Abstract:
A search and rescue training simulator and method. The training simulator comprises a first generating means, a second generating means, a third generating means, and a fourth generating means. The first generating means generates a simulated vehicle in motion performing a search and rescue function. The simulated vehicle includes a vehicular control panel. The second generating means generates a simulated environment. The third generating means generates a simulated receiver apparatus within the vehicular control panel. The fourth generating means generates a simulated transmitter apparatus within the simulated environment. The simulated transmitter apparatus is adapted to generate and transmit a signal. The simulated receiver apparatus is adapted to receive the signal and assist a user in locating the simulated transmitter apparatus in the simulated environment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Technical Field  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a search and rescue training simulator and method. 2. Related Art  
         [0003]     Preparing rescue crews for real life rescue missions requires training which may be difficult and costly. Therefore there is a need to provide an easy low cost way for preparing rescue crews for real life rescue missions.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The present invention provides a training simulator, comprising, comprising:  
         [0005]     first generating means for generating a simulated vehicle in motion performing a search and rescue function, wherein said simulated vehicle comprises a vehicular control panel;  
         [0006]     second generating means for generating a simulated environment;  
         [0007]     third generating means for generating a simulated receiver apparatus within the vehicular control panel; and  
         [0008]     fourth generating means for generating a simulated transmitter apparatus within the simulated environment, wherein said simulated transmitter apparatus is adapted to generate and transmit a signal, wherein said simulated receiver apparatus is adapted to receive said signal and assist a user in locating said simulated transmitter apparatus in said simulated environment.  
         [0009]     The present invention provides a training simulation method, comprising:  
         [0010]     providing a training simulator comprising a simulated vehicle in motion performing a search and rescue function within a simulated environment, a simulated receiver apparatus within the simulated vehicle, and a simulated transmitter apparatus within the simulated environment;  
         [0011]     transmitting by said simulated transmitter apparatus, a signal;  
         [0012]     receiving by said simulated receiver apparatus, said transmitted signal; and  
         [0013]     assisting by said signal and said simulated receiver apparatus, a user in locating said simulated transmitter apparatus in said simulated environment.  
         [0014]     The present invention provides a method for deploying computing infrastructure, comprising integrating computer-readable code comprising a training simulator into a computing system, wherein the code in combination with the computing system is capable of performing the steps of:  
         [0015]     providing within the training simulator, a simulated vehicle in motion performing a search and rescue function within a simulated environment, a simulated receiver apparatus within the simulated vehicle, and a simulated transmitter apparatus within the simulated environment;  
         [0016]     transmitting by the simulated transmitter apparatus, a signal;  
         [0017]     receiving by the simulated receiver apparatus, said transmitted signal; and  
         [0018]     assisting by said signal and said simulated receiver apparatus, a user in locating said simulated transmitter apparatus in a simulated environment.  
         [0019]     The present invention provides a computer system comprising a processor and a computer readable memory unit coupled to the processor, said memory unit containing instructions that when executed by the processor implement a training simulator method, said method comprising the computer implemented steps of:  
         [0020]     providing within the training simulator, a simulated vehicle in motion performing a search and rescue function within a simulated environment, a simulated receiver apparatus within the simulated vehicle, and a simulated transmitter apparatus within the simulated environment;  
         [0021]     transmitting by a simulated transmitter apparatus, a signal;  
         [0022]     receiving by a simulated receiver apparatus, said transmitted signal; and  
         [0023]     assisting by said signal and said simulated receiver apparatus, a user in locating said simulated transmitter apparatus in a simulated environment.  
         [0024]     The present invention provides advantageously provides a system and associated method to provide an easy low cost way for preparing rescue crews for real life rescue missions. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates an aircraft search and rescue simulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed view of the simulated receiver apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart depicting an algorithm illustrating a functionality for the signal strength gauge of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart depicting an algorithm illustrating a functionality for the left/right indication gauge of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart depicting an algorithm illustrating a functionality for using an audio component of the signal (i.e., an audio signal) transmitted from the transmitting apparatus of  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrates a computer system used for implementing the aircraft search and rescue simulator of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates an aircraft search and rescue simulator  2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Although the  FIG. 1  is described with reference to an aircraft (e.g., airplane, helicopter, etc.), note that the simulator  2  may comprise any transportation means including, inter alia, an automobile, a boat, a person on foot, etc. The simulator  2  simulates a search and rescue operation and is used for training aircrews to perform a real search and rescue operation. The simulator  2  comprises a first person view (i.e., from a pilot&#39;s view). The simulator  2  may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, a computer program on a computer may control simulator  2  functions and provide the first person view on a monitor. The simulator  2  comprises a simulated aircraft dash panel  4  within a simulated aircraft  11 , a simulated environment  6 , a simulated receiver apparatus  10 , and a simulated transmitter apparatus  7 . The simulator  2  provides a. realistic first-person (as seen from the pilot&#39;s perspective), full-function, search simulator for training aircrews to perform a search and rescue operation under an unlimited number of conditions (e.g., weather conditions, terrain conditions, etc.). A search and rescue operation is defined herein as an operation to locate and rescue a person in distress. For example, a person lost in their surroundings (e.g., woods, in a body of water, on a mountain), a person in a downed aircraft or any disabled transportation means, a military rescue operation, etc. The simulator  2  comprises a simulated receiver apparatus  10  within the simulated aircraft dash panel  4  and a simulated transmitter apparatus  7  hidden from view  9  (i.e., from a user) within the simulated environment  6 . The simulated trsansmitter apparatus  7  may simulate an emergency locator transmitter (ELT), inter alai, an emergency locator transmitter. An ELT is defined herein as a device that when activated continually broadcasts a signal on 121.5 MHz indicating that a person, aircraft or boat is in distress. The signal is detected by satellites and an air force rescue coordination center dispatches a search and rescue (SAR) aircraft in the general area to pinpoint the signal, and direct a ground team to the precise location of the ELT. The simulated receiver apparatus  10  may simulate, inter alia, an aircraft direction finding (DF) apparatus used for locating an ELT. Upon enabling the simulator  2  (i.e., turning on the simulator  2  to simulate and practice a search and rescue operation), the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  transmits a continuous signal that is received by the simulated receiver apparatus  10 . The signal may be, inter alia, an audio signal. A user (i.e., a person training to perform a search and rescue operation) of the simulator  2  uses the simulated receiver apparatus  10  to aid in locating the simulated transmitter apparatus  7 . There are many methods that may be employed for using the simulated receiver apparatus  10  to locate the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  as described with reference to  FIGS. 3, 4 , and  5 . A detailed description of the simulated receiver apparatus  10  is described with reference to  FIG. 2 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed view of the simulated receiver apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The simulated receiver apparatus  10  (e.g., a DF apparatus) comprises a left/right indication gauge  12  comprising a left/right indication needle  15 , a frequency selection knob  14 , a waypoint “mark” activation button  16 , a way point latitude/longitude indicator  18 , an on/off indicator  17 , a signal strength gauge  28  w/needle  29 , an on/off activation button  24 , a sensitivity adjustment knob  22 , and a way point ID number  20 . The left/right indication gauge  12  comprising the left/right indication needle  15  provides a left/right direction indicator for the simulated aircraft  11  in relation to the simulated transmitter apparatus  7 . For example, if the needle  15  is centered on the gauge  12  as shown in  FIG. 2 , this indicates that the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  is located either directly in front of or directly in back of the simulated aircraft  11 . Dependent upon a location of the simulated aircraft  11  in relation to the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  the left/right indication needle  15  will move to the left or the right and a user may use the left/right indication needle  15  to help guide the simulated aircraft  11  towards the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  (i.e., by attempting to center the needle  15 ). If the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  is located in front of the simulated aircraft  11  (i.e., simulated transmitter apparatus  7  positioned 90° or less to the left or right from front of simulated aircraft  11 ) the needle  15  will move in a direction that is opposite to a direction that the simulated aircraft  11  is turning as the simulated aircraft  11  is turning towards the simulated transmitter apparatus  7 . Likewise if the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  is located behind the simulated aircraft  11  (i.e., simulated transmitter apparatus  7  positioned greater than 90° to the left or right from front of simulated aircraft  11 ) the needle  15  will move in a direction that is the same as a direction that the simulated aircraft  11  is turning as the simulated aircraft  11  is turning towards the simulated transmitter apparatus  7 . The needle  15  will react differently depending on signal strength of the signal from the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  and relative location of the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  in relation to the simulated aircraft  11 . The frequency selection knob  14  allows a user to select a broadcast frequency (i.e., a frequency that the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  is broadcasting over) for the simulated receiver apparatus  10 . As an example, the broadcast frequency may be selected from a range of about 121 MHz to about 122 MHz. The way point “mark” activation button  16  updates a current latitude and longitude for the simulated aircraft  11 . Additionally the way point “mark” activation button  16  increments a search and rescue way point ID number. The way point latitude/longitude indicator  18  indicates the aircraft  11  latitude and longitude when the way point “mark” activation button  16  is activated. The way point latitude/longitude indicator  18  is used when the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  is located. The way point latitude/longitude obtained from the way point latitude/longitude indicator  18  may be radioed to a ground rescue team or a mission base as necessary. The on/off indicator  17  indicates on/off function for the simulated receiver apparatus  10 . The on/off indicator  17  may additionally be used to indicate a simulated transmitter apparatus  7  failure thereby adding realistic search and rescue complications to the simulator  2 . The signal strength gauge  28  indicates how strong the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  signal is being received by the aircraft&#39;s  11  antenna. Additionally signal strength gauge  28  indicates how much the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  signal is boosted or lowered by the sensitivity adjustment knob  22 . Over or under sensing the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  signal will cause the left/right indication needle  15  to drift toward the center. The on/off activation button  24  turns the simulated receiver apparatus  10  on or off. The sensitivity adjustment knob  22  is used to adjust a sensitivity of the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  signal (i.e., boosts or lowers signal strength) in a case where the signal strength is to low or too high, respectively, giving the user an inaccurate signal strength reading. The way point ID number  20  is a gauge for a way point ID number.  
         [0033]     The simulated receiver apparatus  10  may be programed to simulate various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team. Table 1 illustrates some examples of simulated search and rescue conditions.  
                   TABLE 1                       Simulated Condition   Description                   Normal Operation   A mission on perfect day-type training       Very weak simulated   Examples: Simulated transmitter apparatus 7       transmitter apparatus 7   battery is dying or the simulated transmitter       signal   apparatus 7 is shielded from transmission.       Left/right indication   Simulating a partial malfunction of the       needle 15 is stuck in   receiving apparatus 7       the center malfunction       Erratic Left/Right   For example the simulated transmitter       indication needle   apparatus 7 is located near high voltage       15 movement   power lines.       Signal strength needle   Simulating a partial malfunction of the       29 stuck   receiving apparatus 7       Full receiving apparatus   Forcing an audio only simulation       7 malfunction                  
 
         [0034]     The simulator  2  may be used to simulate several techniques for locating the simulated transmitting apparatus  7 . For example: 
        It may be determined that the simulated aircraft  11  is moving toward or moving away from the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  by playing “hot and cold” with the transmitted signal. The simulated aircraft  11  is maneuvered towards the simulated transmitter apparatus  7  as the transmitted signal becomes stronger.     Blocking the transmitted signal with a solid object (e.g., the simulated aircraft  11  wing) so that one can determine the transmitting signals general direction. The simulated aircraft&#39;s wing  11  is lifted to shadow the transmitted signal from the simulated aircraft  11  and thus it may be determined that whichever direction blocks the signal is the general direction to locate the simulated transmitting apparatus  7 . This technique is known as “wing shadowing” or “wing null”.     Using the frequency selection knob  14  to step off (increment or decrement) a receiving frequency receiving apparatus for receiving the transmitted signal may help to locate the simulated transmitting apparatus  7 . The frequency may be stepped off by 0.05 MHz at a time so that a user may determine how much signal “bleed through” there is from one frequency to the next. The more signal “bleed through” that occurs to frequencies that are further from an original transmitting signal frequency (e.g., 121.5 MHz), the closer the transmitting signal is and therefore the closer the simulated transmitting apparatus  7  is to the simulated aircraft  11 . For example, if the transmitting signal is only broadcast on the original transmitting signal frequency of 121.5 MHz, then the transmitting apparatus  7  is probably far away from the receiving apparatus  10 . If the transmitting signal is broadcast on 121.5 MHz and 121.55 MHz then the transmitting apparatus  7  is closer to the receiving apparatus  10 . If the transmitting signal is broadcast on 121.5 MHz, 121.55 MHz, and 121.6 MHz then the transmitting apparatus  7  is even closer to the receiving apparatus  10 .        
 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart depicting an algorithm  32  illustrating a functionality for the signal strength gauge  28  of  FIG. 2  within the simulator  2  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step  34 , a user activates the simulator and tunes (e.g., using the frequency selection knob  14  of  FIG. 2 ) a receiving apparatus to a specified receiving frequency (i.e., frequency to receive the signal being transmitted from the transmitting apparatus  7  of  FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, the user may enter coordinates for an approximate location of the transmitting apparatus into the receiving apparatus. For example, if the simulation exercise comprises a search and rescue operation for a downed aircraft, approximate coordinates for the crash site may be entered into the receiving apparatus. Additionally, approximate coordinates may be entered into the receiving apparatus and when the simulated aircraft (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) reaches the approximate coordinates, the receiving apparatus may be tuned to a specified receiving frequency (i.e., frequency to receive the signal being transmitted from the transmitting apparatus  7 ) to assist the user in locating the transmitting apparatus. In step  36 , the simulator determines whether the signal being transmitted from the transmitting apparatus is received by the receiving apparatus.  
         [0039]     If the signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus is not received by the receiving apparatus in step  36 , then the simulator will reset itself (e.g. the signal strength gauge  28  of  FIG. 2  will be reset to zero) in step  44  and in step  46  codes related to various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team (e.g., simulated missions from table 1) may be entered into the simulator to produce a signal comprising a signal strength related to a simulated mission. In step  48 , a sensitivity adjustment knob (e.g., sensitivity adjustment knob  22  in  FIG. 2 ) is used to adjust a sensitivity of the simulated transmitter apparatus signal (i.e., boosts or lowers signal strength) in a case where the signal strength is to high or too low and a sensitivity value is calculated by the simulator. In step  50 , a position for a needle within a strength gauge (e.g., needle  29  and strength gauge  28  in  FIG. 2 ) illustrating a true signal strength for the signal is determined based on the sensitivity value calculated in step  48  and a signal strength from step  46 . In step  52  the needle is depicted at an appropriate position to illustrate the true signal strength.  
         [0040]     If the signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus is received by the receiving apparatus in step  36 , then in step  38  the simulator determines if an associated value for a signal strength for the signal is available. If an associated value for the signal strength is not determined in step  38 , then an associated value for the signal strength is calculated in step  40  and the simulator determines in step  42  if the signal is blocked due to wing shadowing. If an associated value for the signal strength is determined in step  38  then likewise the simulator determines if the signal is blocked due to wing shadowing in step  42 .  
         [0041]     If the signal is blocked due to wing shadowing in step  42 , then the simulator will reset itself (e.g. the signal strength gauge  28  of  FIG. 2  will be reset to zero) in step  44  and in step  46  codes related to various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team (e.g., simulated missions from table 1) may be entered into the simulator to produce a signal strength related to a simulated mission. In step  48 , a sensitivity adjustment knob (e.g., sensitivity adjustment knob  22  in  FIG. 2 ) is used to adjust a sensitivity of the simulated transmitter apparatus signal (i.e., boosts or lowers signal strength) in a case where the signal strength is to high or too low and a sensitivity value is calculated by the simulator. In step  50 , a position for a needle within a strength gauge (e.g., needle  29  and strength gauge  28  in  FIG. 2 ) illustrating a true signal strength is determined based on the sensitivity value calculated in step  48  multiplied by the determined signal strength in step  38  or the calculated signal strength from step  40 . In step  52  the needle is depicted at an appropriate position to illustrate the true signal strength.  
         [0042]     If the signal is not blocked due to wing shadowing in step  42 , then in step  45  the simulator determines if the simulated aircraft (e.g., simulated aircraft  11  of  FIG. 1 ) is within a null radius (i.e., the simulated aircraft fuselage is blocking the signal). If in step  45 , the simulator determines that the the simulated aircraft (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) is within a null radius, then goto steps  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52  respectively as described, supra. If in step  45 , the simulator determines that the the simulated aircraft (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) is not within a null radius, then goto steps  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52  respectively as described, supra.  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart depicting an algorithm  55  illustrating a functionality for the left/right indication gauge  12  of  FIG. 2  within the simulator  2  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step  57 , the simulator determines a relative bearing of a simulated aircraft (e.g., simulated aircraft  11  of  FIG. 1 ) comprising a simulated receiving apparatus (e.g., simulated receiving apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 ) in relation to a simulated transmitting apparatus (e.g., simulated transmitting apparatus  7  of  FIG. 1 ) by determining a signal direction from the simulated transmitting apparatus. In step  59 , the simulator determines (i.e., by signal direction) if the simulated transmitting apparatus is located behind the simulated aircraft.  
         [0044]     If in step  59  the simulated transmitting apparatus is determined to be located behind the simulated aircraft (i.e., simulated transmitter apparatus positioned greater than 90° to the left or right from front of simulated aircraft), then in step  61  the simulator reverses needle direction (i.e., so that the needle will move in a direction that is the same as a direction that the simulated aircraft is turning as the simulated aircraft is turning towards the simulated transmitter apparatus instead of the needle moving a the same direction as described in the description of  FIG. 2 ). Reversing needle direction will allow a user to determine that the simulated transmitting apparatus is located behind the simulated aircraft. In step  64 , an actual needle position for the needle is calculated based on the relative bearing of the simulated aircraft with respect to the simulated transmitter apparatus and the signal strength of the signal from the simulated transmitter apparatus from step  67 . In step  69 , the needle position is modified based on inputted codes (i.e., inputted into the simulator) related to various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team (e.g., simulated missions from table 1).  
         [0045]     If in step  59  the simulated transmitting apparatus is determined to be located in front of the simulated aircraft (i.e., simulated transmitter apparatus positioned 90° or less to the left or right from front of simulated aircraft), then in step  64  an actual needle position for the needle is calculated based on the relative bearing of the simulated aircraft with respect to the simulated transmitter apparatus and the signal strength of the signal from the simulated transmitter apparatus from step  67 . In step  69 , the needle position is modified based on inputted codes (i.e., inputted into the simulator) related to various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team (e.g., simulated missions from table 1).  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart depicting an algorithm  74  illustrating a functionality for using an audio component of the signal (i.e., an audio signal) transmitted from the transmitting apparatus  7  of  FIG. 2  for locating the transmitting apparatus within the simulator  2  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step  76 , a user activates the simulator and tunes (e.g., using the frequency selection knob  14  of  FIG. 2 ) a receiving apparatus to a specified receiving frequency (i.e., frequency to receive the signal being transmitted from the transmitting apparatus  7  of  FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, the user may enter coordinates for an approximate location of the transmitting apparatus into the receiving apparatus. For example, if the simulation exercise comprises a search and rescue operation for a downed aircraft, approximate coordinates for the crash site may be entered into the receiving apparatus. Additionally, approximate coordinates may be entered into the receiving apparatus and when the simulated aircraft (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) reaches the approximate coordinates, the receiving apparatus may be tuned to a specified receiving frequency (i.e., frequency to receive the signal being transmitted from the transmitting apparatus  7 ) to assist the user in locating the transmitting apparatus. In step  78 , the simulator determines whether the signal being transmitted from the transmitting apparatus is received by the receiving apparatus.  
         [0047]     If the signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus is not received by the receiving apparatus in step  78 , then the simulator will reset itself (e.g. the signal strength gauge  28  of  FIG. 2  will be reset to zero) in step  86  and in step  92  codes related to various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team (e.g., simulated missions from table 1) may be entered into the simulator to produce a signal comprising a signal strength related to a simulated mission. In step  94 , a volume for the audio signal is calculated based on a signal strength of the signal. In step  96 , the audio signal is broadcast for the user at the calculated volume.  
         [0048]     If the signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus is received by the receiving apparatus in step  78 , then in step  80  the simulator determines if an associated value for a signal strength for the signal is available. If an associated value for the signal strength is not determined in step  80 , then an associated value for the signal strength is calculated in step  82  and the simulator determines in step  84  if the signal is blocked due to wing shadowing. If an associated value for the signal strength is determined in step  80  then likewise the simulator determines if the signal is blocked due to wing shadowing in step  84 .  
         [0049]     If the signal is blocked due to wing shadowing in step  84 , then the simulator will reset itself (e.g. the signal strength gauge  28  of  FIG. 2  will be reset to zero) in step  86  and in step  92  codes related to various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team (e.g., simulated missions from table 1) may be entered into the simulator to produce a signal strength related to a simulated mission. and in step  92  codes related to various search and rescue conditions that may be encountered by a search and rescue team (e.g., simulated missions from table 1) may be entered into the simulator to produce a signal comprising a signal strength related to a simulated mission. In step  94 , a volume for the audio signal is calculated based on a signal strength of the signal. In step  96 , the audio signal is broadcast for the user at the calculated volume.  
         [0050]     If the signal is not blocked due to wing shadowing in step  84 , then in step  88  the simulator determines if the simulated aircraft (e.g., simulated aircraft  11  of  FIG. 1 ) is within a null radius (i.e., the simulated aircraft fuselage is blocking the signal). If in step  88 , the simulator determines that the the simulated aircraft (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) is within a null radius, then goto steps  86 ,  92 ,  94 , and  96  respectively as described, supra. If in step  88 , the simulator determines that the the simulated aircraft (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) is not within a null radius, then the signal strength may be adjusted by a frequency step off as described in the description of  FIG. 2  and the algorithm  74  completes steps  92 ,  94 , and  96  respectively as described, supra.  
         [0051]      FIG. 6  illustrates a computer system  90  used for implementing the aircraft search and rescue simulator  2  of the present invention. The computer system  90  comprises a processor  91 , an input device  92  coupled to the processor  91 , an output device  93  coupled to the processor  91 , and memory devices  94  and  95  each coupled to the processor  91 . The input device  92  may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output device  93  may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices  94  and  95  may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device  95  includes a computer code  97 . The computer code  97  includes algorithm(s) for implementing the aircraft search and rescue simulator  2  of the present invention for transmission. The processor  91  executes the computer code  97 . The memory device  94  includes input data  9 . The memory device  94  memory device  95 , and the processor  91  may relate to the computing device  1  of  FIG. 1 . The input data  96  includes input required by the computer code  97 . The output device  93  displays output from the computer code  97 . Either or both memory devices  94  and  95  (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in  FIG. 4 ) may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code comprises the computer code  97 . Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system  90  may comprise said computer usable medium (or said program storage device).  
         [0052]     While  FIG. 6  shows the computer system  90  as a particular configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particular computer system  90  of  FIG. 6 . For example, the memory devices  94  and  95  may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memory devices.  
         [0053]     While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.