Computer based system for training workers

Abstract

A computer based system having one or more computers is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of trainee client computers. The system can include at least one controlled digital character and a non-trainee digital entity, a plurality of models, and a rendering module for rendering the models on a display. The system is usable in training workforce teams and in a wide variety of additional applications.

1 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A computer based system comprising:
 (a) a first client computer for use by a first user, the first client computer having a display and a rendering module;   (b) a second client computer for use by a second user, the second client computer having a display and a rendering module;   (c) a third client computer for use by a third user, the third client computer having a display and a rendering module;   (d) wherein said computer based system is configured so that said first, second and third client computers can contemporaneously render a common scene, wherein there is rendered at said first client computer models corresponding to said second and third users, wherein there is rendered at said second client computer models corresponding to said first and third client computers, and wherein there is rendered at said third client computer models corresponding to said first and second users;   (e) wherein said computer based system supports live voice communications between said first second and third client computers; and   (f) wherein rendering of said first second and third models is controlled to include a voice highlight indicating which of said users is presently communicating a live voice message.   
     
     
         41 . The computer based system of  claim 40 , wherein said computer based system is for use in training workers. 
     
     
         42 . The computer based system of  claim 40 , wherein said voice highlight includes a message indicating a name of user presently communicating a live voice message. 
     
     
         43 . The computer based system of  claim 40 , wherein said voice highlight includes a graphic feature rendered in proximity with a model corresponding to a user presently communicating a live voice message. 
     
     
         44 . The computer based system of  claim 40 , wherein said graphic feature is an arrow directed to a model corresponding to a user presently communicating a live voice message. 
     
     
         45 . The computer based system of  claim 40 , wherein said voice highlight includes an animation and/or texture control to create the appearance that a model corresponding to a user presently communicating a live voice message is talking. 
     
     
         46 - 55 . (canceled) 
     
     
         56 . A computer based system comprising:
 an administrator client computer having a user interface entity at least one of the following to be initiated by an administrator:
 (i) a reverse communication; 
 (ii) a return to point communication; 
 (iii) view database communication; 
 (iv) change view communication; 
 (v) a state change communication; 
 (vi) a scenario change communication; 
   a trainee client computer having a user interface enabling a trainee to initiate a certain set of communications, the certain set of communications not including at least one of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), and (vi).   
     
     
         57 . A computer based system for training workers relative to a work subject, the computer based system comprising:
 (a) a first trainee client computer having a display and a 3D rendering module for rendering 3D models on said display;   (b) a second trainee client computer having a display and a 3D rendering module for rendering 3D models on said display;   (c) the first and second trainee client computers having trainee user interfaces enabling initiation of a restricted first set of commands;   (d) an administrator client computer having an administrator user interface enabling initiation of an expanded second of commands;   (e) wherein said computer based system is configured so that said first second and administrator client computers concurrently render respective first, second, and third different perspective views of a common scene, the third perspective view including a rendering of third person models corresponding to said first and second trainees, the first perspective view including a rendering of a third person model corresponding to said second trainee but not including a rendering of a third person model corresponding to said first trainee, and said second perspective view including a rendering of a third person model corresponding to said first trainee but not including a rendering of a third person model corresponding to said second trainee.   
     
     
         58 . The computer based system of  claim 57 , wherein a camera position of said administrator client computer is maintained so that a field of view of said third perspective view is larger than a field of view of either of said first or second perspective view.