Education and demonstration – Vehicle operator instruction or testing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-25
2001-07-17
Cheng, Joe H. (Department: 3713)
Education and demonstration
Vehicle operator instruction or testing
C434S030000, C434S060000, C434S062000, C434S30700R, C434S365000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06261100
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is directed to an intermodal transportation simulation system which utilizes a plurality of interconnected simulation nodes which are configured to interactively simulate different modes of transportation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Local, state, regional and national departments of transportation are constantly seeking solutions to both new existing and long term transportation problems. The need for transportation solutions is particularly acute in regions experiencing population and economic growth which are typically accompanied by concerns for safety, security, mobility, productivity, the reduction of potentially harmful environmental impacts, as well as traffic congestion. Historically, within the transportation community, the emphasis has been on the growth of individual or single modes of transportation. In reality, however, these individual transportation modes do not actually function independently in society.
There is consequently a need to create safer, more integrated and improved transportation control systems in infrastructures, as well as to correspondingly build more efficient transportation and commercial vehicles. Due to the interdependencies of various modes of transportation, there is a need for a concurrent approach wherein a solution for one mode of transportation can be analyzed for its effect on one or more other modes. All of these transportation modes from an air, land, and maritime perspective must also relate to human factors and performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an intermodal transportation simulation system designed to provide a rich interplay of different transportation modes. One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system comprising a ground transportation simulation node, a rail transportation simulation node, a maritime transportation simulation node, air transportation simulation node and a human factors transportation laboratory acting as a fifth node. Each of these simulation nodes are designed to provide a manned multi-sensory, rather than a virtual visual reality, simulation.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of a plurality of transportation simulation nodes comprises mechanisms for simulating the visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile stimuli to provide a multi-sensory perspective to people stationed at those simulation nodes. Each node is interactive and interconnected with a central processing unit and at least one, preferably all, of the other nodes. In this manner, each of the nodes will receive corresponding input. Furthermore, when a person stationed at one of the nodes provides an input at his node, for example, changing the direction of a motorized vehicle which he is controlling in simulation, this change will be discernible at each of the other nodes. Therefore, a person piloting an aircraft or a cargo vessel will be able to experience the sights and sounds, as well as any olfactory and tactile sensations which would normally accompany the input provided at a separate simulation node.
In this manner, the various embodiments of the present invention provide a system for planning and achieving an integrated, compatible, intelligent transportation system which includes strategic deployment of plans and innovative technologies. Through the use of simulation technology, the present invention allows planners engineers and other professionals to analyze alternative technologies and strategies to provide a solid basis for a final recommendation prior to implementation. Traffic operations and management systems which can be utilized to mitigate congestion can be identified and recommended. Potential sources of congestion can be identified and alternate transportation routes analyzed to avoid problems before they occur. Furthermore, new traffic operations system techniques can be validated while considering environmental impact mitigation methods. This system provides a process of electronic rehearsal for strategic intermodal transportation planning and decision making. For example, new intermodal transportation system deployment strategies can be simulated prior to the expenditure of large sums of money to actually implement those strategies.
The various aspects of the present invention provide previously unavailable analytical tools useful to those considering multi and intermodal transportation issues as well as educational tools for transportation related personnel.
The present invention will facilitate improvements in safety, mobility, productivity, and reduce harmful environmental impacts, particularly those caused by traffic congestion.
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Cheng Joe H.
Dowling College
Galgano & Burke
LandOfFree
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