Abstract: A method and system for demonstrating the context of features of a product or service, receiving selections of those features from a user, and modifying the demonstration to show the consequences of the received selections.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a data structure containing at least one field corresponding to a setting of a product includes a memory storing a plurality of queries corresponding to various configuration settings of the product. The memory includes a plurality of queries that are presented to a user of the product and/or a user of a training device associated with the product. The apparatus also includes a display for displaying the queries to a user and an input device for providing responses to the queries by the user. The apparatus may also include a training device having a plurality of lessons for training the user on the product. The training device may also include an exam having a plurality of questions that may be presented to the user to test the user's understanding of the product. A method of the present invention configures the lessons presented by the training device to the user and the questions asked by the training device according to the configuration settings stored in the data structure.

Abstract: A method for having a reading machine spell a word includes retrieving a word to be spelled, displaying the first character of the word on a display while applying a highlighting indicia to the character, synthesizing speech for the character to have the reading machine pronounce the displayed letter of the word, unhighlighting the displayed letter of the word, and retrieving a subsequent letter of the word.

Abstract: A computer-operated system for assisting aphasics in communication includes user-controlled means for storing data representing the user's vocalizations during a time interval, means for associating the data stored in each of a plurality of such intervals with an icon, means for ordering a plurality of such icons in a group representing a speech message, and means for generating an audio output from the stored data represented by the icons in the group so as to provide a speech message.

Abstract: The invention includes a user method and system for accessing mentor experience information in a knowledge based user educational guidance system accessing, storing, compiling and transferring mentor experience information directed to financial services.

Abstract: A system for producing highly realistic, real-time simulated operating conditions for interactive training of persons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures involving implements that are inserted and manipulated through small incisions in the patient. The virtual environment for this training system includes a housing with a small opening. An implement simulating a surgical implement is inserted into the opening and manipulated relative to the housing. A movement guide and sensor assembly monitors the location of the implement relative to the housing and provides data about the implement's location and orientation within the housing. The reported data is interpolated by a computer processor, which utilizes a database of information representing a patient's internal landscape to create a computer model of the internal landscape of the patient. With reference to this computer model, the processor controls the occurrence of force feedback opposing the motion of the implement.

Abstract: A trainer for teaching the operation of aircraft fuel systems comprised of a fuselage frame portion and fuel tanks mounted to a platform. The trainer utilizes a fuel look-alike with a viscosity below 2.8 cs and a flashpoint above 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A full-size mortar training device which includes full-size, simulated, propelling charges is disclosed. Both 81 mm and 60 mm mortar training devices are disclosed. The device provides realistic training on virtually all aspects of mortar firing. The device allows training in target sight acquisition and mortar positioning (elevation and azimuth), sight reacquisition due to recoil, dropping a round, adjusting the number of charges, as required, to achieve a desired zone of firing distance, adjusting the projectile fuse setting to control time of explosion, provides realistic firing sound, and allows trainees to follow procedures similar to those used with standard mortar service ammunition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer aided reading training provides for improving reading speed with comprehension, the method comprising the steps of displaying textual matter in a machine readable format; presenting a designated text display area indicia on a video monitor screen; presenting input device controllable operational indicia on the video monitor screen; and displaying the textual matter within the word display area indicia on the video monitor screen, the textual matter being segmented into textual portions, each of the portions appearing on the monitor screen for a selected duration and at the termination of the selected duration being instantly replaced by each subsequent one of the textual portions in turn, the operational indicia being functional for adjusting the position and approximate quantity of textual matter in each of the textural portions.

Abstract: A portable electronic device assists persons with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders in performing daily living tasks. These tasks can include, e.g., making a bed, applying makeup, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating a meal, or hundreds of other tasks. The device is designed to allow users to develop a personal schedule of these tasks and special events. It alerts users at predetermined times to perform scheduled tasks and coaches and motivates the user in completing the tasks through text, audio and animation. The user is given a predetermined period of time to complete the task and rewarded with points if the task is completed on time. The device also records the user's performance of tasks and creates a task log of the user's performance over a given period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening an individual's ability to process acoustic events is provided. The invention provides sequences (or trials) of acoustically processed target and distractor phonemes to a subject for identification. The acoustic processing includes amplitude emphasis of selected frequency envelopes, stretching (in the time domain) of selected portions of phonemes, and phase adjustment of selection portions of phonemes relative to a base frequency. After a number of trials, the method of the present invention develops a profile for an individual that indicates whether the individual's ability to process acoustic events is within a normal range, and if not, what processing can provide the individual with optimal hearing. The individual's profile can then be used by a listening or processing device to particularly emphasize, stretch, or otherwise manipulate an audio stream to provide the individual with an optimal chance of distinguishing between similar acoustic events.

Abstract: A reading machine for a blind or visually impaired person includes a computer system that causes the computer to load a definition file in accordance with the current word whose definition a user desires the reading machine to read aloud, extract from said definition file text corresponding to at least a first definition contained in said file, and synthesize speech corresponding to the extracted text to permit the definition to be read aloud. The reading machine includes a user input device including a user activated button that produces a signal that causes the computer to enter a definition mode to read a definition of current word being spoken by the reading machine.

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.

Abstract: A mechanical interface for providing high bandwidth and low noise mechanical input and output for computer systems. A gimbal mechanism includes multiple members that are pivotably coupled to each other to provide two revolute degrees of freedom to a user manipulatable about a pivot point located remotely from the members at about an intersection of the axes of rotation of the members. A linear axis member, coupled to the user object, is coupled to at least one of the members, extends through the remote pivot point and is movable in the two rotary degrees of freedom and a third linear degree of freedom. Transducers associated with the provided degrees of freedom include sensors and actuators and provide an electromechanical interface between the object and a computer. Capstan band drive mechanisms transmit forces between the transducers and the object and include a capstan and flat bands, where the flat bands transmit motion and force between the capstan and interface members.

Abstract: Insertable insoles of flexible air-injected elastomer material with one or both said insoles containing a lithium-battery power supply (27), a microprocessor with an internal timer, an analog/digital converter, and an actuator (28), connected by at least one wire (29) to a plurality of electronic sensors (12) wrapped around the toes of the foot. The actuator vibrates a plurality of raised nodes (20) on the insole(s) with the speed and intensity of vibrations in either direct or inverse response to the level of stress experienced, as measured by physiological signals such as galvanic skin response. A thin foam lining covers the top surface of the elastomer material and cushions the feet. In addition, a washable, stretchable nylon lining (30) separates the foam from the sole of the bare foot, but a small elastic hole (32) near the toes permits said wire and sensors to extend to the skin of the toes.

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.

Abstract: A reading or language interactive system which utilizes a mechanism to permit a computer-based instruction program in reading or language instruction to implement a shared reading program, wherein portions of the text are read by the student and portions by the computer itself. The proportion of the text "read" by each participant and the pace at which the lesson progresses can each be automatically altered based upon the proficiency of the student. In addition, the system utilizes a computer instructor to share the task of reading or language learning by modeling the task for the learner, variably controlling the amount of material that the student reads aloud based upon a computer assessment of the student's ability, helping the learner navigate through the instructional application, and participating in a joint performance that demonstrates the student's reading.

Abstract: A method of teaching a person how to detect, while taking an actual or practice multiple-choice examination, answers that are more likely, in comparison with other answers, to be incorrect, is disclosed. This method aids an examinee in choosing those answers that are most suspicious of being in error and which should therefore be rechecked before any other answers. This method gives the examinee an opportunity to correct the suspect answers and to improve his or her score to the maximum extent possible according to the level of his or her knowledge within the constraints of existing time limitations. Moreover, in the case of a practice test, this method assures that test preparation will be more focused on those areas of the tested subject where the person is weakest.

Abstract: A virtual reality system provides effective exposure treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from a particular anxiety disorder. The system is characterized by a video screen disposed in front of the patient to display an image of a specific graphical environment that is intended to trigger anxiety within the patient as a result of the particular patient phobia. A headset is worn by the patient, and has sensors disposed to detect movement and positioning of the patient's head. A computer program controls the operation of the system, and is designed to control the display of the graphical environment on the video screen, monitor the headset sensors and determine the position of the patient's head, and controllably manipulate the graphical environment displayed on the video screen to reflect the movement and position of the patient's head.

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).