|Publication number||US6053737 A|
|Application number||US 08/964,423|
|Publication date||Apr 25, 2000|
|Filing date||Nov 4, 1997|
|Priority date||Nov 4, 1997|
|Publication number||08964423, 964423, US 6053737 A, US 6053737A, US-A-6053737, US6053737 A, US6053737A|
|Inventors||Bettina A. Babbitt, Helen Barbara Sorensen, Herbert Harrington Bell, Douglas Shields Elder, Peter Marston Crane|
|Original Assignee||Northrop Grumman Corporation|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (27), Non-Patent Citations (14), Referenced by (80), Classifications (11), Legal Events (5)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
The present invention relates generally to both expert systems and aircraft flight simulators. The present invention relates more particularly to an intelligent flight tutoring system for use in aircraft flight simulators and the like wherein automated performance measures are established and are used to facilitate the training of a trainee to higher levels of cognitive skill complexity.
Flight simulators for training pilots are well known. Such flight simulators typically provide a somewhat authentic environment within which the trainee sits. The environment, i.e., the cockpit of an aircraft, substantially replicates the cockpit of a real aircraft, such as an F-16. Thus, the trainee may utilize the controls and indicators of the simulator to perform various different procedures and maneuvers without actually endangering either himself or a real aircraft.
The more sophisticated aircraft simulators include a realistic windshield or canopy display which accurately shows the world as it would be seen through the real aircraft's windshield or canopy. Such sophisticated flight simulators typically also use hydraulic positioning controls to change the attitude of the simulator cockpit, so as to realistically simulate attitude changes and accelerations which are sensed by pilots when performing actual maneuvers.
Expert systems are also well known. An expert system is a computer program which is capable of taking into account a large quantity of knowledge and/or reasoning so as to then provide a recommended action. In this manner, an expert system attempts to mimic the responses of an expert. Thus, in many applications, a computer can be utilized in place of an expert, thereby realizing substantial cost, time, space, and weight benefits. For example, such an expert system may be utilized to aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions or to provide legal advice.
The primary distinction between an expert system and a traditional computer algorithm is the expert system's ability to make inferences from very complicated and often incomplete knowledge. Thus, in the same manner that an acceptable answer may be provided by a human expert, once that human expert has been provided with incomplete facts, a properly designed expert system may be constructed so as to provide logical answers from similar information. It is important to note that an expert system provides the best possible answer under the conditions it was written for, but may not provide the best answer under alternative conditions.
Contemporary expert systems typically comprise an explanation portion, a knowledge acquisition portion, a database portion, and a report portion. The explanation portion of a contemporary expert system provides a decision tree which assists a user in determining why a question is being asked or why a particular solution has been identified. The decision tree or explanation model for such a contemporary system can be found in "Leadership and the Decision Making" by Victor Vroom and Philip Yetton, University of Pittsburgh Press, 1971 and also in "The New Leadership-Managing Participation and Organizations", by Victor Vroom and Arthur Yago, Prentice Hall, 1988.
The knowledge acquisition portion of a contemporary expert system queries the user according to a predefined search strategy. First, a solution is assumed, and then the knowledge acquisition portion of the expert system determines if a question response is necessary in order to either approve or disprove the assumed solution. Only questions relevant to the rule are asked. No question is asked unless it is required to reach a solution.
Generally, simple yes or no responses are accepted. Sometimes a question may be answered with a degree of certainty. Fuzzy logic is then utilized in an attempt to find the preferred solution.
The database portion typically comprises abstracts from books and articles involving such topics as, for example, decision making, leadership, and management. The database portion of an expert system typically facilitates reading of the database portion in a non-sequential manner, thus allowing the system to locate the exact information of interest, either by searching on a key word or phrase, or via the use of a browse tree.
The report portion of an expert system typically includes a text editor and the ability to manage filed reports. Prior to report generation, the user is optionally asked if he is willing to risk failure to gain efficiency. As in other questions, a degree of certainty may, optionally, be entered for the response. Thus, a threshold is optionally established beyond which solutions to the desired problems are rejected, when failure is not to be tolerated.
Many contemporary expert systems allow knowledge to be represented as a series of IF-THEN rules. More sophisticated expert systems additionally allow knowledge to be represented as frames. Reasoning is facilitated via both forward chaining and backward chaining. Most contemporary expert systems utilized tools which comprise specific facilities for generating explanations of the expert system's reasoning.
Frequently, expert systems are integrated with other types of software, for example, database management software, a user interface and/or statistical analysis software, so as to create functional integrated control systems suitable for preforming desired tasks.
In view of the advantages of expert systems, particularly their ability to eliminate or mitigate the need for a human expert, it is desirable to provide an aircraft flight simulator which incorporates an expert system so as to provide a methodology for training higher levels of cognitive skill complexity. In this manner, such aircraft flight simulators may be utilized to train pilots to substantially higher skill levels, thereby substantially reducing the expense associated with flight training and also substantially enhancing pilot/aircraft survivability, particularly in complex modern tactical warfare situations.
The present invention comprises a method for tutoring trainees in aircraft simulators and the like using artificial intelligence methodologies to elicit expert knowledge from experienced pilots and to represent the elicited expert knowledge in a simulation, such as for F-16 radar interpretation.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described and illustrated herein as being utilized in an F-16 flight simulator, particularly as used in radar interpretation, such description and illustration is by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the method for tutoring trainees of the present invention may be utilized in various other applications. For example, the present invention may be utilized to instruct automobile drivers, medical students, air traffic controllers, attorneys, etc.
The intelligent flight tutoring system of the present invention comprises an expert system, a simulator for simulating stored flight scenarios, and a feedback circuit for providing instructional feedback for a trainee.
The expert system comprises a decision support system which defines a human factors engineering module, a plurality of stored flight scenarios, and a plurality of automated performance measures.
The decision support system comprises an ability scale applied to a plurality of cognitive abilities. The ability scale rates each of the cognitive abilities according to the number of decisions which are made to preform an associated task. Thus, the more decisions required to perform a particular task, the higher the rating the task's cognitive ability will receive on the ability scale.
Clusters of associated tasks are formed by clustering each task for which its associated ability has been rated above a predetermined level.
Content areas are defined by the clustered tasks and scenarios are then built from the contact areas.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ability scale ranges from 1 to 7. The higher the ability scale rating, the more difficult the skill. The clusters preferably comprise tasks having a range from 5 to 7, inclusive.
Preferably, each flight scenario comprises a plurality of different decision points. At least one decision point for each scenario is preferably a decision point wherein an incorrect decision is likely to result in loss of either the pilot or the aircraft.
Each flight scenario preferably commences with predetermined assumptions regarding the distance between the pilot and at least one adversary, as well as predetermined assumptions regarding radar mode, mission time, meteorological conditions, threat access, and threat maneuvers in relation to the distance from a nearest and most threatening advisory.
The automated performance measures preferably comprise standards of performance programmed into each of the scenarios using expert system rules.
The feedback circuit preferably comprises a circuit for monitoring the trainees flight, a circuit for comparing the trainees flight to a decision support system, a circuit for determining how closely the trainees flight resembles an experts flight, and a circuit for presenting feedback to the trainee when the trainee fails to respond in a desired way upon encountering a decision point. The feedback circuit is preferably configured so as to present feedback to a trainee immediately upon following the trainees failed response.
The feedback circuit is also preferably configured to simultaneously present the trainee with a God's eye view of the flight, a radar display of the flight, and text explaining critical decision behaviors of the trainee along with recommendations for improving the trainees performance. The feedback circuit is preferably configured to provide voice instructions to the trainee, preferably via a voice synthesizer.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedback circuit is configured to provide voice cautionaries and detailed voice instructions for correcting the trainee's critical decision behaviors. Optionally, the cautionaries and/or detailed instructions are also provided in written form.
The feedback circuit is also preferably configured to display how an expert would perform the same flight.
The simulator is preferably configured to perform a plurality of flights, each flight being selected at random so as to prevent the trainee from anticipating the next flight.
Preferably the feedback circuit is configured so as not to interfere with the trainee during simulated flight. Thus, the feedback circuit is preferably configured so as to provide instructional feedback only at the end of the simulated flight. Alternatively, the feedback circuit is configured so as to provide feedback during the simulated flight.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedback circuit is configured so as to show the trainee a plurality of expert flights at the end of the simulated flight, thereby providing more detailed training as to the different options available to the trainee.
These, as well as other advantages of the present invention be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the method for tutoring a pilot in an aircraft flight simulator of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the steps associated with providing the decision support system, human factors engineering model of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a broad overview of the operation of the system for tutoring a pilot in an aircraft flight simulator according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the interrelationships of the various memory components with the inference engine and a data terminal according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the interrelationship of the flight simulator, data collection component, inference engine component, graphical user interface, and God's eye view component of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 is an exemplary screen display showing a performance analysis summary according to the present invention.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The intelligent flight tutoring system of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 which depict a presently preferred embodiment thereof.
According to the present invention, an expert system is utilized to facilitate the training of pilots in an aircraft flight simulator. The expert system is formed by questioning experts, i.e., experienced pilots, and then developing a database of the expert's reactions to various different situations. When a trainee uses the simulator, his actions are compared to those of one or more experts and are preferably numerically rated with respect thereto. Thus, a high rating would be given when the trainees actions conform precisely to those of one of the experts, while a low rating would be given when the trainees actions deviate substantially from those of the expert. In this manner, performance feedback can be given to the trainee, so as to help the trainee conform his actions to those of an expert.
Referring now to FIG. 1 the intelligent flight tutoring system is constructed by forming a decision support system, human factors engineering module 100, then defining design and program flight scenarios 200. Next, automated performance measures are established 300, and finally instructional feedback for the end users is implemented 400.
Referring now to FIG. 2, forming the decision support system, human factors engineering module 100 comprises the steps of applying an ability scale to a plurality, preferably approximately twenty-two, cognitive abilities 101. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the number of cognitive abilities to which the abilities scale is applied depends upon the type of simulation to be preformed. Thus, a more complex simulation, requiring the use of more cognitive abilities, will require that an abilities scale be applied to a larger number of cognitive abilities than would a simpler simulation. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cognitive abilities are rated utilizing a scale of 1 through 7, with 7 requiring the highest degree of cognitive ability.
Preferably, each task which has cognitive abilities rated at a 5 through 7 level are clustered together 102.
The clusters of tasks are then used as content areas from which the scenarios are built 103. In this manner, a plurality of scenarios are defined wherein each scenario requires the use of at least some of those cognitive abilities which are crucial to the performance of the task being simulated.
Referring now to FIG. 3, according to a broad overview of the system operation, the simulator starts 502, and can then be stopped 506 or quit 503. When the simulation is stopped 506, it can be restarted 502. Thus, the simulation may be stopped so as to allow the trainee to contemplate his prior actions and/or decide what to do next. When the simulation is stopped 506 and restarted 502, it resumes at the same place where it was previously stopped 506. Quitting 503 the simulation brings it to a halt, thereby requiring that the simulation be restarted 502 from the beginning.
Initializing 501 the simulation causes all of the desired parameters, i.e., scenario selected, etc. to be entered such that the simulation is performed properly.
Show 504 is an interactive function of the simulation where the trainee is shown those displays and parameters which are a required portion of the simulation. Thus, show 504 typically comprises the showing of a display of a view from the cockpit of the aircraft being simulated, as well as any gauges, controls, indicators, etc., necessary for performance of the simulations. Also, show 504 typically includes the display of the results of actions taken by the trainee, such as the firing of a missile or gun, dropping of bombs, etc.
View 505 comprises the performance analysis, wherein the trainees performance is analyzed and information necessary for training is displayed, as discussed in detail below.
The intelligent flight tutoring system of the present invention this preferably comprises a computer program which creates and initializes the simulation arena; waits for the start 502, show 504, view 505, or quit 503 instructions; commences execution of the flight simulation software and the God's eye view software, and destroys the arena when the simulation is complete.
The smart elements of the expert system, which is a client of the arena, send the start, stop, view, show, and quit instructions, and listen for a quit instruction. The smart elements also read data blocks created by the master of the arena.
The flight simulation software client of the arena can send out a quit instruction and listens for stop and quit instructions and writes host data to the smart elements. Reading of blocked data from the flight simulation software is also performed.
A God's eye view playback client of the arena listens for the stop and quit instructions and responds accordingly.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a real time system interface is provided wherein each component of the system is independent and can be replaced. Thus, a plug and play system is defined by maintaining compatible data interfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the shared area memory component 603 is the hub of the intelligent flight tutoring system and can be thought of as a communications channel. The shared area memory 603 is updated by both the flight simulator and the data terminal component 605. The shared arena memory component 603 is a common place where all of the components can temporarily store or receive data therefrom.
The shared memory viewer component 601 shows such indications as nautical miles, scenarios, critical points, distance, contact, pilot identification to formation, number of bandits, and sorting information for the closest bandit. The shared memory and simulation component 602 is the connection between the shared arena memory and the flight simulator. The shared memory and simulator component 602 transmits nautical mile data to the shared arena memory 603. The inference engine component 604 initializes the shared arena memory 603 and monitors the critical points of the simulation. The inference engine component 604 is capable of shutting down the system and/or starting up a tutoring session, as desired. Thus, when the trainee performs an action which has been determined to be inappropriate, then the inference engine component 604 may halt the simulation and instruct the trainee as to the preferred course of action.
The data terminal component 605 is a mechanism whereby a trainer or training session supervisor may enter the responses indicated by the pilot, such as contact, flight formation, number of planes, and sorted information. Thus, trainer may vary various different aspects of the simulation, so as to provide desired variety as well as specifically desired scenarios.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the performance analysis interface outputs data to the data collection component 702. The data is then passed to the inference engine component 604. The inference engine component 604 reads the data and performs an analysis based upon the rules provided by the substance matter experts, e.g., pilots.
The inference engine component 604 displays the results of the analysis in a format suitable for the trainee utilizing the user displays via the graphic user interface 704. A replay of the flight simulation is also shown to the user. The flight simulation replay is generated by the flight simulator 701. A God's eye view component 705 provides a view of the scenario from above, so that both the trainee's and the bandit's aircraft may easily be seen.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the performance analysis summary 800 is a screen displayed to the trainee after a flight scenario or simulation has been completed. The performance analysis summary 800 is an example of the graphical user inner face 704. The performance analysis summery 800 provides the trainee with specific diagnostic flight information as well as several feedback options which may be displayed at the push of a touch screen push button 802, 803, 804, 805, or 806.
Thus, the performance analysis summery 800 shows various diagnostics 801, shown as problem 1, problem 2, and problem 3. These problems indicate areas where the trainee deviated from the performance of an expert gearing the simulation.
Activating the "show performance" button 802 facilitates a re-display of the trainees performance on the last simulated scenario. Thus, the trainee may repeatedly review his performance, as desired. The show expert performance again touch screen push button 803 causes the screen to display the training scenario as performed by an expert. optionally, the show expert performance again touch screen push button 803 is followed by a menu which allows the trainee to select how each of a plurality of different experts would fly the scenario. In this manner, the trainee is exposed to a plurality of different options, thereby substantially enhancing the training.
The fly scenario again touch screen push button 804 allows the trainee to repeat the scenario, so as to incorporate the suggestions offered by the intelligent flight tutoring system of the present invention.
The new scenario touch screen push button 805 allows the trainee to select a new scenario. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention each new scenario will be provided at random, so as to prevent the trainee from anticipating the imminent scenario, thereby more accurately reflecting real world tactical situations. Alternatively, use of the new scenario touch screen push button 805 is followed by a menu which allows the trainee to select one of a plurality of different scenarios.
Using the quick program touch screen push button 806 halts the simulation.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a voice synthesis system provides a pilot with yellow cautionaries, such that the trainee receives both auditory and text feedback. Such yellow cautionary information preferably deepens, i.e., is provided in greater detail, as necessary. The amount of such feedback may be increased by the trainee, as desired.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention a shared memory comprises one block of memory in the form of a common data structure. The data structure is preferably divided into three parts, i.e., a version block, a control block, and a data block.
The version block is initialized by the server and contains the version information that the server was compiled with. The clients compare the data and the version block with their own, report any discrepancies, and take appropriate action. The data in the version block is non-volatile and does not require a lock.
The control block is a repository for sending commands, scenario numbers, and for signalling attachment to the arena. It is protected by an arena lock. A counter in the control block is incremented. Anytime data in the control block has been modified. Clients use this counter to detect changes in the control block.
The data block is the real time communications link between smart elements and the flight simulation soft ware. The data block is protected by an arena lock, and uses the same counter mechanism as the control block for flagging modified data.
Thus, according to the present invention an aircraft flight simulator is provided which incorporates an expert system so as to provide a methodology for training higher levels of cognitive skill complexity. Thus, the intelligent flight simulator of the present invention may be utilized to train pilots to a substantially higher level of skill than heretofore possible. Such training may be accomplished without the presence of a human flight instructor. Such simulator training substantially reduces the expense associated with flight training and also substantially enhances pilot/aircraft survivability, particularly in complex modern tactical warfare situations.
It is understood that the exemplary intelligent flight tutoring system of the present invention describes herein and shown in the drawings represents only a presently preferred embodiment thereof. Indeed, various modifications and additions may be made to such embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the intelligent tutoring system of the present invention may be utilized in various different fields, other than flight simulation. For example, the present invention may be utilized in the training of automobile driving students, medical students (particularly for the training of surgical procedures), air traffic controllers, etc. Thus, these and other modifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in the art and may be implemented to adapt the present invention for use in a variety of different applications.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US4192082 *||Dec 18, 1978||Mar 11, 1980||The Singer Company||Electronic warfare simulator|
|US4233756 *||Dec 6, 1976||Nov 18, 1980||Pacer Systems, Inc.||Aircraft flight simulating instrument trainer|
|US4273536 *||Jan 28, 1980||Jun 16, 1981||The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force||Gun simulator system|
|US4276029 *||May 17, 1979||Jun 30, 1981||The Ohio State University||Visual cue simulator|
|US4424038 *||Jan 31, 1980||Jan 3, 1984||Sanders Associates, Inc.||Inflight aircraft training system|
|US4645459 *||Jul 30, 1982||Feb 24, 1987||Honeywell Inc.||Computer generated synthesized imagery|
|US4787024 *||Jul 28, 1986||Nov 22, 1988||The Singer Company||Interface system for simulated display instruments in a vehicle simulator|
|US4949267 *||Aug 17, 1988||Aug 14, 1990||Ufa, Inc.||Site-selectable air traffic control system|
|US4959015 *||Dec 19, 1988||Sep 25, 1990||Honeywell, Inc.||System and simulator for in-flight threat and countermeasures training|
|US5051094 *||Jan 26, 1988||Sep 24, 1991||Environmental Tectonics Corporation||G-force trainer|
|US5117360 *||Mar 28, 1990||May 26, 1992||Grumman Aerospace Corporation||Joint surveillance target attack radar system (JSTARS)|
|US5161158 *||Oct 16, 1989||Nov 3, 1992||The Boeing Company||Failure analysis system|
|US5200901 *||Dec 17, 1990||Apr 6, 1993||Ufa, Inc.||Direct entry air traffic control system for accident analysis and training|
|US5270920 *||May 13, 1991||Dec 14, 1993||Hughes Training, Inc.||Expert system scheduler and scheduling method|
|US5311422 *||Jun 28, 1990||May 10, 1994||The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration||General purpose architecture for intelligent computer-aided training|
|US5370535 *||Nov 16, 1992||Dec 6, 1994||Cae-Link Corporation||Apparatus and method for primary control loading for vehicle simulation|
|US5388990 *||Apr 23, 1993||Feb 14, 1995||The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration||Virtual reality flight control display with six-degree-of-freedom controller and spherical orientation overlay|
|US5428530 *||May 5, 1992||Jun 27, 1995||Kaman Sciences Corporation||Airborne reactive threat simulator|
|US5461571 *||Nov 17, 1992||Oct 24, 1995||Honeywell Inc.||Complementary thread display method and apparatus|
|US5541863 *||Sep 30, 1994||Jul 30, 1996||Rockwell International||Virtual integrated software testbed for avionics|
|US5651676 *||Sep 2, 1993||Jul 29, 1997||Microsoft Corporation||Method of organizing and storing simulated scenery in a flight simulation system|
|US5687291 *||Jun 27, 1996||Nov 11, 1997||The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army||Method and apparatus for estimating a cognitive decision made in response to a known stimulus from the corresponding single-event evoked cerebral potential|
|US5689619 *||Aug 9, 1996||Nov 18, 1997||The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army||Eyetracker control of heads-up displays|
|US5728960 *||Jul 10, 1996||Mar 17, 1998||Sitrick; David H.||Multi-dimensional transformation systems and display communication architecture for musical compositions|
|US5774878 *||Jun 27, 1994||Jun 30, 1998||Marshall; Paul Steven||Virtual reality generator for use with financial information|
|US5875108 *||Jun 6, 1995||Feb 23, 1999||Hoffberg; Steven M.||Ergonomic man-machine interface incorporating adaptive pattern recognition based control system|
|US5901246 *||Jun 6, 1995||May 4, 1999||Hoffberg; Steven M.||Ergonomic man-machine interface incorporating adaptive pattern recognition based control system|
|1||Northrop Grumman, "Expert System Shells and Intelligent Tutoring Systems: MAUM" by Babbitt, Mar. 1995.|
|2||*||Northrop Grumman, Expert System Shells and Intelligent Tutoring Systems: MAUM by Babbitt, Mar. 1995.|
|3||Northrup Grumman, "Assessment of cost and training effectiveness analysis models", Oct. 1989.|
|4||Northrup Grumman, "Decision Support System and Training in a Virtual Reality Environment" by Babbitt et al, Jan. 1997.|
|5||Northrup Grumman, "Development of a real-time simulation with intelligent tutoring capabilities" by Gordon et al, 1994.|
|6||Northrup Grumman, "Human systems advanced technology: Advanced training system development" by Babbitt et al, Apr. 1994.|
|7||Northrup Grumman, "Proceedings of the 15th Interservice/Industry Training Systems and Education Conference", Nov. 1993.|
|8||Northrup Grumman, "The functioning and evaluation of pilot situation awareness" by Erdsley, Apr. 1988.|
|9||*||Northrup Grumman, Assessment of cost and training effectiveness analysis models , Oct. 1989.|
|10||*||Northrup Grumman, Decision Support System and Training in a Virtual Reality Environment by Babbitt et al, Jan. 1997.|
|11||*||Northrup Grumman, Development of a real time simulation with intelligent tutoring capabilities by Gordon et al, 1994.|
|12||*||Northrup Grumman, Human systems advanced technology: Advanced training system development by Babbitt et al, Apr. 1994.|
|13||*||Northrup Grumman, Proceedings of the 15th Interservice/Industry Training Systems and Education Conference , Nov. 1993.|
|14||*||Northrup Grumman, The functioning and evaluation of pilot situation awareness by Erdsley, Apr. 1988.|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US6179618 *||Jun 19, 1998||Jan 30, 2001||Microsoft Corporation||Heightened realism for computer-controlled units in real-time activity simulation|
|US6215498 *||Sep 10, 1998||Apr 10, 2001||Lionhearth Technologies, Inc.||Virtual command post|
|US6447424||Feb 2, 2000||Sep 10, 2002||Icon Health & Fitness Inc||System and method for selective adjustment of exercise apparatus|
|US6458060||Aug 18, 2000||Oct 1, 2002||Icon Ip, Inc.||Systems and methods for interaction with exercise device|
|US6626799||Aug 20, 2001||Sep 30, 2003||Icon Ip, Inc.||System and methods for providing an improved exercise device with motivational programming|
|US6763325||Jun 19, 1998||Jul 13, 2004||Microsoft Corporation||Heightened realism for computer-controlled units in real-time activity simulation|
|US6918858||Mar 26, 2002||Jul 19, 2005||Icon Ip, Inc.||Systems and methods for providing an improved exercise device with access to motivational programming over telephone communication connection lines|
|US6997852||Feb 2, 2001||Feb 14, 2006||Icon Ip, Inc.||Methods and systems for controlling an exercise apparatus using a portable remote device|
|US7052277||Dec 14, 2001||May 30, 2006||Kellman A.C.T. Services, Inc.||System and method for adaptive learning|
|US7060006||Aug 18, 2000||Jun 13, 2006||Icon Ip, Inc.||Computer systems and methods for interaction with exercise device|
|US7096188 *||Jan 28, 2000||Aug 22, 2006||Kepner-Tregoe, Inc.||Method and apparatus for problem solving, decision making and storing, analyzing, and retrieving enterprisewide knowledge and conclusive data|
|US7645212||Apr 25, 2005||Jan 12, 2010||Icon Ip, Inc.||System and method for selective adjustment of exercise apparatus|
|US7645213||Nov 24, 2008||Jan 12, 2010||Watterson Scott R||Systems for interaction with exercise device|
|US7713171||Jan 23, 2007||May 11, 2010||Icon Ip, Inc.||Exercise equipment with removable digital script memory|
|US7789800||Sep 7, 2010||Icon Ip, Inc.||Methods and systems for controlling an exercise apparatus using a USB compatible portable remote device|
|US7801714 *||Apr 22, 2002||Sep 21, 2010||Airbus France||Flight simulator adapted for a family of aircraft|
|US7852260||Mar 1, 2007||Dec 14, 2010||Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.||Methods and systems for generating virtual radar targets|
|US7857731||Jun 22, 2009||Dec 28, 2010||Icon Ip, Inc.||Mobile systems and methods for health, exercise and competition|
|US7862478||May 18, 2009||Jan 4, 2011||Icon Ip, Inc.||System and methods for controlling the operation of one or more exercise devices and providing motivational programming|
|US7980996||May 3, 2010||Jul 19, 2011||Icon Ip, Inc.||Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment|
|US7981000||Jan 8, 2010||Jul 19, 2011||Icon Ip, Inc.||Systems for interaction with exercise device|
|US7985164||Dec 21, 2005||Jul 26, 2011||Icon Ip, Inc.||Methods and systems for controlling an exercise apparatus using a portable data storage device|
|US7991729||Oct 4, 2007||Aug 2, 2011||Lockheed Martin Corporation||Scenario workflow based assessment system and method|
|US8025503||Dec 8, 2003||Sep 27, 2011||Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.||One-engine-inoperative training method and system|
|US8029415||Mar 27, 2009||Oct 4, 2011||Icon Ip, Inc.||Systems, methods, and devices for simulating real world terrain on an exercise device|
|US8126838 *||May 4, 2007||Feb 28, 2012||Lockheed Martin Corporation||Systems and methods of developing intuitive decision-making trainers|
|US8170976||Oct 17, 2008||May 1, 2012||The Boeing Company||Assessing student performance and providing instructional mentoring|
|US8195530||May 17, 2007||Jun 5, 2012||International Business Machines Corporation||Method, system, and program product for customizing educational materials|
|US8251874||Mar 27, 2009||Aug 28, 2012||Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.||Exercise systems for simulating real world terrain|
|US8298123||Jul 15, 2011||Oct 30, 2012||Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.||Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment|
|US8321186||Aug 7, 2008||Nov 27, 2012||The Boeing Company||Synthetic air traffic management fast-time environment|
|US8690735||Jul 15, 2011||Apr 8, 2014||Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.||Systems for interaction with exercise device|
|US8758201||Jul 3, 2012||Jun 24, 2014||Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.||Portable physical activity sensing system|
|US8784270||Sep 7, 2010||Jul 22, 2014||Icon Ip, Inc.||Portable physical activity sensing system|
|US8838293 *||Dec 21, 2006||Sep 16, 2014||Thales||Functional monitor for flight management system|
|US9028368||Jul 5, 2011||May 12, 2015||Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.||Systems, methods, and devices for simulating real world terrain on an exercise device|
|US20020016235 *||Jul 18, 2001||Feb 7, 2002||Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.||System and method for selective adjustment of exercise apparatus|
|US20020022551 *||Feb 2, 2001||Feb 21, 2002||Watterson Scott R.||Methods and systems for controlling an exercise apparatus using a portable remote device|
|US20020155413 *||Apr 22, 2002||Oct 24, 2002||Philippe Villey||Flight simulator adapted for a family of aircraft|
|US20020165067 *||Mar 26, 2002||Nov 7, 2002||Icon Ip, Inc.||Systems and methods for providing an improved exercise device with access to motivational programming over telephone communication connection lines|
|US20030014230 *||Jan 11, 2001||Jan 16, 2003||Hans-Ove Hagelin||Device and a method concerning the behaviour of a vehicle|
|US20040127335 *||Sep 29, 2003||Jul 1, 2004||Watterson Scott R.||Systems and methods for controlling the operation of one or more exercise devices and providing motivational programming|
|US20040162189 *||Feb 6, 2004||Aug 19, 2004||Hickman Paul L.||Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment|
|US20040248071 *||Jun 6, 2003||Dec 9, 2004||Serguei Bedziouk||System and method for autonomous training|
|US20050160066 *||Oct 13, 2004||Jul 21, 2005||Shaw Laurence J.||Database and cataloging system for object manipulations|
|US20050196730 *||Dec 14, 2001||Sep 8, 2005||Kellman Philip J.||System and method for adaptive learning|
|US20050209052 *||Apr 25, 2005||Sep 22, 2005||Ashby Darren C||System and method for selective adjustment of exercise apparatus|
|US20050233861 *||Jun 13, 2005||Oct 20, 2005||Hickman Paul L||Mobile systems and methods for heath, exercise and competition|
|US20050234689 *||Dec 8, 2003||Oct 20, 2005||Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.||One-engine-inoperative training method and system|
|US20050250080 *||Mar 29, 2005||Nov 10, 2005||San Diego State Univ. Foundation||Methods and computer program products for assessing language comprehension in infants and children|
|US20050282141 *||Jun 17, 2004||Dec 22, 2005||Falash Mark D||Scenario workflow based assessment system and method|
|US20060014131 *||Jul 15, 2004||Jan 19, 2006||International Business Machines Corporation||Dynamically developing education plans utilizing user preferences and/or constraints|
|US20060078856 *||Nov 30, 2005||Apr 13, 2006||Kellman A.C.T. Services, Inc.||System and method for adaptive learning|
|US20060178758 *||Feb 8, 2006||Aug 10, 2006||Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd.||Training methods and systems|
|US20060205569 *||May 8, 2006||Sep 14, 2006||Watterson Scott R||Systems and methods for enabling two-way communication between one or more exercise devices and computer devices and for enabling users of the one or more exercise devices to competitively exercise|
|US20070142981 *||Dec 21, 2006||Jun 21, 2007||Manuel Gutierrez-Castaneda||Functional monitor for flight management system|
|US20070271078 *||Oct 17, 2006||Nov 22, 2007||New York Air Brake Corporation||Remote Control Locomotive Simulator|
|US20080051256 *||Aug 31, 2007||Feb 28, 2008||Icon Ip, Inc.||Exercise device with on board personal trainer|
|US20080114708 *||May 4, 2007||May 15, 2008||Lockheed Martin Corporation||Systems and Methods of Developing Intuitive Decision-Making Trainers|
|US20080288359 *||May 17, 2007||Nov 20, 2008||Borowski Zbigniew J||Method, system, and program product for customizing educational materials|
|US20080300110 *||Aug 2, 2007||Dec 4, 2008||Icon, Ip||Exercise device with exercise log and journal|
|US20090058715 *||Mar 1, 2007||Mar 5, 2009||Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.||Methods and systems for generating virtual radar targets|
|US20090258758 *||Jun 22, 2009||Oct 15, 2009||Hickman Paul L||Mobile systems and methods for health, exercise and competition|
|US20090270226 *||May 18, 2009||Oct 29, 2009||Watterson Scott R||Systems and methods for controlling the operation of one or more exercise devices and providing motivational programming|
|US20090270227 *||Mar 27, 2009||Oct 29, 2009||Ashby Darren C||Systems, methods, and devices for simulating real world terrain on an exercise device|
|US20100036651 *||Aug 7, 2008||Feb 11, 2010||The Boeing Company||Synthetic air traffic management fast-time environment|
|US20100100520 *||Oct 17, 2008||Apr 22, 2010||Brandt Wilson Dargue||Assessing student performance and providing instructional mentoring|
|US20100248900 *||Mar 27, 2009||Sep 30, 2010||Ashby Darren C||Exercise systems for simulating real world terrain|
|US20100255955 *||May 3, 2010||Oct 7, 2010||Hickman Paul L||Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment|
|US20110022330 *||Mar 20, 2009||Jan 27, 2011||Bae Systems Plc||monitoring apparatus|
|US20110071003 *||Sep 7, 2010||Mar 24, 2011||Watterson Scott R||Portable physical activity sensing system|
|US20110258021 *||Oct 20, 2011||Mumaw Randall Jay||Human reliability assessment tool supporting safety issue analysis and management|
|US20130280678 *||Apr 22, 2013||Oct 24, 2013||The Boeing Company||Aircrew training system|
|CN101650883B||Feb 13, 2009||Dec 29, 2010||中国人民解放军空军航空大学||Simulation method of atmospheric turbulence on flight simulator|
|CN103985284A *||May 26, 2014||Aug 13, 2014||四川川大智胜软件股份有限公司||Cross-platform teacher control console system and control method thereof based on Qt|
|EP2751796A2 *||Sep 4, 2012||Jul 9, 2014||L-3 Communications Corporation||Adaptive training system, method and apparatus|
|WO2001052221A1 *||Jan 11, 2001||Jul 19, 2001||Hagelin Hans Ove||A device and a method concerning the behaviour of a vehicle|
|WO2002015985A1 *||Apr 4, 2001||Feb 28, 2002||Icon Health & Fitness Inc||Systems and methods for interaction with exercise device|
|WO2004032093A2 *||Sep 30, 2003||Apr 15, 2004||Margaret Friend||Method and product for assessing cognitive ability|
|WO2010016999A1 *||Jul 13, 2009||Feb 11, 2010||The Boeing Company||Synthetic air traffic management fast-time environment|
|U.S. Classification||434/30, 434/29, 700/83, 703/8, 434/43, 706/905, 434/372|
|Cooperative Classification||Y10S706/905, G09B9/08|
|Apr 20, 1998||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BABBITT, BETTINA A.;SORENSEN, HELEN BARBARA;BELL, HERBERT HARRINGTON;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:009204/0879;SIGNING DATES FROM 19980323 TO 19980417
|Mar 21, 2000||AS||Assignment|
|Nov 12, 2003||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|Apr 26, 2004||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|Jun 22, 2004||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20040425