Abstract: A dot unit includes an opening formed in a housing and a protruding member disposed in the opening. The protruding member is rotatably supported by a support shaft. The protruding member is rotated by a polymer actuator in a direction that follows a reading direction in which a unit of information is read, and the protruding member is stabilized in a protruding position by contacting a restricting portion. When a finger is moved in the reading direction and contacts the protruding member, the protruding member is likely to be stabilized in the protruding position.

Abstract: Creation of a standardized test, that includes a sub-pool of questions, involves assembling the sub-pool from a pool of questions. The sub-pool satisfies one or more constraints. Multiple mutually disjoint sub-pools of questions are assembled from the pool of questions.

Abstract: A memory stores a plurality of first data structures, which includes element specific data objects indicating a classification of at least one of the plurality of segments of the test definition language, and second data structures, which include attribute specific data objects indicating at least one attribute of the segments of the test definition language implemented by a computer. A method for computer-based testing includes authoring a test specification and content of the at least one test using a test definition language, compiling the test specification and content of the at least one test to create a compiled test specification and content, which includes validating the test specification and content, storing the compiled test specification and content to a resource file, and retrieving the compiled test specification and content from the resource file during delivery of the test.

Abstract: A method of golf instruction utilizing a schematic represented by a plurality of vertical, diagonal and circular lines which demonstrate a preferred golf swing. A video recorder, processor and monitor can be used to record the golf swing of a student aligned within the schematic. Corrections to the students swing can be made based on the deviation from the schematic. Additionally, the flight path of the ball can be determined based upon the deviation from the schematic and the adjusted flight path can be displayed.

Abstract: A computer-based testing system includes testing stations connected to a testing service center and backend via the Internet for providing testing services. The system is operable to perform state management to implement fault recovery due to a computing device failure while a test is being administered. The system is also operable to utilize multiple caching techniques for mitigating network latency while administering tests.

Abstract: A surgical simulation system for demonstrating a laparoscopic surgical instrument includes a frame defining an internal cavity for supporting an object simulative of human tissue. A wall is coupled to the frame and obstructs a view of the cavity from a surgical vantage point. The wall is constructed of three adjacent layers including an outer layer simulative of skin tissue coupled to the frame by a first fastener, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer simulative of abdominal tissue. The inner layer is coupled to the intermediate layer by a second fastener such that the inner layer is removable from the intermediate layer independently of the outer layer. At least one aperture is defined through the wall to provide entry of the endoscopic surgical instrument into the cavity. A camera captures images from within the cavity transmits the images to a monitor visible from the surgical vantage point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building a model for use in grading an essay are provided. A plurality of human graded essays are evaluated using a processor to generate a set of features. A score category is determined for each of the plurality of human graded essays. A weight is produced using a processor for each feature based on the score category for each of the plurality of human graded essays and the set of features. A model is generated using a processor based on the weights for the set of features for evaluating an essay. The set of features includes n features, where the first k features have optimized weights, and the last n?k features have fixed predetermined weights.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building a trait model for essay evaluation are provided. At least one evaluated essay is received. A plurality of features pertaining to one or more traits from the at least one evaluated essay are identified and extracted. The one or more traits comprise writing errors, discourse, or vocabulary usage. A plurality of vector files based upon the plurality of features are created. A trait model for essay evaluation based upon the plurality of vector files is built. The trait model is evaluated, where the evaluation includes mapping features of a new essay to the trait model by navigating a multi-branched decision tree. At each branch of the decision tree, a value associated with the features of the new essay is used to determine how to proceed through the trait model.

Abstract: A laser-based system is useful for training soldiers in the operation and use of a grenade launcher. The system comprises a training assembly rotatably attached to the body of a grenade launcher and at least one sensor to detect laser energy at a target site. The training assembly comprises a housing; a variable output laser; a shaft extending through the housing to the body of the grenade launcher; a motor within the housing that engages the shaft and is capable of causing the housing to rotate about the shaft; at least one sensor to detect rotation of the housing, trigger pull, and/or gravitational direction; and a control unit operationally connected to the laser, the at least one sensor, and the motor. The training assembly rotates from the elevation of the launcher barrel to the elevation of the target site to generate a burst of laser energy at sensors at the target site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a mathematical model for use in identifying discourse elements are described. A plurality of first essays relating to a particular subject are received, where each first essay is in an electronic format. Annotations for each first essay are received, where each annotation identifies at least one discourse element. Features are identified with a processor, where each feature is exhibited by at least one identified discourse element. Empirical frequencies are computed with a processor, where each empirical frequency relates to the presence of a feature with respect to the identified discourse elements across the plurality of first essays. Each empirical frequency is associated with the related identified discourse element with a processor. The empirical frequencies are utilized to select discourse elements in at least one second essay.

Abstract: A natural interactions academic course designer system and method that allows an educator to integrate a natural interactions forum (such as discussion boards, blogs, and collaborative wikis) into a formal curriculum. Embodiments of the system and method include a natural interactions integration module, which allows an educator to select a type of natural interaction forum and attaches a rubric, and a natural interactions provisioning module that creates the forum, determines the participants, and the learners to be assessed. Embodiments of the system and method also include an assessment module that assesses a validated learner using one or more of three different metrics. These metrics include a participation metric, a tagging metric, and a natural language processing metric. The assessment module then creates a raw score from the metrics used. Embodiments of the system and method also include a learner tracking module that generates a single final score for the assignment.

Abstract: A computerized testing system for evaluating skills of formatted product producers, the system comprising a buggy formatted product generator operative to introduce at least one formatting mistake into a formatted product thereby to generate a buggy formatted product and to generate and display on a computer screen to an applicant user, a representation of the buggy formatted product a debugging interface operative to provide a platform enabling the applicant user to attempt to correct the at least one formatting mistake, and an applicant user monitor operative to monitor the debugging interface and to provide to an applicant evaluating user, at least one output characterizing the applicants attempt to correct at least one formatting mistake.

Abstract: An online game that promotes healthy behavior by engaging computer users and by providing educational information about health and nutrition. User participation is measured in relation to an avatar of a belly that gains and loses weight according to game play. Users are assigned an avatar according to answers to profile questions. Users earn points by correctly answering health and nutrition questions. When a user answers a question correctly, the player can help him- or herself or “sabotage” a friend. Users also have options to help a friend. The game has consequences for incorrect answers. Updates to a leader board and a message board allow users to see how friends are doing. Social networking aspects of the game keep users engaged and entertained, and therefore, more likely to participate. Participation helps users to increase their knowledge of health and nutrition facts and therefore, their knowledge regarding healthy behaviors.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. Techniques for process sensitive help are also integrated into the system to provide contextual examples to guide a user in performing a task.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for displaying a plurality of alphanumeric characters on a display device that is connected to an automated device having a processor, a memory, and an input device. The automated device executes a plurality of instructions that configure the processor to provide a reading focus tool on the display device. The reading focus tool includes a first section and a rectangular window within the first section and a notch section. The reading focus tool overlays the plurality of alphanumeric characters and aligns at least one line of alphanumeric characters within at least one of the rectangular window and the notch section. Further, a user is enabled to move the reading focus tool to a selection of alphanumeric characters to be read.

Abstract: The method of computerized grading of formula-based multi-step problems includes the steps of providing a memory for storing problems and data to enable and facilitate assessment of correctness of problems, storing at least one formula-based multi-step problem in the memory, a complete solution to the problem requiring calculation of at least one intermediate answer and a subsequent calculation using said intermediate answer to arrive at said complete solution, providing a computer program that can grade submitted answers to the steps of said problem, providing a user interface with selective access to the memory and the computer program, and providing a global computer network with which the user interface can be connected to the memory and grading program.

Abstract: The method and system include presenting a user with a plurality of questions, timing the user's response time for the plurality of questions, identifying an optimal answer time where the user is able to answer a maximum percentage of questions correctly, and informing the user of the optimal answer time. An embodiment of the method may also include providing the user with a suggested change in an actual time taken to answer a question. Certain embodiments may also include weighting the chance of receiving a question in a particular topic based on the user's past performance in answering questions in that topic.

Abstract: An auscultation training device that utilizes a medical training mannequin, a controller, and a database of auscultation training sound data to simulate and communicate the sounds of the human body to users; the invention is able to initiate the playback of prerecorded sounds via a variety of trigger mechanisms, and transmit live sounds, or combinations of sounds, to remote examiners.

Abstract: A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.

Abstract: A method of interpreting keypad input includes identifying a first letter of a target word from activation of an initial key, identifying a set of possible intermediate letters of the target word in response to non-activating traversal of associated keys of the keypad following activation of the initial key, identifying a last letter of the target word from activation of a final key following the non-activating traversal, and then determining the target word based upon the identified first, intermediate and last letters. The method is particularly useful in key input devices sensitive to non-activating finger position above the keys.