Abstract: The general learning support system comprises a preliminarily learning unit 50, an information providing unit 20, an input unit 53 and a post leaning unit 55. The preliminarily learning unit 50 provides, for preliminary learning, first information about a situation to be experienced by a learner. The information providing unit 20 provides second information to the learner who preliminary learned the first information by using the preliminary learning unit 50 such that the learner experiences the situation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for turning pages of a music book. When a music performer manipulates a power switch, an actuating lever disposed in a housing of the apparatus is raised out of a guide groove of the housing and presses down and carries a right lower end of the page in accordance with an operation of a driving motor interlocked with the actuating lever. At this time, a pressure contact piece is moved in a fore and aft direction with respect to the page to press down or to be separated from the page so that the page can be smoothly turned. The actuating lever continues to pivot leftward along the guide groove to completely turn the page. After completing the operation of turning the page, the actuating lever is separated from the turned page and returns to an initial position along the guide groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlled release of a fumigant into a wooden structure to prevent decay of that structure. According to the present invention, a fumigant in an ampule or container is inserted into the wooden structure. The ampule or container is made of a polymeric material that does not react with the fumigant, but having walls which are permeable to the fumigant such that, when inserted into the wooden structure, the rate of release of the fumigant through the walls of the ampule is slow enough to continuously treat and arrest decay of the wooden structure, particularly decay caused by fungi, over extended periods of time (i.e., 1, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 or 30 years). The rate of release of the fumigant can be controlled by the type of fumigant, the shape of the container, the specific polymer used to make the container, and by the thickness of the container wall.

Abstract: A method of demonstrating the cleaning performance of a cleaning pad comprises the steps of: (a) providing a soil composition comprising fine particulate matter, optional colorant, and optional dispersant; wherein said soil composition has a mean particle size of from about 1 &mgr;m to about 1,000 &mgr;m; (b) distributing said soil composition on a demonstration surface; and (c) wiping said demonstration surface with said cleaning pad. A soil composition for use in said methods comprises: (a) fine particulate matter; (b) optional colorant; and (c) optional dispersant; wherein said soil composition has a mean particle size of from about 1 &mgr;m to about 1,000 &mgr;m. The soil composition is preferably dispersed in an aqueous carrier to form a soil dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention revolutionizes a scale modelers ability to quickly and easily create realistic scale roads or paved surfaces by allowing the said user to create said road or road system in any size, shape or configuration. This work is to be performed on a work bench thus saving much back and muscle ache(s) from the necessity to lean over a layout or scale model scene to create a road or road system in place. The present invention will remain flexible in it's completed form allowing for placement onto varying ground elevations and hill grades.

Abstract: An electronic instructional device (10) operable to teach, through point-of-performance demonstration, proper technique for accomplishing a process, such as performing dental hygiene or preparing a recipe, wherein the device (10) is customized and adaptable to conditions surrounding performance of the particular process. The device (10) broadly comprises a base (12), a display screen (14), a speaker (16), and an input device (18). The device (10) may store instructional information for subsequent recall and communication, or download such information from a network as needed for immediate communication. Furthermore, the device may include a compliance encouraging mechanism 48, such as a telltale or reward mechanism.

Abstract: A real-time camera image of a student is displayed to the student while the student is performing a physical activity. The student can switch between seeing his natural field of view and the live video image by refocusing his eyes. Additionally, instructional information may be overlaid on the real-time video, thus enhancing the learning process.

Abstract: An on-line educational system. An instructor builds a course on-line containing identification of assignments and educational materials, which are compiled into an on-line electronic syllabus. Users enrolled in the course may access the electronic syllabus and perform various functions with the on-line educational system in order to participate in the on-line educational course.

Abstract: A method of teaching music theory employs a plurality of game pieces. The game pieces correspond to notes on a music scale. The game pieces are arrangeable in a manner in which each game piece is adjacent to at least one of the other game pieces. The method comprises assigning a first orientation to correspond to a whole step and assigning a second orientation to correspond to a half step. The first orientation constitutes a first spatial relationship between adjacent game pieces. The second orientation constitutes a second spatial relationship between adjacent game pieces. The second spatial relationship differs from the first spatial relationship. The method further comprises arranging the game pieces in a manner so that each game piece is adjacent to at least one of the other game pieces in either the first orientation or the second orientation.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus consisting of a set of parts that can be assembled into a variety of internal-combustion engine analogs. The set of parts comprises a set of platform parts that can be assembled into a platform having a platform rotary axis and a platform reference axis normal to the platform rotary axis and a set of driver parts that can be assembled with a set of platform parts into a driver assembly supported by the platform. The driver assembly comprises one or more drivers, each driver containing a first driver point and a second driver point. The first driver point travels back and forth along a driver line segment while the second driver point travels in a driver circle around a driver-assembly rotary axis.

Abstract: A system and/or a method for training a patient/learner, the system or method including one or more training modules, each training module involving a concept or operation to be learned, at least one such training module containing an illustration of at least a part of the concept or operation and including the presentation to the patient/learner of the illustration of a training module, and the presentation to the patient/learner of the concept or the operation; and the demonstration by the patient/learner of the concept or the operation. A system or method of this invention may particularly involve dialysis or peritoneal dialysis patients.

Abstract: A method and kit for teaching disabled students, such as children with developmental delays and disabilities such as autism, through music. The method makes extensive use of an illustrated song book and individual sound recordings of appropriate songs with lyrics, and tying the pages of the song book with the individual sound recordings of the songs by the use of icons or graphic images, including icon cards, representing respective ones of the songs. The method permits the students to find the appropriate page in the song book for following along as the selected song is being played, while also permitting the students to have a choice in the selection of songs to be experienced. The method and kit also provide the teacher with suggestions of activities for engaging the children, such activities being specific to the selected song being played.

Abstract: An imaging rotation cup comprises a cup body and an outer shell, wherein the cup body comprises a drawing having at least two pictures on its surface. Each picture of the drawing is formed with parallel and equal spaced lines. The outer shell on the cup body is made of nontransparent material with a transparent portion which is able to disclose the pictures. The transparent portion of the outer shell comprises transparent sections corresponding to the parallel spaced lines of the pictures, individually. Whereas the transparent portion allows the picture to be shown while the transparent portion laps the corresponding picture.

Abstract: An electronic game includes a housing supporting a pair of handles and a pivotable turn table. A model bulldozer is supported upon the turntable while each handle supports a moveable squeeze activated control lever. A liquid crystal display is positioned upon the housing and includes a miniature bulldozer image element together with a scrolling background image set. A microprocessor control circuit within the game unit responds to the actuation of the control levers to scroll the image display appropriately. A mechanical linkage mechanism coupled to the turntable is operated by the control levers to appropriately pivot the turntable and model bulldozer thereon to further simulate steering of the bulldozer.

Abstract: A tutorial or diagnostic aid based on the representation and iterative interpretation of visual images is taught. A teaching or diagnostic session is created by overlaying an interpretation layer via a software application onto the visual image layer and synchronizing the two with the time code of the visual image. The interpretation layer allows the reviewer to identify image areas of interest by gesture and append comments thereto in real time; i.e. images or portions of images within the visual representation playback may be identified and labeled and have the concurrent commentary associated therewith. The comments are indexed and linked to a database of similar topics. The flow of the session is recorded to show the images, deictic gestures associated therewith, and commentary associated with the gestures, to enable subsequent users to playback a session and follow the flow of thought (i.e. image identification and commentary within the original session).

Abstract: A developed film is illuminated to project its image onto a rear projection screen. A transparent case with a clear liquid filled therein is arranged, and the film is accommodated in the case. A writable transparent or translucent sheet is arranged over a front side of the rear projection screen.

Abstract: An educational desk mat, system and method for motivating and instructing students includes a merit indicator on a desk mat that is readily visible on a student's desk. The system includes a desk mat for each student and a behavior chart for a teacher. Individual merit indications from the desk mats are recorded on one or more behavior charts, permitting the teacher to track the merit indicators of each student over a school term or other time period. The education desk mat, system and method are also useful in home or home-schooling environments.

Abstract: A method for remote learning that simulates what the human tutors do as they help explain homework problems. It enhances the self-teaching capabilities of students. It contains hints which are helpful clues for students who don't know how to proceed. These hints suggestion enable the student to proceed with their own paper and pencil solution.

Abstract: A computer program and method for displaying a family tree in 3 dimensions. A family space contains person objects representing members of a family. Data can be entered on family members by hand or read in from a database. Person objects are connected to other person objects to represent family relationships. Different axes in the family space can represent different relationships. One axis can represent siblingship, another can represent parent/child, and another can represent marriage or father/mother relationships. The space, or parts of it, can be displayed on an output device. A set of commands allows rotations, translations, zooming, etc. Selecting a particular person object can bring up historical information concerning that person and possibly a visual representation of that person.

Abstract: A grading system includes a sever computer installed in a management company and a client computer owned by a client and connected to the server computer via a network. Through use of the client computer, a client requests the sever computer to appraise and register a card. The management company appraises the card received from the client and stores an appraisal result and information regarding the client in an IC chip as card information. Subsequently, the management company returns the card and the IC chip to the client.

Abstract: An improved book, wherein a user engages a dial or other selector device to access at least one page, chapter, part, rhyme or story within the book.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an electronic education course utilizing an event data model and learning desktop. The learning desktop includes a repository where student knowledge, ideas, concepts, discourse and/or interaction are captured, codified and tagged in real time. This information is input into the event data model enabling a teacher to create the initial top-level design of a course, which may be modified as the course progresses. For example, the students and teacher can amend or add to the initial course design by creating new events. Therefore, the system and method provide an evolving learning continuum that captures the flow of events as the course and student input develops. Additionally, student reaction to concepts over time or at a certain point in the session may be analyzed. Furthermore, the event data model enables the teacher to compare and track reaction to certain course elements among different sets of students or taught at different times.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating changes in motion with respect to time. Two arrays of equally spaced photoresistors and light-emitting diodes are placed on two parallel straight line arrays. Rails upon which an object moves are placed parallel to the arrays. A laser is attached to the object. At any moment of time during the motion of the object, the laser illuminates one or two adjacent photoresistors. Each photoresistor in a line of elements is connected to a first input of a logic AND gate, to whose second input clock pulses are conducted and whose output is connected through a logic flip-flop element to the light-emitting diode. The apparatus provides for demonstration of a motion development in time by conveying a visual demonstration of path sections or intervals traversed by the object in equal time intervals to thereby make possible a picture of whether the motion is steady or accelerated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for enhancing cognitive functioning and its manifestation into physical form and translation into useful information for improving functioning in human experience, for example, business, academic or personal endeavors.

Abstract: An internet-mediated technique permits the collaboration of parents, educators and advertizing sponsors to motivate student utilization of interactive computer practice sessions with automated assessment and customized presentations for students.

Abstract: A system for use in skill acquisition, transfers and verification for performer has a simulated object, i.e., simulated head, to which the performer would perform clinical procedure. An image pickup, e.g., CCD camera, picks up an image of a point indicator provided on the performer or an instrument. Using the picked-up image, an image signal corresponding to the picked-up image is made. An image processor processes the image signal and generates data for showing a movement or tracks of the point indicator on a two-dimensional coordinate system. Thereby, a display shows tracks of the point indicator by using coordinate data.

Abstract: A rolling device in the form of a two-wheeled toy can record and play back physical motion. In a “training mode,” the user grasps the device and draws it along a surface on a desired path. The motion is sensed and recorded in an internal memory. In a “playback mode,” the previously imparted motion is repeated—i.e., executed by internal circuitry based on the recorded motion, preferably over and over.

Abstract: Execution status of a number of teaching processes distributed throughout a computer network are represented in a HTML document such that the status of the teaching processes can be observed remotely using a conventional HTML document viewer. In general, the status can be observed from any of a number of computers which can retrieve the HTML document through a computer network. To view the execution status of the teaching processes, an administrator uses a conventional HTML viewer to request the HTML document according to a file transfer protocol, e.g., the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). HTTP supports retrieval of HTML documents locally, i.e., within the computer in which a HTTP server executes, or remotely through a computer network. The HTML document includes user interface controls by which the administrator can invoke administrations tasks performed by the HTTP server.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system in which it is possible to pre-warn the consumer who is trying to purchase contents that cannot be written on the PD that the contents cannot be written on the PD. Based on the PD writability information, the PD writability detector determines whether the contents distributed by the distribution system notified by the distribution system detector can be written on the PD. If it is determined that the contents cannot be written, the PD writability detector requests the controller to warn the consumer.

Abstract: A remote control includes a base and an insert that is attached in a detachable manner to the base. The base includes a remote control circuit, a button coupled to operate the remote control circuit and a fastener capable of holding the insert. The insert includes a printed publication (such as a card, a sheet of paper or a booklet) containing at least one leaf having human-understandable content (such as text and/or graphics). To assemble the remote control, a user attaches the insert to the fastener, so that the human-understandable content is laid over the button. Thereafter, when the user operates the button (e.g. by touching the leaf), the base transmits a remote control signal that causes a host device to visually display information related to the human-understandable content at the touched location. A base in the form of a three ring binder gives the user an intuitive feel of simply touching human-understandable content on a leaf in the binder to view a display of information related to the content.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus capable of generating a personalized activity publication includes the receipt of a publication profile from a requesting user. A lesson plan based, at least in part, on at least a subset of a plurality of information in accordance with the received publication profile is dynamically generated. Periodically, a targeted publication is assembled for delivery to the requesting user to satisfy at least a subset of the lesson plan generated from the publication profile.

Abstract: The learning chair helps to teach a child important tools for life, such as how to tell time and days of the week, how to organize a daily wardrobe, and develop communication and organizational skills. The chair is shaped in the form of a fictional character or likable “buddy” to a child, such as a robot, doll, action figure, or cartoon character. A child learns how to prepare a daily wardrobe and vocabulary for placement of pants, dresses, shirts, hats, and shoes. The learning chair is a fun communication tool between a parent and child. The chair has the ability to play pre-recorded messages as alarms on a clock. Messages may be pre-recorded according to the voice of a fictional character portrayed by the chair, or pre-recorded by a parent or adult. Messages may include personal announcement using the child's name such as time to wake up, get dressed, go to bed, take a bath, etc. The chair has a chalkboard for leaving written messages between the parent and child.

Abstract: A training system (1) has various media for interfacing with a user. A system controller (2) uses an interface file (17) to automatically execute action commands to perform an interfacing event. The action commands are delimited by interactivity point commands, execution of which halts an execution path and allows interactive inputs. A simulation program (19) may then be retrieved to allow the controller (2) simulate interfacing of the training subject. Screen controls are dynamically linked with simulation handlers of the simulation program. They are all disconnected after use of a simulation program. A combination of automatic interfacing and interactivity is achieved in a simple way for effective user training.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing the usefulness, sensitivity and specificity of tests that measure memory and facets of memory, including learning, retention, recall and/or recognition. Specifically, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests are enhanced by selectively weighting the value of specific items recalled by the test subject, either by weighting such items within any specific testing trial or across numerous testing trials. Also disclosed are various methods of reducing ceiling effects in memory tests. The invention also provides improved tests which employ item-specific weighting for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia characterized by memory impairment, as well as a method of screening for and evaluating the efficacy of potential therapeutics directed to the treatment of such dementia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a computer to perform a vehicle operation proficiency test and based upon the results, to transfer performance features upgrade data to a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller combines the functionality of an RC controller with that of a “joystick” within the same device by controlling an RC vehicle when used as an RC controller and controlling a computer virtual vehicle game when used as a “joystick.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically gathering information from an individual and using the information to model that individual's learning style. The method is preferably embodied in a programmable computer having a display, a processor, a variety of output devices and a variety of input devices. The display and the output devices communicate inquiries to the individual in a variety of forms, including both visual communications and non-visual communications, and the individual may select whether he/she prefers to receive communications in a visual or non-visual format. The input devices receive the individual's responses to the inquiries via a variety of media, including keyboards, point-and-click devices or speech recognition devices, and the individual may select any of the available media to input his/her responses.

Abstract: An interactive hatching egg provides a learning experience for children. The egg is formed of upper and lower sections joined along a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the egg. The lower section carries a power supply, a controller having an input coupled to a touch sensor and outputs coupled to a motive drive, an illumination source and a sound generator. The controller is programmed to initiate a cycle upon detecting when the egg is touched, with the cycle including sound and light patterns. The cycle concludes with the motive drive actuating a latch which releases a hatch lid contoured in the upper shell to expose a baby animal. Upon detecting the egg being touched during a cycle, the controller alters the sound and/or light patterns.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation simulation system comprising a ground transportation simulation node, a rail transportation simulation node, a maritime transportation simulation node and an air transportation simulation node. Each of these simulation nodes are interactive, interconnected and designed to provide a manned multi-sensory, e.g. visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile simulation.

Abstract: An interactive computer system for teaching laboratory-based sciences. According to one embodiment, the system includes a data acquisition module, an internet-based coursework database, and internet-based interactive software tools. Using the interactive software tools, an instructor can select academic course materials and related laboratory experiments from the coursework database. The instructor can create an Internet web page, which provides students with an interactive visual interface with the selected course materials and laboratories, along with various analysis tools. The data acquisition module is located at the site of an experimentation laboratory, and interfaces with laboratory equipment to capture data from selected experiments. Experimental data is transmitted in real-time to an internet-based storage location.

Abstract: A personalized sticker is manufactured by first creating a plurality of copies of a personalized image, with each copy differing in size, and then interlacing the copies to form an interlaced personalized image. The interlaced personalized image is filmed and the film is utilized to print the interlaced personalized image on a sheet of paper. A lenticular lense corresponding to the interlacing of the interlaced personalized image is then formed on a surface of a plastic laminate opposite the sheet of paper. The sheet of paper is removed and the personalized image is transferred to the plastic laminate. A protective backing is next applied to the interlaced personalized image opposite the lenticular lense, which is in turn attached to a double-sided adhesive sheet for later use.

Abstract: Myoelectric and wireless technologies are used for the control of a portable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA). That is, a portable electronic device has a wireless myoelectric user interface. An apparatus includes a material which forms a forearm or wrist band, myoelectric sensors attached to the band, a digital processor coupled to the myoelectric sensors, and a wireless transmitter coupled to the digital processor. The apparatus is operative to sense and detect particular hand and/or finger gestures, and to broadcast control signals corresponding to the gestures for operative control of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A device for training physicians in tympanocentesis is disclosed. The device includes an outer member resembling a side profile of a child's head and shoulder's area. The outer member is attached to a surface portion to define a receiving area for receiving a slidable inner member. A replica of at least an eardrum and ear canal of a child's inner ear is associated with the sliding inner member. A training portion of the inner member supports a simulated inner ear, positions the simulated inner ear to a desired position adjacent the outer ear of the outer member, and acts as a holder for the training cartridges used with the training device. The cartridges simulate the “look and feel” of popping through the tympanic membrane. The cartridges include one or more training areas. Two color distinct training materials are maintained within each training area of the top member of the cartridge.

Abstract: A video coloring book includes a processor, a display device and a selecting device. The processor displays a coloring picture on the display device. The coloring picture has a plurality of selectable coloring regions. The processor further displays a plurality of selectable colors on the display device. The processor receives a first selection of one of the colors and a second selection of one of the coloring regions from the selecting device. The processor then fills the selected region with the selected color. Additional colors and/or regions can be selected. When a predetermined time expires, the processor animates the coloring picture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a computer screen layout provides a plurality of physically manipulable pieces each representing one of a plurality of computer screen objects. The pieces are removably secured to a surface representing a computer screen. The pieces are arranged on the surface to provide a proposed computer screen layout. The pieces may then be moved on the surface, added to the surface, or removed from the surface to provide a revised computer screen layout. The revised computer screen layout is then recreated in the computer program under development.

Abstract: A simulated training method in which groups of users interactively control user controllable images to make idiosyncratic, simulated physical movements. Preferred embodiments include user controllable images executing simulated physical movements in competition, opposition, coordination and sport activities. Means are provided to evaluate relative effectiveness of movements between groups of users.

Abstract: A music apparatus is communicable with a supervisory computer through a network for remotely training a user in matching with a skill level. In the music apparatus, an instrument is manually operable by the user for generating a performance. A monitor displays a lesson score in matching with the skill level so that the user is prompted to render the displayed lesson score by operating the instrument for generating a sample performance. A processor compares event data representative of the sample performance with note data representative of the lesson score to locally execute a quantitative evaluation of the sample performance. A transmitter transmits the event data representative of the sample performance to the supervisory computer through the network so that the supervisory computer can work to remotely provide a qualitative evaluation of the sample performance according to the event data to thereby arrange instruction data.

Abstract: An improved karaoke network system that allows a user to select and obtain desired information through an interface while a message is displayed between intermissions of karaoke performances. Data files for karaoke performance, displaying messages, and displaying data selection menus are written in a common structure. Each of the data files includes an action region that contains link data. The data files are associated with one another by the link data contained in the action regions of the data files. A chain of related data files are executed by a menu selection operation or a key input operation by the user for performing karaoke performance and displaying messages and data selection menus.

Abstract: A multipurpose learning device having a picture book including a plurality of pages, wherein the pages turned in a top-to-bottom hinged direction instead of a side-to-side hinged direction, a memory unit having audio and video data stored therein, the memory unit being detachably connected to a touch board. A surface of the touch board is declined to a predetermined angle for enabling a user to easily position an electronic pen perpendicular to the touch board. Each sheet of the picture book includes a blank page and a picture page and picture information corresponding to a picture on one of the pages is displayed on a host device, such as a television. A user moves the electronic pen over a blank page which is positioned over the touch board, and a cursor is displayed on the host device at a position corresponding to the position of the electronic pen over the blank page and touch board.

Abstract: A master-slave network control system and method of operation wherein the master node element has substantially absolute invasive control over functions and capabilities of slave node elements which are logged onto the network and wherein the master node element can exercise latent control over slave node elements when not logged on to the network by controlling reacceptance onto the network in order to promote selected pedagogical and like functions facilitated through networked communication between the master node elements and the slave node elements.

Abstract: An interactive toy employs a plurality of figures which are employed by the user to tell a story. The figures are selected and placed at selected locations on a story board or a book. The selection and placement results in the device telling the story by synthesized speech and other visual communications. The device is also configured in a compact case for carrying and storage.