Abstract: A table assembly comprising a table including a top member and at least a first leg support member, the top member forming a substantially flat top surface and circumscribed by an outer edge, the at least one leg support member supporting the top member in a substantially horizontal position, a table dock secured to the top member and forming an elongated channel having a dock length dimension and at least a first display panel circumscribed by a panel edge and having at least one straight edge having a panel length dimension, the dock length dimension less than panel length dimension, wherein at least a portion of the straight edge of the panel is receivable within the dock channel with the panel extending out the open first and second ends of the channel to support the panel in a substantially upright orientation with at least a portion of the display panel extending to a height above the flat top surface.

Abstract: A computer-based process for managing electronic textbook (e-textbook) content, generation, distribution, and usage includes receiving inputs corresponding to first e-textbook content from at least one e-textbook author by way of an author interface in communication with a content authoring engine; generating a first e-textbook corresponding to the first e-textbook content in accordance with an e-textbook taxonomy; generating instructional materials corresponding to portions of the first e-textbook in accordance with an instructional materials taxonomy; communicating at least one of first e-textbook content and instructional materials to at least one e-learning application; and receiving feedback by way of a feedback engine, wherein the feedback corresponds to at least one of (a) how instructional materials are utilized by at least one instructor, (b) how instructional materials or first e-textbook content are utilized by students, and (c) a recommendation for revising first e-textbook content in a subsequent

Abstract: An aperture mechanism for night vision goggles (NVG) has a first end, a second end, a lens engaging portion, and a cone portion. A lens engaging portion has a recession allowing attachment of the aperture mechanism to a light admitting end of the NVG. A cone portion is opposite the lens engaging portion. Together the lens engaging portion and the cone portion form an aperture. The aperture mechanism increases the depth of field of the NVG for applications involving small object-to-goggle distances, such as in simulators or simulator environments. In a simulator system, the aperture mechanism can be attached to NVG such that at least a portion of light from a display screen is blocked. The light output of the display screen can be increased such that the depth of field remains higher but the image produced does not become darker.

Abstract: A system and method of making a remarkably bright high-gain reflective beam-splitter is presented. Each non-glued together touching layer of the multilayered film of the beam splitter has front and back reflective surfaces that additively increase the brightness. The system can include tables, step-down shelves, cutting bars, gripper units, tension units, a frame, a hoist assembly, and dollies. Constructing the beam-splitter can use grippers that slip slightly, as a function of applied tensioning force, along the trimmed edges of the multilayered film. This slip gripping scheme can result in constructing substantially coplanar sheets of the multilayered film that touch each other face to face and result in removing most of the air between the sheets. The planar integrity of the multilayered film of the high-gain reflective beam-splitter can be maintained at almost any desired display angle even when the high-gain reflective beam-splitter is as large as a standard theatrical stage.

Abstract: An accessory for use with webbing in restraint systems. A free portion of webbing may be secured to a second portion of webbing with the accessory. The accessory may also facilitate controlled adjustment of webbing by an operator.

Abstract: The invention provides an integration method for an electronic device having a display and an integrated database storing learning data corresponding to an individual. The display displays an operative frame having icons representing categories respectively and each of the learning data is associated to at least one of the categories. The method comprises displaying a first set of learning data associated to one of the categories at the operative frame and receiving a first signal. When the first signal is for selecting one of the icons representing another one category, a second set of learning data associated to another one category is displayed at operative frame. When the first signal is for selecting one datum among the displayed first set of learning data, a third set of learning data is displayed at the operative frame, wherein the third set of learning data is related to the selected datum.

Abstract: A system and method, a machine, and an article of manufacture of an occupational performance system and method for achieving occupational performance of competency based education and work force standards.

Abstract: An interactive computer system and method collects, aggregates and distributes information derived from free-text responses to questions. The system and method collect free-text responses from a subject user and aggregates them with free-text responses from other users. The system and method then uses these free-text responses in learning methodologies (such as temporal spacing) and styles to facilitate long-term learning and knowledge retention.

Abstract: A magnetic display unit includes: a display layer; a magnetic layer located behind the display layer; and a quick-release mechanism including an activator, wherein the quick-release mechanism is adapted to increase the distance between the magnetic layer and the display layer such that, when activated by the activator, the quick-release mechanism causes any magnets located along the display layer to be released from the display layer.

Abstract: Provided are methods of making a learning application by providing a content database comprising reusable digital objects, wherein at least a portion of the objects are deposited to the content database by a registered contributor and the portion is identified as contributed by said registered contributor. A user is registered to provide the user access to the content database, wherein the user withdraws at least a portion of the objects from the database deposited by the registered contributor. The withdrawn object is formed into the learning application and a compensation value for the registered contributor who contributed the withdrawn object is calculated. In this manner, ongoing sustainable development of the content database is encouraged, including deposit of learning objects and development of instructional objects that can then be accessed by others in developing individually-tailored learning applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-based method includes detecting a state of a user and detecting a stimulus in an environment of the user. The computer-based method then provides a variable level of assistance to the user based on the detected state of the user and the detected stimulus in the environment. In another embodiment, detecting the stimulus in the environment of the user may include detecting a visual stimulus, an auditory stimulus, a physical stimulus, a vibratory stimulus, an electro-magnetic stimulus, an olfactory stimulus, a temperature stimulus, or a movement stimulus. Detecting the state of the user may include detecting natural language spoken by the user. The resulting variable level of assistance utilizes a range of immersive virtual reality, augmented reality and sparsely augmented reality. 3D models of the user's situation (the environment) may be employed in the variable levels of assistance.

Abstract: This patent refers to a method of achieving greater quality assurance of teaching in classroom settings by the use of an electronic performance management system; the basis being modifying the use and nature of presentation slides. Essentially, this patent deals with timed presentation slides and interactive elements within these slides. Each slide is assigned an estimated duration and then compared with actual recorded duration; furthermore, certain words within the slide are made interactive. Based on this comparison and whether the interactive words are stimulated, the proposed software allows real-time monitoring of teaching variables such as coverage, depth, contact hours, etc. This patent also incorporates predictions of these teaching variables at future times by extrapolation of teaching trends modelled on the use of timed slides and interactive elements. Also included is a method for the creation of timed slides and interactive elements by use of a toolbar alongside standard presentation software.

Abstract: Creation of a standardized test, that includes a sub-pool of questions, involves assembling the sub-pool from a pool of questions. The sub-pool satisfies one or more constraints. Multiple mutually disjoint sub-pools of questions are assembled from the pool of questions.

Abstract: A method, comprising the steps of (a) representing users within a virtual environment, the virtual environment residing on one or more computers, comprising the steps of (b) collecting data pertaining to one or more of the users' activities not associated with the virtual environment relating to each of the users' performance on business-related tasks, (c) awarding incentives including points, badges, levels, prizes, etc. to a plurality of users in the virtual environment based on the collected data pertaining to the users, (d) providing information regarding a first user's incentives to at least a second user involved in activities related to the business-related tasks performed by the first user, and (e) updating the collected data in the virtual environment as the data pertaining to the performance of users changes.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A memory stores a plurality of first data structures, which includes element specific data objects indicating a classification of at least one of the plurality of segments of the test definition language, and second data structures, which include attribute specific data objects indicating at least one attribute of the segments of the test definition language implemented by a computer. A method for computer-based testing includes authoring a test specification and content of the at least one test using a test definition language, compiling the test specification and content of the at least one test to create a compiled test specification and content, which includes validating the test specification and content, storing the compiled test specification and content to a resource file, and retrieving the compiled test specification and content from the resource file during delivery of the test.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a set of shapes, the shapes derived from a hexagonal footprint, and wherein for each of the shapes, at least some of the vertices of the hexagon joined with straight lines to define a perimeter of a respective shape of the set.

Abstract: A method of demonstrating an appliance by customizing a multimedia presentation in real time based on the consumer information.

Abstract: A series of devices that allow for embedding of an image as a background while also affording the user the ability to write and print on the surface, with erasable capabilities, thus providing a multifunctional product for use in numerous industries. The devices are manufactured from predominately corrugated plastic. In one embodiment, a writable board, or peg board comprising a front panel and a rear panel wherein the panels are interconnected by parallel rows, or corrugations, these panels include a writable and erasable surface. The present invention relates to novel assemblies of conventional corrugated plastic sheets to better serve personal, business, and educational needs.

Abstract: A demonstration service receives content from various content providers, and maintains the received content. A retailer can access the demonstration service and select various content to include in demonstration experiences for various groups of demonstration devices in a retailer environment. Demonstration experience descriptions identifying the content that is to be presented by a device as a demonstration experience is obtained by the device from the demonstration service. For content that the device does not have, the device attempts to obtain the content from another device in the same retailer environment. If no other device in the same retailer environment has the content, then the device obtains the content from the demonstration service.

Abstract: A computer-based testing system includes testing stations connected to a testing service center and backend via the Internet for providing testing services. The system is operable to perform state management to implement fault recovery due to a computing device failure while a test is being administered. The system is also operable to utilize multiple caching techniques for mitigating network latency while administering tests.

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

Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods for use in providing information. These methods comprise: capturing, with one or more cameras of a display device, video along a first direction; detecting an object of interest that is captured in the video; obtaining additional information corresponding to the object of interest; determining an orientation of a user relative to a display of the display device, where the display is oriented opposite to the first direction; determining portions of each of the video images to be displayed based on the determined orientation of the user such that the portions of the video images are configured to appear to the user as though the display device were not positioned between the user and the object of interest; and displaying the portions of video images as they are captured and simultaneously displaying the additional information in cooperation with the object of interest.

Abstract: A computer-based education system monitors brain activity of the student to produce an “engagement” signal that may be compared against a dynamic threshold to identify a plurality of points demarcating periods of declining attention. These points are used to trigger modifications to the presentation of the educational program to promote student retention of the present information.

Abstract: Whilst partaking in a traditional electronic questionnaire survey, responses given by any one respondent are almost always influenced by that person's emotional state due to the survey format. This emotional content skews the results thus obtained making them inaccurate, so that statistical methods become necessary to interpret the results. Such a statistical analyses requires not only a minimum sample size but also to be interpreted, which can also lead to false, non repeatable results. However, by structuring the system and method of the electronic questionnaire survey in accordance with a strict set of guidelines, it is possible to measure a respondent's views on any subject matter both emotionally and rationally, together with the respondent's level of conviction. By comparing the emotional responses with the rational responses, a truly quantifiable and repeatable measure of respondent satisfaction towards the subject matter can be achieved, which also allows benchmarking as an added benefit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for delivering instructional information and include displaying instructional information on several visual displays prior to a triggering event and displaying the instructional information in an instructional varying display pattern on the at least three visual displays after the triggering event so a person viewing the instructional varying display pattern is unable to detect a repeatable pattern. Also included is displaying background information on each display not displaying instructional information. The background information is displayed with a background varying display pattern so a person is unable to detect a repeatable pattern.

Abstract: A system and a method for creating virtual textbooks and other educational collections by assembling content sections from multiple online resources, and remunerating the authors for their contributions. The system allows curators to assemble online multimedia textbooks by selecting, cross-publishing and organizing content components from a) online collections crowdsourced from expert contributors or b) posted by textbook publishers for the purposes of re-mixing into new online educational resources. Students or other purchasers may then purchase these textbooks/educational resources directly. or they me be selected and customized by professors/teachers as required materials for their students for purchase when taking their course. Once a textbook/educational resource is purchased by a student, all stakeholders in the system (authors, contributors, curators, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for learning plan analysis. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for learning plan analysis includes: providing a learner with learning materials commensurate with a learning progress or learning ability; receiving learning information responsive to the learning materials; and generating analysis data from analyzing interaction patterns of a user in learning.

Abstract: A method may include providing a live, interactive program or information associated with the live, interactive program on a video display device; and providing a live interactive content icon on the video display device when a current time is before an end time of the live, interactive program, the live interactive content icon indicating that live interactive content is available for the live, interactive program.

Abstract: A training system is provided. The training system may have a handheld computing device configured to receive a data input from an input device. The input device may be a sensor capable of measuring a condition relating to the training. An analysis module in electronic communication with the handheld computing device is configured to interpret the data input from the input device and configured provide a feedback output related to the execution of the goals of the training system. Based on this feedback, a trainee or trainer may adjust the training program to enhance the trained skills.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for impact activity learning includes a touch sensing element and display operating in accordance with a controller and display driver together with a sound circuit and image projector. The entire system housed in an impact receiving object such as a punching bag or floor mat. The user is prompted by a set of displayed image segments in response to which the user punches or otherwise impacts the apparatus to elicit an audible and visual response from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for games-based learning is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment the system includes a learning application for execution by a player for the assessment of a learning objective, and a learning objective controller for selecting one or more measured objectives; defining outcome conditions for the measured objectives; and selecting outcome activities that each invoke a command in the learning application. A method is also disclosed for defining a learning objective for assessment in a learning application.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are disclosed that analyze student performance and provide feedback regarding the student performance, for example, to an instructor, other school official, parent or directly to the student. In certain embodiments, the methods and systems communicate in real time with the educational program, for example, math or science games, lessons, quizzes or tests, to provide contemporaneous feedback or recommendations to the instructor regarding student performance. In addition, embodiments of the systems and methods evaluate and provide feedback of the effectiveness of the educational program itself, and track progress at different levels, for example, a student, class, school or district level, over a multitude of different durations and time periods. Still further, embodiments of the systems and methods perform comprehensive data analysis and statistical computations.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a system (1) for simulating a manual interventional operation by a user (2) on a simulated body with at least two real instruments (3, 4, 5), comprising a longitudinal track (8), a plurality of carriages (9, 10, 11) moveable along said track, each carriage having clamping means (25), and means for rotating and moving longitudinally said real instrument.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide self-revealing gestures that are designed to provide an indication of how to perform one or more different gestures. In at least one embodiment, an initiation gesture is received, relative to an object. The initiation gesture is configured to cause presentation of a visualization designed to provide an indication of how to perform a different gesture. Responsive to receiving the initiation gesture, the visualization is presented without causing performance of an operation associated with the different gesture.

Abstract: A toy with forest like ambiance created by reflective surfaces of a toy tray box panels and with wild animals arranged in an interactive manner with sounds include spellings of such animal, skillfully decorated by reflecting surfaces that enhances the forest like ambiance and wherein the reflecting surfaces are part of a game box tray which has a base and two or more vertical side panels that form a play area and the box tray with base and side panels has two or more reflecting surfaces that can be utilized fully or covered partially. Such coverings of the reflective surfaces can enhance the ambiance of the play area and such reflecting surfaces create a near infinite tunnel of objects placed in the near vicinity of such reflecting surfaces.

Abstract: A flip-book for educating a user is disclosed. It comprises a first book component and a second book component. A first cover comprises an initial portion of the first book component. A second book cover forms an initial portion of the second component of the book. The cover is positioned on the opposite side of the flip-book. The first component and the second component share a book spine. At least one page of ancient religious text is associated with the first book component. At least one page of modern day text is associated with the second book component.

Abstract: An education digital reading platform suggests connections between users, wherein the users are represented as nodes in a social graph. The nodes may be identified from education materials and course registrations associated with a course and a user. The education digital reading platform also determines suggested connections between the nodes based on the education materials and the course registrations, wherein the suggested connections are based on a commonality between the nodes, such as being registered to a similar course, having the same major, etc. The determined suggested connections are provided to the users. If the users accept the suggested connections, communication and other services are enabled between the users. Such a method of connecting users may iterate when new users or information is added to the platform, such as when a student registers for a new course or a new syllabus is received.

Abstract: A smart grid educational tool and system for using the same is provided. The smart grid relates generally to electro-mechanical systems with mechanical structures that produce electrical signals and switching systems similar to an actual smart power grid. This electrical system relates specifically to structures that easily and quickly demonstrate to students and utility workers the architecture and power sources used by the electric companies in the generation and distribution of electricity. The device utilizes an infrared beam of light sent through a spinning fan or other device, which breaks up the beam, to a receiving unit which produces an AC wave which is later converted to a single frequency sine wave and analyzed on a computer monitor.

Abstract: A display device 10 comprises a base 11 with a profile 17 and a mask 12 movable relative to the base for close alignment therewith. An opening 39 defined within the mask 12 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the profile 17 so that when brought into close alignment, the profile 17 projects through the opening 39. Any sheets 50,51 of material laid over the profile are trapped between the base 11 and the mask 12 so that the profile 17 appears to be covered by the material. Any portion of the sheet 50, 51 extending beyond the profile 17 is concealed. The profile 17 may define at lease part of a human, character or animal body, and the sheets 50, 51 projecting through the opening 39 appear as clothing. The base 11 and the mask 12 may be hinged for relative pivoting movement of those parts.

Abstract: An educational device that includes a freestanding dispenser container having an interior and an opening to the interior thereof. A plurality of reusable sheets are in the container each having on at least one surface an educational graphic. The sheets are arranged in the container so as to be capable of being dispensed one at a time from the opening by a person grasping and removing each sheet sequentially from the container through the opening. A means is provided for refilling the container with the reusable sheets that have been removed from the container. A kit comprising a foam structure and plurality of sheets for converting commercially available wipe containers to an educational device.

Abstract: A method for determining the proper placement of an absorbent article on an undergarment is provided. The method includes receiving a still or video image of the absorbent article in the undergarment, determining a central axis, a longitudinal axis, and a central point for the undergarment, the absorbent article, and the stains. The distance between the absorbent article longitudinal axis and the stain longitudinal axis is determined The distance between the absorbent article central axis and the stain central axis is determined. The absorbent article is adjusted on the undergarment according to the distances determined between the stain axis and the absorbent article axis so that the center point of the stain is less than about 20 mm from the center point of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for placing an absorbent article is provided. The method includes placing an absorbent article in an undergarment in a manner understood by the individual prior to wearing, capturing a still or video image of the absorbent article on the undergarment, and submitting the still or video image of the absorbent article. The consumer then receives output regarding the placement of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for positioning a handheld tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, information is received at a handheld tool for positioning a working end of the handheld tool at a desired position. Information is also received at the handheld tool for aligning the handheld tools at the desired position.

Abstract: A meeting attendee brings into a meeting room a kit which includes a container possessing a supply cylinder on which conventional electrostatic or electret film/paper is wound, a retention cylinder, and, optionally, writing implements. A sheet of the electrostatic film is unwound from the supply roll and is applied to a vertical surface to which it clings by electrostatic attraction. The exposed side of the sheet is written-on by conventional writing tools. Following the meeting, one or more of the sheets is peeled from the surface and retained by being wound up and placed into the retention cylinder. The retention cylinder can then be removed from the meeting room within the container or separately therefrom.

Abstract: An emergency command system is provided. The emergency command system selectively operated in a real time monitoring mode, a forecast mode, and a strategy inferring mode includes an input interface unit, a scene information unit, an emergency status providing unit, a strategy inferring unit, an output interface unit, and a commanding unit. The emergency status providing unit receives an alarm signal corresponding to an emergency, and produces scene simulation data according to the alarm signal and a set of scene information in the scene information unit corresponding to the emergency. The strategy inferring unit produces a strategy inference diagram according to the scene simulation data and/or strategy data input through the input interface unit, thereby displaying through the output interface unit. The commanding unit transmits command signals produced according to the strategy data to terminal devices. The disclosure further provides an emergency command method.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a test and an answer key to identify correct answers is disclosed. A test can be created by entering a set of questions with answer choices and correct answers at the same time. The tests can be rendered via a rendering device that includes both the questions and the answer choices. A ticket can be generated that drives a CNC (computer numerically control) machine to create a punched answer key with holes that align over correct answers. The answer key can also be rendered on a transparency utilizing a solid color everywhere except an area where the correct answer should be marked. The test and the answer key can also be rendered and aligned side by side in order to identify correct answers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to model human figures. More particularly, this invention is directed to a model human figure comprising a frame with joints. This invention is also directed to a model human figure comprising a frame and a wire body with joints.

Abstract: This invention is directed to model human figures. More particularly, this invention is directed to a model human figure comprising a frame with joints. This invention is also directed to a model human figure comprising a frame and a wire body with joints.

Abstract: A first processing component is configured to create at least a first slide from electronic media selected from an electronic media repository. A computer communications interface is configured to access via a computer network a training electronic media repository. A first user interface is configured to permit selecting from the training electronic media repository a training course that includes at least a first slide including a presenter screen and further including at least a first presentee screen. A second processing component is configured to generate an image of the at least first slide for display by a first display subsystem. A third processing component is configured to generate an image, of the at least first presentee screen for display by a second display subsystem to at least one presentee without displaying the presenter screen to the presentee.