Abstract: A system and method for multimodal interactive speech training include selecting a modality (10) corresponding to various sensory stimuli to present non-native vocabulary elements (12) to an individual to train the individual to immediately respond (16) to a presented word, situation, or data without performing a time-consuming literal translation or other complex cognitive process. The system and method include speech synthesis, speech recognition, and visual representations of non-native vocabulary elements to promote rapid comprehension through neuro-linguistic programming of the individual.

Abstract: A virtual reality system provides effective exposure treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from a particular anxiety disorder. The system is characterized by a video screen disposed in front of the patient to display an image of a specific graphical environment that is intended to trigger anxiety within the patient as a result of the particular patient phobia. A headset is worn by the patient, and has sensors disposed to detect movement and positioning of the patient's head. A computer program controls the operation of the system, and is designed to control the display of the graphical environment on the video screen, monitor the headset sensors and determine the position of the patient's head, and controllably manipulate the graphical environment displayed on the video screen to reflect the movement and position of the patient's head.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for exercising a user's motor skills and concentration, comprising, in combination, a controller for providing a plurality of visual images and sounds, a first sensor for providing an input to the controller when activated by a hand on a selected right or left side of the user, a second sensor for providing an input to the controller when activated by a foot on the selected side of the user, a third sensor for providing an input to the controller when activated by a hand located opposite the selected side, and a fourth sensor for providing an input to the controller when activated by a foot located opposite the selected side. The system displays a plurality of visual images where each visual image contains four separate quadrants corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth sensors.

Abstract: A system for producing highly realistic, real-time simulated operating conditions for interactive training of persons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures involving implements that are inserted and manipulated through small incisions in the patient. The virtual environment for this training system includes a housing with a small opening. An implement simulating a surgical implement is inserted into the opening and manipulated relative to the housing. A movement guide and sensor assembly monitors the location of the implement relative to the housing and provides data about the implement's location and orientation within the housing. The reported data is interpolated by a computer processor, which utilizes a database of information representing a patient's internal landscape to create a computer model of the internal landscape of the patient. With reference to this computer model, the processor controls the occurrence of force feedback opposing the motion of the implement.

Abstract: A virtual surgery system or virtual testing system provides a simulation or test based on image data. A simulator combined with a real exam requires simulation tasks by a test taker. Additionally, a surgical procedure may be simulated using image data of a patient in devices simulating the physical instruments a surgeon uses in performing the actual procedure, for example. The user input device, such as a mouse, three dimensional mouse, joystick, seven dimensional joystick, full size simulator, etc., can be used in a virtual simulation to move through the image data while the user looks at the data and interaction of the input device with the image data on a display screen. Force feedback can be provided based on based on physical constraint models (of the anatomy, for example), or based on edge and collision detection between the virtual scope or virtual tool used by the operator and walls or edges of the image data in the image space.

Abstract: An exercise planner and method, in which a ringed binder contains a set of exercise cards, with each card showing a given exercise, the purpose of the exercise, describing the benefits of the exercise and how to perform it, and on the reverse of the card providing an easily erasable grid on which the user can record their workout progress. The order of the cards can be set in any desired arrangement so as to achieve a workout calculated to maximize the benefit to the user.

Abstract: A virtual surgery system or virtual testing system provides a simulation or test based on image data. A simulator combined with a real exam requires simulation tasks by a test taker. Additionally, a surgical procedure may be simulated using image data of a patient in devices simulating the physical instruments a surgeon uses in performing the actual procedure, for example. The user input device, such as a mouse, three dimensional mouse, joystick, seven dimensional joystick, full size simulator, etc., can be used in a virtual simulation to move through the image data while the user looks at the data and interaction of the input device with the image data on a display screen. Force feedback can be provided based on based on physical constraint models (of the anatomy, for example), or based on edge and collision detection between the virtual scope or virtual tool used by the operator and walls or edges of the image data in the image space.

Abstract: A method and system for computerizing learning, response, and evaluation is provided. The computerized system comprises a central processing unit and related memory and storage capacity to operate a learning, response, and evaluation system stored in a computer program. The learning, response, and evaluation system comprises an authoring portion and a presentation portion. Through the use of intuitive interface elements, the authoring portion allows an author to quickly and easily construct a lesson from a pool of relevant data. Due to the design and capabilities provided, the authoring portion reduces the time it takes for an author to learn how to construct a lesson and reduces the time it takes to construct the lesson. Data can be organized into pages which are presented to the user and pages which are hidden from the user. The presentation portion allows a user to view and learn the information contained in a lesson.

Abstract: An interactive system for teaching, entertaining, and habituating a child utilizes an interactive entity such as a doll, the doll having a microphone, a speaker, and control circuitry adapted for driving the speaker and microphone and a bidirectional communication link to a personal computer (PC). Scripted data stored at the computer directs doll activity and verbal articulation, and utilizes response from the child through the doll to the PC in directing output to the doll. In alternative embodiments the interactive doll has also servo-mechanisms for providing doll motion, such as eye and mouth and limb movement, which may be coordinated with verbalization in different scripts by commands retrieved at the computer and sent to the doll. In a preferred embodiment environments and applications are provided on CD-ROM disks which may also provide the operating application for the interactive doll system.

Abstract: A method for learning a foreign language by first memorizing conjugations of representative verbs using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, and a device for implementing the method, the device providing the feeling memorizing means, the method comprising the step of memorizing the conjugations of the language using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, wherein using the feeling sense is effected by having the conjugations symbolized by elements of the device, each having a specifying location and a specifying surface or construction conferring a learner with an associated specifying feeling, such that when the learner sees a scene displayed on a display and hears a sentence associated with that scene, which sentence includes an associated specific conjugation, the learner touches a specific corresponding element symbolizing the associated specific conjugation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correlating requirements of educators, guiding documents, and educational resource providers is described. The apparatus includes a central correlator accessed by each of the external entities using keys established according to a uniform protocol. The correlator includes a central database including a range of elements describing in varying levels of detail a field of study. Each of the external users correlates a set of components, such as the components of a teaching plan, to the elements in the central database. The apparatus correlates the several sets of components to the external user's set of components and provides the various correlations through a variety of outputs.

Abstract: A virtual surgery system or virtual testing system provides a simulation or test based on image data. A simulator combined with a real exam requires simulation tasks by a test taker. Additionally, a surgical procedure may be simulated using image data of a patient in devices simulating the physical instruments a surgeon uses in performing the actual procedure, for example. The user input device, such as a mouse, three dimensional mouse, joystick, seven dimensional joystick, fall size simulator, etc., can be used in a virtual simulation to move through the image data while the user looks at the data and interaction of the input device with the image data on a display screen. Force feedback can be provided based on based on physical constraint models (of the anatomy, for example), or based on edge and collision detection between the virtual scope or virtual tool used by the operator and walls or edges of the image data in the image space.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the assessment and biofeedback training of coordination skills of a subject critical to maximizing the power and accuracy of athletic ball-strike activities. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides for assessment and biofeedback training of weight bearing and center of gravity control under conditions requiring the athlete to strike a ball such that the distance and direction of flight trajectory of the ball are accurate relative to a performance goal. One embodiment of the invention includes a body movement sensor, a ball strike sensor, a display, and a computer. The body movement sensor provides an output indicative of the motion of the subject's body over a period of time including the moment of ball strike. The computer causes the display to show both a trajectory of the motion of the subject's body and the moment of ball strike in relation to a region of the trajectory.

Abstract: A method diagnoses cognitive impairment in an individual, otherwise free of neurological lesions or orthopedic difficulties of the lower limbs. Preliminarily, a reference group of persons is subjected to at least one physical test, requiring an observed walk along a path of predetermined length, and a plurality of psychometric tests indicative of cognitive function-for establishing a database of the relations between the psychometric test and the physical test for each person of the group. After establishment of the database, the individual undergoing diagnosis is subjected to the same physical test as given to the persons of the group. The results are compared solely on the basis of the physical test of the individual relative to the database, for deducing the individual's likely corresponding psychometric test result.

Abstract: A system for simulating the activity of the heart includes a computer controlled heart model for generating and displaying simulated electrogram signals. To accomplish this task, the simulation system includes various hardware components and software designed to realize a heart model and generate electrogram display data. Based on the recognition that groups of cells (tissue groups) of the heart can be selected such that the electrical characteristics of the tissue group, as a whole, resembles the simple electronic characteristics of an individual cell, the model is designed to simulate the electrical activities and interaction of multiple tissue groups. With this approach, each tissue group is associated with a software controlled state machine that changes states in response to stimulation signals from other tissue groups, internal or external sources, or timer expirations.

Abstract: A system for rehabilitating a speech impaired individual confined to a wheelchair is disclosed. The system utilizes an arm movement actuator attachment which is secured to the arm rest structure of the wheelchair through a rotatable arm support platform mounted on juxtaposed, upper and lower slide rod assemblies providing X- and Y-axis movement for the rotatable platform. The platform is configured to fully support the individual's forearm and elbow to enable the individual suffering from minimal upper extremity mobility to physically contact a touch screen for enablement of interaction with a computer to communicate and therefore socialize with others.

Abstract: An interactive presentation and/or entertainment system, such as interactive personal computer software and/or interactive television, allows a participant to modulate the emotions of a character or personality, thereby influencing the branches to an interpersonal relationship over time. As a result, a broad range of computerized dramatic situations or stories are presented that closely resemble human interpersonal relationships. Source image/sound data may include prerecorded video, prerecorded audio, computer-based audio, computer-based imagery, computer-generated dialogue, and/or computer-generated characters. The range of emotional choices made by a participant may include all emotions that human beings can experience and, in turn, represent by thought, word, or action.