Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for teaching reading and spelling. Specifically, the invention delineates the rules governing the syllabic division and letter sounds of one, two, three, four and five syllable words. The method employs an unique system of integration of these syllabic rules, phonograms, four sets of consonant clusters and single consonants for teaching a learner reading and spelling with either a manual or computer program.

Abstract: The invented computer simulation playback method includes the steps of recording commands entered during use of a simulation, operating the simulation with the recorded commands and allowing new commands to be entered at any point during the step of operating the simulation with the recorded commands. More specifically, the invented method runs a simulation on a computer system that includes a user input device and a visual display. Images are shown on the display and the person using the simulation enters commands through the user input device. The commands affect the images shown on the visual display and are recorded in the sequence that they were entered. The method then runs the simulation again and automatically enters the recorded commands in the same sequence that they were recorded so that substantially the same images that were produced when the commands were initially entered are displayed again. During that step, new commands can be entered.

Abstract: An interactive learning system used for learning an application program, such as a word processing program, provides three basic types of instruction including interactive audiovisual lessons, reference information, and practice in using the actual application program being learned. The reference information may include relatively detailed reference information, relatively brief reference information, and customized reference information generated via an electronic clipboard. The subject matter of the application program is subdivided into different subject matter areas or units, and the user of the system may select to receive lessons relating to any of the units. The interactive learning system provides three learning paths, one of which comprises completing all of the lessons in a unit and then using the features of the actual application program relating to the unit that was just completed to reinforce the instruction received by the user.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for building a help function in the form of a tutorial that physically demonstrates to an end user the function that the end user wants to understand. The invention includes a script language that includes tags or commands that the information developer can use in demonstrating the application program and providing tutorial information to the user. The system includes an interpreter that interprets the script language.

Abstract: Method and system for reducing illiteracy of individuals accompanied by improvements in functionality utilizing computer technology to integrate multi-sensory stimuli for synthesis of individualized instruction, evaluation, and prescription for advancement of communications skills. The method is employed to, for instance, advance a learner from status as a nonreader to being a skilled user of a language to express ideas and concepts.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and presenting a lesson plan comprising audiovisual materials to a classroom. The system enables the automatic connection of audiovisual output signals from one or more audiovisual resources to classroom monitors in accordance with a predetermined sequence called a "lesson plan." The lesson plan includes labels for identifying selected ones of the audiovisual resources, and control commands for controlling the selected audiovisual resources. At a scheduled date and time, the lesson plan is loaded into the system and processed to automatically connect the output signals from selected audiovisual resources to specified monitors, and also to control the playback of the resources.The system also includes a software program for generating the lesson plan and saving it for a future presentation. To assist with the generation and presentation, a database of available materials and a scheduling program are also provided.

Abstract: A method for teaching the practical application of a subject. The student is furnished an introductory body of information encompassing the subject and presented with a simulated life-like situation having a stated goal. Attaining the goal requires the completion, in order, of a series of steps utilizing the information. Each of the steps except for the first can be undertaken only upon the completion of a previous step, and once completed, a step cannot be repeated. Each completed step thus effectively becomes a part of the body of information comprising the subject. The student is able to exit any of the steps at will for the purpose of reviewing the body of information and thereafter to return directly to the exited step.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for inputting Chinese characters into a computer system, by using the 26 alphabet keys on a standard English keyboard to arrange Chinese consonants, vowel codes, codes of the initial two strokes and the last two strokes of a Chinese character, and inputting Chinese characters or phrases according to their Pinyin (phonetic symbol) and writing sequence. The present invention provides both the input method which is mainly based on consonants and vowels, secondly on the initial two strokes and the last two strokes of the characters and the input method which is mainly based on the initial two strokes and the last two strokes of the characters, and secondly on their consonants and vowels.

Abstract: An electronic library which comprises a user interface such as a computer screen, a speaker, a mouse and/or a keyboard; a processor for handling communication with the user and for responding to user requests; and a data store. The data store maintains scanned segments of video data, audio data, or both, and translated replicas of the scanned segments. Searching for specific data is performed by perusing through the translated replicas, but the information that is provided to the user is primarily the scanned segments themselves. The translated versions contain the immediately translatable version of the displayable information and processed information that forms various aggregations of the displayable information. This processing imposes a syntactically logical structure on the displayable information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing human performance by measuring ability to employ job-related skills in an environment requiring skill switching in the presence of a forced attention shift. A human operator is tested by use of a monitor display upon which are presented an alternating sequence of primary tasks requiring utilization of different skills. A keyboard and a joy-stick are disclosed for use in performing the tasks. A danger indicating icon is presented along with the primary task, and the operator is forced to respond to danger indications thereof by operating a switch which is provided for that purpose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the task-processing style of an individual by presenting that individual with a simulated situation and recording the individual's responses while resolving the situation. A subject undergoing the assessment is asked to assume the responsibilities of an Assistant Superintendent of Parks, replacing an individual who has unexpectedly left that position. The subject is first trained in the use of a touch-sensitive screen display for accessing data that may be useful in fulfilling the responsibilities of the simulated position and for providing input data used in the exercise. Each action by the subject undergoing the assessment is recorded in a raw data stream, along with the time that it occurred, and is statistically analyzed with respect to several parameters that define the subject's task-processing style.

Abstract: A learning machine including an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a work station, etc., the information processing apparatus comprising: a learning target gainer for gaining a learning target of a learner from the learner; a comprehension degree gainer for gaining from the learner a learning comprehension degree of the learner for each of learning items; a learning contents selector for selecting, on the basis of the learning target gainer and the comprehension degree gainer, learning contents including the learning items to be learned by the learner and the learning target for each of the learning items; and a learning material display which fetches, on the basis of the learning contents selected by the learning contents selector, a learning material so as to display the learning material to the learner.

Abstract: A virtual school user interface running on networked personal computers for providing administrative and instructional functions to users in a scholastic environment. A user selects among grouped system functions by accessing one of a plurality of rooms within a school representation displayed on a video screen, with the networked virtual reality presenting the user as a real-time entity within the virtual school so that the user can interact with other users and system elements. A learning path editor is also provided for allowing users to author student curriculum sequences using graphical icons. A guidance tutor is further provided for coaching a student by displaying a guidance message on the video screen when so indicated by an instructional context. A courseware scheduler is further provided for delivering specific courseware to specific computers during specific time periods. A system monitor is further provided for gathering information in real-time on the state of each computer.

Abstract: A learning device is provided with an information processing unit, a keyboard for inputting characters, an information storage medium for storing a variety of data, a CRT display for displaying characters and/or figures, and a mouse for designating a specific location on the CRT display. The information storage medium stores a plurality of learning materials of which respective learning items has a tree structure. The information storage medium also stores the tree structure of the learning items, the name of each learning item, the names of learning items positioned at next upper and next lower levels in the tree structure, and the name of a learning material corresponding to each learning item. A learner can instruct the CRT display to display a portion or all the tree structure using either the keyboard or the mouse. Also, the learner can alter the display range according to his intention.

Abstract: An operations manual generation apparatus for use with a host system. The apparatus has an input for receiving ordering input data when an operator places an order following a prescribed procedure for requesting an operations manual from the host system. The apparatus has a first memory which stores first information needed to prepare the requested operations manual. The apparatus also has a second memory for storing instruction information which includes a set of guidance text data which describes the minimum number of operating steps needed to be carried out by an operator. Finally, an edit controller is provided for analyzing the first information to select a suitable combination of guidance text data, so that an operations manual may be output which has been automatically optimized to minimize the number of steps which the operator must take to cause the host system to perform the desired function.

Abstract: The invented computer simulation playback method includes the steps of recording commands entered during use of a simulation, operating the simulation with the recorded commands and allowing new commands to be entered at any point during the step of operating the simulation with the recorded commands. More specifically, the invented method runs a simulation on a computer system that includes a user input device and a visual display. Images are shown on the display and the person using the simulation enters commands through the user input device. The commands affect the images shown on the visual display and are recorded in the sequence that they were entered. The method then runs the simulation again and automatically enters the recorded commands in the same sequence that they were recorded so that substantially the same images that were produced when the commands were initially entered are displayed again. During that step, new commands can be entered.

Abstract: A system for demonstrating financial and financially related concepts and displaying financial and financially related information is provided. The system includes a central processing unit for processing financial information and for creating graphic displays from numerical data, a demonstrator station and at least one viewer station. Both demonstrator and viewer stations include display means for displaying financial information in graphic and textual form. The demonstrator station further comprises data entry means for entering alphanumeric data, and input means for inputting signals to direct the display of information on the display means of both the demonstrator station and the viewer station or stations. The graphic information displayed on the viewer station display means is a subset of the information displayed on the demonstrator station displaying means. The system also includes means for generating graphic displays based on entered data.

Abstract: An interactive training system (10) for simulating an operating environment. The system (10) can operate in both freeplay and procedural modes. The system (10) includes a plurality of simulated displays (18) simulating actual displays in the operating environment. The simulated displays (18) indicate the state of various components of the operating environment to the user. A plurality of manipulable input devices (20) permits the user to interact with the training system (10). Simulation software (22) responds to the input devices (20) and controls the displays in response thereto. Procedure monitoring software (26) determines the status of the input devices as a result of the user's manipulation of the input devices. Condition monitoring software (24) monitors conditions within the procedure monitor (26) and simulation software (22). These conditions may occur directly or indirectly as a result of the manipulation of the input devices (18) by the user.

Abstract: A data processing includes an on-line, interactive, intelligent help system which provides suggestions as to actions a user can take after entry into the system of an erroneous command or a question. The system also responds with explanations of why the suggestions were made and how they work. The system includes a natural language analyzer for converting the questions into goals. A knowledge base and an inference engine further analyze the goals and provide one or more suggestions on how to achieve such goals. An explanation generator uses such analysis to dynamically generate the explanations which are tailored to the user's goal.

Abstract: An apparatus produces an operational manual of a certain machine and supplies the same to an operator of the machine. The operational manual teaches how to operate a minimum procedure in order to obtain one of functions with which the machine is equipped. Each of the functions including the plurality of minimum procedures which can no longer be segmented. The apparatus stores a help information item for every minimum procedure. Each help information item indicates how to operate a corresponding minimum procedure. The apparatus further stores operations input to the machine by the operator. Thus, the operator analyzes the operations and detects a predetermined function desired by the operator. Then, the apparatus produces the operational manual containing help information items corresponding to the predetermined function, and supplies it to the operator. The operational manual is produced if the apparatus has judged that the predetermined condition has been established.

Abstract: The system allows a student to randomly select instructional lessons and also provides sound concurrently with the running of an application program. In one embodiment the training system includes an audio unit that incorporates a cassette recorder and includes a tutorial program operating within the computing device along with the application program the student is working with. In another embodiment the system includes a digital data storage device such as a CDROM drive for providing instructional audio or video output concurrent with the running of the application program. Concurrency is provided by transferring audio or video instructional data through the computing device without passing such data through the CPU of the computing device. This allows the CPU to run the application program independently of the playing of the sound or video output.

Abstract: A binary computer for demonstrating concepts of decimal to binary conversion and binary operations such as counting, addition, subtraction and multiplication is provided. Further, the binary computer is capable of demonstrating the computer concepts of bit, byte, memory, flip-flop, serial input and parallel input. A plurality of pointer-shaped flip-flops function as an information storage facility or memory and are a central concept in the design.

Abstract: A curriculum planning and publishing method and system is provided in which large quantities of information may be rearranged to produce a customized learning tool. This learning tool may embody a variety of formats ranging from a simple book to a computer and video multisensory presentation. Providing a customized learning experience maximizes effective learning time, places the teacher in better control of the classroom, and allows a school or school district to cater to the needs of the community while maintaining a uniform curriculum.

Abstract: An interactive method of communicating with a language deficient user such as an aphasic patient is disclosed. The computer has a display with a pointing device for visually indicating a position through a cursor means on the display. In one example, a plurality of images with each image being a graphical representation of word oriented information or a component thereof is displayed. A plurality of tool-like icons is also displayed. The cursor can be positioned to one of the desired plurality of tool-like icons. When one of the plurality of tool-like icons is selected by the user, the cursor is changed into the image of the tool-like icon selected. The tool-like icon image selected for the cursor is then moved to one of a plurality of the images which represent word-oriented information or a component thereof. When the cursor is activated on the image, a display of information represented by the tool-like icon acting on the word-oriented image is then visually displayed by the computer.

Abstract: A teaching method is disclosed for computer systems that permit longer sequences of user actions such as keypresses or selection via pointing to be replaced by shorter sequences of user actions (abbreviations), which method shows the user the abbreviation by either highlighting the characters or sounding beeps or pronouncing the characters of the abbreviation whenever the user neglects to use the abbreviation. The method thus teaches the user the abbreviations while he/she is doing normal work.

Abstract: A freestanding visual aid is disclosed which includes instructional material displayed on multiple sufaces of a geometric object to allow the selective display of indicia representing information, on at least one of the surfaces, in a resting position of the geometric object. The indicia displayed by each face of the freestanding object is preferably related to one of a plurality of modes of operation of an apparatus or system with which the visual aid is used. Each surface, for example, may include an explanation of the key functions and command language applicable to a different computer program when the visual aid is used in connection with the operation of a computer or microprocessor system. The freestanding object allows immediate selection of the appropriate instructional information represented by the indicia on a given surface for the particular program employed by the computing system.

Abstract: A system for testing certain attributes (i.e., performance and usability) of an interactive system program. A memory device stores data representative of interactive commands generated by a user. A device is also provided for executing an emulator overlay connected to the memory device for receiving data therefrom and modifying it in subsequent transmission. The emulator overlay has a time measuring device associated with it for determining performance of an interactive system program. A device is also provided for storing and executing an interactive system program connected to the emulator overlay. Finally, another memory device is provided for storing the data representative of system program performance.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are disclosed that provide a cost effective work-sharing installation for preprocessing mail. The disclosed system includes a data center and postal user inter connected by way of data communications links. The data center maintains a database of user's profiles, and uses that information to provide user's with training materials personalized to the user's needs.

Abstract: A guidance message display control system for displaying a guidance message on terminal equipment, such as multi-media communication terminals. The system maintains and updates a skill level which corresponds to the length of delay occuring before the display of the guidance message. The system awaits a choice selection by a users. If within a predetermined time delay the user has not input a valid selection, then the guidance message is displayed and the skill level is decreased. On the other hand, if a valid selection is made within the predetermined period, then the skill level is increased. Thus, guidance messages are displayed based upon user skill. That is, the messages appear for the unskilled user, but only appear as needed for the skilled user.

Abstract: A large number of keys arranged in a matrix are provided on the keyboard (KB) of a host computer. Of these keys, keys (K10, . . . , K15, . . . ), located at positions corresponding to Learning terminals in a classroom, are assigned to the respective learning terminals.

Abstract: The method of presenting events such as audio and video instructions to a computer user including the recording instructions in the form of an audio soudtrack 15 on a recording tape 10, assigning coded indicia 16 to the various instructional events of a computer program recorded in a memory 31 and recording the coded indicia and instructional events in a table lookup 29, recording a mulitplicity of each indicia on the recording tape adjacent the soundtrack portion the computer program event is to occur, and reading back the recording tape while feeding the audio signal to an audio output 36 and the indicia signal to the table lookup to cause the events or instructions to occur in synchronism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microcomputer training apparatus which is useful as a teaching aid for learning about the operation of a microcomputer. The present invention includes a front panel having a display section including numeral displays and light-emitting diodes corresponding to a variety of registers and memory in a central processing unit which represents a microcomputer. The present invention also includes a data bus display unit connecting the various register and memory displays having light-emitting diodes which are linearly arranged and which visually display the transfer of data across the data bus from one register to another, etc.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed to the conventional field related help/dialog facility in an interactive data entry data processing system. The improvement comprises a technique for tracking the number of times a user has invoked a help/dialog function, comparing that number to a threshold value and then displaying less help/dialog information to the user from that point on. Additionally, the application tracks the number of elapsed days since a functional area has been used. Once the number of elapsed days reaches a threshold, the user is reset to a status in which all the help/dialog information is once again displayed. This is accomplished by building a data base of help/dialogs which are uniquely addressed by the functional area and skill level of the individual user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a dynamic tutorial display for assisting a computer operator in the utilization of a selected interactive software application. A tutorial processing program is provided and is resident between the operating system and a selected interactive software application, acting as a filter therebetween. A sequence of desired operator inputs, such as keystrokes or mouse movements, is recorded by the tutorial processing program along with an indication of the elapsed time between each input. In response to an operator request for assistance, the tutorial processing program couples each recorded input in a selected sequence to the interactive software application, in sequence in accordance with the recorded elapsed time indications. In practice, the software application will then respond in a manner identical to the response generated by human inputs.

Abstract: A system for assessing the diagnostic reasoning ability of learners engaged in a field of study employs a coded situation test and utilizes a computerized process for grading examinations taken by the learners and for rating their capacity for diagnostic reasoning. The computerized diagnostic reasoning evaluation instrument embodies storage in a test file of the situation test description which describes, illustratively in narrative form, a plurality of problems associated with the situation test employing a plurality of phrases. Each phrase has associated therewith a respective phrase identification symbol which is used by the examinee to record answers to the examination. In a nursing embodiment of the invention, each learner selects from a listing of possible problems. Those problems which are considered by the learner to be significant and present in the situation test are then identified by storing their respectively associated code symbol.

Abstract: A graphical interactive software training system as disclosed comprising a host computer sub-system operatively connected to a graphic computer sub-system providing training courses for use by a human operator. The training system functions without reference to a control program. It includes a series of stand-alone and isolated pictures having command functions embedded thereon requiring an interactive dialogue with the human operator to progress through the training course.

Abstract: An enhancement device for database management systems utilizing a board or screen format having an array of cells with a set of mnemonic icons selctively positioned as portals to associated keys identifying records in the database, the set of icons preferably consisting of common playing cards arrangeable in a mnemonic composite.

Abstract: A system for presenting material in a tutorial and reference format. The system has a mechanism for capturing, creating and storing data representative of images for display to user and a mechanism for capturing, creating and storing data representative of commands for the user. A driver is connected to the storage mechanism for receiving data and for generating a simulation. The driver has a switching mechanism for selecting between a plurality of operational modes. The switching mechanism can be operated by the user at any time. A presentation device is connected to the driver for receiving and displaying the simulation.The present invention is useful for many types of subjects, but most useful for learning how to use computer and software (e.g., editors, spreadsheets, word processors).

Abstract: An optically linked calculator system for displaying data generated by a local calculator at both the local calculator and at a detached display. The calculator system includes a plurality of transmitting calculators and receiving units. The receiving units include remote display receiving units and receiving calculators. Transmitting calculators transmit entered data and calculated results. Receiving units receive and display transmitted data entries and calculated results. A calculator includes a keyboard, keyboard logic, processing logic, display, display logic, transmit logic, infrared transmitter, switching means, infrared receiver receiver logic and converting logic. The switching means selectively enables components of the calculator for effecting a transmit mode, receive mode, and calculate mode. The remote receiver display unit includes an infrared receiver, data detection logic, processing logic, and a display.

Abstract: A teaching system comprising student and teacher computer stations which are serially connected in a closed loop circuit. Each student computer and the teacher station comprises a computer device having an associated video monitor connectable thereto via an interface unit. A teacher controller device is provided at the teacher control station and has an output connected to the interface units to transmit an information network signal thereto to condition the interface units to place its associated student computer station to a preselected mode. A keyboard is associated with the controller device at the teacher control station for selecting the mode. A visual display on the controller indicates the selected mode to the teacher.

Abstract: A computer training system (10) includes an instructor work station (12) and a plurality of student work stations (14). A display on a computer video monitor (22) at each of the student work stations (14) can be selectively displayed on a computer video monitor (18) at the instructor work station (12) without disturbing a student at the student work station. A display on the instructor computer video monitor (18) also can be selectively displayed on one or more of the student computer video monitors (22) for individual or group instruction.

Abstract: An interface receives a high and low voltage signal from a single contact or pin of an output port of a multipurpose microcomputer and uses such signal to control the electrically-powered movement or action of a robot as determined by the programming of the microcomputer. The robot has a sensor connected to the interface and detecting whether or not a preselected condition exists at the robot. The interface sends a high and low voltage input signal to a second single contact or pin of the microcomputer port to communicate the condition of the robot sensed by the sensor. The robot is designed and constructed by the user from interchangeable parts, and the user writes essentially all of the computer programming in a simplified language. By a series of experiments, the student learns computer terminology and programming and robotic technology.

Abstract: There is described a software training system including a computer, a cassette tape player system, and software for running the computer. This software includes the target program which the student is learning to use and courseware which defines a multiplicity of events which correspond to different portions of a predefined training lesson.The tape player system is attached by an interface to one of the computer's ports. The interface allows the computer to turn the tape player unit on and off, and also transmits keystroke data from the left track of a stereo cassette which is mounted in the tape player to the computer. Oral instructions or other sounds recorded on the right track of the stereo cassette are played over a speaker.

Abstract: A Computer Interactive Training System relates to computer training aids, and in particular, although not exclusive to improving the ability of Instructors to train Students to use computers. The invention gives the instructor the ability to dynamically demonstrate every input being displayed on the Instructors monitor or viewing screen. The inputs (examples) are being generated by the Instructor using a computer. The examples are instantly transmitted to the Students individual monitor or viewing screen which is located directly in front of the Students field of vision.

Abstract: There is described a software training system including a computer, a cassette tape player system, and software for running the computer. This software includes the target program which the student is learning to use and courseware which defines a multiplicity of events which correspond to different portions of a predefined training lesson. The tape player system is attached by an interface to one of the computer's ports. The interface allows the computer to turn the tape player unit on and off, and also transmits keystroke data from the left track of a stereo cassette which is mounted in the tape player to the computer. Oral instructions or other sounds recorded on the right track of the stereo cassette are played over a speaker.

Abstract: An interactive training/expert computer system includes a computer subsystem for executing computer programs. A keyboard is used for entering data into the system, and a CRT displays the results of executing a computer program in the computer subsystem. A preselected computer program is resident in the computer subsystem. A tutor module interrupts the flow of data from the keyboard, interpreting and manipulating the input data, selectively generating messages in response to the input data, and selectively allowing a subset of the input data to be processed by the preselected computer program. The interpreting, manipulating, generating and allowing functions are dynamically determined in accordance with predefined criteria dependent on the contextual circumstances in the running of the preselected computer program.

Abstract: A simulator can simulate a multi-stage industrial plant that is controllable by a digital control and digital programmer for affecting plant operation. The simulator has a plurality of indicators mounted on a console for producing indications in response to display signals applied to the indicators. Also, a plurality of manually operated controls are mounted on the console for allowing production of manual signals. The simulator also has a computer coupled to the indicators for providing to them their display signals. The computer is also coupled to the manually operable controls for receiving their manual signals. The computer can respond to the manual signals of predetermined ones of the manually operable controls to provide a programmed array of processed values sized to simulate parameters existing during operation of the industrial plant. Given ones of this array of values are applied to specified ones of the indicators for providing their indication.

Abstract: A mobile device to be connected to a home microcomputer is arranged to facilitate and encourage experimentation by the user. The device is largely made from construction kit ports, facilitating modifications and additions to its structure. Drive is provided by stepper motors, with one digital output pulse from the computer causing one increment of motor rotation. This simplifies programming by the user, especially if one pulse is arranged to cause a turn through an integer fraction of a right angle. The device carries a circuit board to which sensors on the device are connected by individual plugs and sockets, enabling one to be disconnected without disturbing the others. An interface board intermediately between the mobile device and the computer collates several cables from the computer parts into one cable leading to the mobile device.

Abstract: A classroom computer network requiring no direct visual contact between teacher and student, comprising student stations with microcomputers, display screens, and controls for transmitting to a teacher screen, and a teacher station with a switching console for selectively connecting student and teacher screens for display on any screen.

Abstract: A optically linked calculator system for displaying data generated by a local calculator at both the local calculator and at a detached display. The calculator system includes a plurality of transmitting calculators and receiving units. The receiving units include remote display receiving units and receiving calculators. Transmitting calculators transmit entered data and calculated results. Receiving units receive and display transmitted data entries and calculated results. A calculator includes a keyboard, keyboard logic, processing logic, display, display logic, transmit logic, infrared transmitter, switching means, infrared receiver receiver logic and converting logic. The switching means selectively enables components of the calculator for effecting a transmit mode, receive mode, and calculate mode. The remote receiver display unit includes an infrared receiver, data detection logic, processing logic, and a display.