to compute a next neighbor solution.

Abstract: In one aspect, a network-centric processing (NCP) system includes sensors configured to monitor activities associated with testing of an asset, a first system configured to provide the testing on the asset, a second system configured to provide training of personnel using the asset, a third system configured to record problems associated with the testing and the training of the asset as input for an acquisition process and a network connected to the first system, the second system, the third system and the sensors.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for interacting with team members of a virtual team. Persistent storage is configured to store collective qualifications of the virtual team based on the individual qualifications of the team members, while a team broker is configured to present the collective qualifications to third parties. Thus, the broker provides a dynamic representation of the collective knowledge, skills and experience of a virtual team. The broker further enables an entity, such as a team employer or teacher, to interact with the virtual team as if that team were a single entity, rather than a collection of individual members.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of assessing and treating stress related disorders, such as PTSD, as physical disorders whose psychological components are the result of conditioning. The method involves both physical testing in order to identify the physical problems underlying the condition and indirect testing to identify and reverse the psychological matrix created by conditioning and the cascading effects of trauma.

Abstract: A method for providing training media to a mobile device involves obtaining a training media file selected from multiple training media files, based on user metadata, and communicating the training media file to the mobile device, where the user metadata is associated with a user of the mobile device, and where the training media file includes training information associated with a job function of the user.

Abstract: A door breach training system comprising a first restraint assembly connecting a door to a frame. The door is attached to a lock jamb of the frame with a first restraint assembly that exposes a shear joint to impact from a projectile, such as shotgun round. Another embodiment further comprises attachment of the door to the hinge jamb with at least one second restraint assembly that functionally simulates a typical door hinge and exposes a shear joint to impact from a ballistic round. The preferred embodiment includes replaceable lock panels and hinge panels that are designed to break in a known manner in order to replicate those same failure modes for both door locks and door hinges in typical residential and commercial construction environments.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool includes a training mode. The handheld field maintenance tool has a process communication module operably coupleable to a field device, a user interface, and a controller coupled to the process communication module and the user interface. The controller is configured to interact with a user through the user interface, and is configured to provide a simulation function where at least one characteristic of the field device, indicated through the user interface, is generated by the controller instead of the field device.

Abstract: A system and method for professional development for teachers which includes a structured framework for creating and providing online courses, qualification testing, instructional material, and mentoring teacher access, all subject specific to help teachers gain competency in their individualized teaching assignments and by extension help in the recruitment, development and retention of teachers leading to improved student achievement.

Abstract: A system and system are provided for providing synchronous multimedia recording and playback. Aspects the exemplary embodiment include in response to a training session is being conducted, synchronously recording in real-time simulator data from a simulator captured by a simulator capture tool, and video of the training session captured by a plurality of A/V sources; encoding each of the videos captured by the plurality of A/V sources as respective digital media files formatted as streaming media; and transmitting both the simulator data and the video media files from a server to a client over a network, such that when the client receives the simulator data and the stream, the respective videos are synchronously played back with the simulator data on the client.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a process to assist a user to prepare for a veterinary examination includes a computer-readable non-transitory medium storing a veterinary exam practice question, and a plurality of answers that correspond to the veterinary exam practice question, and a processor configured to receive a request from a mobile device, access the medium to retrieve the veterinary exam practice question and the plurality of answers in response to the received request, and provide the retrieved veterinary exam practice question and the plurality of answers for display on the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for execution by a computing apparatus comprising identifying a job to be assigned to an employee, the job requiring a given job qualification, wherein the given job qualification is associated with at least one requirement for maintaining the job qualification and a time-frame during which the at least one requirement should be satisfied. Completion of the job by an employee at least partially completes the at least one requirement for maintaining the job qualification. The method further comprises assigning the job to a selected employee from a set of employees, wherein each employee in the set of employees has the given job qualification. The selected employee is selected at least in part on a basis of a probability of the selected employee losing the job qualification relative to other employees in the set of employees.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes a display screen disposed at an interior cabin of a vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle. The information display system is operable to display on the display screen vehicle user information so as to provide information to the driver of the equipped vehicle related to use of the equipped vehicle. The display screen is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. The video images are captured by the rearward facing camera and are displayed on the display screen when the equipped vehicle is executing a reversing maneuver. When the equipped vehicle is not executing a reversing maneuver, the information display system is operable to display on the display screen vehicle user information.

Abstract: A set of candidates and one or more mentors can be enrolled in a cohort for a cycle. A set of loops can be conducted within the cycle. Each loop can end with a focus period. The focus period can be a continuous period of time that the cohort spends interacting face-to-face at a common geospatial location. Candidate performance can be evaluated at each loop. During this evaluation, a set of at least one of the candidates can be selectively permitted to continue to participate in the cycle while a different set is not permitted to continue. The evaluating can be performed based at least in part on candidate specific evaluation metrics provided by each of the one or more mentors. A postgraduate degree can be granted to each candidate responsive to and contingent upon successful completion of the cycle by the candidate.

Abstract: The present invention is related to interactive training. In one embodiment, a training system presents a stored scenario to a user via a terminal. The user is provided with the ability to intervene and stop the pre-recorded scenario to identify an error in handling the situation presented in the scenario and/or an opportunity presented in the scenario. Once the user has intervened, the user can be presented with a question regarding the opportunity and/or error. The user is scored based in part on the number of errors and/or opportunities that the user identified and optionally on the user's response to the question.

Abstract: Systems designed to train and certify persons to act as at least one responsible person(s) for decision making and management operations as part of an emergency response at incidents that contain at least one hazard zone; such hazard zone defined as any work area which contains a hazard that can injure or kill, for example, burning structures, hazardous material incidents, roadways with active traffic, natural disaster sites, and/or other emergency response scenes.

Abstract: According to a question displayed on a computer screen, a to-be-examined person selects, out of constituent elements (components) displayed on the screen, constituent elements that he considers optimum for the question and then makes a design by constructing them on the screen, and the content of the design on the screen is evaluated by using predetermined evaluation data. Further, there is provided a system which enables assembling an actual apparatus (an apparatus to be evaluated) according to the content of design, measures the performance of the assembled actual apparatus and evaluates the ability of the to-be-examined person to assemble the actual apparatus from the measured data by using a computer.

Abstract: A teaching and training head model for haircutting and hairdressing includes a soft and flexible synthetic resin casing, a shape keeping arrangement mounted in the casing to keep the shape of the casing and a support stand for supporting the shape keeping arrangement. The support stand includes: a base board; and a guiding bar, a pushing cylinder for lifting plates and a pressing cylinder which are centered about the center of the base board and sequentially positioned on the base board from inside to outside. A fixing ring for fixing the casing is provided at the periphery of the pressing cylinder. The shape keeping arrangement includes components fitted with the support stand and umbrella-shaped supporting components for supporting the casing. The shape keeping arrangement has a simple structure, and it will expand to keep the shape of the casing when the shape keeping arrangement mounted in the casing is inserted into the supporting stand. The shape keeping arrangement is simple to assemble.

Abstract: A system, method and facility for providing training, which may include basic, initial, developmental, intermediate, advanced, sustainment, training, mission rehearsals, exercises, annual events, missions, and practice scenarios, etc. Training may include props and reconfigurable scenarios simulating, e.g., a sensitive site exploitation (SSE) or forensic collection (FC) training scenario, etc. The method may include providing a reconfigurable training area which may be enclosed, in a building, or may be outdoors, or partially in and outdoors. The training area may provide a plurality of reconfigurable wall panels; and providing at least one moveable element in the reconfigurable training area. The training area may include providing an observation area for observing the training scenarios being conducted in the reconfigurable training area. The method may include providing an open, transparent, or one directionally transparent ceiling or wall to allow observation of the reconfigurable training area.

Abstract: A system and method for training that includes: providing training to a user; testing the user on the training, wherein the testing is performed in short, frequent bursts and continues for a predetermined period of time; and rewarding the user based on results related to the training or testing. In particular, the provision of testing in short, frequent bursts or pulses over a continuous period of time and an iterative manner assists with knowledge retention and reinforcement. The use of a reward system reinforces knowledge and motivates acquisition and retention of knowledge. In a particular case, the rewarding may include providing the user with a chance to win a prize. This approach makes a game out of the reward process to encourage further participation.

Abstract: Provided are, inter alia, systems, methods and techniques for facilitating identification of a skilled resource's skill set. Initially, a master set of previously identified skills is filtered in order to identify a subset of skills that appear to be potentially applicable to a skilled resource. Then, based on the identified subset, a query regarding skills actually possessed by the skilled resource is created and presented. A response that designates skills possessed by the skilled resource is received and incorporated into a user skills database. The above-referenced filtering is performed by utilizing an automated tool to analyze content from a set of computer files.

Abstract: A manipulation device is programmable with different parameters associated with different manipulation exercises for different types of simulated patients. A measuring system determines the success or failure for any of the programmable manipulation exercises and tracks specific results that precisely track how close a student comes to specific target force values. This allows a student to more accurately track performance improvements and more effectively focus practice sessions on problem manipulation techniques. The measurement system not only measures the time and force values associated with the manipulation exercises but also measures angular displacement of the manipulation apparatus during the manipulation exercise. This allows the student to not only determine if a proper amount of force was applied during the manipulation exercise but also to determine if the force was maintained in the same direction and angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus for training the art of forcible door entry for emergency personnel such as firefighters and, in particular, a reusable forcible entry door training prop, adapted to simulate a locked door and allow individuals to conduct training in forcible entry techniques for different door types and mounting configurations (e.g., opening inward or outward, left hand opening or right band opening, steel jam or wood jams).

Abstract: A sous chef method and system guides the preparation of a dish according to a recipe and using a communication device. The recipe is presented to direct the preparation of a dish in recipe steps; progress of the recipe steps is monitored; and one or more advertisements are presented in response to the progress. Monitoring may comprises receiving input indicating the progress and presenting one or more advertisements may be responsive to the input. The input may comprise cooking appliance data received from a cooking appliance in communication with the communication device. The communication device may configure the cooking appliance for operation in response to the recipe steps. An advertisement may be contextually selected for presentation in response to recipe data associated with the recipe. It may be presented interactively to invoke a communication function of the device, for example to conduct an e-commerce or other transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training one or more workers to work in a wire environment are provided. The apparatus may have a mobile platform. The apparatus may have a first training aid coupleable to the mobile platform, wherein the first training aid is configured to be moved from a transport position to a training position and a second training aid coupleable to the mobile platform, wherein the second training aid is configured to be moved from the transport position to the training position. In the training position, the first training aid and the second training aid provide a training work location that is elevated above the mobile platform for work to be performed by the one or more workers on an aerial vehicle and in the transport position the first training aid and the second training aid may be transported on the mobile platform on a highway.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a training apparatus includes first to third control units, an input device, and a determining unit. The first control unit controls a display device to display an input interface image, which imitates an external appearance of a user interface for inputting operation in an input apparatus. The second control unit controls the display device to play a moving image representing opportunity event, which is an opportunity for the operation, or continuously display plural still images including still image concerning the opportunity event. The input device inputs operation by an operator on the input interface image. The determining unit determines consistency between at least one kind of the operation input by the input device and at least one kind of specified operation. The third control unit controls the display device to display a result image representing a determination result in the determining unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a body panel inspection device that may be used to determine if a vehicle was in an accident. The inspection device uses a magnet with a particular magnetic strength and other characteristics in order to more accurately determine if a vehicle body panel has been damaged and subsequently repaired through use of non-ferrous filler materials. Also disclosed is a vehicle inspection kit carrying the disclosed magnetic inspection device and further including a method of vehicle inspection by use of the disclosed kit.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of providing interactive situational awareness training. In one embodiment, the present invention displays training data comprising situational, variable, and response data relating to a particular training session upon a graphic user interface for review by a trainee. In one embodiment, the training data may be accessed and amended electronically by trainer personnel. Images, graphics and/or animations may be presented to the user in conjunction with the training data to enhance the effectiveness of the interactive training experience. The trainee may be prompted to enter a response indicating his or her choice of the proper response to the displayed training data. The entered response may be stored for future use and compared to feedback data indicating which of the displayed response choices are correct.

Abstract: The present invention includes an operation training system, including: an operation training simulator obtained by modeling a real plant, for simulating a plant state of any one of during a normal operation and in case of an accident; training operation input means for inputting an operation for the operation training simulator; simulated accident information input means for inputting information of a simulated accident for allowing the operation training simulator to simulate the accident; a training operation procedure database in which operation procedures to be input for the normal operation and for the simulated accident during operation training are registered; training mis-operation detecting means for comparing the operation procedures registered in the training operation procedure database and the operation input to the training operation input means with each other to detect whether the input operation is a mis-operation; and a recovery operation scenario database for registering the operation proc

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for managing proficiency information about a degree holder. An active degree in a degree field is issued to a degree holder. The active degree includes a certification that the degree holder has completed at least one degree process, a strength value associated with the certification indicating a proficiency in the degree field, and a strength evaluator configured to adjust the strength value such that the strength value reflects the degree holder's proficiency in the degree field over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unique technique for providing simulation-based education tools and strategies, including for building a simulation program, such as a simulation program for educating and training nurses and other health care professionals. The simulation technique features a simulation module having one or more database and simulation scenario building modules. The database module is configured to receive inputs or instructions containing information about a selection of one or more simulation parameters stored therein, chosen by a simulation builder, including faculty, instructors or clinical educators, and based on some combination of personal preferences and specific teaching or learning objectives for building a customized simulation for educating and training nurses and other health care professionals. The database module is also configured to provide information about the selection of one or more simulation parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electronic training jackets is disclosed. The method may include receiving a request from a user to generate an electronic training jacket for an individual, retrieving qualification information for the individual from at least one of one or more remote qualification databases and one or more local qualification databases, generating the electronic training jacket from the retrieved qualification information, and automatically outputting the generated electronic training jacket to the user using an output device. The qualification information may be aviation-related and shipboard-related qualification information and the aviation-related and the shipboard-related qualification information may include at least one of medical qualification information, job training qualification information, and education information.

Abstract: A system for training includes a data storage module, a training course management module, and an examination management module. The data storage module stores at least one employee's personnel information therein. The training course management module includes a training course match unit capable of matching corresponding training course according to the employee's personnel information. The examination management module is capable of generating training suggestion according to an training result of the training course.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for sampling fluids from subjects. The fluid may be any suitable bodily fluid, e.g., blood or interstitial fluid. In some cases, the subject is a patient. The subject may have a device that can be applied to the skin of the subject (e.g., by the subject, or another person), and the device is able to obtain a sample of fluid. The fluid may be stored within a reservoir in the device, and the fluid may be obtained from the subject at any convenient time, e.g., at home, away from a healthcare setting, etc. In some embodiments, the device, or a portion thereof, may be returned to a clinical and/or laboratory setting to analyze the fluid stored within the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and associated user interfaces that allow a service provider to manage predetermined aspects of one or more organization and utilize common aspects of plural managed organizations to advantageously utilize economies of scale associated with such common aspects and provide more efficient management of such organizations.

Abstract: Method for prescriptive learning. The method includes providing a user independent hierarchy of competencies, competency characteristics and assessments with associated rules that identify learning activities and identifying a user specific path through the hierarchy for a selected competency and competency characteristic based on the hierarchy, scoring of at least one question associated with at least one assessment associated with the selected competency characteristic. The rules and user specific information provide a user specific identification of learning activities.

Abstract: A simulation system for training in endoscopic procedures includes an endoscope apparatus, which includes an operating part with at least one valve, a control device to generate a virtual image of an endoscopic operating scene depending on an actuation of the valve and a display device to display the virtual image, the endoscope apparatus includes for example a siphoning line, an insufflation line and/or a flushing line upon which the valve acts. The simulation system includes pressure-generating means to impact the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line with reduced or excess pressure, sensor means to measure pressure and/or flow in the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line and transmission means to transmit the measured values provided by the sensor means to the control device to be used in generating the virtual image.