Abstract: A method for a game to be played by a team of players including offering the team of players a first challenge, the team of players having the ability to accrue time in the first challenge, and offering the team of players a final challenge, the time allocated for completing the final challenge including at least any time accrued by the team of players in the first challenge.

Abstract: According to an example, customized visualization based intelligence augmentation may include accessing, based on a user request, a domain model, and mapping the user request to the domain model. Based on the mapping, a guided query that includes a relevant refinement question may be generated. A response may be received to the refinement question. Based on the received response, a refined user request may be generated, and classified into an intelligence augmentation category. Based on the classification, an intelligence augmentation analyzer may be accessed to analyze the refined user request to generate an insight output that is classified to a visualization. Based on the classification of the insight output to the visualization, responsive to the user request, a display of the visualization may be generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional problem solving or learning apparatus for modeling and teaching exemplary problem solving or exemplary thinking. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a puzzle-like form. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for the building of a problem or situation specific or custom learning or problem solving aid. Embodiments of the invention may also incorporate or use electrical, electronic, digital, electro-mechanical, mechanical or other devices, processors or mechanisms, or input or output to or from such or similar elements, and wired or wireless or other networks or interfaces.

Abstract: The team-building educational training system includes a mat and a plurality of reflective surfaces, such as mirrors. The mat has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of openings defined therein. The top and bottom surfaces each have a plurality of uniquely identifiable indicia displayed thereon. The reflective surfaces are placed on the floor or ground under the mat. The team cooperatively lifts and manipulates the mat to align the openings with the reflective surfaces so that at least one team member can view reflections of the indicia on the reflective surfaces. The team cooperatively interprets the indicia and completes a variety of planned exercises to learn skills for working as a team.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is system, method and architecture facilitating goal setting and achievement and providing positive social and economic motivators for goal achievement. Progress toward a goal is tracked and a determination may be made based the progress whether or not to initiate one or more actions to stimulate progress and/or increase the likelihood of success in achieving a goal and/or achieving a milestone in a path of progression toward the goal.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a system for delivering interactive relationship skills training with multiple feedback source types for the benefit of remote players who access the system via electronic communication networks. In an illustrative example, some systems may deliver relationship skills training content having restricted access to two or more types of feedback sources. Feedback sources that may be accessed at first, second, third and fourth tiers may respectively include, for example, predetermined expert responses, a virtual partner, a remote human partner, and a moderated group of remote players. Players may gain access to feedback sources at progressively higher tiers of psychological complexity by accumulating a sufficient relational skills score at each tier.

Abstract: The invention can be efficiently used for intensively learning different disciplines, including foreign languages, and for forming and automating operational skills of professionals in different field of activity. It makes it possible to obtain a technical result and a high-quality intensive training. The use of a training aid is developed according to a synergetic theory in the form of a synergetic training device and makes it possible to provide a synergetic variant of intensive training. The synergetic training device is embodied in a dynamic technical device consisting of several soundproof booths which comprise training facilities and technical means using a sensor system.

Abstract: A teaching apparatus for enterprise input-output includes a base, said base defining a market system; a first block body defining a management module; a plurality of bands defining a production system and a product development system module, and a business system module, each band being sandwiched between two adjacent cuboids of the first block body; a vertical column defining a planning system module; a second block body defining a strategy module; a reverse quadrangle cone defining an information processing module; a cuboid vertical column disposed at a top of the reverse quadrangle cone; and a core solid column defining an internal information system, the core solid column penetrating through a center of the first block body, the bands, the vertical column, the second block body, the reverse quadrangle cone, and the cuboid vertical column.

Abstract: An presentation generator is disclosed for generating presentations for interacting with a user on a personal topic of, e.g., the user's selection, wherein the presentations assist the user in obtaining a greater awareness of his/her motivations and/or behaviors relating to the topic. In one embodiment, the presentation generator generates and presents to the user textual observations, questions, and/or statements for the user's consideration. Such presentations use and/or are consistent with textual descriptions obtained from: (a) the results of one or more personality/motivation test results, and (b) user inputs, e.g., regarding the selected topic together with his/her confidence in the validity of such inputs.

Abstract: Analysis of mental states pertaining to concept testing is described. Concepts may be evaluated by seeing a product, seeing a service, seeing a model, viewing an advertisement, and the like. Data which includes facial information is captured for viewers of a concept. Facial and physiological information is gathered for a group of viewers. Demographic information is collected and used as a criterion for evaluating the concept. Data captured from an individual viewer or group of viewers is used to optimize a concept.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided, for enabling communication between an administrator and a student regarding behavior activities of the student. The apparatus comprises (a) a transmitter configured to be carried by an administrator, and (b) a receiver configured to be carried by a student. The transmitter and receiver are configured to (i) be selectively placed in circuit communication with each other by an initiation signal originating from the transmitter or receiver, (ii) enable communication from the administrator to the student via the receiver regarding behavioral activities of the student or communication from the student to the administrator if the student feels a need to communicate with the administrator regarding behavioral activities of the student, and (iii) enable the receiver to communicate with the student in a predetermined fashion regarding behavior activities of the student in the absence of communications from the administrator.

Abstract: Methods are implemented in a computer system with one or more processors configured to execute one or more computer program modules in which one or more computer program modules configured to communicate with electronic storage media that stores a set of at least six colors and questions having multiple answers, one of which is a predicted answer, individual questions and their predicted answers being based at least in part on unique color pair personality profiles determined from a color pair and its selection ordering, wherein the set of colors is displayed to a first user and a set of color selections is received from the first user which establish three color pairs (the first being a most liked and second most liked color pair, the second being a third and a fourth most liked color pair, the third being the most liked and the least liked color pair), receiving an answering player's selection of a chosen answer to each question and displaying an answering player's score, wherein the questions asked include

Abstract: An interpersonal relationships analysis method and system obtains an album comprising a plurality of photos, and recognize faces in each of the plurality of photos. The method and system further selects one of the recognized faces, matches the selected face with portraits stored in a person management database, so as to obtain basic information of a person with the selected face from the person management database. The method and system then analyzes an interpersonal relationship of the person with the selected face according to the album, and shows the interpersonal relationship of the person with the selected face.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of obtaining information regarding an individual's environment using a programmable device. The first step of the method is sensing a psychomotor behavioral element of an activity engaged by the individual. The type of activity engaged by the individual can be any sensible activity under the sun, including breathing, thinking, generating heat, etc. The next step in the inventive method is determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity engaged by the individual. Provided herein are calculations used for determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity. In the present context, the preferred modalities are the semi-conscious or nonconscious desires of the individual, indicated by nonconscious actions, to experience her environment in a specific manner. The information obtained by the inventive method can be used in several ways.

Abstract: A behavior shaping kit includes at least one time-out defining device, at least one timer, a plurality of stickers having prohibitory indicia marked thereon, training devices for a caregiver, a plurality of stop signs, and craft tools. The caregiver affixes stickers having prohibitory indicia marked thereon, to items in the house with which the child should not come into contact. When a child does come into contact with these items, the child is immediately placed in a time-out area which is defined by a time-out defining device. A time-out defining device serves to restrict movement of the child from place to place.

Abstract: A behavior shaping kit includes at least one time-out defining device, at least one timer, a plurality of stickers having prohibitory indicia marked thereon, training devices for a caregiver, a plurality of stop signs, and craft tools. The caregiver affixes stickers having prohibitory indicia marked thereon, to items in the house with which the child should not come into contact. When a child does come into contact with these items, the child is immediately placed in a time-out area which is defined by a time-out defining device. A time-out defining device serves to restrict movement of the child from place to place.

Abstract: A set of different metal and rope components can be used by groups or individuals to match a pre-determined pattern. A game operator can provide the individual or team with individual assembly components and a pre-determined pattern diagram. The team is then required to configure the different available components so as to match the diagram. In one embodiment of the present invention, the diagram is provided in black-and-white and the assembly components are in color. In one embodiment, a game is provided whereby a team uses trial and error to first build the assembly of pieces to match the diagram. Next, the team must plan and rehearse a strategy for quickly re-assembling the pieces to match the diagram while being timed by a clock. The process in accordance with the present invention is self-checking in that there is only one unique solution to the pre-determined assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for improving an effectiveness and efficiency of a group having two or more individuals by (a) receiving data for each individual in the group relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of the group, (b) analyzing the received data, (c) providing an assessment of each individual and the group based on the analyzed data, and (d) repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) after a specified time period. The assessment includes three or more assessment outputs selected from a group comprising a FEMA overview, a Belbin team map, a learning cycle scorecard, a participation timeline, an equality index, a power gap and a decision stream analysis. The method can be implemented using a computer readable medium encoded with a computer program wherein the steps are performed by one or more code segments.

Abstract: A method for testing a working memory and fluid reasoning of a subject includes the step of sequentially presenting to a subject a first plurality of images, wherein each image is positioned in a different sector of a display device. The first plurality of images totals one fewer than a total number of sectors. Next the subject is simultaneously presented with a second plurality of images. One of the second plurality of images bears an analogous relationship to the first plurality of images. The subject is then asked to select an analogous image from the second plurality of images.

Abstract: A therapy-based method for increasing the communications skills of children diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder (“PDD”) through a combination of therapy steps performed in a particular order and for specific amounts of time. The method makes use of integrating language scripting, sensory integration, occupational and speech therapies, visual supports, and a structured routine, which teaches children diagnosed with PDD specific social-based interactions that improve the ability of those diagnosed with PDD to interact with others in common social settings.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying patterns of human behavior based on color preferences. The system includes a plurality of color representations comprising a primary set of color representations, a secondary set of color representations, an achromatic set of color representations, and an intermediate set of color representations. One's favorite and least favorite color representations are selected to identify patterns of human behavior. The system permits assigning of a value to each color representation based upon its ranking. The values assigned to each color representation are compared with one another to identify predicted patterns of human behavior.

Abstract: A transitional object in the form of a plush creature having arms and legs with a soothing voice that provides comforting words can be activated by squeezing a sensor located in either foot and prompting soothing phrases including “everything is going to be all right” to reduce the level of stress and anxiety in a person.

Abstract: The personal communication tool and method of use provide for relaxation of a person using the tool and method allowing for a greater depth of interpersonal or intra-personal communication levels.

Abstract: A method that motivates students to improve behavior and attitudes comprises organizing different schools to compete by playing a game centered on fostering positive student behavior and attitudes. The game is played at individual schools where participating students in each individual school are organized into competing teams. The game is scored, with the tea scores compiled periodically to provide a school score. Individual school scores are transmitted via a computer network (10) to a score board (16) that is accessed by a computer linked to the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a time-out mat that is used for disciplining a small child. The mat is a circular or other shaped flat device of about 20 inches in diameter that is comfortable for a young child to sit on. The mat can be constructed so that it can be folded or rolled for portability. It is useful to parents, teachers, preschool instructors, or daycare operators. A child associates that mat with discipline and it can be placed in a location where the child's behavior can be observed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method that can provide a group of individuals with an experiential exercise. The apparatus can comprise a source of fluid flow and a channel formation connected to the source of fluid flow at at least two regions of the channel formation. The source of fluid flow can be a vacuum suction provided from, for example, a single vacuum source. The fluid flow can be airflow. The channel formation is adapted to receive at least one projectile therein, and the projectile is displaceable within the channel formation as a result of the fluid flow. The projectile can be, for example, a ball. A gate is located at each region and is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate is in the closed position it at least partially obstructs the fluid flow with the channel formation in that region. Further, at least one fluid flow regulator is provided in the channel formation to adjust the fluid flow in the channel formation.

Abstract: A behavior shaping kit includes at least one time-out defining device, at least one timer, a plurality of stickers having prohibitory indicia marked thereon, training devices for a caregiver, a plurality of stop signs, and craft tools. The caregiver affixes stickers having prohibitory indicia marked thereon, to items in the house with which the child should not come into contact. When a child does come into contact with these items, the child is immediately placed in a time-out area which is defined by a time-out defining device. A time-out defining device serves to restrict movement of the child from place to place.

Abstract: A method of enhancing work related leadership, communication and creative skills is disclosed. The method of the present invention comprises formulation of an art related project having a presentation component including dissemination of goals and objectives, an exercise component including written, directed questions to participants and the creation of fine art pieces by participants, and a conclusion component wherein participants critique the fine art pieces and discuss the manner in which the goals and objectives were accomplished.

Abstract: A method of playing an educational group game for familiarizing the players with the concepts of teamwork, collaboration and responsibility, promoting tolerance and trust, self-esteem and leadership development, with respect to typical African culture and tradition. Following specific placement patterns, players of all cultural backgrounds and ages sit on the floor or at desks in a closed playing area. The purpose of the game is to move wooden blocks simultaneously, rhythmically and consistently among players within the closed area. Three to fifty players pick up the blocks in front of them, draw specific designs as instructed by the game facilitator, tap the blocks in front of their neighbors to the right or to the left and leave them there, while singing the accompanying song, under the guidance of the game facilitator who coordinates all major components of the game. Under great concentration, players challenge themselves not to accumulate more than one block in front of them at any time.

Abstract: A method of enhancing or maintaining a relationship between two persons, including: providing a container; placing said container in a predetermined location in the dwelling of the persons in the relationship to be enhanced; providing a means of communication between the persons, said means of communication being storable in said container; providing a set of instructions for use with said means of communication and said container, said set including instructions that each of the persons in the relationship is to create messages to the other person and place them in said container at one or more first predetermined times, and that any messages in said container are to be reviewed by both persons together at one or more second predetermined times, said one or more first and second predetermined times being the dates of important events involving both persons.

Abstract: A method for inferring mental representations by successive comparison of items is disclosed. The method incorporates the steps of (a) presenting a series of N items to a participant; (b) asking the participant to compare each pair of items, where each item is compared with its immediate neighbour, except for the items at the two extremes which are compared to one another, so that each item is used in a pair twice, and N comparisons are done; (c) ordering the items by matrix iteration in order to obtain a new sequence of items; elaborating a new list of N/2 paired items, on the basis of immediate neighbours, taking each item only once; (e) asking the participant to compare each pair of items elaborated in step (d); (f) integrating the responses of steps (a) to (e) into a matrix; and (f) finally ordering the items based on the matrix obtained in step (f). The present invention is particularly useful for surveying purposes, among others.

Abstract: Method and product for increasing the awareness of one's self and for assessment and increasing decisiveness in conflict resolution in order to assist individuals who are conflicted by an intimate relationship. The method utilizes a plurality of individual statements which are each associated with one of four(4) different cells. The cells are positioned from lower to higher self awareness and decisiveness with conflict resolution being enhanced with statements falling within the cells of higher self awareness and decisiveness. Upon reviewing the individual statements and positioning such statements in appropriate locations on a template, the user becomes aware of his degree of decidedness and the quality of his decision and his level of awareness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysis involving a first factor and a second factor. The first and second factors are related as expressed by a first relationship. The apparatus comprises a base divided into first, second and third sections, where the second section is positioned between the first and third sections. The first, second and third sections are representative of the first factor, the first relationship, and the second factor respectively. The method of the present invention involves the steps of providing the apparatus and engaging in a dialogue of questions related to both the first and second factors. The apparatus and method of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, such as biopsychosocial analysis, and analysis of the intellectual capital of a business, for example. The apparatus and method may be used for analysis involving more than two factors and presumes that some relationships exist between the factors.

Abstract: A career specific development system develops a mindset in a group of learners wherein the learners have a common career and the mindset is specific to the common career. The career specific mindset must first be identified. In particular, the set of knowledge, values and beliefs possessed by experts in the career must be determined. The learners are then placed in a learning environment to develop the mindset. The learning environment particularly involves exposing the learners to an ambiguous problem situation requiring a risk-associated response from the learners. The ambiguity and risk create a level of uncertainty in the learners sufficient to motivate them to develop the mindset. Intervention in the learners' exposure to the situation is then utilized to reinforce the learners' development or to modify the level of uncertainty until the desired motivational level is achieved.

Abstract: A management training game is played with vehicles that are moved around a playing area. The playing area is a large rectangle having a plurality of labeled blocks. Each team includes a leader, who rides on the vehicle, and rope controllers, who manipulate ropes connected to the vehicle, from outside of the playing area. Each team leader receives an assigned route, namely a list of blocks to which the vehicle must travel. Each team then attempts to move its vehicle along its assigned route, in a limited time, and without encountering paralysis due to interference with other vehicles or ropes. The game provides the players with an object lesson in the value of communication, creative thinking, leadership, teamwork, and cooperation, in solving difficult problems.

Abstract: A method of playing a game in which one constructor player assembles a group of variously shaped blocks into a construct and other players attempt to duplicate the construct only through verbal directions from the constructor player.

Abstract: A toy peripherally formed of flexible bubble packing material in a shape simulating an object defines an internal cavity that is stuffed with a plurality of relatively smaller pieces of comestible material such as candy to provide a three dimensional shape. The toy is destructible so that a user may gain pleasure not only by reason of ownership and manual manipulation as with any three dimensional toy, but also from manually popping the bubbles of the peripheral covering to create sound and provide an additional manipulative function and from opening the cavity of the toy to gain access to the contained and consuming the comestible. The toy is useful as a placebo in juvenile counseling, psychology, psychiatry and education to alleviate tension and introversion and to gain attention and establish a responsive communicative relationship with the toy user.

Abstract: A plurality of lights operated by timers and/or a radio frequency remote control device are used to direct students from one activity to another. The lights are preferably arranged in a housing to resemble a traffic signal, the housing also including electrical circuitry to actuate the lights in response to timers, the remote control device, or noise levels above a selected threshold to communicate with the students. For example, a red light could signal the class to be quiet, a yellow light could indicate it is time to prepare for the next classroom activity, and a green light indicate it is time to move on to the next activity. The invention replaces the tedium of vocally repeating classroom instructions with signaling lights controlled automatically or responsive to the remote control device.

Abstract: A communication aid for helping people with severe communication problems to express their needs or thoughts to others. The communication aid includes a case on which a touch pad contains series of mode selection switches and a plurality of activation switches. An overlay sheet is mounted on the touch pad and includes at least one mode symbol illustrating a general category of need, and a plurality of message symbols, each illustrating a specific need falling within the category. The mode symbols corresponding in location to the mode selection switches and the message symbols corresponding in location to the activation switches. The communication aid also incorporates a memory device for storing a plurality of audio messages, each corresponding to one of the message symbols. When a mode selection switch and on of the activation switches are depressed, a sound message associated with the depressed activation switch is generated.

Abstract: The invention concerns computer-assisted education, in which a school curriculum is stored in computer repositories. A learning profile is maintained for every student, which indicates the student's capabilities, preferred learning style, and progress. Based on the profile, an Intelligent Administrator (IA) selects appropriate material for presentation to the student during each learning session. The IA then assesses whether the student has mastered the material. If not, the material is presented in a different way. If repeated different presentations fail to instill mastery, the IA establishes a video conference between the student and a professor.

Abstract: A system of interconnected electronic components for use either as a team building or management training exercise or as a game. The system generally includes a plurality of monitors, such as low-power lasers, proximity detectors, noise detectors, infrared receivers, weight detectors or other like instruments arranged and configured in a given space as an obstacle course. Each monitor includes a corresponding sensor that notifies a control engine when the monitor has been triggered, e.g., when a particular laser beam is interrupted or when a particular proximity detector senses a nearby object. The control engine dynamically processes these events to tabulate and manifest the triggering of the monitors.

Abstract: An automated cognitive rehabilitation system for treatment services for brain injured patients that enables one or more therapist each to remotely treat one or more patients, the system having a host computer including a data bank having stored therein an array of cognitive rehabilitation treatment procedures, and including memory for storing and evaluating responses, a plurality of therapist computer units each having a display and an input and each being in communication with the host computer so that the host computer data bank can be accessed for call up of selected cognitive rehabilitation procedures and a plurality of patient computer units each having a display and an input and each being in communication with the host computer so that the host computer data bank can be accessed to display selected cognitive rehabilitation procedures and receive and store responses thereto, which response are available to a therapist to enable the therapist to remotely select a cognitive rehabilitation treatment proced

Abstract: A method diagnoses cognitive impairment in an individual, otherwise free of neurological lesions or orthopedic difficulties of the lower limbs. Preliminarily, a reference group of persons is subjected to at least one physical test, requiring an observed walk along a path of predetermined length, and a plurality of psychometric tests indicative of cognitive function-for establishing a database of the relations between the psychometric test and the physical test for each person of the group. After establishment of the database, the individual undergoing diagnosis is subjected to the same physical test as given to the persons of the group. The results are compared solely on the basis of the physical test of the individual relative to the database, for deducing the individual's likely corresponding psychometric test result.

Abstract: A map which illustrates the expeditionary process is used as a tool in creative thinking sessions. When groups of people are assembled to execute a creative problem solving session, one of the primary sources of discord is due to a lack of understanding by the members of the group of their current position in the flow of the process. The map reduces this discord by providing a tool which enables the members of the group to estimate their present position in the flow of the process, because the process of generating problem solving ideas is very analogous to the expeditionary process.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring and for improving the state of alertness of a subject while he continues to perform a primary task, driving a vehicle, operating machinery, etc. The apparatus includes stimulation apparatus for issuing stimuli to the subject and response apparatus for enabling the subject to reply to the stimuli. The stimuli can be audible, visual or tactile. Test results are processed and compared to baseline values taken when the subject is displaying a normal state of alertness. The rate of activation of the stimulation apparatus increases inversely with a deteriorating state of alertness of the subject to improve the state of alertness of the subject. The apparatus can be fashioned in a wide range of devices including a hand-held portable device, a wristwatch, a behind-the-ear (BTE) clip, a pair of spectacles, and for installation in a steering wheel.

Abstract: A lamp device for communicating moods between users having a base with a plurality of individually illuminatable elements extending from the base and two control units remote from the base for regulating the illumination of the elements. In a preferred embodiment, the illuminatable elements are in the form of five translucent flames of various heights containing two small electric bulbs at their bases for selectively producing colored illumination of each. Appropriate circuitry is disposed in the base member and connected to each of the external control units which may be used to activate the bulbs individually or collectively. The control units may each have five settings designed to supply power in a synchronized manner to the bulbs within the flame elements. Two persons involved in using the lamp for communication each operate a respective control unit which may be concealed, if desired, and by which a level of illumination may be selected to indicate, for instance, the level of interest of the user.

Abstract: A system for predicting potential of success of an individual for a particular job or task. Behavioral and values information is derived from the individual. This information is then analyzed and compared against standards for behavior and values previously calculated for the specific job. An evaluation can then be made of the applicant's responses to the standards to predict success of a perspective employee for the particular job, or to attempt to improve performance of a current employee for a specific job.

Abstract: A analytical method is provided for predicting human evaluation response to the quality of sounds produced by the operation of the power door lock actuator assembly involving the computation of predicted sound preference from recorded data on certain sound parameters of a sample or samples of the power door lock actuator mechanism.

Abstract: An interactive communication apparatus including a containing structure provided with a plurality of apertures to allow reaching within the containing structure to touch-contact an unknown object within the structure, is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of partitions which divide the interior of the containing structure into spaces which are open to one another and into which the apertures open.

Abstract: A visual acuity recuperation training apparatus comprising a plurality of small light emitting elements dispersed and arranged on a panel plane in the up and down, and left and right directions, and a light emitting elements control section configured so that it is possible to blink at least some of the small light emitting elements with the blinking pattern modes in which they are lit one after another with appointed patterns. And comprising a half mirror plate arranged roughly parallel to the front side of the arrangement plane of the small light emitting elements.