Abstract: A method of enhancing work related leadership, communication and creative skills is disclosed. The method of the present invention comprises formulation of an art related project having a presentation component including dissemination of goals and objectives, an exercise component including written, directed questions to participants and the creation of fine art pieces by participants, and a conclusion component wherein participants critique the fine art pieces and discuss the manner in which the goals and objectives were accomplished.

Abstract: To provide a preventive health care plan for a group of people, where the health care plan evaluates the generally un-sick health status of the members of the group and develops a personalized preventive health care plan that when followed substantially reduces or postpones major illness of those engaging in the personalized health care plan thereby reducing health care costs and employee absenteeism due to major illnesses.

Abstract: A method for encouraging purchasers of animals to register the animals with a genealogical registry involves providing a purchaser of an animal an application form for registration of the animal with the registry wherein the application form has printed thereon sire and dam information for at least two immediately previous generations of the animal to permit the purchaser to make informed purchasing decisions concerning the genetic history of the animal. Application forms for registering an individual animal with the registry may be provided by the registry to intermediate distributors of the animals to permit the distributors to print the identifying information and sire and dame information for an individual animal on the registration application and then transfer the registration application to the purchaser at the time of purchase.

Abstract: A system in which questionnaire research through the Internet communication using a mobile telephone is made and the consideration for returning the questionnaire is given to the replier, characterized in that the consideration returning method may be the one in which charge of calls by the replier equivalent to the consideration can be paid by a third person or the one in which the portion of the charge of the calls by the replier, the user of the mobile telephone, for one month equivalent to the consideration is paid by a third person and the remainder is paid by the replier. A questionnaire system is characterized by comprising auction mens by means of which a questionnaire about things that a questionnaire making person feels daily is made, the answers are auctioned, and the reward obtained by the auction is returned to the questionnaire making person and replier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for performance support configured to operate on at least one processor by a user. The system comprises content configured as granules of information in multi-media formats. The system further comprises a computer based learning module configured with performance-centered situated based instruction to generate a subset of the content having selected granules of information and at least one of the multi-media formats based upon a user selection. The system further comprises a user interface configured to generate the subset of content having the selected granules of information in the multi-media format for viewing by the user. Applications automate complex tasks by embedding business rules and procedures into the applications. Reference interventions are included that generate content, such as policies and procedures, in the form of references and cue cards.

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. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A software-based tool provides an evaluation of a company's level of reporting about itself. The tool can, in some cases, provide an assessment of a company's communications against a framework that assumes transparent reporting is desirable. A comparison with pre-selected criteria such as a pre-selected peer group of companies or against a set of recommended practices may be provided in some implementations. Based on the results of the analysis, a score can be generated for different areas of the framework. The scores can be summarized in an executive level presentation that may include, in some implementations, benchmark results against the framework and the pre-selected criteria, identification of best practice examples, and recommendations for improvement.

Abstract: A method for performing business training communications includes determining a targeted business and performing a needs analysis to determine a plurality of recipient events in accordance with the targeted business. A plurality of business training messages is determined in accordance with the plurality of determined recipient events. The method also includes providing an animation for each of the business training messages in accordance with the plurality of determined business training messages to provide a plurality of animation systems and providing the plurality of animation systems to a message user. A recipient event and a targeted message recipient are determined by the message user and an animation system of the plurality of animation systems is selected in accordance with the recipient event and the business training message of the selected animation system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a computer-based quality enhancement training program. In one embodiment, the training program is a Six Sigma quality enhancement training program comprised of a series of multimedia display descriptions presented to a user on a computer display screen. In this embodiment, the training program includes an introduction comprising a case study and an overview of fundamental Six Sigma concepts. After the introduction, the program presents a main menu display description including an icon corresponding to each of the five core phases of the Six Sigma process. Selecting one of these five icons displays links to instructional subject matter related to that phase of the Six Sigma process. A phase quiz is presented upon completion of each phase and a knowledge check that serves as a final exam is provided at the end of the training program.

Abstract: A method of teaching financial management of an enterprise, comprising: providing objects representing a balance sheet and income statement, also providing a source of monetary markers, the source representing the general economy, selecting an instruction to illustrate a financial transaction, directing the movement of the monetary markers among the objects to represent the selected instruction, and representing, by the distribution of the monetary markers among the objects, a financial condition of the enterprise.

Abstract: An educational banking apparatus is provided comprising a compartment for storing money, an aperture to allow money to be deposited into apparatus and an outlet to allow money to be withdrawn from the apparatus, balance determination means for determining the amount of money stored in the apparatus and communication means to allow transmission of balance information over a network to a remote location. The apparatus may be in a form that appeals to children such as a piggy bank and allows a child to save and become familiar with the concept of a bank account without out having to physically part with his or her money.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitating authoring and problem solving by joint contributors working separately but against a common goal. On-line asynchronous distributed authoring and problem solving system, method, and computer program for focusing attention toward particular authoring and problem solving topics using a threaded discussion group and reward matrix. System, method, computer program and computer program product for coordinating the activities of a plurality of people, where the plurality may be any number from two to thousands or more people. Mechanism for directing the attention and focus of large numbers of people who are solving problems using a tree-based problem space, where the tree based problem space may be a virtual problem space. Algorithms and procedures for evaluating nodes in the virtual problem space and assigning values via a pay-off matrix that serves to focus the attention of large numbers of problem solvers.

Abstract: A management training simulation system and method are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention is implemented on a computer and represents changes in design opportunities for objects in a simulated environment. The design opportunities can represent, for example, new or changed features in a product made by a particular firm. The objects are defined through an attribute-characteristic representation. A multipeaked value function is used to process designs throughout the simulation instead of a distance-value function as in conventional simulations. At some time during the simulation, the domain of one or more attributes, the number of attributes, or both are changed to thereby alter the set of valid designs for the objects in the simulation. Such changes can simulate technological advances including incremental and radical innovations, government regulation, shortages in raw materials, union strikes, and the like.

Abstract: A method of increasing the productivity of an organization. Concurrence of a senior leader is obtained. Characteristics representing requirements of the members of the organization for improved productivity are defined in recognizable behavioral terms. Executive norms are created for the leaders and senior leader. Action plans are generated for changing the organization to implement the characteristics not already present and diminish those characteristics that are inconsistent with the required characteristics. Focus groups validate the required characteristics and action plans. Owners for implementing the action plans are assigned and progress in implementing is measured. Progress is optionally celebrated.

Abstract: A method for teaching economics and related practices provides a “virtual enterprise” in which various economic transactions are made. Participants or “stakeholders” in the teaching session take roles of various corporate, government, and other officials, managers, and employees. Various transactions are defined, along with corresponding transaction cards according to the transaction table of a transaction sheet. The positions of the participants may also be shown on a portion of the transaction sheet, with a cash flow statement and balance sheet shown in another area of the transaction sheet. Transaction cards are drawn singly and corresponding transactions are entered in appropriate lines of the transaction table, monitoring system, balance sheet and corresponding profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement of the transaction sheet.

Abstract: Elementary school students are introduced to secondary school in an early involvement program by enrolling in a secondary school class which meets before or after elementary school classes and which are taught by a secondary school instructor. The early involvement program is announced to prospective enrollees and their parents. Sign-up information is provided by the contributing elementary school. Early involvement students are identified and enrolled by the guidance and home room teachers. A written agreement to participate is signed by each student and his parents as well as by the home room teacher and contributing elementary and cooperating secondary school principals. Participating student effort and progress is monitored by the cooperating secondary school. A progress report is issued at high school term intervals for each student. No record of a student drop-out or failure is maintained and no penalty for non-attendance or non-achievement is imposed.

Abstract: A game for designating chores is provided comprising a board structure having a front face from which markings can be erased. Defined areas of the face are divided into at least a chore region and a name region. Numbered chores are listed in the chore region. Game participant's names are associated with a particular chore by the random selection of game pieces. Each of the game pieces have a different chore number. Playing the game involves spinning a pointer on a spinning number card imprinted with chore numbers or rolling dice having cube surfaces that display chore numbers or randomly selecting one piece from a set of balls, chips, coins or pieces of paper which have been imprinted with chore numbers. The chore number on the selected piece is then assigned to the participant who selected it and that person must complete the chore within the prescribed time period. The board base may include a choice region within which are listed rewards.

Abstract: For planning a production plan which satisfies a plural number of target values of management indices, upon calculating out production amount, supply amount and/or transportation means of plural products, various kinds of target values of management indices and estrangement values thereof are set into restriction conditions when those restriction conditions are formulated into a linear programming problem, and then feasible production plan is calculated out, so that the estrangement between the management indices being calculated from executable solutions of the above-mentioned linear programming problems and the target values thereof comes to be minimal.

Abstract: A management training simulation system and method are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention is implemented on a computer and develops the decision-making skills of a user in a defined, simulated situation which includes one or more firms controlled by participants in the simulation which cause particular object designs to be injected into the simulation. Each object design is defined through an attribute-characteristic representation. A multipeaked value function is used to process the designs throughout the simulation instead of a distance-value function as in conventional simulations. The participant is selectively provided with information about at least some of the objects in the simulation, preferably at a cost, as well as a valuation of those objects and is also apprized of the current state of his or her firm. The participant digests this information and creates revised object designs which are sent to the simulation and processed using the multipeaked value function.

Abstract: An apparatus for educating special needs children about money includes a easel having a display page having ferromagnetic properties arranged to display the display page to a child and specimen money and a plurality of graphics cards having magnetic properties adapted for mounting on the display page. The graphics cards include a first money card having numeric depictions stating values of money so the child can place corresponding money on the display page in association with the numeric depictions, a second money card having depictions of various ones of the money so that the child can place several items of money on the graphics card of lesser value than the depicted money to arrive at the value of the depicted money, and a third money card having numeric depictions stating various values, so that the child can place several items of money of lesser value than the numeric depiction to arrive at the value of the numeric depiction.

Abstract: A method of establishing the insurance rate at a desired location comprising the steps of selecting a plurality of predetermined points, calculating the insurance rate at each predetermined point, and interpolating among the values of insurance rates at predetermined points adjacent to the desired location to calculate the insurance rate at the desired location.

Abstract: A method for encouraging purchasers of pets or other types of animals to register the animals with a genealogical or breed registry involves providing a purchaser of an animal, at the time of purchase, an application form for registration of the animal with the registry wherein the application form has printed thereon sire and dam information for at least two and preferably three or four immediately previous generations of the animal to permit the purchaser to make informed purchasing decisions concerning the genetic history of the animal at the time of purchase. The purchaser of an individual animal is instructed by instructions on the registration application to complete the application by providing a name for the animal and to return the application to the registry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particularly effective mechanism for teaching financial skills to players, and, in particular children, in the context of a game. Each player is initially ascribed a predetermined periodic earned income, (at least initially representing income from work activities of the player), periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. The object of such game is for a player to generate passive income greater than a predetermined percentage (e.g., 100%) of the player's expenses. The game comprises: indicia of a financial statement associated with each player; and indicia of a set of events and indicia of a set of game events for pseudo-random assignment to the players in turn. A mechanism for pseudo-randomly assigning the particular game event to the respective players is the also included. The game events potentially affect at least one of the passive income, expenses, assets and liabilities of the players, and include opportunities to generate passive income.

Abstract: The invention includes a user method and system for accessing mentor experience information in a knowledge based user educational guidance system accessing, storing, compiling and transferring mentor experience information directed to financial services.

Abstract: A portable electronic device assists persons with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders in performing daily living tasks. These tasks can include, e.g., making a bed, applying makeup, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating a meal, or hundreds of other tasks. The device is designed to allow users to develop a personal schedule of these tasks and special events. It alerts users at predetermined times to perform scheduled tasks and coaches and motivates the user in completing the tasks through text, audio and animation. The user is given a predetermined period of time to complete the task and rewarded with points if the task is completed on time. The device also records the user's performance of tasks and creates a task log of the user's performance over a given period of time.

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. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method of doing business, wherein a first entity, referred to as the Secondary Guarantor, engages in the business of providing and evaluating financial guarantees by way of a joint venture or other arrangement with a second entity, hereafter referred to as the Primary Guarantor, authorized by the appropriate authorities to engage in the writing of financial guarantees. These entities combine to form the "guarantor" or the "company". The guarantee is preferably sold by the secondary guarantor entity to an owner of a product or commodity, and guarantees that the owner will obtain a remuneration subsidy or "settlement" for the product or commodity at the time of sale, should the sale price be below the cost to produce the product or commodity.

Abstract: Assessment tool (12) for gathering meaningful information concerning an object. The assessment tool (12) includes a plurality of statements (40) directed toward observable characteristics of the object. A frequency estimation scale (42) corresponds to each statement (40). At least one statement (40) is reverse keyed from the remaining statements (40).

Abstract: Described herein is a collaborative drawing device having a support surface configured to support a drawing medium for drawing thereupon by a human user. The drawing device includes a printer that prints prepared graphics on the drawing medium and a scanner that scans documents that have been printed, drawn by hand, and annotated by hand.

Abstract: In a hexagonal element extraction method, a hexagonal theme region (0) for writing or inputting a subject or the theme to be given a thought is set, and hexagonal first-layer element regions (1-6) for writing or inputting elements such as subjects, action means, and the like that come into one's mind in association with the theme written in the theme region (0) are set around the theme region (0) to form a first layer. Furthermore, elements that come into one's mind in associated with those written in the first-layer element regions (1-6) are defined as new subtheme, and hexagonal subtheme regions (3-0, 5-0) for writing or inputting these subthemes are set. Hexagonal second-layer element regions (3-1, 3-2, . . . , 3-6, 5-1, 5-2, . . . , 5-6) for writing or inputting elements such as subjects, action means, and the like that come into one's mind in association with the subthemes written in the subtheme regions (3-0, 5-0) are set around the subtheme regions to form a second layer.

Abstract: An interactive system and method for assisting people in achieving and learning to achieve self-determined, measurable goals over time collects data from a user on the user's progress toward achieving the goals. Metrics are computed from the data which gauge the user's progress towards achieving the goals, and performance feedback is provided to the user. Additional information may be collected from the user regarding their estimate of the likelihood of achieving the goals, and a separate computation may be made of an objective estimate of the user's likelihood of achieving the goals. Random or scheduled, positive or negative psychological reinforcement may also be provided to the user. Preferably, a computer-based system is employed for implementing the method in which a computer system receives and stores all of the collected information, computes the metrics and generates the performance feedback in the form of a progress report.

Abstract: An interactive modular educational system. This invention provides for an interactive modular educational system comprised of a deck of visually-enhanced cards designed to allow users to learn important business-related techniques, tactics, and strategies. The cards, divided into sections based upon different business principles, utilize color schemes, similarly sounding word endings, acronyms, and clever sketches to allow the user to learn or improve upon a variety of business disciplines. The system, which can be used randomly, modularly, or sequentially, provides an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand method of learning and remembering valuable business techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantifying a hierarchy of consumer desirability for an object advertised or displayed in a periodical, catalog or other publication. The present invention also provides a method for altering the profile of a page to enhance consumer desirability for an object positioned on the page. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method of formulating a page profile to maximize consumer desirability for an object positioned on a page.

Abstract: Assessment tool (12) for measuring effectiveness of a target. The assessment tool (12) includes a first part (14) and second part (16). The first part (14) includes a plurality of independent objects (35) each displaying a statement (36) directed toward a characteristic of the target. The second part (16) includes at least one inquiry (52) directed toward the verifiable performance of the target.

Abstract: A board game for teaching a family interested in purchasing a home about the construction steps involved in building a dwelling. Each player is provided with a game piece representing a family interested in building a home. A game board is provided which has a sequence of spaces around the perimeter indicating a particular step of construction and an amount representing the cost of construction. A separate playing path provided through the middle of the game board has angularly steps indicated thereon. A money station is provided on the board representing sources of funds for home down payments. One or more bank draw spaces are provided in the corners of the rectangular playing board to provide extra money to the players as the game progresses.

Abstract: Assessment tool (12) for gathering meaningful information concerning an object. The assessment tool (12) includes a plurality of statements (40) directed toward observable characteristics of the object. A frequency estimation scale (42) corresponds to each statement (40). At least one statement (40) is reverse keyed from the remaining statements (40).

Abstract: An educational savings bank and toy is provided that includes a plurality of separate monetary input and storage locations that correspond to different budgetary categories, that automatically calculates an appropriate distribution of funds for each budgetary category based on a preselected percentage of money available to invest, and that automatically calculates the future value of funds in each budgetary category based on a user's age and a preselected time-frame and interest rate appropriate for that budgetary category. Written investment instructions are provided to advise the user on appropriate actual investments for the money totals saved in each category based on the budgetary goal of that category. One embodiment includes a base member with a plurality of representative figures selected to represent each discrete budgetary category and includes a microprocessor that calculates and displays the amounts of an investment total to be allocated to each budgetary account, and their future values.

Abstract: An instructional method and apparatus for teaching data collection and analysis is described. The instructional apparatus includes at least one set of planar tile members wherein each planar tile member contains varying forms of collectable data. The instructional method involves collecting and recording the collectable data, translating the collectable data to show patterns in the data, and interpreting the data patterns.

Abstract: A motivational savings bank set, the motivational savings bank set including a savings bank, the savings bank including a plurality of separate and discrete chambers, the chambers being of sequential, ordered, and ascending vertical heights, each of the chambers having indicia provided thereon, the indicia on the chambers indicating a plurality of sequential, ordered, and ascending levels of achievement corresponding to the sequential, ordered, and ascending vertical heights of the chambers, all but one of the chambers having an associated insertion slot and the shortest of the chambers lacking an insertion slot, and a plurality of tokens, each of the tokens bearing indicia thereon indicating a denomination, and the indicia on the tokens being of ascending denominations.

Abstract: Play money to be earned and spent by children comprising a plurality of sheets of bills of money of various numerical denominations, the money having printed thereon the denominations, a happy child face and "money" printed thereon, such money adapted to be earned by children as a reward for activities and for spending or playing video games; and a pouch having a front face and a rear face, each face fabricated in a rectangular configuration and coupled together along side edges and bottom edges leaving an open top edge for the passage of money, the pouch having a flap to close the top edge with a releasable fastener associated with respect thereto, the pouch having printed thereon "money" and a space for receipt of a child's name.

Abstract: A system and method which links a premium paying corporate life insurance plan with a voluntary employee group life plan. The system and process manage a split of premiums of a single life insurance policy between an employer and an employee in such a way as to provide an employee with a designated death benefit but also to allow the employer to invest funds in the cash value of the single life insurance contract to fund the group life benefit.

Abstract: A demonstration device in the form of a single-story house comprises a body (26), a roof (28) and a base slab (30). The body (26) is composed of a number of prism-shaped building blocks (20-24) whose height is equivalent to the height of a story. Each body building block has an oblong, narrow lower side or base (42); when placed side by side, the blocks form the essentially cuboid house body (26) with the area of the base of the house. The roof (28) is a building block with sloping roof surfaces and a base surface (29) whose area is at least as large as that of the base of the house.

Abstract: An educational game for teaching arithmetic includes a game board having a travel route divided into segments, at least one arithmetic problem printed within each of at least some of the segments, several individual game tokens, each token for marking a player's location along the travel route, a chance control device for determining the extent of a single movement of each token, and an answer card providing the solution to the at least one arithmetic problem, and is offered at several levels of difficulty.

Abstract: A graph comprising a distribution curve for displaying a distribution of test results for given population and a density gradient superimposed over the distribution curve for displaying and probability of an event or condition occurring for each such test result in the distribution. Typically the distribution curve is plotted against a cartesian coordinate system. The density gradient is superimposed below the distribution curve and shows the increasing risk of a condition as a function of a test result by an increase in density of the gradient with increasing risk. A marker imposed on the distribution curve shows the test result for a specific individual.

Abstract: A business education model in which players may simulate the running of a company with the amounts and types of assets, liabilities and future commitments, contingent liabilities, of a company or other business enterprise being shown through the number, color and positions of symbols and markers on a board. The board is marked out with areas representing business premises or factory plant, areas for stocking bought raw material, tokens to represent values of raw material and goods for sale, cash and debts, these different tokens being preferably of a similar size but of different colors so that it can readily be appreciated what they represent, with their value being apparent by their total. The board also includes areas for illustrating the expense of the equipment and manning of plant, for processing cash and loans, for showing the costs of building up a marketing force and for containing tokens showing overhead expenditures incurred in the running of the model business.

Abstract: A graph comprising a distribution curve for displaying a distribution of test results for given population and a density gradient superimposed over the distribution curve for displaying the probability of an event or condition occurring for each such test result in the distribution. Typically the distribution curve is plotted against a cartesian coordinate system. The density gradient is superimposed below the distribution curve and shows the increasing risk of a condition as a function of a test result by an increase in density of the gradient with increasing risk. A marker imposed on the distribution curve shows the test result for a specific individual.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing comparative data in a visually assimilable form. The method comprises providing a substrate which is divided into visually distinct zones each representative of a different area of comparison, providing first means over said substrate aligned with at least one said zone and visually indicative of first data relative to said at least one zone, and providing second means over said first means aligned with at least one said zone and visually indicative of second data relevant to said at least one zone, said second means being visually different to said first means. Said first and second means where they coincide in a said zone combine to provide third means visually different to said first and second means, whereby to provide an immediate visual comparison between the data represented by said first and second means for each of said zones.

Abstract: A personalized feedback system is disclosed that employs survey questionaires for enabling procurement of personalized data indicative of the needs of a user. Compilation components are included for providing computer-readable personal data signals indicative of a compilation of data procured with the survey questionnaires for an individual user. Feedback presentation memory components store a group of pre-recorded feedback display signals that are indicative of a group of vignettes illustrative of various results of the personal data, and recording components store data signals indicative of the compilation of data and the feedback display signals to provide a feedback presentation illustrating results for the user. Switching components responsive to the data signals are included for causing the recoding components to store personal data signals for a certain user along with selected ones of the feedback display signals corresponding to the stored performance data signals in a certain sequence.

Abstract: Stock price tracking apparatus includes a base having at least one side; a chart removably mounted on each side and each chart including a first scale and a second scale; a lever associated with each side for monitoring a stock price to determine when to sell or retain a stock, each lever removably and pivotally mounted on the respective side along the first scale at a selected position corresponding to a stop loss setting, each lever including a pointer for pointing to a second stock price along the second scale as the lever is pivoted on the base about the selected position, and a channel extending along each lever; a retaining spring for releasably retaining each lever in a selected pivoted position; and a ball movable in each channel between a first position when the second stock price is above the stop loss setting and a second position when the second stock price is not greater than the stop loss setting for indicating when to sell or retain the stock.

Abstract: A construction industry teaching game for developing skills in building, finance, accounting, OSHA regulations, specialty construction and the like. A game board having a track divided into areas which direct specified actions to be taken is used with dice and game pieces and a plurality of decks of cards relating to the particular job, labor factors, research and penalties. Forms are provided for bid submittals, annual accounting and determination of fixed costs.