Abstract: An apparatus for communicating simulation data is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly for mounting the apparatus on an edifice. The apparatus further includes a receiver for receiving simulation data from a plurality of players within a specified area of the edifice and for receiving simulation data from a central controller. The apparatus further includes a transmitter for transmitting simulation data to the plurality of players and to the central controller, wherein simulation data is transmitted to the central controller only when a simulation event occurs. In one alternative, the apparatus further includes an infrared camera for capturing video and still images of simulation events. In another alternative, the apparatus includes an infrared radiator for producing infrared light for illuminating video and still images captured by the infrared camera.

Abstract: An individual that is speech impaired, such as a patient in a dentist's office, is provided with means to communicate with a service provider, such as a dentist, without the individual using their own voice. In one embodiment, a computing system initiates display of user interfaces on a display device that is visible to the speech impaired individual. The speech impaired individual may then select text phrases displayed on the display device using an input device, such as a wireless remote control. The communication systems selects one or more audio files that correspond with the selected text phrases and plays the audio file(s) so that the dentist hears the audible representation of the selected text phrase, such as via a headset that is worn by the dentist. In some embodiments, the patient is further able to select one or more educational and/or entertainment media items via the user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a duration of time for brushing designated teeth and specific portions thereof has a tooth carrying body including an upper tooth carrying structure and a lower tooth carrying structure. The tooth carrying structures are in spaced apart relation with respect to each other in a manner whereby the tooth carrying structure resembles dental gums in a fully or partially open orientation. A first set of tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the upper tooth carrying structure and a second set of the tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the lower tooth carrying structure. Each one of the tooth-shaped bodies includes at least two discretely illuminatable portions. Each one of the discretely illuminatable portions has a respective selectively activatable light output device coupled thereto for allowing each one of the discretely illuminatable portions to be selectively illuminated.

Abstract: Disclosed are an RF signal of karaoke data receiving pack and karaoke system using thereof. The RF Karaoke data receiving pack includes an RF receiver for receiving a voice signal and key data signal radio-transmitted from a wireless microphone device via a receiving antenna; an audio/key data signal separator for separating the voice signal and key data signal from the signal demodulated by the demodulator, a receiver MCU controlling the internal operation of the RF karaoke data signal receiving pack while transmitting the digital voice signal and key data signal to the external computing device; and an extension pack in which additional songs are recorded, the extension pack being connected to an extension pack slot to transmit data of the additional songs under the control of the receiver MCU.

Abstract: A method carried out by identifying acts related to enterprise performance; generating a competitive training environment, the environment including situations that model work situations requiring the acts; presenting the environment to a participant; and receiving interaction of the participant with the environment by the participant perceiving the situations and making inputs to the environment that model the acts in order to assess or improve participant skills related to enterprise performance. A system including a data component that stores data indicative of a work environment and data indicative of acts related to enterprise performance; a competitive environment generation component assimilates the data into a competitive environment that models work situations and; an interface component that presents the competitive environment to a participant and permits a participant to respond to the model work situations.

Abstract: Provided are a braille display device using an electrorheological fluid and a method for manufacturing the same. The braille display device includes: a base body in which a plurality of insulating reception grooves are formed; a first electrode arranged below the base body; an electrorheological fluid received in the reception groove; a microcapsule having an electrophoresis particle which is dispersed in the electrorheological fluid; a second electrode arranged above the microcapsule; a braille pin installed above the second electrode; and a braille pin protection film arranged above the braille pin.

Abstract: A method for generating an exam is disclosed. The method includes setting initial conditions for the exam, wherein the initial conditions comprises a number of true propositions p, a number of false propositions q, and a number of random propositions r, and determining numbers of different propositions in the exam according to the initial conditions. The method further includes selecting the p number of true propositions, and numbering each of the p number of true propositions with a running number, selecting q number of false propositions, grouping the q number of false propositions, numbering each of the groups with a group number, selecting the r number of propositions, grouping the r number of propositions, numbering each of the groups with a group number. The method further includes generating an exam according to the p number of true propositions, the q number of false propositions, and the r number of propositions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting, aggregating, and analyzing data associated with the performance of systems. Energy systems, specifically renewable energy generation systems, are used as examples. The aggregated data serve as the basis for a variety of services that facilitate the adoption and deployment of these systems. Services are provided that aid in enhancing energy educational activities. The services represent the quantity of energy generation as energy demands that the students may appreciate. Furthermore, the services are interactive and may allow the students to change System Parameters so that they more fully understand the influence of these parameters on the energy generation efficiency.

Abstract: A videoendoscopic surgery training system includes a housing defining a practice volume in which a simulated anatomical structure is disposed. Surgical instruments can be inserted into the practice volume to access the anatomical structure. A digital video camera is disposed within the housing to image the anatomical structure on a display. The position of the digital video camera is supported within the practice volume by a camera bracket that enables a position of the video camera relative to the bracket to be selectively changed, thereby changing a viewing angle achieved by the video camera. In one embodiment the camera bracket is coupled to a boom, a proximal end of which extends outside the housing to enable additional positioning of the digital video camera by user adjustment of the proximal end of the boom. The housing preferably includes a light source configured to illuminate the anatomical structure.

Abstract: An interactive book reading system (600) responsive to a human finger presence. The system (600) includes a radio frequency (RF) scanning circuit (675), a control circuit (610), a memory (615) and an audible output device (650). The RF scanning circuit (675) is configured to detect the presence of the human finger when the finger enters an RF field generated by the RF scanning circuit (675). The control circuit (610) and the memory (615) are in communication with the RF scanning circuit (675). The memory (615) stores a plurality of audible messages. The audible output device (650) is also in communication with the control circuit (610). The audible output device (650) outputs at least one of the audible messages based on an analysis of the RF field performed by the control circuit (610) when the finger enters the RF field.

Abstract: A videoendoscopic surgery training system includes a housing defining a practice volume in which a simulated anatomical structure is disposed. Openings in the housing enable surgical instruments inserted into the practice volume to access the anatomical structure. A digital video camera is disposed within the housing to image the anatomical structure on a display. The position of the digital video camera can be fixed within the housing, or the digital video camera can be positionable within the housing to capture images of different portions of the practice volume. In one embodiment the digital video camera is coupled to a boom, a proximal end of which extends outside the housing to enable positioning the digital video camera. The housing preferably includes a light source configured to illuminate the anatomical structure. One or more reflectors can be used to direct an image of the anatomical structure to the digital video camera.

Abstract: A method of teaching pronunciation is provided which includes communicating by a voice portal server to a user a model word and detecting a response by the user to the voice portal server. The method also includes comparing the response word to the model word and determining a confidence level based on the comparison of the response word to the model word. The method further includes comparing an acceptance limit to the confidence level and confirming a correct pronunciation of the model word if the confidence level one of equals and exceeds the acceptance limit.

Abstract: An electronic learning device configured to receive in a predetermined orientation a book having an arrangement of selectable mode icons, selectable content and a page identifier. Non-volatile memory in the electronic learning device has instructions associated with each mode icon, and data associated with the selectable content. A controller is in electrical communication with a page identification sensor and a position sensor for detecting the presence of a selector. The controller is configured a) to operate in accordance with instructions associated with each mode icon, b) to determine the position of the selector when the selector is within the active range of the position sensor, c) to recognize the page identifier, and a selection by the selector of one of the selectable mode icons, the selectable indicia or the selectable content and d) to send to the electronic user interface a signal associated with the selection.