Simulations

REAL-TIME DYNAMIC SIMULATIONS

Echota’s Simulations Group is a world-class developer of real-time dynamic simulations and innovative training solutions for military, government and private industry. Each solution is custom designed and developed to provide the highest levels of fidelity in systems response and realism, with user interfaces ranging from abstract process visualizations (MIMIC panels or piping and instrumentation diagrams), to virtual environments, to simulation of tactical equipment.

The simulations crafted by Echota provide for learner centric training which is self-paced; blended learning solutions for team training environments; and hands-on practical exercises operating tactical equipment which has been seamlessly integrated with the computer-based simulation using COTS data acquisition and control hardware. Our developmental framework, models and processes have been employed on a wide range of projects, including: part-task trainers; power plant systems; propulsion systems; and full-scope integrated nuclear power plant simulations.

Our primary goal is to provide training solutions that improve human performance in order to improve operating efficiency, lower operations and maintenance costs, and mitigate risks. We partner with you to design and build comprehensive solutions that address your specific needs in one or more of the learning domains – cognitive (knowledge), affective (attitude), and psychomotor (skills) – while maintaining controls on cost, quality and schedule.

Our simulations succeed in the cognitive and affective domains by providing three levels of simulation:

• Basic – primarily self-paced and incorporates abstract system visualizations in addition to virtualization of systems and operable controls;
• Intermediate – only permits operation in accordance with standard operating procedures using the virtual representation of systems; and
• Advanced – designed for theory to practice training of mastery level concepts and is most often employed in team training exercises.

By integrating the simulations with tactical equipment we are able to effect measurable improvement in the psychomotor domain. Learners perform hands-on exercises in a real-world setting to acquire initial skills or for periodic refresher training.

We incorporate the following features in every simulation:

Intuitive user interface designs; learners are focused on learning the simulated system and not the computer application

• Initial conditions which can be configured to support any valid operating or idle state for the primary and support systems
• Pre-defined scenarios supporting training requirements identified during the needs analysis; includes normal, abnormal and casualty modes of operation
• Ability to customize/create scenarios in support of changing requirements
• Customer specific operating instructions and procedures are fully integrated and accessible; availability can be administratively controlled per exercise
• Measurable learning outcomes
• Engaging, logically sequenced instructional content
• Assessments based on procedural compliance integrated within each scenario
  • Stringent adherence forces compliance with all mandatory steps within a procedure, with failure resulting from significant deviation
  • Lenient adherence permits freeform operation with tracking of actions taken and ability to compare with defined sequence of proper operation
• Flexible introduction of malfunctions, interventions and changes in state variables
  • Event based fault/clear
  • Operational run-time based fault/clear
  • Time-phased change in severity (ramp up/down)
• Ability to freeze and restart the simulator, with point in time recovery
• Instructional strategies and multimedia optimized to address multiple learning styles and learning preferences
• Appropriate use of media including digital photography, graphics, 2D, 2-1/2D and 3D models, and audio
• Traditional assessments based on knowledge/skills specified in the objectives and at an appropriate level of rigor