FAQ: need to know about Virtual Human Role-Players

Frequently Asked Questions

Simulations

Can you speak to the character using the microphone?

Yes! You can speak to the character using your computer's microphone or you can click on statements within the program.

Do you use avatars in your simulations?

We use human actors to best capture the nuances of tone of voice and nonverbal body language that cannot be replicated by computer-generated avatars. However, we can use our conversation engine with avatars if that would best fit your training needs. For instance, we could use our conversation engine avatars in an immersive 3D environment.

Do you evaluate the user's tone of voice?

Although we recognize the need to practice the right way to say things, we currently cannot evaluate tone of voice. We do provide users with professional voice-over recordings of each of the things they can choose to say, so they can hear the proper tone of voice. Additionally, users making use of speech recognition are able to hear their own voice when they replay conversations. They can self-evaluate their tone of voice, or receive feedback from peers and instructors. SIMmersion is looking forward to being able to evaluate and to have characters react to tone of voice in the future.

What will happen if I speak something not within the script when using speech recognition?

The speech recognition engine will find the closest match to what you said. If you state something that is not at all in the script, the simulation character will either say that he or she does not understand you or ignore you. In that case, you will have another chance to say something to the character.

Why can't I say anything I want and talk to the simulated character free-form?

Having a rich script with lots of options actually adds to the training value by allowing users to practice the best things to say, learn from mistakes, and try new conversation strategies. Although we believe in this method of training, we can build a system without prompts if that best fits your needs.

Can SIMmersion be used as part of a classroom presentation?

Absolutely. Instructors currently using our systems within a classroom setting will sometimes project a simulation for the whole class to play, or they may show a replay of part of a conversation to illustrate a point. SIMmersion simulations have been used as required coursework for several organizations' internal training.

Do you have conversation simulations that feature more than one character?

Yes. Some of our systems feature multiple characters.

Can I learn communication skills in another language?

At this time SIMmersion does not offer support for languages other than English. This can be custom-built upon request.

Business

We would like to partner with your company on a grant. Who do we contact?

Please contact us and we will link you with one of our proposal writers.

Where can I find your available career opportunities?

Please take a look at our employment page

Can off-the-shelf systems be modified to fit customer needs?

Yes. Pricing and delivery time depend on the amount of customization. Please contact us for more information.

What is the timeframe to develop a custom system?

This will depend on the size of the custom training system as well as your specific needs. Please contact us for more information.

What are your current government contract vehicles?

We have several avenues for government contracting, including adding to a partner contract or taking advantage of SIMmersion's work through the Small Business Innovative Research Grants, where a sole source justification is not required. Learn more about Contracting Vehicles.

What differentiates you from competitors?

We provide the most realistic conversation simulations with the most lifelike characters. Our engaging training promotes hours of practice with a new experience each time the software is used. Learn more about The SIMmersion Difference.

Is your technology patented?

Yes, we have three U.S. patents and one international patent for our non-branching conversation technology, called PeopleSim®, and our proprietary software.

Technical Requirements

What are your minimum system requirements?

Most training is delivered directly through your web browser. In most cases all you need is a computer with a broadband Internet connection. For best speech recognition performance, Google Chrome is preferred.

Can you deliver your software as a desktop install?

Yes. Windows and Mac OS installs are available upon request. Please note that there may be an additional charge for delivery on Mac OS

How can I access your training programs online?

The Training Center is where you can find all of our available training. You can try some of our sample training systems for free without a login or registering, or you can register for access to more of our training systems.

Will the size of the software slow my computer down a lot?

No.

Does SIMmersion work on my phone?

Yes, SIMmersion software is fully compatibile with most major desktop PCs, tablets, and phones.

Demonstration

How can I get a demo training system?

You can try one of our online training systems by using our Training Center or you can contact us.

How do I arrange a brief for my company?

Contact us with your information.

Purchasing

How do I purchase one of your training systems?

You can see some of our off-the-shelf commercial products by visiting our Training Center. Please contact us for more information.

I saw a training system on your website that will fit my company's needs perfectly. Why can't I purchase it?

Many of our training systems have been built for private clients and they have the rights to those systems. We can make another similar system to fit your specific training needs. Please contact us to see how we can benefit your organization.

Do we own the system once we purchase it?

Our contracting is flexible to fit your specific needs, please contact us for more information.

Do you have an annual license fee renewal schedule?

License renewals as well as charges are on a schedule best suited to your organization. Learn more about purchasing and licensing.

Technical Help

What should I do if I encounter a technical error?

Please contact us through the website or through the report a problem link in the training system.