Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting solar cell defects by applying a forward-biasing electric current through a silicon solar cell or a group of interconnected solar cells for a short duration and then analyzing the resulting thermal image of each cell with an infrared (IR) camera. The invention is particularly useful in assembling solar cell arrays or modules in which large numbers of cells are to be wired together. Automated module assemblers are disclosed in which the cells (or strings of cells) are tested for defects prior to final module assembly.

Abstract: A method of predictive assessment that merges learning and testing by teaching through repeated assessment in order to instill in a user an intuitive understanding of a concept or conceptual relationship The method makes use of an Educational Object (10) that is abstracted from an epistemic model (12). The Educational Object (10) broadly comprises a Target Object (16); a Trial Object (20); one or more Trial Controls (22); an Evaluation Function (24); and an Assessment Metric (26). The user adjusts a characteristic of the Trial Object (20) using the Trial Controls (22) in an attempt to match the characteristic with that of a Target Object (16). The Evaluation Function (24) determines the results of and updates the Trial Object (20) to reflect the user's adjustments. The Assessment Metric (26) compiles data on the user's attempts to achieve a match.