Abstract: This invention relates to an artistic light box having a light-transparent display panel, the entire display panel being covered by a single sheet; a side panel attaching to and extending outwardly from the display panel; and an illumination source positioned at the back surface of the display panel. The light box may be used as a night-light, an illuminated piece of art, an illuminated craft product, or an illuminated learning tool. The light box may also be personalized by a user.

Abstract: A training device for nasal hygiene comprises a facial tissue sheet; where the facial tissue sheet has a first side, and where the facial tissue sheet also has a second side having an opposing planar relationship to the first side. A first-side tissue graphic is visible on the first side of the facial tissue sheet. The first-side tissue graphic comprises a permanent graphic and/or an active graphic. In addition, the first-side tissue graphic is a training mark.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for a coach to be used in creating an optimal personal presentation. A unique, iconic symbol is displayed on the outside of a compact information display structure to specify a particular type of individual with distinguishing characteristics who is to use the personal presentation coach. The coach targets a specific component of personal presentation, such as clothing, make-up or business etiquette, and optionally, specific situations in which the coach will be used. The coach displays information in small conveniently accessible blocks or frames, each block easily assimilated by a user. Several embodiments for the physical structure of the coach are disclosed, including flat or multi-folded sheets, a fan, a flip book, a slider, a multi-layered wheel and digitally-created displays in a compact digital display device.

Abstract: The invention is an transparent apparatus shaped like a human doll, with an opening at its top and an open-end box as its base. The doll can be personalized with a photograph of the child playing with the doll. Several transparent slides to be inserted into or removed from the doll from its top are included, one with a stylized graph of a healthy person's internal organs; the rest, stylized graphs of partially damaged internal organs depicted as black areas as a result of drug use. The integration or disintegration of the image of the black areas of the slides depicts increasing or decreasing damage by drug use. Two non-transparent slides are included, one showing a slogan, the other healthy human organs not damaged by drug abuse. Slides and educational material containing visual illustrations of the death and destruction due to use of weaponry are also included.

Abstract: A method and a device for imitating an artificial geyser that are simple and inexpensive in realization. The artificial geyser device comprises a sealed container located preferably underground in a shallow recess and filled with water. The container is provided with a heater for heating water to the level of boiling and with a common discharge pipe, one end of which is located in the container and can be adjusted with regard to the level of water while the opposite end extends to the atmosphere in the form of an eruption pipe with a supersonic nozzle on the output end. The common discharge pipe passes over the open ends of the U-shaped pipe arrangement. The device has a group of valves that selectively may change the direction of the eruption flow for passing to the atmosphere only through the common discharge pipe, only through the U-shaped arrangement, or through both simultaneously.

Abstract: A teaching aid is provided. The teaching aid can include a first portion. The first portion can include at least one shape, at least one fine motor skill activity and at least one alphabet. The teaching aid can also include a second portion. The second portion can include a numeric scale, at least one self esteem activity, at least one safety activity and at least one large motor skill activity. The first portion can be coupled to the second portion to form an aid to teach early childhood development skills for preschool.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer product for complete and comprehensive education competency and compliance management method and system for institutions and organizations. The embodiments of the present invention disclose a method whereby a sponsoring organization or institution need only provide secure access to the hosting organizations content delivery for ease of capture, organization of and reporting on the entire educational program. The sponsoring organization is able to direct employees to educational activities required to be completed based on the compliance requirements for their role in the organization. The hosting organization remains content independent to objectively provide the “best value” content for sponsoring organizations.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a system and method for providing e-learning to remotely located candidates. More particularly, is described a system and method for enabling a remotely located candidate to effectively complete an e-learning application using a handheld device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method provides an educational environment in a virtual reality setting. Individuals navigate a virtual reality campus by using an avatar to interact with other users and to engage in learning experiences in the virtual setting. Individuals complete projects in virtual reality by accessing educational materials in electronic format and communicating with one another via text-based chats and real time audio. The virtual reality campus emulates a physical campus by providing meeting spaces and work areas where students spontaneously share information and complete pre-planned tasks. An electronic database tracks biographical and educational information about each user, that user's progress in achieving study goals, and the deliverables that the student produces to fulfill requirements of virtual instruction.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for feline consumption and methods of preparing such compositions. The compositions comprise at least about 65% by weight meat and have an essentially solid mass which assumes the shape of its container. The compositions are characterized as having a moisturized appearance and visually recognizable discrete food particles upon slicing the mass after removal from a container.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhancing the quality of life of a growing animal by feeding the animal a quality of life enhancing amount of a composition comprising about 10% by weight protein, about 4% by weight fat, and about 0.05% by weight of at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Enhanced quality of life is shown by an improvement in one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of trainability, cognitive function, motor skills coordination or agility, retinal development, cartilage protection, maintenance of muscle mass, and skin and pelage quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a customizable cubicle skin and a method of manufacture. A pre-selected image is digitized and manipulated by imaging software to create a template with the image and a border. The template is printed onto a canvas using known large format printing processes and the canvas adhered onto a planar core with the border portion wrapped around the edges, and onto the back of, the core. Attachment means are affixed to the back of the core, the canvas is coated with a protectant, and the skin is mounted onto a cubicle frame.

Abstract: A computerized learning method is provided. The method may include, at a learning service program, receiving learning data from each of a plurality of learning application programs for each of a plurality of students. The method may further include receiving a request from an administrator client device for learning data to display in an administrator graphical user interface. The request may be received via an application programming interface or online service. The method may further include communicating to the requesting administrator client device selected learning data for display in the administrator graphical user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for remotely controlling multiple displays for delivery of instructional information from multiple inputs. A setup module is included to store a plurality of display instructions where each display instruction is configured to display at least one image of one or more input devices on each of at least three display devices and each display device capable of displaying a separate image to students in a classroom. A linking module is included to link one or more display instructions with a preset. The preset is located on a remote control device with a plurality of presets. A display module is included to display the images from the input devices on the display devices associated with a display instruction in response to a user selecting the preset linked to the one or more display instructions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching installers the proper technique for adhesively bonding a protective covering to an exterior portion of a vehicle. The apparatus of the invention includes a training cover constructed from a static-cling material and having the shape of the protective covering that is to be adhesively bonded to the exterior portion of the vehicle and one that can be easily removed from the automobile surface by applying a pulling force in a direction away from the vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated learning system that provides teachers and students with an efficient teaching and learning environment. The system may include a graphical user interface that enables lesson content and instruction content to be displayed in different regions. The lesson content may be derived from an online source and instruction content may be provided by a learning system provider. The integrated learning system may enable teachers to sort and select pre-defined lessons and to assign the lessons for students to complete. The student may access the assigned lesson via the learning system and submit a completed assignment to the teacher via the learning system for grading and comment. The learning system provides the teacher with the ability to monitor student assignment progress and tabulate grades for students.

Abstract: The present invention includes an audiovisual instructional module that includes one or more lessons on a computer readable medium, wherein each lesson provides instruction to one or more students for a pre-determined time, wherein each lesson is taught by an instructor with a teacher effectiveness index of more than one grade level per year of instruction and wherein the module permits a student to view the module one or more times and review any portion of the module one or more times in order to master the lesson.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for recruiting students. Using the methods and apparatus disclosed herein, educators can more efficiently recruit prospective students. Educational institutions can increase the efficiency of recruitment efforts by automatically generating outbound calls to prospective students. Outbound calls to prospective students are automatically generated when a prospective student is directed to call a recruitment center and the prospective student fails to call within a set time period. Outbound calls to prospective students are also automatically generated when a student is performing an online process to set an appointment and requests an immediate call. In addition, educational institutions can simplify the appointment scheduling process by incorporating an administrator's schedule into a student database.

Abstract: A system for distributing educational information includes compiling educational information from educational sources. The user connects to a management system through a network connection. A user account may be authenticated with a user identification. The management system then transmits a plurality of educational material that may be used and operated on the user's computer when the user is offline. Later, the management system performs a sync operation when the user is able to reconnect to the system.

Abstract: A method for generating hierarchical keys of digital assets, the digital assets are arranged as at least one tree structure for management, a root node of the tree structure represents the complete set of the digital assets, other group nodes represents sub-sets in each level of the digital assets respectively, and the nodes in the lowest level are leaf nodes, said method includes: generating the key of the root node; and starting with the key of the root node, using the key of a father node to compute level by level the keys of its child nodes according to a predetermined function, through to leaf nodes.

Abstract: Software based tools are provided to course instructors in an educational community to enable an instructor to access content of a plurality of academic courses from an information terminal. A user interface displays a class list and a list of tasks, and allows the instructor to select a plurality of classes from the displayed class list and select a task from the displayed list of tasks. In response to user entry of a single command through the user interface, a processing part causes the selected task to be performed to course content for each of the plurality of selected classes. Thus, the instructor can add or modify content to each of the plural selected classes through a single command entered through the information terminal.

Abstract: A computer system providing learning distribution is disclosed. The computer system has a platform, at least one input device, and a central processing unit in communication with the platform and the at least one input device. The central processing unit is configured to identify an individual's role and position within an organization and at least one competency required by the role and position. The central processing unit is also configured to determine the individual's proficiency level in the competency and select at least one learning unit from a plurality of available learning units based on the identified proficiency level. The central processing unit is further configured to provide the at least one selected learning unit to the individual for completion.

Abstract: An irrigation kit comprising a set of irrigation elements adapted for construction of an irrigation system dedicated to a certain manner of growing plants and an educational media adapted to be understood by children, which includes instructions to assemble the irrigation elements to construct the irrigation system. Each such kit is adapted for irrigation of plants to be grown in different manners (e.g. in a field, a garden or a pot, etc.) and it comprises an appropriate set of irrigation elements for construction of an irrigation system therefor.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a customized curriculum for a student in an online system is disclosed. The method and system include creating course objectives that correlate with course materials for an online course. The course objectives include a value stored on an educational management system. A parameter is set and associated with the course objectives. The parameter includes a value, and is stored on the educational management system. The student is given an assessment evaluation and the outcome of the student's performance on the assessment evaluation is tracked. The outcome is compared to the course objectives to provide comparison data. The comparison data is used to create a customized curriculum. The customized curriculum comprised of course materials are stored on the educational management system and are distributed to the user through a network connection.

Abstract: A method tracks course materials in a computing environment for online courses. The method includes creating a set of course materials for an educational course. The set of course materials are stored in an educational management system. The set of course materials are posted for users to download through a network connection. The set of course materials are associated with a particular online course. The set of course materials are distributed from the educational management system to a user's computer through the network connection. The use of the set of course materials by a user is tracked to provide tracking information. The tracking information is recorded in the educational management system.

Abstract: A computer simulation and virtual reality system for teaching proper spray painting techniques has features to foster structured training via planned lesson curriculum, and network capabilities that allow students to remotely view an instructor demonstrating technique on the system. The system also provides instructors software for developing lesson curriculum, managing classes, and reviewing lesson results of the students.

Abstract: A product display comprising a toddler locale indicium and toddler product categories are an effective means of marketing to parents with toddlers.

Abstract: A kit useful by hobbyist and students in constructing displays and dioramas. The kit comprises a base formed from integral sidewalls and a top which presents a planar surface. A channel is formed around the periphery of the planar surface. The kit further includes a backboard which is foldable into a generally planar configuration and has a width greater than the width of the channel. The backboard is wedged into the channel and will remain in place without the use of external fasteners. The backboard is received in the channel on at least three sides of the base. The backboard is formed from a material so that it can be cut to present a desired configuration. A method of constructing a display kit comprises placing the base on a flat surface, at least partially unfolding the backboard to conform on the configuration of the base on at least three sides and then securing the backboard to the base without the use of external fasteners.

Abstract: Automated data exchange between a student information system and a course management system using an application programming interface that is directly exposed to the student information system as a web-service is disclosed. Submission of a new user record, enrollment of a user in a course, or changing user or course information triggers automatic data synchronization between the student information system and the course management system. The application programming interface provides single sign-on and bidirectional synchronization capabilities as well as real-time and asynchronous batch processing capabilities. The application programming interface supports XML, flat file, and web services processes and incorporates the IMS Enterprise v1.1 Specification standards.

Abstract: A question generation means is developed for intelligent tutors wherein a question menu having dynamic questions is capable of being displayed after each step of a problem. The generated question set contains both elementary and advanced questions and changes after each step is performed, thereby enhancing the potential that a student using the tutorial understands every aspect of a problem.

Abstract: These various embodiments facilitate the development of creative content in a manner that fosters compliance with technical requirements as correspond to an intended end use of that creative content. This can comprise providing (101) creative content technical specifications as correspond to a plurality of differing end use vehicles and providing (102) a plurality of creative content development tools that are non-integral with respect to one another and wherein at least some of the creative content development tools are each for use during differing creative content development stages.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating coatings application techniques comprised of a supporting structure or frame having metal, plastic and/or wooden elements that are arranged in a manner to allow for the insertion of at least two vertical working surfaces, which come together at an angle other than 180 degrees to form a working area, which generally forms a geometrical configuration where the working area(s) are either located inside, outside, or inside and outside of the geometrical configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing search skills of human guides in an information search system. The method allows human guides to be trained when they are not particularly busy fielding search queries from information seekers. The method can include determining whether a guide is idle and presenting to a human guide at least one video or audio source for training the human guide. The video training can include a demonstration of the most effective method for providing search results for an information search query, thereby enabling a guide to learn effective strategies and skills for conducting information searching. The training can contribute to the likelihood of the guide being promoted to a level of a more experienced human guide, thereby allowing greater effectiveness in fielding search queries for information seekers.

Abstract: A knowledge transfer approach is assessed by assigning multiple situation attributes for the knowledge transfer approach. Furthermore, a plurality of communication forms are attributed to the knowledge transfer approach. Based on the situation attributes and the communication form attributes, multiple relationships are derived. Based on these relationships, a compatibility value is determined between the situation attributes and the communication form attributes. Therefore, for a particular knowledge transfer approach, a compatibility value provides an indicator of the effectiveness of the knowledge transfer approach to a customer's specific needs. Moreover, the with multiple knowledge transfer approaches, the effectiveness of these approaches can be assessed by a calculation of compatibility values for each approach and the comparison of the different values.

Abstract: A product in the form of a household appliance has an internal communications network connecting two or more components, and software architecture implemented on the network that identifies the components, communicates the capabilities of each identified component, communicates the status of each identified component, provides a command interface for operating the components, and facilitates communication between the components and devices external to the product. An external smart device having demonstration software communicates with the internal communications network and is in control of at least one of the components to effect a demonstration of features of the product.

Abstract: A sliding vibration-resisting building model includes a vibration machine having a vibration table provided thereon with a model base. Two vibration-resisting devices are fixed on the model base, and a model chassis is secured on the two vibration-resisting devices and a model testing structure is assembled on the model chassis. The vibration-resisting devices are able to lower the vibration of the model testing structure when the vibration machine carries out simulating earthquakes and reduce the energy received by the structure, able to elevate the vibration resistant strength of buildings.

Abstract: A system and method changes the behavior of a user with respect to an activity. The system and method automatically detects the performance of the activity by the user and automatically performs an interruption process, such as displaying a representation of the user stopping the activity.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, an interface part obtains user information from a dedicated accessory device logically connected to the electronic musical instrument. An access part accesses a server using the user information obtained through the interface part. A character information acquisition part obtains character information which represents a character and which corresponds to the user information, from the server or the dedicated accessory device. A lesson information acquisition part obtains, from the server, lesson information which represents a lesson work to be practiced. A control part performs control operation to display the character created based on the character information obtained by the character information acquisition part while the electronic musical instrument is logically connected to the dedicated accessory device through the interface part, and to display the lesson information when the lesson information has been obtained by the lesson information acquisition part.

Abstract: A blended learning solution is defined by determining degrees of elements in learning zones. The zones are defined by the types of interactions of the learners. Both formal and informal learning is defined for each zone. A specialized circular display is constructed to depict the optimal blended learning solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for motivating students in mathematics education, computer technology education and information encoding. The apparatus consists of a container holding multi-state sources and a reading device, if necessary, that can determine the state of the sources in the container when it is closed. Students determine the states of the sources and use a predetermined algorithm to determine the information or data represented in the container. The apparatus and method can be presented to an audience as a magic trick.

Abstract: A desktop teaching aid which has a body having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising a magnetic material for securing the body to a desk, the body defining a frame around an aperture, educational information represented on the top surface of the body, and a replaceable name tag positioned within the aperture of the body.

Abstract: This invention is an analog device that can be used before an audience to qualitatively demonstrate the interaction of diet, exercise and weight in the human body. The device folds for easy transport.

Abstract: A system and method for rewarding educational accomplishment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing rewards to a user, such as a child, for achievement of one or more goals within an educational activity. The rewards are preferably credit in a form that is widely accepted by merchants and other entities for items, such as goods and services, that they offer. Preferably, information associating the user and items the user purchases with the credit is used to create a purchase history file for each user.

Abstract: A self-contained multimedia presentation system presents a menu-driven classroom curriculum in compliance with standardized educational requirements. The disclosed system includes a multimedia presentation device for projecting video, images and playing audio recordings. The multimedia presentation device includes an embedded computing device having a minimal set of control functions for presenting to a user a simplified control interface facilitating use of said multimedia presentation device. A pre-programmed storage medium includes engaging multimedia educational programs for uniquely presenting educational material complying with predetermined educational objectives. The predetermined educational objectives prepare learners for specific standardized achievement goals. Included testing features assist in evaluating student achievement and fulfillment of standardized educational requirements.

Abstract: A system for displaying images includes: (a) a base; (b) a movable, arcuate-shaped receptacle that rotates into and from the base; and (c) a display attached to the receptacle so that the display is visible when the receptacle is rotated from the base and the display is partially or entirely not visible when the receptacle is rotated into the base.

Abstract: Image processing device is able to obtain digest video of an actual video with a simple configuration and has processor that generates simulation video data, image display control circuit that converts simulation video data into video signal and displays video signal on a display device, primary buffer that reads the simulation data and stores data of simulation data for a continuous predetermined period of time, wherein the processor detects occurrence of predetermined conditions in simulation data, and a digest replay buffer stores, as one scene of digest data, and data is stored in the primary buffer prior to the time of the occurrence of the predetermined conditions and simulation data for a period of time from when predetermined conditions occurred until when the storage termination conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A process for spatially distributing a population count within a geographically defined area can include the steps of logically correlating land usages apparent from a geographically defined area to geospatial features in the geographically defined area and allocating portions of the population count to regions of the geographically defined area having the land usages, according to the logical correlation. The process can also include weighing the logical correlation for determining the allocation of portions of the population count and storing the allocated portions within a searchable data store. The logically correlating step can include the step of logically correlating time-based land usages to geospatial features of the geographically defined area. The process can also include obtaining a population count for the geographically defined area, organizing the geographically defined area into a plurality of sectors, and verifying the allocated portions according to direct observation.

Abstract: A website provides a weight and nutritional program over a network. The website allows users to input an assessment of a subject, which can be used to generate a weight plan for the subject. The weight plan can include minimum weights for the subject, each of the minimum weights being associated with a time. The website can also be used to generate a nutrition plan based on the subject data entered. A subject can build the nutrition plan by responding to a series of food exchange item prompts.

Abstract: A self-contained training device for simulated personnel entry, exit and rescue in confined space scenarios. The device features an enclosed tank mounted on a truck trailer. The tank has at least one top portal and at least one side portal for entry and exit. An enclosed pipe is situated within the tank and has separate points of entry and exit. The top of the tank features a walkway and handrail.

Abstract: Activity themes may be selected, each activity theme corresponding to an activity performed by a child during a day. An activity theme area may be established, including a display area and a learning station in close proximity to the display area. Goods relating to the activity theme may be displayed in the display area while instructional materials relating to the activity theme may be provided at the learning station.