Patent Publication Number: US-2009220929-A1

Title: Pc-based simulator training system and methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/783,283 filed on Mar. 17, 2006, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/790,670 filed Apr. 10, 2006. The entirety of each application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to personal computer (“PC”)-based simulation training of transportation machines of any type (e.g., fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, naval ships, submersibles, vehicles, drones, space craft, etc.). The present invention specifically relates to PC-based simulation training for facilitating an interactive environment involving simulation trainees (e.g., pilots, ship captains, tank drivers, astronauts, mission specialists, crew members, etc.) and simulation trainers (e.g., instructors, evaluators, mission controllers, observers, etc.). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     PC-based simulation training is a beneficial form of training of transportation machines for simulation trainees. However, there is a need to further expand and advance the use of PC-based simulation training, particularly in the development of a PC-based simulation certification tool. 
     Specifically, various PC-based flight simulators have been historically created for gaming purposes and more recently have been used in a very limited manner as a flight simulation training tool (e.g., Microsoft® Flight Simulator). Additionally, other PC-based flight simulators have been created for simulation training purposes, but serve more as informational training tools rather than comprehensive flight simulation training tools (e.g., CAE Simfinity®). Moreover, the programming nature of these PC-based flight simulators are not sufficient to serve as comprehensive flight simulation training tools due to a couple of deficiencies in their programming approach. First, a current philosophy of existing PC-based flight simulators are to fulfill a specific area or role that does not require or acknowledge the existence of additional features and an interaction among such features together as a whole that is needed to transform the existing PC-based flight simulators into comprehensive flight simulation training tools. Second, current programming structures of existing PC-based flight simulators fail to provide an overall integration of all necessary functionality to construct the existing PC-based flight simulators into comprehensive flight simulation training tools. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a new and unique PC-based simulation training system and methods that serve to provide a comprehensive simulation training tool. 
     In one form of the present invention, a simulation training system comprises a trainee client domain including at least one trainee client device, a simulation training server system including at least one simulation training server and a network system establishing communication between the trainee client domain ( 20 ) and the simulation training server system. In operation, the trainee client domain ( 20 ) and the simulation training server system provide an objective simulation certification indicative of a simulated operation of a transportation machine by a simulation trainee. 
     In a second form of the present invention, a simulation training system comprises a processor, and a memory storing instructions operable with the processor for executing an interaction among distinct modules facilitating a simulation of a transportation machine for purposes conducting an objective simulation certification indicative of a simulated operation of the transportation machine by a simulation trainee. The instructions are executed for a transportation machine module providing a model of the transportation machine, a scenario/mission module providing at least one of a scenario and a mission associated with the simulated operation of the transportation machine by the simulation trainee, and an environment module providing environmental setting associated with the simulated operation of the transportation machine by the simulation trainee. 
     The aforementioned forms and other forms as well as objects and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings of the various embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative of the present invention rather than limiting, the scope of the present invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a PC-based simulation training environment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention of the PC-based flight simulation training environment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a PC-based simulation training multimedia application; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a transportation machine module illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a scenario/mission module illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of an environment module illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a PC based simulation training courseware application; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart representative of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a layered module integration method; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart representative of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a PC based simulation certification method; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart representative of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a simulation performance grading method. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     PC-based simulation in accordance with the present invention allows for simulation trainees and simulation trainers (e.g., pilots, mission specialists, training instructors, and observers) to all come together in a full interactive environment. This concept applies to any type of transportation device including, but not limited to, fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, naval ships, submersibles, vehicles, drones, space craft, and the like. An interactive environment of the present invention may consist of (1) single-machine/single-person, (2) single-machine/multi-crew, (3) multi-machine/multi-crew and (4) transportation machines in solo scenarios and/or theater/campaign wide scenarios. 
     For example, as related to flight simulation, using personal computers on a secured network environment in accordance with the present invention provides simulation trainees with 2D- and 3D-interactive environments to learn their aircraft types, to practice complex multiplayer missions and scenarios, and to accomplish their mission or scenario objectives as an individual and/or as part of a team. Concurrently, also in accordance with the present invention, a simulation trainer will use the PC-based simulation environment to evaluate a simulation trainee&#39;s performance, and inject changes to the aircraft, environment, or mission, as the simulation trainee learns his/her aircraft expected behavior, and react in a rapidly changing environment. The simulation trainer will evaluate the simulation trainee&#39;s performance—real-time or as recorded video or data taken from the simulator. 
     In the PC-based simulation environment of the present invention, simulation trainers will be able to log in and view a simulation trainee&#39;s performance real-time for training, government, or regulatory purposes. Additionally, the training facility will hold simulation trainee performance records, and will be able to send these records to a government or regulatory repository database for storage of the performance records. 
     This entire process will take place over one or more secured networks, using user validation, authentication, and data-encryption across the secure network(s). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a PC-based environment in accordance with the present invention. A network system  10  of any form is provided to facilitate various communication channels between a trainee client domain  20 , a trainer client domain  30 , a simulation training server system  40  and a simulation training database system  50  (e.g., an internet, an intranet, or a combination of both networks). 
     Trainee client domain  20  encompasses a W number of trainee client devices of any form of personal computer including, but not limited to, desktops, laptops, personal data assistants, mobile phones and the like. The trainee client devices are generally structurally configured as known in the art for facilitating a connection to simulation training server system  40  via network system  10  by PC based simulation trainees of any type including, but not limited to, pilots, ship captains, tank drivers, astronauts, mission specialists, crew members and the like. 
     Trainer client domain  30  encompasses a X number of trainer client devices of any form of personal computers including, but not limited to, desktops, laptops, personal data assistants, mobile phones, monitors and the like. The trainer client devices are generally structurally configured as known in the art for facilitating a connection to simulation training server system  40  via network system  10  by PC based simulation trainers of any type including, but not limited to, instructors, evaluators, mission controllers, observers and the like. 
     Simulation training server system  40  encompasses a Y number of simulation training servers of any form including, but not limited to, an application server, a multimedia server, a web server, an e-commerce server, a file management server, a security server, and the like. The simulation training servers  40  are generally structurally configured for facilitating a connection to trainee client domain  20 , trainer client domain  30  and simulation training database system  50  via network system  10 . 
     Trainer client domain  20 , trainer client domain  30  and/or the simulation training server system  40  are specifically structurally configured in accordance with the present invention to implement courseware training for simulation trainees on a particular type of transportation machine including, but not limited to, fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, naval ships, submersibles, vehicles, drones, space craft, and the like. 
     For example, for flight simulations, courseware scenarios typically included in a training syllabus for airline transport pilot certification can encompass (1) normal procedures (e.g., full flight, takeoff in adverse weather conditions, landing in adverse weather conditions), (2) abnormal procedures (e.g., engine relight (in flight), engine failure strategies (obstacle clearance), autopilot/mcdu failure, slats/flaps jammed—landing, no flaps/slats—landing, fuel imbalance, landing with abnormal landing gear (gear jammed) and overweight landing), and (3) emergency procedures (e.g., full hydraulic system failure and loss of braking—landing). 
     Simulation training database system  50  encompasses a Z number of database servers of any form that are generally structurally configured as known in the art for facilitating a connection to simulation training server system  40  via network system  10  to thereby obtain and store trainee performance records and trainer evaluations generated by a simulation interaction between trainee client domain  20  and trainer client domain  30  via simulation training server system  40 . 
     In practice, the present invention does not impose any limitations or any restrictions to structural forms of network system  10 , trainee client domain  20 , trainer client domain  30 , simulation training server system  40  and simulation training database system  50  within the inventive principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary PC-based flight simulation training environment. As shown, in the trainee client domain  20  ( FIG. 1 ), a pilot (“P”) and a co-pilot “CP”) are respectively interfacing with a laptop  21  and a laptop  22 , both of which are connected to an internet  11 . For basic flight simulation controllers, pilot P and co-pilot CP can use the keyboard and/or mouse of respective laptops  21  and  22 . For more advance flight simulation controllers, pilot P and co-pilot CP can use respective inputs devices  23  and  24  including, but not limited to, joysticks, gamepads, instrument panels, touch screens, glasses, goggles, gloves, helmets, head-mounted display units, functional layouts, mechanisms, motion sensors with motion tracking, and eye/brain/thought input. 
     In the trainer client domain  30  ( FIG. 1 ), a flight instructor (“FI”) is shown interfacing with a desktop  31 , which is connected to internet  11 , and an observer (“OB”) is shown watching a training monitor  32 , which is also connected to internet  11 . 
     For simulation training server system  40  ( FIG. 1 ), a multimedia server  41  and a web server  42  are shown connected to an intranet  12 , which is connected to internet  11  for purposes of providing flight simulation training to pilot P and copilot CP as directed by flight instructor FI and monitored by observer OB. 
     For simulation training database system  50  ( FIG. 1 ), a database server  51  is shown connected to internet  11  to obtain and store performance records and evaluations of pilot P and copilot CP. Alternatively or concurrently, database server  51  can be connected to intranet  12  as indicated by a dashed line  13 . 
     To serve a comprehensive simulation training tool, the processors and memories of laptops  21  and  22 , desktop  31  and/or multimedia server  41  and web server  42  are structurally configured to implement a simulation training multimedia application  50  as shown in  FIG. 3 , and desktop  31  and/or multimedia server  41  and web server  42  are structurally configured with a simulation training courseware application  110  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a transportation machine module  60  of application  50  provides all the section necessary to make a model of a transportation machine in three dimensions including, but not limited to, the physical layout, physics package, electronics package, ECM, systems, and expected behavior. 
     A scenario/mission module  80  of application  50  provides the necessary elements to define the mission or scenario including, but not limited to, the mission profile/goals/objectives, aircraft/naval systems failure code, attack data, defense data, and expected behavior. 
     An environment module  90  of application  50  provides environmental conditions within an environmental setting which will be set, changed, or updated real-time from data from government websites such as National Oceanic &amp; Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) and others including, but not limited to, updates for atmospheric conditions, oceanic currents/surface conditions/submerged and surface temperature differentials/underwater/above-water topography, radiation and radiological conditions from space/solar flares/solar winds/solar conditions/combat and missile battlefield nuclear radiation conditions. 
     A physical interface module  140  of application  50  provides the channels, for both “conventional” reality and “virtual” reality, by which simulation trainees interface with application  50 . Specifically, trainee client devices include simulation controllers which the operator uses to control the simulated transportation machine (e.g., conventional and virtual input devices) and physical interface module  140  is used to simulate the human body in a simulated natural environment interacting with the simulation controllers which are present in a true environment. 
     Finally, a security/validation module  100  can be provided for application  50  to secure and validate users of the network by Quantum Cryptography, and conventional cryptography and encryption whereby the network environment will include validation, encryption, secure storage, and secure network transport. 
     In practice, the present invention does not impose any limitations or any restrictions to structural forms of transportation machine module  60 , scenario/mission module  80 , environment module  90 , security/validation module  100  and physical interface module  140  within the inventive principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of transportation module  60 . 
     As shown, an animation module  61  defines all moving parts on a model of a transportation machine. This is done by creating 3D separate parts of the model, then animating the parts or their behavior. 
     A physical behavior module  62  defines all physical characteristic of how the model will behave in the 3-D environment. This is done by entering the physical dimensions and properties of the model, which shall interact with the scenario/mission module  80  and environment module  90 . 
     A sound module  63  defines the sounds for the model. This is done by recording sounds, then assigning values and timing to the sounds to recreate the sound and feel of the model. 
     A panel module  64  defines the 2D/3D panel and internal environment. This is done by 3D vectoring and painting, and/or captured images of the transportation machine which is modeled. 
     A payload module  65  defines what is loaded into the model and how it effects the physical behavior. This is programmed into the physical package, and affects the transportation machine, scenario/mission module  80  and environment module  90 . 
     A fuel module  66  defines the fuel, material, or resource used to propel the model. This is done by entering the specification into the model physical package, and affects the transportation machine, scenario/mission module  80  and environment module  90 . 
     A texture module  67  defines what is seen on the model, where traditionally skin is wrapped around the polygon or model parts. Textures may be made as artwork, vectored graphics or images captured from the transportation machine which is modeled. 
     An electronics module  68  defines the equipment, electronics, avionics, used at the method to control the model, or function performed by simulation trainees to information input and output. Typically the electronics are created for the transportation machine, and the functionality is recreated or mimicked and placed into panel module  64 . This module  68  affects the transportation machine and accepts input from scenario/mission module  80  and environment module  90 . 
     A graphic effect module  69  defines controlling effects which are external to the model. Effects are timed to an event defined with physical properties. 
     A communications module  70  defines communication between multiple simulation trainees or multiple transport machines. This allows for multi-simulation trainees to communicate with each other in the environment. 
     A documentation module  71  defines all documentation (e.g., operations manuals, reference manuals) that must be accessible in the 3D environment as the counterpart physical medium. The documentation is made available and accessible in the environment. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of scenario/mission module  80 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a mission data module  81  defines a collection of mission specific information including, but not limited to, location, purpose, and method. 
     A scenario module  82  defines collection of scenario specific information including, but not limited to, the physical environment, and external and dynamic changes to modules  60 ,  80  and  90  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     A target data module  83  defines data on the objective or target for attack or defense. The target is modeled into the environment. 
     A maps/charts module  84  defines necessary parts of the physical environment documentation, necessary for mission planning and execution. 
     A documentation module  85  defines mission/scenario specific documentation necessary to carry out the task(s), particularly available in the 3D environment. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of environment module  90 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a physical environment module  91  defines environment made from real world, or simulated world topography, features, and variables including, but not limited to, components for gravity, drag, wind resistance, water resistance, friction and adhesion. 
     A geography module  92  defines data on the physical aspects of a location. Information taken from real world sources such as the USGS, or created for mission data. 
     A navigation database  93  defines current and future navigation databases including, but not limited to, longitude, latitude, GPS, radios, intersections and waypoints. 
     A maps/charts module  94  defines maps and charts in the environment module  90  that must be viewable as environment conditions, which are read into the simulator. 
     A documentation module  95  defines changes to the environment to be available in full 3D mode. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates simulation training courseware module  110 , which defines items necessary to integrate courseware and simulation trainer interaction, including, but not limited to, simulation trainer real-time interaction, simulation trainer media review, ability to change the Mission/Scenario by data injection, and the ability to change the various modules real-time to introduce a dynamic environment and conditions. In particular, simulation trainers will be able to submit the simulation trainee certifications and results to a government or regulatory database via an automated process. 
     A performance evaluation module  111  of module  110  is responsible for simulation trainer review of simulation trainee actions and performance. In one embodiment, the simulation trainer has the ability to view performance real time or afterwards from data output, alter mission, environment or transportation machine. Further, the simulation trainer has ability to instruct, pass, fail students based on performance. 
     A regulation submission module  112  allows for the simulation trainer to submit simulation performance records to a government or regulatory database. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , simulation training multimedia application is preferably implemented in a layered module integration format of modules  60 ,  80 ,  90  and  140  in any programming language for facilitating a comprehensive simulation training tool (e.g., programming language C with the ability to read C and XML).  FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart  150  representative of a layered module integration method of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a stage S 152  of flowchart  150  encompasses an execution of environment module  90  to define environment setting for simulation training/testing purposes. Based on the conditions of the environmental setting, a stage S 154  of flowchart  150  encompasses an execution of scenario/mission module  80  to define the scenario(s) and the mission(s) within the environmental setting. With the scenario(s) and the mission(s) established within the environment setting, a stage S 156  of flowchart  150  encompasses an execution of transportation machine module  160  to define a model of one or more subject transportation machine within the environmental setting based on the scenario(s) and the mission(s). The layered integration of modules  60 ,  80  and  90  as provided for by stages S 152 -S 156  facilitates an implementation of simulation trainee(s) during a stage S 158  of flowchart  150  as operator(s) of the modeled transportation machine(s) within the environmental setting in view of input provided by the simulation trainees via physical interface module  140  and in view of the interaction among modules  60 ,  80  and  90  as taught herein. Simulation training/testing commences upon implementation of the simulation trainee(s) as transportation machine operator(s). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , the modeled layer format of modules  60 ,  80  and  90  facilitates a performance of the following new and unique simulations functions as related to flight simulation: (1) the ability to design FDE with a GUI, (2) import a 3-D image on GUI overlay for FDE design, (3) calculate wing surface areas based on 3D overlay, (4) calculate control surface area based on 3D overlay, (5) simulate tire profile, wheel profile and strut profile separately, (6) allow for an infinite number of weight stations, (7) allow for an infinite number of landing gear, (8) distribute fuel weight based on GUI overlay, (9) distribute payload station weight (pax classes, freight configuration) based on GUI overlay, (10) able to simulate dry conditions, rain—stopping distances, tire side slip, snow, compacted snow and ice, (11) able to burst tire profiles, (12) able to loss of directional control from burst tires, (13) able to collect heat in tires, loss of braking, (14) heat—melted tires, loss of directional control, (15) able to have engine FOD based on objects—bird, burst tires, runway FOD, (16) weather, (17) accurate start map, (18) full navigation database, (19) read weather from the internet, (20) able to distinguish CATI, II, III, IV capable airports. (21) have photo realistic scenery, (22) able to separate spoiler number, on roll spoilers vs. lift dump, vs. landing only.—this must be configurable to effect FDE, (23) able to simulate icing conditions, (24) gauge failures, (25) true electrical failures, (26) true RAT effect, (27) true APU power, (28) true-hydraulic failure by system, (29) true-multiple hydraulic system failure, (30) true loss of control surfaces (for instance damage due to bird strike, missile attack, airborne strike, (31) ability to record video properly, directly in the simulator, (32) ability to provide true instance playback showing all control surfaces in the sim, (33) able to damage specific parts—rudder over aggressive movement, wing damage due to G stress, etc., (34) truly keep the airplane straight on engine out flight, no side slip flight, (35) ability to lock out control surfaces (which surfaces, over and under 280 knots for example) have 2 different roll rates, (36) ability for the simulator to true separate FDEs, or preferably, set the condition, only need 1 designed FDE, (37) ability for the simulator to drop the plane in flight, without instability on loading, airplane height loss, airspeed loss, trim, pitching up/down, (39) all attributes of the nav database must able to be interrogated by the aircraft FMC and autopilot, (40) smoothened weather transition than other simulators, (41) able to truly load and remember the scenario information based on a preprogrammed/saved flight, (42) include a walk around program, (43) visual models must show random failures/mis configuration for walk around, (44) want virtual reality glasses, ability to do 3D cockpit without monitors, (45) ability to grab controls and flip controls/buttons without the need of a mouse, yoke or control stick, (46) virtual reality with gloves or sensors to make the changes, (47) able to operate on WINDOWS, LINUX or UNIX platforms, (48) MAC OS if necessary, (49) true CG movement effect for weight, (50) better trim control, (51) ability to simulate trim/rudder runaway, (52) have mountains, terrain for obstacle clearance, (53) have top  200  airports detailed scenery in 3D, (54) airport database based on true nav charts, (55) have ability for multiplayer in virtual reality—ability to perform flight pilot, non-flying pilot training over the internet, Ethernet, together or remote, (56) multiplayer for multiple planes, (57) ability to import true aircraft flightplans from dispatch. Must be able to import and create savable database, as well as allow for pilot constraint entries, (58) all icons matching individual airplanes, (59) have a team which will work with us to implement these, support the product, and do update, (60) engine vibration, imbalance, lose of fan blades, destruction of engine, and (61) walk around showing show these items. 
     Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate how the above functions as well as other new and unique functions can be applied to other types of transportation machines. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart  120  representative of a PC-based simulation certification method of the present invention. A pre-certification stage S 122  of flowchart  120  encompasses trainee client devices  20  and/or system  40  ( FIG. 1 ) providing on-line courseware instruction for simulation trainees and on-line/off-line simulation training/testing for simulation trainees. In one embodiment, the provision of the on-line courseware instruction and on-line/off-line simulation training/testing includes a normal procedure section, an abnormal procedure section and an emergency procedure section as approved by simulation trainer(s) (e.g., instructors). As related to pilot training, the normal procedure section exemplarily provides for a full flight simulation involving a variety of weather conditions, particularly during a takeoff and a landing of the aircraft. The abnormal procedure sections exemplarily provides for an engine relight, engine failure strategies, autopilot/MCDU failure, slats/flaps jammed on landing, no flaps/slats on landing, fuel imbalance, landing with abnormal landing gear and on overweight landing. And, the emergency procedure section exemplarily provides for full hydraulic system failure and loss on braking on landing. 
     A certification stage S 124  of flowchart  120  encompasses trainee client devices  20  and/or system  40  providing on on-line written exam for simulation trainees and an on-line simulation testing of simulation trainees. The exam and the simulation testing are certified by an appropriate certification body (e.g., FAA and DoD). Based on his/her dedication to the pre-certification stage S 122 , a simulation trainee should be properly prepared to pass the exam and the simulation testing. 
     In one embodiment, the certified on-line simulation testing is conducted in accordance with a flowchart  130  illustrated in  FIG. 10  that is representative of a simulation performance grading method of the present invention. 
     A stage S 132  of flowchart  130  encompasses trainee client devices  20  and/or system  40  recording cockpit data representative of a trainee simulation performance. As related to flight training, the cockpit data will represent a flight path by the trainee from takeoff to landing in terms of altitude, airspeed, and control surface movements (e.g., elevators, ailerons, rudder, trim, spoiler on the pitch, roll and yaw axis). 
     A stage S 134  of flowchart  130  encompasses trainee client devices and/or system  40  measuring a trainee simulation performance based on a comparison of the cockpit data to a standard simulation performance profile. As related to flight training, the comparison will involve two types of measurement. The first type is directed to failure measurements related to the simulation trainee crashing or damaging the aircraft under a specified set of flying conditions. For example, a crash under clear weather conditions will result in an automatic certification failure while a crash under serve but manageable weather conditions may result in a certification failure in view of specific information provided by the cockpit data. 
     The second type is directed to a degree of deviation between a trainee simulation performance as represented by the cockpit data and the standard simulation performance profile. The degree of deviation can be measured in terms of a specific portion of a mission, flying conditions and/or any other parameter or parameters indicative of the trainees ability to fly. 
     A stage S 136  of flowchart  130  encompasses system  40  objectively generating a pilot certification grade based on the measurement of the trainee simulation performance. The grade can be a pass or fail, or be based on a numerical system. The benefit of state S 136  is to make a certified instructor&#39;s evaluation of the simulation trainee less objective and more based on actual performance data. To this end, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a post-certification stage S 126  of flowchart  120  encompasses system  40  providing exam and simulation testing results to simulation trainee(s) and an automatic or trainer directed provision of a certification record to the appropriate certification body (e.g., FAA or DoD). In the case of the trainer directed provision of the certification record, the instructor can have the option of taking the simulation trainee back through stages S 122  and S 124  based on the exam and testing results to help the simulation trainee improve upon certain aspects. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate numerous benefits of the present invention, including, but not limited to, a expedient, dynamic, relatively inexpensive, complex yet objective means for certifying trainees. Further, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate how to apply the inventive principles of the present invention as described in  FIGS. 9 and 10  to any type of transportation machine. 
     From the description herein of the present invention, those having ordinary skill in the art of PC-based simulation training will appreciate how to apply the inventive principles of the present invention as described in  FIGS. 1-10  to interactive environments that are more or less complex than the interactive environment shown in  FIG. 1 . In addition, referring to  FIG. 1 , those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the training functionality of a PC-based simulator in accordance with the present invention (e.g., simulation training multimedia application  50  shown in  FIG. 3 ) is either within trainee client domain  20 , simulation training server system  40 , and/or distributed across trainee client domain  20  and simulation training server system  40 . In the distributed embodiment, trainee client domain  20  would have limited functionality, such as, for example, an aircraft sitting in a hanger, cold, powered off, without a key, without active systems, unable to see the environment, and unable to perform flight tasks defined as an operator, pilot, or war fighter. Trainee client domain  20  through communication among trainee client devices and/or simulation training server system  40  would provide the training functionality of the PC-based simulator of the present invention. Trainee client domain  20  can interact with simulation training server system  40  across network  10  in the form of encrypted networks, layered with security, across the Internet, intranet, securenet, LAN, WAN, or distributed architecture network. Trainee client domain  20  and simulation training server system  40  communicate using 2-way communications to effect the operations of the PC-based simulator via the simulation trainee(s). 
     The term “processor” as used herein is broadly defined as one or more processing units of any type for performing all arithmetic and logical operations and for decoding and executing all instructions related to facilitating an execution of the various methods of the present invention. Additionally, the term “memory” as used herein is broadly defined as encompassing all storage space in the form of computer readable mediums of any type. 
     Furthermore, those having ordinary skill in the art of PC-based simulation training may develop other embodiments of the present invention in view of the inventive principles of the present invention described herein. Thus, the terms and expression which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used herein as terms of description and not of limitations, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the present invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.