Patent Publication Number: US-10325512-B2

Title: System, method and apparatus for driver training system with dynamic mirrors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/944,548 filed Jul. 17, 2013 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application titled, “System and Apparatus for Driver Training,” application Ser. No. 12/889,448 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,980 issued Jul. 8, 2014, which is a non-provisional application taking priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/277,768 filed Sep. 29, 2009, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/94,4563 filed Jul. 17, 2013. This application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,415, issued Nov. 25, 2014 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,711, issued Jun. 25, 2013. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This invention relates to the field of training and more particularly to a training system with dynamic mirrors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Driving training simulators are well known. Such simulators often included controls that simulate the target vehicle (e.g. car, truck, bus, etc). It is known that such simulators improve skills and safety by familiarizing the trainee with operation of the vehicle by presenting simulated situations in which, making the wrong decision does not result in a potential accident or bodily harm. In this way, the trainee learns basic driving skills before they eventually need to perform using the actual target vehicle and before they have to perform using that vehicle while operating in traffic. 
     There are many types of simulators known. The simplest simulator is a typical driving video game having a display screen and a hand controller. In some systems, a simulated steering wheel is provided. A mock-vehicle is displayed on the display screen and the driver uses the hand controller to keep the mock-vehicle on a simulated, moving roadway on the display screen. This type of simulator helps build driver hand and eye coordination, but does not provide the true control operation of the real steering wheel, brake, clutch, shifter, windshield views and mirror views. Such simulators are more of a game than an actual driver training system. 
     Another type of simulator includes a video display screen to simulate a windshield view, a steering wheel, a gas pedal, a brake pedal, a shifter and, optionally, a clutch pedal. A road situation is displayed on the display screen and the driver uses the controls to drive the simulated vehicle, moving down a roadway that is displayed on the display screen. This type of simulator helps build driver skills, but does not include interaction with speedometers, tachometers, etc. Such simulators don&#39;t provide feedback from the shifter such as gear grinding when the clutch isn&#39;t operated correctly. Furthermore, such simulators have a fixed configuration relating to a single type/layout of vehicle. In some such simulators, certain gauges are provided to simulate the operation and information provided to a driver of this singular vehicle. All current simulators provide fixed scenarios to the trainee and evaluate the trainee responses in a fixed program, progressing from scenario to scenario in a linear progress. 
     None of the current driver training simulators provide training simulations that automatically adapt to the skills of the trainee. None of the current driver training simulators provide realistic shifting experience in which clutch/shifter coordination is required and tactile/audible feedback is provided when not operated correctly. None of the current driver training simulators provide configurable, interactive instrument clusters that react to touch of the trainee while adapting to the layout of any of many target vehicles. 
     There are many circumstances in which a trainee (e.g. driver) needs to reposition their head to better see different aspects of what is behind or next to the simulated vehicle. For example, when changing lanes, the trainee needs to change their angle with respect to the rear view mirror to see what is in the adjacent lane and while backing up, the trainee needs to change their angle with respect to the rear view mirror to see objects that are near the rear of the vehicle or the vehicle&#39;s tires. None of the current driver training simulators provide realistic rear view mirrors that adjust their image based upon the position and location of the trainee&#39;s head and eyes. 
     For example, Class 8 truck drivers have a peculiar and critical need to use rear view mirrors for lane-changing, passing, and multi-lane traffic; to determine the relative position of the back of the trailer when backing; to determine lane position of both tractor and trailer in any maneuver; to determine the trailer&#39;s rear tire positions at all times; and for navigation at rest stops and parking. 
     Existing simulators do not provide dynamic rear view mirrors (displays or portions of displays). In such, static mirrors present an image of what the driver sees from a fixed perspective, but does not mimic the actual operation of rear view mirrors, in that, as the trainee repositions their head, the image in the simulated rear view mirror remains static and does not adjust to the change in angle of the trainee&#39;s eyes or the distance from the trainee&#39;s eyes to the rear view mirrors. With prior training systems, images in rear view mirrors are updated to reflect forward or rearward motion of the simulated vehicle, but do not change based upon the trainee&#39;s head position. For many operations, it is critical that the trainee learn to move his or her head correctly relative to the rear view mirrors in order to see and understand the dynamic conditions that are occurring at the rear of the vehicle. 
     What is needed is a driver training system with simulated rear view mirrors that change images/views to correlate with the position and location of the trainee&#39;s head. 
     SUMMARY 
     A training system is disclose having one or more displays that simulate or mimic rear view mirrors, showing, for example, what is visible behind the simulated vehicle. The training system includes sensors, software, and related hardware for determining a position of a trainee&#39;s head within the simulated vehicle and calculating a viewing angle and/or distance between the trainee&#39;s eye(s) and the rear view mirrors and, based upon the viewing angle and/or distance, and panning/zooming an image on the rear view mirrors that corresponds to the viewing angle and/or distance. 
     In one embodiment, a training system for providing training on operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The training system includes a computer having a storage device and a plurality of training segments are stored in the storage device and accessible by the computer. Each of the training segments includes an image of what is visible behind the vehicle. The system includes one or more graphics displays; at least one portion of one of the graphics displays corresponds to a rear view mirror of a target vehicle. The system also includes a sensor that is configured to measure a position of a trainee&#39;s head relative to the at least one portion of the one of the graphics displays that corresponds to the rear view mirror. Software running on the computer reads data from the sensor and calculates the position of the trainee&#39;s head relative to the at least one portion of the one of the graphics displays that corresponds to the rear view mirror. The software then calculates a location and zoom level within the image of what is visible behind the vehicle from the position of the trainee relative to the at least one portion of the one of the graphics displays that corresponds to the rear view mirror and the software displays a portion of the image of what is visible behind the vehicle at the location and the zoom level. 
     In another embodiment, method of training a trainee in use of a vehicle is disclosed. The training system includes a computer that includes a storage device. The storage device has a plurality of training segments, each of which includes an image of what is visible behind the vehicle. A graphics display is provided that corresponds to a rear view mirror of the vehicle. A sensor is provided and configured to determine a position of a trainee&#39;s head relative to the graphics displays. The method proceeds with (a) selecting a segment of the training segments as the current segment. (b) Data is read from the sensor and (c) a location of the trainee&#39;s head is calculated from the data. (d) A viewing angle between the trainee&#39;s head and the graphics display is calculated based upon the location of the trainee&#39;s head. (e) A distance between the trainee&#39;s head and the graphics display is calculated based upon the location of the trainee&#39;s head. (f) a portion of the image of what is visible behind the vehicle in the current segment is displayed on the graphics display, the portion determined being based upon the viewing angle and the distance. (g) responsive to movement of the trainee&#39;s head, the above steps b-g are repeated or (h) responsive to simulated movement of the vehicle, a next segment of the training segments is selected as the current segment and the above steps b-h are repeated. 
     In another embodiment, a system for training a trainee regarding the use of a vehicle is disclosed including a computer and a plurality of training segments accessible by the computer. Each of the training segments includes an image of what is visible behind the vehicle. A display is operatively interfaced to the computer and physically located within the system to simulate a rear view mirror. Functionality is provided for selecting a first segment of the training segments as a current segment. Further functionality is provided for determining a location of a head of the trainee, for calculating an angle between the head of the trainee and the display, for calculating a distance between the head of the trainee and the display, and for selecting and displaying a portion of the image of what is visible behind the vehicle within the current segment based upon the angle and the distance. The system sequences through the segments to simulate movement of the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a training system. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a second perspective view of a training system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of a training system dashboard. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a shifting training sub-system. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of the shifting training sub-system. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the shifting training sub-system showing the handle connection. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another perspective view of the shifting training sub-system. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the shifting training sub-system showing the force sensor. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary training system. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a flow chart of the prior art. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flow chart of the adaptive training system. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a schematic view of a typical computer system. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a training system in which the rear view mirrors are simulated as part of a single display. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a second perspective view of a training system in which the rear view mirrors are simulated as part of a single display. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a schematic view of a simulated vehicle cabin  11  from above. 
         FIGS. 16-22  illustrate views displayed in a rear view mirror of the training system based upon various relationships between a trainee and the rear view mirror. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a flow of an exemplary software program for rear view mirror simulation. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a flow of an exemplary software program for stress detection of the trainee. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. In general, the training system  10  is often known as a driving simulator, flying simulator, boating simulator, or any other name for such a simulator, depending upon the target vehicle (car/truck, airplane, boat, train, etc). The training system  10  is any system for training a trainee (e.g. truck driver trainee) that simulates some or all of the operator controls (e.g. steering, brake, shifter) and visuals (e.g. mirrors, windows, dash boards, etc) without requiring the trainee to operate the actual vehicle (e.g., drive the actual truck). Although not limited to any particular target vehicle, the remainder of this description will use a truck as an example of such target vehicle for brevity reasons. Note that some of the controls described (e.g. shifter, clutch, steering wheel) are related to certain types of target vehicles and not necessarily to others. For example, many automobiles have automatic transmissions and, therefore, do not have a clutch. In another example, an airplane does not have rear-view mirrors, shifters, clutches, etc. Likewise, a truck driving simulator has rear-view mirrors, shifters, clutches, but does not have ailerons, thrust, altitude gauges, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 13 , perspective views of a training system  10  are shown. In  FIG. 1 , simulated rear view mirrors  42 / 43 / 44  are implemented as discrete display devices. In  FIG. 13 , simulated rear view mirrors  42 / 43 / 44  are implemented as portions of the windshield display  12 . The training system  10  is supported and/or housed by/in a cabinet  8 . The training simulator  10  provides life-like training without or before operation of the target vehicle, in this example a vehicle such as a truck or an automobile. 
     The exemplary training system  10  has a windshield display  12  on which a simulated driving situation is presented as the trainee  8  would see through the windshield of the target vehicle. The windshield display  12  shows, for example, the road being driven upon, the grade of the road, obstacles such as other vehicles, tress, parked cars, pot holes, etc. In some training scenarios, the windshield is fogged or distorted by simulated weather condition s such as rain, snow, sleet, etc. 
     The trainee  5  typically sits on a seat  20  that, preferably, though not required, mimics a seat of the target vehicle. The trainee has controls similar to those in the target vehicle such as a steering wheel  30 , horn  31 , gas pedal  32 , brake pedal  34 , clutch  36  (see  FIG. 2 ), and shifter having a shifter shaft  99  and a shifter handle  98  and shifter sub-system  80 . The shifter subsystem is often covered with a boot  84  to keep dust, liquids, etc from damaging the working components. 
     In a preferred embodiment, though not required, the steering wheel  30  and shift handle  98  have touch sensors that detect if and when the trainee  5  is grasping the steering wheel  30  and/or shift handle  98 . The touch sensors are any known touch sensor such as a mechanical switch or switches, capacitive or resistive detectors, etc. In some embodiments, the position of the trainee&#39;s hands is determined by the camera(s)  13  or a sensor array  9  in conjunction with or instead of the touch sensors. 
     In some embodiments, a force or strain detector  123  (see  FIG. 8 ) is coupled to the shifter arm  99 . The strain detector  123  provides information to determine how hard the trainee  5  is pushing or pulling the shifter handle  98 . 
     In a position similar to that of a dashboard of the target vehicle is a dashboard (e.g. display)  14  (details of an exemplary dashboard  14  are shown in  FIG. 3 ). The dashboard  14  contains displays and indicators that inform the trainee of various target vehicle and external conditions such as speed, engine speed (RPM), engine temperature, outside temperature, brake temperature, air pressure, oil pressure, etc. In some embodiments, the dashboard  14  is fabricated from actual meters, indicators, etc, as in the target vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the dashboard  14  is a graphics display on which the meters, indicators, etc of the target vehicle are displayed/simulated. It is also preferred that each sub-component of the dashboard  14  is touch-sensitive. In such, the training system  10  prompts the trainee  5  to, for example, “touch” the tachometer, and the training system  10  receives a signal corresponding to the sub-component/icon that the trainee  5  touches. In embodiments in which the dashboard  14  is a graphics display, it is anticipated that the graphics display is touch-sensitive such that a touch over a displayed sub-component signals the training system  10  of the location touched, and therefore, the identification of the sub-component that is touched. In embodiments in which the dashboard  14  is fabricated from actual meters, indicators, etc, some or all sub-components have touch sensors such as pressure detectors or capacitive touch sensors, etc. 
     In some embodiments, one or more discrete side-positioned, rear-view mirror displays  42 / 44  are provided as in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, one or more side-positioned, rear view mirror image areas  42   a / 44   a  are reserved as part of the windshield display  12 , as in  FIG. 13 . The rear-view mirror displays  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  display a simulated view of what is visible to the trainee  5  such as vehicles being passed and/or approaching vehicles. In some embodiments, the side located rear-view mirror displays  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  simulate views of objects as they would appear in a true mirror, simulating concave or convex mirrors as appropriate. Additionally, in some embodiments, the image displayed includes simulated mirror imperfections such as dirt, rain drops, etc, as often occurs in real life. 
     In the past, such rear-view mirror displays  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  were static, in that, the image displayed showed one view of what is behind the trainee  5 , independent of the location of the trainee&#39;s head and eyes. There are many scenarios when a driver, and hence the trainee  5 , needs to position their head so that they are able to see certain aspects of what is behind the (simulated) vehicle. For example, it is often required that the driver (hence trainee  5 ) looking out the left mirror  44 / 44   a  move their head in away from the driver side window to make sure nothing is in the left lane or move their head toward the driver side window to view the status and position of the left truck wheels to better judge position, for example, within the lane or to avoid objects while backing up. 
     In recent years, technology has become available that will detect the spatial location of objects such as a person&#39;s arms, legs, head, torso, etc. To detect the location of the trainee&#39;s head and eyes for adjustment of rear view mirror images, the training system  10  includes a sensor array  9  for detecting, at least, the location of the trainee&#39;s head. By analyzing data from the sensor array  9 , the training system  10  has knowledge of the position of the trainee&#39;s head and eyes with respect to the simulator&#39;s cab and with respect to each of the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a . An example of such a sensor  9  and analysis technology is Kinect® manufactured by Microsoft®. In this technology, the sensor  9  is an array sensor  9  including, for example, cameras, depth sensors, IR sensors, and voice sensors. Although the array sensor  9  and analysis software is enabled to provide facial recognition, 3D construction, distances, facial expression analysis, body measurements (temperature, pulse rate, etc.), in this embodiment, the important aspects of the array sensor  9  and associated analysis software is delivery of a position of the trainee  5 , an in particular, the trainee&#39;s head, without the need to make direct connections to the trainee. Although originally designed for a game console (Xbox 360®), Kinect®, including proprietary analysis software, provides full-body 3D motion capture, facial recognition and voice recognition. An array of microphones also provides for acoustic source localization and ambient noise suppression. Kinect® is disclosed as an enablement of the present invention and any type of position recognition system is anticipated to provide some or all of the features disclosed here within. For example, in some embodiments, the sensors  9  are one or more ultrasonic distance detection devices for determining the trainee&#39;s  5  position relative to one or more rear-view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a , etc. 
     The training system  10  utilizes the sensors  9  and analysis software in several ways to provide a more accurate simulation. For example, when the trainee  5  looks at the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a , the location and position of the trainee&#39;s head is determined using data from the sensors  9  and the image in the displays of the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  is adjusted to correspond to what the trainee  5  would be viewing from a perspective based on the angle and distance between the trainee&#39;s head and the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a . For example, as the trainee  5  positions their head closer to the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a , the display within the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  is changed to reflect that distance, for example, zooming out on the content that is being displayed. As the trainee  5  shifts their head to the right or left, the image displayed in the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  pans across a virtual image segment of a wide-view of what is in the rear of the simulation, showing, for example, the side of the simulated vehicle from one perspective and details of vehicles or guardrails that the simulated vehicle is passing in another perspective. In this way, the image in the mirror corresponds to the spatial position of the trainee&#39;s head (and therefore, eyes) and the trainee  5  learns how to reposition their head (and eyes) to see particular areas of the rear view that are important while, for example, moving forward within a lane or backing into a loading ramp. 
     Note that the particular sensor array  9  described is an example and any type of sensor and detection software is anticipated to determine the location of the trainee&#39;s head with respect to the mirrors  42 / 44 / 43 / 42   a / 44   a , including infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, etc. 
     In some embodiments, a center-mounted rear-view mirror  43  is also provided. When provided, the rear-view mirror display  43  shows a simulated view of what is visible to the trainee  5  such as approaching vehicles and/or oncoming vehicles. As above, in some embodiments, the center-mounted rear-view display  43  is also augmented by the position of the trainee  5  to better simulate what is viewed in the center-mounted rear-view display  43  as the trainee  5  repositions their head and eyes. 
     In some embodiments, an information display and input device  16  are provided. The information display and input device  16  does not simulate something from the target vehicle. Instead, the information display and input device  16  presents menus, status information, and auxiliary information to the trainee  5  and accepts inputs such as scenario selection, study chapter selection, login data, etc. 
     In some embodiments, an audio system  18  is provided to enhance realism and provide simulations of sounds that are normally heard when operating the target vehicle such as engine noise, tire noise, other vehicles, rain or sleet hitting the target vehicle, emergency vehicles, sounds of a collision, etc. 
     In some embodiments, one or more trainee sensors  9 / 13  are provided to detect various aspects of the trainee  5  such as position upon the seat  20 , head angle, attention, drowsiness and where the trainee is looking. This information is used, for example, to make sure the trainee is properly performing the task at hand. The trainee sensors  9 / 13  are, for example, cameras, light detectors, ultrasonic transducers, or any other detector as known in the industry. The trainee sensors  9 / 13  are coupled to the main computer  100  (see  FIG. 9 ). The main computer  100  analyzes images from the trainee sensor(s)  9 / 13  to determine, for example, what the trainee  5  is doing, where the trainee  5  is looking, and the position/location of the trainee&#39;s head. In some embodiments, the sensor data is used to provide feedback to the trainee  5  and evaluate the trainee&#39;s abilities (e.g. the camera(s)  9 / 13  are used to determine if the trainee  5  looked in the right mirror display  42  before changing lanes). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 14 , second perspective views of a training system are shown. In  FIG. 2 , simulated rear view mirrors  42 / 43 / 44  are implemented as discrete display devices. In  FIG. 14 , simulated rear view mirrors  42 / 43 / 44  are implemented as portions of the windshield display  12 . In this view, an optional centrally-located rear-view mirror display  43  is shown above the windshield display  12 . When provided, the rear-view mirror display  43  shows a simulated view of what is visible to the trainee  5  such as vehicles being passed and/or approaching vehicles. In some embodiments, one, two or three mirror displays  42 / 43 / 44  are provided. As discussed prior, in some embodiments, any or the entire mirror displays  42 / 43 / 44  are also augmented by the position of the trainee  5  to better simulate what is viewed in the mirror displays  42 / 43 / 44  as the trainee  5  repositions their head and eyes. The trainee sensor(s)  9 / 13  are positioned as needed to determine the position, stance and view of the trainee  5 . In some embodiments, the trainee sensor(s)  9 / 13  provide full three-dimensional position detection, facial expression detection, etc., as discussed prior. 
     In  FIGS. 2 and 14 , the information display and input device  16  is shown with greater detail. This display does not necessarily simulate a feature of the target vehicle, but in some embodiments, does contain features that map to a feature of the target vehicle. In this example, the information display and input device  16  includes an ignition switch icon  17  that looks like the ignition switch of the target vehicle. Typically, the information display and input device  16  shows informational messages such as information regarding the current courseware segment or summaries of the last simulation (e.g. the trainee  5  hit two parked cars and knocked down one telephone pole, etc). In a preferred embodiment, the information display and input device  16  includes a touch screen. In such embodiments, the trainee  5  uses the touch capabilities to make selections and to select items as requested (e.g. “touch the ignition switch”). 
     In some embodiments, the windshield display  12  is also touch sensitive. This provides even more capabilities for testing the trainee&#39;s  5  ability to identify environmental (e.g. roadway) objects such as signs, barriers, etc. For example, the trainee is asked to touch the stop sign or touch the lane in which is most appropriate for his/her vehicle, etc. 
     Again, in some embodiments, one or more trainee sensors  13  are integrated into the training system  10 . The trainee sensors (e.g. camera or cameras)  9 / 13  are coupled to the main computer  100 . The main computer  100  analyzes data from the trainee sensor(s)  9 / 13  to determine, for example, what the trainee  5  is doing, where the trainee  5  is looking, and the position/location of the trainee  5 . In some embodiments, this data is used to provide feedback to the trainee  5  and evaluate the trainee&#39;s abilities (e.g. the trainee sensor(s)  9 / 13  are used to determine if the trainee  5  looked in the right mirror display  42 / 42   a  before changing lanes). The trainee sensor(s)  9 / 13  are positioned as needed to determine the position, stance and view of the trainee  5 . In some embodiments, the trainee sensor(s)  9 / 13  provide full three-dimensional position detection, facial expression detection, etc., as discussed prior. 
     By analyzing data from the sensor  9 / 13 , the training system  10  has knowledge of the position of the trainee&#39;s head and eyes with respect to the simulator&#39;s cab and with respect to each of the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a . Although the array sensor  9  and analysis software is enabled to provide facial recognition, 3D construction, distances, facial expression analysis, body measurements (temperature, pulse rate, etc.), in this embodiment, the important aspects of the array sensor  9  and associated analysis software is delivery of a position of the trainee  5 , an in particular, the trainee&#39;s head, without the need to make direct connections to the trainee. 
     There is no limitation on the sensors  9 . For example, in some embodiments, the sensors  9 / 13  are one or more ultrasonic distance detection devices for determining the trainee&#39;s  5  position relative to one or more rear-view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a , etc. 
     The training system  10  utilizes the sensors  9 / 13  and analysis software in several ways to provide a more accurate simulation. For example, when the trainee  5  looks at the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a , the location and position of the trainee&#39;s head is determined using data from the sensors  9 / 13  and the image in the displays of the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  is adjusted to correspond to what the trainee  5  would be viewing from a perspective based on the angle and distance between the trainee&#39;s head and the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a . For example, as the trainee  5  positions their head closer to the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a , the display within the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  is changed to reflect that distance, for example, zooming out on the content that is being displayed. As the trainee  5  shifts their head to the right or left, the image displayed in the rear view mirrors  42 / 44 / 42   a / 44   a  pans across a virtual image segment of a wide-view of what is in the rear of the simulation, showing, for example, the side of the simulated vehicle from one perspective and details of vehicles or guardrails that the simulated vehicle is passing in another perspective. In this way, the image in the mirror corresponds to the spatial position of the trainee&#39;s head (and therefore, eyes) and the trainee  5  learns how to reposition their head (and eyes) to see particular areas of the rear view that are important while, for example, moving forward within a lane or backing into a loading ramp. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a plan view of an exemplary training system dashboard  14  is shown. The dashboard  14  contains displays and indicators that inform the trainee of various target vehicle internal and external conditions such as speed  54 , engine speed (RPM)  52 , engine temperature  56 , outside temperature  58 , battery voltage  60 , air pressure  64 , oil pressure  66 , fuel reserve  68 , oil temperature  70  etc. In some embodiments, the dashboard  14  is fabricated from actual meters, indicators, etc, as in the target vehicle (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the dashboard  14  is a graphics display on which the meters, indicators, etc of the target vehicle are simulated by images (e.g. icons) of the respective components from the target vehicle. In this way, the dashboard  14  is reconfigurable between different target vehicles (e.g. some vehicles have more/less meters and more/less “idiot lights”). 
     It is also preferred that each sub-component of the dashboard  14  is touch-sensitive. In the example of  FIG. 3 , the entire graphics display  14  is touch sensitive (touch panel as known in the industry) and, touching of any of the sub-components  52 / 54 / 56 / 58 / 60 / 62 / 64 / 66 / 68 / 70  signals the main computer  100  that the corresponding sub-components  52 / 54 / 56 / 58 / 60 / 62 / 64 / 66 / 68 / 70  was touched. This provides the capability of questions/response scenarios like, “touch the fuel gauge . . . ” and detection of the icon (sub-component  52 / 54 / 56 / 58 / 60 / 62 / 64 / 66 / 68 / 70 ) that was touched. 
     In some embodiments, status or identification information  50  is provided on the dashboard  14  such as the vehicle details and, perhaps, the name of the trainee  5 , etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 through 8 , views of a shifting training sub-system  70  are shown. The shifting training sub-system  70  includes a transmission simulation section  80 , a shaft  99  and a handle  98 . In some embodiments, a touch detector  118  is provide on the handle  98  for detecting if a hand of the trainee  5  is touching the shifter handle  98 , for example, a capacitive sensing detector  118 . 
     The transmission simulation section  80  is preferably a two plate design. The transmission simulation section  80  includes a top plate  103  and the bottom plate  104 . The top plate  103  and the bottom plate  104  allow travel of the shifter in the “Y” direction. One or more linear bearing(s)  140 / 142  enable movement of the top plate  103  relative to the bottom plate  104  in the “Y” direction for a limited distance. This provides the “Y” direction travel for the shifter shaft  99 . 
     When the top plate  103  moves relative to the bottom plate  104 , a spring loaded “Y” ball detents  114  provide several natural stopping locations similar to those of the transmission of the target vehicle. The “Y” ball detent  114  and the “Y” detent grooves  115  provide the natural stopping locations as well as simulated increase and release of force when shifting into simulated gear positions. The spring loaded “Y” ball detent plungers  114  provide a simulated feel of gear engagement as shift handle  98  and arm  99  are pushed. 
     Located on the bottom plate  104  is a transmission lock out solenoid  116 . A movable core of this computer controlled transmission lock out solenoid  116  engages with the top plate  103 , locking the top plate  103  in position over the bottom plate  104  under control of the computer  100 . This provides simulated limited “Y” movement and simulates gear change restrictions and also provides an actuator system that locks the operator out of gear if a shift operation is missed. 
     Attached (e.g. by screws  145 ) to the bottom plate  104  is an H-gate  109 . The H-gate  109  limits the “X” direction travel of the shifter shaft  99 . A shift arm guide  110  mesh into detents  147  of the H-gate  109 . Only certain combinations of positions of X and Y displacements are allowed by the H-gate  109  and shift arm guide  110 . This provides limits to total travel of the shift arm guide  110  by amounts limited by the combination of the X and Y travel and in appropriate simulated shifting patterns. 
     The transmission top plate  103  also includes the transducer system  106 . The transducer system  106  outputs noise and vibration to simulate gear box noise and vibration. This transmission noise and vibrations are conducted through parts of the transmission shaft  99  to provide the feel of an actual transmission in an operating target vehicle. 
     The transmission top plate  103  also includes the two transmission spring loaded detents  107  (left) and  108  (right). The spring detent includes an initial load detent  9 . The initial load detent  9  provides a preload to the initial force required for movement of the shifting shaft  99 . This initial load detent  9  is applied to the right  108  and/or left  107  spring loaded detents. The purpose of the detents is to simulate the force and feel of a manual transmission. 
     Optionally, a pneumatic range switch  117  and a pneumatic splitter switch (not visible) are provided on the shifter handle  98 , mounted on the top portion of the shifter shaft  99 . The operation/position of the pneumatic range switch  117  and the pneumatic splitter switch  118  are detected by the ranged switch detector  119  are communicated to the computer  100 . These simulate the range and splitter switch for a manual transmission. The position of these switches is used by the training system  10  during various driving scenarios. 
     A “Y” position sensor  121  and a “X” position sensor  122  are located on the bottom plate  104 . The “Y” position and “X” position of the shaft  99  are communicated to the computer  100  by the “Y” position sensor  121  and “X” position sensor  122  respectively. 
     Located in or on the shifter handle  98  is a hand position sensor  118 . The hand position sensor  118  detects if the trainee&#39;s  5  hand is in proximity to the top of the shifter shaft, providing the computer  100  with information regarding hand placement. In a preferred embodiment, the hand position sensor  118  is a proximity detector such as a capacitive or resistive sensor as known in the industry. 
     Located on the lower portion of the shifter shaft  99  is a shaft force sensor  123  ( FIG. 8 ). The shaft force sensor  123  provides a signal to the computer  100  indicating an amount of force exerted on the shaft by the trainee  5 . When an excessive force is determined (e.g. an over load condition), the computer  100  signals an alarm (e.g. audio signal over the audio system  18 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a schematic view of an exemplary training system is shown. As discussed prior, it is anticipated that one or more of the following described features is or is not present in all embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, there is no trainee sensor  13  that determines where the trainee  5  is looking, etc. 
     Central to the training system  10  is a computer  100 . Many different types of computers  100  are anticipated such as personal computers, dedicated computers and server computers. It is anticipated that computers  100  of one training system  10  are connected by local or wide area networks to other training systems  10  and/or to central data collection and control systems (not shown). In some embodiments, the computer has a motherboard with multiple PCI-Ex16 slots that provide multiple simulator display channels with 2D and/or 3D capability. A video processor card is optionally installed in each of these slots. The video cards run the simulation in multi channel mode with low transient delay times. It is anticipated, though not required, that a single image generator (single motherboard computer) can drive multiple displays. Although any number of display channels is anticipated, the training system typically is configured with from 3 to 8 real time interactive screens. 
     The computer  100  includes, in some embodiments, a display device or terminal device  140 . This device  140  has a display screen, a keyboard and/or a touch screen and is primarily used by an administrator to operate the computer  100 , for example, performing backups and other system administration function. In some embodiments, these functions are performed using one or more of the other components/displays  12 / 14 / 16 . 
     The computer  100  also includes persistent storage  110 / 120  such as hard drives, flash memory, etc. for storage of, for example, courseware  110  and user information  120 . In a preferred embodiment, the persistent storage  110 / 120  is one or more hard drives or solid-state drives. In some embodiments, the storage  110 / 120  is a raid system to provide more reliable data storage. 
     Interfaced to the computer  100  are several components of the training system  10 . The windshield display  12 , dashboard (e.g. dashboard graphics display and touch screen)  14  and information display  16  are all interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry. The mirror displays  42 / 43 / 44  (when present) are also interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry. All specialized hardware devices such as the shifter touch detector  118  (also the X-position, Y-position, switch status not shown for brevity reasons), clutch (position and force)  36 , gas pedal (position and force)  32 , brake pedal (position and force)  34  and steering wheel (rotation and touch)  30  are also interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry. It is preferred that some or all of such interfaces are bi-directional to provide control of the device (e.g. vary the counter-force of the brake pedal  34  or gates of the transmission  80 ) and to receive feedback from the device (e.g. sufficient pressure was applied to the brake pedal  34 , hands are on the steering wheel  30  or the trainee  5  successfully shifted from first gear into second gear). 
     In embodiments that have trainee sensors  13  such as cameras, etc, the trainee sensors  13  are interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry. 
     In embodiments that have hand proximity sensors  118  (on shifter handle  98 , the hand proximity sensors  123  are interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry. 
     In embodiments that have shifter force sensors  123  (on shifter shaft  99 , the shifter force sensors  123  are interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry. 
     In some embodiments, one or more biometric sensors  15  are interfaced to the computer  100 . The biometric sensors  15  sense, for example, fingerprints, retina, face characteristics, etc, of a user of the training system  10  to make sure the training and results correspond to the correct trainee  5 , thereby preventing one trainee  5  from intentionally or unintentionally scoring/learning for another trainee  5 . 
     In embodiments having a sound system  18 , the sound system  18  is interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry such as audio outputs connected to amplifiers and speakers, TOSLINK, USB, etc. 
     In embodiments having a transmission transducer  106 , the transmission transducer  106  is interfaced to the computer  100  as known in the industry such as through audio outputs connected to amplifiers and speakers, TOSLINK, USB, etc or over a local area network (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a flow chart of a training model of the prior art is shown. This represents either one segment of a training method or the entire training method of the prior art. In it, a first scenario/segment is selected  300  then run  302  and data is captured  304  during and/or after the scenario/segment is run. An example of a simple scenario/segment is a simulation of driving down a road way, approaching an unmarked intersection and a vehicle pulls out from the intersection into the path of the trainee  5 . If the captured data indicates a major issue occurred  306  such as the trainee  5  didn&#39;t apply the brakes, records are made and the appropriate training personnel are notified  320 . 
     The data is analyzed  308  to determine the performance of the trainee  5  in the given scenario/segment meets passing requirements. If not, the scenario/segment is repeated  302 / 304 / 306 / 308 . If the trainee  5  meets passing requirements  308 , it is determined if there are more scenarios/segments  312  for the trainee  5  (e.g. scenarios/segments are often grouped in chapters and the trainee  5  is finished when he/she complete a chapter, etc). If there are more scenarios/segments  312 , the next scenario/segment is retrieved  314  and the above steps  302 / 304 / 306 / 308 / 312  are repeated until there are more scenarios/segments planned for the trainee  5  and the captured data is stored  316  for progress analysis, grading, etc. 
     The methods of the prior art do not adapt to the trainee&#39;s  5  demonstrated abilities, running scenarios/segments sequentially, independent of any progress that the trainee  5  has made. For example, in a set of scenarios/segments are crafted to teach defensive driving, offending vehicles are displayed moving into the path of the trainee  5 . If the trainee  5  demonstrates excellent responses to each of the first few scenarios/segments, the latter scenarios/segments are still presented, often boring the trainee  5 . Similarly, if the trainee  5  shows a weakness in a certain operation such as double-clutching, the prior art would only repeat the scenarios/segments until the trainee  5  is able to pass that segment. In the later situation, it is desirable to access other scenarios/segments that may have already been completed for extra training on the operation of which the trainee  5  is having difficulty. The prior art does not address such operation to adapt to the demonstrated abilities of the trainee  5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a flow chart of the adaptive training system is shown. Typically, a chapter or portion of a training course (courseware  110 ) is presented in one session to the trainee  5 . The methods disclosed monitory the demonstrated abilities (or lack thereof) of the trainee  5  and adapt the training course to such. In this, a first scenario/segment from the chapter is selected  400  then run  402 . Data is captured  404  during and/or after the scenario/segment is run. An example of a simple scenario/segment is a simulation of driving down a road way, approaching an unmarked intersection and a vehicle pulls out from the intersection into the path of the trainee  5 . If the captured data indicates a major issue occurred  406  such as the trainee  5  didn&#39;t apply the brakes, records are made and the appropriate training personnel are notified  430 . In some situations in which a major issue occurred  406 , the driver is notified on one or more of the displays  12 / 14 / 16 , preferably the information display  16 . As part of the adaptive process, elements that led up to the major issue are isolated/determined  432  and, as necessary, prior scenarios/segments or chapters are presented  434  to the trainee  5  to fortify the trainee&#39;s abilities on these elements. For example, if the trainee  5  didn&#39;t apply the brakes correctly because the trainee  5  was having trouble downshifting, then the scenarios/segments or chapters related to double clutching are scheduled to be repeated for that trainee  5  or are selected and run. 
     If no major issue is identified  406 , the data is analyzed  408  to determine the performance of the trainee  5  in the given scenario/segment meets passing requirements and information is displayed  410  to the trainee  5  on one or more of the display devices  12 / 14 / 16 . If the performance indicates that the trainee  5  didn&#39;t perform the task sufficiently  412 , a new scenario/segment is selected  414 . The new scenario/segment is selected  414  based upon elements of the prior scenario/segment that were not adequately performed. Since the method is adaptive, the method uses any existing or modified scenario/segment to fortify the element that was not adequately performed. For example, if the trainee  5  avoided the collision but the trainee  5  didn&#39;t step on the clutch while applying the brakes, therefore stalling the engine, one or more scenarios/segments or chapters related to proper use of the clutch while braking are selected  414  to be presented to the trainee  5  either during the current session or during a future session. 
     If the trainee&#39;s  5  performance meets passing requirements  412 , the data (e.g. results) are stored  416  for later reporting/analysis/grading and it is determined if there are more scenarios/segments  418  for the trainee  5  (e.g. scenarios/segments are often grouped in chapters and the trainee  5  is finished when he/she complete a chapter, etc). If there are more scenarios/segments  418 , the next scenario/segment is retrieved  420  and the above steps  402 - 418  are repeated until there are more scenarios/segments planned for the trainee  5 . 
     The methods of the prior art do not adapt to the trainee&#39;s  5  demonstrated abilities, running scenarios/segments sequentially, independent of any progress that the trainee  5  has made. For example, in a set of scenarios/segments are crafted to teach defensive driving, each presenting offending vehicles moving into the path of the trainee  5 , if the trainee  5  demonstrates excellent responses to each of the first few scenarios/segments, the latter scenarios/segments are still presented, often boring the trainee  5 . Similarly, if the trainee  5  shows a weakness in a certain operation such as double-clutching, the prior art would only repeat the scenarios/segments until the trainee  5  is able to pass that segment. In the later situation, it is desirable to access other scenarios/segments that may have already been completed for extra training on the operation of which the trainee  5  is having difficulty. The prior art does not address such operation to adapt to the demonstrated abilities of the trainee  5 . The present invention addresses these and other shortcomings of the prior art through adapting to the trainee&#39;s  5  demonstrated abilities to determine which segments/scenarios need to be presented or re-presented next or in the future. In some embodiments, the segments/scenarios are marked for review to be re-presented during another session. In some embodiments, the data is stored and the next time the trainee  5  accesses the training system  10 , the training system  10  analyzes the data to determine the more meaningful segments/scenarios that need be run to concentrate on areas that are the weakest, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a schematic view of a typical computer  100  is shown. The example computer  100  represents a typical computer system used as the heart of the training system  10 . The example computer  100  is shown in its simplest form, having a single processor. Many different computer architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar fashion and the present invention is not limited in any way to any particular computer system. The present invention works well utilizing a single processor system, a multiple processor system where multiple processors share resources such as memory and storage, a multiple server system where several independent servers operate in parallel (perhaps having shared access to the data or any combination). In this, a processor  610  is provided to execute stored programs that are generally stored for execution within a memory  620 . The processor  610  can be any processor or a group of processors, for example an Intel Pentium-4® CPU or the like. The memory  620  is connected to the processor in a way known in the industry such as by a memory bus  615  and is any memory  620  suitable for use with the selected processor  610 , such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, flash, FEROM, etc. 
     Also connected to the processor  610  is a system bus  630  for connecting to peripheral subsystems such as a network interface (not shown), a persistent storage (e.g. a hard disk, semiconductor storage such as flash, a raid system, etc)  640 , a disk drive (e.g. DVD)  650 , one or more graphics adapters  660 , a keyboard/mouse  670  and/or one or more touch screen interfaces  675 . The graphics adapter(s)  660  receives commands and display information from the system bus  630  and generates a display image that is displayed on one or more of the graphic display devices  12 / 14 / 16 / 42 / 43 / 44 . 
     In general, the hard disk  640  may be used to store programs, executable code and data (e.g. courseware  110  and user data  120 ) persistently. For data security and reliability, in some embodiments, the hard disk  640  is multiple disks or a raid system, etc. The removable disk drive  650  is often used to load CD/DVD/Blu-ray disks having programs, executable code and data onto the hard disk  640 . These peripherals are examples of input/output devices, persistent storage and removable media storage. Other examples of persistent storage include core memory, FRAM, flash memory, etc. Other examples of removable disk drives  650  include CDRW, DVD, DVD writeable, Blu-ray, compact flash, other removable flash media, floppy disk, etc. In some embodiments, other devices are connected to the system through the system bus  630  or with other input-output connections. Examples of these devices include printers; graphics tablets; joysticks; audio components; and communications adapters such as modems and Ethernet adapters. 
     Although there are many ways anticipated for connecting training system components  13 / 30 / 32 / 34 / 36 / 106 / 9 / 118 / 123  to the processor, one preferred interface is a bi-directional local area network such as Car Area Network (CAN)  685  connected to the bus  630  by a Car Area Network (CAN) interface  680  as known in the industry. Any connection scheme to the system components  13 / 30 / 32 / 34 / 36 / 106 / 9 / 118 / 123  is anticipated including direct wiring, any local area network (e.g. Ethernet, CAN or VAN) and wireless (e.g. BlueTooth). 
     In embodiments having array sensors  9 / 13 , information from the array sensors  9 / 13  is read by the processor  610  and analyzed to provide various data such as the position of the trainee&#39;s head, the location of the trainee&#39;s head, the location of the trainee&#39;s hands/arms, the facial expressions of the trainee  5 , the body temperature of the trainee&#39;s body, the pulse rate of the trainee&#39;s heart, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a schematic view of a simulated vehicle cabin  11  from above. Although the shape and spatial arrangements of the simulation cabin  11  shown in  FIG. 15  typically depicts a truck cab, any size and shape of cabin is anticipated and the simulation cabin  11  shown is for example purposes. 
     In this example, the simulation cabin  11  includes a display  12  and a discrete driver-side rear view mirror  42  (only one shown for simplicity). Also in this example, the simulation cabin  11  includes a sensor array  9 / 13  mounted above the display  12 , although any suitable mounting location is anticipated. As discussed prior, any number of rear view mirrors  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a  are anticipated, either discrete rear view mirrors  42 / 43 / 44  and/or rear view mirrors  42   a / 44   a  that are a reserved area of the display  12  (or any display in the system). 
     A simplified view of the relationship between the head  155  of a trainee  5  and eyes  157  of the trainee is shown. In this, a line of sight  160  is established between the trainee&#39;s eyes  157  and the rear view mirror  42 . Note that the discrete rear view mirror  42  is shown slightly angled with respect to the plane of the display  12  (e.g. the simulated plane of the windshield of the vehicle) as would be expected in an actual vehicle. In a real vehicle, the angle of each rear view mirror  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a  is adjustable to compensate for the driver/trainee  5 . It is fully anticipated that the discrete rear view mirrors  42 / 43 / 44  and/or displayed rear view mirrors  42   a / 44   a  are fully adjustable both horizontally and vertically to compensate for the trainee&#39;s height and sitting position. 
     For simplicity, the rear view mirror  42  is shown as a planar device, though use of concave or convex mirrors is anticipated. The training system  10  reads location data from the sensors  9 / 13  and calculates the location of the trainee&#39;s eyes  157  (e.g. Y and Z position). This location is used to determine the line-of-sight  160  distance, d, and horizontal reflection angle, ∝, with respect to the rear view mirror  42 . In some embodiments, the training systems  10  uses data from the sensor array  9 / 13  to determine a height position (e.g. Y) of the trainee&#39;s eyes  157 . The height position (Y) is then used to calculate a vertical angle, θ, representing the vertical angle between the line of sight  160  and the rear view mirror  42 . For example, as the trainee  5  positions their eyes  157  higher, the training system  10  calculates the vertical reflection angle, θ, and adjusts the image displayed on the rear view mirror  42  to show a lower portion of the rear view image. 
     An example of the view displayed in a rear view mirror  42  of the training system  10 ,  FIGS. 16-22  show a stored image  202  of a wide angle view of what is visible in the rear of the simulated vehicle  200  at a particular position in an environment (e.g. a snapshot of the rear view at a particular point of time in a forward motion video stream). At any given time, some or this entire image is displayed in the rear view mirror  42 . To explain how the training system  10  operates, to start, the trainee  5  is positioned as in  FIG. 15  and, using data from the sensor(s)  9 / 13 , the distance from the rear view mirror  42 , d, horizontal angle, ∝, and vertical angle, θ, are calculated. Based upon calculations of the distance, the horizontal angle, ∝, and the vertical angle, θ, the image area  42   d  is displayed in the rear view mirror  42  (e.g., showing what is next to the simulated vehicle  200 ). As the trainee  5  moves his/her head left (e.g., towards the driver-side window), the horizontal angle, ∝, decreases and the image area  42   e  is displayed in the rear view mirror  42  (e.g., showing an area closer to the simulated vehicle  200 ). If, instead, the trainee  5  moves his/her head right (e.g., away from the driver-side window), the horizontal angle, ∝, increases and the image area  42   f  is displayed in the rear view mirror  42  (e.g., showing an area further away from the simulated vehicle  200 ). 
     As the trainee  5  moves his/her head up (e.g., towards the roof of the simulated cabin), the vertical angle, θ, decreases and the image area  42   g  is displayed in the rear view mirror  42  (e.g., showing an area downward with relationship to the simulated vehicle  200 ). If, instead, the trainee  5  moves his/her head down (e.g., towards the floor of the simulated cabin), the vertical angle, θ, increases and the image area  42   h  is displayed in the rear view mirror  42  (e.g., showing an area further away from the simulated vehicle  200 ). 
     As the trainee  5  moves their eyes  157  closer to the rear view mirror  42 , the distance, d, decreases and, responsive, the training system  10  zooms out, showing a greater portion of the stored image  202 , for example the area  42   i  of the stored image  202  depicted in  FIG. 21 . As the trainee  5  moves their eyes  157  further away from the rear view mirror  42 , the distance, d, increases and, responsive, the training system  10  zooms in, showing a smaller portion of the stored image  202 , for example the area  42   k  of the stored image  202  depicted in  FIG. 22 . 
     It is well understood that the above are examples, and that the training system  10  utilizes as much positional data as is available from the array of sensors  9 / 13  to determine a two-dimensional or three-dimensional location of the eyes  157  of the trainee  5 , then uses this data to determine what the trainee  5  should see in the rear view mirrors  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a . Also, the above examples show a static rear view stored image  202  as occurs when the training system  10  is not simulating motion (e.g., the simulated vehicle is stopped). The same rear view mirror simulation is performed when the training system  10  is simulating motion, using a motion video stored image  202 . 
     In some embodiments, the mirror(s)  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a  are adjustable by the trainee  5 . For example, there is a control, for example on the dashboard  14  or other location on the cabinet  8 , etc., or the mirror(s)  42   a / 44   a  are manually adjustable. In embodiments in which there is a control to adjust the mirror  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a , as the control is operated, the image on the mirror  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a  pans within the stored image  202  as happens with actual mirrors. In some such embodiments with discrete mirrors  42   a / 42   b , the mirror(s)  42   a / 42   b  change angle while the image pans to better simulate an actual mirror. In such, an actuator  161  moves the mirror(s)  42   a / 44   a  to change the angle. In some such embodiments with discrete mirrors  42   a / 42   b , the trainee  5  physically changes the angle of the discrete mirrors  42   a / 42   b . As the trainee  5  physically changes the angle of the discrete mirrors  42   a / 42   b , the physical angle of the discrete mirrors  42   a / 42   b  is measured by a sensor  161  and the data from the sensor  161  is used to modify the horizontal angle, ∝, and vertical angle, θ, and, therefore, the panning within the stored image  202 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , a flow of an exemplary software program for rear view mirror simulation of the training system is shown. The steps start with generating  1200  a rear view image  202 . This is performed in any way known in the industry, typically extracting a frame from an MPEG-2 video stream that depicts what is behind/next-to the simulated vehicle. Next, the position of the trainee  5  is determined  1202 . This is performed by reading data from the sensor array  9 / 13  and calculated a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional location of the trainee  5  with respect to the simulated cabin  11 . From this data, the distance, d, is calculated  1208 , the horizontal angle, ∝, is calculated  1204 , and the vertical angle, θ, is calculated  1206 . The distance, d, the horizontal angle, ∝, and the vertical angle, θ, are then used to map to a position and zoom value  1210  within the rear view image  202 . The resulting portion of the rear view image  202  is then displayed  1212  on the corresponding mirror  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a . If the simulated vehicle is moving  1214 , then all of the steps are repeated from generating  1200  the rear view image  202 . If not moving, then if the trainee  5  has moved  1218 , then the existing rear view image  202  is used and the position and zoom value are recalculated and displayed starting with step  1204 . If the trainee  5  has not moved  1218 , then it is rechecked whether the simulated vehicle has moved in step  1214 . These steps repeat throughout the training exercise. Similar steps are performed for each rear view mirror  42 / 42   a / 43 / 44 / 44   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , a flow of an exemplary software program for stress detection is shown. The steps start with determining a stress factor of the trainee  5 . This is performed by reading data from the sensor array  9 / 13  and calculating a heart rate (pulse)  1300  of the trainee  5 , calculating or reading a temperature  1302  of the trainee  5 , and/or determining the facial characteristics  1304  of the trainee  5 . Any combination of data such as heart rate, pulse, facial recognition, skin moisture (sweating), vocal sounds (grunts, sighs), etc. are anticipated. The heart rate, pulse, facial recognition, skin moisture (sweating), vocal sounds (grunts, sighs) are used to calculate  1306  a stress factor. The higher the stress factor, the more stress the trainee  5  is exhibiting. For example, if the trainee  5  has a pulse rate of 102 and a temperature of 101, then their stress factor is higher than if the trainee has a pulse rate of 60 and a temperature of 98.6. It is anticipated that the system will normalize to a measured set of “at rest” measurements that are made prior to the simulation when the trainee  5  is calm, being that different people have different “at rest” heart rates, temperatures, facial expressions, etc. 
     The calculated stress factor is compared to one or more thresholds. For example, if the stress factor is greater than  1310  a first threshold, T 1 , (e.g. very high stress), the simulation is stopped  1312  and a trainer is notified  1314 . Likewise, if the stress factor is not greater than  1310  the first threshold, T 1 , but is greater than a second threshold, T 2 , then the simulation is slowed  1322  and a new set of measurements made, repeating the above steps. Many different sets of actions are anticipated at each of various steps, including recording issues, notifying trainers, slowing the simulation, stopping the simulation, changing ambient conditions (e.g., air conditioning), etc. There are many way to determine the stress of the trainee  5  through measurements of various bodily functions and there is no limitation placed upon a particular method of detecting such stress and adjusting the simulation speed, intensity, etc., based upon the stress level. For example, in one embodiment, if the stress level is determined to be too low, additional simulation challenges are presented so as to reduce boredom, etc. Also, although generating an overall stress level measurement has been described; there is no requirement for generating such. For example, in alternate embodiments, the pulse rate is determined and the simulation adjusted based upon the pulse rate without combining the pulse rate with other measurements to determine stress level. For example, in this embodiment, it is anticipated that there is a maximum allowable pulse rate, at which the simulation is slowed, and eventually stopped, to reduce the risk of medical problems, etc. It is also anticipated that a trainer is notified. In some examples, if the symptoms are life threatening, one or more emergency responders are notified. 
     Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
     It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.