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US6099320A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Authoring system and method for computer-based training

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1998-07-06
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Granted: 2000-08-08
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Expires: 2018-07-06
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Abstract

Abstract The present invention is an integrated system for authoring, operating, maintaining, and administering a computer-based training program. The system includes integrated hardware and software that allows an author to create computer-based training modules that include audio, video, and textual content without requiring any programming. The invention uses a virtual training center metaphor that serves as the basis of the interface between the users and the system. The virtual training center provides a nonintimidating visual environment that is open and relaxing, thereby preparing the student to learn rapidly. To create a non-intimidating environment and to fix more of the student's attention on the subject matter to be learned, rather than on the learning tools themselves, the interface maintains as much as possible the illusion of being in a real training center. The system performs administrative functions, such as ensuring that students take courses in proper sequence, tracking training activity and course completion, and notifying the course administrator when a course is completed.

Inventors

  • 👤 Anastasius Papadopoulos

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-28 05:52
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B5/00; G09B5/08; G09B5/14

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim 241 words
A method of self-paced, computer-based training for individuals, the method usable in a distracting work environment by focusing the individual's attention onto the training, comprising: providing the student with a computer screen and an input device; providing on the computer screen a series of images of a student entering a virtual training center and moving through the virtual training center toward a virtual training workstation, the images of entering and moving through the virtual training providing a virtual environment to focus the student away from the real environment and onto the training; providing on the computer screen an image of the virtual training workstation with the virtual training center in the background, the virtual training center image in the background providing the student a virtual training environment, thereby reducing distractions from the outside, non-virtual environment; presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation a choice of training programs for presentation, the training programs presented including only those programs that the student is qualified to undertake; presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation an audio-visual presentation including first information to be learned; presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation a test to determine whether the student has learned the first information; if the student has learned the first information, presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation second information; and if the student has not learned the first information, repeating the presentation of the first information.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 241 words
A method of self-paced, computer-based training for individuals, the method usable in a distracting work environment by focusing the individual's attention onto the training, comprising: providing the student with a computer screen and an input device; providing on the computer screen a series of images of a student entering a virtual training center and moving through the virtual training center toward a virtual training workstation, the images of entering and moving through the virtual training providing a virtual environment to focus the student away from the real environment and onto the training; providing on the computer screen an image of the virtual training workstation with the virtual training center in the background, the virtual training center image in the background providing the student a virtual training environment, thereby reducing distractions from the outside, non-virtual environment; presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation a choice of training programs for presentation, the training programs presented including only those programs that the student is qualified to undertake; presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation an audio-visual presentation including first information to be learned; presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation a test to determine whether the student has learned the first information; if the student has learned the first information, presenting to the student on the virtual training workstation second information; and if the student has not learned the first information, repeating the presentation of the first information.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 24 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising automatically sending a message to a system administrator when the student learns a pre-defined set of information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 46 words
The method of claim 1, in which providing on the computer screen an image of the virtual training workstation including providing lesson control features to the student, the lesson control features being presented as images of physical control devices, rather than as conventional computer control imagery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 61 words
In a method of computer-based training in which a student is presented information at a student-controlled pace and in which the student is tested periodically and re-presented information that the testing shows was not learned, the improvement comprising providing the student a virtual training center environment metaphor to symbolically provide the student a virtual training environment separate from the working environment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 61 words
In a method of computer-based training in which a student is presented information at a student-controlled pace and in which the student is tested periodically and re-presented information that the testing shows was not learned, the improvement comprising providing the student a virtual training center environment metaphor to symbolically provide the student a virtual training environment separate from the working environment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 29 words
The method of claim 4, in which providing the student a virtual training center environment includes presenting the student with an environment that simulates a physical, non-computer training environment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 4, in which providing the student a virtual training center environment includes presenting the student with a portion of a computer screen that represents a physical training environment.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 4, in which providing the student a virtual training center environment includes showing a virtual student entering a virtual training facility.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 5, in which the virtual training environment includes an isolated, serene environment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 42 words
The method of claim 4, in which providing the student a virtual training center environment metaphor includes providing the student with lesson controls that simulate controls on physical devices, rather than computer-based controls, to minimizes computer-related imagery that can make students uncomfortable.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 87 words
In a computer-based training apparatus that presents information to a student at a student-controlled pace and that periodically tests the student and represents information that the testing shows was not learned, the improvement comprising: means for providing the student a virtual training center environment metaphor to symbolically provide the student a virtual training environment separate from the working environment; and means for providing the student with lesson controls that simulate controls on physical devices, rather than computer-based controls, to minimizes computer-related imagery that can make students uncomfortable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 87 words
In a computer-based training apparatus that presents information to a student at a student-controlled pace and that periodically tests the student and represents information that the testing shows was not learned, the improvement comprising: means for providing the student a virtual training center environment metaphor to symbolically provide the student a virtual training environment separate from the working environment; and means for providing the student with lesson controls that simulate controls on physical devices, rather than computer-based controls, to minimizes computer-related imagery that can make students uncomfortable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 47 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which the means for providing the student a virtual training center environment metaphor includes means for providing the student with lesson controls that simulate controls on physical devices, rather than computer-based controls, to minimizes computer-related imagery that can make students uncomfortable.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US5784546A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2003-08-08 2004-02-07 2004-08-08 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2007-08-08 2008-02-07 2008-08-08 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2011-08-08 2012-02-07 2012-08-08 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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