SIMULATOR FOR SKILL-ORIENTED TRAINING

• US 20140162224A1
• Filed: 11/29/2013
• Published: 06/12/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VRSIM, Inc.
• Original Assignee: VRSIM, Inc.
• Inventors: Wallace, Matthew, Zboray, David, Lenker, Zach, Fudge, Alejo, Burke, Brian, Groot, Chris, Ong, Paul, Kennedy, Shawn, Bignone, Frank, Solomon, Leslie Brooks
• Granted Patent: US 10,388,176 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/219
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2008 Control mechanisms in the form of the machine in the reduced scale model
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/20 Design optimisation, verification or simulation optimisation, verification or simulation of circuit designs G06F30/30
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 19/00 Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/24 Use of tools
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied

Abstract

A skill-based training system includes a processing system having a processor, memory coupled to the processor with executable instructions stored therein, and an input-output controller coupled to the processor and to input and output devices. The memory includes lesson plans that outline skill-based tasks and activities, and predetermined performance criteria. The processor is configured by the instructions to present interfaces on the output devices simulating a virtual training environment. The processor is configured to receive input signals representative of performing the tasks and activities in the virtual environment, and to evaluate the performance by comparing the performed tasks and activities to the criteria, to determine a score and to present the score on the output devices. The system includes work orders categorized by the lesson plans and defining within an increasing progression of a degree of skill, knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving needed to complete the tasks and activities.

Claims

1. A skill-based training system, comprising:

a processing system including;

a processor;

memory operatively coupled to the processor with executable program instructions stored therein, the memory including lesson plans outlining skill-based tasks and activities therein, and predetermined performance criteria for the skill-based tasks and activities; and

an input-output controller operatively coupled to the processor and to one or more input and output devices, the input and output devices facilitating input and output of data and information to and from the processor;

the processor configured, by the executable program instructions, to;

present a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on at least one of the output devices simulating a virtual training environment;

receive input signals from at least one of the input devices, the input signals representative of performing within the virtual training environment one of the skill-based tasks and activities;

evaluate the performance of the one skill-based tasks and activities by comparing the performed tasks and activities to the predetermined performance criteria and determining a score; and

present the score on the at least one of the output devices.

2. The skill-based training system of claim 1, wherein the performance criteria includes an acceptable standards for accuracy, elapsed time, material usage, personal safety and work area safety measures.

3. The skill-based training system of claim 2, wherein the performance criteria further includes at least one of a predetermined or calculated budget for the performance of the one of the skill-based tasks and activities.

4. The skill-based training system of claim 1, further including a work order system including a plurality of work orders categorized by the lesson plans, the plurality of work orders including the skill-based tasks and activities defined within an increasing progression of a degree of at least one of skill, knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving needed to complete the tasks and activities.

5. The skill-based training system of claim 4, wherein the work order system is implemented within a plurality of work areas exhibited on one or more of the plurality of GUIs including a basic-skills work area, an intermediate-skills work area and an advanced-skills work area.

6. The skill-based training system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of work areas are defined within a residential construction environment.

7. The skill-based training system of claim 6, wherein the work orders and the skill-based tasks and activities included therein demonstrate, teach and reinforce skills within at least one of a carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC), flooring, painting, roofing, and other skill-based trade disciplines.

8. The skill-based training system of claim 4, wherein the work orders further include tools to be used in performing the skill-based tasks and activities.

9. The skill-based training system of claim 4, wherein the work orders and the skill-based tasks and activities included therein reinforce general academic skills including reading comprehension, mathematics, knowledge interpretation and retention, complex thinking.

10. The skill-based training system of claim 4, further including a plurality of odd job activities as supplements to the plurality of work orders, the odd job activities teaching skills directed to at least one of personal and work area safety, basic terminology of a discipline of interest, and building teamwork skills.

11. The skill-based training system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined performance criteria includes a standard set by at least one of an industry, a company, an educational institution, and a municipal or governmental certification authority.

12. The skill-based training system of claim 11, wherein the score includes an indication of progress in at least one of lesson completion, learning momentum and in successfully obtaining the set standard.

13. The skill-based training system of claim 1, wherein when the score at least one of meets or exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds, the processor is further configured, by the executable program instructions, to issue at least one of an award, a commendation and a badge.

14. The skill-based training system of claim 13, wherein the at least one award, commendation and badge is exhibited in an area on one or more of the plurality of GUIs associated with a user of the training system.

15. The skill-based training system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the score and the at least one award, commendation and badge is published by the user on a social networking website operatively coupled to the training system.

16. The skill-based training system of claim 1, further including a learning management system including a data store for storing the lesson plans, predetermined performance criteria, and work orders including the skill-based tasks and activities within the lesson plans.

17. The skill-based training system of claim 16, wherein the learning management system further includes data and information associated with a user of the training system and the user'"'"'s performance of the work orders including an indication of the number of lesson plans and work orders completed by the user, an indication of the number of lesson plans and work orders completed for which an acceptable score was received by the user, an indication of learning momentum of the user performing the work orders, an indication of the number and types of tools used by the user in performing the work orders, and an indication in progress of the user toward receiving an accreditation for successfully completing the work order.

18. The skill-based training system of claim 1, wherein during the performance of one of the skill-based tasks and activities, the processor is further configured, by the executable program instructions, to exhibit on one of the plurality of GUIs at least one of a visual aid and a tip to guide and instruct a user of the training system as the user performs the one of the skill-based tasks and activities.

19. The skill-based training system of claim 18, wherein the at least one visual aid and tip includes at least one of a proper placement of a component, a proper alignment in terms of height, pitch and angle of the component, a proper speed and angle of a tool used in performance of the one of the skill-based tasks and activities, and a movement of the component being worked.

20. The skill-based training system of claim 19, wherein the visual aid includes at least one of a phantom and a shaded representation of the component or tool exhibited on the one of the plurality of GUIs, and the tip includes at least one of an audio, video, text, graphics, one or more hyper-links, and like means for communicating information to a user exhibited on the one of the plurality of GUIs.