Abstract: A method for skill learning is implemented using a system including a wearable device to be worn by a user, a storage unit, and a processor communicating with the wearable device and the storage unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of virtual reality modules in the storage unit, each of the virtual reality modules containing interactive data associated with learning a skill. The method includes: accessing the storage unit to load a selected one of the virtual reality modules; and controlling the wearable device to present the interactive data contained in the selected one of the virtual reality modules to the user in the form of a virtual environment.

Abstract: Vehicles equipped with an automatic start-stop system may include an interface for conveying inhibitors preventing an engine from auto-stopping in addition to the status of the automatic start-stop system. The system may identify one or more inhibitors actively preventing an auto-stop event from occurring and select at least one of the active inhibitors based on a priority scheme. The interface may communicate the at least one selected inhibitor to a driver using a display or a speaker, or both.

Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention includes a sound and motor module which enable the greeting card to play audio and activate a scroll mechanism which displays a scrolling scene across a window or screen located on at least one panel of the greeting card. The scroll mechanism contains a piece of thin paper or paper-like material which is attached end-to-end, forming a loop. The material is then placed between two rotating spindles or rollers which rotate the material in a loop across the greeting card page as a moving picture, scene or message. The scroll may contain a greeting, message or simply contain artwork or a funny or entertaining scene. The information on the scroll may be coordinated with the theme of the music or audio clip.

Abstract: A test buck, a test buck system and related method are disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a first OIM disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the first OIM may be selectively moveable in at least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be configured to selectively move at least a portion of the first OIM in at least four to six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An aircraft control system for a user of a simulated aircraft. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated aircraft, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position and orientation information based on desired direction of flight obtained through the input devices. User controls desired direction of flight through the input devices, thus controlling aircraft. The aircraft control system may be embodied as a flight game.

Abstract: A system for preventing driving skill atrophy comprises a trainer module that determines the driver's current skill level, disables certain automated features based on the determined skill level, and forces the driver to use and hone her driving skills. The system collects data to determine through on-board vehicle sensors how a driver is driving the vehicle. The system then compares the driver's current driving skills with the driver's historical driving skills or the general population's driving skills. Based on the comparison, the system determines whether the driver's skill level is stagnant, improving or deteriorating. If the skill level is improving, for example, the system disables certain automated driving features to give driver more control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation system has a user interface configured to display a simulated environment, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive historical information related to performance of a machine, and recreate a past operation of the machine from the received historical information. The controller is also configured to provide to the user interface the recreated past operation for display in the simulated environment.

Abstract: An actuated support frame for transmitting motion to a seat with respect to a ground as a function of motion signals associated with video output, comprises a frame. The frame is expandable/retractable along translational degrees of freedom. Support surfaces are provided on the frame. The support surfaces are displaceable with respect to one another by expansion/retraction of the frame so as to be sized to support a seat. Actuators are provided between the frame and the ground. The actuators receive signals and selectively displace the frame with respect to the ground in synchronization with a video output, whereby a seat supported on the frame is displaceable within the frame. A method for installing a seating system of a motion simulator system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for training an operator of a machine including interacting with a simulation mode of a heavy equipment model simulator and evaluating an operator using criteria substantially similar to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) criteria for a non-simulated heavy equipment model. Interacting includes performing one or more simulated exercises substantially similar to an OEM exercise for the non-simulated heavy equipment model.

Abstract: A toy driving mechanism includes a housing, a display element coupled to the housing, and a controller mounted on the housing and coupled to the display element.

Abstract: A simulation system which can provide a realistic quasi-experience of operating a conveyance.An output information collecting device 3 is provided with a conveyance model 20 which operates according to the operation information accepted from outside. The conveyance model 20 comprises a television camera 30 which shoots the surrounding scenery and a accelerometer 40 which detects the acceleration. A simulator body 4 is provided with a cockpit device 50, a driving section 70 which changes the cockpit device, and an output section 220 which displays the picture shot by the television camera 30. The cockpit device 50 includes an input section for operating, 60, which accepts the operation information to operate the conveyance model 20. A driving section 70 changes the cockpit device 50 based on the information of acceleration informed by the accelerometer 40.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator including a system for development of vehicle simulation scenarios. The vehicle simulation system includes simulated vehicle controls providing input signals to a computer, and feedback devices, including a video display, providing a user with feedback on the operation and location of the simulated vehicle as it is driven through a simulated universe. One aspect of the invention is a scenario development system which uses the vehicle controls, the computer and the output devices to enable a scenario developer to develop a simulation scenario which includes other programmed vehicles. The scenario developer can determine when and where the other programmed vehicles become active in a simulated universe in which the scenario takes place, as well as determine when and where the programmed vehicles leave the simulated universe.

Abstract: An electric wire connector has an insulating member which has a through hole running in the axial direction and a transverse hole provided between exterior and the through hole in a different direction from the axis of the through hole; a contact which is inserted in the through hole and which has a fitting structure in a position matching an inside opening, i.e. the opening on the through hole side of the transverse hole; and a position restricting member which is inserted through an outside opening, i.e. the opening on the outer side of the transverse hole to be fitted in the fitting structure of the contact to restrict the position of the contact.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system includes at least one remote controlled vehicle and a remote control station for each of the at least one remotely controlled vehicles. Each control station allows a user to control the operation of one of the remote control vehicles. Each remote controlled vehicle includes a camera having a lens with a field of view in a direction toward a forward path of travel for that vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is a car and includes various sensors for monitoring the operation of various parameters of the vehicle, such as speed. Each car is equipped with an instrument panel located in the field of view of the lens as well as two side rear view mirrors, one attached to a left fender and the other to a right fender, which are also located in the field of view of the lens.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator is provided with a control device for actuation by an operator which device's input is digitized and fed to a vehicle model. The model (14) maintains an objective position and direction for the simulated vehicle which are fed to a lag means. The lag means operates to delay the rate of change of objective direction of the simulated vehicle to provide a subjective direction to a display generator. The display generator provides a subjective view based on the objective position and subjective direction of the simulated vehicle on a display.

Abstract: A multistage transmission line interconnect device (50) for joining two microstrip circuits (82, 86). A center conductor pin (52) extends through a cylindrical dielectric (54) to form a coaxial midsection of the device. The ends of the pin extend from the dielectric to form a conductor for a straight open troughline at each end of the device. The ends of the pin are connected to the microstrip circuits by ribbon bonds (80, 84). Because the midsection of the device is coaxial, the microstrip circuits (82, 86) may be oriented at arbitrary angles with respect to one another.

Abstract: A trainee station in a tractor-trailer training apparatus includes dummy controls simulating those of a tractor, and a display screen visible from the trainee station. At a remote diorama or terrain model a miniature tractor-trailer is moved atop the diorama in accordance with the operation of the trainee's dummy controls. A plurality of video cameras mounted within the cab of the miniature tractor provide video signals which are displayed on the mentioned screen. The fields-of-view of two of the video cameras embrace miniature rearview mirrors on the miniature tractor, providing realistic views of portions of the trailer as trainee operation of the controls moves the minature tractor-trailer about the diorama.

Abstract: The invention comprises a toy vehicle such as a train, for moving about a track and which includes an optical sensing apparatus. The vehicle includes a charge coupled device to sense radiant energy external of the vehicle. The vehicle includes sensing circuitry to convert the image into a video signal. The video signal is FM modulated and supplied to the track by a transmitter on the vehicle for transmission to a receiver. The receiver receives the FM signal and demodulates same to produce a video signal adapted to be received by a monitor for viewing by the user of the toy vehicle as the vehicle moves along the track.

Abstract: A reduced-scale racing apparatus having at least one self-powered, remotely controlled vehicle, and at least one operator's booth containing a control console for operating the vehicle, the vehicle having a wheeled body provided with a first control for controlling the vehicle, a forwardly trained video camera on the body, a rearwardly trained video camera on the body, a transmitter on the body for the wireless transmission of respective signals from the forwardly and rearwardly trained video cameras, and a receiver on the body responsive to wireless signals for operating the first control, while the operator's booth has a housing for containing a driver/operator and the control console, with a second control in the housing for generating wireless signals receivable by the receiver for operating the first control, the housing being further provided with a first video display screen responsive to the transmitted signals from the forwardly trained video camera for displaying the path in front of the vehicle, an

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance driving type toy has a housing with a motor located in the housing. The output of the motor is fed to a switch member which, in turn, conducts the output to either a first transfer mechanism or a second transfer mechanism. The first transfer mechanism transfers output of the motor to a moving member which includes an encounter sensor located on it. An object, under the control of the operator of the toy, is maneuvered with respect to the movement of the moving member, and if the maneuvering of the obstacle is not coordinated with the movement of the moving member, the obstacle will encounter the encounter sensor. When so encountered, a signal from the encounter sensor is fed to the switch member, which switches the output of the motor to the second transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A highway game has a base supporting a conveyor-like roadway belt on which a toy vehicle is mounted. The vehicle has a control mechanism mounted at one end of the base and this mechanism includes a winding device wound with a tether secured to the vehicle. The roadway belt is driven in one direction by a motor to turn the wheels of the tethered vehicle and simulate movement of the vehicle in the opposite direction. The winding device of a simplified form of the game is mounted on a transverse shaft which can be rotated manually to shift the vehicle longitudinally on the rotating roadway belt. In a preferred embodiment of the game, the control mechanism is driven by a power take-off from the motor and the winding device is slidably mounted on a control shaft which is movable to engage and disengage the device from the drive so as to achieve a similar longitudinal movement of the vehicle.