Abstract: A computer-implemented system, which is applicable to a variety of specific knowledge domains, conducts an interactive dialog with a student. The dialog helps the student arrive at a correct solution to a problem, for example by presenting problems in multiple parts, providing hints or simpler subparts to the student when requested or appropriate, and responding usefully to the student's wrong answers. The system interprets the nature of a student's errors to adapt the interaction to that student. For example, the system can select questions based on a detailed assessment of the student's knowledge. The questions can have a variety of types of answers, including freeform answer types, for example symbolic expressions. The system can include authoring tools to let teachers write problems, displays detailed information on how students interact with these problems, and allows teachers to address frequently given incorrect responses.

Abstract: A computerized learning system implements an electronic learning environment over a communications network. A client system can access an interactive presentation from a server. A delivery system can be used to deliver the interactive presentation from the server viewable by a user for a smooth presentation.

Abstract: A method for simulating three-dimensional spatial distribution of neutron and gamma fluences in a nuclear reactor includes, in an exemplary embodiment, generating a detailed geometric configuration of a nuclear reactor core and surrounding components, generating detailed fuel composition and concentration distribution, and calculating three-dimensional nuclide concentrations for the fuel rods and the water surrounding the fuel rods using the generated geometric configuration and generation fuel composition and concentration distributions. The method also includes calculating neutron and gamma fluxes using a Monte Carlo radiation transport criticality mode methodology, and generating a neutron and gamma fluence map for predetermined areas of the reactor.

Abstract: A universal electronic placement system and method tests a student's knowledge in a particular subject area, such as phonological awareness, mathematics, natural science, etc. and then generates a recommended placement of the student based on the determined capabilities of the student. The universal electronic placement system and method can be linked to various programs produced by different companies, based on the student's performance results so that the universal electronic placement system and method is universal.

Abstract: Disclosed are decision support and resource synchronization tools and platforms and related methods for synchronizing learning services in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. In particular, disclosed is a decision support tool that enables learning solutions to be responsive to an organization's business timelines, goals and strategic objectives so as to enable an organization to have its learning needs managed effectively in a manner similar to the management of a traditional business. Also disclosed is a synchronization platform for a learning solution network that uses electronic tools and information sharing capabilities to efficiently track and report various performance metrics to ensure that ongoing learning efforts are aligned with the business strategies and learning objectives as measured by quantifiable performance metrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are learning solutions that utilize a content development module that is nested inside a total learning solution and identifies, develops, and manages required course content. A content development module is particularly adapted to assemble and compile custom learning content materials for use in the learning solution by appropriately taking business strategy alignment and other information into consideration. The learning content may be developed as a third party service in accordance with a service level agreement. A service level agreement is a contract between the learning solution services provider and the learner (i.e., outsourcing) organization that establishes the requisite quality and effectiveness levels of the learning solution services as measured by one or more performance metrics.

Abstract: A neurocognitive assessment device is provided including a library of computer implemented neurocognitive tests. Each neurocognitive test is provided with a performance module, an instruction module and a correction module. The performance module generates a plurality of stimuli on a computer screen to which a test subject is prompted to respond. If the test subject produces N consecutive incorrect responses, the correction module automatically interrupts the test operation and displays test instructions on screen.

Abstract: Customizable multimedia content is transmitted in a form where some content is described by content descriptors. The content descriptors are used in the receiving device to synthesize a final version of the content. Content descriptors may include information relating to content length, expecting user mood, expected user location, content type, expected time of day of receipt, expected display device, and/or language in which the content is described. Local information may be used to inform the synthesis process. Local information may include user preferences generated from a user profile, context information detected automatically, or user preferences entered manually by a user. Alternatively, some synthesis instructions may be part of the content descriptors. Synthesizing creates a presentation of the content which may include a synthesized person, a cartoon character, an animal, a talking object, text, and/or audio.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysis involving a first factor and a second factor. The first and second factors are related as expressed by a first relationship. The apparatus comprises a base divided into first, second and third sections, where the second section is positioned between the first and third sections. The first, second and third sections are representative of the first factor, the first relationship, and the second factor, respectively. The method of the present invention involves the steps of providing the apparatus and engaging in a dialogue of questions related to both the first and second factors. The apparatus and method of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, such as biopsychosocial analysis, and analysis of the intellectual capital of a business, for example. The apparatus and method may be used for analysis involving more than two factors and presumes that some relationships exist between the factors.

Abstract: A computerized learning system implements an electronic learning environment over a communications network. A client system can access an interactive presentation from a server. A delivery system can be used to deliver the interactive presentation from the server viewable by a user for a smooth presentation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for training a plurality of learners. In one disclosed embodiment, a method is provided for training a plurality of learners to develop user interfaces for a software application. The software application may be designed to interact with a plurality of users, including a first user and a second user. The exemplary training method may include dividing the plurality of learners into a first group, a second group and a third group, brainstorming by the first group and the second group to generate an overall usage context for the user interfaces, and designing, by the first and second groups, first and second usage scenarios. The first and second groups may provide first and second prototypes for the user interfaces according to the first and second usage scenarios, respectively. In addition, the third group may analyze existing user interfaces to provide assistance to the first and second groups in providing the prototypes.

Abstract: A method for guiding a young child, “user” (410), in a controlled virtual environment (400) is disclosed. The controlled virtual environment (400) is constructed by software when executed in a computer. A guardian establishes parameters and a user (410) is thereafter presented with the controlled environment which is governed, in part, by the guardian-provided parameters. Data is accumulated concerning interactions and movements of the user's selector device within the controlled environment. The user (410) is provided with guidance on the basis of the accumulated data (415), within the constraints of the parameters provided by the guardian. The guardian can be provided with reports concerning at least a portion of the accumulated data, for example, by electronic mail.

Abstract: A system for computer-based testing includes a test driver that delivers the test to an examinee using a display device and controls progression of the test, a template module that stores presentation format information comprising the presentation format of the test, the presentation format information being accessible to the test driver, and a data module that stores data content information comprising the data content of the test, the data content information being accessible to the test driver, the presentation format information combining with the data content information to create the presentation format and the data content of the test.

Abstract: The present invention, foreign language teaching tool (FLTT), is a language translation tool that slowly introduces the student to different words in the foreign language while the student is reading a familiar text. The preferred embodiment of FLTT is on an e-book, but FLTT can be adapted to printed hard-copy texts. FLTT starts with an original text in the student's native language and analyzes and translates the original text using a primary translation process. In the primary translation process, the original text is broken down into different grammatical units and then translated using a commercial computer translation package. A bilingual literature specialist then reviews the translated text and makes any necessary corrections in order to preserve the literary quality of the original text.

Abstract: A portfolio presentation system provides a simple and efficient method for presenting personal portfolio information. The system includes a portfolio creation module configured to provide a first personal portfolio including information related to personal accomplishments. The system also includes an access key generator that provides a first access key corresponding to the first personal portfolio. The system further includes a portfolio display module configured to present the first personal portfolio in response to receipt of the first access key.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the cognitive and memory systems in a subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by the subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's cognitive processing of acoustic events common to speech, and memory of language constructs associated with speech elements are significantly improved.

Abstract: Present herein is a technique for providing computer and internet access for a group of participants, which can include economically disadvantaged persons. An orientation is first conducted wherein computer technical skills are taught. After the orientation, a computer is provided and installed in the homes of each participant. During installation, the participant is provided with additional training. Internet access is also provided for the participant through a partnership with the local telecommunications provider.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for providing education at a point of need.

Abstract: A screening tool according to the present invention is utilized to evaluate a subject for the presence of a mental disorder. The subject is requested to rate various aspects or categories of their mood, preferably within the range from zero to ten. A total score is determined based on the responses and applied to a color coded chart having particular colors associated with various numeric ranges. The color associated with the numeric range encompassing the total score provides an indication and/or severity of the disorder. The tool may be utilized for various disorders (e.g., depression, attention deficit disorder, dementia, etc.), where the tool may include particular aspects, scales and/or questions corresponding to a particular disorder. The tool may be further utilized at periodic or other intervals to determine subject progress with respect to the disorder in response to medication, therapy and/or other treatment.

Abstract: A learning system, method, and data structure provides collaborative activities between learners. The system includes an interface to receive a learning strategy selected by a learner. A content management system stores one or more structural elements associated with a course. A learning management system determines the learning content and the one or more structural elements to present to the learner based on the selected learning strategy.

Abstract: A method of electronically producing lesson plans and/or teaching units and the like using a three-dimensional structure comprising different educational frameworks and strategies. A master matrix is employed, the development pages (4) of which represent a multiple learning intelligence and a cognitive learning level. Each development page comprises prompts for generating questions and/or activities, the final lesson plan being produced from selected questions and/or activities.

Abstract: A computer-based distance learning system for teaching a student at a remote location. The student communicates with a teaching center. The student's identity and continued presence is monitored either continually or randomly using recognition continuing systems such as web cameras, biometric tags or other means. An audit trail for verification is provided. The student receives instruction leading to a degree or certification and the school district, in the case of pubic schools, receives “at seat” credit for funding.

Abstract: An interactive tutorial system with operating method being capable of mounting in a web server is disclosed. When commands input in clients by customers are transferred to the web server for interpreting, assignments such as tutorial interfaces, courses, review intervals, or even examination questions are then provided by the server according to the commands. The disclosed system and method permits customers to get into a custom-made or a review mode for design/assign and review, respectively. The customers may assign tutorial interfaces, courses, and review intervals in the custom-made mode and study courses or receive testing via examination questions according to previous determinations in the review mode. Additionally, when customers next time enter the disclosed system, the tutorial interfaces previously assigned will be shown for tutorial purpose.

Abstract: A computer-based methods for training a users to perform skill-based wherein a programmed computer controls the path of learning and the user controls the pace of learning, thereby enabling a novice user to gain familiarity with basic skills needed to perform the tasks. Additionally, a master mode is provided, wherein the programmed computer and user both control the path of learning, and the computer and user both control the pace of learning, thereby enabling a user having familiarity with some of the skills needed to perform the tasks. Other modes are provided as well.

Abstract: A learning system and a learning station for use with the learning system include an input to select a learning strategy and a course, a communications interface to transfer data between a learning management system and the learning station, and a processor to present a course based on the transferred data and the selected learning strategy. The learning station may include a learning interface to display course information and learner account information. The interface may include a navigation path window to suggest a navigation path based on the selected strategy.

Abstract: To provide a preventive health care plan for a group of people, where the health care plan evaluates the generally un-sick health status of the members of the group and develops a personalized preventive health care plan that when followed substantially reduces or postpones major illness of those engaging in the personalized health care plan thereby reducing health care costs and employee absenteeism due to major illnesses.

Abstract: An e-learning course may include a number of structural elements that are aggregated into one or more levels. Each higher level may refer to any instance of a lower level. The structural elements include a course, a sub-course, a learning unit, or a knowledge item. The structural elements may include metadata. The structural elements also may include relations between structural elements. The course and its structural elements do not enforce any sequence of structural elements that the learner may use to traverse the course. In addition, the structural elements may be reused and reassembled to form different courses. A content repository is configured to store course data and its structural elements. A content player is configured to access the stored course data and assemble the structural elements.

Abstract: An offline learning system may include a learning management system, a content management system, and a learning administration system. The content management system is provided with a metadata provider, a learning content storage (e.g., the content repository), and a repository manager. In addition, the learning station includes an offline manager tool and a storage for storing an offline learning account, metadata, and course. Offline courses are derived from the published on-line courses. A copy editor may create offline versions of courses from published courses using a repository manager tool. The repository tool manager may be used to create a packaging list for the offline version of a course. The packaging list includes access paths and metadata of all files that are part of the course. The packaging list may be used to determine which files need to be downloaded to the learning station to allow the learner to work offline.

Abstract: A learning system and method apply learning strategies to course structure. The course structure includes a plurality of structural elements and one or more relations that indicate dependences between the structural elements. A learning strategy is selected and applied to the course structure. A sequence of structural elements is determined based on the applied learning strategy. Course content associated with the structural elements is suggested to be presented to the learner based on the determined sequence of structural elements. The learner may select the learning strategy. The learning strategies include macro-strategies and micro-strategies, both of which may be applied to the same course structure.

Abstract: A repository manager and copy editor may be used to create an offline course, which allow learners to process course material locally on their computer without the need to connect to the e-learning system. A generic packaging list is created when the course is offered offline. A specific packaging list customized for the learner is created when the offline course is downloaded. An offline manager tool provides an interface for taking the course offline.

Abstract: A learning system may be used to dynamically create courses tailored to the needs of a learner. In one implementation, the learning system may dynamically create, assemble, and/or build new temporary courses from the structural elements of an existing course according to the specific needs of a learner. The learner's needs may be expressed using a budget and other criteria provided by the learner. Using the budget and criteria, the learning system may identify existing structural elements that may be used to assemble a dynamic course. After the course is assembled, the course may be temporarily stored and presented to the learner using the learning station.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for interactive, adaptive, and individualized computer assisted instruction. This invention includes an agent (108) for each student (101) which adapts to its student, and provides individualized guidance to the student and controls to the augmented computer assisted instructional materials. The instructional materials of this invention are augmented to communicate the student's performance and the material's pedagogical characteristics to the agent, and to receive control from the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the agent maintains data reflecting the student's pedagogic or cognitive characteristics in a protected and portable media in the personal control of the student. Preferably, the content of the communication between the agent and the materials conforms to specified interface standards, so that the agent acts independently of the content of the particular materials.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of learning, retaining and retrieving knowledge and skills includes a learning engine that includes a novel model of human learning that adaptively determines a memory indicator for each item to be learned for each user during all phases of learning, including a short active phase of learning in which items are actively recalled and a long passive phase of learning in which items are passively forgotten. The memory indicator is determined based on a user's actual memory performance during the short-term active phase of learning and is accurately predicted based on mathematical modeling during the long-term passive phase of learning. The learning model makes use of a target level and an alert level of memory performance for each item of information for each user and the learning engine schedules presentation of items for review or study based on the user's performance with respect to the target and alert levels.

Abstract: A portable organizer device through which a student may use and maintain a personal calender. Further, a student may use the portable organizer to access assignment records maintained in a master calender used and maintained by an educational institution in a database, and synchronize the personal calendar with the master calender. The portable organizer may be further configured to facilitate the management of student equipment and activities.

Abstract: A detailed sonar target scattering simulation system using object-oriented techniques to implement a broadband computational simulation of a plurality of detailed target highlight features. The class library includes a target class and a highlight base class from which a plurality of highlight subclasses are drawn to accurately represent a wide range of target highlight features. The resulting standard high-level framework allows many operations to be naturally defined and used with reduced software code errors, thereby improving computational effectiveness. The system includes a data processor, a user interface for accepting user commands and data, a display for displaying the simulated acoustic received signal, and a data memory for storing information representing the properties of the acoustic source signal and the positions of the acoustic source signal, the acoustic received signal and the target, and a class library including a target class, a highlight base class and one or more highlight subclasses.

Abstract: There is provided a game apparatus which can display an advice data appropriate to the sate of game development and player's operation so that the player can master a high-level and complicated game while playing the game. The game apparatus has a control section through which the player plays the game and a game computing section for computing the game and displaying a game image on a display, based on an operation signal from the control section. The game computing section computes and outputs advice data depending on the state of game on the display.

Abstract: A simple computer comprising a group of individual sub-circuits that can be plugged together in several ways to form an operating computer. The invention is used to teach students the basic components of a computer and to demonstrate how each sub-system works and its interrelationship with the other sub-systems. The invention is designed so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled and the components are readily visible to the students.

Abstract: A system in which questionnaire research through the Internet communication using a mobile telephone is made and the consideration for returning the questionnaire is given to the replier, characterized in that the consideration returning method may be the one in which charge of calls by the replier equivalent to the consideration can be paid by a third person or the one in which the portion of the charge of the calls by the replier, the user of the mobile telephone, for one month equivalent to the consideration is paid by a third person and the remainder is paid by the replier. A questionnaire system is characterized by comprising auction mens by means of which a questionnaire about things that a questionnaire making person feels daily is made, the answers are auctioned, and the reward obtained by the auction is returned to the questionnaire making person and replier.

Abstract: The nature of the technical disclosures of the invention, herein, is a plan to access needed resources and build a base upon which to complete the development of intellectual property. The user has a choice between adjuncting the Plan to a current profession and lifestyle or integrating a whole lifestyle into the Plan to have a profession associated with the IntellecticianSM Service Mark and optionally a secondary, individualized Service Mark. The individual contracts to credit or license back certain creative property(s) as a gift to the resource institution, and the integrity of the property development is fostered by an allied feed back provision.

Abstract: A health-related monitoring system and method provides visual feedback in the form of a computer-generated display of changes which will likely occur in a participant's body, if the person does, or does not, stay on a particular regime. A preferred method of assisting a person to achieve a desired body shape includes the steps of forming an initial image of the person (either in 2 or 3 dimensions) at an initial time; determining a progress level at intervals during a desired program, for example by imaging the person and comparing this image with the initial image so as to determine an image difference; and displaying a probable future image representative of a probable future body shape of the person based on the progress level of the person, for example as determined by the image difference and/or the body parameter difference, and displaying the ideal image to the person for comparison with the probable future image.

Abstract: A computer system includes storage device for storing a plurality of object files, each file including a program and information on the genre of music, and said computur system selecting an object file from the storage device and executing a program stored in the selected object file.

Abstract: A directory management method, and a device, and a program for the directories management, and storage medium for the program directories using terminal equipment connected to a client-server type network. receive a user's request to use a directory, locate the directory on the basis of time of the user's request to use the directory, and enable the user to use the located directory.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device defines a set of all possible elements of a game. For example, in a slot machine-type game, the set of possible elements includes the symbols for cherries, bell, bar, orange, plum and seven. The gaming device further generates a set of location assignments for each of the elements, and assigns a location to each element in accordance with the set of location assignments. The player is presented with the locations and prompted to select one or more locations, depending on the type of game. The displayed locations to select are typically arranged in one or more rows of possible selections. Typically, each of the possible selections is hidden or obscured until selected by the player. The player provides his selection(s), and at least one corresponding selection signal(s) are received by the gaming device. Each received selection signal indicates an element from the set of possible elements.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for real-time observation assessment is provided. The invention, designed for educators, takes advantage of handheld computers, desktop/laptop computers and the increasing presence of Internet access in order to reduce the paperwork associated with conventional educational assessments. The invention includes an array of instructional assessment applications designed to run on handheld computers. The instructional assessment applications may be based on existing and widely-used paper methodologies. A common Web-based platform for assessment application distribution, selection, download, data management and reporting is also provided. Users can then periodically synchronize instructional data (assessments, diagnostic results, notes and/or schedules) to the Web site. At the Web site, browser-based reports and analysis can be viewed, administered and shared via electronic mail.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the speed at which data items are processed and evaluated. The method and system receives electronic representations of data items and organizes the data items into separate groupings. Next a particular grouping of data items is displayed to an evaluator so that the evaluator can evaluate the data items. In displaying the data items, the method and system may use a matrix of cells and display one data item in each of the cells. The evaluator can thus simultaneously view multiple data items, which facilitates efficient evaluation of the data items.

Abstract: Teaching data setting apparatus and method for image processing are provided to enable setting optimum teaching data to achieve reduction in errors and error detection in the image processing. A subject teaching data generating section 1 uses databases of subject attributes and recognition operation conditions to a plurality of pieces of teaching data representing all possible combinations of the subject attributes and the recognition operation conditions. A teaching data candidate selecting section 2 selects, from the generated plurality of pieces of teaching data, teaching data candidates related to a subject to be mounted and a mounting machine for use. A subject image input section 3 is supplied with a simple subject image representing only the subject. An evaluation image generating section 4 generates predetermined evaluation images by using the simple subject image.

Abstract: This invention provides various systems and methods for integrating individualized, objectively managed, computer-assisted learning and directed instruction. The systems and methods of this invention utilize management information to objectively prescribe an individualized integrated instruction plan, which includes individualized computer-based instruction. The individualized computer-based instruction serves as the core means of instruction for a particular subject, effectively replacing textbooks. Initially, each individual is given a gateway test to determine whether the individual has mastered all of the elementary, foundation skills necessary in the particular subject and identify the individual's fund of knowledge in the subject. From the results of the initial test, each individual's areas of understanding and weakness are revealed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing training through/over networks to authorized user of remote multimedia device users are disclosed. Training can be provided to authorized users through networks to computers and portable hand held devices. Handheld devices can include PDAs, pagers, and wireless phones. Training can be received by a remote trainee authorized to receive training through electronic data networks for completion at a wireless device. Methods and systems are also disclosed for recording training completed by a authorized remote user of a wireless hand held device. Completed training can be transmitted through an electronic network to course provider servers by a remote hand held device. Remote users authentication and certification of completed training received from a hand held device through an electronic network can be conducted by a training provider's server.

Abstract: A multimedia teaching system and method incorporates portable electronic textbooks, connected in a seamless and secure fashion to supplementary materials, for example on the Web or an intranet. Instructors identify student mistakes as they are being made and direct students to supplementary material. Real-time two-way communication between student and instructor is initiated by both the student and the instructor.

Abstract: The method of management of the hot insertion of an electronic card (11) in a system (10) comprises the successive connection of the card to two supply potentials (U0, U1) available in a connector (20) so as to obtain transient connection signals (41, 42) during the hot insertion of the card, the detection of the transient signals for providing a binary signal (V1), one binary state (V1=1) of which represents the hot insertion of the card, and the use of said state of the binary signal (V1) for rendering the card operational in the system. The hot insertion detector (37) includes a bistable logic circuit fed during the connection of the card to said potentials and provided with biasing means adjustable depending on the presence or otherwise of the transient signals.