Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Information Technology Center America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Information Technology Center America, Inc (Ita)

Carol Strohecker

Edith Ackermann

Aseem Agarwala

Joseph W Marks

Chia Shen

David Ray DeMaso

Dennis Nathan Bromley

Judith Galler Karlin

Barbara Barros

Joseph Gonzalez-Heydrich

Sara Frances Frisken Gibson

The present invention relates to a new and useful learning system. A computer-based system permits a user to create and manipulate basic elements within an environment. The system then represents relationships within the environment. The system and user cooperate to provide a learning opportunity for the user. As the user makes or reviews changes of basic elements, he or she can learn how different aspects of an element affect the overall interactions. Two specific embodiments are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the system is used for exploring geometric patterns. The basic elements are tiles which are formed and manipulated through operations of geometric symmetry. The tiles can be combined into different repeating patterns. Multiple tiles can be used within a pattern. Also, new tiles can be created from portions of the pattern. Thus through simple interactions using basic operations and simple parts, complex effects emerge. In other embodiments, the system is used for exploring sociodynamics. The basic elements are creatures with sets of defined behaviors. The system determines interactions between creatures or groups of creatures based upon a complete set of behaviors within the group. The user and the system can manipulate the behaviors, creatures, and interactions. Again, through simple interactions using basic operations and simple parts, complex effects emerge. Finally, a user interface is disclosed which can be used with the system of the present invention. The interface includes display areas for creation of basic elements, interactions between basic elements, and selectable elements or components of elements. The interface also includes a set of selectable functions for operating on specific basic elements or upon the interactions within the environment.

Systems and methods for constructive-dialogic learning

Methods and apparatus are provided for accessing an experience journal which includes unstructured text items relating to a topic, such as a medical condition. The method is implemented in a computer system including a processor, a storage device, a video display unit having a display screen, and a user interface. The unstructured text items are stored in the storage device. Similarities among the unstructured text items are determined, and icons, one corresponding to each of the unstructured text items, are displayed on the display screen. The icons are positioned on the display screen relative to each other, such that the distances between icons are representative of the determined similarities among the unstructured text items. In response to user selection of one of the icons, the corresponding unstructured text item is displayed on the display screen.

Method and system for displaying icons representing information items stored in a database

The present invention relates to a new and useful learning system. A compr-based system permits a user to create and manipulate basic elements within an environment. The system then represents relationships within the environment. The system and user cooperate to provide a learning opportunity for the user. As the user makes or reviews changes of basic elements, he or she can learn how different aspects of an element affect the overall interactions. Two specific embodiments are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the system is used for exploring geometric patterns. The basic elements are tiles which are formed and manipulated through operations of geometric symmetry. The tiles can be combined into different repeating patterns. Multiple tiles can be used within a pattern. Also, new tiles can be created from portions of the pattern. Thus through simple interactions using basic operations and simple parts, complex effects emerge. In a second embodiment, the system is used for exploring a sociodynamic system. The basic elements are creatures with sets of defined behaviors. The system determines interactions between creatures or groups of creatures based upon a complete set of behaviors within the group. The user and the system can manipulate the behaviors, creatures, and interactions. Again, through simple interactions using basic opertions and simple parts, complex effects emerge. Finally, a user interface is disclosed which can be used with the system of the present invention. The interface includes display areas for creation of basic elements, interactions between basic elements, and selectable elements or components of elements. The interface also includes a set of selectable functions for operating on specific basic elements or upon the interactions within the environment.

A system for generating a virtual reality environment applies principles of urban planning. Participants interact with the system by designating or anging certain objects or characteristics of the environment. The environment includes designation of districts having similar scenic characteristics. Paths define routes through the districts and within the environment. Specific foci or landmarks can be identified at locations within the environment. In addition to creating a conceptual view of the environment, the system generates a set of scenes representing movement of a participant along a defined walkway through the environment. The scenes are generated as composite images of objects in a perspective view. The objects forming a composite in the scene are determined based upon the characteristics of the district to which the scene applies.

System for designing graphical multi-participant environments

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Carol Strohecker