Abstract: A method for testing a working memory of a subject includes the steps of presenting to a subject a first representation of a plurality of items and asking the subject to select a first item from the first representation. Next the subject is presented with a second representation of the plurality of items and is asked to select a second item from the second representation, the second item different from the first item. These steps test a subject's ability to select a different item from a plurality thereof, a first type of information. As a next aspect of the test the subject is asked to recall an order of the selected items. This step requires the subject to track the order of selection, another type of information. This juxtaposition of testing aspects increases the working memory load on the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for promoting movements of a subject in synergic timed correlation with physiological activity. The apparatus includes a synergic programs module that directs the movements in a temporally varying fashion. The synergic programs module causes generation of at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where the movements are performed in response to the at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where each of the at least one signal, stimulus, or force is determined so as to reduce meaning and/or emotional content to the subject, where each signal and stimulus is from a pool that comprises signals and stimuli that are sensorially understandable or recognizable by the subject, and where timing of the movements is based on at least a primary correlation factor and a secondary correlation factor. The primary correlation factor is determined so that the movements are synchronized with referential points of an intrinsically variable cyclical physiological activity.

Abstract: A multi-disciplinary educational tool having a plurality of commodity representations, a plurality of instruction cards, and at least one cargo transfer means that is moved among a plurality of geographical regions is disclosed. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a playing surface to represent a plurality of geographical regions. The commodity representations comprise physical samples, pictorial representations or a combination of physical samples and pictorial representations of the represented commodities. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a quantity of money for use during trading and exchange rates, wherein the exchange rates can set prices and exchange rates for the plurality of commodity representations. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a plurality of impact cards that affect trading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a computer-based teaching system includes modifying a text file by inserting a first predetermined character at a first end of a first selected information element, and also inserting a second predetermined character at a second end of the first selected information element. A blank box is created in an area defined by the first and second predetermined character. The blank box replaces the first selected information element. Data is stored in a memory, with the data representing the first selected information element. A user interface is provided, which enables selective display of either the blank box or the first selected information element.

Abstract: A method for recording the process of an examinee performing a psychological test where the psychological test includes a finite number of elements that are to be sequentially manipulated. Such tests include memory tests or graphic manipulation tests such as copying complex figures. An observer uses a graphic input device, such as a touch-sensitive screen, to register and store the time each manipulation is performed. In such a way, the process is accurately recorded in an ecologically valid manner.

Abstract: A reflective analysis methodology based upon an interactive, dynamic questioning procedure that implements reflective practices of individual learners. Comprehensive educational activities are designed to model cognitive behaviors of successful students. During interactive diagnostic testing, the learner is asked to reflect on the degree of certainty for each of his answers. After completing the diagnostic test, reflective questions are posed specifically responsive to the learner's answers to selected items. This series of reflective questions is designed to cause the student to search for patterns, clues, and problem-solving strategies related to the specific content being studied. In so doing, thinking behaviors that the student has used or should have used are analyzed, and concomitantly constructs strategic modeling from a database of comprehensive instructional activities for addressing a given concept or skill in the future.

Abstract: The computerized system and method represents judgments of a user and records the judgments and the judgment making process. In one embodiment, the computerized method displays multiple concept representations simultaneously, receives a user-manipulated adjustment to one or more of the concept representations to create a judgment representation, and records the judgment representation(s) and user-manipulated adjustment(s). The judgment representations and adjustments are preferably recorded continuously so that the judgment process can be reviewed and evaluated. The concept representations can be displayed relative to other concept representations and/or relative to a rating scale. In another embodiment, the computerized method displays a physical context representation and the judgments are represented and recorded as user designated locations in the physical context. One example of an application for the system and method is to record and evaluate a patient's judgments with respect to pain.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a controller such as an online service provider computer or an ISP computer receives a survey including survey questions from a client desiring to have a survey conducted. The controller creates respondent questions based on the survey questions. The controller also selects one or more respondents from a list of possible respondents, such as a list of customer accounts. The respondent questions are transmitted to the selected respondents. Responses corresponding to the respondent questions are received. The controller applies an inconsistency test to the responses to generate an inconsistency test result. The inconsistency test determines if the responses originate from computers or humans not paying attention to the questions. Based on the inconsistency test result, a fraud signal may be generated.

Abstract: An information system for providing explanatory information on functional elements or controls in motor vehicles. The respective functional element or control which is of interest is located with a hand-held computer-supported pointer and the locating data are transferred to a computer-supported controlled and output unit in which a stored information text is selected, using this locating data, and is output to the user via a voice response system.

Abstract: A method of teaching a skill, such as, for example, hunting, tracking, or game-playing technique, whereby the student is exposed to the perspective of a relevant person, animal, or object, such as, for example, a game player, animal, or ball, whose identity is determined by the nature of the skill, and wherein a mechanism, such as, for example, video, computer animation, virtual reality, or role-playing, is used to impart the perspective. The method broadly comprises the steps of identifying a behavior of the thing, wherein the behavior is related to the skill; modeling a perspective of the thing related to the behavior in terms understandable by the student; implementing the model using a suitable mechanism; and introducing the student to the mechanism such that, through the mechanism, the student is able to experience the perspective of the thing and to thereby better understand the behavior and the skill.

Abstract: A method of teaching a skill, such as, for example, hunting, tracking, law enforcement, terrorist response, self-defense, or game-playing technique, whereby the student is exposed to the perspective of a relevant person, animal, or object, such as, for example, a game player, victim, criminal, terrorist, animal, or ball, whose identity is determined by the nature of the skill, and wherein a mechanism, such as, for example, video, computer animation, virtual reality, or role-playing, is used to impart the perspective. The method broadly comprises the steps of identifying a behavior of the thing, wherein the behavior is related to the skill; modeling a perspective of the thing related to the behavior in terms understandable by the student; implementing the model using a suitable mechanism; and introducing the student to the mechanism such that, through the mechanism, the student is able to experience the perspective of the thing and to thereby better understand the behavior and the skill.

Abstract: A device is housed in a housing in the general form of a wrist watch. A vibrator within the device can be manually actuated to provide tactile stimulation to the wearer. The device also incorporates a store for storing an audible message available to the wearer, through a headphone socket, loudspeaker or the like, when play back is initiated by a control. During play back, a link device monitors the message being reproduced, and causes activation of the vibrator at appropriate points within the message, as required for effective behaviour modification.

Abstract: This invention is a computer based system for the assessment, management and instruction of students, and for the delivery of work pages and other instructional materials in the form of electronic student workbooks. The computer based assessment of the student produces a student profile including skill gaps or learning objectives. Teacher (21) and student (23) workstations are networked CPUs with pen-based tablet inputs, and displays network with a central processor (10) and data base. A director workstation may also be networked with the central processor. The central processor generates a teacher workbook either directly or with input from the director workstation. The teacher, or teacher and director together, assemble an electronic student workbook containing instructional materials correlated with the student profile. The system tracks useful data such as instructional material (e.g., textbook pages, work sheets, software, simulations, tests, etc.) delivered to students.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding apparatus for video indexing based on viewers' behavior and emotion feedback to automatically index a multimedia sequence using viewers' casual feedback while watching the multimedia sequence. The method and apparatus use a system, such as an emotion detection system that includes one or more multimedia acquisition devices, such as video cameras, to detect viewers' behavior and emotion feedback, and to produce as video indices various categories of behavior and emotion segments. Each video camera may include one or more image sensors and/or audio sensors. The viewers or other users, i.e., user, may later selectively view the multimedia sequence by browsing through the video indices of various categories of emotion. The video indices are similar to chapters within digital video disc (DVD) movies that enable a user to jump directly to a particular chapter without having to fast forward.

Abstract: A system and method for computerized visual behavior analysis, training, and planning. The system includes a User Interface (UI), a Meal Database, a Food Database, a Picture Menus, and a Meal Builder. The method can include the following steps. First, the Meal Database and the Food Database can be prepared. Second, the user can use the Picture Menus to choose meals for a particular time period to correspond to a customized eating plan. Third, the user can decide whether or not to change one or more of the meals he has chosen for the particular time period. If the user decides to change his chosen meals, the user can edit or create new meals using the Meal Builder. If the user decides not to change his choices, or after the user changes his choices, the user can save the meals for the particular time period.

Abstract: Computer implemented training exercises present stimuli to a user and receive responses by the user to the stimuli. The stimuli are specifically selected to challenge and improve a cognitive ability of the user, e.g., the ability to perceive and understand spoken language. As a result, the stimuli cannot be changed or adapted to motivate the user through entertainment. Motivation is therefore provided by periodic reward animations which include persistent plots and characters. Progress indicators represent progress toward reward animations and represent such progression with smooth, entertaining progress animations. Randomly appearing animations and variations in rewards and immediate feedback add to the surprise and curiosity of the user and motivate further correct responses to see further random animations and variations. Progress indicators also represent a relation between the number of steps taking toward completion of a task and a maximum number of steps which should be needed to complete the task.

Abstract: Computer implemented training exercises present stimuli to a user and receive responses by the user to the stimuli. The stimuli are specifically selected to challenge and improve a cognitive ability of the user, e.g., the ability to perceive and understand spoken language. As a result, the stimuli cannot be changed or adapted to motivate the user through entertainment. Motivation is therefore provided by periodic reward animations which include persistent plots and characters. Progress indicators represent progress toward reward animations and represent such progression with smooth, entertaining progress animations. Randomly appearing animations and variations in rewards and immediate feedback add to the surprise and curiosity of the user and motivate further correct responses to see further random animations and variations. Progress indicators also represent a relation between the number of steps taking toward completion of a task and a maximum number of steps which should be needed to complete the task.

Abstract: The system produces movements in a home entertainment chair. It has a motor controller and a plurality of movement generator units for generating small amplitude and low frequency movements in the viewer's chair. The system is intended for home use and can be easily installed under each leg of a chair or of a sofa. The source of movement control signals can be derived from a video presentation soundtrack, and directional movement sensations can be created by inducing controlled movements in each leg of the viewer's chair.

Abstract: This invention is a computerized expert system for providing interior design by allowing a homeowner to enter interior design requirements and selecting interior design treatments according to the homeowner's design requirements so that a grouping of compatible interior design treatments is provided for the homeowner to be used in decorating the homeowner's home.

Abstract: A system (11) for presenting textual and/or graphical information for reading. The system includes a visual display unit (15) for displaying the textual and/or graphical information within a general layout screen, a microcomputer including processing means (13) to receive the textual and/or graphical information in an electronically encoded form and process the same for presentation on the visual display unit (15). A computer program (19) is provided for controlling the presentation of the textual and/or graphical information on the visual display unit (15) in a prescribed manner. A keyboard and mouse input (17) is included for inputting control signals to operate the processing means (13) and the computer program (19) or for altering control parameters of same.