Abstract: Techniques described herein relate to performing diagnostic analyses including execution and evaluations of visual-spatial diagnostic content resources. A store of visual-spatial diagnostic content resources may be analyzed to determine the presence or absence of predetermined visual features, and mathematical modeling and/or machine-learning techniques may be used to calculate item parameter metrics for each visual-spatial diagnostic content resource. Thereafter, diagnostic sessions may proceed by selecting and presenting sequences of visual-spatial diagnostic content resources within an appropriate range of difficulty metrics, depending on the content recipient and performance on the previously-transmitted visual-spatial diagnostic content resources.

Abstract: A system and method dynamically presenting video content based on a visually-defined scripting editor that defines a user presentation context (UPC) based on audio/video content, user query/responses, and one or more asynchronous event triggers (AETs) is disclosed. The system incorporates a graphical user interface (GUI) based scripting editor operating on a host computer system (HCS) that enables visual definition of an interconnected video script network (VSN) that may include synchronously displayed content, decision-based content, and/or content dictated by the AETs. The VSN is converted to a video script dataset (VSD) by the HCS and then transmitted over a computer communication network (CCN) to a mobile user device (MUD) that executes the VSD in a user interface context (UIC) that may include the MUD, other devices such as a video display unit (VDU), and/or external data sourcing devices that may constitute the sources for the AETs.

Abstract: A method of providing a task is presented. The method includes receiving, from a task administrator, multiple subjects to be presented in the task and presenting the task in response to a condition being satisfied. The method also include adaptively adjusting a difficulty level of a subject of the plurality of subjects based on a spacing interval, a speed of completing the task, and/or performance of a previous subject level.

Abstract: A method for monitoring software application performance and one or more device states affecting a software application on a periodic basis on a mobile device. The method includes one or more computer processors identifying a software application on a mobile device. The method further includes the one or more computer processors identifying a plurality of sampling plans and one or more respective triggers within the plurality of sampling plans that are respectively associated with the software application and are stored on the mobile device. The method further includes the one or more computer processors determining a first value associated with the one or more respective triggers. The method further includes the one or more computer processors selecting a first sampling plan from the plurality of sampling plans for the software application based, at least in part, on the value associated with the one or more respective triggers.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating user voting for potential future game content in an online game are disclosed. Multiple sets of the potential future game content may be presented to users for voting. A user vote for a given set of the potential future game content may cost an amount of voting power associated with the user. The user may earn voting power by engaging in gameplays, making in-game purchases, and/or undertaking any other game-related actions desired by the provider(s) of the online game. A set of potential future game content may be selected based on votes received from the users. In some examples, rewards may be determined for distribution to the users based on the voting for the potential future game content.

Abstract: A training apparatus for ball-playing sports comprising a tether having a first end affixed to a connector module and a second end affixed to a ball securing device. The ball securing device is configured to secure a ball therein. A belt may be configured to have the connector module engaged therewith where the belt is to be worn around a waist of a user. The connector module operable to traverse a length of the belt in response to a throwing force applied to the ball.

Abstract: The availability of entangled quantum signals can improve distributed decision making. In particular, it can improve the efficiency of coordination and the ability to perform load balancing in high-speed wide-area networks, and other communication-constrained network environments. We include an application to high-frequency trading on geographically-separated financial markets, and we discuss load balancing in IT and electrical networks and also a battlefield scenario.

Abstract: A multimedia device includes a distance sensor which measures a viewing distance, a controller which controls an output timing of a video signal and an output timing of an audio signal based on the viewing distance, an audio device which outputs a sound in response to the audio signal, and a display device which outputs an image in response to the video signal.

Abstract: Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, which includes at least one terminal with a connection to a dedicated remote server, the system also including a module for playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal that can reproduce the recording, interact with a user, connect with a dedicated remote server, ask a terminal user a question and suggest multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected independent of the terminal user.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein provide for the effective and efficient management of e-mail messages. Specifically, the present invention provides users with a proprietary workflow for managing e-mail messages and determining a score of performance for a user. Incentives are provided to users to encourage users to apply actions to messages through positive or negative feedback. In one particular embodiment, an action to be taken by a user may include adding an e-mail message to a task list.

Abstract: Virtual rehabilitation serious games have gained increasing clinical acceptance in the therapy of large patient populations (stroke and traumatic brain injury). This is due to their ability to motivate the patient, as well as intrinsic large number of movement repetitions they generate. These repetitions are key to inducing brain plasticity and facilitating patient recovery. Unfortunately, bi-manual therapy, while potentially more efficacious, is less developed at this time. We present a novel system and method, for bi-manual game-based integrative therapy that combines physical and cognitive training in integrative game play sessions. It is built around the new Razer Hydra Game interface that track's the patient's arms in 3D and detects trigger pressing. A series of custom games designed to improve focusing, decision making (executive function), short term and long term memory, are played with progressive difficulty.

Abstract: A gaming system, device and method are operable upon a wager. The system, in an embodiment, is operable to generate a visual output related to a plurality of competing elements or competitors. The system is operable to receive wager inputs from a plurality of wager submitters and generate a visual output including at least part of a grid. Also, the system is operable to provide a first monetary value based on which competitor wins as well as a second monetary value based on a winning intersection on the grid.

Abstract: A system and method for improving musical education through use of a game, is provided. The method includes the steps of: receiving electrical signals associated with a musical piece provided by a user of the game; converting the electrical signals into digital samples; and analyzing the digital samples with use of auxiliary information, for purposes of improving signal analysis accuracy, resulting in determining various parameters of the musical piece provided by the user, wherein the auxiliary information is a-priori data related to at least one element selected from the group consisting of a musical instrument being played, a technical environment, the game, and information regarding the user of the game. Visual and/or audio feedback may also be provided to the user regarding the musical piece that they are providing.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein provide for effective and efficient completion of tasks by users of a computing device. Specifically, the present invention provides users with a proprietary workflow for timing the completion of a task by a user and scoring a user's ability to complete a task within a predetermined length of time. One exemplary embodiment provides for managing electronic messages by scoring their ability to apply actions to messages. Incentives are provided to users to encourage users to apply actions to messages through positive and negative feedback. Scores determined for any particular user may be determined based on the elapsed time between being provided with a message and applying an action to it, or may be determined based on the contents of a message.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for determining a gender and age of a player of a game. There is a method comprising capturing an image of at least one player, and determining the gender and age of the player based on the image. In this manner, the game may be customized to he more relevant or attractive to the player's gender and/or age group.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for determining a gender and age of a player of a game. There is a method comprising capturing an image of at least one player, and determining the gender and age of the player based on the image. In this manner, the game may be customized to be more relevant or attractive to the player's gender and/or age group.

Abstract: A system and method for operation of a game in which teams of players attempt to negotiate through a track of rooms, or several tracts of rooms. Teams attempt to progress through the track by solving problems presented in each room thereby earning access to a following room, until the team completes a track comprising several rooms. A control system is operable to control flow of teams from room to room, and to control presentation of problem solving activities to the teams, and to interpret data from the rooms to assess the performance of the team, and grant access to a following room or to bar access to a following room and/or eject the team from the room to start over on the track.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for determining a gender and age of a player of a game. There is a method comprising capturing an image of at least one player, and determining the gender and age of the player based on the image. In this manner, the game may be customized to be more relevant or attractive to the player's gender and/or age group.

Abstract: A system and method for playing an interactive song lyric guessing game is provided. Some aspects present a player with a scrambled word cloud of lyrics and asks the player to select the correct name of the artist or song from a list of possible answers. Advertising and other commercially useful information are presented to the user and collected from the user in the course of playing the game. For example, the player of the game may be directed to an online store where songs can be purchased or downloaded.

Abstract: Games are disclosed with a plurality of sensory pieces and rules for playing the games utilizing at least some of the sensory pieces to determine a winner among participating players. The plurality of sensory pieces may include a plurality of flavor pieces, a plurality of scent pieces, or both. The flavor pieces and scent pieces may include both pleasant and unpleasant flavors and scents.

Abstract: An offensive player operates input means (32) to display on a display screen (31), one or more associated problems from a plenty of problems stored in a memory (42), so that the offensive player and a defensive player both input answers. According to the results (correct or incorrect) of the inputted answers, a damage point is given to the player who has lost. When the damage point of the partner player reaches a predetermined value, a plurality of associated problems are represented. Moreover, two areas (11, 12) are displayed on the display screen (31) for the offensive player and the defensive player. A card (3) for representing the problem this time is placed in the area (11 or 12) of the player who has won. Only when the area (11) is full of cards (3) and the area (12) has a card, a plurality of associated problems may be represented. The present invention enables players to get a systematic knowledge while enjoying a match, thereby increasing the learning effect.

Abstract: The game system according to the present invention is a non chance-based game system, in which the winner is selected by and among the game participants, and the prize is awarded to the winner by the participants themselves through individual donations, voluntary and of moderate value, and in which a share of the prize may be donated to a charity or nonprofit organization associated with the winner.

Abstract: A method of determining a mastery level for an examinee from an assessment is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more of an overall skill level for an examinee, a weight for the overall skill level, a covariate vector for an examinee, and a weight for the covariate vector. An examinee attribute value is computed using one or more of the received values for each examinee and each attribute. The computation of the examinee attribute values can include estimating the value using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimation technique. Examinee mastery levels are then assigned based on each examinee attribute level. Dichotomous or polytomous levels can be assigned based on requirements for the assessment.

Abstract: The present invention includes method and system for intelligent knowledge diagnosis and tutoring in any knowledge domain. It differs from prior arts with new knowledge model for knowledge presentation and heuristic algorithms. The knowledge model allows the present invention to be applied to curricula in different knowledge domains quickly and cost effectively. The knowledge model and related computational algorithms provide effective and intelligent knowledge diagnosis and tutoring with minimum requirement on assessment content and learning content. It also allows easy curriculum customization and learner initiated learning assistance to meet needs of different teaching and learning styles. The present invention gains better understanding of learner's knowledge status and hence provides more accurate assistance as learner progresses in the curriculum. The present invention can be an add-engine to existing learning management systems working with existing assessment and learning content in any format.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable carrier for using a discrimination index to select test items from an item bank for a test are disclosed. At least one parameter may be identified for each of a plurality of test items in an item bank. A first test item may be selected from the item bank based on at least the parameter for the test item. Each unselected test item may be evaluated to determine whether one or more constraints would be satisfied if the test item were selected. A next test item may be selected from the unselected test items that satisfy the one or more first constraints based on at least the parameter for each test item. The Evaluation and test item selection processes may be repeated until one or more second constraints are satisfied.

Abstract: The system and method of learning technical or scientific content in combination with a video game includes provision of a learning module, provision of a gaming module, execution of actions in each of the learning and gaming modules, and alternating, in response to one or more predetermined learning or gaming conditions, between the learning and gaming modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and computerized method for generating parameters for a game such as a scavenger hunt or other similar game. In an embodiment of the invention, a list of game challenges is generated. A set of predetermined challenges is associated with predetermined game criteria. At least two game criteria are selected from which a set of game challenges that meet the game criteria are identified. From the set of game challenges, a list of selected game challenges is presented to a user. It is desirable that the set of game challenges be large so that the selected game challenges can be varied. For example, if one user selects the set criteria on two different occasions, it is desirable to generate lists of selected game challenges that are different.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of facilitating physical exercise and a better understanding of a subject category, comprising: providing an interactive game for play by a number of persons; placing a device into a field of play by a first team, wherein the device provides to a second team a plurality of possible answers to a question and/or direction to be responded to by the second team; displaying around a periphery of the device a plurality of possible answers to the question; wherein placing the device into the field of play includes striking the device by a member of the first team for subsequent fielding of said device by the second team; and, wherein the member of the first team continually runs from one base to another base until at least the second team fields the device and answers the question.

Abstract: The game comprises game sessions including: submitting a representation of a pictorial work; making an input field available to each player; each player giving a title to the pictorial work shown; and collecting and storing the title given by the player. The game may be implemented in particular by computer means comprising a remote game site communicating with terminals used by the players, in particular within an application for accessing and dialoguing with a social network. The site displays a plurality of titles that have already been given by other players to a work that is displayed, and a player quantifies preferences for those titles either by a binary “like/unlike” type evaluation or by putting them into an order of preference. The site generates a chart ranking the titles that have already been given as a function of the quantified evaluations as transmitted in this way.

Abstract: The African history card game includes a deck of educational cards. Each card has a front face with a fact, picture, question, and series of multiple choice answers each relating to a common theme, and a rear face having an alphabetic matrix of columns and rows concealing the correct answer. Point values based on the difficulty of the question on the particular card are provided on each card. Each card has a particular theme related to African history, e.g., geography, prominent individuals, history, inventions, science, engineering, sports, religion, culture, civil rights, agriculture, language, and music. The game may be adapted to other themes and subject areas, as desired. The object of the game is to determine the correct response of the choices on the front of the card, then find and point out this response in the rows, columns, and/or diagonals of the matrix on the back of the card.

Abstract: In a system and method for providing a television broadcast that displays different content for different viewers, a pool of content items, or particular items from a pool of content items, is integrated with a signal for a television program. The combined signal is transmitted or broadcast in any suitable way, such as by satellite, antenna, cable, or the like. Once the combined signal has been transmitted, or while the signal is being transmitted, different items from the pool of content items are displayed to different viewers. The items may be displayed to viewers during a broadcast of a pre-recorded television program. Rules may be integrated into the combined signal governing how and when items from the pool of content items are displayed. The rules may also govern which items from the pool of content items are displayed. A return channel may be provided so that a viewer may communicate to a content provider.

Abstract: A media game that employs a method for randomly shuffling through a large set of video and/or audio clips stored on readable media using a media player, such as a DVD player, is disclosed. In addition to the readable media, the game also includes a game board, moveable play pieces, trivia question cards, random name cards, a numbered die, and a challenge die. The game board can be converted from long play to short play by lifting the endmost sections of the game board and placing them next to each other on top of intermediate sections of the game board. A path circumnavigates the game board and appears to be continuous in both long and short play modes. The begin and end regions reside at least partially on the endmost sections and appear as unbroken shapes when configured for both long and short play.

Abstract: A game session of the invention comprises, contained within a very short time lapse, the following successive stages: a) selecting a headword that is communicated to the player; b) for each of the N players, determining a first candidate word presenting semantic proximity with the headword, and transmitting said first candidate word to the gaming site, which submits it to a search engine in combination with the headword in order to receive a numerical score; c) presenting the N first candidate words submitted to the site by the various players and then, for each player, selecting from amongst these N words a second candidate word that, on reflection, the player believes represents that one of the first candidate words that corresponds to the highest score obtained during the first game stage.

Abstract: A grid game, such as crossword, operable on a networked computer or internet enabled device, which employs pre-designed clues and searching and search engine retrieval functions to aid the user in ascertaining the answers. The results generated by the search engine are displayed in predetermined locations on the results page returned by the search engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for interactive entertainment involving a game. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for playing a game involving interactive generation of a visual image and a lingual definition of a precursor constructed phrase and image portion by a plurality of participant-users, and a method and system for sharing the same via a world wide interactive computer system. The computer system enables different participant-users, or teams of participant-users, to post generated visual and lingual definitions for the same precursor constructed phrase and image portions enabling comparison entertainment of the same and supporting selection of a preferred construction for awarding a prize.

Abstract: Mechanical Edge Application is a videogame and learning program. Identity in the videogame comes with a model with interchangeable parts and an activation code. In order to advance in the videogame, actual mechanical/technical lessons have to be learned and passed. These mechanical science lessons would include knowing actual plane components/systems (boat, car) and physics behind their function. Other lessons included upgrading your characters status by a repairman learning to be a pilot by taking simulated flight lessons. Therefore, the “front end” end of the game is an exciting video game, but continuation and increased scoring and winning opportunities is based on technical science lessons of the components and mechanics of an aircraft (boat, car).

Abstract: A kit for promoting social interaction includes a plurality of containers in the form of boxes held by a larger vessel. Each of the containers encloses a message designed for stimulating conversation and includes an instruction that the container is to be used for purposes of stimulating conversation. The instruction may be carried on the substrate together with the message. Alternatively or additionally, the messages may be provided on inside surfaces of the containers while the instruction may be printed on the outside of the individual containers.

Abstract: A multi-player interactive card game, preferably having character cards with images of people with different occupations and different types of animals. An oval face cutout is included on each of the character cards. Game play involves impersonations and guessing along with prompts for players to raise and position the character cards such that a player's face completes a visual image of the identity of the character card.

Abstract: A method of playing a trivia game includes the step of registering a plurality of players to participate in the trivia game. Then, providing a clue to the plurality of players and receiving an answer from each player participating in the trivia game. Next, eliminating players associated with an incorrect answer and allowing players associated with a correct answer to continue participating in the trivia game. The steps of providing the clue, receiving the answer and eliminating players are repeated until one of only one player who provided correct answers remains before the trivia game ended, at least one player who provided correct answers remains when the trivia game ended and all registered players have been eliminated before the trivia game ended.

Abstract: A word game in which a participant attempts to decipher a word formed from a plurality of stylized alphabet letters that share a common side. The alphabet letters are majuscule English language alphabet letters in a block style font formed of line segments on a square grid. A portion of the alphabet letters is assigned a first level of difficulty, another portion is assigned a second level of difficulty different than the first level of difficulty, and yet another portion may be assigned a third level of difficulty different than the first and the second levels of difficulty. A word score is determined by adding together the level of difficulty assigned to each of the alphabet letters. A word formed from the alphabet letters may be assigned a level of difficulty determined by the word score of the word and the number of letters in the word.

Abstract: A question and answer game includes more than one answer choice to each question and each answer choice has a strategic element with a risk/reward tradeoff.

Abstract: An identity guessing game includes a plurality of identities to be guessed. Each identity is provided on a media in a manner permitting selection of one identity by a player for a round of play. The game also includes a plurality of clue sets, each clue set having multiple clues relating to a respective one of the identities. Each clue within each clue set is provided on a media so as to be presentable one at a time to a player during the round of play. A game can be played by selecting or providing a first identity to be guessed and a first set of clues each relating to the first identity. A first player is presented with at least one clue of the first set of clues. The first player can then determine whether to guess the first identity and move to the next step or to be presented with another of the first set of clues.

Abstract: In a system and method for providing a television broadcast that displays different content for different viewers, a pool of content items, or particular items from a pool of content items is/are integrated with a signal for a television program. The combined signal is transmitted or broadcast in any suitable way, such as by satellite, antenna, cable, or the like. Once the combined signal has been transmitted, or while the signal is being transmitted, different items from the pool of content items are displayed to different viewers. The items may be displayed to viewers during a broadcast of a pre-recorded television program. Rules may be integrated into the combined signal governing how and when items from the pool of content items are displayed. The rules may also govern which items from the pool of content items are displayed. A return channel may be provided so that a viewer may communicate to a content provider.

Abstract: A question-and-answer game in which teams of two players are divided into two sets of teammates, and one set of teammates is isolated while the other set of teammates is asked one or more questions about their isolated teammates or about themselves and are designed to elicit how well they know each other. The isolated teammates return, are asked the same questions, and their answers/guesses are compared to their teammates' guesses/answers. In a first round, the questions are asked and answered in open forums where discussion is permitted. In a second round, the questions are asked in a closed forum where discussion is limited or not permitted, and the responses of the isolated teammates are presented one at a time, and if not a match to their teammates' responses, the other teams have an opportunity to correctly match.

Abstract: An electronic game that awards the last player to correctly answer a question before the expiration of a timer. The game includes a plurality of buttons and corresponding indicators coupled to a housing. Within the housing is a controller that causes a question to be displayed on a screen. A timer also counts to a time interval. The controller activates an indicator associated with a button that was depressed last by a player that provides a correct answer to the question at the expiration of a timer. The last player can then move a token on a board. The player that moves their token to the end of the board wins the game.

Abstract: A method for playing a game that includes selecting an answer word by a first player. The first player displays a clue word and a non-clue word. One or more other players who view the displayed clue word and non-clue word guess at least one word. A round is ended after another player guesses the answer word, or the other players do not guess the answer word after one or more clue and non-clue words are displayed. The inclusion of the non-clue words increases the complexity of guessing the answer word. For example, the non-clue words can be selected by the first player to create clues for a word that is different from but common to the answer word.

Abstract: An electronic game that awards the last player to correctly answer a question before the expiration of a timer. The game includes a plurality of buttons and corresponding indicators coupled to a housing. A question is provided to the players. A timer counts to a time interval. The controller activates an indicator associated with a button that was depressed last by a player that provides a correct answer to the question at the expiration of the timer. The last player can then move a token on a board. The player that moves their token to the end of the board wins the game.

Abstract: A game is provided wherein a player or team gains points by answering a question worded in such a way that the answer is always a number. In one embodiment, the questions are directed to points of trivia or general or specific knowledge, and the game includes a plurality of question cards, on the reverse side of which are the answers to the questions. The questions are such that players can make an informed or educated guess at the numeric answer. The object of the game is to answer each question by coming closer to the correct numeric answer than the opposing players. In one embodiment, players are given a preselected amount of time, as determined by a timing device, to write down their answers. Once the players have written down their answers, all players may display their numeric answers simultaneously. The player or team that comes closest to the answer given on the card gets more points than the other players or teams. In another embodiment, players or teams that come second closest, third closest etc.

Abstract: A trivia game includes more than one answer choice to each question. The players generate each answer choice.

Abstract: The present invention provides a progressive fact or trivia game. In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a series of cards, each having a unique multiple choice question as well as a unique number or other identifying indicia placed conspicuously thereon. After each possible answer to the question, another number or identifying indicia appears referencing a separate card in the series. When a player answers a question from a given card, the number or other indicia placed beside the player's answer indicates the next card to which the player should proceed. The next card holds the next question for the player to answer. The present invention can be implemented through physical cards or electronically over a network, for example.