Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for recognizing user personality in accordance with a speech recognition system. For example, a technique for recognizing a personality trait associated with a user interacting with a speech recognition system includes the following steps/operations. One or more decoded spoken utterances of the user are obtained. The one or more decoded spoken utterances are generated by the speech recognition system. The one or more decoded spoken utterances are analyzed to determine one or more linguistic attributes (morphological and syntactic filters) that are associated with the one or more decoded spoken utterances. The personality trait associated with the user is then determined based on the analyzing step/operation.

Abstract: A system for connecting a plurality of computing systems to a single network for providing instructor services in distributed computing environment. The system includes a plurality of client workstations; a control unit for configuring the operation of the plurality of client workstations; and a communications network for transmission of data and commands between the control unit and the plurality of client workstations, the communications network being a TCP/IP based communications network. The control unit presents test questions to users on one, any, or all of the plurality of client workstations. Each of the plurality of client workstations accepts responses from users to the questions presented. Each of the plurality of client workstations provides status of the responses received from the users to the test questions and the control unit maintains a real-time display of the status of users taking a test consisting of the test question present.

Abstract: An entertainment device that includes an output generator that produces audible outputs is disclosed. The output generator produces outputs in response to user inputs. In one embodiment, the entertainment device includes several actuators that can be activated by a user. The output generator produces different outputs in response to different user inputs.

Abstract: A self-administered and self-scoring test kit and method for early self-screening of neurological disease, by detection of diminished olfactory function. The test kit is comprised of a plurality of pages; attached to each page (28) via adhesive is a microencapsulated strip (36) that, when scratched, releases a different, distinct odor. The test kit has instructions that provide for self-administration (33) and self-scoring (46) of the test, and identification of a threshold score (48) as a self-screening method for possible neurological disease and need to consult a physician.

Abstract: A test form comprises a substrate, a chromogenic material applied to at least a top surface portion of the substrate, a removable opaque layer overlaying a portion of the chromogenic material, the chromogenic material being adapted to irreversibly generate a visible change in color to form a desired indicia, upon exposure of the area to an activating agent such as heat to predetermined areas on a bottom portion of the substrate, all without disturbing the opaque layer covering the indicia so produced. The present invention is further directed to a method and system for customizing a test form having a removable opaque layer, by permitting printing under the opaque layer to be concealed until the corresponding opaque layer covering the indicia is removed.

Abstract: A flash card or other type display member is disclosed in which one or more display surfaces are provided for displaying a first indicia, preferably educational indicia. A flap is provided on display surface for optionally revealing a second indicia associated with the first indicia.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.

Abstract: An answer form for use in answering multiple-choice questions is configured to provide immediate feedback to an examinee as to whether a correct response has been made for each question, and if not, permits the examinee to proceed to determine the correct response. The multiple-choice test answer form provides for recording fill or partial credit for any response on the answer form, and is capable of being scored either manually or automatically by apparatus for form scoring. The answer form includes a substrate such as a paper surface upon which is printed a varying number of rows and columns of answer alternatives. The rows correspond to the questions to be answered, and the columns correspond to the number of answer alternatives for each question. Each alternative is covered by an opaque coating that can be rubbed off to reveal whether a particular alternative conceals an indication that the alternative is correct or not. A blank space beneath the opaque coating indicates an incorrect alternative.

Abstract: A method of using a computer to teach, wherein a child first studies a first element of information located on a computer screen, then locates an empty space adjacent to first element. The empty space is intended to receive a second related element of information. After comparing what is available from a group of second elements, the child selects an appropriate second element from a remote source located on the screen. Once a correct second element is chosen, appropriate software allows the child to computer activate (touch screen or use a mouse) to selectively display a third element. The third element relates to the second element, while the second element relates to the first. The child learns by observing the designed relationship between any first element and the second element and any relationship between the second element and the third element.

Abstract: A story book assembly and a method of teaching wherein a child first studies a first element of information, then locates an empty space adjacent to first element. The empty space is intended to receive a second related element of information. After comparing what is available, the child selects an appropriate second element from a remote source. The second element is initially located on an exposed surface of a movable card. The movable card includes a hidden surface, on which a third element of information is disposed. The hidden surface is selectively exposed by the child so that the third element may be viewed. The selected movable card is then placed within the empty space so that the second element may be viewed together with the first element. The third element relates to the second element and the second element relates to the first element.

Abstract: A self-help test book or similar device incorporating quiz cards is disclosed. The test book comprises question display elements, each of which bears printed questions. Each question is identified by an answer identification code having a first graphic designation and a second numeric designation. The test book is also provided with an answer display element, bearing answers to the questions. The answers are arranged in blocks according to the graphic designation of the particular question to which the answer belongs, and are further organized within each block by the numeric designation of that question. The questions are assigned answer identification codes in a non-ordered fashion so that answers to adjacent questions are displaced from one another. Questions and answers thereto are fully and simultaneously visible.

Abstract: A graphic communication medium is disclosed in which a dry pastel substance is placed in solution and uniformly applied over a substrate such as paper. The substrate may include a drawing beneath the pastel such that areas of the drawing may be highlighted by selectively removing the dried pastel from the area to be highlighted. The highlighted area is then re-covered by rubbing pastel from adjacent areas of the substrate thereover.

Abstract: A machine readable form for indicating one or a plurality of selections among a group of options presented on the form. A form member, preferably paper, has printed thereon a plurality of options. Each option has associated therewith a printed machine readable code, for example a bar code. Each machine readable code is initially blocked from the machine scanner by a removable cover such as a removable opaque label. When one or more of the options is selected, the associated covers are manually removed from the chosen codes only. When the entire form is scanned, the machine will be able to read and record only those codes which have been exposed by removal of the cover previously situated over those particular codes. Forms utilizing the disclosed invention provide an increased degree of accuracy in reading and recording preprinted selections on forms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a card game intended to develop the knowledge and associate skills of the player. The game is made up of a plurality of cards with a first portion having an illustration covered and concealed by a material that can be removed by scratching and a second portion having a plurality of descriptive identifiers one of which has a concealed indicator which identifies it as explaining the illustration on the first portion. The removable material is demarcated into a plurality of smaller areas so that the player removes the concealing material gradually to reveal the illustration. When the player believes he knows what the illustration is, he tries to locate the correct identifier on the second portion of the card by removing the material covering the correct indicator.

Abstract: An educational device for teaching humanistic values to a child is in the form of a toy manufactured with at least one recognizable abused condition or defect. The toy is packaged and marketed with repair apparatus enabling a child to permanently substantially eliminate the abused condition and effective upon completion of the repair to leave permanent visual reminder of the original abused condition.

Abstract: A skill game for home or promotional use in stores or in fast food restaurants that provides a player with a degree of self-determination and provides an inducement to perspective customers. The score is dependent on the player's skill and his confidence in his answer. This game provides a variable scoring system where each additional clue which is revealed reduces the score of a correct answer.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the fields of graphic arts and graphic communication. The principal use of this invention is to communicate visually with a new graphic method--a method of putting a translucent overlay on one color of pastels uniformly on a piece of paper and then removing it by erasure in order to create a desired image. The paper can be imprinted before the overlay is applied in order to give a foundation for the erasure. One prior method of graphic communication has been to put a color or several colors on a paper nonuniformly to create a desired image. Likewise, another prior method has been computer-generated images on cathode ray tubes. Both of these prior methods require training and skill. Neither are easily accomplished. This new method requires no artistic or computer skill and gives excellent results. Further, this new graphic method can be renewed by rubbing the translucent overlay back to a uniform color and an additional image created by erasing again.

Abstract: The method consists of nullifying on a ticket a predetermined number of squares in a first series of squares by the removal of an opaque layer coated thereon and carrying the data to be validated by uncovering, under each square, a respective symbol, and of nullifying all the squares in a second series of squares by the removal of an opaque layer coated thereon and carrying said symbols, except for those squares which carry identical symbols of those uncovered in the first series of squares. If the squares uncovered from the first series identify a date, the presence on a ticket of covered squares in the second series carrying the same symbols as appear in the uncovered squares from the first series certifies that the squares in the second series have been uncovered after uncovering the squares in the first series, thus validating the identified date.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of inscribing or imprinting a symbol or message on a substantially flat surface of a block of plastic while the same is at an elevated temperature by the application of pressure to said surface. The plastic block is then cooled to approximately room temperature and all visible evidence of the inscription is "erased" by physically removing, as by grinding, the superficial layer of material which bears the visible inscription. The inscription is made to reappear on the surface of the remaining block of plastic by heating the same to approximately the elevated temperature at which the inscription was made until the symbol or message reappears.

Abstract: A scratch and smell game for pre-school children which makes use of a playing board on whose front face is printed drawings of different fruits or other odor-producing objects, each having a characteristic smell. At a site adjacent each fruit on the front face is a removable chip seated in a cutout in the board and forming a part of the board, the chips all having the same geometry. Coated on the front face of each chip is a layer of rupturable capsules containing a fragrance whose smell matches that of the particular fruit adjacent thereto. Printed on the rear face of the board are drawings of the same fruits, portions of these printed drawings being included on the rear faces of the chips so that the chips are necessary to complete the drawings. In playing the game, the player first removes all chips from the board and then shuffles them so that their proper sites on the front face of the board are no longer known.

Abstract: The invention relates to a game card device 1 comprising a manually held card 2 which has first, second and third indicia 3, 4 and 5 all of which have spaces which are covered by a camouflaging layer of rubber/graphite mixture which can be removed readily by rubbing or scratching. The first indicia 3 indicates a first category or field of activity, the second 4 indicia identifies a number of different integers associated with the first indicia 3 and the third indicia 5 provides a plurality of separate options associated with a combination of the first and second indicia 3 and 4 whereby to match them using skill.

Abstract: A radio-controlled teaching device comprising a teacher transmitter unit and a plurality of student receiver units for maintaining student alertness during oral reading of written textual material, for the oral administration of multiple-choice or true or false test material, and for the preparation and presentation of recorded programmed instructional material. The teacher transmitter unit contains a tone generator and radio transmitter which transmits discrete tone signals, either under manual control of the teacher or automatically under the control of a plural channel instructional tape recording. Each student receiver unit contains timers, a logic circuit, and a radio receiver which receives the above tone signals (which are transparent to the students) and provides a short time period during which the student is expected to respond by briefly closing a response switch. The short time periods correspond to portions of a text being orally read, such as the end of a paragraph, proper nouns, verbs, etc.

Abstract: An educational and recreational toy particularly for young children is provided for associating common subjects or shapes with related fragrances. The toy includes a series of uniquely shaped game pieces bearing familiar pictorial subject matter for seated reception within complementary-shaped recesses in a game board. Removal of a game piece from its associated board recess exposes a fragrance sticker adhered to the board and having a chemically coated front surface which, when lightly scratched, emits a familiar fragrance correlated with the shape and/or pictorial subject matter of the removed piece.

Abstract: A game comprising a playing surface having first indicia thereon defining a plurality of game symbols. Second indicia on the playing surface define a plurality of game categories. The second indicia is arranged on the playing surface so that the game symbols are in spaced relationship with the game categories. Third indicia on the playing surface define a plurality of playing areas. Each playing area is in spaced register with one of the game symbols and one of the game categories so that selection of one of the playing areas associates the playing symbol with the game category. The game symbols are chosen and arranged with respect to the game categories and playing areas so that at least one desired combination of selected ones of the game symbols is associatable with each game category and at least one desired combination of playing areas associates all of the game symbols with the game categories.

Abstract: An identification structure and method for temporary or short term identification of a portion of a surface or substrate. The structure and method include the use of viscous material which is displaced by pressure applied thereto and which retains its displaced condition until smoothed out by any suitable means. Preferably, the viscous material is enclosed in a substantially flat bag which has opposed transparent portions. The viscous material is visible but also has a high degree of transparency. Identification of a portion of a surface or substrate is made as the bag is positioned immediately above or adjacent thereto or in engagement with the surface or substrate. All portions of the surface or substrate are normally visible through the bag and through the viscous material. Pressure is applied to the bag immediately above the portion of the surface to be identified.

Abstract: A scoring form for tests having a series of questions with multi-choice answers.The form provides an answer group for each question. An answer group is a matrix of rows and columns. The number of columns (or matrix elements in a row) is typically equal to the number of answer choices in the questions, with the elements in each row identified the same as the answer choices. The number of rows in the matrix is equal to the position number of the question in the ordered series of test questions. Each line in the matrix is identified by the question number and one of a series of hyphenated identifiers.Each element in each matrix contains a latent image address which is invisible to the testee until he activates the latent image, as by rubbing the spot which he associates with the correct answer.

Abstract: A method for making a game ticket, such as for example a lottery ticket, is disclosed in which the ticket has a base sheet and a cover sheet adhesively joined together in peripheral portions of sections containing information used in the game. The cover sheet, along with other materials placed on the base sheet, conceals the information to be used in the game and prevents undetected tampering with the ticket. The ticket is formed from a base sheet on which information to be concealed is printed, and a release coating is deposited over predetermined areas of the previously printed information. Thereafter an opaque material is applied over the release coating to conceal the information in the printed areas, which opaque material is adapted to be rubbed off when the ticket is used. Thereafter the non-transparent cover sheet is adhered to the base sheet along predetermined areas surrounding the sections of the base sheet defining individual tickets.