Abstract: A collaborative learning system, method and computer program product permits live, real time interaction between the audience and a presenter in a controlled learning environment. The collaborative learning system, method and computer program product provides a learning process that facilitates the transfer of expertise and knowledge using “push” technology. The system includes a presenter subsystem, a backbone subsystem and an audience subsystem. The process includes pre-event, event and post-event stages. During the pre-event stage, content is created and optimized, and the producer “coaches” the presenter. During the event stage, the presenter and the producer, using the presenter subsystem, push the event material to the audience located remotely at the audience subsystem via the backbone subsystem. The event materials may comprise slides, streaming audio/video and interactive answers to questions and responses to audience feedback.

Abstract: A turret mounted gun on a shooter tank with a laser scanner transmitter in its barrel emits a laser beam upon a trigger pull. The laser beam is directed toward a target tank based upon a shooter's ranging and tracking using a standard fire control computer to provide conventional ranging and tracking. The target tank is scanned with the laser beam to measure target azimuth and target elevation with respect to a boresight of the gun of shooter tank. Optical receivers mounted on the turret of the target tank detect the laser beam and a system control unit determines the trigger pull time, target azimuth and target super elevation. The system control unit also determines a range to the target tank by comparing a set of GPS coordinates of the two tanks.

Abstract: A system for implementing a virtual class and distance education via a computer network is disclosed. The process carried out by the system involves receiving signals from one or more instructor entities, the signals including lesson material designated as belonging to one or more interest groups. The lesson material is sent in advance to student entities listed in one or more of the interest groups to which the lesson material is designated as belonging. Signals from one or more student entities are received requesting admission to a particular class and instructions are sent to student entities to control the display and execution of the lesson material. Interaction amongst student entities, or between student entities and instructor entities, are facilitated and moderated.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system that provides a session for a quiz on a computer system. The system operates by receiving a request to create a session for the quiz. In response to the request, the system creates the session. This session provides a mechanism through which a selected group of people can take the quiz. The system also associates the session with an owner of the session in order to facilitate channeling results generated by the selected group of people in taking the quiz to the owner of the session. Next, the system makes the session for the quiz available over a network so that the selected group of people can take the quiz from remote nodes on the network. Upon receiving the results from the selected group of people taking the quiz, the system communicates the results to the owner of the session. In one embodiment of the present invention, the owner of the session for the quiz is an educator, and the selected group of people are students of the educator.

Abstract: An interactive computer-based training (ICBT) system and method operable over a computer network for training users. The ICBT system is provided with a state-machine-based hardware simulator for emulating various hardware states associated with a piece of equipment on which the users are to receive interactive training. A software simulator provided as a command inference engine is coupled to the hardware simulator, wherein the software simulator allows the users to interactively interrogate the emulated piece of equipment for its software functionality. One or more independently selectable learning modules are provided as part of the ICBT system, wherein each learning module includes one or more lesson plans related to the hardware and software functionality of the emulated piece of equipment. Also, the learning modules are inter-dependently associated with the hardware and software simulators.

Abstract: In general, an educational homeroom provides a central location for a student to receive and interact with educational tools and information that are focused upon a Knowledge Area in which the student has expressed educational interest. When the student expresses educational interest, the educational homeroom dynamically changes such that options made available to the student are always tailored to offer educational tools and information within the student's Knowledge Areas of choice.

Abstract: In general, an Internet based blended learning system provides educational tools to a student in accordance with the student's expressed educational interests. The blended learning system uses multiple educational tools that are tailored toward providing the end-user with complete and efficient educational lessons. Each tailored educational tool is focused upon a knowledge area in which the student has expressed educational interest. Students may complete each educational tool at their own pace, repeat lessons as necessary, and learn according to their own schedule. The blended learning system uses combinations of instructor-led virtual classrooms (I-led), online coaching, interactive computer based training (CBT), knowledge databases, published study guides and books, hands-on exercise labs and/or pre-certification exams.

Abstract: A rolling device in the form of a two-wheeled toy can record and play back physical motion. In a “training mode,” the user grasps the device and draws it along a surface on a desired path. The motion is sensed and recorded in an internal memory. In a “playback mode,” the previously imparted motion is repeated—i.e., executed by internal circuitry based on the recorded motion, preferably over and over.

Abstract: A personalized training and development methodology that determines an individual's strengths and weaknesses and automatically provides training and development exercises that focus on reinforcing an individual's strengths and modifying his behavioral weaknesses. An individual logs on to the Internet personalized training and development training website, or an Intranet of his firm or company, and takes the Kinsel-Hartman Profile which includes four or five lists of 18 statements each. Each of the 18 statements in each list of the profile are formal representations of value combinations. An individual ranks all 18 statements in each list which in turn are used to create a profile report. This report presents the person's blended scores of his thinking, combining his bias and capacities concerning each dimension of value.

Abstract: A VR motion producing apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving a presently projected picture frame No. from a picture apparatus; a detection unit for detecting a frame No. of operation data of a motion base presently executed by a motion base; a difference unit for comparing the picture frame No. with the motion frame No. to calculate a difference between them; a calculation unit for calculating an operation velocity of a motion base so as to correct this difference value; and a synchronization unit for reducing the difference between the picture frame No. and the motion frame No. for operating the motion base from the calculated velocity.

Abstract: A game device includes a plurality of user-selectable cells extending between start and finish areas, where each of the cells is associated with a character performing an answer to a question or clue that may be provided in the form of a category. One or more participants move from the start to the finish area by selecting cells whose characters when taken in order form a valid answer. A number of valid answers or paths between the start and finish areas can exist. The participant is scored at least in part based on the characters forming the valid answer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training and testing human judgement concerning one or more complex human activities. Computer storage and access of a plurality of audio/visual presentations and corresponding measures of performance is provided, the presentations are played back and users are required to rank the audio/visual presentations. User rankings are compared against the corresponding measures of performance, and scores are tabulated for one or more users.

Abstract: The invention is a system for sound file recording, comparison, and archiving for network-based language and communications training, or other applications. The invention allows capture of multimedia data from a user, and allows the user to play back his or her self-created sound inputs and to view various comparisons of his or her sound inputs with model sounds. The invention displays a waveform or spectrogram of a model sound superimposed over a waveform (or spectrogram) of the user's sound input. It can display a failure/success indication for the user's sound input relative to a predetermined standard. Further, the invention allows a user to archive sound files for subsequent review and analysis.

Abstract: A video game machine uses a leading game character operated by a game player. The game character can be selected from among a first game character and a second game character. The video game machine includes a recording medium. The recording medium contains a first game content having the first character as a leading game character, a second game content having the second character as a leading game character, and a third game content that can be enabled only when the first and second game contents are met. The first and second game contents are provided so that the first and second characters act independently in the same game world. The first and second game contents are independent of each other, but have relevance in that the first game content uses the second character and the second game content uses the first character.

Abstract: Software running on a central server provides a virtual casino environment in which a plurality of virtual players continuously play various games such as poker, slots, black jack, etc. Each virtual player is given an initial gaming stake from which wagers are placed in the virtual gaming environment. A gaming patron participates by purchasing or “sponsoring” a virtual player. Although the gaming patron may select a virtual player that is playing a particular type of game, the patron cannot otherwise control the play of the game. A gaming terminal is coupled to the central server at which the gaming patron can monitor the virtual player. Although the gaming patron is essentially a passive observer, the experience is very similar to that of the patron actually playing the game.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a gaming method and apparatus wherein the participants are guaranteed to win a minimum amount after a fixed period of time or a predetermined number of games. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention include the determination of the parameters for the minimum win and controlling the gaming device, wherein determination of the parameters for the minimum win includes the determination of the win interval and the minimum guaranteed award amount for achieving the win interval. If a player achieves a win interval, the player can received a minimum guaranteed award amount or proceed to the next level of play. Play continues until the player achieves a winning combination or chooses to receive the minimum guaranteed award amount.

Abstract: A video display system for an amusement game includes a controller, a first source of information coupled to the controller, the first source of information containing video information related to the game. A second, alterable source of information is coupled to the controller, the second source of information containing video information not related to the game. A video display is coupled to the game controller, and is responsive to the controller for selectively displaying video information related to the game and video information not related to the game.

Abstract: A slot machine includes a prize display, a coin entry slot, and payout tray and internally mounted game control processor circuits. The game display means comprises a video display screen controlled to display a game image divided into a matrix of elements or player selectable zones. The video screen has an array of touch sensitive areas located on its display surface with one such area associated with each matrix element. The control processor causes an image to be displayed on the display means, such as a sportsman playing his sport and randomly selects one or more of the matrix elements to have a prize associated with it. The player selects one of the matrix elements to have a prize by touching the screen within the area of the respective element to be selected, thereby causing the image in the element to change to reveal the associated prize value.

Abstract: A skills building method and system for training a subject utilize an accumulated score based on a series of graded responses, over a period of time, to a series of challenges sent over various telecommunications channels to the subject. In the method, a telecommunications channel is selected from a plurality of telecommunications channels that are available for communicating with the subject. A challenge is autonomously sent over the selected telecommunications channel to the subject. A response is received from the subject, the response is graded, and a score is accumulated.

Abstract: A multi-user interactive virtual environment system wherein each user is provided with data to generate a respective image of the virtual environment and characters therein, including an assigned character particular to that individual user, from a respective virtual camera viewpoint determined at least partially by the user-directed motion of their assigned character. Each character has an interaction zone of predetermined size and shape maintained about its current virtual environment location. When the respective interaction zones of two or more user-assigned characters overlap, their respective virtual cameras are controlled to move from first- to third-person viewpoints for as long as the overlap remains. In a refinement, at least one further interaction zone at a given location within the virtual environment, and independent of any particular character within the virtual environment, takes control of all character virtual cameras as those characters enter the zone.