GB2410475A

GB2410475A - Mobile simulation, training & evaluation unit

Info

Publication number: GB2410475A
Application number: GB0402019A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Yeats
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-30
Filing date: 2004-01-30
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Also published as: GB0402019D0

Abstract

A mobile simulation, training and evaluation unit comprises a self propelled vehicle or towable trailer 11 including a working space 12 housing a control unit 18 and a plurality of simulation units 13-17, each operated by an individual user. Each unit is programmed to provide a sequence of tasks. On each display 13V- 17V, the control unit 18 causes the respective user's progress information to be displayed and information related to the progress of other users. The control unit 18 may be incorporated in one of the simulation units 13-17. Simulation may be of car driving, motor cycling, motor boating, sailing or flying.

Description

1 241 0475

TRAINING AND EVALUATION UNIT

This invention relates to a training and evaluation unit. It is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with a training unit wherein the ability of several individuals to perform a task or a sequence of tasks in the course of a program can be simultaneously compared and evaluated.

According to the present invention there is provided a mobile training and evaluation unit comprising a self propelled or towable vehicle including a working space housing a control unit and two or more simulation units linked to the control unit; each simulation unit being adapted to be operated by an individual user, each simulation unit being programmed to provide for a sequence of tasks to be displayed for viewing by an associated user of that unit; for inputs relating to aspects of carrying out the sequence to be input to the unit by the associated user; for the effects of the inputs on the sequence of tasks to be displayed by the unit for the associated user; to enable the user to enter further inputs for further effects on the sequence; the control unit causing each unit to display not only the progress of the associated user in undertaking their sequence of tasks but also, to a greater or;lesser extent, the progress of each of at least some of the remaining users in undertaking their sequence ë of tasks. The control unit is conveniently incorporated in one of the simulation units or otherwise can be a stand alone unit. The control unit can be unmanned and programmed to monitor and regulate the simulation units. Alternatively the control unit can be overseen by a controller for checking functionality of the simulation units, and for monitoring the performance of users of the simulation units and/or enabling an additional program to be introduced into the simulation units to which the associated user is obliged to respond.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now de described with reference to the accompanying drawing of which the sole figure is of the interior of a trailer.

Trailer 11 houses a workspace 12 in which are located five simulator units 13 -17 with, respectively, seats 13S -17S for an individual user of a unit. Each unit 13 -17 is made up of a data processor, respectively data processors 13D- 17D, a display screen, respectively screens 13V -17V and input controls, respectively controls 13C 17C, whereby a user can feed control inputs to their data processor. In this case the simulations are concerned with driving skills and the input controls for each unit comprise, steering wheel, pedal, throttle gear selector devices adapted to provide a n appropriate input to the associated data processor.

Each processor 13D -17D is programmed to display on its associated screen 13V - 17V a representation of a route to be followed by the associated user. A control unit 18, in this case built into simulator unit 13, is connected by a two-way link L to data processors 13D -17D so as to receive from each of them processor information relating to the extent to which each user is managing to follow the route, perform subsidiary functions, and associated information so as to facilitate training and evaluation information for an individual user. Apart from receiving information the control unit 18 can provide for information relating to the performance of each user to be fed back to each simulator unit so that each unit provides for its associated user to be made aware of their own performance and, to a greater or lesser extent, of the performance of the other participating users. ë' - .

The exemplary embodiment makes use of five simulator units but up to eight have .

been found to be a practical proposition. .

The power consumption of the unit 11 when in use is relatively low and although the unit can incorporate a generator it has been found in practice that that a local mains supply from a domestic or office source is satisfactory without use causing overloading.

The unit of the present invention provides for the ready interpretation of input action of one user not only in absolute terms in carrying out one particular action or series of actions in competing a task in a sequence thereof but also the effect of that action on the complete sequence and also provide for the comparison of the actions or the result of the actions with any other users taking part.

The unit can also be used to provide for competition in which a group of users undertake to achieve a target such as being first to reach a goal by undertaking a sequence of actions to provide for the simulated vehicle to follow a path selected by a user. A unit based on the present invention can be used with a group of users starting on level terms. Alternatively handicaps or other means can be employed to allow for users in a group in which individual users exhibit a wide variation in skills to be able to compete or be evaluated on terms tending to reduce differences. Thus for a given event teams of players as well as individual players can participate. For example two of the simulators representing two cars can be operated by a team of four players over a period of time (reflecting what occurs in practice at an endurance event) so that all four get an opportunity to drive for pre-determined sessions. This is particularly appropriate where a team contains players of differing skill levels are involved to ensure that every player gets a chance to participate.

If desired the control unit can be operated by a supervisor by way of a separate I, display unit in order to monitor the way participants are functioning. If desired the supervisor could introduce modifications to vary the simulation from a standard version in order to provide events affecting participants behaviour. Thus handicaps could be applied to the simulator units introducing hazards such as falling rain or snow, speed limits, diversions or obstructions arising on the routes to be followed. : ë

The proposed unit has been described in relation to car driving simulations. Broadly this requires frequent decision making in real time during the course of a pre- determined event in order to achieve, or try to achieve, a desired target as against other participants. Alternatively the unit could have the simulation units programmed to provide for other route-following simulations involving decision making for example ones involving motor cycling, motor boating, sailing or flying.

Claims

1 A mobile training and evaluation unit comprising a self propelled or towable vehicle including a working space housing a control unit and two or more simulation units linked to the control unit; each simulation unit being adapted to be operated by an individual user, each simulation unit being programmed to provide for a sequence of tasks to be displayed for viewing by an associated user of that unit; for inputs relating to aspects of carrying out the sequence to be input to the unit by the associated user; for the effects of the inputs on the sequence of tasks to be displayed by the unit for the associated user; to enable the user to enter further inputs for further effects on the sequence; the control unit causing each unit to display not only the progress of the associated user in undertaking their sequence of tasks but also, to a greater or lesser extent, the progress of each of at least some of the remaining users in undertaking their sequence of tasks.

2 A mobile training and evaluation unit as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the control unit is incorporated in one of the simulation units

3 A mobile training and evaluation unit as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the control unit is a stand alone unit relative to the simulation units.

4 A mobile training and evaluation unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, when in use, the control unit is unmanned and programmed to monitor and regulate the simulation units as aforesaid.

A mobile training and evaluation unit as claimed in any of preceding claims 1 to 3 wherein the control unit, in use, can be overseen by a controller for checking functionality of the simulation units, for monitoring the performance of users of a simulation unit and/or enabling an additional program to be introduced into a simulation unit to which additional program a user of the simulation unit concerned user is obliged to respond.

6 A mobile training and evaluation unit as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

7 A mobile training and evaluation system as claimed in any preceding claim when adapted to simulate car driving, motor cycling, motor boating, sailing or flying.