Abstract: A virtual surgery system or virtual testing system provides a simulation or test based on image data. A simulator combined with a real exam requires simulation tasks by a test taker. Additionally, a surgical procedure may be simulated using image data of a patient in devices simulating the physical instruments a surgeon uses in performing the actual procedure, for example. The user input device, such as a mouse, three dimensional mouse, joystick, seven dimensional joystick, full size simulator, etc., can be used in a virtual simulation to move through the image data while the user looks at the data and interaction of the input device with the image data on a display screen. Force feedback can be provided based on based on physical constraint models (of the anatomy, for example), or based on edge and collision detection between the virtual scope or virtual tool used by the operator and walls or edges of the image data in the image space.

Abstract: A computer network for gathering information and reaching consensus in a multi-user collaborative environment for Process Safety Management (PSM). Comments and ideas are gathered simultaneously from team members in a meeting, using the network. Apparatus is provided for storing these inputs and retrieving them from a database, and for printing them in predefined formats. The system provides for team members to submit their ideas-anonymously in a meeting so that people uncomfortable with speaking in front of a group can freely share their ideas. The system automatically records input so ideas are not lost or misrecorded. The input is converted from the first database into a format for word processing to produce the required documents, into a format for a project management system to schedule the work to complete PSM documentation, and into a format to produce flow charges of the process being analyzed.

Abstract: A method and system for computerizing learning, response, and evaluation is provided. The computerized system comprises a central processing unit and related memory and storage capacity to operate a learning, response, and evaluation system stored in a computer program. The learning, response, and evaluation system comprises an authoring portion and a presentation portion. Through the use of intuitive interface elements, the authoring portion allows an author to quickly and easily construct a lesson from a pool of relevant data. Due to the design and capabilities provided, the authoring portion reduces the time it takes for an author to learn how to construct a lesson and reduces the time it takes to construct the lesson. Data can be organized into pages which are presented to the user and pages which are hidden from the user. The presentation portion allows a user to view and learn the information contained in a lesson.

Abstract: A method and system for computerizing learning, response, and evaluation is provided. The computerized system comprises a central processing unit and related memory and storage capacity to operate a learning, response, and evaluation system stored in a computer program. The learning, response, and evaluation system comprises an authoring portion and a presentation portion. Through the use of intuitive interface elements, the authoring portion allows an author to quickly and easily construct a lesson from a pool of relevant data. Due to the design and capabilities provided, the authoring portion reduces the time it takes for an author to learn how to construct a lesson and reduces the time it takes to construct the lesson. Data can be organized into pages which are presented to the user and pages which are hidden from the user. The presentation portion allows a user to view and learn the information contained in a lesson.

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: An event logging system in which logged events are time stamped by storing a value read from a counter which is incremented at an arbitrary but consistent rate. When the data is recalled for analysis, the actual time of the event is calculated by reading the current value of the counter, reading the stored counter values associated with logged events, measuring the period of the clock incrementing the counter, and then using this information to calculate the absolute time.

Abstract: An interactive medical training device includes a computer system having a display, wherein the computer system is programmed to provide education and training in medical procedures, including laparoscopic surgical procedures. This aspect is achieved by configuring the system to display, on a portion of the display, a video window. The video window displays a prerecorded video segment illustrating a portion of a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The system requests a user to input information relating to a next step in the surgical procedure, which advantageously keeps the user engaged in the training session. This "next step" information may include, for example, selecting an appropriate medical instrument or selecting a location for operating. The user inputs the requested information through an input device, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, or other input device. The system then receives and interprets the user input and informs the user as to whether the input is correct.

Abstract: An educational method and system for executing the method, to improve the efficiency of individual learning by monitoring the student's progress and pacing the course material to the student's ability to comprehend and learn. This method and system also reduces the teachers's administrative and paperwork burden. Interactive multimedia technology is combined with unique courseware development to provide a flexible teaching tool and student monitoring system.

Abstract: An interactive learning system is disclosed that includes a note-making facility, a mentor facility, and an editor facility as its major subsystems. The note-making facility allows the user to create notes while scanning through an electronic text file that is accessible from a suitable memory space. The mentor facility provides content-specific information in response to the selection of certain passages or quotations from the text file by the user. The editor facility provides generalized learning strategies and recommendations useful in the analysis of text and the preparation of a written report. The information provided by the editor facility is generalized, and hence is not specific to the current text file; in contrast, the mentor facility is content-specific, and furnishes the user with information that is specifically related to the text under review.

Abstract: An instruction communication network which employs low-cost cordless telephone technology to broadcast information to students. A first computer operated by a student includes a first cordless telephone transceiver. A second computer operated by a teacher transfers instruction data to the first computer and includes a second cordless telephone transceiver. The cordless telephone transceivers preferably operate at frequencies designated by the FCC and has a transmission range less than five thousand feet. A typical frequency of operation is in a frequency band near 900 MHz. The first computer may encrypt responses to the instruction data.

Abstract: A method and system for computerizing learning, response, and evaluation is provided. The computerized system comprises a central processing unit and related memory and storage capacity to operate a learning, response, and evaluation system stored in a computer program. The learning, response, and evaluation system comprises an authoring portion and a presentation portion. Through the use of intuitive interface elements, the authoring portion allows an author to quickly and easily construct a lesson from a pool of relevant data. Due to the design and capabilities provided, the authoring portion reduces the time it takes for an author to learn how to construct a lesson and reduces the time it takes to construct the lesson. Data can be organized into pages which are presented to the user and pages which are hidden from the user. The presentation portion allows a user to view and learn the information contained in a lesson.

Abstract: Method and system to help a student to focus on study materials on a computer by restricting the student from enjoying entertainment materials on the computer. The study materials are presented through a study program, and the entertainment materials are presented through an entertainment program. The entertainment program needs a device to entertain. The device can be a speaker or a position-pointing device, such as a mouse. The computer includes an access filter, which separates the programs from the device. The access filter can be modified to restrict coupling between the device and the entertainment program, but simultaneously allow coupling between the device and the study program. The restriction in the access filter can be removed under a predetermined condition, such as the amount of time the student has been working on the study materials, the student's performance in the study materials, and the time of day.

Abstract: A screen saver provides that questions and answers are displayed to a user while in a foreground screen saver mode. Scores may be kept track of, and users may customize the database, or select different sets of data to use.

Abstract: A method for learning a foreign language by first memorizing conjugations of representative verbs using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, and a device for implementing the method, the device providing the feeling memorizing means, the method comprising the step of memorizing the conjugations of the language using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, wherein using the feeling sense is effected by having the conjugations symbolized by elements of the device, each having a specifying location and a specifying surface or construction conferring a learner with an associated specifying feeling, such that when the learner sees a scene displayed on a display and hears a sentence associated with that scene, which sentence includes an associated specific conjugation, the learner touches a specific corresponding element symbolizing the associated specific conjugation.

Abstract: A bidirectional broadcasting method and system allows, even when an existing telephone voting service is used to respond to a bidirectional broadcast, broadcasting wherein a plurality of questions are related to each other. A broadcasting station broadcasts questions, answer choices for a response to each question and responding destination telephone numbers for the individual answer choices, and successively broadcasts evaluation information for allowing receiver apparatus to perform evaluation of histories of responses to the questions and determine whether or not the responding persons of the individual receiver apparatus are response allowed persons. Each receiver apparatus stores the history of responses to the questions into a memory and, based on the evaluation data from the broadcasting station, evaluates the history of responses to the questions.

Abstract: An algorithm training system for training a learner in the computer algorithm is provided. The system has a display device for selectively displaying information including flow-chart symbols and flow-lines. Instruction for an algorithm are entered into the computer from the keyboard or by the mouse operation. The system creates a desired flow-chart using the flow-chart symbols and flow-lines being shown on the display device in accordance with the instructions entered. The algorithm expressed by the resulting flow-chart is verified and its result is also shown on the display device.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting a group of coordinated fabrics is provided. The system consists of a display member, which displays characteristics of the selected fabrics. Markers or a computer processing unit are used to record the characteristics of the selected fabrics. When the recorded characteristics of the selected fabrics are arranged in a predetermined manner, the selected fabrics are coordinated. Once the selected fabrics have coordinated, they may be used for decorating an area, such as a room in a house.

Abstract: An interactive presentation and/or entertainment system, such as interactive personal computer software and/or interactive television, allows a participant to modulate the emotions of a character or personality, thereby influencing the branches to an interpersonal relationship over time. As a result, a broad range of computerized dramatic situations or stories are presented that closely resemble human interpersonal relationships. Source image/sound data may include prerecorded video, prerecorded audio, computer-based audio, computer-based imagery, computer-generated dialogue, and/or computer-generated characters. The range of emotional choices made by a participant may include all emotions that human beings can experience and, in turn, represent by thought, word, or action.

Abstract: A computer-generated jigsaw puzzle game including a method of generating a jigsaw puzzle game on an electronic display and controlling the play of the game in response to play operations. The method includes the steps of displaying a jigsaw puzzle comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces on the electronic display, where each puzzle piece comprises a video image region on the display. A plurality of video image blocks is sequentially displayed in the video image region of each puzzle piece to generate a moving video image in the video image region of each puzzle piece. Pieces of the puzzle are moved on the display in response to play operations to solve the jigsaw puzzle.

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 invention 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 invention is able to assist the user in predicting his/her eventual score.

Abstract: A training system including a visual display, a computer, a mouse and a keyboard for data entry into the system, such data entry including problems presented as situations/simulations tailored to the particular type of training to be conducted together with trainee responses to questions relating to such situations/simulations. Provision is made for the trainees to prepare and record their own narrative solutions to such situations/simulations, following which, the system presents sets of multiple choice solutions and asks the trainees to select what they believe are the best solutions from among those that are presented. The system then critiques trainee selections. For each situation/simulation, if the optimum solution has been selected, the system identifies the reasons why that selection is optimal and repeats the related situation/simulation at least once more after moving on to another situation/simulation before the training session is completed.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided for playing a game, educational or instructional sequence in conjunction with a prerecorded multimedia presentation consisting of at least motion video, sound and accompanying text. The multimedia presentation is partitioned into time segments. The game sequence is also partitioned into task units that are synchronized with the time segments. The time address markers for the beginning and ending of each of the time segments initialize, execute and close each task unit of a programmed game sequence. A corresponding authoring system allows an author to design and implement the time-segmentation of the multimedia presentation and its functional interface with the game sequence. This system can be used for motivating instructional games based on music video, movies, animated cartoons and karaoke that provide the player with the same excitement and challenge of the popular video games.

Abstract: A device for recording individual answers to a set of questions selected from several sets of questions with each set having an identification code. The device includes a selector for entering an identification code to select one of the sets of questions. An indicator serially prompts for an answer to each question within the set. Response buttons are provided for entering an answer to each question. The number of correct and incorrect answers is recorded and can be downloaded into a computer for instant grading and archiving.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automated learning and performance evaluation of a group of items by a user. The apparatus, which can be a digital computer, has an imput for receiving a user's response, a display for presenting the material to be learned and logic for sorting the items and responses. The method, which can be practiced on a digital computer, has steps of querying the user as to whether items are believed to be known or unknown, sorting the items into groups of perceived known and unknown items and generating a sequence of items to be displayed. An important feature of this invention is that the user's biological needs for learning are matched automatically with an apparatus employing a method that leaves the user with no opportunity to fail. Unusual learning results are obtained from an unobvious method.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting full frequency digital audio signals over a network in real time and for providing access to a remote sound server. The present invention is preferably practiced using ISDN and is useful for remote casting auditions and for other communications. The present invention allows two or more sites on a network to communicate simultaneously. Live high-fidelity audio may be stored locally and/or transmitted to another site. At the other site, the audio may be stored and/or reproduced in high fidelity. Sound samples may be retrieved from a sound sample server and transmitted in high fidelity in real time over the network.

Abstract: The invention provides a centralized administrative system and method of administering standardized tests to a plurality of examinees. The administrative system according to the present invention is implemented on a central administration workstation and at least one testing workstation located in different rooms at a test center. The administrative system software which provides substantially administrative functions is executed from the central administration workstation. The administrative system software which provides functions carried out in connection with a testing session are executed from the testing workstations.

Abstract: A computerized system consisting of 10 interfacing modules is disclosed capable of detecting common thinking errors known as fallacies. An operator enters sentences referencing their own beliefs, or someone else's. Utilizing analysis options through which further modules are accessed, the system scans entry data searching for substrings associated with specific fallacies. Operators are frequently asked yes or no questions to check further for these fallacies. Counters in scanning routines limit program redundancy and records each of the scanning modules to keep track of detected fallacies so that results can be summarized and evaluated. Beeping twice when fallacies are detected the system presents on a monitor screen, or other output device, the names of fallacies committed, the sentences in which they have occurred, brief explanations, suggestions for avoiding these fallacies, and, if requested, definitions of them.

Abstract: A method is provided for introducing to a user a new/enhanced function of a computer software application. After learning the basics of a computer software application, new/enhanced functions are presented to the user based upon completion of predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may comprise the passage of time or the completion of a specified number of uses of a certain function.

Abstract: A questionnaire producing and aiding system according to the present invention is arranged to store a questionnaire element including a question and a plurality of reply choices which have been previously produced in a memory thereof. When a questionnaire is produced, the saved questionnaire element is used while adding, correcting and deleting the contents so that a questionnaire sheet is produced. Therefore, the questionnaire producing operation can be performed efficiently. The data about the produced questionnaire sheet are stored in a portable recording medium.The questionnaire reply gathering system according to the present invention is arranged to read data about the questionnaire sheet from the storage medium to display the contents of the questionnaire sheet on the terminal display apparatus, and to gather reply data supplied from the terminal input apparatus to be stored in the portable storage medium.

Abstract: A method of displaying information for learning purposes comprises the steps of providing within a computer an information set having at least a first information topic. The first information topic includes a plurality of discrete information elements. The discrete information elements are caused to be arranged for display within the computer in a sequence selected from a plurality of predetermined sequences. The discrete information elements are displayed with a display operably associated with the computer in the selected sequence.

Abstract: A flight simulator is disclosed which includes active electronic display controls. A simulated cockpit area is provided which includes a visual display screen for depicting a simulated cockpit viewpoint. A simulated instrument panel is provided within the cockpit area by means of a cathode ray tube display device and an overlying bezel which defines the perimeter of at least one displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device. A rotary switch which includes a rotary encoder having an output indicative of a direction of rotation and an amount of rotation is then mounted within the bezel. Outputs from the rotary switch are then coupled to electronic circuitry which is utilized to selectively vary the displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device, providing a realistic representation of an actual flight instrument.

Abstract: An improved process for testing knowledge and understanding in a computer game in which factual material (86) is placed in or referenced to geometric blocks (84) on a computer screen. A player is challenged (82) to move the blocks so that they relate spatially to a definition, attribute, or value of the factual material. A player moves the blocks using a computer input device, such as a mouse or joystick. The process compares the placement of the blocks with the definitions or attributes of the factual material, notifies the player, and records the results of the comparison, thus providing a simple, intuitive means of playing a knowledge testing game without the need for a keyboard.

Abstract: A system is provided for recording and evaluating audience responses, for example, answers given to questions posed in television quiz shows. Responses are sensed using, for example, a membrane switch array, and timing information is generated by a timer. Data identifying responses and associated timing information is stored in a memory for later recall. When the responses are recalled, the associated timing information can be used to verify that a quiz-show participant made the response within the time period allowed according to the rules of the quiz.

Abstract: An educational method and system for executing the method, to improve the efficiency of individual learning by monitoring the student's progress and pacing the course material to the student's ability to comprehend and learn. This method and system also reduces the teachers's administrative and paperwork burden. Interactive multimedia technology is combined with unique courseware development to provide a flexible teaching tool and student monitoring system.

Abstract: A computerized teaching system is described including an interactive group communication system, wherein students interact with a teacher and the teacher can obtain quantitative reports on student performance without preprogrammed lessons and where a lesson program can be constructed from the responses of the students. The teaching system may be spread over a large geographic area comprising a multiplicity of learning centers with a multiplicity of students at each center, wherein the students interact with a teacher who is remotely located from one or more learning centers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automated learning and performance evaluation of a group of items by a user. The apparatus, which can be a digital computer, has input means for receiving a user's response, a display means for presenting the material to be learned and logic means for sorting the items. The method, which can be practiced on a digital computer, has steps of querying the user as to whether items are believed to be known or unknown, sorting the items into groups of perceived known and unknown items and generating a sequence of items to be displayed. An important feature of this invention is that the user is tested regarding his belief as to whether the item is known or unknown not as to his actual knowledge.

Abstract: An interactive learning system for providing various modes of instruction relating to a syntax-intensive subject matter such as a computer program language. The modes of instruction may include a video lesson mode of instruction, a reference text mode of instruction and a syntax analysis mode of instruction in which the user attempts to answer questions presented by the system. The user's entries are analyzed for proper syntax and if any errors are found therein, the user is provided visual feedback relating to any errors found in the entries.

Abstract: An electronic video game requires the player to match the location of information on a video screen with the correct location of a pushbutton in a corresponding array. Initially, the video screen produces a display showing nine object character icons located in nine different locations in a tic-tac-toe arrangement. The display is flashed on for a few seconds and then discontinued. Next, the video screen displays one of the characters in a clue box and challenges the player to correctly match the clue character with its previous location on an array of nine pushbuttons laid out in the same tic-tac-toe fashion. The player then chooses one pushbutton corresponding to where the player believed the character had appeared in the original video display.

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

Abstract: The invented method is used in creating an interactive computer game to relate messages in the game to actions in the game. The game is designed for play on a computer system and the play of the game is controlled by software code stored in at least one code file in memory accessible by the computer system.

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

Abstract: An incentive producing apparatus having a symbol displaying device, a player actuated device for changing the symbols on the displaying device, an accounting device for recording the changes in symbol displays caused by the operation of the player actuated device, and a processor responsive to the manner in which the player operates the device in such a way that the device responds to player input in the form of response time relative to the time of day or calendar time in order to adjust the operation of the apparatus to automatically, continually, proportionally, and subtly increase or decrease the difficulty of operation to maintain the incentive of the player to continue to operate the apparatus. The apparatus can be in the form of a slot machine game, an arcade game, a video action game or an education game. An embodiment of each type of such apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A video game apparatus is provided for use in conjunction with a remotely controllable audio visual playback device, such as a video cassette player. The game apparatus comprises a learning remote control which is programmed with remote control signals such as pause and restart signals for the particular audio visual playback device with which it is to be used. A plurality of hand-held switches are coupled to the remote control so that when one of the switches is actuated the audio visual playback is paused. In this way, a plurality of players may play a prerecorded question and answer type quiz game, wherein the first player to actuate his or her hand-held switch is allowed time to answer the preceding question whilst the audio visual playback is paused.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for enhancing decision-making using left to right to left hemisphere guidance includes a housing, two buttons which are coupled to the housing and four recording media with their respective instructions to a user. The first instruction is to think about a subject until an issue related to the subject comes to his mind, then to make a choice from alternatives of the issue and thereafter the user presses one of the two buttons to designate his choice of one of the alternatives of the issue. The second instruction is to look inside his head and ask himself if he is right while he is inclined to a new discovery. The third instruction is to see a picture of the subject in his head and while he is daydreaming the picture to listen for thoughts in his mind about how he is right, then to listen for thoughts in his mind about the other side of the issue, with both sides of the issue in his mind to listen for changes over a period of time.

Abstract: An intelligent education and simulation system which is capable of executing an optimized follow-up reeducation to the learner reflecting his/her idiosyncrasy toward understanding in learning. The intelligent education and simulation system has an execution instruction to execute a curriculum comprising a plurality of instruction courses regarding the subject teaching of an educational object and its simulation-based instruction. According to this execution instruction, intelligent computer assisted instruction of the subject teaching and the simulation-based instruction are implemented. The degree of understanding of these instructions by the learner is evaluated, and according to the degree of understanding thus comprehended, a pertinent follow-up instruction course(s) is chosen for reeducation. In this way, a pertinent reeducation instruction course(s) optimized for each learner is capable of being selected, and the time required for reeducation of the learner is minimized.

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

Abstract: A television game for entertaining viewers and maintaining viewership during television programs and commercials. In the illustrated embodiment, black spaces are detected at the ends of television program and commercial signals. Game clues are randomly inserted into the black spaces and displayed on viewers' televisions. At the end of the game, after multiple game clues have been revealed, the viewers report their answers to win prizes.

Abstract: An interactive information delivery system for use in computer-based training is disclosed. The system has a laser disc player which reads training materials from a laser disc to produce high-quality video pictures and training text, etc. Operation of the laser disc player is controlled by a computer which accepts student input data from a keypad. Responsive to the input data, the computer issues commands such as ON, PAUSE, OFF etc. to the laser disc player, thus allowing the student to interact with the system.