Abstract: An authoring system is provided for generating a demonstration payload, which is installable on a target electronic device to create a demonstration environment on the target electronic device. The authoring system includes a build interface operative to receive authoring inputs which specify characteristics of the demonstration environment. The authoring inputs include specification of promotional media to be played during a promotional mode of the demonstration environment, and specification of mock user data to be accessible during a tryout mode of the demonstration environment. The system further includes an assembler module operative to generate the demonstration payload based upon the authoring inputs.

Abstract: Objects associated with eye fixations are used to support training tasks that are characterized by operation within a dynamic 3D environment, problem-solving that involves user multitasking, short decision time periods, heavy workloads, potential for unexpected events, and the need for high-performance skills. The invention is ideally suited to measure the nuances associated with maintaining situation awareness in such problems where dynamic 3D environments that support problem solving with high cognitive fidelity have already been developed. Potential training application areas include urban warfighting, night vision goggle use, aircraft piloting, helicopter operation, remote control of vehicles and robots, night driving, and air traffic control.

Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to perform an operation for a deep question answering system. The operation begins by computing a concept score for a first concept in a first case received by the deep question answering system, the concept score being based on a machine learning concept model for the first concept. The operation then excludes the first concept from consideration when analyzing a candidate answer and an item of supporting evidence to generate a response to the first case upon determining that the concept score does not exceed a predefined concept minimum weight threshold. The operation then increases a weight applied to the first concept when analyzing the candidate answer and the item of supporting evidence to generate the response to the first case when the concept score exceeds a predefined maximum weight threshold.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing differentiated content to a user comprising determining a skill level of the user, obtaining unmodified content, aligning the unmodified content to a set of content standards, modifying the aligned content in accordance with the user's skill level, providing the modified aligned content to the user, re-assessing the user's skill level based on a response from the user to the modified aligned content, and modifying new aligned content in accordance with the re-assessed user's skill level.

Abstract: A learning and training process that memorizes traces of a learner solving an exercise, attaches meta labels to the learner traces, and compares the learner traces to reference traces of a referent solving the exercise, meta labels being attached to the reference traces.

Abstract: Evaluating code is disclosed. A configuration associated with a programming problem is determined. A random input data is generated. The programming problem based at least in part on the determined configuration is provided. An output data that corresponds to the random input data is received. The output data was generated by a code responsive to the programming problem. The output data is evaluated.

Abstract: Student growth can be defined, tracked, and analyzed using a method that comprises PLAN, ASSESS and REFLECT steps, potentially in conjunction with related sub-steps. This type of method can be facilitated using computer software that can be deployed over a remote network, and that can present a number of screens relevant to defining, tracking and analyzing student growth to a user.

Abstract: An exemplary proficiency examination system includes a collaborative system allowing multiple administrators across multiple educational institutions to add questions to a bank of questions from which an administrator at a single educational institution may select for a proficiency examination. The questions may be used in a placement examination for placing students into a class of an appropriate skill level.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of emulating a patient programmer. A first language is associated with a virtual representation of the patient programmer. The first language corresponds to a language understood by a healthcare professional. A second language is associated with the virtual representation of the patient programmer. The second language corresponds to a language understood by a patient user of the patient programmer. The virtual representation of the patient programmer is displayed in the first language and in the second language simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of analyzing examinee item response data comprising constructing a diagnosis model for reporting skill profiles of examinees, wherein the diagnosis model comprises at least a variable representing unobserved subpopulations, creating an item design matrix, distributing examinees across the unobserved subpopulations, iteratively estimating values for a plurality of variables within the diagnosis model, and reporting the estimated values to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window.

Abstract: An apparatus assists educators in selecting achievement tools to meet an applicable one of a plurality of sets of educational standards. A first table holds a plurality of educational standards and a plurality of linked keywords. A second table holds a plurality of achievement tools, such as lesson plans, assessments and resources, and a plurality of linked keywords. A table manipulator program permits an educator to select an educational standard and shows achievement tools applicable to the selected educational standard by having a matching of keywords linked to the achievement tools to keywords linked to the educational standards.

Abstract: An automation trainer is useful for students to develop programs then download to a programmable automation controller (PAC) or a programmable logic controller (PLC). The programs can be used to sequence cylinders that are controlled by valves and sensors. The automation trainer, along with lab experiments, simulate real world problem solving and programming. The automation trainer simulates real world machines and is easily expandable and flexible.

Abstract: A method for providing multi-touch input training on a display surface is disclosed. A touch input is detected at one or more regions of the display surface. A visualization of the touch input is displayed at a location of the display surface offset from the touch input. One or more annotations are displayed at a location of the display surface offset from the touch input and proximate to the visualization, where each annotation shows a different legal continuation of the touch input.

Abstract: An interactive computer system and method collects, aggregates and distributes information derived from free-text responses to questions. The system and method collect free-text responses from a subject user and aggregates them with free-text responses from other users. The system and method then uses these free-text responses in learning methodologies (such as temporal spacing) and styles to facilitate long-term learning and knowledge retention.

Abstract: A method and system for cyber security management of Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems is provided to enhance situational awareness and cyber security management for industrial control systems. A centralized System Security Manager (SSM) is integrated into a SCADA to collect security related data for the industrial control system and an integrated command and control user interface displays security related data, a system security level, and interfaces with a user to allows for changing of system security settings for the industrial control system based on the security related data collected and manages changes in operational state of the SCADA based on the security level to restrict use of system interfaces and system accesses.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of overseeing and adjusting the instruction and evaluation of a student with respect to one or more topics of study within a classroom. The subject matter of an academic course is studied and broken down into a plurality of discretely defined behavioral performances designed to be readily and objectively recognized as being mastered or not by a student. One or more of the discretely defined behavioral performances are then selected, with the aid of a first computerized database system, as learning objectives for the week. At the end of the week, a student is subsequently evaluated on these objectives. Results of the evaluation are then transferred to a second computerized database system, which organizes the collected data into an interactive learning management report that can be configured by a reviewer in real time to display a variety of levels of detail.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for collecting fees from, managing, and remunerating contestants in a livestock roping and/or rodeo competition. Contestants in a competition are remunerated after being eliminated in successive runs of the competition in accordance with a predetermined criteria. The remuneration may be monetary and based on total revenue generated, based on the entry price, based on the costs of travel, or in the form of commercial products, such as hardware, music productions, software and the like, as disclosed herein. The object of the present invention is to provide contestants with a way of mitigating the inherent risk of being eliminated from most roping competitions after one, two, or a short amount of runs and having to bear the complete loss of entry fees, travel, board and other incidental expenses.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to provide machine-assisted training have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring action performed by a trainee during machine-assisted training and dynamically adjusting the machine-assisted training in response to the trainee's action. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.

Abstract: A machine tool control simulator for a machine tool control having a plurality of first user-actuatable devices and a first display screen is disclosed. The machine tool control simulator may include a console and a laptop computer. The console may include a plurality of second user-actuatable devices each corresponding to a respective one of the first user-actuatable devices, and having a layout substantially similar to a layout of the first user-actuatable devices. The laptop computer includes a keyboard and an attached second display screen. The keyboard may be placed between a tabletop and the second user-actuatable devices. The computer receives user inputs from the second user actuatable devices and displays images on the second display screen to simulate images that would be displayed on the first display screen of the machine tool control in response to the user inputs.

Abstract: The present embodiment discloses a test engine to evaluate a test taker's programming skills. The test engine includes at least one partial program logic module that defines a set of predefined conditions in relation to the solution to a problem, an input module that receives test taker input relating to the problem and an evaluation module that combines the predefined conditions and the test taker input to form a complete functionality to be evaluated and assigns a score based upon at least the correctness of the complete functionality.

Abstract: A method of testing and improving recall information using an automated device. An item of information is connected to an initial prompt by a relationship link. The device presents the initial prompt to the user who recalls information and links to the prompt. The device reviews the information and links and the user compares the reviewed intended information with the recalled information. The user provides inputs to the device indicating an ability to recall the information and links. The inputs provided by the user are used to calculate a re-testing interval for each item of information. The device automatically re-test the user after the interval calculated for each item of information has elapsed. A longer interval is used for items of information recalled exactly than the interval for items of information not recalled exactly. At re-testing information not yet done for re-testing is presented to the user.

Abstract: A question item comprising: textual, visual or auditory subject matter; a query or instruction pertaining to the subject matter; and a representation of a response mechanism for receiving a user response to the query or instruction, may be retrieved from a data store. The subject matter, query or instruction and response mechanism may be presented in a presentation sequence, wherein a presentation duration of each of the subject matter, query or instruction and response mechanism is controlled by user input. Based on the user input, a presentation duration of each of the subject matter, query or instruction, and response mechanism may be determined. Each of the three presentation durations may be stored. A completion time may be determined based on one or more of the presentation durations and may be stored along with response accuracy, for use in calculating a user competency measure for the question item.

Abstract: A context-aware training system senses sensing a user action that may expose the user's computer to a cybersecurity threat. The system selects training action from a collection of available training actions and causes the training action to be selected to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are disclosed that analyze student performance and provide feedback regarding the student performance, for example, to an instructor, other school official, parent or directly to the student. In certain embodiments, the methods and systems communicate in real time with the educational program, for example, math or science games, lessons, quizzes or tests, to provide contemporaneous feedback or recommendations to the instructor regarding student performance. In addition, embodiments of the systems and methods evaluate and provide feedback of the effectiveness of the educational program itself, and track progress at different levels, for example, a student, class, school or district level, over a multitude of different durations and time periods. Still further, embodiments of the systems and methods perform comprehensive data analysis and statistical computations.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based cyber security education system is provided. A training component, a knowledge component, and a collaborative component are interfaced to a distance learning component to form a STEM-based cyber security education system interface on an educational content server. The educational content server is coupled to a content database configured to access STEM-based cyber security educational content associated with one or more of: the training component, the knowledge component, and the collaborative component. Asynchronous delivery of the STEM-based cyber security educational content is provided to an end user computer in response to a user request. An interactive session is established between one or more experts and the end user computer to provide synchronous delivery of STEM-based cyber security materials.

Abstract: A compact and simple computer system comprising: a 16×4 bit RAM housing a multiprocessing OS, two application programs, and an input interrupt routine, whereas a small modular processor gives life to time-shared execution of the two application programs under the management of the OS while implementing process synchronization. A student builds the totality of this model computer using simple standard SSI circuit chips which are the components of a per-student lab kit designed and documented for physical implementation of this simple but rich-in-information-instruction operational computer. The computer model is generic in nature and can be augmented and applied in multitude of areas in various ways.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to mobile devices comprising a processor, a display responsive to the processor, a plurality of wireless communication subsystems responsive to the processor and a memory. The memory stores program code executable by the processor for executing a connection manager application. The connection manager application is configured to monitor and control a wireless connection status of each of the plurality of wireless communication subsystems. The wireless connection status may be one of “off”, “on but not connected” and “on and connected”.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and means of grading students. This invention is a software application utilizing profiling techniques that when combined or imbedded with available knowledge on the human learning experience will individually evaluate each student based on their current ability and capacity to learn, by subject. Student's tests are graded electronically against their personal ability and capability profile for grade. The profile system software is applicable to many learning situations requiring a measured outcome.

Abstract: Optional components are delivered to a software platform as a database load. A component is deployed to an application server of a first system. The component comprises at least a portion of the software to be delivered as a database load to a second system that implements the software platform. A component export tool in the first system identifies database table structures and database table entries created by the deployment of the component. The component export tool generates a load delivery package based on the identified database table structures and database table entries and then exports the load delivery package to the second system. A component load tool in the second system generates application tables based on the identified database table structures in the shipment package. The database table entries are then imported into the generated application packages in the load delivery package so that the component can be loaded into the software platform.

Abstract: An interactive cooking device is provided. A user selects a recipe from a list of available recipes. Preparation steps corresponding to the selected recipe are retrieved from a data store along with a set of ingredients. The retrieved preparation steps are sequentially displaying to the user on a display that is included in the interactive cooking preparation device. The user's preparation actions are monitored, using one or more sensors. Gestures that correspond to the current preparation step are retrieved from the data store along with thresholds that correspond to each of the gestures. The user's actions are compared to the retrieved gestures using the retrieved thresholds. If the user's actions vary from the gestures by more than the thresholds, an alert is generated. The user is then provided with a suggested course of correction.

Abstract: A user selects a recipe from a list of recipes. Preparation steps corresponding to the selected recipe are retrieved from a data store, such as a database. Each of the retrieved preparation steps is displayed sequentially to the user on a horizontal surface display that is included in an interactive cooking preparation device. During at least one preparation step, a selected kitchen appliance is identified, such as a configurable burner surface. The identified preparation step also includes one or more appliance parameters that correspond to the selected kitchen appliance. The selected kitchen appliance is controlled by sending one or more signals from the interactive cooking preparation device to the selected kitchen appliance. At least one of the signals sent to the appliance includes one of the appliance parameters.

Abstract: A method for recording and replaying operations in a computer environment utilizes initial conditions of the computer environment at the start of a recording to configure a replay computer environment during replay. The initial conditions of the computer environment are saved prior to recording of user inputs to the computer environment. The saved initial conditions and the recorded user inputs can then be used to actively operate the replay computer environment from a state substantially identical to the initial state of the computer environment to replay the recorded operations in the replay computer environment. The method also includes a technique to synchronize the operations with accompanying audio during replay.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing learning as a service in a learning network. At least certain embodiments connect users with providers of learning content using an online learning marketplace in a web-based user interface that allows users to control content and pace of learning. The learning can be self-directed, through self-paced online courses, as well as live online courses. The platform is configured to fulfill user requests for learning content without regard to location of the content or time of access. The learning content can be decomposed into monetized components, which can be accessed by users on a per-use or per-session basis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method may include establishing, within a parental-control software system, an academic-performance policy that defines how academic performance of a student affects at least one parental-control setting enforced on a computing system accessible to the student. The computer-implemented method may also include receiving, via an electronic communication from a school of the student, grade information that indicates the student's academic performance. The computer-implemented method may further include applying the academic-performance policy by updating the parental-control setting commensurate with the student's academic performance. In addition, the computer-implemented method may include detecting an attempt by the student to access a resource of the computing system and applying the updated parental-control setting to control the student's access to the resource of the computing system.

Abstract: A computerized testing system for evaluating skills of formatted product producers, the system comprising a buggy formatted product generator operative to introduce at least one formatting mistake into a formatted product thereby to generate a buggy formatted product and to generate and display on a computer screen to an applicant user, a representation of the buggy formatted product a debugging interface operative to provide a platform enabling the applicant user to attempt to correct the at least one formatting mistake, and an applicant user monitor operative to monitor the debugging interface and to provide to an applicant evaluating user, at least one output characterizing the applicants attempt to correct at least one formatting mistake.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to design assessment tests for computer programming skill. Presently there are several tests like Microsoft and Java Certification. However, all the tests are not well designed and cannot provide accurate measure of genuine programming skills of testees. A good test for programming skill must have testee do the actual programming during the test. This invention is aimed at allowing testee to do the actual programming in tests while results can be graded by machine automatically. This is achieved by having questions in tests specially designed so that testee can only answer multiple-choice questions correctly if he makes the computer programs running correctly. The embodiment of this invention makes it implemented in various fields of Microsoft .Net and C# programming language and obviously applied to other languages.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for automatically adapting the problem shooting steps to the user's skill level.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting data into Braille text and permitting scrolling of a Braille display are provided. Embodiments may include a Braille display configured to present Braille text, a control device configured to allow a user to at least partially control scrolling of the Braille text, communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive data, and a processor that is operably coupled to the Braille display and communication circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to convert at least portions of data received by the communication circuitry into Braille text for presentation by the Braille display. Embodiments may further include a memory for storing Braille text.

Abstract: A milestone manager receives a milestone message from a first application. The milestone message includes information associated with a periodic event. The milestone manager applies a rule based process on the milestone message information and sends a trigger to a second application in response to the milestone. The trigger initiates processing of the second application in response to the milestone.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. Techniques for process sensitive help are also integrated into the system to provide contextual examples to guide a user in performing a task.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automating translation of language specific constructs to UML (Unified Modeling Language) during wizard workflow. The invention provides an integration of UML mapping within the wizards that are available within integrated development environments (IDE's). As the user specifies the language specific details within a wizard, the appropriate corresponding UML element (depiction) is drawn and displayed within the wizard. This provides a user with an automated visual depiction of his work utilizing UML and yet allows him to work in the programming language of the wizard. Further, this allows the user to learn UML. Other modeling languages may be applied.

Abstract: A way of delivering recipe preparation instruction to disabled individuals is provided using an interactive cooking preparation device. The device retrieves an instruction delivery preference that corresponds to a user with a disability, such as a hearing or sight disability. The user then selects a recipe from list of recipes. Preparation steps that correspond to the selected recipe are retrieved from a data store, such as a database. The retrieved preparation steps are provided to the user using the interactive cooking preparation device that provides the preparation steps in an alternative delivery mode based on the user's delivery preference.

Abstract: An interactive cooking preparation device that includes a flexible horizontal display surface is presented. A set of actuators located under the flexible horizontal display surface that, when activated, cause a tactile sensation on the display surface. A user selects a recipe from a list of recipes. A set of preparation steps that correspond to the selected recipe are retrieved from a data store. Each of the preparation steps are displayed to the user on the flexible horizontal surface display. A current preparation step that is being performed by the user is identified. The user is directed to an area of the interactive cooking preparation device using a tactile feedback mechanism. The tactile feedback mechanism causes a physical sensation on the surface of the interactive cooking preparation device. The physical sensation is felt by the user when the user is touching the surface of the interactive cooking preparation device.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for evaluating educational programs which, firstly, develops criteria which will address the strengths and weaknesses of the educational program. The second step of the method is to observe the criteria, chosen in step one, in the educational program. The third step is to assign a numerical value to each of the criteria observed in step two. The next step is to assign an overall rating to the educational program based on the numerically valued criteria. The personnel involved in the educational program can then decide what steps in addition to the assessment can be done to improve or maintain the educational program.

Abstract: A gaming network includes a discovery service, gaming machines and services providers. The discovery service receives service information from the service providers and publishes the service information to gaming machines and other entities on the gaming network. The discovery service and service providers may be implemented as web services with a gaming services framework. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for developing training for a client. Training delivery requirements for a client are identified. Assessment information is gathered. A training curriculum is developed based on the training delivery requirements and the assessment information. An amount of time required to complete the training is estimated to form a delivery estimate. The delivery estimate is translated into an estimate of resources required for development of training materials for the training. Verification is performed to verify that the client receives the training materials for delivery to an end user.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting plagiarism of software source code. In one embodiment, a first set of arrays and a second set of arrays are created for a first program source code file and a second program source code file respectively. Each pair of arrays in the first and second sets has entries corresponding to program elements of a distinct program element type such as functional program code, program comments, or program code identifiers. Next, each pair of arrays from the first and second sets is compared to find similar entries, and an intermediate match score is calculated for each pair of arrays based on the similar entries. Further, the resulting intermediate match scores are combined to produce a combined match score, which is then used to provide an indication of copying with respect to the first program source code file and the second program source code file.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for providing a variety of end product build plans based on multiple business scenarios for exhausting excess inventory. Raw financial data and variable scaling factors are input into a scenario engine component along with a business objective that contains logic. The scaling factor may be embedded within the logic of the business objective, or it may be selected by a user to indicate the user's preferences. The scenario engine then applies the financial data and variable scaling factor inputs to the business objective logic to generate modified financial data. The logic of the business objective may also be manipulated to provide modified logic. The modified financial data, and optionally the modified logic, are then input into an optimizer component for determining multiple portfolios for end products that, if built, would consume excess inventory.

Abstract: A phonics training system provides immediate, audible and virtual answers to questions regarding various images such as objects, animals and people, posed by a user when the user views such images on a video display terminal of the system. The system can provide virtual answers to questions without the need for an instruction or teacher and includes a computer having a video output terminal and an electronic library containing common answers to basic questions. This system can also include an artificial intelligence system.