Method and apparatus for advanced leadership training simulation

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for advanced leadership training simulation wherein the simulation teaches skills in leadership and related topics through an Internet-based distance-learning architecture. The distance-learning features link trainees at remote locations into a single collaborative experience via computer networks. Instructional storylines are created and programmed into a computer and then delivered as a simulated but realistic story to one or more participants. The participants' reactions are monitored and compared with expected results. The storyline may be altered in response to the participants' responses, and synthetic characters may be generated to act as automated participants or coaches. Constructive feedback is provided to the participants during or after the simulation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of training comprising the steps of 
 generating simulation content;    delivering the simulation content to one or more participants via a computer network;    monitoring the one or more participants' responses to the simulation content; and    providing feedback to the one or more participants.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of generating one or more synthetic characters.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the feedback is provided by the one or more synthetic characters.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more synthetic characters are used to alter the simulation content.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the feedback is provided by an instructor.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of 
 generating a representation of expected responses to the simulation content; and    alerting an instructor of the one or more participants' responses when the one or more participants' responses deviate from the representation of expected responses to the simulation content.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of altering the simulation content in response to the one or more participants' responses.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the simulation content depicts military scenarios.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of delivering immersive audio to the one or more participants.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the computer network comprises the Internet.  
     
     
         11 . A training apparatus comprising 
 means for generating simulation content;    means for delivering the simulation content to one or more participants via a computer network;    means for monitoring the one or more participants' responses to the simulation content; and    means for providing feedback to the one or more participants.    
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further including means for generating one or more synthetic characters.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the feedback is provided by the one or more synthetic characters.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more synthetic characters are used to alter the simulation content.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the feedback is provided by an instructor.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising 
 means for generating a representation of expected responses to the simulation content; and    means for alerting an instructor of the one or more participants' responses when the one or more participants' responses deviate from the representation of expected responses to the simulation content.    
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising means for altering the simulation content in response to the one or more participants' responses.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the simulation content depicts military scenarios.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising a means for delivering immersive audio to the one or more participants.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the computer network comprises the Internet.  
     
     
         21 . A simulation method comprising the steps of 
 generating simulation content;    generating a representation of expected responses to the simulation content;    delivering the simulation content to one or more participants via a computer network;    monitoring the one or more participants' responses to the simulation content;    comparing the one or more participants' responses with the representation of expected responses to the simulation content; and    altering the simulation content in response to the one or more participants' responses.    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further including the step of generating one or more synthetic characters.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the simulation content depicts military scenarios.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of delivering immersive audio to the one or more participants.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the computer network comprises the Internet.  
     
     
         26 . A simulation apparatus comprising 
 means for generating simulation content;    means for generating a representation of expected responses to the simulation content;    means for delivering the simulation content to one or more participants via a computer network;    means for monitoring the one or more participants' responses to the simulation content;    means for comparing the one or more participants' responses with the representation of expected responses to the simulation content; and    means for altering the simulation content in response to the one or more participants' responses.    
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , further including a means for generating one or more synthetic characters.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the simulation content depicts military scenarios.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , further comprising a means for delivering immersive audio to the one or more participants.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the computer network comprises the Internet.  
     
     
         31 . A simulation apparatus comprising 
 a database containing simulation content;    one or more participant workstations;    a web server for delivering the simulation content to the one or more participant workstations;    an instructor interface for displaying information to an instructor and receiving input from the instructor;    one or more participant interfaces connecting the web server to the respective one or more participant workstations; and    an artificial intelligence engine for analyzing input into the one or more participant workstations and altering the simulation content in response to the input.    
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , further comprising a means for generating one or more synthetic characters.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein the one or more synthetic characters are represented by digital video.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein the one or more synthetic characters are represented by one or more static photographs.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein the one or more synthetic characters are represented by a plurality of articulation photographs.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , further comprising one or more authoring tools for generating additional simulation content.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , further comprising a means for delivering immersive audio to the one or more participant workstations.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , further comprising a means for providing feedback.  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , further comprising a system activity database for logging information generated in response to the simulation content.