Electric Component Included In Teaching Means Patents (Class 434/201)
  • Patent number: 11276318
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a processor and a storage storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the processor to perform acquiring a command list, determining a position and/or a locus in a coordinate system set based on all of one or more commands of the acquired command list, determining first determination information indicating whether the determined position in the coordinate system matches with a specific position in the coordinate system and/or second determination information indicating whether the determined locus in the coordinate system intersects with a specific region in the coordinate system, determining whether the command list is correct, and outputting at least any of the determined first determination information, the determined second determination information, and correct/incorrect determination information indicating the determination result of whether the command list is correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10490095
    Abstract: A robot control device and the like capable of improving the motivation of a learner for learning is provided. A controller of a communication terminal controls behavior of a student role-playing robot so that the student role-playing robot responds to a user in a position of a student learning together with the user. The controller of the communication terminal comprises an behavior mode selector, a student role-playing robot behavior controller, and a teacher role-playing robot behavior controller. The student role-playing robot behavior controller controls behavior of the student role-playing robot based on one or more behavior modes selected by the behavior mode selector. The teacher role-playing robot behavior controller makes the teacher role-playing robot perform behavior collaborative with behavior of the student role-playing robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kaori Kadosawa
  • Patent number: 10191545
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving brain activity data of a user from a brain wave sensor. Identifying Alpha wave activity from the brain activity data. Determining a synchronization timing for presenting content to the user such that the content appears on a display device during a predetermined phase of the Alpha wave activity based on the Alpha wave activity. Causing the content to be displayed on the display device according to the synchronization timing, where the content includes a first content item and a second content item that is associated with the first content item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Ann Laszlo, Gabriella Levine, Philip Edwin Watson, Matthew Dixon Eisaman, Brian John Adolf
  • Patent number: 9961110
    Abstract: Implementations relate to systems and methods for pre-signing of DNSSEC enabled zones into record sets. A domain name system (DNS) can receive and/or impose a set of DNS policies desired by an administrator, or the DNS operator itself to govern domain name resolution with security extensions (DNSSEC) for a Web domain. The DNS can generate a set of answers to user questions directed to the domain based on the set of policies. Those answers which differ or vary based on policy rules can be stored as variant answers, and can be labeled with a variant ID. The variant answers can be pre-signed and stored in the DNS. Because key data and other information is generated and stored before a DNS request is received, the requested variant answer can be returned with greater responsiveness and security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: VERISIGN, INC.
    Inventors: David Blacka, Ramakant Pandrangi
  • Patent number: 9898531
    Abstract: An extensive computer based online math research system (the “Research System”) having as its foundation an Ontology of mathematics, and utilizing unique and intensive computer support, coordination, data structuring, data storage, computer processing, retrieval capabilities, and data-mining capabilities, and an Ontology editing system that runs on computer software with computer processors and data storage capabilities (the “Ontology Editor System”). The Research System also includes a methodology to enable online reference and data manipulation of the Ontology, and an Internet based search of the concepts of mathematics and applications of mathematics to the sciences on the basis of the Ontology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: VALUECORP PACIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Crouse, Caroline McHolme Beam
  • Publication number: 20150099249
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods for providing an educational gaming platform. The educational gaming platform can include games and puzzles that users can solve. The educational gaming platform can also include an editor that permits users to modify the games and puzzles as well as create new games and puzzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Charles Van Norman, Vivian Yu Hui Tan, Morgan Quirk
  • Publication number: 20150079556
    Abstract: Mathematical teaching aids (100) and a method of enhancing the mathematical perception skills of a target person, preferably of practicing abductive reasoning, which teaching aids (100) include a number of teaching tiles (102), each of the teaching tiles (102) having at least one mark (104), wherein at least two teaching tiles (102), when combined, together form an identifiable pattern via the marks (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Maarit LAITINEN
  • Publication number: 20150064667
    Abstract: A method for determining the result of digit multiplication based-on diagram rotation and transition path is proposed. Firstly, one of three types of visual teaching tools including first type of visual teaching tool, second type of visual teaching tool and third type of visual teaching tool is selected by a computing device. Then, the first type of visual teaching tool or the second type of visual teaching tool is rotated to determine an initial node by the computing device, and thereby transferring multiplicand from digit 1 to digits 3, 7, or 9, or transferring multiplicand from digit 2 to digits 4, 6, or 8. Finally, proceeding number (PN) of the first transition paths, the second transition paths or the third transition paths reaching to an object node is determined to obtain a multiplier and product value of the multiplicand and the multiplier by the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Claire L. TAN, Yu-Cheng TAN
  • Publication number: 20140322681
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented educational environment, four particular features are provided, which may be used separately or in combination, to drive the instruction of a particular curriculum, e.g. the instruction of fractions. In another implementation, educators and authors may use permutations and combinations of such features to construct in a graphical user interface a progression of interactive elements which help guide a student from visual concepts to procedures, such as equations and formulas. In a particular implementation, by using these features carefully, a curriculum author may design instructional sequences that provide careful, step-by-step sequences that help students progress from understanding the visual concepts, e.g. of fractions, to mastering procedures, e.g. fractions equations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Arjan KHALSA, Edward Murphy
  • Publication number: 20140227669
    Abstract: A graphical object is displayed on a display screen of a student device. The student device may then display one or more data elements pertaining to the graphical object on a display screen of the student device. An expression entered by the student may then be displayed on the display screen of the student device. Variables in the expression may be determined by parsing the expression. A sequence of prompts is presented by the student device to associate each of the variables of the expression with one of the data elements. In response to each prompt, a data element is selected and associated with a variable in response to user input to the student device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Sajjad Mahmood Khan, Joe Dean Hill, Michel Georges Stella, Mathieu Ippersiel, Christopher Robin Roberts
  • Patent number: 8708703
    Abstract: An improved method of teaching mathematics which enables students to take an active and enjoyable role in their own learning via an interactive puzzle is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, each of the ten digits, zero through nine, is “hidden” within one of ten value positions (52). Students must deduce the value of each position by forming sums, differences, products, and/or quotients of the positions. Freedom of selection of positions and operations provides for individualized approaches to puzzle solutions, and the interplay of values and operations promotes number sense. Mathematical reasoning is intrinsic to the puzzle. Programmable settings (72) allow the teacher to modify the puzzle, including substituting more challenging values in place of the digits (98), supplying more complex functions (106) in place of the four elementary arithmetic operations, and adjusting the format of the answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Earl Fluster
  • Publication number: 20140045153
    Abstract: The present invention includes mathematical symbols for teaching math skills to individuals with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other neurological impairments when unique geometric shapes are arranged to form numbers of a base 10 counting system that are capable for using in additional, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The present invention of mathematical symbols includes whole numbers, real numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals. The present invention also includes a computer implemented digital interactive learning system comprised of having a user manipulating the unique geometrical shapes on a device using an interface. Preferably the interface is comprised of a shape bar area where the various geometrical shapes are displayed and a workspace area where the various geometrical shapes are manipulated by the user. The present invention can be used to teach students how to perform basic math operations and how to use currency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Cornell
  • Publication number: 20130295537
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mathematics education service system includes a problem storing unit to store at least one mathematical problem; a transform method executing unit to execute a plurality of problem transform methods; a problem separating unit to collect equations used in the mathematical problem, separate one or more terms from the collected equations by parsing the collected equations, and separate a constant and a variable from each of the separated one or more terms; and a problem generating unit to generate another applied problem of the mathematical problem by applying at least one of the problem transform methods (i) to the collected equations, and (ii) to the constant and the variable of each of the separated one or more terms, wherein the system is configured to provide the mathematical problem and the generated another problem are provided to a learner terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Keun Tae PARK, Nam Sook Wee, Doo Seok Lee, Jung Kyo Sohn, Haeng Moon Kim, Yong Gil Park, Dong Hahk Lee
  • Publication number: 20130164719
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for teaching students how to solve mathematical problems are provided. An example method may comprise providing a question description to one or more student terminals, with the question description representing a mathematical problem. The method may further comprise aggregating subsequent statements from the one or more student terminals, wherein the subsequent statements represent steps in the solution of the mathematical problem, and matching the statements against a database of mathematical rules associated with the mathematical problem. The method may further comprise storing information on the step and the particular student who provided the incorrect statement in a control database if a statement provided by a particular student does not match a corresponding mathematical rule associated with the mathematical problem. The method may further comprise providing aggregated information of the control database for displaying on a teacher terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Judge Villamar
  • Patent number: 8371858
    Abstract: A method of teaching basic arithmetical calculations is embodied in a novelty electronic graphic calculating device having a user interface for displaying method steps. The method involves displaying two or more collections of individual icons associated with two or more operands; selecting an arithmetical operation to be performed on the two or more operands; regrouping the individual icons into a collection of individual icons associated with an answer to the operation on the operands; and, displaying the collection of individual icons associated with the answer in sets having a maximum of ten icons each. The method permits visual regrouping and carry-over for teaching and learning mental computation of the four basic arithmetic skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Apolonia Vanova
  • Publication number: 20120189991
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus and computer program products that accept student input and use a computer to process its mathematical meaning. The input can then be algorithmically tested for certain mathematical criteria. Those test results then allow the system to output immediate assessment, grades, and feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Hildon Smith, Terrance T. Ford
  • Patent number: 8152529
    Abstract: A computer-based educational system provides the user or instructor with a suite of graphic editing tools, allowing the design of graphical objects, such as symbols and text that can be displayed to a viewer, such as a student, using a projector or computer terminal. In order to facilitate the educational process, the invention provides the user with robust ability to control parameters of the graphical objects, allowing the user to create simulations or models of subject matter, such as mathematical principles, in order to facilitate the educational process. In the preferred embodiment, the parameters of these graphical objects can actually be defined in terms of variables and specifically functions or expressions including those variables and then the values of the variables controlled in real-time by the user. This ability allows the user to control the execution of the simulations or models, enabling the user or instructor to dovetail the execution of those simulations with the instructional process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Enablearning, Inc
    Inventors: Arthur H. Bardige, Lukas Biewald
  • Patent number: 7985074
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving math skills is provided. The method and apparatus present groups of problems to a student in a sequential manner, and award points to the student when the student enters a correct response. Statistics regard the student's performance are recorded and may be viewed in a variety of selectable formats so that parents, teachers, and other interested parties can track the students progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Chicago Science Group, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Max Bell, Hoanganh T. (HT) Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100209896
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a virtual manipulative to facilitate math learning. The virtual manipulative comprises a user interface to progressively form one on more columns to hold partial sums or number decompositions to assist a learner in computing a sum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Mickelle Weary, Rebecca M. Lewis, Laura Koch, Jennifer A. Seery, Catherine Twomey Fosnot, Aja M. Hammerly, Neil Smith, Nigel J. Green, Roy Leban, Slavi Marinov Marinov, Valentin Mihov, Christopher M. Franklin, Cristopher Cook, Nathan Brutzman, Lou Gray, Benjamin W. Slivka, Lorenzo Pasqualis, Daniel R. Kerns, Tami Caryl Borowick, Ken Curspe, Ronald Anthony Kornfeld, Sarah Daniels
  • Publication number: 20100003651
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a display, a communication interface, a processor, and a detection component configured to detect proximity of the apparatus with respect to one or more of the other apparatuses. The apparatus and other apparatuses may be formed into an arranged group of apparatuses, and in such instances, the processor is configured to receive corresponding indications from the detection component, and data from the other apparatuses in the group via the communication interface. The processor is configured to determine the number of apparatuses in the group, and the arrangement of one or more apparatuses in the group, including the arrangement of one or more other apparatuses not immediately adjacent the respective apparatus. The processor is also configured to calculate an output as a function of the number of apparatuses and arrangement, and configured to communicate the calculated output via the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: David Zilber
  • Publication number: 20090155752
    Abstract: Display system and method for visually displaying arithmetic equations in a non-right justified manner. A first set of one or more arrays displays a first operand, a second set displays a second operand, and a third set displays a numeral. The numeral typically represents an answer to the equation. The display of at least one of the first operand, the second operand, or the numeral can be non-right justified. When non-right justification occurs, the array set corresponding to the non-right justified operand or numeral includes at least one more array than is required to display the operand or numeral, and at least one array to the right of that operand or numeral is left inactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Pillsbury Resor
  • Publication number: 20090087823
    Abstract: An apparatus for a monetary skills game is presented. The apparatus includes a display for presenting animation and video of different coins and bills and their respective values to a child. The display further presents questions, having a monetary theme, to the child for teaching monetary information and skills to the child. A keypad is provided by which the child responds to the questions where, when the child properly responds to the questions, the child earns money in a pretend bank, accumulating interest at a set interest rate. The child may choose to spend the money by purchasing simulated items presented on the display. The child thereby learns the respective value of coins and bills, as well as saving and spending concepts, enabling parents of the child to encourage their child to learn financial responsibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Ernestine Tucker
  • Patent number: 7499848
    Abstract: An emulation system that allows a user to create a script is provided. The emulation system emulates a handheld computing device, such as a calculator, on an electronic device such as a personal computer. The script, which includes an input sequence, may be recorded and played back at a later time. In a preferred embodiment, annotations may be added to the script to help explain the concepts being illustrated by the script. The annotation may include text, graphics, audio, and/or video. Upon playback, the input sequence recorded in the script is used as input to the emulator. The playback may be automated or performed one step at a time, thereby allowing the student to step through the script and study intermediate results. The input sequence may represent, for example, digits, commands (e.g., store, recall, graph, list, print, etc.), or functions (e.g., x2, x3, compute, tan, sin, cos, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Darren Scott Irons
  • Publication number: 20090023118
    Abstract: An apparatus for teaching mathematical concepts is set forth. The apparatus includes a display. A code for at least one ones number is selected from the group consisting of Arabic numerals 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. At least one non-numeric shape for at least one tens number is selected from sets of numbers, the sets of numbers consisting of 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, and 90-99. The code and the at least one non-numeric shape are presented in association with one another on the display to form a numerical identity. The numerical identity has a value determined by the code and the at least one non-numeric shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Margaret Janes
  • Publication number: 20080311548
    Abstract: A math educational apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a first and second storage unit coupled to at least one number generator, a third storage unit coupled to an arithmetic operation selection device, an arithmetic unit for performing a correct arithmetic operation on contents of the first and second storage unit, the arithmetic operation being determined by a content of the third storage unit, a fourth storage unit coupled to a number input device, a comparator for comparing an output of the arithmetic unit and a content of the fourth storage unit, and a display device coupled to outputs of the first, second, third and fourth storage unit for displaying contents thereof, wherein displayed contents of the first, second and third storage unit represents a math question and a displayed content of the fourth storage unit represents an answer to the math question.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Peigen Jiang
  • Publication number: 20080193903
    Abstract: Provided is a handheld addition and subtraction trainer which is designed for kids to improve ability in addition and subtraction and in which a process of presenting an addition and subtraction question with random numbers on a display panel, a process of checking whether a user's answer is correct or not, and a process of presenting a next addition and subtraction question are repeatedly performed. Further, the handheld addition and subtraction trainer has a clock for measuring a user's ability in addition and subtraction by counting the number of correct answers and by measuring a time taken for finding an answer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Young Suk Suh
  • Publication number: 20080145823
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of interacting with a user is described. The method includes identifying a structure coupled to a base unit, wherein the structure includes a visual identifier. A sound is generated using a speaker of the base unit, wherein the sound is associated with the visual identifier of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Thomas Shuler, Jorge Soto, Petra Ute Trimmel
  • Publication number: 20080118898
    Abstract: A Chinese abacus adder is disclosed. The Chinese abacus adder includes a B/A (binary to abacus) circuit, a P/A (parallel addition) circuit and a T/B (thermometric to binary) circuit. The Chinese abacus adder has a multiple radix calculating structure, which could reduce power consumption of the system and lower the calculation delay time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHANGHUA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
    Inventors: SHU-CHUNG YI, ZIH-YI JHAO, YU-JHIH YE, YEN-JU CHEN, YI-JIE LIN, CHIEN-HUNG LIN
  • Patent number: 7338287
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a solution to a given problem comprising the steps of receiving a request for a solution to a known problem, accessing a first set of data comprising a plurality of template solutions to problems, accessing a second set of data comprising a plurality of problem variable value sets, interfacing the first set of data and the second set of data for generating a solution to the problem, and transmitting the solution over a computer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Netucation LLC
    Inventors: Jon Steven Dickmeyer, Kirk Brauer
  • Patent number: 7234941
    Abstract: An interactive educational apparatus is described. The educational toy apparatus includes an indicium containing structure and a base unit capable of being vertically attached to a vertical surface such as a refrigerator door. The indicium containing structure is capable of being attached to the base unit so that the indicium containing structure and the base unit are vertically oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. Shuler, Jorge Soto
  • Patent number: 7217135
    Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface, at least a portion of which comprises a contact-sensitive display screen for being contacted by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 7214066
    Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface, at least a portion of which comprises a contact-sensitive display screen for being contacted by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 7137819
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for teaching sequencing principles. An educational toy is provided with a plurality of panels that interlock with each other in a sequential pattern to form a multi-sided enclosure. A coded element may be represented on at least one of the panels. The coded element may be an element in a series forming a sequence to indicate the sequence pattern of the various panels. The sequence code or pattern to open the multi-sided enclosure is encrypted in the structural design of the various panels. Additional educational material may be represented on the various panels. In addition, an object containing educational material thereon may be included in the interior of the multi-sided enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Diane Bagüés
  • Patent number: 7040898
    Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface for being contacted by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 7018213
    Abstract: An electronic educational toy having a housing for teaching letters, words, numbers or pictures comprising a toy housing supporting a substantially planar work platform on which a child can make selections by causing contact with the work platform and enclosing a speaker, a processor, and a sensing system sensing occurrences of contact caused by the child across the surface of the work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 7006786
    Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 6918768
    Abstract: A computer-based educational system provides the user or instructor with a suite of graphic editing tools, allowing the design of graphical objects, such as symbols and text that can be displayed to a viewer, such as a student, using a projector or computer terminal. In order to facilitate the educational process, the invention provides the user with robust ability to control parameters of the graphical objects, allowing the user to create simulations or models of subject matter, such as mathematical principles, in order to facilitate the educational process. In the preferred embodiment, the parameters of these graphical objects can actually be defined in terms of variables and specifically functions or expressions including those variables and then the values of the variables controlled in real-time by the user. This ability allows the user to control the execution of the simulations or models, enabling the user or instructor to dovetail the execution of those simulations with the instructional process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Enablearning, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur H. Bardige, Lukas Biewald
  • Patent number: 6840774
    Abstract: A system for teaching basic arithmetic facts to students and for measuring their progress and rating their knowledge using a computer program that provides repetitive practice and immediate positive reinforcement is provided. The system features structured practice using problem sets of progressing levels of difficulty with problems selected randomly from each set. Progress made by individual students is tracked by generating a proficiency rating that reflects the arithmetic function tested, the level of difficulty of the problems presented, and the percentage of correct answers provided within a preset time period. Summary reports are generated and displayed at the end of each session as are the proficiency ratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Jack W. Fretwell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040248070
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of desired behaviors is associated with a corresponding positive point value, and each of a plurality of undesired behaviors is associated with a corresponding negative point value. A behavior tracking manager tracks behaviors performed by a subject over a defined period of time. The behavior tracking manager automatically calculates a point total based on the behaviors performed by the subject during the defined time period. The behavior tracking manager, in a subsequent defined period of time, automatically allocates consequences to the subject based on the point total earned during the previous period of time. Each of a plurality of levels can be associated with a corresponding point cost, and the behavior tracking manager can automatically assigning an appropriate level to the subject, based on the point total earned during the previous period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Leland J. Ancier
  • Patent number: 6811401
    Abstract: The game for teaching binary mathematics includes a plurality of balls, a backboard, and a plurality of elongate members selectively connected to each other and to the backboard in non-horizontal directions. A plurality of gate sections are pivotally connected to the backboard and engageable with select ones of the plurality of members so that the gate sections can be pivoted between open and closed positions respectively. Select ones of the plurality of balls may cause corresponding ones of the plurality of gate sections to pivot between open and closed positions after passing thereby. Corresponding 0 and 1 binary values are assigned to closed and open ones of the plurality of gate sections, respectively, so that a number of the plurality of marbles that have been introduced to the game can be determined by adding the corresponding 0 and 1 binary values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher J. Cruickshank
  • Publication number: 20040157198
    Abstract: A device that can be held in your hand and is designed to teach and enforce the concept of multiplication to children. The device enables the child to visualize a multiplication problem. The device is designed so that by selecting a number of rows and columns, their product will appear. Their product appears at the intersection of these rows and columns. In our preferred embodiment this is accomplished with a square plastic base containing holes. If you have five rows and five columns, you would have 25 holes. Five rods are inserted for the columns and five rods are inserted for the rows in two sides of the base. The rods pass at 90 degrees to each other in the holes. Marbles are placed in the holes and are supported by the rods. A marble is supported by both the row rod and column rod. When both the row rod and column rod are removed, the marble will fall. Thus, if you remove two row rods and three column rods, six marbles will fall (2×3=6). The six marbles fall into a tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Andrew Hill
  • Publication number: 20040126745
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving math skills is provided. The method and apparatus present groups of problems to a student in a sequential manner, and award points to the student when the student enters a correct response. Statistics regard the student's performance are recorded and may be viewed in a variety of selectable formats so that parents, teachers, and other interested parties can track the students progress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Max Bell, Hoanganh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6755655
    Abstract: An electronic toy appliance for use with interchangeable graspable objects such as blocks or tiles, the toy appliance designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Publication number: 20040115602
    Abstract: This invention is a toy for kids from grade 1 to high school to study Mathematics. The set up of this toy is like a net. Kids can be benefited from the following. First of all, kids can do mixture operation of addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (*) and division (/). Specifically, this toy can help kids to solve problems such as: 1+2+3+ . . . +98+99+100. Second, if the net is well organized, kids can present some basic logical problems. Third, kids will gain analysis and design ability. Finally, kids can get basic knowledge of computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Zouhua Ding
  • Patent number: 6739874
    Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 6729881
    Abstract: An electronic toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of sides, the object adapted for lateral movement and rotational manipulation by a child on a substantially horizontal surface so that the child can laterally move the object on the substantially horizontal surface and select different sides of the object to face upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 6726485
    Abstract: An electronic toy appliance designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of substantially planar sides adapted for manipulation by a child on a substantially flat surface so that a child may select different sides of the object to face upwardly. The appliance prompts the child with more difficult prompts depending on the child having provided correct previous responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Patent number: 6724355
    Abstract: An improved multi-segment, electronically-actuated display array that displays (a) a multiplication symbol configured approximately like “×”, and, centered in the same location, (b) one or more of an addition symbol, a subtraction symbol, and a division symbol configured approximately like “+”, “−”, and “÷”, respectively. A novel central segment or central segment group of the array displays a central portion of the multiplication symbol and of the other displayable arithmetic operation symbols—essentially the entire intersection of (a) the multiplication symbol and (b) a horizontal bar constituting the entire subtraction symbol, the horizontal portion of the addition symbol, and/or the vertically-centered portion of the division symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Charles P. Resor, Tommy Jackson Martin
  • Patent number: 6676414
    Abstract: A method for playing an educational card game uses mathematical question cards and mathematical answer cards. The play proceeds with each player in turn drawing at least one card, determining matches between question cards and answer cards, and posting matches to the player's scoring area. An appropriate scoring criteria may be used to determine players scores after one player has discarded their final card. In a particular embodiment, the game may be implemented in a program running on a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Jennifer L. MacHendrie, Kara L. Girardo
  • Publication number: 20030162155
    Abstract: An improved multi-segment, electronically-actuated display array that displays (a) a multiplication symbol configured approximately like “×”, and, centered in the same location, (b) one or more of an addition symbol, a subtraction symbol, and a division symbol configured approximately like “+”, “−”, and “÷”, respectively. A novel central segment or central segment group of the array displays a central portion of the multiplication symbol and of the other displayable arithmetic operation symbols—essentially the entire intersection of (a) the multiplication symbol and (b) a horizontal bar constituting the entire subtraction symbol, the horizontal portion of the addition symbol, and/or the vertically-centered portion of the division symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Charles P. Resor, Tommy Jackson Martin