Abstract: An interventional procedure simulation system includes a control unit and an interface unit, the control unit communicating with the interface unit to simulate handling of a number of nested instruments simultaneously interfaced by said interface unit and, the instruments being arranged to move and rotated independently of each other and the movements and rotations being propagated to the other instruments. The control unit further includes an instruction set having a first instruction set for handling and processing input from the user, based on the input, generating a second instruction set for controlling the interface, a first data set that has characteristics for the instruments, a second data set that has data on a body part to be stimulated, and a third instruction set for generating control signals relating to an interaction between instruments and a surrounding geometry relating to a part of the simulated body part.

Abstract: Described is a method using a computer for grading student work on a problem when the student's own steps are shown in detail. A reference trace is created representing a best solution path to the problem.

Abstract: A method, system and an apparatus of alternative energy powered electronic reader having preloaded educational data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes converting a solar energy, through a photovoltaic cell, into an electrical current to utilize the solar energy of the sun. In addition, the method includes storing the electrical current in a battery to provide a power source to an electronic reader. The method also includes powering the electronic reader through the battery to provide an electronic content to a user. The method further includes storing the electronic content in a solid state drive in the electronic reader. The electronic content may be an educational lesson.

Abstract: A recommender system and method including receiving a request identifying at least one current student for which a recommendation is sought and accessing stored student data including attributes associated with respective students of the current students and a plurality of predecessor students. For the predecessor students the attributes include educational resources. The method includes clustering one of predecessor students and the current students into clusters based on sameness of first selected attributes of their respective associated attributes. The method includes generating a mapping between respective students of the other of the predecessor and current students and one of the clusters based on sameness of second selected attributes associated with the students being mapped. The method then includes recommending for each of the current students the educational resource associated with the predecessor student or cluster of predecessor students that the current student is mapped with.

Abstract: A computer-based method of providing reading training to a student is provided. The method, based on a training model having individualized program streams, incorporates automatic system intervention to enhance program mastery and decrease reliance on teacher resources. This automatic intervention may accelerate a training stream for students demonstrating early mastery or it may add a review step and/or program modifications for students who are struggling with assigned tasks. Although teachers are advised of a student's progress through the multi-stage program, hands-on intervention is only required for students experiencing extreme difficulties.

Abstract: A training and/or evaluating device is provided particularly useful in performing laparoscopic procedures, radiological procedures, and precise surgeries that simulates the structure and dynamic motion of the corresponding anatomical structure on which the procedure takes place. The device includes an outer housing, which may be designed to mimic the body wall, in which one or more organs are located. Motion of the organ(s), as a result of respiration, pulmonary action, circulation, digestion and other factors present in a live body, is simulated in the device so as to provide accurate dynamic motion of the organs during a procedure.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems for automated auditing of agreements. Questions relevant to qualitative and quantitative measures of an agreement relative to selected criteria are retrieved from an audit template along with associated answer options. The questions and answer options are presented to a user and user input received to provide answers to the questions. An audit score is generated to measure a degree of compliance of the agreement with the selected criteria. Scores may be presented for individual questions, or may be aggregated for groups or categories of questions. Scores may be compared to desired threshold values and suggestions to improve the score may be provided. Summary presentations of questions and answers or categories of questions and answers may be presented to monitor compliance over a number of such audits.

Abstract: For providing a tactile feedback to a user of a device, textual or graphical information is converted into instructions for a sequence of pulses representing the information. An actuator is then caused to move at least a part of a display according to the obtained instructions.

Abstract: Processes are provided for controlling body weight of a consumer, as well as for selecting and purchasing foods, and for producing food products, based on a combination of food energy data and relative healthfulness data for a candidate food. Various ways are provided for obtaining and accessing the food energy data and relative healthfulness data. Related processes and systems are also provided for assisting in the foregoing processes.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to directly compare school districts and individual schools across state lines, and the geographic areas served by those schools (counties, municipalities, zip codes, neighborhoods) based on their reported standardized test scores despite the fact that each state has prepared their own version of standardized tests to benchmark the performance of their students. While standardized tests, such as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test, can provide a meaningful comparison between any students and schools that were administered the same test, since the tests are different state-to-state a comparison on this basis is generally inaccurate and unreliable. To normalize the local standardized test results based on the differences in tests in different localities, an additional factor is employed as a modifier of the NCLB test results resulting in a normalized comparison.

Abstract: A milestone manager receives a milestone message from a first application. The milestone message includes information associated with a periodic event. The milestone manager applies a rule based process on the milestone message information and sends a trigger to a second application in response to the milestone. The trigger initiates processing of the second application in response to the milestone.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for efficiently measuring and reporting performance relative to established learning outcomes for students, professors, classes, courses and programs. The invention provides an evidence-based approach to measuring student achievement and increasing educator accountability. Using associations between learning content, assessment content, and learning outcomes, the invention facilitates measurement of student achievement, content effectiveness, and teaching effectiveness, through reporting of student, class, teacher, course, and institution performance relative to set outcomes in an on-line educational environment.

Abstract: A training system and method to calculate actual coordinates of a projectile impact at one or more screens has been disclosed. A projectile is launched at a screen. One or more targets are projected onto the screen. A calibrated sensor is directed at the screen surface. The sensor continually captures thermal images of a screen surface. The sensor comprises software to detect and isolate thermal images of the projectile impacting the screen. These impact images are transmitted to a computer connected to the sensor. A computer comprises software to calculate the actual impact coordinates relative to a projected target. The calculated coordinates are digitally sent to feedback devices for display purposes. The system further comprises virtual training scenarios that are triggered upon notification of actual impact coordinates. These training scenarios simulate real life situations.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus measures and classifies innovation skills and technical capability of individuals based on predefined referencable attributes. The classification is used to help individuals improve their innovative abilities and to build innovation teams. The classifications are stored such that they may be further analyzed and used.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering medical care include receiving normal data that indicates normal conditions in a patient. Abnormality data is received and indicates an abnormal condition, if any, in a patient. An instance of a virtual patient is generated based on the normal data and the abnormality data. The instance includes a physiological component that describes a sufficiently comprehensive physical state of a patient having the abnormal condition to simulate clinical measurements of the patient's condition. The instance also includes a cognitive component that describes a patient's awareness of symptoms, history of behavior and ability to convey information in response to queries. Action data is received from a trainee. Response data is generated based on the action data and the instance. Display data is presented based on the response data, and indicates information about the instance available as a result of the requested action.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer software for automatically analysing a filled in questionnaire, are provided. The method includes automatically analysing a filled in questionnaire, the method comprising the steps of: providing a questionnaire having answer locations; scanning at least two copies of the questionnaire with the answer locations filled in differently and complementarily in a predetermined way, to produce a first scan and a second scan; automatically determining answer locations by comparing the first and second scans; providing a filled in questionnaire having certain answers; scanning the provided filled in questionnaire as a third scan; and automatically judging the certain answers with the determined answer locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching and practicing an ophthalmologic surgical technique of creating the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis comprises a flexible and removable cellophane-type cover, which is wrapped substantially around a putty-like malleable body to mimic the human anterior lens capsule and lens anatomy.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing an automated essay scoring system are disclosed. Relative weights may be assigned to a plurality of features for a plurality of benchmark essay responses. Based on the relative weights, automated scores may be determined for one or more first essay responses to a first prompt. The automated scores may be scaled based on one or more scoring standards for the first prompt. A scaled automated score may be assigned for a second essay response to the first prompt based on the scaled automated scores for the one or more first essay responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of identifying clinical competencies to be completed by a healthcare student in a computerized environment. The method receives an academic unit of time for a healthcare student and identifies one or more corresponding clinical competencies for the academic unit of time to be satisfied by the student.

Abstract: A system and method for training a user to perform a flick gesture is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.