Abstract: Process for the collection and controlled distribution of images from inspection equipment, by the capture, editing and controlled dissemination of the images and their associated descriptive information for later use in the training of operators of the inspection equipment.

Abstract: In general, an educational homeroom provides a central location for a student to receive and interact with educational tools and information that are focused upon a Knowledge Area in which the student has expressed educational interest. When the student expresses educational interest, the educational homeroom dynamically changes such that options made available to the student are always tailored to offer educational tools and information within the student's Knowledge Areas of choice.

Abstract: A testing system, particularly directed at contract workers, permits computer-aided instruction and testing at each of a plurality of testing sites. Different tests are created and administered for each of a plurality of work sites, which can be selected by the prospective contract worker. Whether the worker passed a particular site-specific test is stored in a database, which in turn is accessible by the work site management. The system has particular application to safety instruction and testing as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Abstract: A system which contains a plurality of examinee systems connected over the Internet to an exam distribution server. The exam distribution server connects to an exam database system which contains a plurality of exam questions that have been approved by one or more exam question approvers. The exam database system may store a plurality of potential exam questions for each of a plurality of sections of the examination, including a section for web search and evaluation, a section for general computing concepts, a web page design section, a section for using presentation software, a section relating to spreadsheets and word processing, and a section relating to legal and ethical issues. An exam administrator system then generates an exam through an exam generation module that selects a predetermined number of questions in each of the predetermined sections of the examination and presents the proposed exam to the exam administration system.

Abstract: A testing system, particularly directed at contract workers, permits computer-aided instruction and testing at each of a plurality of testing sites. Different tests are created and administered for each of a plurality of work sites, which can be selected by the prospective contract worker. Whether the worker passed a particular site-specific test is stored in a database, which is turn is accessible by the work site management. The system has particular application to safety instruction and testing as mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for providing just-in-time construction assistance to contractors in need of assistance. One object of the invention is to provide systems and methods which assist contractors with just-in-time construction services. Another object is to provide real time productivity analysis tools for statistical process control techniques to assist in improving construction jobs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training and testing human judgement concerning one or more complex human activities. Computer storage and access of a plurality of audio/visual presentations and corresponding measures of performance is provided, the presentations are played back and users are required to rank the audio/visual presentations. User rankings are compared against the corresponding measures of performance, and scores are tabulated for one or more users.

Abstract: Target music piece, which a trainee player aims to perform well through practice, is designated by a user or player from among various music genres such as classical music, popular music and enka (Japanese popular ballads). Lesson information supplying section supplies lesson information prepared by combining information descriptive of a plurality of training music pieces bearing particular relations to the target music piece, to allow the player to become skillful enough for performing the designated target music piece. The lesson information comprises a combination of information descriptive of a plurality of optimum training music pieces selected on the basis of all kinds of musical information, such as a music genre, key, rhythm and beat, of the target music piece. Control section controls player's performance practice on the basis of the lesson information supplied by the lesson information supplying section.

Abstract: A display unit of a job aiding apparatus disposed in each of work stations displays a job aid image for showing a job detail in each of the work stations. The worker in each of the work stations performs the job according to the displayed job detail. The job aiding apparatus decides whether a job result falls within a predetermined range or not, and changes the job aid image to a next job aid image only when the job result falls within the predetermined range. The worker can thus perform the job accurately and efficiently.

Abstract: Computer-aided learning methods and apparatus that can automatically identify learning objectives and provide learning materials for a user based on a job position identified for the user. The identification process depends on at least one attribute of the user's profile. After the job position is identified, the apparatus ascertains at least one learning objective for selecting learning materials to prepare the user for the job position. The user may be in the process of leaving a company, or may be graduating from a school.

Abstract: An educational doll or action figure comprises the professional attire, tools and safety gear of a particular profession so as to give a child a hands-on learning experience regarding the requirements, responsibility and hazards involved in carrying out the profession. The educational doll or action figure preferably also includes a written, schematic and/or multimedia description of the attire, tools and safety gear of the profession so as to further the general knowledge of the child about the particular profession. The clothing, tools, safety gear and written description may be sold separately from the doll figure so as to allow the child to dress a single doll in a variety of professions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer system and a method for a computer-based data integration and management processing system and a method to support an efficient management of employee development, training and performance improvement in a performance-competence based organization. The present invention includes an integrated system that provides an ability to develop training material, career paths or to determine an employee's qualifications and performance. The present invention provides comprehensive support for job and task analysis; learning objective development; standards and processes; objective, reference based test items; examination and evaluations; training program identification and content description; training scheduling; training-evaluation documentation; and reporting. Each job defined in the current system has specific duties, tasks and skills associated with an identified job.

Abstract: Computer-aided learning methods and apparatus that can automatically provide learning materials for a user based on a job position related to the user, who is associated with a company. In one embodiment, a retriever retrieves the job position. Then, a learning determinator identifies the one or more jobs needed to be done for the job position, and determines whether the learning materials needed for the one or more jobs should be presented to the user. The job position can be the position the user occupies, or can be the position the user is interested in.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soft skin make-up mannequin head having an "ideal" facial configuration, the make-up mannequin head having a smooth, realistic surface and texture simulative of human skin. The make-up mannequin head is accompanied by at least one flexible, soft-skin companion mask carrying a facial configuration identical with the facial configuration carried by said make-up mannequin head. The companion mask is stretchable and elastically resilient and mountable tightly upon said make-up mannequin head and selectively removable therefrom. The make-up mannequin head and associated companion mask presented particularly is intended for the teaching, training and practice of application of permanent make-up using tattoo techniques.

Abstract: An HTML file corresponding to the current selected step is displayed by a WWW browser as a display screen 160. A link title 168 represents the preceding step; the link titles are linked with the HTML files corresponding to the preceding steps separately. A link title 170 represents the step following the current step; it is linked with an HTML file 174 corresponding to the following step. Thus, the user can select any one only from among all steps corresponding to the link titles 168 and the following step 174 and cannot skip steps following the current step to select any one of the following steps.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a data structure containing at least one field corresponding to a setting of a product includes a memory storing a plurality of queries corresponding to various configuration settings of the product. The memory includes a plurality of queries that are presented to a user of the product and/or a user of a training device associated with the product. The apparatus also includes a display for displaying the queries to a user and an input device for providing responses to the queries by the user. The apparatus may also include a training device having a plurality of lessons for training the user on the product. The training device may also include an exam having a plurality of questions that may be presented to the user to test the user's understanding of the product. A method of the present invention configures the lessons presented by the training device to the user and the questions asked by the training device according to the configuration settings stored in the data structure.

Abstract: A firefighting training apparatus is provided for simulating the pumping of water through various long lengths of hose to train firefighters to deliver a proper amount of water through the fire hose. The apparatus includes a disk having one or more apertures therethrough. The one or more apertures permit the passage of water through the disk while providing resistance to the water to simulate the resistance encounted by water flowing through a long length of fire hose. The firefighting training apparatus is used by placing the disk within the flow of water through the fire hose. A firefighter can practice delivering a proper amount of water through a fire hose to a nozzle without the need of using a long length of fire hose.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for interactively simulating a plurality of telecommunications services operates in response to a user sending a message from his client computer across a data network to a server requesting to download on one of the service simulation programs. In response to the message from the client, the server provides the requested telecommunications service simulation program. The program provided by the server is downloaded and executed by the client. The downloaded program provides the user with an interaction experience representative of the selected one of the plurality of telecommunications services. This interaction experience may include additional communication between the service simulation program and the server. Additionally, the service simulation program provides guidance to the user in using and configuring both the service simulation program and, potentially, the actual telecommunications service to which the user has subscribed.

Abstract: The invention includes a user method and system for accessing mentor experience information in a knowledge based user educational guidance system accessing, storing, compiling and transferring mentor experience information directed to financial services.

Abstract: The present invention is a an interactive multi-media training system which incorporates text, audio, and video graphics animation and other tools to teach an operator to use a machining or other tool. The training system includes a computer workstation to allow inputs from an operator, computer memory, and a training computer program operating on the computer and having a graphical user interface for interfacing the operator with the workstation and interactively training the operator to operate and perform tasks on the machine tool. The operator can provide inputs to the training system by various input devices such as a keyboard, cursor or mouse. The training system additionally includes interface software operating on the computer for controlling the machine tool and sharing access to and exchange data with the computer memory and a remote station linked to the computer memory for allowing an instructor to monitor and supervise the operator in real time.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that simulates a radioactive, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical source and a radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector, to train individuals in the correct use of a real radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector. A magnet, ultrasound emitter, or passive radio identification device (PRID) is used to simulate the hazardous material source. The PRID may include a magnet. The simulated detector includes a Hall effect device to detect the magnet when used. When the magnet is detected as a trainee moves the simulated detector close to the PRID, the simulated detector outputs a 50 ms RF burst to activate the PRID. The simulated detector may transmit the burst every 250 ms when the magnet is not used in the PRID. Once activated, the PRID waits for completion of the 50 ms pulse, and then transmits a signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector.

Abstract: A training kit for training individuals to recognize one or more hazardous materials including a housing having dividing means within the housing dividing the housing into a plurality of compartments; each compartment having a set of container receiving portions; and container means in each of the container receiving portions of each of the compartments; indicia means associated with each compartment having identifying information, each container means in a compartment containing a simulant having one or more characteristics, the characteristics being perceptible to the individual; wherein the simulant mimics one or more characteristics of the hazardous material and the simulant is less hazardous than the hazardous material.

Abstract: A cosmetology training, teaching and practice system, and a make-up mannequin kit, each charcterized by provision of a soft skin make-up mannequin head having a body carrying an oval symmetrical facial configuration and plural soft skin flexible, elastic, resilient and stretchable companion mask members suitable for mounting upon the make-up mannequin head. Each of the companion mask members having, each of which is formed of size and shape conforming to the size of the make-up mannequin head and having a facial configuration identical to the facial configuration of said make-up mannequin head. Each companion mask member having a surface of skin tone and color representative of the skin tone and color of different plural human ethnic and racial origin. The selected companion mask is stretched to mount upon the make-up mannequin head and is sufficiently resilient to spring back in tight engagement with the facial configuration of the make-up mannequin head.

Abstract: A computerized air traffic voice interactive simulator is provided for simulating the communications between a pilot and an air traffic controller. The air traffic voice interactive simulator includes an audio input means, central processing unit and audio input means. The central processing unit interprets and evaluates verbal responses received from a user through the audio input means for selecting an appropriate audio message for production on the audio output means. The audio messages are selected to provide feedback and interactive communication with a user so as to simulate dialog between a pilot and air traffic controller.

Abstract: An interactive system and method for assisting people in achieving and learning to achieve self-determined, measurable goals over time collects data from a user on the user's progress toward achieving the goals. Metrics are computed from the data which gauge the user's progress towards achieving the goals, and performance feedback is provided to the user. Additional information may be collected from the user regarding their estimate of the likelihood of achieving the goals, and a separate computation may be made of an objective estimate of the user's likelihood of achieving the goals. Random or scheduled, positive or negative psychological reinforcement may also be provided to the user. Preferably, a computer-based system is employed for implementing the method in which a computer system receives and stores all of the collected information, computes the metrics and generates the performance feedback in the form of a progress report.

Abstract: An improved method of developing and testing the degree of a student's ability to mentally image a task requiring a motor response. Line diagrams symbolizing objects or maps of actions are presented with instructions that invoke mental images of objects and motor response actions. The students ability to respond to the mental image is measured, recorded and shown to the student only after the response is complete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training firefighters. The apparatus is uniquely designed to realistically simulate both the precursor indications of the flashover phenomena as well as flashover phenomenon itself. Because the trainees are positioned within the apparatus, the first hand training method of the invention teaches the trainee, not only how to recognize the warning signs of flashovers, but also teaches the trainee what follows these warning signs and what to do if confronted with the warning signs. The training apparatus of the invention is of a simple but durable construction which provides a high degree of safety to the trainees and is one which can be provided to fire departments at relatively low cost.

Abstract: An interactive automatic system and technique for measuring and training of mental ability. In the illustrative embodiment, the invention is implemented on a computer which automatically presents a variety of visual and auditory stimuli. The system then measures reaction to the stimuli, adjusts certain stimulus parameters, and provides scores in response thereto. The scores are tabulated and displayed for analysis. In particular embodiments, the invention tests for physical reaction time, perceptual awareness thresholds, attention level, speed, efficiency and capacity of information processing by the brain and elementary cognitive processes, including memory, memory access and decision-making speed. The invention measures, identifies and quantifies noise in the subject's brain and elementary cognitive processing system, and the information exchange rate between the subject's left and right brain hemispheres.

Abstract: A career guidance organizer comprising a bag for storing career guidance information having an open top end and a closing flap extending from a rear wall of the bag body over the open top end to close the open end and a plurality of spaced apart dividers extending between opposite side walls of the bag to present compartments within the bag. Each divider has a different career guidance indicia thereon. Each indicia is indicative of a type of career guidance publication positioned adjacent a corresponding divider. A first indicia relates to mistakes and solutions therefor during career transitions, a second indicia relates to career sourcing options, a third indicia relates to resume preparation, and a fourth indicia relates to interview preparation and post-interview, follow-up procedures.

Abstract: A mechanical procedure is performed using a sequence of instructions generated from a relational data base. The data base includes at least one unit operation file containing data associated with the performance of a single unit operation, indications of prior operations that must be performed, and any support files that are required by each unit operation file. There is a generic instruction file containing a plurality of generic instructions. A sequence of unit operations to perform the mechanical procedure is first defined, using the information in the unit operation files. After this arranging of the unit operations, a series of task-specific instructions is generated for each of the unit operations by selecting and completing a series of generic instructions using information in each pertinent unit operation file.

Abstract: A building block training system and method of training of cleaners of facilities to be used on the job which utilizes a plurality of pictorial displays showing a specific set of steps to accomplish a cleaning operation in an efficient safe manner, e.g., dusting or vacuuming of a facility as well as a plurality of pictorial displays as to what must not be missed and must be avoided in performing the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A virtual reality system provides effective exposure treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from a particular anxiety disorder. The system is characterized by a video screen disposed in front of the patient to display an image of a specific graphical environment that is intended to trigger anxiety within the patient as a result of the particular patient phobia. A headset is worn by the patient, and has sensors disposed to detect movement and positioning of the patient's head. A computer program controls the operation of the system, and is designed to control the display of the graphical environment on the video screen, monitor the headset sensors and determine the position of the patient's head, and controllably manipulate the graphical environment displayed on the video screen to reflect the movement and position of the patient's head.

Abstract: Assessment tool (12) for measuring effectiveness of a target. The assessment tool (12) includes a first part (14) and second part (16). The first part (14) includes a plurality of independent objects (35) each displaying a statement (36) directed toward a characteristic of the target. The second part (16) includes at least one inquiry (52) directed toward the verifiable performance of the target.

Abstract: A Computerized Training Management System (CTMS) for providing a procedurally defined process that is employed to develop accreditable performance based training programs for job classifications that are sensitive to documented regulations and technical information. CTMS is a database that links information needed to maintain a five-phase approach to training-analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation independent of training program design. CTMS is designed using R-Base.RTM., an-SQL compliant software platform. Information is logically entered and linked in CTMS. Each task is linked directly to a performance objective, which, in turn, is linked directly to a learning objective; then, each enabling objective is linked to its respective test items. In addition, tasks, performance objectives, enabling objectives, and test items are linked to their associated reference documents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for visually depicting a health care treatment regimen for a given medical diagnosis including a substantially flat planar platform and a plurality of groupings of geometric members which are representative of various events which go to make up the treatment regimen. The geometric members of a particular grouping preferably are equally sized and of a coloring that is unique to the grouping. All geometric members are releasably securable to the platform and/or one another to permit their securement to the platform and/or to one another in positions denoting the existence of, position of and order of occurrence of their represented events within the treatment regimen.

Abstract: A narcotics flash card including a card which is folded in half so as to present to the user, at least initially, a photographic image of the drug through an opening in the upper portion of the card, and a three-dimensional textured surface simulating the feel of the drug on the upper portion of the card. Upon opening of the card, a wealth of information is provided concerning a particular illegal drug by which an individual may be taught and tested on the name and properties of a particular drug based upon a viewing of a small fraction of a photograph of the illegal drug through the opening in the upper portion of the card and feeling a textured surface which simulates the actual drug. Upon opening of the flash card, the individual's suspicions as to the name and properties of the particular illegal drug will be confirmed and additional information provided or an explanation will be provided to the individual as to what the individual should have known about a particular drug.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for animating and coloring hydraulic, electrical, electromechanical and similar schematic systems, components and designations to anble repeatable visual review and study. The invention provides, inter alia, a training aid for study, evaluation, design and maintenance of a system.

Abstract: A simulator for simulating the attenuation characteristics of a length of coaxial cable in a cable television (CATV) network employs a diplex filter to separate the CATV signal and AC power into at least two separate signal paths. The AC power path has a resistance selected to simulate the DC loop resistance of the desire length of cable. The CATV signal path is in parallel with the AC power path, and has an attenuation selected to simulate the characteristics of the cable at CATV frequencies. In the preferred embodiment, the simulator is equipped with separate signal paths for the upstream and downstream CATV signals that have attenuations selected to simulate the characteristics of the cable within the frequency bands used for upstream and downstream CATV signals, respectively. The resistor in the AC power path has a sufficiently high power rating to handle realistic AC power levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correlating requirements of educators, guiding documents, and educational resource providers is described. The apparatus includes a central correlator accessed by each of the external entities using keys established according to a uniform protocol. The correlator includes a central database including a range of elements describing in varying levels of detail a field of study. Each of the external users correlates a set of components, such as the components of a teaching plan, to the elements in the central database. The apparatus correlates the several sets of components to the external user's set of components and provides the various correlations through a variety of outputs.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that simulates a radioactive, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical source and a radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector, to train individuals in the correct use of a real radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector. A magnet, ultrasound emitter, or passive radio identification device (PRID) is used to simulate the hazardous material source. The PRID may include a magnet. The simulated detector includes a Hall effect device to detect the magnet when used. When the magnet is detected as a trainee moves the simulated detector close to the PRID, the simulated detector outputs a 50 ms RF burst to activate the PRID. The simulated detector may transmit the burst every 250 ms when the magnet is not used in the PRID. Once activated, the PRID waits for completion of the 50 ms pulse, and then transmits a signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector.

Abstract: A board game apparatus for teaching industrial safety rules and procedures includes a game board, playing pieces, question cards and a score card. The game board includes a representation of various component parts of an industrial organization, and a path connecting the component parts. During the course of the game, the playing pieces are moved along the path and the players answer questions from the question cards relating to various safety topics for the workplaces within the organization. The first player to answer questions successfully to each of the safety topics and return to the start position wins the game.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tethered ball training device that has an adjustable chaotic motion. The invention includes a supporting frame and a non-elastic line suspended from the frame. A resilient ball is mounted at the bottom end portion of the line and a weight slidably attached to the line is positioned in between the lower ball and the upper frame. In a method of training, a player first hits the tethered ball in a first direction of rotation. The ball will undergo chaotic motion as it rotates in this first direction. The player then tries to hit the ball to rotate it in the opposite direction and provide it with a different chaotic motion. This hitting of the ball is repeated. In a method of training a crane operator, a load is placed in motion and a trainee practices bringing the load under control.

Abstract: A simulator for training emergency response personnel in handling hazardous materials leaks includes a housing with a door. A cylinder, of a type used to contain a hazardous material, is within the housing and has a leak hole intentionally made therein. The cylinder includes a standard outlet valve, a regulator and a hose connected to the housing. In addition, the cylinder has been modified with a first fitting through which air can be introduced and a second fitting through which water can be introduced. Conduits are provided to supply air and water to the first and second fittings, respectively, in order to force air and/or water into the cylinder and exit through the hole to simulate a hazardous materials leak. A fog generator produces fog within the housing to simulate a gas haze of a material leak. Electrical devices normally found in housing for these cylinders also can be provided.

Abstract: A method for accessing career information located in a computer database through interactive CD-ROM technology or other suitable computer-accessible means. The method involves the use of several levels of inquiry from which a user can select various careers, and for each career ask specific questions. The answers to these questions can be answered through digitized speech and video enactments of a person employed in a particular career field, or through text displayed on a computer screen. The textual material contained in the database can be printed through an attached printer. The user may also operate the method in various selectable languages.

Abstract: A teaching aid which will familiarize students with the various types of electrical connectors and cables used in modern data and voice network wiring. It consists of a training aid which will give students hands on training with all the various types of electrical connectors and cables used in networks. Users will work with the various cable types such as Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and coaxial cables available for use in wiring buildings for telecommunications. The training aid will also familiarize students with the different types of outlets, patch panels, and terminal blocks which are used to terminate these different types of cables, and the use of the outlets which may be wired in a number of different "standard" configurations. Also included is a tester which will verify proper installation of connectors and will help locate the source of trouble in previously installed connectors.

Abstract: The instructional method of the present invention demonstrates each portion of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to the user, using a multimedia equipped computer, in an interactive manner. The MSDS is displayed on the screen and the user can use the mouse, for example, to click onto various portions of the displayed MSDS. Once the user has clicked onto an MSDS portion, the multimedia computer presents the user with an instructional demonstration, using, for example, spoken word, computer graphics, photographs and video, of the information contained in that portion of the MSDS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular electronic construction kit having modular control circuit boards or modules capable of achieving various types of electrical control for controlling movement of mechanical elements and the like. Each module includes cut-out plastic or metal templates to accommodate the introduction of a modular integrated electronic circuit board(s). A printed self-adhesive label is placed on the cut-out plastic or metal template. The printed labels represent the coded symbols for identification of the modular integrated circuit boards, including their functions and their electrical connections. In the preferred embodiment, the kit has a minimum of 6 different and numbered basic modules, but the kit may include up to 30 different modules which are intended for the optimization of complex control circuits. All of the modular circuit boards are electrically compatible with each other.

Abstract: An educational mechatronics apparatus comprises a plurality of circuit boards respectively corresponding to blocks appearing on a block diagram of an automatic control system, the circuit boards being arranged along the direction of signal transfer, each of the circuit boards being provided with circuit components including input and output terminals and having a center area and opposite end portions, and a transparent protective plate covering the center area of the circuit board to inhibit a learner to touch the circuit components other than the input and output terminals located in the end portions of the circuit board. The input and output terminals located in the center portion of the circuit board are wired in advance of assembly of the apparatus, and the input and output terminals located in the end portions are adapted to be wired for learning by leads.

Abstract: The present invention is a fire fighter trainer. The fire fighter trainer is used to train fire fighters to extinguish a simulated fire scenario. The fire fighter trainer includes a burner assembly for providing fire and a mechanism for detecting application of fire suppressant, suppressing agent or surrogate suppressing agent. The detecting mechanism is disposed adjacent to the burner assembly, such as below it. The fire fighter trainer also includes a control system for controlling the burner depending on a signal from the detecting mechanism. The control system also comprises a mechanism for determining if a burning object simulated by the burner assembly would reignite based on application of fire suppressing agent and parameters defining a simulated burning object. The control system is in communication with the detecting mechanism and the burner assembly. Preferably, there is a mechanism for reigniting the burner assembly based on an output of the determining mechanism.

Abstract: A mobile learning laboratory for multi-discipline self-study through exploratory and experiential methods. The learning laboratory is permanently pre-configured eliminating installation or set-up; has physical equipment and consumables for complex investigation. The learning laboratory requires no teacher and can be self-taught or can be used with groups. The lab provides access to remote library resources, and gives operational feedback on its use.