Virtual simulator method and system for neuromuscular training and certification via a communication network

A virtual simulator method for neuromuscular training and certification via a communication network, comprising the steps of:

• storing data relative to at least one of (A) a code of conduct, (B) state-of-the-art, (C) physics law equations,(D) technical code and technique for physical activities requiring training and certification for a user, or (E) training scenarios in a database connectable to the communication network;
• providing a multimedia device connectable to the communication network, the multimedia device having a stopwatch circuit and an input device for interaction with a user;
• and
• through an on-line simulator processor connectable to the communication network, performing operations comprising:
• retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios from the database in response to a user selection on the multimedia device;
• generating test elements, parameters and controls based on the retrieved data;
• monitoring online use of the input device by the user;
• performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and online in response to the use of the input device by the user and management of the test elements, parameters and controls by the user;
• generating real time images on the multimedia device replicating the simulated environment according to the management of the test elements by the user as a function of run-time data provided by the stopwatch circuit;
• recording the test elements in the database;
• and
• certifying with a third party witnessing from a certification bureau that online use of the input device by the user meets minimum requirements to satisfy a welding code.

A multimedia device connectable to a virtual simulator system having an on-line simulator processor and a database for neuromuscular training and certification via a communication network, comprising:

• a stopwatch circuit;
• an input device;
• a user interface;
• a port for communication with the on-line simulator processor through the communication network;
• and
• a processor connected to the stopwatch circuit, the input device, the user interface and the port, the processor comprising units for:
• transmitting data produced by use of the input device on the user interface to the on-line simulator processor via the port;
• receiving test elements, parameters and controls and simulated environment data from the on-line simulator processor via the port;
• monitoring a management of the test elements, parameters and controls by the user as a function of run-time data provided by the stopwatch circuit;
• displaying real time images on the user interface replicating a simulated environment using the simulated environment data;
• and
• certifying with a third party witnessing from a certification bureau that the management of the test elements, parameters and controls by the user meets minimum requirements to satisfy a welding code.

An apparatus for neuromuscular training and certification on a multimedia device via a communication network, comprising:

• a stopwatch circuit;
• a database connectable to the communication network, the database storing data relative to a code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law equations, technical code and technique for physical activities requiring training and certification for a user, or training scenarios complying with the code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law equations, technical code and technique;
• and
• an on-line simulator processor connectable to the communication network, the on-line simulator processor capable of performing operations comprising:
• retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios from the database in response to a request received from the multimedia device representing a user selection;
• generating test elements, parameters and controls based on the retrieved data;
• communicating the test elements, parameters and controls to the multimedia device;
• monitoring user activity data received from the multimedia device;
• performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and online in response to the user activity data in relation with the test elements, parameters and controls;
• transmitting simulation data to the multimedia device causing the multimedia device to generate real time images replicating the simulated environment according to the user activity data;
• recording the test elements in the database;
• and
• certifying with a third party witnessing from a certification bureau that user activity data by a user meets minimum requirements to satisfy a welding code.

A computer, comprising:

• an on-line simulator processor for neuromuscular training and certification via a communication network;
• a memory coupled to the on-line simulator processor and having stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured to cause the on-line simulator processor to perform operations comprising:
• storing data relative to a code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law equations, technical code and technique for physical activities requiring training and certification for a user, and training scenarios in a database connected to the communication network;
• and
• retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios from the database in response to a user selection on a multimedia device connected to the communication network;
• generating test elements, parameters and controls based on the retrieved data;
• monitoring online use of an input device on the multimedia device by the user;
• performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and online in response to the use of the input device by the user and management of the test elements, parameters and controls by the user;
• generating real time images on the multimedia device replicating the simulated environment according to the management of the test elements by the user as a function of run-time data provided by a stopwatch circuit of the multimedia device;
• recording the test elements in the database;
• and
• certifying with a third party witnessing from a certification bureau that the online use of the input device by the user meets minimum requirements to satisfy a welding code.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for storing data for access by an application program being executed on a data processing system, comprising:

• a data structure stored in the memory, the data structure including information resident in a database used by the application program and including:
• code of conduct data;
• state-of-the-art data;
• physics law equation data;
• technical code and technique data for physical activities requiring training and certification for a user;
• training scenarios complying with the code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law equations, technical code and technique, used by the application program to generate test elements, parameters and controls for neuromuscular training or certification via a communication network;
• and
• computer executable instructions for certifying with a third party witnessing from a certification bureau that online use of by a user meets the minimum requirements to satisfy a welding code.