Abstract: A method of optimizing a product includes the step of accessing an event record having a summary of a sequence of events that transpired during a preliminary product selection process. The summary includes an identification of the user and a preliminary designation of the product. A user profile associated with the user includes at least one characteristic corresponding to the user. Based on characteristics in the user profile, a formatted display is generated. User response to formatted displays is used to update characteristics in the user profile. An iterative process, in which the updated user profile is used as a basis for generating subsequent formatted displays to which a user responds, repeats until the user indicates that the product is optimized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for interactive, adaptive, and individualized computer assisted instruction. This invention includes an agent (108) for each student (101) which adapts to its student, and provides individualized guidance to the student and controls to the augmented computer assisted instructional materials. The instructional materials of this invention are augmented to communicate the student's performance and the material's pedagogical characteristics to the agent, and to receive control from the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the agent maintains data reflecting the student's pedagogic or cognitive characteristics in a protected and portable media in the personal control of the student. Preferably, the content of the communication between the agent and the materials conforms to specified interface standards, so that the agent acts independently of the content of the particular materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for interactive, adaptive, and individualized computer assisted instruction. This invention includes an agent (108) for each student (101) which adapts to its student, and provides individualized guidance to the student and controls to the augmented computer assisted instructional materials. The instructional materials of this invention are augmented to communicate the student's performance and the material's pedagogical characteristics to the agent, and to receive control from the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the agent maintains data reflecting the student's pedagogic or cognitive characteristics in a protected and portable media in the personal control of the student. Preferably, the content of the communication between the agent and the materials conforms to specified interface standards, so that the agent acts independently of the content of the particular materials.