Abstract: An interactive medical training device includes a computer system having a display, wherein the computer system is programmed to provide education and training in medical procedures, including laparoscopic surgical procedures. This aspect is achieved by configuring the system to display, on a portion of the display, a video window. The video window displays a prerecorded video segment illustrating a portion of a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The system requests a user to input information relating to a next step in the surgical procedure, which advantageously keeps the user engaged in the training session. This "next step" information may include, for example, selecting an appropriate medical instrument or selecting a location for operating. The user inputs the requested information through an input device, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, or other input device. The system then receives and interprets the user input and informs the user as to whether the input is correct.

Abstract: Assessment tool (12) for gathering meaningful information concerning an object. The assessment tool (12) includes a plurality of statements (40) directed toward observable characteristics of the object. A frequency estimation scale (42) corresponds to each statement (40). At least one statement (40) is reverse keyed from the remaining statements (40).

Abstract: A one-way individual or group addressable communication link by paging system protocol delivers to a small data terminal of an entertainment or education device command messages relevant to current real world information such as news or weather information, and also relevant to current television series storylines. The device provides a separate and independent mechanism augmenting educational or entertainment aspects of current events or television programming without requiring an expensive user interface mechanism in implementation of complex and robust control and configuration features.

Abstract: A questionnaire agency company stores individual information of a number of answerers in a database in a questionnaire agency system. When a client enters desired conditions, answerers who meet the conditions are retrieved automatically. The number of the answerers is presented to the client. When the client approves it, the contents of a questionnaire are sent to the chosen answerers by telephone or facsimile and replies to the questionnaire are collected.

Abstract: Firefighter training device for limiting a trainee's vision and simulating firefighting conditions across a trainee's field of view. The device includes a view-limiting simulation mask which is worn by a trainee (e.g., respirator mask, glasses, or goggles). The mask houses a voltage controlled liquid crystal (LC) lens system, either single or multi-layered, which is divided into various individually and electronically controllable segments. Host dyes might be injected into LC materials to produce colors in the lens segments. Pre-programmed and random pattern control of lens segments occludes the trainee's vision and simulates smoke and/or fires. Sound and strobes might be added to simulate explosions and other firefighting conditions. A transmitter, which includes switchable controls, can be used to send control signals to the mask. The training device can effectively be used indoors or outdoors.

Abstract: A method and device for teaching a given language to one or more users in an entertaining manner is provided utilizing a media series for teaching a given language to one or more users, particularly young children. The media series contains the given language as well as language other than the given language and is made up of series lessons which sequentially contain an increasing percentage of the given language. A user is progressively exposed to the media series by exposing the user to the series lessons in sequential fashion beginning with a first series lesson containing a lowest percentage of the given language and ending with a last series lesson containing a highest percentage of the given language. The given language to be learned is utilized and presented strategically such that the meaning of the given language can be readily and intuitively understood and wherein no supervision is necessary.

Abstract: Interactive system which includes a computer having a video output display and a pair of audio output channels. A program source such as a CD-ROM contains information which is processed by the computer to provide a visual presentation on the display and audio signals in the audio output channels, and at least one input device is connected to the computer for controlling the manner in which the program information is processed and the audio signals are delivered to the audio output channels. One speaker is connected to the computer for reproducing sounds represented by the audio signals in one of the audio output channel, and the audio signals in the other channel are applied to at least one transducer in an animated doll.In the disclosed embodiments, the transducers in the doll include a speaker for reproducing sounds to be made by the doll and actuators for moving parts of the doll such as the mouth and eyes in accordance with those sounds.