Abstract: A system includes a sensor to sense a change in a position of an input control component and a tool; a storage medium embodies a collection of respective motion pictures, which show tool movement imparted by the control component in response to manual input provided by users, indexed based upon a metric; a storage medium embodies a set of instructions that cause a processor to perform operations comprising: determining a user's performance; recording a motion picture of the tool movement imparted by the master control component by the individual user; indexing the recorded motion picture to the collection of motion pictures; generating a user interface providing an interactive visual index; and displaying a selected motion picture on the display screen in response to user input at the interactive visual index.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention allow to detect and analyze gestures, such as tapping and swiping patterns, that a user performs in the process of interacting with a computing device to determine the user's mood therefrom, so as to initiate an appropriate response. In certain embodiments, this is accomplished, without requiring labeled training data, by monitoring a user-device interaction via sensors and analyzing the sensor data based on contextual data via a processor to determine a gesture and one or more properties associated with an emotional state of the user. A response is generated based on the identified emotional state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating mood-based haptic feedback are disclosed. A haptic system includes a sensing device, a digital processing unit, and a haptic generator. The sensing device, in one embodiment, is configured to detect user's modalities in accordance with mood information collected by one or more sensors and capable of issuing a sensing signal in response to the user's modalities. The digital processing unit is capable of identifying a user's condition in accordance with the sensing signal and providing a haptic signal in response to the user's condition. The user's condition, in one aspect, indicates user's mood and/or user's psychological conditions. The haptic generator generates haptic feedback in accordance with the haptic signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method of remotely communicating with a managed machine. One example method may include identifying the managed machine operating in a communication network, transmitting a connection establishment message to the managed machine over the communication network, and receiving an acceptance message from the managed machine. The method may also include requesting a screen capture of present operating conditions of the managed machine, and receiving the screen capture formatted in a compressed format. The administrator may be able to receive and view the screen capture via a compressed thumbnail format.

Abstract: A closed-loop service, referred to as an Adaptive Data Analytics Service (ADAS), characterizes the performance of a system or systems by providing information describing how users or agents are operating the system, how the system components interact, and how these respond to external influences and factors. The ADAS then builds models and/or defines relationships that can be used to optimize performance and/or to predict the results of changes made to the system(s). Subsequently, this learning provides the basis for administering, maintaining, and/or adjusting the system(s) under study. Measurement can be ongoing, even after the operating parameters or controls of a system under the administration or monitoring of the ADAS have been adjusted, so that the impact of such adjustments can be determined.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium and a method for automatically providing support solutions in response to user feedback items. The method comprises receiving user feedback items and corresponding support solutions. The method further comprises identifying, using clustering techniques, associations between the user feedback items and the corresponding support solutions. The method further comprises storing the identified associations as an items-solutions model that correlates the user feedback items with the corresponding support solutions. The method further comprises receiving a new user feedback item. The method further comprises automatically determining, using the items-solutions model, at least one support solution that corresponds to the new user feedback item. The method further comprises providing the at least one support solution in response to the received new user feedback item.

Abstract: The need for a more readily usable interface for programmable devices is widely recognized. The present invention relates to programmable sequencing devices, or, more particularly, the remote controls for consumer electronic devices. The present invention provides an enhanced interface for facilitating human input of a desired control sequence in a programmable device by employing specialized visual feedback. The present invention also relates to a new interface and method of interfacing with a programmable device, which is usable as an interface for a programmable video cassette recorder.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, questionnaire, and system for evaluating student(s), teacher(s), and a course(s). A participant enters data into a device. A participant is a student or a teacher. The data reflect a response by the participant to at least one item that is presented to the participant. The at least one item relates to at least one session of the course. The at least one session is taught to the participant by a teacher. The data may include teacher data relating to the teacher(s), student data relating to the student(s), course data relating to the course(s), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of an electronic book reader device is described. The user interface facilitates chapter navigation among the various chapters in digital content items, such as electronic books, in response to use input via the touch-screen display. Multiple techniques for navigating chapters include actuating a chapter navigation control, selecting a portion of a progress indicator depicted on the touch-screen display, and detecting patterns of multi-directional strokes made on the touch-screen display.

Abstract: An electronic content distribution system may include functionality for defining and tracking instructional classes. Assignments may be created for an instructional class, defining electronic content that is to be consumed as part of the assignment. Assignments may be presented to students on devices that the students use for consuming electronic content, such as handheld eBook readers. In addition, the listed assignments may allow the students to easily open the electronic content specified by the assignments, for consumption and study using the same device.

Abstract: An interactive electronic book provides a user access to interactive programming. The interactive programming may include interactive files that are linked to the electronic books using electronic links. The electronic links may be included in the text and graphics data of the electronic book. The interactive files may be located in the same file as the interactive electronic book, or may be located external to the interactive electronic book. External locations include an Internet web site, an electronic book viewer and other external locations. Access to the interactive file may be controlled by an operating program and a security program included with the interactive electronic book. The interactive file may include sample problems and quizzes associated with a college textbook, for example. The interactive files may also include accesses to Internet web sites, and other electronic files to complete purchase orders, answer questionnaires, and to receive other data.

Abstract: A method for learning a foreign language using a learning aid is provided. The learning aid includes a reading manual having a plurality of pages organized into a number of sections which are read in an orderly fashion in order to facilitate incremental advancement and masterfulness concerning the learning of a target language. The method involves building an active foreign language alphabet and language as it is done naturally in user's native language. The learning aid further includes an interactive-based, task-oriented system integrated into software for upload onto a computer.

Abstract: A method and system of relaying a one-to-one question and answer which is performed in a network via a one-to-one question and answer relay system, the method including: assigning event occurrence information to request for transmission of question data to a service webpage; providing a question bridge page to a terminal of a first user where an event based on the event occurrence information occurred; receiving the question data from the terminal of the first user when a question registration request about a second user is received from the terminal of the first user via the question bridge page; storing the received question data in an answer request area of the second user; and storing answer data about the question data in an answer check area of the first user, the answer data being received from a terminal of the second user.

Abstract: Adaptive and integrated visualization of spatiotemporal data from large-scale simulation, is provided. A simulation is performed utilizing a simulator comprising multiple processors, generating spatiotemporal data samples from the simulation. Each data sample has spatial coordinates with a time stamp at a specific time resolution, and a tag. The data samples are assembled into data streams based on at least one of a spatial relationship and the corresponding tag. Each data stream is encoded into multiple formats, and an integrated and adaptive visualization of the data streams is displayed, wherein various data streams are simultaneously and synchronously displayed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for associating and extracting content artifacts from a graphical representation of electronic content. A multi-dimensional virtual lattice comprising one or more grid layers is created. The nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice represent metadata acquired from predefined content criteria. Electronic content comprising content artifacts acquired from multiple content sources is graphically represented within the multi-dimensional virtual lattice using the grid layers. Each of the content artifacts from the electronic content attaches to one or more nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice. A user provides search criteria comprising keywords. The content artifacts attached to nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice whose metadata matches with the keywords are extracted and displayed to the user.

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

Abstract: The invention is a method and system that provides for efficiently incentivising and rewarding employees for their successful use of a training system or other employer defined metrics by utilizing Smartcard® cards and You Did It Right® cards. Successful demonstration of training and performance metrics is rewarded through such rewards as gift cards or discount coupons redeemable for goods and/or services at retail/service centers.

Abstract: A participant response system comprises a plurality of handsets for allowing a participant of an event to input a response. Each handset comprises a wireless handset having a keyboard for allowing a user to input a response. The handsets are configurable either as a participant response handset to allow a participant to enter a response, or as a base station. The handset also includes audio capability to allow participants to receive and input audio.

Abstract: A question setting apparatus is disclosed, including a processor and a storage part. The storage stores problem information which maintains problem data including a problem and a correct answer of the problem included in a test sent to students, and student answer information which maintains answer data and a correct/incorrect answer determination result for each of the students. The processor processes test operations of referring to the problem information, sending the problem data to the student terminals, receiving the answer data from the student terminals in a given time for the test, and recording the answer data in the student answer information. The processor processes a progress display. A progress state is displayed in the given time and indicates an answer state of the problem data based on the correct/incorrect answer determination result. A display instruction is sent to the student terminals to stop the test.

Abstract: A system for charging one ore learning session to one or more student accounts comprises an online learning system having one or more nodes that creates one or more online learning sessions. An enrollment node receives student enrollment information, including responsible authority information. A scheduling node schedules the online learning session. A database stores one or more student accounts created based on the received student enrollment information. The same or another databases stores information relating to one or more responsible authority charge criterion for charging the one or more learning sessions to the one or more student accounts. An activity node receives one or more session activity information associated with the one or more learning sessions and an accounting node associates a charge information for a learning session to an student account based the one or more responsible authority charge criterion and one or more session activity information.

Abstract: An examination conducting support device includes a processor. The processor obtains an answer for the examination questions sent from each of the plurality of examinee terminals, determines a correctness or incorrectness for the obtained answer and calculate an incorrect-answer ratio for each of the plurality of examination questions, extracts an examination question in which the number of obtained answers has reached a prescribed number as a determination target question, sends to an examinee terminal among the plurality of examinee terminals to which the determination target question has not yet been sent, the determination target question preferentially to other examination questions extracted from the question database and sent to the examinee terminal and decides a correctness or incorrectness of the presumption on the determination target question presumed to be an inappropriate question, on the basis of the incorrect-answer ratio for the determination target question after control is performed.

Abstract: A question setting apparatus is disclosed, including a processor and a storage part. The storage part stores a problem database which maintains problem data including a problem and a correct answer and a student answer database which maintains answer data including an answer of a student for the problem and a correct/incorrect answer determination result for each of the students. The processor performs recording the answer data and the correct/incorrect answer determination result by using the problem database based on a correct answer of the problem, the answer data being received during a test from each of student terminals connected through a network; and sending a comment to the student terminals through the network in which during the test, an answer state of the students is determined by using the student answer database and the comment related to the problem is acquired from a teacher based on a determination result.

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

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for associating and extracting content artifacts from a graphical representation of electronic content. A multi-dimensional virtual lattice comprising one or more grid layers is created. The nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice represent metadata acquired from predefined content criteria. Electronic content comprising content artifacts acquired from multiple content sources is graphically represented within the multi-dimensional virtual lattice using the grid layers. Each of the content artifacts from the electronic content attaches to one or more nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice. A user provides search criteria comprising keywords. The content artifacts attached to nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice whose metadata matches with the keywords are extracted and displayed to the user.

Abstract: In a method of offering an intelligent personalized learning service to learning participants, a pointer is assigned to each learning object and associated with each learning object belonging to a learning object database. A learning subject specific to each learning participant is selected from a learning subject database. Information on attempts at the learning objects associated with selected learning subject is recorded on learning history information of each learning participant. Performance completion information is recorded with respect to the learning objects attempted by the learning participant on the learning history information of each learning participant. A proficiency status of the learning participant is diagnosed for the selected learning subject corresponding to the learning participant based on the learning history information of each learning participant.

Abstract: A participant response system comprises a plurality of handsets for allowing a participant of an event to input a response. Each handset comprises a wireless handset having a keyboard for allowing a user to input a response. The handsets are configurable either as a participant response handset to allow a participant to enter a response, or as a base station. The handset also includes audio capability to allow participants to receive and input audio.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus measures and classifies innovation skills and technical capability of individuals based on predefined referencable attributes. The classification is used to help individuals improve their innovative abilities and to build innovation teams. The classifications are stored such that they may be further analyzed and used.

Abstract: A system for charging one or more learning session to one or more student accounts comprises an online learning system having one or more nodes that creates one or more online learning sessions over one or more communications channels between one or more students and corresponding teachers. An enrollment node receives student enrollment information. A scheduling node schedules the online learning session. A database that stores information relating to one or more charge criterion information for charging the one or more learning sessions to the one or more student accounts based on communications channel activity. An activity node receives communications channel activity information associated with one or more learning sessions, and an accounting node associates a charge information for a learning session to the student account based on the channel activity information and one or more charge criterion information.

Abstract: A computerized method comprises creating an answer key for an assessment comprising one or more questions to be delivered to one or more participants, where the answer key comprises assessment information and question information; delivering the assessment to the participants; collecting responses from the participants; and saving question descriptions, any annotations made thereon and the collected responses.

Abstract: A system for managing critical student information is disclosed generally comprising storing information associated with individual students, such as important medical information or contact information for the student's parent or guardian, and providing different authorized users, such as school administrators, teachers, or coaches, permission to access the information and/or send messages for particular students. The stored information for each student is associated with one or more group identifiers, which identify particular groups of which the student is a member, such as a school or team, and each authorized user is likewise associated with one or more group identifiers, which identify the particular groups for which the user has access and can send messages.

Abstract: A network of terminals, where each terminal is operable by a student in a group as a response apparatus, is in contemporaneous communication with a teacher station. The modes of operation include visual, i.e. hand writing, hand drawing and typing, as well as audio, in particular the voice of the user, which may contemporaneously accompany the visual, such as when explaining what is being drawn. Such an apparatus can also be used by a teacher to author a lesson, including graphics and audio, providing information and questions which are recorded at the teacher station. The communication means between the student apparatuses and the teacher's station is in a preferred embodiment of the invention via an 802.11 wireless gateway when the students are in the same room as the teacher or in close proximity, or via the Internet especially in the case where individual students are remotely located from the teacher.

Abstract: A response monitoring apparatus using a remote including an electrical circuit including a user activated input, a transmitter, and a receiver, where the electrical circuit is adapted to detect operation of the user activated input and temporarily activate the receiver. After an activation period, the electrical circuit turns off the receiver to conserve battery power. Both signal verification and time monitoring may be used to generate the signal to turn of the receiver. Different transmission and receiving wavelengths are utilized at both the remote and the base unit, and a sensory output is provided on the remote to indicate receipt and acknowledgement of the signal received from the main processor. Different activation codes are sent back to the receiver to generate different sensory outputs. A supplemental teaching method for using the two way teaching apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A game device provides a question to a plurality of players. The game device counts the number of players each having provided an answer to the question or each having provided a correct answer to the question. When the counted number of players reaches a predetermined number of players, a predetermined time limit is set. The game device measures an elapsed time from when the time limit has been set (i.e., a correct answer elapsed time), and stops accepting an answer to the question when the correct answer elapsed time reaches the time limit.

Abstract: An electronic early recognition and confirmation system generally in learner-useable book-form structure including (a) pages, each including at least one lesson-specific question, and for each such question an associated field containing a plurality of nominally undistinguished, learner-selectable, image-based answers among which there is at least one best answer, (b) with respect to each such question, an invitation to a learner to respond to that question by interacting in a defined way with any selected one of the relevant field-associated answers, and (c) power-ready, electronic, interaction-response structure embedded in the book-form structure, operable, when a learner interacts with a selected answer in the relevant field, to produce a light and/or sound correctness-confirming response of one style when the selected answer is the best answer, and a light and/or sound noncorrectness-announcing response of another style when the selected answer is another, incorrect answer.

Abstract: A learning system, method and computer program product is provided that assesses and reinforces the content of learning course. The system sends a plurality of electronic messages to a course participant at a predetermined interval where each message contains at least one of a plurality of questions entered into memory. Each message further comprises at least two possible answers associated with each of the at least one question of the plurality of questions. The system provides means to directly receive and record a participant's selected answer and can also be used to communicate additional information to a course participant. The system tracks and records a number of data points useful to determine an individual participants understanding of the course, the understanding of the participants as a whole, response rates to the electronic message sent to each participant, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assessing a user's skill level in a field of expertise based on game play data generated by that user. In one embodiment, a user plays a game which simulates an auditing interview. The user selects predefined questions to ask a computer controlled interviewee and a game log of the questions asked, reactions to the questions, and other data is created. The game log is then sent to an assessment system with multiple assessment modules. Each assessment module analyzes the game play data for specific patterns in the questions being asked. Patterns such as the sequencing of questions, the type and frequency of questions asked, and whether specific questions are asked may then be tracked and assessed. Based on the results of the various assessment analyses, a final metric indicative of the user's skill level is calculated. Advice and tips for the user to increase his skill level may also be provided based on what patterns were found in the game play data.

Abstract: A system and system are provided for providing synchronous multimedia recording and playback.

Abstract: A system and system are provided for providing synchronous multimedia recording and playback.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for encouraging communication over a network between participants engaged in a learning activity. A communication channel is opened over the network between participants. An objective shared by the participants is presented. Cooperative interaction between the participants is required to complete the objective. Content related to the objective is displayed to each participant of the learning activity. Messages are exchanged in real-time between the participants over the communication channel to allow the participants to progress cooperatively towards completing the objective. Input from one of the participants of the learning activity is received. The input represents an action taken in response to the exchanged messages. The content displayed to the participants is dynamically updated based on the action taken by one of the participants during the learning activity, to depict progress towards the objective.

Abstract: A test administration system comprises a central computer and associated database containing a plurality of tests that may be distributed to a test taker. The central computer provides a website to be accessed by the test administrator and the test taker at remote personal computers when using the test administration system. The website includes an administrator workspace for use by the test administrator and a testing workspace for use by the test taker. The administrator workspace provides the test administrator with the ability to order any number of the tests contained in the database. After ordering a number of tests, the test administrator uses the system to generate test identification codes for a chosen set of ordered tests. The system automatically provides the test identification codes to those test subjects taking a test, and provides the test subject with access information and instructions for using the system to take the test.

Abstract: A table-based wired information system includes a table having a plurality of actual positions designed to receive people and a monitor positioned so as to be observed by people at any of the plurality of actual positions. A flat ribbon cable with a plurality of electrical conductors less than the number of available positions is affixed to an under-surface of the table in a flat orientation by an adhesive backing. A plurality of vote boxes, each including a multi-position switch, are adhesively attached to the under-surface at each of the actual positions. The cable is coupled to the monitor system and each of the vote boxes is coupled to the cable intermediate the ends by a press-on insulation displacement connector.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing student performance defines student performance by classifying student performance into discrete performance classifications associated with corresponding activities related to the electronic course. An observed student performance level for at least one of the performance classifications is measured. A benchmark performance level or range is established for one or more of the performance classifications. It is determined whether the observed student performance level is compliant with the established benchmark performance level for the at least one performance classification. Instructive feedback is determined for the observed student based upon any material deviation of the observed student performance from at least one of the following: the benchmark performance level, the benchmark performance range, a group of benchmark performance levels, and group of benchmark performance ranges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for establishing, organizing, managing and utilizing an online learning community and other resources to promote critical thinking skills. It provides online resources in critical thinking to individual learners, communities, and institutions, worldwide. The method is available as a tutorial resource, a supplementary instruction unit, and an integral curriculum in critical thinking for teachers, learners, writers, illustrators, artists and others.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for encouraging communication over a network between participants engaged in a learning activity. A communication channel is opened over the network between participants. An objective shared by the participants is presented. Cooperative interaction between the participants is required to complete the objective. Content related to the objective is displayed to each participant of the learning activity. Messages are exchanged in real-time between the participants over the communication channel to allow the participants to progress cooperatively towards completing the objective. Input from one of the participants of the learning activity is received. The input represents an action taken in response to the exchanged messages. The content displayed to the participants is dynamically updated based on the action taken by one of the participants during the learning activity, to depict progress towards the objective.

Abstract: Educational software using a computer and having a data storage system including a software module database management system and a user database management system. There is a quiz module database, maintained by the software module database management system, containing at least one quiz module, and a structured learning material editor module database, maintained by the software module database management system and containing at least one structured learning material editor modules. The software also has a structured learning material database, maintained by the user database management system, for storing at least one structured learning material data set created by a user. A user interface is provided for selecting system control functions, editing structured learning materials, presenting quizzes, receiving user answers to quizzes, and displaying quiz analysis results. A control system retrieves software modules from the software module database management system and activates them.

Abstract: A test administration system comprises a central computer and associated database containing a plurality of tests that may be distributed to a test taker. The central computer provides a website to be accessed by the test administrator and the test taker at remote personal computers when using the test administration system. The website includes an administrator workspace for use by the test administrator and a testing workspace for use by the test taker. The administrator workspace provides the test administrator with the ability to order any number of the tests contained in the database. After ordering a number of tests, the test administrator uses the system to generate test identification codes for a chosen set of ordered tests. The system automatically provides the test identification codes to those test subjects taking a test, and provides the test subject with access information and instructions for using the system to take the test.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for interactive, adaptive, and individualized computer assisted instruction. This invention includes an agent (108) for each student (101) which adapts to its student, and provides individualized guidance to the student and controls to the augmented computer assisted instructional materials. The instructional materials of this invention are augmented to communicate the student's performance and the material's pedagogical characteristics to the agent, and to receive control from the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the agent maintains data reflecting the student's pedagogic or cognitive characteristics in a protected and portable media in the personal control of the student. Preferably, the content of the communication between the agent and the materials conforms to specified interface standards, so that the agent acts independently of the content of the particular materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for interactive, adaptive, and individualized computer assisted instruction. This invention includes an agent (108) for each student (101) which adapts to its student, and provides individualized guidance to the student and controls to the augmented computer assisted instructional materials. The instructional materials of this invention are augmented to communicate the student's performance and the material's pedagogical characteristics to the agent, and to receive control from the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the agent maintains data reflecting the student's pedagogic or cognitive characteristics in a protected and portable media in the personal control of the student. Preferably, the content of the communication between the agent and the materials conforms to specified interface standards, so that the agent acts independently of the content of the particular materials.

Abstract: A knowledge based wagering game affords a plurality of players an opportunity to place a wager on the game. A sequential series of questions is displayed to each player who must select a correct answer from a plurality of possible answers within a predetermined period of time. The answers selected by each player are recorded and the players are ranked with respect to all of the other players based on the number of correct answers selected and the amount of time taken to select the answers. Under a pari-mutuel betting system payouts are made in accordance with the players' relative scores.

Abstract: A computerized curriculum capture, organization and delivery system and method are provided, includes a data gathering mechanism for defining and downloading a quantity of data from a data source; a data retaining mechanism in communication with the data gathering mechanism for storing the quantity of data; a data organizing mechanism in communication with the data retaining mechanism for organizing the quantity of data into a cohesive and interactive lesson; a server in communication with the data retaining mechanism; a data delivery mechanism in communication with the server; and a user receiver with an input mechanism in communication with the server for operation by an end user; so that the data gathering mechanism defines and downloads a quantity of data from the data source pertaining to a selected curriculum topic, whereupon the data organizing mechanism partitions the data into curriculum units and arranges and interlinks the curriculum units into a lesson web having an interactive format; the server