Computer Logic, Operation, Or Programming Instruction Patents (Class 434/118)
  • Patent number: 7153137
    Abstract: A repository manager and copy editor may be used to create an offline course, which allow learners to process course material locally on their computer without the need to connect to the e-learning system. A generic packaging list is created when the course is offered offline. A specific packaging list customized for the learner is created when the offline course is downloaded. An offline manager tool provides an interface for taking the course offline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Michael Altenhofen, Wolfgang Theilmann, Andreas S. Krebs
  • Patent number: 7153140
    Abstract: A method for creating training systems including analyzing/mapping course requirements for evaluating required knowledge/skills according to mapped subjects and defining possible failure causes, wherein each failure cause represents knowledge/skill weakness relating a certain subject or general weakness, defining knowledge/skills target level correct/wrong answers in each subject as function of the number of users, preparing a question pool, wherein each question relates to a subject knowledge/skill and/or failure cause, preparing correct and wrong answers for each question, wherein each wrong answer is related to a specific sub-subject/subject and/or to a failure cause, defining an evaluation module for assessing user knowledge/skills level based on user's success in giving correct answers in comparison to predefined target levels and type of failure causes related to the user's wrong answers, and defining exercise module for selecting sequence of questions from predefined question set based on evaluations o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Prep4 Ltd
    Inventors: Dror Ivanir, Asif Stoffman, Alona Berman, Tamir Gafni
  • Patent number: 7144255
    Abstract: A battery holder containing positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resetable fuse to electronically limit the maximum current that can be drawn from circuits built using reusable electronic component housings. A power supply with similar housing to reusable battery holders, also designed to limit maximum current and perform electrically equivalent to two or more battery holders. A reusable electronic housing with means for attaching any two leaded electronic component for insertion into quick connect assembly system. This housing also contains a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resetable fuse to electroniclly limit the maximum current that can be sent through the attached two leaded component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Elenco Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur F. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7134877
    Abstract: A demonstration system of an electronic equipment. The electronic equipment includes first and second operation units which are arranged on a front panel of the electronic equipment. In the first operation unit, there are provided display device, various operation keys, demonstration key, light receiving part, and opening/closing key. In the second operation unit, there are provided an operation key and a display device. The demonstration key is an input key for giving a command to start a demonstration of the electronic equipment. A display demonstration, in which the display devices are used, and a movable section demonstration, in which the first and the second operation unit are operated, are continuously conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Matumoto, Hironori Kobayashi, Norifumi Nishida, Makoto Fukuya, Naoya Shibata, Tetsuya Natori, Kouji Maeda
  • Patent number: 7077806
    Abstract: A method for providing a patient with an analysis result which the patient uses to determine a dosage of a drug for self-administration when the patient is unable to obtain the analysis result themself. The method involves gathering by the patient of information which affects the dosage, forwarding the information to an advisor who analyzes the information to obtain the analysis result, sending the analysis result to the patient, and determining by the patient of the dosage using the analysis result. The information can be gathered by the patient by using a digital camera to photograph an item of food, and the analysis result can be an amount of food. Preferably, the information and analysis result are exchanged via the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignees: Novo Nordisk A/S, Mayo Medical Ventures
    Inventors: Ralf W. Ackermann, Henrik Aspe, Geoffrey S. Gates
  • Patent number: 7069201
    Abstract: Memorized in an apparatus (10, 12, 14) for use in an industrial process, connectable to a central control unit (18) via a bus (16) for communicating data and control signals, is a software apparatus model (20, 22, 24) which contains a comprehensive mimic image of the apparatus including its parameters, functionality and sequence programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Lindner, Erich Georg
  • Patent number: 7063536
    Abstract: A system for delivering an educational program to a participant at a remote site and for monitoring participation therein. The system includes a server computer, a client computer and prompting means to monitor participation by the participant. The server computer has educational program software and interacts with the client computer in order to make an educational presentation to the participant. If the participant does not adequately respond, the prompting means terminate the educational program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Steven C. Fustolo
  • Patent number: 7052277
    Abstract: An adaptive learning system and method (“ALS”) for optimized, automated learning is disclosed. The optimal sequencing method is adaptive in the sense that it continuously monitors a student's speed and accuracy of response in answering a series of questions, performing a series of classification tasks, or performing a series of procedures, and modifies the sequencing of the items presented as a function of these variables. One goal of the technique is to teach the subject matter in the shortest possible time. The optimal sequencing method may be used independently or in conjunction with disclosed perceptual learning and hinting methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Kellman A.C.T. Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Kellman
  • Patent number: 7044743
    Abstract: A method and system for on-line resolving is described that dynamically provides resolvers with rules for evaluating answers to particular types of data items. Rules are stored which relate to procedures for evaluating the data items. When data items are displayed to a resolver for evaluating, the corresponding rules are displayed for evaluating the displayed data item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: NCS Pearson, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 7033179
    Abstract: System and method for training a user how to use software for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC). When the user encounters difficulties with programming the PLC, a training hyperlink option is provided to the user. Then, if the user selects the training hyperlink option, information is communicated automatically over a communications network, including information pertaining to the difficulties encountered by the user. The user is then linked to customized training resources which address the difficulties based upon the information that was automatically communicated when the user selected the training hyperlink option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Merrill W. Harriman
  • Patent number: 7033182
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of developing educational products or materials by utilizing multiple-choice questions. Starting with a given set of facts to be presumed in a question, the method may require one to examine each answer choice, and inquire how a set of facts to be presumed could be modified to make that answer choice the “correct” or “best” answer choice. If a given answer choice is already correct, no modification is needed. If a given answer choice is not correct, various modifications may be employed, including changing some of the words or phrases, or other symbols or objects within the set of facts to be presumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Indu Mati Anand
  • Patent number: 7029280
    Abstract: A course editor includes an input to accept author commands. An interface processes and displays the author commands to facilitate the creation of a course. The interface may include a workspace to display and assemble the structural elements into the course. The workspace may include a menu of structural elements that may be added to the course. The workspace is configured to display a structural element in response to an author command selecting the structural element from the menu. The structural elements may be a sub-course, a learning unit, and/or a knowledge item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Andreas S. Krebs, Michael Altenhofen, Joachim Schaper, Wolfgang Gerteis, Torsten Leidig
  • Patent number: 7031651
    Abstract: Described are a system and method for facilitating private instruction over a network between a teacher and a student. Profile information is received from each student who registers for a private course. Each student who registers for a private course is included in a list of students who are unassigned to a teacher. Each teacher who is able to teach a private course has access over the network to the list of students and the profile information of the students. One of the teachers who is able to teach a given private course is assigned to one of the students in the list of students enrolled in that given private course based upon the profile information of that student.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Englishtown, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher McCormick, Alena Shtessel, Richard Sollom, Molly Lim
  • Patent number: 7024154
    Abstract: A method of processing training data is provided. The method includes accessing training data stored in at least one of a plurality of training databases, the training data being related to at least one of a plurality of employees. The method also includes providing an on-line training course for use by at least one of the plurality of employees, the on-line training course being distinct from the plurality of training databases. Additionally, the method includes formatting the training data included in the at least one of the plurality of databases such that the training data can be processed by a master database. The method also includes importing the formatted training data into the master database. Further, the method includes updating the master database to include training information related to the on-line training course upon the successful completion of the on-line training course by one of the plurality of employees is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Koepper, R. Scott Lawson, James D. Speakman
  • Patent number: 7014467
    Abstract: An e-learning course may include a number of structural elements that are aggregated into one or more levels. Each higher level may refer to any instance of a lower level. The structural elements include a course, a sub-course, a learning unit, or a knowledge item. The structural elements may include metadata. The structural elements also may include relations between structural elements. The course and its structural elements do not enforce any sequence of structural elements that the learner may use to traverse the course. In addition, the structural elements may be reused and reassembled to form different courses. A content repository is configured to store course data and its structural elements. A content player is configured to access the stored course data and assemble the structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Andreas Krebs, Joachim Schaper, Wolfgang Gerteis, Michael Altenhofen, Torsten Leidig, Norbert Meder
  • Patent number: 7013109
    Abstract: An automated interactive form of data collection is disclosed that addresses the deficiencies of the standard method of personal interviews and the typical paper-based and computer-based surveys. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) can provide data in a faster, more accurate and comprehensive manner, while providing the justification of their responses immediately. Using these data, an instructional analyst can continue the Instructional Systems Design process utilizing SME data that are complete and conclusive, without the need for extensive follow-up questioning. The database files generated by the survey software are available to the analyst for analysis and inclusion in the resulting training system analysis document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Clementina M. Siders, Douglas J. Samuel, Timothy C. Whitten
  • Patent number: 6999714
    Abstract: A test administration system comprises a central computer and associated database containing a plurality of tests that may be distributed to a test taker. The central computer provides a website to be accessed by the test administrator and the test taker at remote personal computers when using the test administration system. The website includes an administrator workspace for use by the test administrator and a testing workspace for use by the test taker. The administrator workspace provides the test administrator with the ability to order any number of the tests contained in the database. After ordering a number of tests, the test administrator uses the system to generate test identification codes for a chosen set of ordered tests. The system automatically provides the test identification codes to those test subjects taking a test, and provides the test subject with access information and instructions for using the system to take the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Performance Assessment Network
    Inventors: David T. Pfenninger, Chris J. Hester
  • Patent number: 6996364
    Abstract: A system and method for providing electronic resources to those possessing a particular book(s) or CD. Electronic resources enhance the static published material by providing more recent information and exchange of ideas. Access to the electronic enhancements is limited to book or CD owners in a way that does not add complexity to the publishing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: David Israel
  • Patent number: 6996366
    Abstract: A computer-based method is provided that determines a “gap” between the skill(s) possessed by a user and those desired to be possessed and then creates a training regimen to fill that gap. The method maps the skill gap with at least one course from a database and automatically creates a set of training interventions that contains the at least one course, the set modifiable by an administrator. Then the user is automatically presented with the training regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: National Education Training Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. L'Allier, Albert Pezzuti, Stephen P. Henrie
  • Patent number: 6986664
    Abstract: A computerized learning approach that enables a user to improve their performance on multiple-choice exams is disclosed. Although the learning approach includes various aspects and implementations, in general, the invention forces test-takers to practice their examination skills and subject matter knowledge in a systematic way. The systematic way forces the users to follow a proven problem-solving approach designed to improve their performance. The learning approach provides important performance feedback to user's, for example, elapsed time per question and percentage of correctly answered questions. The invention can also pinpoint for the user the substantive areas of the exam which the user is either weak or strong. Further, the learning approach is able to assist the user in predicting his/her eventual score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Robolaw Corporation
    Inventor: C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 6987945
    Abstract: A method of distributing educational content over a network is disclosed. Educational content is divided into topics and the topics are split into smaller educational units. Professionals reviewing the material for accreditation purposes choose particular units to study and are subject to minimum and maximum time parameters. The partitioning of educational topics allows advertisers to deliver episodic advertising over an extended time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: TheAnswerPage, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Corn, Scott Segal
  • Patent number: 6979199
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for training and organizing on-site event professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry. The system has at least one server computer having a processor, an area of main memory for executing program code under the direction of the processor, a storage device for storing data and program code and a bus connecting the processor and the storage device, at least one relational database stored on the storage device, a data communications device connected to the bus for connecting the server computer to the Internet and Web-based training for on-site event professionals computer program code stored in the storage device and executing in the main memory under the direction of the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Tartan LLC
    Inventor: Ashley L. Barron
  • Patent number: 6976847
    Abstract: A method for increasing the speed at which data items are processed. The method receives electronic representation of data items and organizes the data items into separate groupings. The method next displays a particular grouping of data items to a resolver so that the resolver can evaluate the data items. In displaying the data items, the method uses a matrix of cells and displays one data item in each of the cells. The resolver can thus simultaneously view multiple data items, which facilitates efficient evaluations of the data items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: NCS Pearsons, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 6975833
    Abstract: A learning system, method, and data structure provides collaborative activities between learners. The system includes an interface to receive a learning strategy selected by a learner. A content management system stores one or more structural elements associated with a course. A learning management system determines the learning content and the one or more structural elements to present to the learner based on the selected learning strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Theilmann, Michael Altenhofen, Wolfgang Gerteis, Torsten Leidig
  • Patent number: 6973620
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for providing user support. In response to a user input requesting real-time user support for an application, a request is generated for the real-time user support, wherein the request includes context information regarding the application. The request is sent to initiate a communications link for real-time user support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Phillip Gusler, Rick Allen Hamilton, II
  • Patent number: 6968152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transmitting teaching materials by means of an electronic data network, wherein a person to be taught is first shown the teaching material on a client computer system. After the teaching material has been displayed, the person to be taught has the possibility of undergoing a test on the displayed teaching material. The invention also describes a computer network with a server computer system as well as a server computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Joachim Scharf, Stefan Gazinski, Kirsten Wedemeyer
  • Patent number: 6954858
    Abstract: Nearly all computer viruses require an action by a computer user to infect and spread. The key is to educate users not to open e-mail attachments that might carry computer viruses. The key is behavior modification, as education is not sufficient. Effective behavior modification must have a means to reinforce the change and to measure how widespread the change is in a population. The invention is used to reinforce and measure the change in user behavior. The invention sends an e-mail with an attachment to e-mail users and creates a list of all users that open the attachment. The user is sent an e-mail with an attachment that looks similar to attachment that contain computer viruses. If the attachment is opened, an e-mail is sent to a specific e-mail address. This e-mail address collects all of the e-mail from users who have not changed behavior and need additional education or management attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Kimberly Joyce Welborn, Christopher Michael Welborn
  • Patent number: 6937841
    Abstract: A remote learning system combines on-line service information and remote user information with a television signal designed to be received by students using multimedia personal computers. The combined signal is then transmitted to all of the students at their personal computers. At each personal computer, the received signal is separated into its component parts by a VBI modem for display or control on/of the personal computers. Each personal computer is capable of communicating back to a main server over a network such as a public telephone network. A broadcasting facility integrates the information transmitted over the network from a single student with the television signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Frederick R. Guy, Ronald N. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6937842
    Abstract: Disclosed is a learning support message distribution program which analyzes learning information of a learner, prepares a support message having contents based on the result of the analysis and distributes the support message to a supporter unit in place of a supporter of the learner. Learning progress levels on a current distribution date and a previous distribution date are read out and a learning-progress status level value is determined by referring to a learning-progress status level determination table. A current short-term grade level and a previous short-term grade level are read out and a short-term grade level value is determined by referring to a test-result status level determination table. A current cumulative grade level and a previous cumulative grade level are read out, a cumulative grade level value is determined by referring to the test-result status level determination table and a support mail editing/sending routine is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignees: Pastel Labo. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuko Uchimura, Kinya Hayashi, Kouichi Imamura
  • Patent number: 6932611
    Abstract: The invention includes a method for a client to remotely conduct a laboratory experiment using a remote computer communicating with a host computer in a computer network. The experiment is stimulated by a set of input variable and provides a set of dependent output variables. The method includes the steps of an instructor setting up the experiment at a central location, determining a tolerance band for each input variable of the experiment, and restricting a range of each tolerance band. The instructor enters into the host computer a program to run the experiment. The client remotely access the experiment using the remote computer. The instructor enables the client to conduct the experiment and simultaneously limits the client to the range of each tolerance band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Hong Shen, Michael Shur, Tor Fjeldly
  • Patent number: 6929477
    Abstract: A directory management method, and a device, and a program for the directories management, and storage medium for the program directories using terminal equipment connected to a client-server type network. receive a user's request to use a directory, locate the directory on the basis of time of the user's request to use the directory, and enable the user to use the located directory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Daichi Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6925601
    Abstract: An adaptive training system for use with an adaptive testing tool includes a user interface receptive of a field of application selection from a user. A plurality of task items are stored in a data store. The plurality of task items are organized by field of application and ranked by difficulty level. An adaptive item selector selects unfamiliar task items as training items based on the selected field of application and a user ability. These training items range in order of difficulty from items slightly below a user's ability to items sufficiently far above that level to allow for learning effects. The user ability is a function of previous user performance on an adaptive test in the selected field of application. The main purpose of the adaptive item selector is to ensure that training items are neither too easy nor too difficult for a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Kelly Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Moore, J. Wesley Cleveland, Vilnis E. Vulfs, Diane Carter, Francis Cahill, William Heinz
  • Patent number: 6918772
    Abstract: A method and system for processing groupings of data items. Data items are received in electronic form, after which the data items are divided according to predefined categories and organized into separate groupings. The data items in the groupings are reported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: NCS Pearson, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 6915105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a learning system that makes it possible to obtain an answer quickly with simple operation and thus proceed with learning smoothly. When special explanation is required in learning using a personal computer and a projector in a school, the personal computer is connected to a personal computer or a portable terminal of an expert. The projector on the school side displays a picture of the expert. The personal computer or the portable terminal on the expert side displays a picture of the inside of a classroom. The school side transmits a question item from the personal computer to the expert. The expert transmits an answer to the question item from the personal computer or the portable terminal to the school side. The projector on the school side displays the answer from the expert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Masuda
  • Patent number: 6915284
    Abstract: A system and method for automated message response within a system for knowledge management is disclosed. The method discloses the steps of: identifying a set of information resources; profiling the information resources; monitoring a transmitted message; scoring the monitored message with respect to the information resource profiles; querying an information resource with content from the monitored message, if that information resource's score exceeds a predetermined threshold; receiving a set of query responses from the information resources; generating a response to the monitored message from the query responses; and responding to the monitored message with the message response. The system of the present invention, discloses means for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventors: Eytan Adar, Rajan Mathew Lukose, Joshua Rogers Tyler, Caesar Sengupta
  • Patent number: 6907223
    Abstract: A method for providing educational services to at least one user engaging in at least one activity, the method including: enabling an agent to automatically monitor the user's engaging in the at least one activity; automatically and temporarily interrupting the engaging in the at least one activity using the enabled agent dependently upon the detecting; automatically presenting educational services to the at least one user using the enabled agent; and, allowing the at least one user to reengage with the activity based upon user interaction with the enabled agent; wherein, the user interaction is associated with the educational services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Mad Dog Software, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rick L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6904263
    Abstract: A method and system for interactive case and video-based teacher training is provided. The invention includes a server portion 200 and a client portion 202. A media database 100, a video assignment or video assessment database 102, an administration database 104, and a user database 106 interact with a computer system 108 and with a lesson-builder program 114 and a lesson viewer program 116 in order to allow for the development of time-indexed video case-centric lessons and courses, which are stored in a lesson database 110. The computer system 108 communicates with a plurality of client computers 206 via a browser program 208, allowing teacher-users or general users to interact with the lesson-builder program 114 and the lesson viewer program 116 for the creation and use of lessons. The lessons generated and used in the present invention are video-centric, and the present invention provides for the use of time-coded or time-indexed references to relevant portions of the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Grudnitski, Gail Hood, Aisha Sims, Jim Stigler
  • Patent number: 6895214
    Abstract: A method for providing educational services to at least one user engaging in at least one activity, the method including: enabling an agent to automatically monitor the user's engaging in the at least one activity; detecting an occurrence of at least one criteria using the enabled agent; automatically and temporarily interrupting the engaging in the at least one activity using the enabled agent dependently upon the detecting; automatically presenting educational services to the at least one user using the enabled agent; and, allowing the at least one user to reengage with the activity based upon user interaction with the enabled agent; wherein, the user interaction is associated with the educational services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Rick L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6895213
    Abstract: A communication system for communicating with students in an education environment includes a plurality of remote units, a base station that receives messages from the remote units, a processor, a memory, and a display simultaneously visible to all users of the remote units. The base station receives a response to a current question from a remote unit. The processor determines whether the current response is a valid response, and uses the display to visually indicate to a user of the remote unit whether the response is valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Einstruction Corporation
    Inventor: Darrell L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6884074
    Abstract: A learning system may be used to dynamically create courses tailored to the needs of a learner. In one implementation, the learning system may dynamically create, assemble, and/or build new temporary courses from the structural elements of an existing course according to the specific needs of a learner. The learner's needs may be expressed using a budget and other criteria provided by the learner. Using the budget and criteria, the learning system may identify existing structural elements that may be used to assemble a dynamic course. After the course is assembled, the course may be temporarily stored and presented to the learner using the learning station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Theilmann
  • Patent number: 6882825
    Abstract: A system and method of the present invention supplies a user of a web-based application with relevant interactive help/training content that corresponds to an object or page of the web-based application that the user's cursor is pointing to. The help/training content may include instructions, policies, procedures, tips and other information that may be dynamically updated and delivered to the user. The relevant help/training content may be displayed in a separate browser window where general information related to a page or pages as well as specific information related to a particular object may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: ThinkSmart Performance Systems LLC
    Inventors: Rosalie Marie Hopkins, Sarah Elizabeth Chodrow, Kevin Rory Danner
  • Patent number: 6877987
    Abstract: A portable organizer device through which a student may use and maintain a personal calender. Further, a student may use the portable organizer to access assignment records maintained in a master calender used and maintained by an educational institution in a database, and synchronize the personal calendar with the master calender. The portable organizer may be further configured to facilitate the management of student equipment and activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick Allyn Kulack
  • Patent number: 6871322
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for providing user support. In response to receiving a request of real-time user support from a user, the request is placed in a service queue for processing. Prior actions taken by the user are identified. Access is selectively provided to an intelligent help agent while the request is in the queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Phillip Gusler, Rick Allen Hamilton, II
  • Patent number: 6871195
    Abstract: Method and system for computer assisted performance support include remote electronic monitoring and mentoring to provide for supervision, control and instruction of the worker while the worker performs directed tasks. Activity data representative of worker activities are collected at the work site and can be accessed by a supervisor located remote from the work site. The remote supervisor generates and transmits to the worker feedback based on the activity data. The remote supervisor can evaluate an activity trail of a worker's performance of directed tasks and development of skills through educational training to permit timely identification and correction of worker deficiencies. The ability of the remote supervisor to transmit feedback to the worker while the worker is performing directed tasks enhances rapid development of the worker's skills and workplace safety and productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: E-ProMentor
    Inventors: Michael Ryan, Munish Mehra, Michael Wizemann
  • Patent number: 6866515
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for providing business conduct training. The trainee is identified using an identifier input by the trainee. A training course including training information relating to business conduct is displayed to the trainee. As the trainee progresses through the course, the trainee is provided access to an information center module comprising materials for reinforcing the training information displayed in the training course. A practical scenario is illustrated to the trainee. The scenario has associated training questions and training answer choices requiring application of the training information provided in the training course. The trainee selects one or more training answer selections from the training answer choices and receives feedback on the answers given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Bryan Cave LLP
    Inventor: Timothy A. Garnett
  • Patent number: 6865370
    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: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Mindfabric, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 6865368
    Abstract: A system for producing an educational material for students. The system has a storing part for storing raw educational materials into a database, an input part for inputting both student-related data and educational environment-related data, and an educational material producing unit for selecting at least one raw educational material from said the database based on predetermined selecting criteria and the inputted student-related data and educational environment-related data to produce educational material from the selected at least one raw educational material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Saga University
    Inventors: Shigeru Hoyashita, Yasuyuki Ikegami, Kazuhiro Sumi
  • Patent number: 6857877
    Abstract: A recorded medium on which a program for displaying an index of skill achievement level of vocational field concerning the skills that one or more users have is recorded. The program is a (skill-map) displaying program characterized in that the program has a table having item (a) where the results of evaluation of the degrees of achievement of skill items necessary for the vocational field by a predetermined evaluating method are inputted as numerical values and item (b) where the reference values of the skill items are inputted as numerical values, the numerical values inputted to table (a) and those of table (b) are compared to display the skill achievement levels of the users at the input time and the reference values for comparison. Such a program is used especially through a network to facilitate the matching of a vocation and the business management for companies and to help the user make a skill-up plan and know the market value of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Skill/Vision Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6856318
    Abstract: Methods of dynamically presenting transformations of expressions comprising symbols representing abstract concepts are described. Methods are presented of animating these symbols to exhibit the transformations and, optionally, link these animations with the corresponding animations of a concrete pictorial model. Additional methods are described linking these animations with computer controlled and,even computer calculated explanations of the process in both text and sound. The purpose is to present the rules for transforming abstract representations (for example equations) in ways that are much easier to understand and remember. Such animations are the modern dynamic “illustrations” of these transformations. Methods are described of computer controlled sequencing of the animations with corresponding animations of a concrete analogical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Jerzy Lewak
  • Patent number: 6850893
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to the needs described above through an improved method and apparatus for an improved security system mechanism in a business applications management system platform. The security management system partitions a number of business objects into a number of hierarchical domains. A security list is then created and configured to grant a member the right to perform a security operation on the business object located within the hierarchical domain. The security list is created by adding the security operation to the security list, applying the security operation to one of the multiple domains, and adding members to the security list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Saba Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Lipkin, Gaurav Mehra