AIP - Embedded Training Solutions

Our Embedded Training Solutions Group provides technologies, solutions and services for supporting a wide range of in-situ operator training on embedded hardware, for systems incorporating Electro Optical devices. The groups core competencies fall into the following categories:

Real time Electro Optical video simulation and image generation
Training scenario generation
Embedded hardware and tracking systems integration
Complete customized embedded training systems

Leveraging our wealth of experience in image processing and tracking systems, the Embedded Training Group have delivered a number of embedded procedural training systems for naval weapon operators which are currently in use with the US Navy and the UK Royal Navy.

The Challenge
Classroom based vehicle training systems are now commonplace and form part of the standard training regimen for many organizations around the world, offering a safe and relatively inexpensive environment in which to practice and reinforce procedural and tactical skills. Training systems have also been incorporated into trailers to enable classroom training to travel alongside forces when they are deployed.

Classroom and even trailer-based training systems have one fundamental drawback. The trainees have to leave their control stations in order to do their training, often using interfaces that are close to, but not the same as, those found at their control station. This results in reduced effectiveness due to travel to and from the classrooms, which in turn limits the frequency of training sessions leading to a longer time over which skills, learned during training exercises, can fade and become ineffective.

The Solution
By incorporating embedded training systems inside the vehicles the operators can engage in training exercises whenever it is required at a moments notice. The training systems are embedded in such a manner that the driver or operator is able to use the same interface equipment as he would use in normal control operation. While embedded training devices may increase the wear on driver and weapon interfaces, overall training costs are reduced as many mechanical components can be disabled while in a training mode.

Initial embedded training systems are focused on procedural training but as the technology advances it is likely that these systems will evolve to become tactical trainers or even play a role in front line mission rehearsal.

By applying the knowledge gained from a history of developing embedded image processing systems for Electro Optical (EO) systems, our company has developed an embedded training system, SIVET, that enables systems operators to train on board ship at their normal station. SIVET generates the simulated EO video, normally supplied by the EO sensors, and interacts with the various controls and tracking sub systems in a manner that is almost invisible to the operator.

SIVET based embedded training systems are currently being deployed by the Royal Navy and the US Navy over a wide range of ships, simulating different weapon systems.

Read more about the embedded training system, SIVET.

Custom Integration

We recognize that installing embedded training systems is a complicated process and often requires considerable additional effort to ensure that the training system operates effectively for each different type of station. As such we offer an integration service that enables us to customize the training system to meet the unique demands of our customers.

Example customization services include:

Generating customer specific communication interfaces for interacting with control systems or other devices
Building bespoke scenarios for operator training, incorporating geo specific areas of the world
The construction of unique 3D models, not currently offered in the existing library
Unique instructor interfaSces for use in a specific embedded environment
Incorporating ballistic simulation models for weapon systems not already supported in the simulator
Simulating display symbology
Support for the design of training programs and training material

Next Generation
We are in the process of developing the next generation embedded training system which will offer refinements to the current system, as well as additional new features that will allow future training systems to become part of the tactical training environment by allowing them to communicate with other training devices, either in the same vehicle, or over a remote connection.

Some of the new capabilities include:

Large area terrain databases
Support for more commercial 3D database file formats
Support for more commercial communication protocols such as DIS & HLA
Multiple synchronized video outputs
Improved scenario generation
Improved trainee performance evaluation
An application programming interface for easier customization