Patents Examined by John Edmund Rovnak
  • Patent number: 6491525
    Abstract: Multi-media technology is applied to the testing of children, brain damaged adults and the general population using standard psychological and educational assessment tools. To avoid the inherent bias occurring when a tester speaks in a language or dialect not fully comprehended by the student or other human subject, the multi-media computer has a linguistic adaptation means, such as a sound card and data associated therewith, which can produce sounds, such as test instructions, in the most appropriate language and dialect of the test taker, such as a student, so that the human tester can provide the human subject with instructions for responding to the psychological evaluation. The human subject is exposed to computer-generated multi-media psychological evaluative probing, so that the human subject can respond to the computer-generated psychological evaluative probing. The computer tallies and records the student's responses and analyzes the human subject's recorded responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Techmicro, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hersh
  • Patent number: 6482012
    Abstract: Information concerning child development is developed and stored in first and second data sets containing topics and issue-questions related thereto. The information is accessed from these data sets by selectively combining an issue-question with at least one topic to produce a primary information product. A program means associated with the data sets modifies the primary information product by imposing thereon a plurality of answer-options to the selected issue-question. Each of the answer-options comprises at least one expert opinion and one parent-expert opinion, stored in third and fourth data sets. The imposition of answer-options on the information product produces a polycentric information product, which is readily communicated by oral, written or electronic means. Advantageously, the method provides to a parent, grandparent, child, teacher, nurse, caregiver, baby-sitter, or other user or viewer, an information product that is directed specifically to the concerns of that user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nocera and Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Tina M. Nocera, Catherine S. Banat, Sarah C. Lee
  • Patent number: 6478581
    Abstract: An external method for addressing the trainer-unique functions in a flight training system allows a Control Display Navigation Unit (CDNU), loaded with an actual Operational Flight Program (OFP), to function properly in a Flight Simulator environment of a trainer system without sacrificing the trainer-unique functions. A CDNU Trainer Interface Unit (CTIU) is defined to realize the external method. The CTIU is installed between the CDNU and the trainer system. The communication between the CDNU with an OFP and the trainer system is thus controlled by the CTIU. The trainer-unique functions are controlled externally by the CTIU, thus eliminating an OTP in the CDNU. The CTIU connects the CDNU and the trainer system. It communicates with both the trainer system and the CDNU/OFP using two sets of MIL-STD-1553B Buses. To the CDNU/OFP, it acts like the real navigation and communication systems. To the trainer system, it acts like a CDNU OTP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: American GNC Corporation
    Inventor: Ching-Fang Lin
  • Patent number: 6468086
    Abstract: A method for the display of video images of exercises including the steps of partitioning the screen into at least two partitions; displaying information comprising text and numbers within one of the partitions; displaying an exercise movement within each of the other partitions wherein the exercise movement displayed in any one of the partitions is different from the exercises movements simultaneously displayed within any of the other partitions and preferably exercises a different muscle group than the other exercise movements so displayed. In one embodiment of the inventive method the exercise movements are displayed for a predetermined interval of time. The time remaining in the interval is displayed in the information partition. Upon expiration of the time interval, new exercise movements are displayed and a new interval time is set. This process repeats in a cyclic fashion for the duration of the video program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Shelly Brady-Koontz
  • Patent number: 6464503
    Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Warren S. Heit, Brian I. Marcus
  • Patent number: 6464501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and useful learning system. A computer-based system permits a user to create and manipulate basic elements within an environment. The system then represents relationships within the environment. The system and user cooperate to provide a learning opportunity for the user. As the user makes or reviews changes of basic elements, he or she can learn how different aspects of an element affect the overall interactions. Two specific embodiments are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the system is used for exploring geometric patterns. The basic elements are tiles which are formed and manipulated through operations of geometric symmetry. The tiles can be combined into different repeating patterns. Multiple tiles can be used within a pattern. Also, new tiles can be created from portions of the pattern. Thus through simple interactions using basic operations and simple parts, complex effects emerge. In other embodiments, the system is used for exploring sociodynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol Strohecker, Edith Ackermann, Aseem Agarwala
  • Patent number: 6450816
    Abstract: A soldier (A) carries a weapon, on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier (B). The laser device and the target device each include a microprocessor as well as an ultrasound unit and/or a radio unit (72, 71) such that, if the laser device does not receive a response from the target device within a period of time Ta following the transmission of a bundled, coded laser beam, it transmits another laser beam with different coding, which causes the ultrasound unit and/or the radio unit of the target device to transmit an acknowledgement which can be received by the ultrasound unit and/or the radio unit of the laser device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Patent number: 6450820
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modulating the control authority (i.e., control function) of a computer simulation or game input device (e.g., joystick, button control) using physiological information so as to affect the user's ability to impact or control the simulation or game with the input device. One aspect is to use the present invention, along with a computer simulation or game, to affect physiological state or physiological self-regulation according to some programmed criterion (e.g., increase, decrease, or maintain) in order to perform better at the game task. When the affected physiological state or physiological self-regulation is the target of self-regulation or biofeedback training, the simulation or game play reinforces therapeutic changes in the physiological signal(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Olafur S. Palsson, Randall L. Harris, Sr., Alan T. Pope
  • Patent number: 6449460
    Abstract: A method and kit for teaching disabled students, such as children with developmental delays and disabilities such as autism, through music. The method makes extensive use of an illustrated song book and individual sound recordings of appropriate songs with lyrics, and tying the pages of the song book with the individual sound recordings of the songs by the use of icons or graphic images, including icon cards, representing respective ones of the songs. The method permits the students to find the appropriate page in the song book for following along as the selected song is being played, while also permitting the students to have a choice in the selection of songs to be experienced. The method and kit also provide the teacher with suggestions of activities for engaging the children, such activities being specific to the selected song being played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Marie G. Logan
  • Patent number: 6447299
    Abstract: The invention includes a teaching machine that presents questions to the user who responds with answers. Graded interval recall is accomplished by storing the exact time and date when the user learns a correct answer. The machine determines the presentation mode and review schedule for each unit according to the length of real time that has elapsed since the user learns the material. Precise timing is designed to bridge the threshold between short-term and long-term memory by interrupting default sequencing of material to review items at an exact preset interval from the time the user learned the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: John F. Boon
  • Patent number: 6443735
    Abstract: A computerized education system with a physiological simulator for interactively teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a computer program for displaying a selection of selectable modules for providing different interactive training sessions, and a virtual stethoscope for use with the simulator in performing patient care, and cooperating with corresponding sensors on the simulator, thus providing feedback to confirm proper use of the virtual stethoscope on the simulator. The system also comprises an interface module for interfacing the sensors with the computer program, the module comprising a processor for receiving signals from the sensors and converting the signals to provide feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Gaumard Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Eggert, Michael S. Eggert, Phillip Vallejo
  • Patent number: 6439892
    Abstract: A soldier carries a weapon on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier. This harness device is provided with sensors (61, 62, 63, . . . ), which perform detection tasks for several applications in connection with arbitrary simulation scenarios in the course of exercises and battles. The laser device (1) has a laser target illumination element which is designed for transmitting tightly bundled laser beams (11), as well as chopper means for transmitting laser beams which are not only coded, but also chopped at a predeterminable frequency. The sensors contain tuning means for obtaining an alternating electrical signal from the received chopped laser beams, which is supplied to a pre-amplifier connected upstream of a discriminator. A very sensitive laser identification system results due to the fact that the electrical signal obtained in this manner can be very strongly amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Patent number: 6435878
    Abstract: An interactive automatic system and technique for measuring and training of mental ability. In the illustrative embodiment, the invention is implemented on a computer which automatically presents a variety of visual and auditory stimuli. The system then measures reaction to the stimuli, adjusts certain stimulus parameters, and provides scores in response thereto. The scores are tabulated and displayed for analysis. In particular embodiments, the invention tests for physical reaction time, perceptual awareness thresholds, attention level, speed, efficiency and capacity of information processing by the brain and elementary cognitive processes, including memory, memory access and decision-making speed. The invention measures, identifies and quantifies noise in the subject's brain and elementary cognitive processing system, and the information exchange rate between the subject's left and right brain hemispheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: BCI, LLC
    Inventors: Josh Reynolds, Jeremy Knight
  • Patent number: 6428322
    Abstract: A developed film is illuminated to project its image onto a rear projection screen. A transparent case with a clear liquid filled therein is arranged, and the film is accommodated in the case. A writable transparent or translucent sheet is arranged over a front side of the rear projection screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Nix Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6425764
    Abstract: A method of treating a psychological, psychiatric, or medical condition by choosing a psychological strategy for treating the condition, encoding electronic instructions for a virtual reality environment in such a way that the interactive virtual reality environment implements the psychological strategy, loading electronic instructions into a virtual reality technology unit (10, 22) equipped with a display (14, 40) for displaying the virtual reality environment and with a patient input device (14, 22, 32) for receiving responses to the environment from the patient, and instructing the human patient how and when to use the virtual reality technology unit to interact with the environment. The interactive environment contains instructions for a scoring procedure for quantitatively analyzing the medical condition of the patient, and/or counseling instructions or self-help instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph J. Lamson
  • Patent number: 6416325
    Abstract: A computer program and method for displaying a family tree in 3 dimensions. A family space contains person objects representing members of a family. Data can be entered on family members by hand or read in from a database. Person objects are connected to other person objects to represent family relationships. Different axes in the family space can represent different relationships. One axis can represent siblingship, another can represent parent/child, and another can represent marriage or father/mother relationships. The space, or parts of it, can be displayed on an output device. A set of commands allows rotations, translations, zooming, etc. Selecting a particular person object can bring up historical information concerning that person and possibly a visual representation of that person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Gross
  • Patent number: 6409513
    Abstract: A system which utilizes a series of computer controlled exercises designed to strengthen eye muscles to reduce eye fatigue, to increase overall reading speed by performing variable reading speed exercises, and to enhance an eye-brain connection to improve reading comprehension and maintain the speed reading and comprehension skills. A specific variable reading rate process has the reader read at a first rate, then increase to a second rate, and finally decrease to a third reading rate that is faster than the first rate, and slower than the second rate. Eye-brain connection enhancement exercises include following objects moving in specific patterns across a computer screen, expanding peripheral vision by watching and following the outline of expanding objects, rapidly solving maze puzzles, sequentially locating a series of numbers on a single display screen, and two-point horizontal and vertical scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Infinite Mind, L.C.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kawamura, Jeffrey C. Flamm
  • Patent number: 6409510
    Abstract: A method for learning a foreign language has a basic language kit including a sheet imprinted with a select list of key words in the foreign language, a workbook including a definition of each of the key words, and a recording of a correct pronunciation of each of the key words. Once the user has memorized the definition and the pronunciation of each of the key words, the sheet is used to facilitate a conversation between the user and a person fluent in the foreign language. Although the conversation is rudimentary at first, the user gains a working knowledge of the foreign language and learns proper sentence structure, grammar, and conjugation through repeated conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Firebaugh
  • Patent number: 6402520
    Abstract: Apparatus utilizing electrical activity of the brain to control a series of low-stimuli educational exercises displayed on a computer monitor to increase the following. educational components: time on-task, visual tracking, short-term memory, visual discriminatory processing, auditory discriminatory processing, and focus. The exercises are governed by real-time analysis of the focus and processing states of the user. Specific relative exercise performance data are collected and recorded from the use of each of the educational components to demonstrate improvement over time of the user in each of the sited educational components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Unique Logic and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Freer
  • Patent number: 6390822
    Abstract: A system for training an individual phrases associated with a job and in a language foreign to the individual. The system includes a first list of phrases associated with the job in a language native to the individual and a second list of phrases associated with the job in a language foreign to the individual. Each of the phrases in the second list corresponds to a different one of the phrases in the first list. Illustrative icons and audio formats are also available to further enhance the learning and recognition of the foreign words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: David Wayne Murphy, Gary Lee Collins