Abstract: A material processing apparatus has a reader unit, an information extracting unit and a grade determination unit. The reader unit reads a material. The information extracting unit extracts information from the material, the information having information written by a user and information printed on the material in advance. The grade determination unit grades the information written by the user based on the information printed on the material in advance.

Abstract: The hair color simulation system for simulating a dyed hair color that results from dyeing hair with a mixture of two hair color preparations includes a base screen with a first through fifth layers and an intermediate layer. The first through fifth layers and the intermediate layer are superimposed over one another so as to display a simulated hair color that is produced when the first hair line, the second hair line, the colors of the two hair color preparations and the original hair color are displayed on the layers with respective transparencies and superimposed over each other. The RGB values of the superimposed colors produced by the two hair color preparations and the original hair color are stored in data storage sections. Input sections receive choices of the two hair color preparations and a mixing ratio for the simulation.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for demonstrating different characteristics of different fluids that includes different fluid sumps or chambers for receiving samples of the different fluids. A test shaft having different portions that are immersed in the different fluid samples in the chambers is driven by an electric drive motor at a substantially constant speed while substantially the same amount of friction or force is applied to the different portions of the test shaft at different times to increase the resistance presented to the drive motor. The additional amount of current drawn or power absorbed by the motor or strain induced in the motor drive shaft during the application of such friction or force to the different portions of the test shaft is monitored and compared to provide a comparison of the friction or power loss characteristics of the different fluid samples.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for conveying information, job skills, academic courses, and/or other forms of learning (collectively “education”). The subject matter being taught is organized into small modular units called content modules. Content modules can be invoked in a highly flexible manner and order, based on interactions with the user. A learning matrix selectively identifies which content module is to be subsequently invoked, on the basis of user goals, test results, prerequisites relating to the subject matter, empirical evidence relating to how persons typically learn the particular subject, prior content modules invoked by the user, and/or any other potentially relevant characteristic. By incorporating information relating to the user, the user's performance, the subject matter, and/or empirical data relating to how people learn the specific subject matter, subsequent content modules can be selected to specifically tailor the learning process to the specific context of the user.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: A method and system for learning. Items to be learned are distributed among an unmastered pool, a ready pool, a mastered pool, and a delayed pool. Items from the unmastered pool are placed in the ready pool. A current item randomly selected from the ready pool is presented to a user who responds to the item. The current item is sent to the mastered pool if the user's response is correct and (the current item was not previously presented to the user or the user responded correctly to the current item during the last J times that the user responded to the current item). Otherwise, the current item is sent to the delayed pool followed by transferring the current item to the ready pool after K additional items are presented to by the user. J and K are each at least 1.

Abstract: In a driver training program, a manager conducts an observation drive with a program participant. During the observation drive, the manager observes the participant's driving without commenting on the driving. The manager discusses the observations with the participant during the conference, and provides reports to appropriate departments of the company, e.g., human resources, benefits, and fleet maintenance departments. Based on the manager's observations during the observation drive and other information regarding driving skills of the participant, a driver training curriculum is designed for the participant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to training simulators for sharp shooting and introduces a number of functionalities that provide significant savings and further efficiencies such as usage of actual unmodified combat firearms for training purposes, simultaneous training of two individual shooters with individual identification and result display of the firing activity from each shooter on a computer generated concentrical target analogous to the ones used today in firearm training facilities, as well as the usage of a specialized weapon trigger contactor which is mounted on the actual weapon and that provides the usage functionalities to allow training on all single, and double action pistols as well as fully automatic weapons. The simulator also incorporates an emitting unit consisting of a laser light diode and the associated mounting mechanisms which allow the mounting of the emitting unit on any standard firearm.

Abstract: An interior design system of the present disclosure can comprise a user interface configured to display a plurality of interior design components. The system may further comprise logic configured to receive a user selection of one of the components and display the selected component in the user interface. The logic may further be configured to receive a plurality of user inputs, via the user interface, the inputs related to characteristics of the selected component.

Abstract: Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cartographic computer user interface system for enhancing geo-spatial comprehension and geographic information system user interactivity is disclosed. The system has at least one computer and operating system, user input means, and at least one positionable projection display means, including storage, retrieval and playback control means for the projected content. The system has user input device software responsive to input from at least one user input device which is operable on a three-dimensional user interface surface of the system, and software for the display and control of cartographic-related projected imagery, and software for the display and control of three-dimensional user interface-related content superimposed within the cartographic-related projected imagery.

Abstract: The invented apparatus, system and method for examining a student's oral answer capability includes a presentation mechanism for presenting a program test including one or more questions and soliciting one or more answers as oral inputs; a voice recognition mechanism for receiving a voice stream from a student oral recitation and for converting the voice stream to text-based essay form and for recording the same as a first given answer; answer key data stored in memory, the answer key data representing an ideal answer; a correlation mechanism coupled with the first given answer and with the stored answer key data for comparing the given answer to the stored answer key; and a grading mechanism coupled with the correlation mechanism for assigning a point score representing the merit of the given answer relative to the stored answer key data, wherein the point score represents the level of correlation therebetween.

Abstract: A delivery simulator may include a fetal system comprising at least a fetal head. The fetal system may be configured to simulate the behavior of at least one part of a fetus, a maternal system configured to simulate the behavior of at least one part of a mother's body interacting with the fetus, and a device for establishing the position of at least one point of the fetal head. The device may include at least one marker element positioned on the fetal head, and at least one fixed element linked to said marker element and placed at a distance from the fetal head.

Abstract: Anatomical models representing one or more anatomical structures of a human or non-human animal and related methods for demonstrating, training, promotion and sale of medical, cosmetic and surgical products or procedures. A working device is inserted into the anatomical model and used to perform a simulated procedure, thereby causing an indicator apparatus (e.g., a removable business card) to become perceptibly altered. The indicator apparatus may then be removed and provided a potential user, consumer or purchaser of the medical, surgical or cosmetic product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a make-up or coloring method comprising steps which consist in imaging at least one part of the human body to be treated, analysing local characteristics of said part, and applying treatment products of said part based on said local characteristics.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for auscultation training is provided including a transmitter associated with an audio device for transmitting an audio signal to an auscultation device. The auscultation device may include a receiver for receiving the audio signal from the transmitter and a speaker for relaying the sound to the end user. The arrangement may allow for the broadcast of simulated medical sounds to a generally, normal appearing auscultation device for the purposes of teaching or testing using simulated patient scenarios, while allowing for normal person-to-person interaction between the simulated patient and physician.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring that a user on a host system periodically performs educational tasks is disclosed. The system comprises a host system on which an educational application and a primary application can execute; means for suspending the primary application when a suspension criterion is met; means for executing an interactive educational application on the host system until a resumption criterion is met; and means for resuming the primary application on the host system when the resumption criterion is met. The method comprises (a) suspending a primary application based on a suspension criterion; (b) presenting on a presentation device an educational task from a set of educational tasks; (c) receiving a user-generated response on an input device; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until a resumption criterion is met; and (e) resuming the primary application when the resumption criterion is met.

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: A method, system, and computer program product for creating educational worksheets is provided. In one embodiment, a worksheet creation wizard receives worksheet selection criteria from a teacher. The worksheet selection criteria may include, for example, grade level, textbook title, and number of questions of a specific type and difficulty level. Question type may include multiple choice, true/false, and short answer. Once the selection criteria have been entered, the worksheet creation wizard retrieves appropriate questions matching the selection criteria from a question database and creates a worksheet. The worksheet creation wizard may also allow a teacher or administrator to enter questions into the question database as well as allows students to take practice exams utilizing questions from the question database and obtain instantaneous scoring results as well as possible explanations of answers.

Abstract: A videoendoscopic surgery training system includes a housing defining a practice volume in which a simulated anatomical structure is disposed. Openings in the housing enable surgical instruments inserted into the practice volume to access the anatomical structure. A digital video camera is disposed within the housing to image the anatomical structure on a display. The position of the digital video camera can be fixed within the housing, or the digital video camera can be positionable within the housing to capture images of different portions of the practice volume. In one embodiment the digital video camera is coupled to a boom, a proximal end of which extends outside the housing to enable positioning the digital video camera. The housing preferably includes a light source configured to illuminate the anatomical structure. One or more reflectors can be used to direct an image of the anatomical structure to the digital video camera.