Virtual reality of all kinds has taken the world by storm and offered unique ways to learn. This does not just apply to first responders either – VR is used everywhere from the medical field to cell phone provider retailers. From screen-based to headsets, their use has gone far beyond just entertainment.

Simulation training is not a new concept, despite all the new military and law enforcement technology training options. In the mid- to late-1900’s, simulation took the form of medical dummies and models of limbs (Singleton, 2022). It has been a method for trainees in various careers to learn from experience in a safe environment. What has changed is the technology – but the training points of learning by doing have stayed the same.

Just like simulation training in general, VirTra’s products have also evolved with time. The end goal of ensuring police officers and military servicemembers get home safely every night is something that has not changed. Some of our notable evolutions include 4K projection – something that has yet to be done in the law enforcement simulation training industry.

 

4K Simulators

VirTra announced the V-300® 4K nearly three years ago at IACP 2019. Simulators with these projectors were shipped to clients around the world in 2020. Many law enforcement agencies have taken advantage of this unique high-definition technology – one example is Orlando PD. They have been able to train their de-escalation tactics as well as practice interactions with those who have a mental illness.

The 4K projectors allow high-quality video projection to be displayed on the screens of the training simulator. Law enforcement officers can benefit from the increased detail, allowing them to notice subtle cues such as facial expressions and movements. The 4K simulator has made law enforcement use of force training much more realistic than before.

 

The Importance of Visual Acuity

Some types of simulation technology take time to evolve into a reliable source of training. CGI is commonly used, but does not show realistic images. While CGI in movies and video games has come a long way, many simulation companies that utilize CGI in virtual reality training have low quality images. This causes the simulation to appear like a 90’s video game character rather than a real person.

Not only will trainees miss out on learning to detect subtle movements, they will also have a harder time relating to the character as they would towards a human – or at least something that looks like one. The Uncanny Valley effect theorizes that people can be repulsed by something that looks vaguely human, but not quite (Mori, 2012).

 

Physical and Psychological Fidelity

Fidelity is a term commonly used for military and law enforcement training. Did you know there are two vital types?

Physical fidelity relates to having a realistic setting. This includes being able to see from more than just one angle (such as by using a multi-screen system), and using the same tools that are utilized in the field. This can include the same CEW device, duty weapon, flashlight, etc.

Psychological fidelity is when trainees engage in the same mental processes as they do in the field. This is where realistic visuals come in, as an environment that looks “fake” may not appropriately represent the setting. Cadets may not take unrealistic training seriously.

Both types of fidelity should be present to maximize training efforts. Warfighters and law enforcement must find their training environment ‘believable’ in order to get the most out of it and stay safer on the streets.

 

Work must be done to perfect newer technologies before those who protect our communities rely on it. It is vital to choose training that makes the trainee’s heart rate increase and adrenaline pumping. With these parameters, skill transfer is possible.

Contact a specialist to learn about the V-300 4K and how it can prepare trainees for the field by providing lifelike experiences in a safe environment.

 

References

Singleton, M. (2022, July 31). Flashback Friday – Practice Makes Perfect: The History of Simulation. Retrieved from Virginia Nursing EDU: https://www.nursing.virginia.edu/news/flashback-history-of-simulation/

Mori, M. (2012). Translated by MacDorman, K. F.; Kageki, Norri. “The uncanny valley”. IEEE Robotics and Automation. 19 (2): 98–100. doi:10.1109/MRA.2012.2192811

Take a moment and imagine responding to the following scenario: a male and female are having a loud verbal argument in a parking lot, which quickly escalates into a physical confrontation. As fists are flying and objects are seen in hands, how important do you think it would be, as the officer, to see what those objects are? Or how about getting a good view at their body language and facial features before the fight escalated?
This example is one of VirTra’s virtual police training scenarios, called “Lover’s Quarrel”. Fortunately for our customers, this scenario—and many others—are displayed in 4K resolution so trainees can see the finest, high-quality details while in the simulator. This is important because law enforcement simulation training must reflect reality, including the ability to see critical details, rather than forcing trainees to interpret blurry objects.
After all, the low-resolution law enforcement simulation training other companies provide creates a guessing game—a dangerous game to play in officer training.

The Work Behind 4K Police Training

VirTra is entirely dedicated to providing the best training for our officers. So much so that we have invested thousands of dollars into purchasing high-end film equipment and in using professional actors. In turn, these assets—especially the professional-grade cameras—create powerfully realistic video that become our scenarios.
By more accurately reproducing objects and subjects, especially subtle visual details, body language and non-verbal threat cues, VirTra’s 4K simulators more perfectly replicate simulations of real-world encounters. As stated previously, it is critical for officers to see minute body cues and small objects, as these details could give away the subject’s next move.

Complete Dedication

4K high-resolution police training took time, but was an investment well made. VirTra started preparing to utilize future 4K resolution displays around seven years ago with the goal of replacing human visual acuity to the best of our technological abilities. Since officers rely heavily on their vision, upgrading to 4K was a critical step to ensure our simulators are as realistic and effective as possible.
However, 4K came with unique difficulties. As Bob Ferris, VirTra’s Chairman and CEO, stated in the initial 4K product release: “To bring these enhancements to market, our software engineering and digital content teams overcame severe technical challenges to enable human-eye resolution with video-based, interactive training content without any perceptible lag or noticeable visual artifacts across multiple screens.”
VirTra’s goal is to provide the best simulation training to law enforcement officers worldwide. This means crossing into new territory, overcoming technical difficulties and investing thousands of hours and dollars. But in the end, the product—and our better-trained officers—make it worth it.
To learn more about 4K, or to schedule a demonstration, contact a VirTra specialist.

TEMPE, Ariz. — October 29, 2019 — VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTSI), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational, and commercial markets, has received an order from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) for VirTra’s newest ultra-high-definition (UHD) 4K simulators.

FLETC will be the first agency to receive VirTra’s new UHD simulators. The new simulators utilize 4K resolution projectors and more accurately reproduce objects, visual details, body language and non-verbal threat cues. These enhancements enable officers to train to recognize and appropriately respond to subtle nuances in human behavior and movement that were imperceptible with previous technology. In addition to the new simulators, VirTra will deliver industry-leading training content, which includes scenarios related to use-of-force, dog encounters, elderly populations and special needs persons, just to name a few.

FLETC is the nation’s largest provider of law enforcement training. The organization helps train law enforcement professionals at all stages in their careers to perform their responsibilities safely and proficiently. FLETC intends to utilize the simulators and new content for its use-of-force Judgmental Pistol Shoot (JPS) Program at its training academies in Glynco, GA and Artesia, NM. The JPS program is specifically designed to improve the use-of-force decision making process of basic academy level recruits.

“FLETC is a well-respected organization that trains thousands of officers each year, and we’re pleased to add them to our long list of federal clients,” said Jason Mulcahy, VirTra’s General Manager. “In addition to increasing the number of officers who will have access to our systems and training content, this order also indicates that there is immediate demand in the marketplace for next generation, ultra-high-definition simulators. We look forward to providing FLETC with cutting-edge training for essential law enforcement skills to help them properly prepare officers for the challenging situations they may face at any moment.”

VirTra debuted new UHD-based simulator technology at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference from October 26-29, 2019. To learn more about these and other new products, visit VirTra IACP 2019 or visit VirTra at booth #4430 to experience the company’s industry-leading solutions first-hand.

About VirTra:
VirTra (NASDAQ: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators and driving 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.

About FLETC:
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals to help them fulfill their responsibilities safely and proficiently. Over the past 49 years, FLETC has grown into the Nation’s largest provider of law enforcement training. Under a collaborative training model, FLETC’s federal partner organizations deliver training unique to their missions, while FLETC provides training in areas common to all law enforcement officers, such as firearms, driving, tactics, investigations, and legal training. Learn more at www.fletc.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “could,” “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Investor Relations Contact:
Matt Glover or Charlie Schumacher
VTSI@gatewayir.com
949-574-3860

TEMPE, Ariz. — October 15, 2019 — VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTSI), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational, and commercial markets, will debut the first-of-its-kind, Ultra High Definition 300-degree immersive training simulator, which combines five state-of-the-art laser-based 4K projectors, at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference from October 26-29, 2019.

VirTra began preparing to utilize future 4K high-resolution displays approximately six years ago with the goal of replicating human visual acuity in a new line of simulation products. Given trainees’ dependence on their vision, these advancements are paramount to ensuring simulations are as realistic and effective as possible. By more accurately reproducing objects, subtle visual details, body language, and non-verbal threat cues, these new simulators more perfectly replicate simulations of real-world encounters. In conjunction with the new simulators, VirTra will be releasing updated versions of its certified V-VICTA curriculum, which will include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Special Populations, and Emotionally Disturbed Persons, among others.

“When VirTra released the first affordable 300-degree training simulator in 2004, we pushed the technological limits at that time,” said VirTra’s Chairman and CEO, Bob Ferris. “Today, we’re continuing to push those limits to provide our customers with the most effective and realistic solutions possible. To bring these enhancements to market, our software engineering and digital content teams overcame severe technical challenges to enable human-eye resolution with video-based, interactive training content without any perceptible lag or noticeable visual artifacts across multiple screens.

“Training to correctly handle potentially dangerous individuals in a high-stress, realistic, and dynamic environment is particularly difficult but extremely valuable for law enforcement and military agencies.  Research has demonstrated that the more accurately training simulations can reproduce lifelike situations, the more effective that training becomes. This advancement ushers in a new era of simulation realism for both judgmental use-of-force and marksmanship training,”

VirTra’s General Manager, Jason Mulcahy, stated, “Our industry-leading V-VICTA curriculum requires the accurate and timely recognition of an object or movement that could mean the difference between life or death. By leveraging near perfect visual acuity in the simulator, we can now help train officers to recognize and appropriately respond to more subtle nuances in human behavior and movement, which weren’t possible with previous technology. By combining this new advancement with VirTra’s other simulation advantages, we have set a new, higher standard for the industry.”

VirTra will showcase additional products and offerings during the three days at the IACP Conference, including the V-DTS™ driver simulator, V-VICTA™, V-Threat-Fire™, and Advanced Skills Magazines for both handguns and rifles. To learn more about these and other new products, visit VirTra IACP 2019 or visit VirTra at booth #4430 to experience the company’s industry-leading solutions first-hand.

About VirTra:
VirTra (NASDAQ: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators and driving 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.

About IACP and IACP Conference:
The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition is the largest and most important law enforcement event of the year — more than 16,000 public safety professionals come to learn new techniques, advance their knowledge and careers, and equip their department for ongoing success. The three tenants of the conference are training, networking, and exhibit hall education. IACP 2019 spans four days of education and networking. The Exposition Hall is open Sunday-Tuesday of the conference to meet with 600+ vendors showcasing products and services to assist the law enforcement profession. Learn more at: www.theiacpconference.org.

Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “could”, “may”, “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

###

Investor Relations Contact:
Matt Glover or Charlie Schumacher
VTSI@gatewayir.com
949-574-3860