Computer Logic, Operation, Or Programming Instruction Patents (Class 434/118)
  • Patent number: 6413095
    Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Paula Anne Tallal, Michael Mathias Merzenich, William Michael Jenkins, Steven Lamont Miller, Christoph E. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6413097
    Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Paula Anne Tallal, Michael Mathias Merzenich, William Michael Jenkins, Steven Lamont Miller, Christoph E. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6413098
    Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Paula Anne Tallal, Michael Mathias Merzenich, William Michael Jenkins, Steven Lamont Miller, Christoph E. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6409514
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing training activities are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention is a method including scheduling the worker for a selected class in response to user input, tracking an available class the worker might attend; electronically determining whether the available class is the selected class; querying the worker about attending the available class if the available class is the selected class; receiving the worker's reply to the query; and enrolling the worker in the available class responsive to the reply. In another embodiment, the invention is a method including tracking a worker's training information; tracking information regarding a class available for the worker to attend; comparing the training information with the available class information; and automatically electronically contacting the worker regarding attending the available class responsive to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bull
  • Patent number: 6411796
    Abstract: A learning system is provided which includes a plurality of student units for use by students, a teacher unit for use by a teacher, and a plurality of master storage devices that store information reproduced by the student units. The learning system includes a computer having a graphical user interface for use also by the teacher that operates to control each of the student units. The graphical user interface allows the computer to control all functions of the learning system, including the easy coupling of student and class data to specific interface/input devices, the random assignment of students to various groups, allowing a particular formed group can act as a model to all other students not in the group, and the synchronized control of the learning system hardware and a personal computer/RGB/mouse switching network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Remschel
  • Patent number: 6398556
    Abstract: A computer-aided learning method and apparatus for a learning user to learn materials inexpensively. Not only does the apparatus provide the user the freedom as to where and when to learn, and the guidance as to what to learn, the apparatus also reduces a significant hurdle to learning—Tuition. The apparatus retrieves a user identifier entered by the user, and determines whether the user is a learning user or an institute user. If the user is a learning user, the apparatus allows the user to access information regarding learning materials. If the user is an institute user, the apparatus permits the user to access information regarding at least one learning user. The institute user might be interested to use the apparatus to recruit employees to fill job openings. A learning user pays significantly less than an institute user to access information, so as to encourage the learning user to work on learning materials. The apparatus can also track and update information regarding the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, John P. Del Favero, Jr., Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 6394904
    Abstract: An entertainment and/or training system providing a game-type system having two controllers, where the controllers have generally redundant controls. The controls can be limited on at least one of the controllers so as to provide one player with a simplified game to play. The person on the other controller then can act as a teacher, exclusively receiving some player input and exclusively providing some player output, so as to simplify the student's playing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Twentieth Century Fox Film
    Inventor: David Stalker
  • Patent number: 6393253
    Abstract: The present invention provides an educational data processing device to reutilize the answer data to a certain question as incorrect answer data for other questions and it also provides a data processing device to store data, question and answer with ease. The educational data processing device of the present invention comprises a computer with a CPU, a memory system, and input and output systems; a DSG, stored in said memory system consisting of multiple DS where each DS consists of two types of data, a question and answer; and a program, stored in said memory system that performs the following functions: (a) selects a question and answer data from a DS, and one or more answer data from randomly selected DS in said DSG; (b) presents a question and Multiple-choice answer set to the user through said output system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Mediafive Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Kitabatake
  • Patent number: 6358056
    Abstract: A method for adaptively training a human subject to process, and to distinguish between, similar acoustic events that are common in spoken language is provided. The method utilizes sequences of up/down frequency sweeps, of varying frequency and duration, and having varying inter stimulus intervals (ISI) between the frequency sweeps. A sequence is presented to the subject for order identification. The subject must listen to the up/down order of a sequence, and signal identification of the up/down order according to what s/he heard. Signal identification is provided utilizing a computer display, a mouse, and graphical buttons corresponding to the up/down frequency sweeps. Correct order identification causes the process to adaptively reduce the ISI separating the frequency sweeps, to reduce the duration of the frequency sweeps, to alter the frequency of the frequency sweeps, and to increase the number of frequency sweeps within a sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Jenkins, Michael M. Merzenich, Steven L. Miller, Bret E. Peterson, Paula Tallal
  • Publication number: 20020031751
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Sayling Wen, Harley Fu, Yeats Gu, Zechary Chang
  • Publication number: 20020028426
    Abstract: The method and system for electronic post-secondary education planning including user feedback of the present invention provides a comprehensive post-secondary education planning Internet system linking to the various Internet locations that provide college, university, adult education and trade school information, structured so that users can step through the process of finding appropriate post-secondary education in an organized, logical sequence, in which the site's users rate the usefulness of the links to online information and in which the site's users suggest additional online links providing additional information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Cynthia M. Pasant
  • Patent number: 6347943
    Abstract: An electronic performance support system is provided for creating individualized courses of instruction to each user. An authoring mechanism is used to create at least one knowledge base relating to a particular topic. An assessment mechanism evaluates each user's knowledge on a particular topic and devises a course of instruction based on the assessed knowledgeability of each user. After interacting with the assessment mechanism, each user navigates through a corresponding, individualized course of instruction. Each individualized course of instruction includes data items selected from a learning mechanism and a research library. The system may include a communication medium through which users are able to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Vuepoint Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Fields, Wayne Plourde, William Donahue, Constantin B. Ohanian, Ara A. Ohanian
  • Patent number: 6341960
    Abstract: The Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) uses the Internet as a constructivist learning environment and aims to provide intelligent assistance to improve both quality of training and distribution of knowledge in a distance learning situation. The assistance is based on various intelligent Agents which act collaboratively to support learning at different steps. A first Agent (pedagogical Agent), close to the learner, is able to detect his difficulties using a learner model and provides local explanations when needed or on request. A second Agent (dialog Agent) provides access to other explanations or learners available on the Web, in synchronous or asynchronous mode. Taking into consideration all possible helps a third Agent (negotiating Agent) is in charge of finding and selling explanations according to a market of requests and helps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Universite de Montreal
    Inventors: Claude Frasson, Guy Gouardères
  • Patent number: 6341212
    Abstract: A system which contains a plurality of examinee systems connected over the Internet to an exam distribution server. The exam distribution server connects to an exam database system which contains a plurality of exam questions that have been approved by one or more exam question approvers. The exam database system may store a plurality of potential exam questions for each of a plurality of sections of the examination, including a section for web search and evaluation, a section for general computing concepts, a web page design section, a section for using presentation software, a section relating to spreadsheets and word processing, and a section relating to legal and ethical issues. An exam administrator system then generates an exam through an exam generation module that selects a predetermined number of questions in each of the predetermined sections of the examination and presents the proposed exam to the exam administration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges
    Inventors: Anil M. Shende, Linda N. Dalch, Mark R. Warner
  • Patent number: 6336028
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system in which it is possible to pre-warn the consumer who is trying to purchase contents that cannot be written on the PD that the contents cannot be written on the PD. Based on the PD writability information, the PD writability detector determines whether the contents distributed by the distribution system notified by the distribution system detector can be written on the PD. If it is determined that the contents cannot be written, the PD writability detector requests the controller to warn the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Okamoto, Hideki Matsushima, Masayuki Kozuka
  • Patent number: 6336029
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system to teach a user a subject based on his questions. The system allows the user to control his learning process, and helps to fill in gaps of misunderstanding in the subject. In one embodiment, the system, including a database, presents study materials on the subject to the user. After working on the presented materials, the user enters his question into the system, which generates an answer to the question, and presents it to him. Then the system compares the question with one or more questions previously entered by the user to determine his understanding level in the subject. Based on the determination, the system may present to the user appropriate study materials. The user typically asks more than one question, and the process of answering his question by the system repeats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 6334777
    Abstract: A method for adaptively training a human subject to process, and to distinguish between, similar acoustic events that are common in spoken language is provided. The method utilizes sequences of up/down frequency sweeps, of varying frequency and duration, and having varying inter stimulus intervals (ISI) between the frequency sweeps. A sequence is presented to the subject for order identification. The subject must listen to the up/down order of a sequence, and signal identification of the up/down order according to what s/he heard. Signal identification is provided utilizing a computer display, a mouse, and graphical buttons corresponding to the up/down frequency sweeps. Correct order identification causes the process to adaptively reduce the ISI separating the frequency sweeps, to reduce the duration of the frequency sweeps, to alter the frequency of the frequency sweeps, and to increase the number of frequency sweeps within a sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Jenkins, Michael M. Merzenich, Steven L. Miller, Bret E. Peterson, Paula Tallal
  • Patent number: 6330426
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for allowing an individual to view a program remotely. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is used as a healthcare education system. The system comprises a file server which is coupled to a database storing the educational programs. A remote interface coupled to the file server allows an administrator to assign educational programs to an individual. The remote interface also includes a memory card writer which records the individual identification code and the address of the file server on this memory card. Then, the individual may take the memory card with them. When the individual places the memory card in the memory card reader of a multimedia processor, the processor uses the file server address to automatically connect to the file server. The file server receives the individual identification code from the processor, retrieves the corresponding educational program from the database, and sends the program to the processor to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Stephen J. Brown, Roger Quy
  • Publication number: 20010049084
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides an interactive rewards-based method that uses a protocol for instructional response in order to provide a motivating, individualized educational and entertaining experience. The system utilizes an interface through a computer. The system offers the user (a.k.a. student) simulated environments that represent different realities and an opportunity to solve interesting problems and learning puzzles. When the user inputs a response this calls forth a system response using the built-in Intelligent Mentor, thereby teaching the user. The iterative response process provides the user opportunities to discovery before proceeding to a higher level of the subject material. The pedagogical system uses neural nets (engine of artificial intelligence) that drive responses that are synchronized to typographical and graphical illustrations and/or pictorial illustrations used to simulate reality and to provide dynamic interactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Darryl Joseph Mitry
  • Patent number: 6325632
    Abstract: A computer-aided learning method and apparatus allowing a student to select an instructor from many instructors to learn a subject, and vice versa. Each user has an identifier. The apparatus can include a determinator, a search engine, a session manager, an account manager, a categorizer, and a storage medium. The determinator determines the type of user based on at least the identifier of the user. If the user is a student, the search engine identifies the instructor based on information previously stored in the storage medium regarding the instructors; the session manager manages a session between the student and the identified instructor for learning the subject; and the account manager processes an account based on the duration of the session for collecting a payment from the student to pay the instructor. If the user is an instructor, based on inputs from the instructor, the categorizer generates the instructor's profile to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Anabas, Inc.
    Inventors: David Chao, Hsien Tsung Chang, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20010046657
    Abstract: The invention provides a personal introduction system for participating users that allows users to gain access to information about other users after an initial contact. The system according to the invention may also be configured to allow users to gain access to only those other users for which a mutual attraction is indicated. The invention allows at least two persons coming into contact with one another to be made aware of a mutual attraction, and to be given a mechanism for establishing contact with on another once the mutual attraction is confirmed by the introduction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Gregg Randall Dorn
  • Patent number: 6322366
    Abstract: An education management system designed primarily for preschool and beginning elementary grade levels employs learning capabilities which have assigned difficulty and discrimination factors. The learning capabilities for each developmental or grade level are classified into developmental areas which are further broken down into knowledge areas. Those learning capabilities which are indicated as learned for each child are used to assess child educational development, child developmental scores and to indicate readiness level for learning higher difficulty learning capabilities. In the absence of direct observation, work sample, or parent information regarding achievement of individual learning capabilities, an estimation of general overall capability can be used to compute indications of learned capabilities in each developmental area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Assessment Technology Inc.
    Inventors: John Richard Bergan, John Robert Bergan, Kerrie L. Cole
  • Patent number: 6315572
    Abstract: A method and system for computerizing authoring, learning, and evaluation is provided. The computerized system comprises a central processing unit and related memory and storage capacity to operate an authoring, learning, and evaluation system stored in a computer program. The authoring, learning, and evaluation system comprises an authoring portion and a presentation portion. Through the use of intuitive interface elements, the authoring portion allows an author to quickly and easily construct a lesson from a pool of relevant data. Data can be organized into objects or concepts that are related to one another in a reasoned fashion so that coherent testing of the data, as presented to a user, may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Terry S. Owens, Donald J. West, Douglas C. Draper, Duane R. Winden, William M. Bancroft
  • Publication number: 20010036619
    Abstract: A training system including a visual display, a computer, a mouse, and a keyboard for data entry into the system, such data entry including problems presented as situations/simulations tailored to the particular type of training to be conducted together with trainee responses to questions relating to such situations/simulations. In one embodiment, provision is made for the trainees to prepare and record their own narrative solutions to such situations/simulations, following which the system presents sets of multiple choice solutions and asks the trainees to select what they believe are the best solutions from among those that are presented. In another embodiment, the system requires a student to first complete a preliminary multiple-choice test before proceeding to preparing and recording a narrative description of his proposed solution to the indicated problem. The system critiques trainee selections and narrative responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick A. Kerwin
  • Patent number: 6308042
    Abstract: A training system (1) has various media for interfacing with a user. A system controller (2) uses an interface file (17) to automatically execute action commands to perform an interfacing event. The action commands are delimited by interactivity point commands, execution of which halts an execution path and allows interactive inputs. A simulation program (19) may then be retrieved to allow the controller (2) simulate interfacing of the training subject. Screen controls are dynamically linked with simulation handlers of the simulation program. They are all disconnected after use of a simulation program. A combination of automatic interfacing and interactivity is achieved in a simple way for effective user training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: CBT (Technology) Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Marsh, Ciaran Anthony O'Connell
  • Patent number: 6302697
    Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Paula Anne Tallal, Michael Mathias Merzenich, William Michael Jenkins, Steven Lamont Miller, Christoph E. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6296487
    Abstract: A method for operating a computer to teach a student communication skills. First a goal is displayed to the student. Then the student is presented with a prompting scene that is related to the goal that was presented to him. In the prompting scene there is a first character that represents the student. Also, there is at least one second character that represents at least one person to whom the student needs to communicate. Also displayed is a plurality of sentences the student may select. At least one of the sentences will help the student achieve his goal and at least one of the sentences will not help the student achieve his goal. The student's selection is then received. The student is then presented with a response scene. The response scene is positive if the student's selection from the plurality of sentences is such that it will help the student achieve his goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Ernest L. Lotecka
  • Patent number: 6293801
    Abstract: Computer implemented training exercises present stimuli to a user and receive responses by the user to the stimuli. The stimuli are specifically selected to challenge and improve a cognitive ability of the user, e.g., the ability to perceive and understand spoken language. As a result, the stimuli cannot be changed or adapted to motivate the user through entertainment. Motivation is therefore provided by periodic reward animations which include persistent plots and characters. Progress indicators represent progress toward reward animations and represent such progression with smooth, entertaining progress animations. Randomly appearing animations and variations in rewards and immediate feedback add to the surprise and curiosity of the user and motivate further correct responses to see further random animations and variations. Progress indicators also represent a relation between the number of steps taking toward completion of a task and a maximum number of steps which should be needed to complete the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corp.
    Inventors: William M. Jenkins, Michael M. Merzenich, Steven Miller, Paula Tallal
  • Patent number: 6295439
    Abstract: The present invention provide systems and methods for controlled presentation of constructed responses through a variety of computer applications to human evaluators for assessment. The systems and methods further provide for controlled presentation of the constructed responses to minimize the influences of psychometric factors on the accuracy of the human evaluators' assessments and to maximize the ability to efficiently generate data for use in analyzing the accuracy of the human evaluators' assessments and the difficulty of the constructed response categories or questions. The systems and methods of the present invention utilize a storage means which relationally stores data regarding the human evaluators, the constructed responses, the scores awarded and the computer applications to utilize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Isaac I. Bejar, Sean J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 6287123
    Abstract: A Computer Managed Learning System (CMLS) and process are provided by which an information database is produced by formatting the information to be learned into units; inputting the units of information into a computer system; storing the units of information in discrete locations on a storage media; and, assigning to each unit an Importance Rank, a provisional Individualized Difficulty Rank (IDR), a provisional Individualized Urgency Rank (IUR), a provisional Population Difficulty Rank (PDR) and a provisional Population Urgency Rank (PUR), which are also stored in discrete locations on storage media. When a student accesses the database, the student may elect to filter the units by specifying subject matter and/or ranges for IDR, Importance-rank and IUR, or combinations or permutations thereof. The system selects the appropriate units from the database according to the filtering criteria input by the student.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Denis Richard O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6287124
    Abstract: Target music piece, which a trainee player aims to perform well through practice, is designated by a user or player from among various music genres such as classical music, popular music and enka (Japanese popular ballads). Lesson information supplying section supplies lesson information prepared by combining information descriptive of a plurality of training music pieces bearing particular relations to the target music piece, to allow the player to become skillful enough for performing the designated target music piece. The lesson information comprises a combination of information descriptive of a plurality of optimum training music pieces selected on the basis of all kinds of musical information, such as a music genre, key, rhythm and beat, of the target music piece. Control section controls player's performance practice on the basis of the lesson information supplied by the lesson information supplying section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamaura, Mikio Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 6270351
    Abstract: An individual education program tracking system provides an automated means for creating and administering an entire individual education plan. Embodied in a computer software program and network, the individual education program tracking system enables teachers, school administrators, counselors and parents to enter a student profile, create an individual education plan for the student based on the student's profile, track the student's progress, and perform periodic evaluations and assessments. The individual education program tracking system also automates the completion and submission of various forms as required by a school district or state department of education. The individual education program tracking system integrates and automates procedures that meet a state's or district's legal requirements for administering an individual education plan, such as entry qualification evaluations and parental authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation
    Inventor: Tracy D. Roper
  • Patent number: 6270352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a category from a plurality of categories, where each category comprises a number of elements, and corresponds to a category performance determinant that represents a measurement associated with a given category, and where a category performance determinant biases the selection of a given category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: James W. Ditto
  • Patent number: 6261103
    Abstract: An interactive computer system for teaching laboratory-based sciences. According to one embodiment, the system includes a data acquisition module, an internet-based coursework database, and internet-based interactive software tools. Using the interactive software tools, an instructor can select academic course materials and related laboratory experiments from the coursework database. The instructor can create an Internet web page, which provides students with an interactive visual interface with the selected course materials and laboratories, along with various analysis tools. The data acquisition module is located at the site of an experimentation laboratory, and interfaces with laboratory equipment to capture data from selected experiments. Experimental data is transmitted in real-time to an internet-based storage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: CB Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Stephens, Christopher J. Dufort, Clifford C. Bredenberg, Ashish More, William P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6259890
    Abstract: A computer-based test creation system and method for generating test items. The test creation process includes creating items in electronic form and allowing access by a plurality of reviewers via a network. The reviewers may review the item for content, fairness and format, and collaborate with each other before indicating that the item is acceptable for inclusion in a test. After the administration of the items to test takers, item performance may be evaluated on-line by reviewing electronic feedback from the administrations and creating electronic evaluation reports. Since the items are created in an electronic form, the items may further include new forms of stimuli such as graphics and multimedia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Gary Driscoll, Richard Burns, Barbara Keener, Teresa Sanchez-Lazer, Alison Snieckus, Paul SooHoo, Linda Tyler, Kenneth Willian, Victor Wichert
  • Patent number: 6250930
    Abstract: A system and method for conducting opinion surveys using electronic mail (e-mail) as the transport mechanism is disclosed. A multimedia-enhanced e-mail message is created using an authoring tool in conjunction with a web command launcher. The enhanced e-mail message is distributed to a select set of recipients using a communication engine. The recipients individually review and respond to the questions and issues posed in the enhanced e-mail message. The responses from the various recipients are collected automatically, filtered and stored in one or more databases using a proprietary aggregation engine. The stored responses are then analyzed using an analysis engine to generate one or more reports for distribution under the direction of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Picante Communications Corporation
    Inventor: Alex Mintz
  • Patent number: 6249863
    Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a remote control for an interactive media can include a printed publication and/or a storage media and/or a data button. One embodiment of a remote control includes a printed publication (such as a book, magazine or a catalog) and one or more buttons physically attached to the printed publication to allow users to remotely control use of associated electronic content by a host device. Another embodiment of a remote control has a housing capable of removably holding a storage media encoded with electronic content associated with a button of the remote control. Yet another embodiment of a remote control has at least one data button which permits the user to select the data to be displayed by the host device. An autostart driver in the host device detects insertion of a storage media into a peripheral and automatically starts an application. The application interprets button codes transmitted by the remote control and displays the results or initiates other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: TV Interactive Data Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Redford, Donald S. Stern
  • Patent number: 6241524
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Namco, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Aoshima, Takeyasu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6224385
    Abstract: A display unit of a job aiding apparatus disposed in each of work stations displays a job aid image for showing a job detail in each of the work stations. The worker in each of the work stations performs the job according to the displayed job detail. The job aiding apparatus decides whether a job result falls within a predetermined range or not, and changes the job aid image to a next job aid image only when the job result falls within the predetermined range. The worker can thus perform the job accurately and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Nitta, Kou Namiki, Hiroshi Hamano, Tadatoshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6224382
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a computer screen layout provides a plurality of physically manipulable pieces each representing one of a plurality of computer screen objects. The pieces are removably secured to a surface representing a computer screen. The pieces are arranged on the surface to provide a proposed computer screen layout. The pieces may then be moved on the surface, added to the surface, or removed from the surface to provide a revised computer screen layout. The revised computer screen layout is then recreated in the computer program under development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Prosoft, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Steele, David Boatright
  • Patent number: 6213780
    Abstract: Computer-aided learning methods and apparatus that can automatically identify learning objectives and provide learning materials for a user based on a job position identified for the user. The identification process depends on at least one attribute of the user's profile. After the job position is identified, the apparatus ascertains at least one learning objective for selecting learning materials to prepare the user for the job position. The user may be in the process of leaving a company, or may be graduating from a school.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 6210166
    Abstract: A method for adaptively training a human subject to process, and to distinguish between, similar acoustic events that are common in spoken language is provided. The method utilizes sequences of up/down frequency sweeps, of varying frequency and duration, and having varying inter stimulus intervals (ISI) between the frequency sweeps. A sequence is presented to the subject for order identification. The subject must listen to the up/down order of a sequence, and signal identification of the up/down order according to what s/he heard. Signal identification is provided utilizing a computer display, a mouse, and graphical buttons corresponding to the up/down frequency sweeps. Correct order identification causes the process to adaptively reduce the ISI separating the frequency sweeps, to reduce the duration of the frequency sweeps, to alter the frequency of the frequency sweeps, and to increase the number of frequency sweeps within a sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corp.
    Inventors: William M. Jenkins, Michael M. Merzenich, Steven L. Miller, Bret E. Peterson, Paula Tallal
  • Patent number: 6210170
    Abstract: In a given environment where a user may work, play, or otherwise interact, such as the environment provided by a system comprising computer hardware and software, the present invention provides a method, computer program product, and system for teaching reinforcing concepts, principals, and other learned information without requiring user initiation of a learning sequence. Learning or reinforcement occurs by presenting “learning frames” in the environment automatically without requiring user initiation of the learning sequence. The user of the environment receives these intrusive or non-intrusive opportunities for learning while doing other tasks within the environment and may be interrupted from the task at hand and be required to respond to the presented learning frame or may simply have the opportunity for learning without requiring interruption of the task at hand according to the implementation of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Steven M. Sorensen, Kim L. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6212358
    Abstract: A system and method to provide dynamic reviews for individual students. In one embodiment for a student, the system selects an un-learnt line-item, and generates detailed learning materials for the un-learnt line-item. Then the system selects a learnt line-item based on one or more learnt-line-item-selection rules, and generates summarized-learning materials on the selected learnt line-item for the student to review. The summarized-learning materials include study-plans. The detailed learning materials may include questions, in addition to study-plans. For an un-learnt line-item, after presenting the generated learning materials to the student, the present invention assesses the student's understanding in the line-item. If the assessment is satisfactory, the un-learnt line-item is re-classified as a learnt line-item. In another embodiment, the present invention accesses a line-item probability value, which is used to select a line-item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 6206700
    Abstract: An interactive adaptive learning system. A collection of core stimuli consisting of at least auditory and visual symbols and information, are stored on a computer. A number of different relationships between the core stimuli are created which can then be presented as discrimination or identification tasks to the user. Different sets of stimuli are then presented succeedingly to the user and the user is requested to respond. The form of response can either be to investigate and analyze the stimuli, or attributes of the stimuli, or answer of the quarry regarding the discrimination or identification task. The system has a built in strategy for progressing the user through learning tasks. The users actions and responses in reaction to the stimuli are all recorded and analyzed. Based not only on the success rate of the user responses, but also on other characteristics of the users reaction to the stimuli, the users learning strategy is classified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Breakthrough to Literacy, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn J. Brown, Jerry N. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6198905
    Abstract: A learning system is provided which includes a plurality of student units for use by students, a teacher unit for use by a teacher, and a plurality of master storage devices that store information reproduced by the student units. The learning system includes a computer for use also by the teacher that operates to control each of the student units. The computer also provides the feature of student tape auto compile in which the student units are controlled to record student responses/answers, selected student units are controlled to reproduce the respective recorded information in a predetermined format, and the master unit(s) is controlled to record the information output by the selected student units. Various user selections during student tape auto compile include which student recordings to be compiled, the compiling format (e.g., sequential by student, sequential by question number), amount of student recording time, and which master units are to be used during compiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Remschel
  • Patent number: 6198904
    Abstract: An interactive learning system is disclosed that includes a note-making facility, a mentor facility, and an editor facility as its major subsystems. The note-making facility allows the user to create notes while scanning through an electronic text file that is accessible from a suitable memory space. The mentor facility provides content-specific information in response to the selection of certain passages or quotations from the text file by the user. The editor facility provides generalized learning strategies and recommendations useful in the analysis of text and the preparation of a written report. The information provided by the editor facility is generalized, and hence is not specific to the current text file; in contrast, the mentor facility is content-specific, and furnishes the user with information that is specifically related to the text under review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Student Advantage, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard J. Rosen
  • Patent number: 6196846
    Abstract: A system for establishing a data session and a voice session for training a user on a computer program includes a customer workstation coupled to a selected agent workstation by a data network and a voice network. The customer workstation generates a session request in response to user input requesting assistance regarding the computer program. The data network and the voice network establish a data session and a voice session, respectively, between the customer workstation and the selected agent workstation in response to the session request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Virtual Village, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Berger, Andrew K. Overheu
  • Patent number: 6195528
    Abstract: A teaching system apparatus and method for improving the ability of a student to learn with a connection to a remote computer. A plurality of CD Roms for storing at least one of text, audio and visual data are utilized on a local computer having memory. The local computer is in communication with the remote computer and the CD Roms are able to be loaded and operated on the local computer. A mechanism through software is provided on said CD Roms for causing the local computer to communicate with the remote computer and determine if the CD Roms are still up to date, and software on the CD Roms may request the local computer to download information from the remote computer. A mechanism via software on the CD Roms prevents local computer access of particular data on the CD Roms without an unlock code from the remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Young, Murl J. Keidel
  • Patent number: RE37723
    Abstract: A device for use as an aid to computer users. The device is coupled to an associated personal computer and performs various functions which provide the user with concurrent explanations of running software, searches and multimedia integration without interfering with the functioning of the associated computer or its running software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Goren