Abstract: Systems and methods for synthesizing a surround visual field of image related to an input image are described. In one embodiment, the surround visual field is displayed in an area partially surrounding or surrounding an input image being displayed. In an embodiment, this surround visual field may comprise a plurality of images selected from a database of still images and/or video images based upon a characteristic or characteristics that relate to the displayed input image.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily portable, convertible billboard display has three panels rotatably connected to each other in parallel fashion. The billboard display can be used as a vertically standing three panel display or, when two of the panels are connected by a removable connection component, as a three dimensional triangular display. Informational display items can be removably attached to the display panels. In addition, pockets, variously located within each panel, allow for the insertion and display of and full access to multi-page display items, mounted directly on the billboard display.

Abstract: A system and methods of virtual schooling, which provide an Internet-based elementary and secondary school that is committed to offering a complete and comprehensive education to all pupils. The curriculum used in the system and methods is Web-deployed and database-driven. Its subjects include, but are not necessarily limited to History/Civics/Geography, Language Arts, Math, Music, Science, and Visual Arts. Preferably, lessons should integrate on-line and off-line instructional materials for a well-rounded learning experience.

Abstract: The book with spinning globe has a front cover, a back cover, and a spine or binding portion which binds the front cover, and the back cover. An earth globe is rotatably connected to a front cover, back cover, or spine so that the globe is rotatable about an axis extending along a plane of the front cover, back cover, or spine to which the globe is connected. The book may optionally include at least one leaf positioned between the front and the back cover. The globe may also be rotatably connected to the leaf. The globe is configured to represent the earth, and has outlines representing the continents and at least larger countries or geographical regions, and may have contours representing mountains or other features.

Abstract: A computer based training tool and method that emulates human behavior using a computer-simulated person in a realistic scenario. It provides an interactive experience in detecting deception during interviews and acceptance of statements during interpersonal conversations. The simulated person provides verbal responses in combination with an animated video display reflecting the body language of the simulated person in response to questions asked and during and after responses to the questions. The questions and responses are pre-programmed and interrelated groups of questions and responses are maintained in dynamic tables which are constantly adjusted as a function of questions asked and responses generated. The system provides a critique and numerical score for each training session.

Abstract: A law enforcement officer involved in a traffic stop is provided with a compact disc containing data and a software program which permits the officer to obtain information regarding possible hiding places in a vehicle that has been stopped. The information involves locations as well as methods and instructions for accessing the hiding places. The information is available in a central data base that can be accessed by a computer in the officer's car and can be updated as needed by manufacturers as well as other officers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting pooling of fluid in disposable or non-disposable absorbent articles is provided. The apparatus includes an object that has at least one surface area onto which pooling may occur. A fluid delivery apparatus is present and is used for introducing fluid onto the surface area of the object. Also, a sensor is present and is used for indicating the presence of pooling on the surface area of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic mail communication method via a stuffed toy. At a mail center, a mail address for an owner of a stuffed toy is acquired together with ID code assigned to the stuffed toy, and data related to the ID code is transmitted as an electronic mail to the owner. The electronic mail is based on a conversational text including characters, signs, graphics, voices, or sounds, and the owner can enjoy communications with the stuffed toy by overlapping the images provided through the communications with an image of the stuffed toy at the owner's hand.

Abstract: A mobile teaching system is disclosed which allows the use of personal computing devices in a learning environment. A plurality of portable computers may communicate with a portable network center to undergo lesson plans, testing, and other educational tasks. The portable computers may be stored in a mobile storage unit that may also serve as a network communications center, and may also provide power connections for the computers. The computers may include removable, rechargeable batteries, which may be recharged at the storage unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitating authoring and problem solving by joint contributors working separately but against a common goal. On-line asynchronous distributed authoring and problem solving system, method, and computer program for focusing attention toward particular authoring and problem solving topics using a threaded discussion group and reward matrix. System, method, computer program and computer program product for coordinating the activities of a plurality of people, where the plurality may be any number from two to thousands or more people. Mechanism for directing the attention and focus of large numbers of people who are solving problems using a tree-based problem space, where the tree based problem space may be a virtual problem space. Algorithms and procedures for evaluating nodes in the virtual problem space and assigning values via a pay-off matrix that serves to focus the attention of large numbers of problem solvers.

Abstract: There is provided a facility management support apparatus which manages visitors in a facility area, the apparatus includes: a place information storage unit for storing the degree of crowdedness in each of the places in the facility area; a receiving unit for receiving, from a terminal, information which enables identification of the location of the terminal; an extraction unit for extracting one of the places to which one of the visitors should move on the basis of the degree of crowdedness and the location of the terminal; and a transmission unit for transmitting, to the terminal, information which enables identification of the place to which the visitor should move.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for simulating a pneumatic system. The method can include dividing a pneumatic system into logical component sections. Each of the logical component sections can be visually rendered in a graphical user interface. Also, user modification of control element settings in the logical component sections can be permitted. Subsequently, gas flows within the logical component sections can be animated using individually rendered gas molecule icons coupled to corresponding animation scripts. Each of the scripts can determine an animation direction and animation rate for a corresponding one of the gas molecule icons. In particular, the actual pneumatic system can be an anesthesia machine.

Abstract: To automatically annotate an essay, a sentence of the essay is identified and a feature associated with the sentence is determined. In addition, a probability of the sentence being a discourse element is determined by mapping the feature to a model. The model having been generated by a machine learning application based on at least one annotated essay. Furthermore, the essay is annotated based on the probability.

Abstract: A doorbell having interchangeable chimes and interchangeable decorative covers is displayed for sale to the retail public such that a customer may easily choose a specific chime sound and combine it with a specific decorative cover enabling the customer to buy a doorbell meeting the customer's aesthetic requirement. The interchangeable bases and covers may include complimentary attachment parts that allow any cover to be mounted to any of a plurality of bases of differing size and in different orientations.

Abstract: The present invention provides caregivers with pragmatic systems and methods for implementing current knowledge of early childhood brain development and for facilitating meaningful interaction with a child in their care. The invention further provides systems and methods that enable caregivers to provide a child with a stimulating environment that includes purposeful activities in a playful, interactive context.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for distributing digitized electronic representations of representative responses to non-objective assessment tasks and established scores for the responses to readers in order to train the readers to determine scores for responses in accordance with a scoring criteria, to qualify the readers to determine scores for responses in accordance with the scoring criteria, and to monitor how well a reader is determining scores for such responses in accordance with the scoring criteria. In disclosed embodiments, the methods provide such distribution for multiple scorers on a network located at a single site, for multiple scorers on a network remote from a central site; and scoring by individual scorers remote from the central site. Distribution may be accomplished by transferring data from electronic files using diverse techniques such as magnetic storage discs, CD-ROM, cable or high-speed public communications network, in accordance with the needs of the particular job and setting.

Abstract: An earthquake simulating vibration table includes a vibration machine having a vibration table provided on the topside. Paper models are assembled on a model fundamental base that is fixed on the vibration table. The vibration machine is controlled by a computer to produce simulated various-degree earthquakes. A test of anti-seismic strength of the paper models begins with a smallest seismic strength and then the seismic strength increases by degrees until it reaches to a largest level to have all the paper models collapse. The earthquake simulating vibration table is convenient and quick in assembling, economical in cost and able to be popularized to schools to serve as a course of vibration resistance education to elevate students' learning interest.

Abstract: A method and system generates skill sheets for a user participating in a medical emergency response simulation program. Providing a simulation scenario, a skill sheet template is chosen. The skill sheet template comprises a plurality of line items. The relevance of the line items are determined. Each relevant line item is evaluated and a score is computed. A skill sheet is generated from the evaluated line items of the skill sheet templates. The skill sheets generated are in compliance with Department of Transportation standards.

Abstract: A glove for assisting the user to catch a thrown object with fingers rather than palms, including pressure sensors installed in the palm area of typical receiver gloves (providing a voltage trigger signal used to latch an indicator LED informing the athlete of palm contact, together with flex sensors in the fingers deactivating the palm pressure sensor when at least one of the user's fingers is flexed inwardly toward the palm (preventing an inadvertent palm pressure trigger signal from locking in the LED prior to a catch attempt). This allows the athlete to run with fists closed without latching the palm pressure indicator, then to open his or her hands, thereby enabling the latch circuit for the catch.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the identification of selected objects for use in connection with an electronic children's toy, which apparatus includes a plurality of objects, each of the objects including several object contact elements, and an identification member, including several member contact elements. The identification member is configured such that at least two of the member contact elements come into electrical contact with at least two of the object contact elements when the identification member is engaged with one of the objects, forming a complete electrical circuit. A processing unit associated with the identification member then is able to uniquely identify the particular object which is engaged with the identification member by means of an electrical signal generated by the processing unit. The processing unit then provides feedback to the user by audio, visual and/or tactile means corresponding to the particular object selected by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer interactive learning system and method, the method being applied to the Internet simulation learning system comprising a learner client to which at least one computer-controllable learner aid device is electrically connected and at which a learning agent is installed, and a learning server connected with the learner client through Internet, the method comprising the steps of: operating the learning agent; downloading a learning information and a character information corresponding to the learner aid device from the learning server; registering the respective learner aid devices as specific characters based on the character information downloaded; responding to a content provided from the learning agent based on the learning information at the learner; determining the response of the learner; and operating the learner aid device to perform a corresponding action depending on the determining result.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for training and organizing on-site event professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry. The system has at least one server computer having a processor, an area of main memory for executing program code under the direction of the processor, a storage device for storing data and program code and a bus connecting the processor and the storage device, at least one relational database stored on the storage device, a data communications device connected to the bus for connecting the server computer to the Internet and Web-based training for on-site event professionals computer program code stored in the storage device and executing in the main memory under the direction of the processor.

Abstract: A method and system for simulation training of one or more persons in the installation and/or repair of telecommunications equipment. The method includes presenting a plurality of scenarios associated with the installation and/or repair of telecommunications equipment to a user viewing a display, providing predetermined desired user inputs responsive to the presented plurality of scenarios, and providing a user input device for the user to transmit user inputs to the computer for responding to the plurality of scenarios. The user inputs represent actions by a user controllable virtual person representing the user to perform a series of simulated person interactions and simulated physical tasks associated with telecommunications equipment installation. The user inputs responsive to the plurality of scenarios are received and stored.

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: The present invention pertains to processing system use for instruction and simulated training. Observers evaluate the movements of user controllable images making interactive, personal, idiosyncratic, simulated movements. The invention includes the use of individual hand held devices, personal display appliances, personal computers and other processing systems communicating displays of user controllable images to other processing systems over local area and wide area networks and by means of a variety of interfaces, networks, servers and/or intraprocessing system means. Instruction and simulated training of observers is accomplished through viewing and evaluating user controllable image movements including, without limitation, individual drill, cooperation and opposition.

Abstract: An on-line educational notebook for selectively providing access to submitted on-line content is disclosed. The notebook allows authorized users to add, edit, and delete various text, audio, video, graphics, or multimedia content items. A student may also enter course notes in the on-line notebook and selectively share certain items with an instructor for review, comment, or grading.

Abstract: A teaching aid for teaching a user how to tell time. The teaching aid includes a clock assembly comprising a face member and a plurality of arm members. The arm members is rotatably coupled to the face member of the clock assembly whereby the arm members are designed for indicating a time to the user when the arm members are rotated with respect to the face member. A clockwork assembly is operationally coupled to the arm members. The clockwork assembly is for rotating the arm members with respect to the face member for indicating the time of day. A stimulus assembly is operationally coupled to the clockwork assembly whereby the stimulus assembly is designed for providing audio and visual stimulus to the user to indicate the time.

Abstract: Educational/diversionary apparatus is arranged to present a user with various different scents and data thereon in order to aid scent recognition and enable a user to decide upon a combination of scent types which would be desirable to him/her. The apparatus takes the forms of a kit having a number of different scents and data carrying means, such as a CD Rom, which holds data on the nature, geographical origin and/or source of each of the said scents, wherein the data held on the data carrying means includes a map showing a number of geographical regions and cross-referencing means for cross-referencing each region with an associated scent. The selection of a region by the user can thus result in an associated scent being identified and data on that scent being presented to the user. The data on the carrier preferably comprises a computer program having instructions for causing a computer to display an image of the map and to provide means for selecting an area on the map.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to processing system use for instruction and simulated training. Observers evaluate the movements of user controllable images making interactive, personal, idiosyncratic, simulated movements. The invention includes the use of individual hand held devices, personal display appliances, personal computers and other processing systems communicating displays of user controllable images to other processing systems over local area and wide area networks and by means of a variety of interfaces, networks, servers and/or intraprocessing system means. Instruction and simulated training of observers is accomplished through viewing and evaluating user controllable image movements including, without limitation, individual drill, cooperation and opposition.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: Analyzing employees based on results of an education business simulation. A network is utilized to present a training simulation to a user for achieving a training goal. Information is integrated into the training simulated utilizing the network that helps motivate achievement of the goal by the user. Progress of the user towards achieving the goal is measured utilizing the network. For further motivating achievement of the goal, feedback is also provided to the user utilizing the network. There are three levels of feedback, where each is progressively more detailed and is selected based on the number of mistakes made by the user, the user's progress towards the goal is subsequently reported to the employer of the user utilizing the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing textual, audio and/or video information regarding a pet to a user comprising supplying an electronic database which database has stored textual, audio and/or video information data files representative of animal/pet behavior, animal/pet identification, animal/pet selection, animal/pet characteristics, animal/pet training, and animal/pet care, and combinations thereof, selecting one of the stored textual, audio and/or video information data files and outputting the information regarding an animal/pet to said user either in either a textual, audio or video form.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a skydiving simulator and a skydiving training process using the simulator, which simulates the environment and other conditions for purposes of skydiving training as if a skydiver performed a real skydiving process from the step of riding in an airplane to the step of landing on the ground. This simulator consists of a model fuselage (10), a rotary hanger unit (30) supporting a skydiver having jumped from the fuselage, and two fan units (40, 50) horizontally and upwardly forcing air currents into an open simulation space into which the skydiver jumps from the fuselage. Wind velocity sensors (46, 56) sense the velocities of the air currents from the two fan units, and CCD cameras (47, 57) produce images of the skydiver during the training process, and a central control unit (CCU, 60) controls the simulator and the process in real time.

Abstract: An interface device and method for interfacing instruments to a medical procedure simulation system serve to interface peripherals in the form of mock medical instruments to the medical procedure simulation system computer to enable simulation of medical procedures. The interface device includes a housing having a mock bodily region of interest to facilitate insertion of a mock instrument, such as an endoscope tube, into the interface device. The mock bodily region of interest may be pivotable to simulate various patient orientations. The instrument is engaged by a capture mechanism in order to measure rotational and translational motion of the instrument. An actuator is disposed within the interface device to provide force feedback to the instrument. The measured motion is provided to the computer system to reflect instrument motion on the display during the simulation. Alternatively, the interface device may be configured to accommodate instrument assemblies having a plurality of nested instruments (e.g.

Abstract: A system controller selects, from a plurality of factors, one or more factors contributing to enhance people's will to achieve results, based on their responses to questions displayed on a display device. The system controller creates base data used for determining properties of the target people which are related to the selected factors, and stores the created base data in a hard disk device. Upon acquisition of the responses to the questions through the display device, the system controller determines the properties of the target people which are related to the selected factors, based on the base data stored in the hard disk device.

Abstract: A tutorial system and method is provided to send online media production lessons and other data to one or more students over a computer network, such as the global Internet or an organization's intranet. A tutorial management server communicates with a plurality of student workstations, instructor workstations and integrated, fully automated media production systems. The tutorial management server includes a matriculation manager that registers and maintains system security. A curriculum manager controls the routing of lesson contents to each student. Tutorial management server also includes devices that evaluates each student's proficiency and performance and creates a study guide to assist the student in improving overall performance. A messaging manager is provided to support real time communications among the students and their instructors.

Abstract: A method for displaying toilet training materials which includes the steps of providing a supply of at least two different types of toilet training materials, each type of toilet training material associated with at least one of a plurality of toilet training steps; providing a display having at least two regions, each of the regions associated with one of the toilet training steps; and housing the toilet training materials within the region having an equivalent toilet training step. Various embodiments of the display in the form of an in-store kiosk are illustrated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collapsible, educational chart that also serves as a promotional item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the selection of oral care chemistries by a consumer from a plurality of available options. An oral care selection advisor first requests information from a consumer regarding their oral care preferences. The oral care selection advisor then selects a classification of chemistries from among at least two available classifications corresponding to those oral care preferences. The information is then displayed from the oral care selection advisor identifying at least one chemistry within the selected classification, allowing the consumer to identify the chemistries corresponding to the consumer's oral care preferences.

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. Options exist to accommodate various types of visual, auditory, tactile, and cognitive interaction with and participation in on-line educational courses.

Abstract: A system, method (and an article containing computer code for implementing the method) for instruction, wherein the system includes a display having a plurality of display portions, each portion being for representing a different mental representation of a problem; and a flexible control for determining what representations are and are not revealed at a given time, so as to allow for customized lessons and reduction in visual overload. An architecture that supports varied content is provided. The content may comprise a series of frames linked to one another by the architecture. The representations may comprise a verbal statement of a problem; an animation of the problem; a procedure for solving the problem; and a graph of the problem. Business methods for utilization of the invention.

Abstract: Child/infant play and entertainment devices including electronic displays provide applications of display technology to the child/infant toy and entertainment industry. Flexible displays are used in infant items that require safety measures such as no sharp corners, hard structures or breakable parts. Battery powered devices provide portability and convenience and remote programming connections are be employed to provide wired or wireless reprogramming of the appearance and/or behavior of a child/infant play or entertainment device. Sound features may also be incorporated in synchrony with the visual display for further enhancing the play or entertainment experience.

Abstract: A remote maintenance and operating guidance system in which data relating to the operation of a medical system in a hospital is transmitted to an operator who operates an operating device of the medical system from a service center by way of a communication device such as a dedicated telephone line. The system is equipped to monitor operations performed by the operator on the medical system, and to transmit data relating to the monitored operation to the operating device. Accordingly, it is possible to transmit details of the method of operation of the medical equipment more accurately and effectively to the operator from a location remote from the medical equipment.

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: A gear-driving device that allows the user to create an interlocking moving gear display that is coordinated with the subject matter in a book or on a page.

Abstract: A trailer or other mobile carrier may be utilized as a promotional system for promoting sales and education of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging devices and systems. The trailer may house a set-up that includes an MRI scanner that may be operational or may be a mock-up system designed to simulate the operation of an actual MRI scanner. The trailer may also house monitoring equipment for presenting real or simulated NMRI imaging information. Other equipment, either operational or designed for demonstration purposes only, that is necessary to or that facilitates an NMRI diagnostic procedure may also be included in the trailer. The equipment may be housed inside the trailer so that observers may easily view the equipment therein from any desired perspective. Further, the equipment may be arranged so that an observer may put himself in the place of a patient undergoing an NMRI diagnostic procedure, so that a first-hand hand evaluation of the equipment may be made.

Abstract: Shapes formed by various series of interconnected straight lines representing lines between finger positions forming chords on musical keyboards form a system and method for learning finger positioning to form chords and finger movements to change chords on a musical keyboard. All thirty-six triads can be formed by eight triad shapes for forming finger positions to create the triad chords by moving the finger positions to different locations along a keyboard. All four finger chords can be formed from sixteen four finger chord shapes. Chord trees are families of chords formed by moving one or more fingers from each triad chord or four finger chord-to raise or lower notes, merge two notes into one, or split one note into two notes thereby forming all new chords and harmonies.

Abstract: Teaching apparatus, which includes an experimental setup (50) at a laboratory site (32) and a teaching setup at a teaching facility (12) remote from the laboratory site. The laboratory site includes one or more experimental controls (38) for varying one or more parameters of an experiment performed by the experimental setup, one or more monitoring device (42, 44) which capture information relating to the experiment, and a first communications interface (34) which couples the experimental controls and monitoring devices to a network (28).

Abstract: A system for demonstrating the effects of a polarized lens on reducing glare is provided. The system includes a multi-layered light reflecting substrate having a visual indicia layer and a film layer which partially reflects single-axis polarized light and which partially transmits randomly polarized light. The film layer is disposed adjacent the visual indicia layer. The system also includes a polarized lens between the multi-layered light reflecting substrate and a viewer of the visual indicia. Included in the invention is a method of demonstrating the effects of a polarized lens on reducing glare in accordance with the system of the invention.

Abstract: A mobile confined space rescue training simulation unit having a simple adjustable modular construction that may be set up in any of a number of different confined space rescue scenarios to meet a variety of specialized training needs. The unit is preferably trailer-mounted for portability and has an elongated upper work area and two interior modular sections in communication with each other. The first section allows for establishing different labyrinths through which rescue trainees must travel, and the second section has a retractable sloping floor that may be replaced by simulated machinery such as a rotating shaft with blades. Multiple combinations of training rescue scenarios are possible.