U.S. patent application number 11/428738 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for train simulator and playback station.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEW YORK AIR BRAKE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to C. Mackay Foster, Michael J. Hawthorne.
Application Number | 20060252012 11/428738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31494368 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawthorne; Michael J. ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
Train Simulator and Playback Station
Abstract
A portable train simulator, including a microprocessor, a
display and an input device for the microprocessor. A first program
drives the display to depict indicia of a control stand and to
respond to control inputs from the input device. A second program
drives the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data
file in response to the control inputs. A virtual control stand is
one of the elements that allows the true portability of a train
simulator. The system can display and switch between the present
operating parameters of the train and/or a history of the operating
parameters of the train, as selected by the input device. Thus, the
system can switch from playback mode to simulation mode to provide
a take-over of recorded conditions to allow an operator to explore
alternate methods for managing the train.
Inventors: |
Hawthorne; Michael J.;
(Arlington, TX) ; Foster; C. Mackay; (Burleson,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
750-17TH STREET NW
SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-4675
US
|
Assignee: |
NEW YORK AIR BRAKE
CORPORATION
748 Starbuck Avenue
Watertown
NY
|
Family ID: |
31494368 |
Appl. No.: |
11/428738 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10212782 |
Aug 7, 2002 |
7096171 |
|
|
11428738 |
Jul 5, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61L 27/0055 20130101;
G09B 9/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/029 |
International
Class: |
G09B 9/02 20060101
G09B009/02; G09B 19/16 20060101 G09B019/16 |
Claims
1. A portable train simulator comprising: a microprocessor; a
display; an input device for the microprocessor; a first program to
drive the display to depict indicia of a control stand and respond
to control inputs from the input device; and a second program to
drive the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data
file in response to the control inputs.
2. The simulator according to claim 1, wherein the input device
includes one or more of a keyboard, a mouse and a touch screen.
3. The simulator according to claim 1, wherein the first program
produces depictions of throttle indicia of position and direction,
dynamic brake indicia of position, independent brake indicia of
position and automatic brake indicia of position.
4. The simulator according to claim 3, wherein the first program
produces depictions, for a remote unit, of throttle indicia of
position and dynamic brake indicia of position.
5. The simulator according to claim 3, wherein the first program
produces depictions of status of one or more of independent brake
bail-off, and emergency brake control by automatic brake.
6. The simulator according to claim 3, wherein the first program
produces depictions of auxiliary functions including one or more of
horn, bell, sand, call bell, remote sand, and lead sand.
7. The simulator according to claim 3, wherein the first program
produces depictions of warnings including one or more of power
cut-out switch is open, sand, wheel slip, remote wheel slip,
alerter alarm, and overspeed alarm
8. The simulator according to claim 1, wherein the first program
produces depictions of one or more of train speed, air flow rate,
feed valve pressure, brake pipe pressure, brake cylinder pressure,
equalization reservoir pressure, percentage of power reduction and
dynamic amperes.
9. The simulator according to claim 8, wherein the first program
allows adjustment of the feed valve pressure via the input
device.
10. The simulator according to claim 8, wherein the first program
allows adjustment of the percentage of power reduction via the
input device.
11. The simulator according to claim 1, wherein the simulator is a
portable computer including the microprocessor, the input device
and the display; and the first and second programs and the data
file are in one of the portable computer or a second
microprocessor.
12. The simulator according to claim 1, wherein the portable
computer and the second microprocessor are connected by a
network.
13. The simulator according to claim 1, including a third program
to drive the display to depict operating parameters of the
train.
14. The simulator according to claim 13, wherein the third program
produces depictions of the present operating parameters of the
train or a history of the operating parameters of the train as
selected via the input device.
15. The simulator according to claim 14, wherein the third program
produces depictions of the history of the operating parameters
correlated to the depiction of the track.
16. The simulator according to claim 1, wherein the data file
includes the track with correlated values of the control stand for
a run of a train on the track; and including a fourth program for
playing back the data file by providing the control stand values as
control inputs to the first program and the second program.
17. The simulator according to claim 16, including a fifth program
responsive to a selection input from the input device to initially
transfer the control stand values from the data file to the first
program as control inputs and subsequently the first program is
responsive to control inputs from the input device.
18. The simulator according to claim 16, wherein the data file
further includes operational parameters of the train correlated to
the track and the fourth program drives the display to depict the
operating parameters correlated to the track display.
19. The simulator according to claim 1, wherein the data file
includes the track with correlated operating parameters for a run
of a train on the track; and including a fourth program for playing
back the data file by driving the display to depict the operating
parameters correlated to the track.
20. The simulator according to claim 19, including a third program
driving the display to depict the present operating parameters of
the train or a history of the operating parameters of the train as
selected via the input device.
21. The simulator according to claim 20, wherein the operating
parameters to be displayed are selected via the input device.
22. The simulator according to claim 20, including depicting the
present operating parameters of the train with the history of the
operating parameters of the train at a point on the track selected
via the input device.
23. A playback station comprising: a microprocessor; a display; an
input device for the microprocessor; a data file of a track with
correlated operating parameters for a run of a train on the track;
and a first program for playing back the data file by driving the
display to selectively depict the operating parameters correlated
to the track either as the present operating parameters of the
train or a history of the operating parameters of the train.
24. The simulator according to claim 23, wherein the operating
parameters to be displayed are selected via the input device.
25. The simulator according to claim 23, wherein the first program
drives the display to depict the present operating parameters of
the train with the history of the operating parameters of the train
at a point on the track selected via the input device.
26. The simulator according to claim 23, wherein the first program
drives the display to switch between the depiction of the present
operating parameters of the train and the history of the operating
parameters of the train at a point on the track selected via and in
response to the input device.
27. The simulator according to claim 23, including a second program
to operate the playback station as a simulator using the track of
the data file, and initially using the operating parameters from
the data file as inputs and subsequently using inputs from the
input device to derive the operating parameters.
28. A simulator comprising: a microprocessor; a display; an input
device for the microprocessor; a data file of a track with
correlated operating parameters for a run of a train on the track;
a first program for playing back the data file by driving the
display to depict the operating parameters correlated to the track;
and a second program simulating a run using the track of the data
file by initially using the operating parameters from the data file
as inputs and subsequently using inputs from the input device to
derive the operating parameters.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to train locomotive
simulators and playback stations and more specifically to
improvements thereto.
[0002] Simulators, for example, the Train Dynamics Analyzer (TDA),
a long standing Locomotive Engineer training tool offered by the
Train Dynamics Services Group of New York Air Brake, have been used
to train engineers. The TDA functionality was enhanced to assist in
training Locomotive Engineers on how to better handle their trains.
Designs of simulators with math models are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,041,283; 4,827,438 and 4,853,883. Further capability was added to
investigate accidents by playing back the event recorder data
through the TDA, monitoring critical physical parameters. Through
the years, data was collected from instrumented trains and
laboratory experiments, allowing the models used by the TDA to be
refined. On board data collection for off-loading is shown in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,561,057 and 4,794,548.
[0003] As more Locomotive Engineers became familiar with the TDA
display through training sessions, it became apparent that a
real-time version of the TDA in the cab of a locomotive would offer
substantial benefits in improved train handling. Earlier designs
for on board computer controllers are shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,042,810 with a description of math models. A Locomotive Engineer
Assist Display and Event Recorder (LEADER) system, as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,901, is a real-time, enhanced version of the
Train Dynamics Analyzer (TDA).
[0004] The LEADER system has the ability to display a real-time or
"live" representation of a train on the current track, the trackage
ahead, the dynamic interaction of the cars and locomotives (both
head end and remote), and the current state of the pneumatic brake
system. As a tool for the Locomotive Engineer, the LEADER system
allows insight into the effect of throttle changes and brake
applications throughout the train providing feedback and
information to the Locomotive Engineer not currently available. The
information offered by the LEADER system provides an opportunity
for both safer and more efficient train handling leading to
enormous potential economic benefits.
[0005] The LEADER system has all the necessary information to
predict the future state of the train given a range of future
command changes (what if scenarios). With this ability, LEADER can
assist the railroads in identifying and implementing a desired
operating goal; minimize time to destination, maximize fuel
efficiency, minimize in train forces, (etc.) or a weighted
combination thereof. LEADER will perform calculations based on the
operational goal and the current state of the train to make
recommendations to the Locomotive Crew on what operating changes
will best achieve these goals.
[0006] TDAs are usually available at a training site and are not
typically mobile or portable. Also, LEADER systems are available on
the train and are also generally not portable. There is a need in
the industry for a truly portable simulator and playback station.
One of the limitations of providing a truly portable simulator is a
need to provide a control stand that replicates the actual control
devices on a locomotive. These include propulsion and multiple
braking control valves.
[0007] Displays for train simulators are exemplified by FIG. 5 of
U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,901. It includes display of conditions
throughout the trains in graphic representation, as well as a
display of numerical values. Another type of display, known as a
Strip Chart Display, is exemplified by FIG. 5 of U.S. Pat. No.
4,236,215. Both forums provide different kinds of information for
different purposes. Although the simulator display of the LEADER
system provides forces throughout the train, the Strip Chart
provides a historical record in a playback mode of values as a
function of time. Also, these systems have either operated in the
playback mode or a simulation mode with no crossover.
[0008] The present invention addresses one of these issues by
providing a truly portable train simulator, including a
microprocessor, a display and an input device for the
microprocessor. A first program drives the display to depict
indicia of a control stand and to respond to control inputs from
the input device. A second program drives the display to depict a
track to be traversed from a data file in response to the control
inputs. A virtual control stand is one of the elements that allows
the true portability of a train simulator. The input device may
include one or more of a keyboard, mouse and/or a touch screen.
[0009] The first program produces depictions of throttle indicia of
position and direction, dynamic brake indicia of position,
independent brake indicia of position and automatic brake indicia
of position. The first program may also produce depictions, for a
remote unit, of throttle indicia of position and dynamic brake
indicia of position. Further, the first program may produce
depictions of the status of one or more of the independent brake
bail-off and emergency brake control by automatic brake. The first
program may also produce depictions of auxiliary functions,
including one or more of horn, bell, sand, call bell, remote sand
and lead sand. The first program may also produce depictions of
indicators or warnings, including one or more of power control
switch is open, sand, force alarm, wheel slip, remote wheel slip,
alert alarm and overspeed alarm.
[0010] The first program may further produce depictions of one or
more of train speed, air flow rate, feed valve pressure, brake pipe
pressure, brake cylinder pressure, equalization reservoir pressure,
percentage of power reduction and dynamic amperes. The first
program allows adjustment of the feed rate valve pressure via the
input device. The first program may also allow adjustment of the
percentage of power reduction via the input device.
[0011] The simulator is a portable computer, including the
microprocessor, the input device and the display. The first and
second programs and the data file are in one of either the portable
computer or a second microprocessor. The portable computer and the
second microprocessor are connected, for example, by an Ethernet
network. This allows the programs to be in either or both
locations.
[0012] A third program is included to drive the display to depict
operating parameters of the train. The produced depictions
represent either the present operating parameters of the train or a
history of the operating parameters of the train as selected via
the input device. The depiction of the history of the operating
parameters can be displayed correlated to the depiction of the
track.
[0013] In a playback mode, the data file would include the track
with correlated values of the control stand for a run of a train on
the track. A fourth program for playing back the data file would
provide the control stand values as control inputs to the first and
second programs. The ability to switch from the playback mode to a
simulation mode using the playback data is provided by a fifth
program. The fifth program is responsive to a selection input from
the input device to initially transfer the control stand values
from the data file to the first program as control inputs, and,
subsequently, the first program is responsive to the control inputs
from the input device.
[0014] The data file includes the track with correlated operating
parameters for a run of a train on the track. The fourth program
plays back the data file by driving the display to depict the
operating parameters correlated to the track display. The third
program drives the display to depict the present operating
parameters of the train or a history of the operating parameters of
the train as selected via the input device. The operating
parameters to be displayed are selected via the input device. The
present operating parameters of the train may be depicted with the
history of the operating parameters of the train at a point on the
track selected via the input device.
[0015] A playback station, according to another aspect of the
present invention, portable or not, includes a microprocessor, a
display and an input device for the microprocessor. It also
includes a data file of a track with correlated operating
parameters for a run of a train on the track. A first program plays
back the data file by driving the display to selectively depict the
operating parameters correlated to the track either as the present
operating parameters of the train or a history of the operating
parameters of the train. The operating parameters to be displayed
are selected via the input device. The operating parameters of the
train may be depicted with the history of the operating parameters
of a train at a point on the track selected via the input device. A
second program operates the playback station as a simulator using
the track of the data file by initially using the operating
parameters from the data file as inputs and subsequently using the
inputs from the input device to derive the operating
parameters.
[0016] A simulator, according to another aspect of the present
invention, portable or not, also includes a microprocessor, a
display and an input device for the microprocessor. A simulator
would use a data file of a track with correlated operating
parameters for a run of a train on the track. A first program for
playing back the data file drives the display to depict the
operating parameters correlated to the track. A second program
simulating a run using the track of the data file by initially
using the operating parameters from the data file as inputs and
subsequently using inputs from the input device to derive the
operating parameters.
[0017] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable simulator and
playback station, according to the principles of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a display of a virtual control
stand.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a display including a strip chart,
according to the principles of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the taking over or
switching between playback and simulation modes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] A portable simulator and/or playback device 10 is
illustrated in FIG. 1. It is illustrated as a portable, personal
computer. It includes a microprocessor and an integral display 12.
It includes an input device for the microprocessor. The input
devices include a keyboard 14, a mouse 16 or the touch screen of
display 12. The program for simulation or playback is included in
the microprocessor or may lie in a remote microprocessor 18. The
portable simulator 10 may be connected to the remote microprocessor
18 by a network 19. The network may be, for example, the
internet.
[0023] The display 12 may be a split display, as illustrated, with
a virtual control stand 11 and a depiction of a track to be
traversed 13. One detailed embodiment of the virtual control stand
11 is illustrated in FIG. 2, and one example of the track to be
traversed with other information is illustrated in FIG. 3.
Alternatively, the displays 11 and 13 may be full-screen displays
with the ability to switch there between. As with many other
software-based systems, multiple screens may be displayed
side-by-side, staggered or full-screen reduced and restored.
[0024] An example of a virtual control stand that allows the
simulator and playback station to be truly portable is illustrated
in FIG. 2. Virtual control stand 11 includes a throttle portion 20
having a throttle position indicator and controller 22 extending
between throttle run positions 1 and 8 and idle. It also includes a
direction selection indicator 24 between forward, reverse and
neutral. The window 26 indicates the speed of the vehicle. The
dynamic brake portion indicator and controller 28 is part of the
brake control, and the opposite position of the throttle is
provided. A window 30 to display the amperes of the dynamic brake
and traction motor current (both for DC locomotives) is also
provided. An enable power reduction button 32 is provided, as well
as an adjustment 36 for the amount of power reduction in window 34.
Window 38 illustrates the air flow rate in the brake pipe.
[0025] The brake portion 40 of the virtual control 11 includes an
automatic brake indicia and controller 42 and an automatic brake
cut-out button 44. This is to control the brake pipe for train
braking. The independent brake for the locomotive includes an
independent brake indicia and controller 46 and a bail-off or
actuate button 48. The bail-off button 48 allows release of the
independent brakes of the locomotive. Window 50 shows the feed
valve value, which is adjusted by button 52. Window 54 illustrates
a brake pipe pressure, window 56 the brake cylinder pressure and
window 58 the equalization reservoir pressure.
[0026] Section 60 indicates the value of the controls for a remote
locomotive unit. Slide 62 provides an indication and control of the
throttle position, and slide 64 indicates and controls the amount
of dynamic brake. Window 66 displays the amperes of both the
traction motors and dynamic brake system (for DC locomotives).
Button 68 controls the remote feed valve. Window 70 indicates the
brake pipe pressure at the remote locomotive unit.
[0027] Section 72 illustrates pneumatic brake controls for trains
with the remote power. It includes a control 74 for an emergency
brake at the remote unit. Buttons 76 and 78 apply and release the
automatic brakes, and buttons 80 and 82 apply and release the
independent brakes for the remotely controlled locomotives.
[0028] Panel 84 depicts the auxiliary functions of the locomotive.
These functions both control the function and indicate their
status. This includes horn, bell, sand, call bell, remote sand and
lead sand. Panel 86 provides indicia depicting the status or
warnings. It includes power cutout switch open, wheel slip, sand,
alerter alarm, overspeed alarm and remote wheel slip. Window 90 is
a clock illustrating the date and time. Window 92 is a screen for
miscellaneous messages to the engineer.
[0029] The majority of the depicted indicia and controls are those
available on a standard control stand. The position of the indicia
for the throttle dynamic brake, independent brake, automatic brake
and those elements on the remote unit are controlled by an input
device. As previously discussed, this may be the keyboard 14, the
mouse 16 or a touch screen control. One or more software programs
may be provided to drive the display to depict the various elements
of the virtual control stand 11, as well as the changing of the
controls in response to control inputs from the input device. Other
control devices may also be implemented with the virtual control
stand 11. These may include combined throttle and dynamic brake and
other distributed power interfaces.
[0030] The depiction of the track 13 may be a video of the track or
CGI, as illustrated in FIG. 1, which shows a track plus a crossing
and a signal light. A second program in the portable simulator 10
has data file of the track and provides it as the train moves along
the track. This second program is also responsive to the inputs
from the first program or control stand to appropriately progress
along the track based upon the stored conditions of the track from
the data file, as well as inputs from the throttle and brakes from
the control stand 11.
[0031] Alternatively, the track display 13 may be that illustrated
in FIG. 3. The track display portion 100 includes the track profile
in three views. The train may be represented on the track in these
views. The horizontal view of the track 102 shows the grade in
which the train is currently positioned and the grade of the track
profile for a number of miles. It shows the geographic shape as a
vertical slice of the track profile. An overhead or vertical view
106 incorporates symbols that represent track structure, such as
crossing, signals, overpasses, underpasses and sidings. The track
curvature representation 108 is made up of blocks that represent
track curvature. A block above the dividing line represents a
curvature to the right, and a block below the dividing line
represents a curvature to the left. The longer the block, the
longer the curvature. The higher the block, the more severe the
curve. This example of a TDA display or a LEADER display is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,901.
[0032] The track view 100 may also be provided in the same software
for, and be an alternative to, the graphic display of FIG. 1. If
the LEADER system is available on the locomotives for that
railroad, the LEADER display would be preferable for training
purposes. It should also be noted that a full LEADER display, as
shown in FIG. 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,901, may also be provided in
the portable simulator 10.
[0033] The display of operating parameters may be on the virtual
control stand 11, as shown in FIG. 2, or part of the track display
13, as shown in FIG. 3. Whereas the control stand display of
operating parameters is for the present operating parameter, the
display in the track portion 13 is correlated to the track position
and represents a history of the operating conditions as the lead
locomotive traverses the track. Both may also be displayed. If a
standard LEADER-type display is used, the present conditions of the
operating parameters would be illustrated as part of the track
display 13.
[0034] Section 120 of the display 13 of FIG. 3 is a strip chart
representation of operating parameters. It illustrates the history
of the parameter correlated to the location of the track. Even
though the representation 120 in FIG. 3 shows the history of a
portion of where the train has not reached yet, in a simulator mode
it will display only that portion which the train has traversed.
The illustration FIG. 3 is a playback mode wherein the data file
includes the depiction of the track and its correlated operating
parameters. The operating parameter display may also be configured
to show values ahead of the train if so desired by the user in the
playback mode.
[0035] It should be noted that display 13 of FIG. 3 may be used on
any simulator or playback station whether it is portable or not. It
may be used with or without a control stand for playback analysis
of data collected from a train on a particular run with the
operating parameters correlated to the track information.
[0036] The Strip Chart Display 120 includes a plurality of graphics
122 illustrating the value of the operating parameter. Window 124
indicates the name of the value, and 126 would display the actual
numerical value at the position selected by pointer 130. Controls
132 move the pointer to the position on the track display. The
position in miles is indicated in Window 134. A row of buttons 136
provides the standard control of the track display 100. This allows
moving of the track display and the correlated operating parameters
by time, location or other operational parameters. The zoom in and
out control provides the amount of track shown. The movement of the
playback may be accelerated, real time or for actual playback speed
control.
[0037] The operating parameters 124 to be displayed may be
selected. These may include, but not be limited to, tractive
effort, dynamic brake effort, end of train brake pipe pressure, run
in/out (RIO) forces, brake system pressures, lateral over vertical
(L/V) force ratio, traction motor current, traction motor voltage,
speed, speed limit, acceleration, heading, buff/draft forces,
minimum safe brake pipe reduction, actual brake pipe reduction,
fuel consumed, horn use, bell use, throttle setting and dynamic
brake setting. This system may also automatically identify
exceptions, such as overspeed, and highlight these events on the
display.
[0038] The control section 140 includes the time factor 142, the
time and date for the run 144, the file and path number 146 and a
miscellaneous status information message window 148. The controls
150 provide control of the time factor 142, the run selection and
the select parameter button. It also provides control of a run by a
start and stop button, as well as an exit from the program. Display
152 provides the propulsion controller position of each locomotive
in the train, as well as provides the fuel usage 154. As previously
discussed, the whole history section 120 is displayed in a playback
station and only that which has transpired would be displayed in a
simulator. The playback system will allow the operator to select a
location by track position in either the strip chart representation
or the LEADER system representation and be able to flip back and
forth between the two. All presented data would be accurate for
each screen with the position of the train in the playback being
preserved.
[0039] Portable simulator and playback station 10, or any other
simulator and playback station, whether portable or not, may also
be provided with a program to allow the transition from playback to
simulation as illustrated in FIG. 4. During playback process 208,
the information from a data file at 204 that has track information
correlated with operating parameters, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is
played back. The operating parameters may be in the strip chart
version, as indicated in 120, or in the numerical values. During
playback, the control inputs for the software of the track display
comes from the data file 204.
[0040] A button 160 allows switching the program from simulation
(S) to playback (PB). At the point the button is pushed during
playback 208 to switch at 212 to simulation at 214, the track
information from the data file is displayed, as well as the
operating conditions from the playback source 210 with the initial
conditions from the final state of the simulation session. From
that point forward, the control signals to drive the track display
and the operating parameters display is switched to the inputs from
the control stand. It may include a standard control stand or the
virtual control stand of FIG. 2. The input signals from the control
stand will produce calculable, changing operating parameters versus
pre-recorded operating parameters, as well as move the track
display at the appropriate rate.
[0041] It should be noted that the data file with the correlated
operating parameters may be from an actual locomotive, for example,
event recorder data, an earlier simulation run or from other
sources or forum. The track or time-coded data file may be manually
created, for example, by scripting, or can be a modification of
pre-existing data to create situations to which the engineer should
respond or to supply missing or corrected suspected information in
determining the cause of an accident or other failure.
[0042] The ability to switch back and forth between playback and
simulation allows the operator to try different scenarios in
analyzing pre-recorded data to determine appropriate corrective
procedures, as well as to adjust the variables to determine causes
of pre-recorded existing conditions. If it is a pre-recorded actual
run of the engineer, it allows him to make different decisions to
see what the results are. After using the system in simulator mode
214, the program can be switched at 200 back to playback mode 208
with the user identifying the desired track position at 202 and the
system identifying the initial conditions of the recorded files for
that desired track position 204. The playback conditions from 206
are the data for the initial conditions necessary to start the
playback process 208
[0043] It should be noted that any of the virtual buttons on the
screens of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be replaced by actual keys on a
keyboard or switches. The virtual presentation is preferred in a
portable setting.
[0044] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same
is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken
by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention
are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *