Abstract: A computer system for matching users with visual items comprises a user-scoring component configured to receive user data about each of the users, and process the user data so as to assign the user a set of psychological test scores that characterize the user in terms of standardized personality traits of a predefined psychological test. Ann item-scoring component uses visual appearance information of each item to assign the item a corresponding set of psychological test scores indicating expected user visual preference for the item in terms of said standardized personality traits of the psychological test. A matching component matches each user with a set of the items, by matching the user's set of psychological test scores with the corresponding sets of psychological test scores of the items, and provide a matching output indicating, to the user, the set of items with which he or she has been matched.

Abstract: A method for educating users by gamification performed by at least one apparatus, is inter alia disclosed, said method comprising: repeatedly generating data pertaining to a user interface element; and providing said data pertaining to said user interface element, said user interface element allowing a user using a first software section or a user interface thereof upon activation of said user interface element to access a second software section or a user interface thereof for educating users by gamification.

Abstract: A method for educating users by gamification performed by at least one apparatus, is inter alia disclosed, said method comprising: repeatedly generating data pertaining to a user interface element; and providing said data pertaining to said user interface element, said user interface element allowing a user using a first software section or a user interface thereof upon activation of said user interface element to access a second software section or a user interface thereof for educating users by gamification.

Abstract: A method for educating users by gamification performed by at least one apparatus, is inter alia disclosed said method comprising: repeatedly generating data pertaining to a user interface element; and providing said data pertaining to said user interface element, said user interface element allowing a user using a first software section or a user interface thereof upon activation of said user interface element to access a second software section or a user interface thereof for educating users by gamification.

Abstract: An educational device includes a housing and a computer system disposed within the housing, The computer system comprises at least one processor-readable storage medium, at least one processor in communication with the at least one processor-readable storage medium, and a plurality of sets of processor-executable application instructions. The educational device also includes a display screen that is in operational communication with the at least one processor. A reader is in signal communication with the at least one processor and disposed within the housing, a location of the reader within the housing being indicated on an exterior of the housing by an indicator marker. A plurality of alphabet tags separate from the housing, not connected to a power source, are also provided. When a first alphabet tag of the plurality of alphabet tags is brought proximate to the indicator marker and the location of the reader within the housing, the first alphabet tag transmits first data to the reader.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems, methods and articles for generating an error report listing errors identified in the computerized preparation of a payroll tax form. The system includes a computing device, a data store, and a payroll tax form software application executable by the computing device. The payroll tax form software includes a payroll calculation engine, an error check engine, and one or more error graph(s). Each error graph includes a plurality of interconnected nodes configured to utilize tax data and calculated payroll data to identify errors. The calculation engine is configured to read tax data from the shared data store, perform payroll calculation operations, and write calculated payroll data to the shared data store. The error check engine is configured to read the tax data and payroll data and process the error graph(s) to identify errors and generate an error report listing the errors and/or explanations of the errors.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for generating a sub-graph of a tax calculation graph usable by a tax calculation engine to perform tax calculation operations. The system includes a computing device, a data store in communication with the computing device and a tax preparation software application executable by the computing device. The system comprises a tax calculation graph and a sub-graph engine which executes on the computing device. The sub-graph engine is configured to generate a sub-graph of the tax calculation graph based upon a target node and one or more user enterable nodes selected from the nodes of the tax calculation graph. The sub-graph engine analyzes the tax calculation graph in view of the target node and user enterable nodes and generates a sub-graph which excludes all nodes which are not necessary to calculate the target node.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating digital flash cards that include links to content from one or more digital content sources, referred to herein as a flash card mode. The mode allows a user to create a digital flash card by selecting a portion of a digital content source and performing a create command. The created flash card includes at least two virtual sides and a first side of the flash card identifies the location of the selected portion of digital content. The location may be identified, for example, by a canonical fragment identifier (CFI). Text can then be entered for a second side of the flash card. Flash cards can be shared with other users, and because the flash cards only identify locations of content within digital content sources, the mode is well-suited to handle sources including digital rights management (DRM) protection, for example.

Abstract: A method is provided for learning a perfume preference of a user, including receiving at least one of personal and preference information regarding at least one user; determining a plurality of scents based on the preference information; loading a device with a plurality of containers containing ingredients respectively corresponding to the plurality of scents, the device being configured to dispense the ingredients in a drop-wise manner onto a scent-holding medium; performing a plurality of different trials, each trial including dispensing a combination of the plurality of scents onto a scent-holding medium receiving feedback information from the user regarding the combination wherein each different trial includes a different combination of the plurality of scents, and determining a recommended perfume for the user based on the feedback information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining mastery in a Bayesian network are disclosed herein. The system can include memory including a content library database containing content for delivery to a user. The system can include at least one processor that can receive an assertion from a user device and identify one or several nodes relevant to the received assertion. The at least one processor can further evaluate the assertion and calculate a node mastery probability for the identified one or several relevant nodes. The at least one processor can calculate mastery of related nodes and determine mastery of an objective based on the mastery of the relevant nodes and the related nodes. The at least one processor can generate a mastery bar and update the mastery bar with the determined mastery of the objective.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention provide for a server computer to receive, from a client GUI a request for a recommendation, the request including a designation of a desired assessment score. The server then queries activity data for the user to identify an objective category associated with the user activity and an assessment score for the user below a defined threshold. The server then queries a recommended activity data, tagged with the identified category and a score weighting defining an increase to the assessment score. The server then generates a GUI including a report of the assessment score below the threshold and the recommended activity.

Abstract: Computer processes, systems and methods for alerting a student device when an objective is mastered according to a piecewise Gaussian distribution updated according to a Bayesian method are disclosed herein. The system can include a student device having a network interface to exchange data with a server via a communication network, and an I/O subsystem to convert electrical signals to user interpretable outputs user interface. The system can include a server that can: receive a student identification; retrieve the next learning objective; determine the difficulty level of the next objective problem set; and determine the probability of the student correctly answering the problems in the problem set. The system may also include a teacher device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrance composition for use in toilet preparations. The fragrance compositions consist of blend of essential oils from flowers and other parts of plants including sandalwood, jasmine, rose, magnolia blossom, frangipani, gardenia, cedar, mandarin, amber, almond, ylang-ylang, vanilla, patchouli, orange, birch wood, oak moss, patchouli; and also include suitable amount of musk. The invention is commercially advantageous by providing a method to produce natural oil based fragrance composition at comparatively low cost.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to a polygraph report system that is equipment agnostic. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A virtual lab is generated for a underlying learning objective defined by a lab instructor. The virtual lab is decomposed into multiple lab steps. Each lab step defines a portion of the underlying learning objective that can be performed independently. Each lab step includes pedagogical information for teaching a learner the portion of the underlying learning objective and information for specifying a portion of the underlying system that will execute the lab step. A first portion of the underlying system is caused to execute a first lab step. This allows the learner to perform the portion of the underlying learning objective defined in the first lab step. An event generated by the learner's performance of the first lab step is received. In response, a specific pedagogical procedure that is dictated by the event is caused to be performed.

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

Abstract: An interactive game and gaming system are presented. In some aspects, information is derived from a database and a select subset of it is used to generate both questions and potential answers to the questions. A player is presented with the potential answers and selects an answer, which is evaluated by the system to determine its correctness. Commercial advantages of interacting with players in this way and collecting information about the players and promoting things to the players are described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to interactive training. In one embodiment, a training system presents a stored scenario to a user via a terminal. The user is provided with the ability to intervene and stop the pre-recorded scenario to identify an error in handling the situation presented in the scenario and/or an opportunity presented in the scenario. Once the user has intervened, the user can be presented with a question regarding the opportunity and/or error. The user is scored based in part on the number of errors and/or opportunities that the user identified and optionally on the user's response to the question.

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. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system is architectured around a table of components to manage and control the system.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide methods and computer-program products for teaching a topic to a user. One aspect of the invention provides a method for teaching a topic to a user. The method includes: administering one or more question to assess the user's knowledge of the topic; displaying a first interactive pedagogical agent and a second interactive pedagogical agent; and facilitating a trialog between the user, the first interactive pedagogical agent, and the second interactive pedagogical agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encouraging a student to continue practicing skills until mastery of the skills is achieved. The method and apparatus present assigned exercises sequentially to a student, and evaluates the student's response. An assignment comprising a finite number of questions, a maximum number of attempts to answer each of the finite number of questions, and a required minimum number of correct answers to the finite number of questions is designed for a user. A learning device presents the user with a question from the finite number of questions that has not been attempted by the user. If the user supplies an incorrect answer to the question, the user chooses to either accept the incorrect answer, or to repeat an attempt to answer the question with new parameters.

Abstract: A self-correcting learning tray is described comprising a see-through base and lid. Cards are inserted into the base to underlay the answer cells with the answer possibilities for the activity. There are two shapes of cards. One shape enables the card to also underlay the base as well as the lid. The other shape enables the card to sit under the answer cells of the base with the remainder protruding outside of the coverage area of the tray. Each card is printed with a unique pattern on the reverse side. Each tile has a component of that pattern printed on it. The answer is revealed by turning the tray over and sliding out the card, where the answer printed on the card should match the answer comprised by the tiles in the base of the tray.

Abstract: An automated system, apparatus and method for evaluation of comprehension are disclosed. The method includes receiving an input text and natural language processing the text to identify dependencies between text elements in the input text. Grammar rules are applied to generate questions and associated answers from the processed text, at least some of the questions being based on the identified dependencies. A set of the generated questions is posed to a reader of the input text and the comprehension of the reader evaluated, based on the reader's responses to the questions posed.

Abstract: A game device provides a question to a plurality of players. The game device counts the number of players each having provided an answer to the question or each having provided a correct answer to the question. When the counted number of players reaches a predetermined number of players, a predetermined time limit is set. The game device measures an elapsed time from when the time limit has been set (i.e., a correct answer elapsed time), and stops accepting an answer to the question when the correct answer elapsed time reaches the time limit.

Abstract: A human test that is based on a human conceptual capability. A human test according to the present techniques includes posing a question that is selected to exercise a human conceptual capability, obtaining an answer to the question, and comparing the answer to a correct answer that would be rendered by a human being.

Abstract: An improved system for administering a computer and paper-based test, including a multifunction peripheral having a printing function and a scanning function for operating on the test, and a host remotely connected to the peripheral over a network. The multifunction peripheral is configured to receive the test from the host and transmit a scanned copy of a modified paper test to the host, and the host is configured to transmit a result of an evaluation of the modified test to the peripheral. A method for administering a test including transmitting a registration code, receiving a print job including a test associated with the registration code and printing the test. The method further includes digitizing the test and transmitting the digitized test.

Abstract: A method of providing an answer, comprising receiving a criteria, identifying a subset of a set of answers in a data store based on the criteria, calculating a random value for each of the answers in the subset, ranking the subset of answers based on the random values, selecting one of the answers of the subset based on the ranking; and providing an output including the selected answer.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a useful metric for assessing the relative difficulty which non-native speakers face in pronouncing a given utterance and a method and systems for using such a metric in the evaluation and assessment of the utterances of non-native speakers. In an embodiment, the metric may be based on both known sources of difficulty for language learners and a corpus-based measure of cross-language sound differences. The method may be applied to speakers who primarily speak a first language speaking utterances in any non-native second language.

Abstract: Power management features of a reader device control an amount of electrical energy supplied to the reader device. The power management features include several power control categories that a user may select to affect an amount of power consumed by the reader device. One power control category controls power consumption based on a genre of an electronic book being processed by the reader device. Another power control category controls power consumption based on a time of day an electronic book is being processed by the reader device. Power control instructions that control how much power a reader device consumes may also be generated based on a characteristic of a user's interaction with the device.

Abstract: A puzzle device for teaching comprises a base where a slot is provided on one side for inserting at least one image card, and a plurality of rotatable turning parts are provided thereon. A plurality of indicator units is set on each turning part, and a plurality of groups of quiz and question units are set on recto of each image card. Each quiz unit includes a question-description unit and a sign unit of the same group. Besides, the turning parts are set next to the question units respectively. Thereby, a user can find the question-description unit according to the question unit on the image card, and then can turn the turning part according to the indication of the sign unit to match the indicator unit and the sign unit.

Abstract: A training system comprising: a terminal, a cpu located in the terminal; a storage means in signal communication with the cpu; an input means located on the terminal and in signal communication with the cpu; a terminal screen located on the terminal and in signal communication with the cpu; a training module located on the storage means, the training module comprising: at least one training video with user selectable chapter markers located at programmed intervals on the training video; an employee evaluations module located on the storage means that alerts a supervisor when an employee should receive training on a specific subject, when an employee has watched certain videos and has completed training, and that provides results and analyses of all employee quizzes to the a person directed by an operator of the training system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for promoting learning by presenting multiple concepts and forcing the viewer to imagine the relationship between them. Students can take notes by choosing clues and answers as they study. A flowchart indicating a teaching method is illustrated in FIG. 1 Oc. A teacher can begin by opening an exercise (1001) (a set of mindsets to be shown to the class). The teacher can expose all the clues in the mindset (1002), then pause, allowing the students to consider the relationship between the clues in mindset (1003). The teacher can then expose a set of possible multimedia answers, so each student can vote with individual classroom voting devices (1005). Answers can be presented in a format which allows the voters to choose multiple correct answers for a given clue list. The student responses can be recorded (1007). This method can repeat until the test is completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test question constructing method and apparatus, a test sheet fabricated using the method, and a computer-readable medium storing a test question constructing program for executing the method. In a case where multiple testees simultaneously take a test, correct answer arrangements are made different by the testees through mixing of choices. Further, the correct answer arrangement is adjusted such that correct answers may be not poorly distributed to a specific choice. In particular, the correct answer arrangements of adjacent testees are adjusted to be different from one another. Therefore, cheating, for example, one testee shows other testees the answers or sneaks a look at an answer sheets of other testees, can be prevented. According to the present invention, an ability to classify the testees which was a blind point of a multiple-choice objective test can be markedly improved.

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 method of displaying information for learning purposes comprises the steps of providing within a computer an information set. The information set includes a plurality of discrete information element pairs. Each discrete information element pair has a cue element and a response element. Each cue and response element pair is sequenced over a plurality of simulated flashcards. The information set is caused to be arranged for display within the computer in a deliberate sequence.

Abstract: A new learning system is described. Embodiments of the learning system include an authoring system including software utilities that enable a designer to create newly effective learning material from existing content. The system further includes an infrastructure for licensing and distribution of the created learning modules that include copyright and pirating protection and license transfer. The system is based upon established theories of learning and enables the untrained designer to create an electronic learning experience that best takes advantage of these learning theories. The material has been tested and shown effective in a variety of learning and counseling situations.

Abstract: An answer key for use in answering multiple-choice questions is configured to provide immediate feedback to an examinee as to whether correct response has been made for each question. The key comprises a substrate having a plurality of similar geometric shaped holes and at least one geometric shaped hole being different in characteristic to said plurality of similar geometric shaped holes. Under each multiple question a line coded is printed comprising a plurality of similar shaped drawings and at least one shaped drawing which are arranged in X row. The at least one shaped drawing is shaped differently from said plurality of similar shaped drawings, wherein one of the similar shaped drawings corresponds to said correct response. The correct response is identified by placing the answer key on the coded line.

Abstract: Disclosed is an on-line education method using an Internet. The on-line education method includes (a) a basic learning step for providing a learner with a concept lecture video for a predetermined learning category, (b) a feedback learning step for providing a predetermined number of questions to the learner together with at least one of correct solutions, explanations, solution videos and concept videos to allow the learner to review a content of the concept lecture video provided in step (a), (c) an instant test step for providing questions selected by the learner according to a degree of difficulty and a number of questions together with a correct solution, explanation, a solution video and a concept video for each question, and an instant test feedback sham examination step for providing questions, which are similar to the questions that the learner fails to answer in step (c).

Abstract: The present invention is a computer aided method and system for guided teaching and learning with the aid of an optional communication device, comprising the steps of: (a) presenting a question to the student at a student display; (b) receiving answer from the teacher at the teacher workstation, wherein the answer is received by the teacher from the student or directly from the students remotely; (c) sharing the answer submitted on at least one student displayed) determining whether the answer is correct; (e) presenting feedback to the answer at all student displays or workstations; (f) receiving input from the teacher at the teacher workstation for the teacher to give further information related to the question on student display; and (g) presenting information using a plurality of styles and stimuli corresponding to the input from the teacher or student on the student display.

Abstract: A computerized learning method is provided. The method may include receiving performance data for a user from at least one of a plurality of learning application programs, at a learning service program. The method may also include updating a learning level of the user based on the performance data from at least one of the plurality of learning applications, and determining a recommendation for the user based on the updated learning level. The recommendation may be displayed on a graphical user interface of the learning service program. The determination of the recommendation may be based on a measured change in a learning level for a group of users with at least one profile element similar to the user. In this manner, effective recommendations for the user may be made.

Abstract: A method for determining a unique scent for an individual is described. A personality test may be administered to an individual, and the results of the personality test may be evaluated. The results of the personality test may determine one or more characteristics of the individual's personality. One or more families of scents may also be provided to the individual. The families of scents may correspond to the characteristic of the individual's personality. Using the results of the personality test and the families of scents, an individualized scent for that person may be determined. Also, a kit is described herein that may be used to construct a unique, individualized scent for an individual. The kit may include a personality test that probes various characteristics of the individual's personality. One or more families of scents that correspond to the characteristic of the individual's personality may also be included in the kit.

Abstract: A system and method changes the behavior of a user with respect to an activity. The system and method automatically detects the performance of the activity by the user and automatically performs an interruption process, such as displaying a representation of the user stopping the activity.

Abstract: An operation-enabling training and safety computer system and associated methods operable for selectively enabling and disabling a powered system including means for disabling the operation of the powered system, a display operable for presenting a user of the powered system with one or more questions related to training in the use of and safety associated with the powered system, one or more keys operable for transmitting one or more answers to the one or more questions from the user to the computer system, a processor operable for analyzing the one or more answers, and means for enabling the operation of the powered system if the one or more answers meet a set of predetermined criteria.

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 method of testing a subject's competence for operating machines by successively presenting a plurality of pages of scattered images to the subject, having the subject establish a path through the scattered images on each of the plurality of pages, recording the absolute time required for the subject to establish the path through the scattered images on each of the plurality of pages, determining the relative time required for the subject to establish the path on at least two of the plurality of pages of scattered images, and classifying the subjects competence for operating machines based on the absolute time and the relative time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of objectively testing the low contrast performance of an imaging system. Images of a uniform phantom and images of a low contrast detectability phantom are reconstructed. Thereafter, a group of pixels from an image of the uniform phantom are removed and replaced with a group of pixels from an image of the LCD phantom. A user or test observer is then prompted to identify which quadrant of the first phantom image contains a group of pixels from the LCD phantom. An accuracy of a user response is then determined and conveyed to the user. The present invention is applicable with a number of imaging modalities including computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, PET, ultrasound, and the like.

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.

Abstract: A tutorial method for teaching the scoring of open-ended questions holistically includes displaying a student response to a scorer and permitting the scorer to access a rubric containing the rules for scoring that response. The scorer can choose a display form from a handwritten form and a typed text form that retains and originally present errors. Following the scorer's having entered a score, a model score is displayed so that a scoring efficacy may be determined. Annotations prepared by expert scorers may be accessed to enhance the learning process. In addition, a running correlation between the model and entered scores is calculated and displayed for the scorer over a tutorial session that includes attempts at scoring different responses. The system includes a processor, a workstation, and software for performing the above-described method.

Abstract: Analyzing employees based on results of an education business simulation. A network is utilized to present a training simulation to a user for achieving a training goal. Information is integrated into the training simulated utilizing the network that helps motivate achievement of the goal by the user. Progress of the user towards achieving the goal is measured utilizing the network. For further motivating achievement of the goal, feedback is also provided to the user utilizing the network. There are three levels of feedback, where each is progressively more detailed and is selected based on the number of mistakes made by the user, the user's progress towards the goal is subsequently reported to the employer of the user utilizing the network.

Abstract: A test form comprises a substrate, a chromogenic material applied to at least a top surface portion of the substrate, a removable opaque layer overlaying a portion of the chromogenic material, the chromogenic material being adapted to irreversibly generate a visible change in color to form a desired indicia, upon exposure of the area to an activating agent such as heat to predetermined areas on a bottom portion of the substrate, all without disturbing the opaque layer covering the indicia so produced. The present invention is further directed to a method and system for customizing a test form having a removable opaque layer, by permitting printing under the opaque layer to be concealed until the corresponding opaque layer covering the indicia is removed.