Abstract: The Learning/Play Quilt or Denim/Learning Play Quilt is a compilation of components of children's clothing sewn together to facilitate development or practice of fine motor skills (dexterity) such as zipping, buttoning, lacing, tying, snapping, hooking, use of Velcro, and buckling. The quilt format provides an extensive selection of fine motor skills not found in other formats such as books, vests, dolls and mats, and, at the same time, provides utilitarian uses as a cover for the child in a car seat or stroller. It also features pockets for storage of small toys and treasures. The components of children's clothing also expose children to numbers, letters and words while the embroidery thereon creates a product that is attractive and, therefore, promotes the child's interest in learning. The recommended lap quilt size predisposes its use to places where supervision is more readily available then if used on a bed. This is not only a safety feature but one in which more peer and adult interaction can occur.

Abstract: A screening evaluation tool of the present invention provides instructions and mechanisms to probe areas of vision (related to learning). These areas include eye movements used during reading, visual imagery of mental pictorial images generated by viewing, visual recall of mental pictorial images maintained over time, mental manipulation of pictorial images transformed spatially and visual manipulation of mental pictorial images viewed from multiple spatial perspectives. The screening may be conducted remotely from any physical location via the Internet or other network. In addition, the present invention may be utilized for performing therapy, screening tests or more formal evaluations over the Internet. The screening tests and evaluations may be of multiple varieties and are made available for the purpose of further exploring or ruling out the need for further exploration of areas of dysfunction that relate to reduced performance in learning.

Abstract: A program for self-evaluating and training a user's visual skills. The program including a plurality of evaluation and training exercises. The program being designed to run on a computer having a color monitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a balance training apparatus for applying an exercise load to a subject, which comprises a seat adapted to allow the subject to sit thereon, a rocking mechanism for rockingly moving the seat, and a phase changer. The rocking mechanism includes a plurality of converters adapted to receive a driving force transmitted from a common driving source so as to operate in an interlocked relationship with each other, and convert the driving force from the driving source to a rocking motion having movement directions intersecting with each other. The phase changer is adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the transmission of the driving force to first converter consisting of a part of the plurality of converter, so as to change a phase relationship in rocking motion between the first converter, and second converter consisting of the rest of the plurality of converter.

Abstract: A device is described for introducing variation in athletic training and competitive events. This device maintains an internal state that occupies one of several allowed values. Depending upon the selected configuration, the device changes internal state at regular or irregular intervals, progresses through its allowed values sequentially or in random order, and spends a different designated fraction of time in each state. This variable and typically unpredictable state is presented to the field of play where one or more athletes receive the information and react to it as a change in their athletic training or game environment.

Abstract: A multiple-sided activity device for toy blocks is disclosed. The activity device has a first side including a first activity adapted to interact with at least one of the plurality of toy blocks. The activity device also has a second side distinct from the first side, the second side including a block recognition mechanism configured to selectively interact with any of the plurality of toy blocks to identify which of the plurality of toy blocks is interacting with the block recognition mechanism and to produce block-specific sensory stimulating output.

Abstract: A method includes: providing an exercise administration list containing a name column, an exercise group column, and an exercise date column; identifying an exercise person in need of exercise and a group of exercises for the person based on the exercise administration list; appointing an exercise administrator for managing exercise; confirming by the exercise administrator exercise working contents for the exercise person based on the exercise administration list; arranging by the exercise administrator devices used for performing the exercise working contents; confirming the exercise date; and thereby managing by the exercise administrator the exercises by the exercise person for function recovery and muscle strengthening.

Abstract: A cabinet is used for potty training. The cabinet is comprised of several doors behind which are compartments. The compartments are made to contain candy. A recorded message congratulates a child when a button is pushed, and directs the child to open one door to receive a piece of candy. The potty-training cabinet is colorfully decorated as to be appealing to a toddler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a user's learning capacity includes generating a reference signal having occurrences separated by time intervals and receiving from a user a manipulation of a trigger. A temporal relationship is determined between user manipulation of the trigger and occurrence of the reference signal. A guidance signal is generated that is a function of the temporal relationship and is, at least occasionally, presented to the user. A visual image may be displayed that is varying in appearance as a function of user manipulation of the trigger. The guide signal may be withheld for user manipulations of the trigger that are within a particular range that encompasses an occurrence of the reference signal. A direction signal may be generated that indicates a desired user manipulation of the trigger relative to the reference signal. The trigger may be adapted to be manipulated by a young child user.

Abstract: The play of a child's educational game to teach skills, such as color recognition, in which free ends of “color” straps in assigned locations are interconnected to demonstrate the child's comprehension of color recognition, and in which adult intervention between preliminary and subsequent demonstrations consisting of changing of the assigned positions of the straps rules out that the subsequent demonstration is based on remembered positions of the straps rather than on color recognition selection, thereby contributing to the educational value of the game.

Abstract: A game board device for directing body movements in games, exercise, or physical therapy. It employs a support frame of side-by-side modular units of relatively the same size and shape supporting a continuous matrix of contact surfaces supported in a common plane. The contact surfaces in the adjacent frames are arranged in a coordinated matrix of adjacent surfaces that are illuminatable in various colors. The contact surfaces are illuminated normally one at a time so as to cue sequential steps in a random pattern and at varying speeds in a game or predetermined patterns and adjustable speeds in exercise or therapy. Control of the sequential illumination may be manually or by a program by manually operated device or by computer. It is preferred that the individual frames be hindged to permit folding for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A glove for assisting the user to catch a thrown object with fingers rather than palms, including pressure sensors installed in the palm area of typical receiver gloves (providing a voltage trigger signal used to latch an indicator LED informing the athlete of palm contact, together with flex sensors in the fingers deactivating the palm pressure sensor when at least one of the user's fingers is flexed inwardly toward the palm (preventing an inadvertent palm pressure trigger signal from locking in the LED prior to a catch attempt). This allows the athlete to run with fists closed without latching the palm pressure indicator, then to open his or her hands, thereby enabling the latch circuit for the catch.

Abstract: A training device for a gliding sport athlete trains the athlete to have the proper knee bend for gliding sports such as ice skating, inline skating, skiing, etc. The device includes a belt and a pair of foot attachments adapted to be fastened to a front portion of the respective feet or footwear of the athlete. One end of each pair of cords is connected to the belt at a position between the front portion and a respective side portion, and another end connected to one of the foot attachments. Each of the cords has an unstretched length less than a length between the athlete's waist and feet, to apply a force to urge the athlete's knee into a bent position.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing and enhancing the alertness of operators who monitor video surveillance imagery. Alertness is tested by displaying any of a variety of visual elements on top of or near the video imagery, and receiving input from human operators in response to the visual elements, via one or more input devices. The system further allows for economic management of human operators by transmitting imagery from many video sources to any number of operators. Video feeds are automatically switched, via software, away from an operator who wishes to take a break or has poor alertness. In this fashion, the system maximizes operator vigilance while also maximizing workflow for all available operators.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assessing a persons ability to perform tasks requiring hand and eye co-ordination. A gaze tracker 6 images a person's eye in order to determine their direction of look. In the context of a vehicle system, a steering wheel direction sensor 12 is provided to determine the direction of the steering wheel. Data from the steering wheel sensor and the gaze tracker is compared by a data processor 14 which looks for correlations between the data sets and uses this correlation to determine whether the person 2 is fit to drive or not.

Abstract: A developmental toy for small children includes a contacting member is rotated by an electric motor and a controller that, in response to input from a sensor, signals the electric motor to move the toy from a starting position for an initial period of time in an initial direction and signals the motor to wait a resting period of time. If no further input is received from a child that is detected by the sensor within the resting period of time, the controller signals the motor to move the toy back in an opposite sense, toward the starting location.

Abstract: A system for detecting, tracking, displaying and identifying repetitive movement, including a sensor configured to sense movement, and in particular static acceleration, along at least a first horizontal axis, and ideally about a second horizontal axis, with respect to a vertical axis and a processor to generate output signals therefrom for audible and visual display of information that can include movement identification, movement patterns, and to further include elapsed time, start and stop times, breathing patterns, and variations thereof from a reference.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a skydiving simulator and a skydiving training process using the simulator, which simulates the environment and other conditions for purposes of skydiving training as if a skydiver performed a real skydiving process from the step of riding in an airplane to the step of landing on the ground. This simulator consists of a model fuselage (10), a rotary hanger unit (30) supporting a skydiver having jumped from the fuselage, and two fan units (40, 50) horizontally and upwardly forcing air currents into an open simulation space into which the skydiver jumps from the fuselage. Wind velocity sensors (46, 56) sense the velocities of the air currents from the two fan units, and CCD cameras (47, 57) produce images of the skydiver during the training process, and a central control unit (CCU, 60) controls the simulator and the process in real time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and system for a target game used in conjunction with a toilet or urinal, wherein a target body is positioned within the toilet basin. The target game comprises a target body and coupling members, wherein the target body is divided into sections. The coupling members secure the target body to the toilet basin and include a securing member and an attachment member, wherein the securing member is any device that is capable of attaching to the toilet and wherein the attachment member couples the securing member to the target body. Other embodiments of the apparatus and system include image projection systems to create the target.

Abstract: A method and device for assisting and teaching a child to tie a bow in a shoestring which includes a base member and an extended string attached to the base member with the two sides thereof extending loosely from the base member. A holding member is supporting above the base member and has securing elements thereon spaced from one another and formed to temporarily hold said ends of said string in place thereat to permit said child to manipulate the string and form a bow in the string. Preferably, the string and the securing elements are color coded to assist the child in manipulating the string in a series of steps to form a bow in the string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for individually exercising one or more parameters of hand movement such as range, speed, fractionation and strength in a virtual reality environment and for providing performance-based interaction with the user to increase user motivation while exercising. The present invention can be used for rehabilitation of neuromotor disorders, such as a stroke. A first input device senses position of digits of the hand of the user while the user is performing an exercise by interacting with a virtual image. A second input device provides force feedback to the user and measures position of the digits of the hand while the user is performing an exercise by interacting with a virtual image. The virtual images are updated based on targets determined for the user's performance in order to provide harder or easier exercises.

Abstract: An infant motor skill developmental aid apparatus is disclosed, which includes a support base having a planar top surface and a bottom surface, a top tray having an opening for accepting an infant upper body, and a connection means connected between the support base and the top tray. Further disclosed is a method of assisting infant motor skill development, which includes providing the infant motor skill developmental aid apparatus; placing an infant inside the apparatus through the opening of the top tray and having the infant sitting on the support base with arms on top of the top tray; adjusting the top tray to an appropriate height depending on the infant age; and having the infant playing inside the apparatus for a period of time. The apparatus and the method enhance infant's acquisition of normal motor and early learning skills.

Abstract: A developmental toy for small children includes a contacting member is rotated by an electric motor and a controller that, in response to input from a sensor, signals the electric motor to move the toy from a starting position for an initial period of time in an initial direction and signals the motor to wait a resting period of time. If no further input is received from a child that is detected by the sensor within the resting period of time, the controller signals the motor to move the toy back in an opposite sense, toward the starting location.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a chemically treated biodegradable material 32 having an image impregnated therein that is only viewable by absorption of uric acid. A mature image 26 is produced on the biodegradable material by reaction with urine 36 to become visible and is designed to encourage infants 12 to use the potty 14 when having to urinate. The present invention 10 reveals a dark outline or sketch of the actual image when reacting to water 38 only. This way the child 12 is still encouraged to make the effort to get to the potty. However, only when uric acid or urine 36 is detected by the present invention will bright and vibrant colors be revealed giving the potty training tot 12 an even greater surprise and even greater reason for wanting to see the images which form when he potties.

Abstract: A multi faceted system for simulating free flight, playing games in a free flight mode, and photographing the experience in a manner which permits of the creation of a montage, in which a vertical air column is defined by a variable cylindrical walls, and in which at least a portion of the air column is moving in laminar flow mode.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a block set for educational purposes. The block set features that a plurality of block units of the same color are integrated so as to build a block bar, and two or more block bars respectively of different colors are crosswisely combined to build a block bar combination, and two or more block bar combinations interconnect one another to thereby build a variety of structures having two or more colors, wherein the block bars of the same color are symmetrically disposed. The block set thus allows a user to learn a structural stability of the structures, a sense of balance, symmetry, a sense of harmony, etc. in a natural manner, through processes of building the variety of structures and repetition of those processes.

Abstract: A method for assessing the navigational capacity in human subjects, and its use in diagnosing spatial disorientation in neurodegenerative diseases, such as, for example Alzheimer's disease. The method for assessing the navigational capacity includes conducting a spatial orientation test, recording the results of the test, analyzing the test results and making a determination of the navigational capacity of a human subject. In its most simple sense, navigational capacity includes the capacity not to get lost. The spatial orientation test includes various naturalistic navigation tasks that are each designed to assess specific areas of the navigational capacity of a subject.

Abstract: Automatically determining which one of a plurality of functions is to be associated with a movable member of an electronic device, depending on which one of a plurality of faceplates is coupled to the electronic device. A selected faceplate is coupled to a keyboard or other electronic device with movable members such as keys, buttons, knobs, etc. Protrusions or other configuration characteristics of the faceplate interface with one or more faceplate sensors, such as switches, that detect which faceplate is coupled to the electronic device. Based on the state of the faceplate sensors, the electronic device selects a predefined code, such as a scan code, that represents the coupled faceplate. The selected predefined code is communicated to a host computing device according to a keyboard protocol such as PS/2 or universal serial bus (USB). Consequently, an individual function is associated with each movable member based on the coupled faceplate.

Abstract: A real-time camera image of a student is displayed to the student while the student is performing a physical activity. The student can switch between seeing his natural field of view and the live video image by refocusing his eyes. Additionally, instructional information may be overlaid on the real-time video, thus enhancing the learning process.

Abstract: A teaching aid includes a cover for substantially covering a support stand, wherein the cover has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface is adapted to conform to the support stand. The support stand may be an ordinary safety cone. The cover may be made of heavy fabric. Manipulative teaching devices are connected to the outer surface for learning and developing manipulative skills. The manipulative teaching devices may be implemented with clothing fasteners, such as zippers, buttons, laces, snaps, hooks and eyes, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A training system for training a user in the operation of a tool comprises a two-axis actively-constrained computer-controlled motorised table (1000) which has a grip member (2000) attached to a pen (3000). In use, the system provides active constraint to a user, allowing the pen (3000) to move only within a narrow region of permitted motion. As the user becomes more proficient, the system gradually allows the user more freedom. In that way, the user becomes more proficient in performing certain physical motions. The system finds particular although not exclusive applicable in the training of surgeons, specifically in surgical implant procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus incorporating a control system and force and/or position feedback sensor apparatus for determining the orientation, motion and related sensing stimuli required to simulate correct rein aids and hand placement of various equitation disciplines. Includes one or more force and/or position sensor(s), operably coupled to a controller means. The controller means is coupled to receive data from the force and/or position sensor means and for comparing the force and/or position data to previously stored rules and data which in turn generates output signals based on the comparison(s). Output signals comprising a position feedback signal are coupled to a stimulator means, and are further coupled to a display and audio generation means. A stimulator means is coupled to create motion and resistance feedback stimuli to the force and/or position sensor(s) in relation to the controller output signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing an instructional tool for teaching an athlete how to develop and maintain a consistent tempo for performing a particular athletic activity. The method includes a step of analyzing the tempo of an athlete as they perform an athletic activity and then composing a song that includes a tempo which matches the tempo of an outstanding performance of the athletic activity. The appropriate tempo of the athletic activity is established by determining the amount of time between certain events in the activity when the particular athletic activity is performed at an optimum level by an athlete. The song is composed such that it includes a beat pattern with a time difference between two of the beats in the beat pattern that matches the time difference between two events in the ideally performed athletic activity.

Abstract: Educational play apparatus and system that enables preschool and primary education to be conducted while play is taking place, and that is equipped, by a plurality of gas globes (30) being housed within a play space (S) screened-off with a screen-off member (15), so that players (Y) may have fun capturing the gas globes (30) within the play space (S), wherein educational information is displayed on the surface of the gas globes (30). The players (Y) come into contact spontaneously with the educational information in the midst of playing games, reinforcing information given them up to that point through care workers, as well as imparting information to them while playing together with care workers, which serves naturally to improve knowledge acquirement and scholastic ability.

Abstract: A set of two graded activity boards designed for therapeutic training that elicits motor function. The system, which is called, Twin Graded Activity boards includes two boards, the first is called a Clinical board, the therapist in clinic uses this board to introduce reach training to the patient. The second board is called a Take Home board and is used by the patient at home. The purpose of the system is to promote home therapy after hospital discharge. A system that can enable the patient to make permanent upper extremity changes by taking the same therapy he/she uses in clinic, home at discharge.

Abstract: A baseball training device for use in improving batting skills, particularly bat directing skills while batting, the device comprising an elongated member of at least a length to extend about the wrist of a wearer and forming a loop, and a bat knob receiving member depending from the elongated member, the bat knob receiving member having a generally circular opening adapted to receive the knob of a baseball bat when the wearer of the training device swings the baseball bat.

Abstract: A timing assessment tool (12) is provided that is manipulatable by a user (8) in response to the user's expected occurrence of a rhythmic reference signal. The timing assessment tool derives a rhythmic assessment from a pattern of user responses to the user's expected occurrence of the rhythmic reference signal.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to processing system use for instruction and simulated training. Observers evaluate the movements of user controllable images making interactive, personal, idiosyncratic, simulated movements. The invention includes the use of individual hand held devices, personal display appliances, personal computers and other processing systems communicating displays of user controllable images to other processing systems over local area and wide area networks and by means of a variety of interfaces, networks, servers and/or intraprocessing system means. Instruction and simulated training of observers is accomplished through viewing and evaluating user controllable image movements including, without limitation, individual drill, cooperation and opposition.

Abstract: Information is gathered about movements of a person, which could be an adult or child. This information is mapped to one or more game controller commands. The game controller commands are coupled to a videogame, and the videogame responds to the game controller commands as it would normally.

Abstract: A method for psychometric assessment testing of both cognitive and motor ability to assimilate and follow instructions. The assessment method tasks a subject to assemble a subset of inter-fitting parts from a collection of parts in a specific manner as defined by an instruction set presented to the subject, and with the help of specific reference cues. A number of inter-fitting parts are placed before a subject, each bearing various labels for guiding assembly. Some of the parts are functionally similar except in dimension. Next, the subject is given a menu of the parts bearing not-to-scale illustrations of all the parts (labels omitted), and names for the respective parts. Next, the subject is given a ruler, and then a set of assembly instructions including a set of written directions for assembling a subset of the parts in a pre-selected manner by reference to part name, dimensions, and labeled indicia. The subject is instructed to begin, and an administrator times assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for assessment and training of sensory/perceptual deficiencies is disclosed. The present invention includes: (i) an assessment module or system, (ii) training modules, (iii) a centralized database for storing assessment, training, and other data, and (iv) a feedback mechanism for parents, teachers and doctors that allows immediate input regarding either a particular person's data or a group (e.g., class) analysis. The training modules and database can be accessed via the internet or other network, thereby allowing training to occur at times and places that are convenient for the subject. Clinicians, researchers, and educators can conveniently access the database through the internet or another network connection.

Abstract: A plurality of large, tactically soft, cubes, and a plurality, of learning game boards. Each side of a learning cube has imprinted thereon a teaching concept. Each learning game board has a teaching concept imprinted thereon corresponding to a learning cube.

Abstract: A powder for use as a toilet training aid changes from substantially white to a non-white color upon contacting water. The powder-includes at least one powdered water-soluble color additive, and at least one salt for providing a uniform dispersion of color from the color additive when in contact with water. The salt is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium chloride. The color additive is preferably a water-soluble powder certified by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in drugsand cosmetics or for use in food, drugs and cosmetics. After repeated use, the child develops a positive mental association between the act of using the toilet and the amusement derived from watching the change of color, thereby making toilet training easier.

Abstract: A program for self-evaluating and training a user's visual skills. The program including a plurality of evaluation and training exercises. The program being designed to run on a computer having a color monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for promoting movements of a subject in synergic timed correlation with physiological activity. The apparatus includes a synergic programs module that directs the movements in a temporally varying fashion. The synergic programs module causes generation of at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where the movements are performed in response to the at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where each of the at least one signal, stimulus, or force is determined so as to reduce meaning and/or emotional content to the subject, where each signal and stimulus is from a pool that comprises signals and stimuli that are sensorially understandable or recognizable by the subject, and where timing of the movements is based on at least a primary correlation factor and a secondary correlation factor. The primary correlation factor is determined so that the movements are synchronized with referential points of an intrinsically variable cyclical physiological activity.

Abstract: A contest method and process are devised in which the memory faculties of the contestants are exercised by viewing a set of randomly selected symbol groupings for a first interval of time and thereafter the specific symbols and their groupings are recollected in a second interval of time. The symbol groupings may be inscribed on one of the faces of a set of flash cards which are then shuffled, dealt to each of the contestants and concealed. Then the dealt cards are revealed for the first time interval and following a delay or immediately thereafter the contestants are directed to list correctly the symbols and their groupings during the second time interval. The number of symbols groupings correctly recalled comprises the score.

Abstract: A new method is described of providing mental stimulus to a subject suffering significant cognitive and/or sensory impairment or deterioration, for example a subject having a medically diagnosed dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, and thereby enhancing the subject's psychological condition. The method of the invention comprises causing the subject to handle an article comprising a plurality of pieces that (a) individually have a surface layer formed of a soft fabric, and (b) collectively exhibit differing tactility when handled by the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus utilizing electrical activity of the brain to control a series of low-stimuli educational exercises (displayed on a computer monitor to increase the following educational components: time on-task, visual tracking, short-term memory, visual discriminatory processing, auditory discriminatory processing, and focus. The exercises are governed by real-time analysis of the focus and processing states of the user. Specific relative exercise performance data are collected and recorded from the use of each of the educational components to demonstrate improvement over time of the user in each of the sited educational components.

Abstract: A method for teaching production cycle project development utilizing a construction set having at least one construction set component designed to be alterable (e.g., robot) for constructing a user-definable apparatus. The teaching may include providing instructions for constructing the user-definable apparatus including at least one construction set component designed to be alterable. The instructions provided may include a task to be completed by the user-definable apparatus. A test environment for the user-definable apparatus to be tested to satisfy predefined specifications may be established. The test environment may be established on top of a desk. The user-definable apparatus may be tested in the test environment to verify that the predefined specifications are satisfied. A determination may be made as to whether the user-definable apparatus satisfies the predefined specifications.

Abstract: A toy for promoting gross motor development includes a base and a support communicating with the base. The toy also includes an activity area disposed on the support above the base. The activity area is attractive to an infant and encourages the infant to reach up to the activity area by pulling up from a seated position to a standing position using handles or grips disposed on the support or the activity area. The toy also includes sensory output generators configured to encourage the infant to pull up using the handles or grips to reach the activity area. The toy further includes a track coupled to the support and positioned between the top activity area and the base. The track is configured for guiding an object between the top and the base. The top activity area, track, and gripping regions interact to provide an enjoyable and stimulating toy for the child while at the same time promoting the child's gross motor development.