Abstract: In a self-contained actively-controlled stabilization system within a hand-grip, all components are contained within the handgrip, and one generic handgrip can be attached to a variety of devices for a wide range of applications, thereby increasing portability, reducing weight and bulkiness, and decreasing complexity and application dependence. The handgrip includes a sensor, a controller and an actuator which preferably employs at least one shape memory alloy wire. The actuator drives a platform mechanism which may be configured such that the elevation and azimuth degrees of freedom are coupled or uncoupled. Direct, rotational and other platform mechanisms may be used with the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for language instruction is provided. In an embodiment, a method of language instruction is provided which comprises presenting a first description of an event responsive to a first perspective and presenting a second description of the event responsive to a second perspective, wherein the first description of the event and the second description of the event are in a common language. The first and second descriptions of the event can be provided in a variety of formats, such as in audio format or as text.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to presenting a multiple-choice question during delivery of a computerized test. Answer options corresponding to a multiple-choice test question prompt are presented serially either individually or in groups at a time in accordance with pre-established rules. Answer options can be presented randomly or staged. Staged presentation can be performed in accordance with a predefined selection algorithm and/or based on analysis of prior answer option selections from the same or previous questions. Questions end when a question end condition, such as, for example, selection of a plurality of incorrect answers or selection of a correct answer, is satisfied.

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: An on-line teaching and learning system with rapid change-by-change or real time reinforcement signals for students and simultaneous monitoring by the teacher of the actual responses as well as their correctness is disclosed. The system may include at least one teacher computer, a plurality of student computers operably connected to the at least one teacher computer by a communications network. The system may be used in a classroom setting or in a distance-learning environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a learning support method with a server computer. Presupposed keywords corresponding to subjects that should have been acquired by a learner before attending a learning course and learning keywords corresponding to subjects that will be acquired by attending the learning course are defined for the learning course. The learning material is developed in module basis. Presupposed keywords corresponding to subjects that should have been acquired by a learner before learning the module and learning keywords corresponding to subjects that will be acquired by learning the module are defined for each module. The server computer selects a module whose learning keywords match the learning keywords of the learning course attended by a leaner and whose presupposed keywords match the keywords corresponding to subjects that have been learned by the learner, supplying the module to the learner.

Abstract: A learning support system has an information processing apparatus, a portable information terminal and a learning management server which are connected through a network. The information processing apparatus includes a second memory unit for storing first learning information which includes result of learning, and the portable information terminal includes a fourth memory unit for storing second learning information which includes result of learning at the portable information terminal, and the learning management server includes a fifth memory unit for storing the first learning information transferred from the information processing apparatus and the second learning information transferred from the portable information terminal. The information processing apparatus or the portable information terminal carries out continuous learning after learning information of other party is acquired through the fifth memory unit.

Abstract: Data representative of operation of biomedical equipment in a medical facility is collected and stored in a centralized database. The information may be collected manually during the life of the equipment, or automatically by connection to the equipment. The data references equipment types, manufacturer, departments, locations, and other relevant information for the equipment. Based upon the collected and stored information, parameters representative of possible training needs is analyzed and reported. The parameters may include error, breakdowns, and the like. Detailed reports delivered to the medical institution may thus provide a basis for planning training to enhance performance and utilization of the equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic text analysis is described. A local ranking for one or more contexts with respect to a word and a global ranking for one or more contexts are generated. The rankings are based on the frequency with which the contexts appear in a corpus. A statistic may be generated using the local and global rankings, such as a log ratio rank statistic equal to the logarithm of the global rank divided by local rank, to measure the similarity of contexts with respect to words with which they combine. A source matrix of word to context values is then created. Singular value decomposition is used to create sub-matrices from the source matrix. Vectors from the sub-matrices corresponding to context(s) and/or word(s) are then selected to determine term-term or context-context similarity or term-context correspondence.

Abstract: A device for communicating, preferably between two people who could not normally orally communicate, by at least one user pointing to pictograms on the device. The device can be a static medium having a plurality of icons thereon or can be part of a computer generated program having a graphic display that is either moving or stationary so that a user can select at least one icon to communicate an idea. When two or more people use the device to communicate, the device enables a dialogue to develop between the people. A first responder to an emergency situation could use the device in any country to gather information to quickly respond to the situation.

Abstract: A question generation means is developed for intelligent tutors wherein a question menu having dynamic questions is capable of being displayed after each step of a problem. The generated question set contains both elementary and advanced questions and changes after each step is performed, thereby enhancing the potential that a student using the tutorial understands every aspect of a problem.

Abstract: A first and a second language are presented in audiovisual and printed format with equal emphasis, so that either language can be learned. Moreover, the audiovisual and the printed format are presented in consistent format to reinforce the learning experience. The printed material may include a slider with a picture consistent with the image shown on the audiovisual format, and the slider can be moved to selectively reveal the spelling of the word in either the first or the second language. Other items, such as electronic books, toys and apparel can be used to present consistent images to reinforce the bilingual training.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are disclosed which implement a training session for training a user to validate assumptions. First, a plurality of stimuli are presented to a user in the context of a simulation. The user is then prompted to enter responses to the stimuli which are subsequently recorded The user is then allowed to enter assumptions that form a basis of the responses. Next, the user is prompted to enter information on how to validate the assumptions which is subsequently received. Feedback is then outputted based on the stimuli and responses. Such feedback relates to appropriate assumptions and information on how to validate the appropriate assumptions. As an option, the feedback may be further based on a number of assumptions entered.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for education and training in microfluidic technology. The microfluidic system training apparatus includes multiple flow configurations of microfluidic elements all configured and fabricated on a single plate, a microscope and a camera system connected to a monitor or computer, and a computer based control and data acquisition system as a means of controlling and measuring the flow properties. The hands-on experiments with the apparatus of the present invention are designed to provide students with training of varying complexity beginning with basic microfluidic flow system studies to the development of an advanced specific microfluidic flow process or protocol utilizing a variety of the conventional microfluidic elements.

Abstract: A rosary includes a flexible elongate member and a plurality of beads carried thereby. The rosary may also include a sensor, and an audible indicator carried by the flexible elongate member for providing an audible indication based upon the sensor. The rosary may further include a visual indicator, in addition to or in place of, the audible indicator. The visual indicator may also be carried by the flexible elongate member for providing a visual indication based upon the sensor.

Abstract: A computer based training tool and method that emulates human behavior using a computer-simulated person in a realistic scenario. It provides an interactive experience in detecting deception during interviews and acceptance of statements during interpersonal conversations. The simulated person provides verbal responses in combination with an animated video display reflecting the body language of the simulated person in response to questions asked and during and after responses to the questions. The questions and responses are pre-programmed and interrelated groups of questions and responses are maintained in dynamic tables which are constantly adjusted as a function of questions asked and responses generated. The system provides a critique and numerical score for each training session.

Abstract: An education set used for education of a work including a series of work steps. The education set includes segment diagrams (105a, 105b, 105c) where work directions for executing the series of work steps, work directions including work guide information from which part of information is excluded, or work guide information are shown and subsegment diagrams (106a, 106b, 106c) where the information excluded from the segment diagrams are shown.

Abstract: A whole-body mathematical model (10) for simulating intracranial pressure dynamics. In one embodiment, model (10) includes 17 interacting compartments, of which nine lie entirely outside of intracranial vault (14). Compartments (F) and (T) are defined to distinguish ventricular from extraventricular CSF. The vasculature of the intracranial system within cranial vault (14) is also subdivided into five compartments (A, C, P, V, and S, respectively) representing the intracranial arteries, capillaries, choroid plexus, veins, and venous sinus. The body's extracranial systemic vasculature is divided into six compartments (I, J, O, Z, D, and X, respectively) representing the arteries, capillaries, and veins of the central body and the lower body. Compartments (G) and (B) include tissue and the associated interstitial fluid in the intracranial and lower regions.

Abstract: Multiple variants of essentially the same multiple-choice questions are generated, having similar appearance, but actually different answers. Any single test has at most one variant of any particular question for which multiple variants exist. Different versions of the test can be generated by changing the combination of question variants used. In one aspect, different versions of the test identified by different combinations of variant questions can be used to determine the source of an unauthorized leak of test questions. In another aspect, the responses of a test subject to variant questions can be analyzed for suspicious patterns, indicating possible unauthorized access to a previous test version.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting pooling of fluid in disposable or non-disposable absorbent articles is provided. The apparatus includes an object that has at least one surface area onto which pooling may occur. A fluid delivery apparatus is present and is used for introducing fluid onto the surface area of the object. Also, a sensor is present and is used for indicating the presence of pooling on the surface area of the object.