In order to maximize law enforcement use of force simulation training, trainers must create an environment that is both three-dimensional and realistic. Simulators like the V-300® provide an excellent way for students to experience situations not possible through roleplaying or classroom training and are greatly benefitted by the addition of props.
A way to take simulation training to the next level is with the addition of props in a simulated scenario, the new environment makes the on-screen situation more realistic, thus adding a deeper level to the student’s training.
When using props in conjunction with simulators, there are a few things to keep in mind:
All props should be convincing and believable. Oftentimes, trainers use simple objects like chairs or desks to represent trees and mailboxes. But imagine how much more a student would benefit if there were a realistic representation. To keep the simulation as lifelike as possible, each prop introduced into the scenario should fit the situation.
If props become burdensome, they will be used less often, or not at all. Keep your props simple, light and easy to manage so they will be used as intended and in more simulations.
Effective use of force simulation training needs to teach cover and concealment (and the difference between the two). Moving off the X and utilizing resources within the operational area is another important training point. This adds another level of possibilities and challenges for the student as it requires the ability to quickly assess the environment before making decisions.
Relevant props can be portable and cost-effective while fitting into the scenario. It offers a way to teach trainees how to cover and conceal while tactically working within the simulation, which is best paired with the V-Threat-Fire®.
Below is an example of irrelevant three-dimensional props in a scene. Clearly, a fire hydrant and wooden log would not be appropriate in a kitchen. The use of furniture or other household items would be more believable, thus keeping the student immersed in the simulation.
Trainers can acquire props to be used in a simulator through local prop companies, or by making the props themselves. Props can be made out of wood, cardboard or other readily available materials. They can be custom-made to fit the department’s needs.
Props are an excellent way to enhance simulator training through a three-dimensional effect. If you need help finding the best ways to train realistically, VirTra can help. Contact us for more information.
CHANDLER, Ariz. — October 19, 2022 — VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTSI) (“VirTra”), a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, and firearms training simulators for the law enforcement and military markets, has introduced a breakthrough technology for the industry, “VirTra Volumetric Video”, or “V3™”, which has the potential to provide a step-function change in training content.
Prior to V3™, companies would use either high-definition video capture or computer-generated imagery (CGI) human avatars with each having its own advantages and limitations. High-definition video capture is photorealistic and looks real, but it is simply two-dimensional (2D) and limited to the one angle originally captured. CGI avatars are three-dimensional (3D) but do not look, move or emote like a human while demanding expensive manual work from talented artists. CGI avatars fail at de-escalation training and judgmental use-of-force exercises whereas V3 excels at depicting human interactions accurately.
V3™ combines the advantages of high-definition video and 3D characters coupled with the ability to affordably build a comprehensive library of training content suitable for screen-based or headset-based platforms to provide a novel, industry-first simulation training solution. The V3™ studio has a diameter of 39 feet and can record multiple people interacting with each other at the same time.
4DViews, the market leader of volumetric capture systems, previously presented to VirTra new volumetric video technology with unique capabilities that are ideal for police and military training. 4DViews’ technology enables VirTra to overcome the “uncanny valley” effect, resulting in a deeper sense of immersion and a better training experience. VirTra purchased a premium volumetric video capture studio with adjacent supercomputers to perform the trillions upon trillions of calculations needed to successfully implement this technology. VirTra also negotiated a multi-year exclusivity for the patented 4DViews volumetric video technology for the police and military training markets.
A team of contractors worked around the clock to custom build the V3™ studio. Special sound-proofing material is sandwiched between four layers of wall material. Professional acoustic engineers analyzed the space and strategically placed 76 acoustic tiles for maximum effect, combined with custom quadruple sound dampened air conditioning ducts makes for the cleanest audio profile possible for a volumetric video capture studio. The V3™ incorporates a full 360-degree, tier 1 green screen to quickly create training content with the lowest potential for any manual editing. Approximately 90% of all costs for V3™ had been paid through the end of the second quarter of 2022.
“Exceptional training content is a key differentiator and compelling reason for so many customers to buy simulators from VirTra,” said Bob Ferris, Chairman and Co-CEO of VirTra. “Our goal with this multi-year project was to propel simulation training content to new levels of effectiveness, whether on a screen or in a headset, and in the process, we have built the world’s very best volumetric video capture studio. This is a tool needed to create characters and scenarios with unparalleled realism built for the three-dimensional world of headset-based training.”
The industry-first V3™ studio is fully operational and is quickly creating the most realistic, flexible and future-proof training library for police and military forces worldwide. VirTra is also evaluating rental opportunities for the volumetric studio to select customers.
VirTra (NASDAQ: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators and firearms training simulators for the law enforcement, military educational and commercial markets. The company’s patented technologies, software, and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship, and related training that mimics real-world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through practical and highly effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.
4DViews is the market leader in volumetric video capture systems, providing complete studio solutions for filming, performance and full-body holograms for use in AR, VR, and Web applications. Since its inception in 2007, 4DViews’ aim is to deliver high-quality and realistic volumetric video with its volumetric capture system, the HOLOSYS. 4DViews’ volumetric video has been used extensively in the training, entertainment, fashion, and filmmaking industries all over the world to create impactful content. Learn more about 4Dviews’ volumetric video at www.4dviews.com.
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It is easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to training. After an instructor perfects their method of teaching, they will often follow that same pattern for months, or even years. The mental fixation on “this is how we always do it” becomes a limitation, but one that is self-inflicted.
Do note that this isn’t just in regards to classroom training. The same frame of thinking is just as capable of appearing in simulation training. Often this appears as a five-step process: trainees are brought into the training room, organized by groups and placed into the simulator, confronted with an unknown scenario, complete the scenario, then debriefed by the instructor. This process is then repeated over and over for years, with the only changes being different scenarios and different officers.
VirTra encourages breaking free from this mold and maximizing the training simulator with added realism and more-complete environments, which is made possible by adding real-world 3D space and 4D aspects.
One of the easiest methods of adding 3D elements is to add a 3D object. It’s just that simple. Instructors can add props to the simulator—such as tables, chairs, plywood walls or fake trees—depending on the scenario and what lesson the instructor wants the trainees to learn. The key is to make the environment as realistic as possible, so all props should resemble the simulated environment. Fake trees do well in park and nature scenarios, but not as much for home-based scenarios.
As for the fourth-dimension, it encompasses all of the 3D aspects, but now includes time. In the real world, civilians and subjects move around, which is shown by characters moving across VirTra’s screens. To help mimic the passage of time, instructors can move the 3D objects inside the simulator to different points at different times. Training in this manner helps trainees learn to reposition, use cover and concealment properly and adjust fields of fire for better hit probability.
Adding 3D and 4D elements is a quick and easy way for instructors to maximize training while breaking old training patterns. Now, trainees have a better understanding of how to react in similar circumstances in the field because they are better prepared. If you are interested in a training simulator or have questions about incorporating props into the simulator, please contact a VirTra specialist.
If you are an instructor, chances are you need new teaching solutions beyond presentations and video lessons. These methods of teaching are outdated and ineffective, especially when contextualized by a real-world event. Law enforcement officers can be experts on the protocol on paper, but not always in a high-stress, dangerous situation. Due to this reality, the best way to train a department is through real-world, immersive experiences.
VirTra’s firearms training simulators enhance a department’s training, especially through the addition of 3D props. Read these tips on adapting your simulation to make training as immersive and effective as possible.
The first step to creating and effective 3D training simulation is obvious: purchasing an immersive simulation system. VirTra specializes in state-of-the-art 300-degree simulation technology, which uses five screens, surround sound and seamless video for maximum physical fidelity. Difficult decisions, extensive branching options and the addition of return-fire helps create psychological fidelity—fully immersing the trainee in the situation.
The V-300® also allows trainees to apply training principles to a real-life situation without worrying about making mistakes or compromising their safety or the public’s. Training in this manner helps law enforcement and military experts to develop skills in stressful, high-pressure environments that translates to life in the field.
The next step to creating a 3D environment is adding props to the simulator. First and foremost, instructors must choose props that are realistic and accurate to the scenario. For example, if the scenario is an active shooter in an office, props could include desks and chairs. If possible, use actual objects as the props—it becomes less effective and realistic to use multiple chairs in leu of a desk, or a bucket in place of a water cooler. Focus on props that are relevant and believable.
After deciding which scenario and props to use in the training simulation, consider purchasing high-quality props. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind when buying props: invest in props that are portable and lightweight. Bulky, heavy props become a hassle to move each time an instructor wants to stage a training exercise. But weigh ease of movement with durability. Durable props will last through more training exercises, as trainees can damage the prop when training. Finding a balance between portable and durable props will maximize the longevity of your 3D environment.
Physical props are an excellent way to add realism to a 3D environment. However, instructors also need to consider the auditory environment, which is best manipulated through sound. Few law enforcement and military situations are without loud, distracting noise, which can come from scared bystanders, the threat or the background. Thus, adding an audio component to the judgmental training simulation makes the circumstance feel more realistic and immersive.
Props and audio make for a high fidelity physical and psychological training environment, but the best de-escalation training scenarios involve an emotional element as well. The addition of live actors to the simulation allows participants to learn judgmental use of force while evaluating people’s body language, facial expressions and non-verbal threat cues. Actors can be instructed to aid, distract or confuse the officer as they complete the simulation, depending on the trainer’s instructions.
What benefits can you expect after creating an immersive 3D training environment? Subjecting your team to a realistic situation causes them to gain experience evaluating and de-escalating situations. Using these training firearms simulations also allows participants to practice judgmental use of force and learn the consequences of their actions. Contact VirTra for more tips on how to maximize training.
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Oftentimes, agencies get stuck in a rut on how they train. The mental fixation of years of similar paradigms or “this is how we have always done it” lead to limitations – albeit self-inflicted limitations. One such area that often faces limitations is the use of simulated event training. In most instances, students are brought into a training room, immediately placed into a simulator, and confronted with an unknown scenario. The student runs through the scenario and the instructor debriefs their performance. Then “wash, rinse, and repeat.” VirTra encourages agencies to avoid this rut and get more from their training with added realism and richer environments inside a simulation, which is made possible by adding real-world 3D space and 4D aspects.
An example of 3D space includes the use of real cover inside the police simulation training. Adding a simulated wall – constructed out of plywood and painted to look like an actual pony wall – provides a great neighborhood position of cover. Or the front end of a patrol car – constructed out of wireframe, structured with foam, and painted to resemble department vehicles – makes a great lightweight prop.
The fourth-dimensional aspect takes all of the three-dimensional aspects but adds the element of time. This can be accomplished with a live role-player in addition to the simulation. This 3D object is now moving around while the simulation takes place and is at different points at different times. This role-player could simulate a hostage that is moving inside the effective field of fire of the officer. This live role-player movement creates the need to change position to get an open shot or to physically move the role-player out of harm’s way. This is impossible to achieve in live-fire drills due to safety issues.
These props – stationary or live-action – dramatically increase the capability of training inside the use of force simulation and adds to the possible training objectives. They add context and difficulty, provide challenges for the trainee to overcome, and increases the immersion of training.