Adaptive motivation for computer-assisted training system

• US 6,386,881 B1
• Filed: 04/19/2000
• Issued: 05/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Scientific Learning Corp. (Carnegie Learning, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Scientific Learning Corp. (Carnegie Learning, Inc.)
• Inventors: Miller, Steven, Jenkins, William M., Merzenich, Michael M., Peterson, Bret E., Tallal, Paula
• Primary Examiner(s): Rovnak, John Edmund
• Application Number:
  US09/553,420
• Time in Patent Office: 755 Days
• Field of Search: 434/118, 434/236, 434/322, 434/323, 434/327, 434/335, 434/353, 434/362, 463/9
• US Class Current: 434/236
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 Sports
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/065 Combinations of audio and video presentations, e.g. videotapes, videodiscs, television systems
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/04 characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying a further explanation

Abstract

Computer implemented training exercises present stimuli to a user and receive responses by the user to the stimuli. The stimuli are specifically selected to challenge and improve a cognitive ability of the user, e.g., the ability to perceive and understand spoken language. As a result, the stimuli cannot be changed or adapted to motivate the user through entertainment. Motivation is therefore provided by periodic reward animations which include persistent plots and characters. Progress indicators represent progress toward reward animations and represent such progression with smooth, entertaining progress animations. Randomly appearing animations and variations in rewards and immediate feedback add to the surprise and curiosity of the user and motivate further correct responses to see further random animations and variations. Progress indicators also represent a relation between the number of steps taking toward completion of a task and a maximum number of steps which should be needed to complete the task. Context is changed at achievement milestones to indicate progress to the user.

Claims

1. A method for providing motivation to a user of a training process which, when executed, presents stimuli to the user wherein the stimuli is designed primarily to improve a cognitive ability of the user and measures the cognitive ability of the user by comparison of responses of the user to the stimuli to predetermined correct responses, the method comprising:

for a number of iterations,

presenting a stimulus to the user;

receiving a response from the user in response to the stimulus;

determining that the received response is correct for the stimulus; and

acknowledging receipt of the received response when the received response is correct for the stimulus by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation;

for a predetermined percentage of the iterations, acknowledging by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation having a first predetermined form; and

for a second predetermined percentage of the iterations, acknowledging by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation having a second predetermined form.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first-mentioned predetermined percentage is approximately 97%.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the second predetermined percentage of the iterations are distributed throughout the iterations in a randomized manner.

4. A computer readable medium useful in association with a computer which includes a processor and a memory, the computer readable medium including computer instructions which are configured to cause the computer to provide motivation to a user of a training process which, when executed, presents stimuli to the user wherein the stimuli is designed primarily to improve a cognitive ability of the user and measures the cognitive ability of the user by comparison of responses of the user to the stimuli to predetermined correct responses by:

for a number of iterations,

presenting a stimulus to the user

receiving a response from the user in response to the stimulus;

determining that the received response is correct for the stimulus; and

acknowledging receipt of the received response when the received response is correct for the stimulus by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation;

for a predetermined percentage of the iterations, acknowledging by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation having a first predetermined form; and

for a second predetermined percentage of the iterations, acknowledging by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation having a second predetermined form.

5. The computer readable medium of claim 4 wherein the first-mentioned predetermined percentage is approxiamately 97%.

6. The computer readable medium of claim 4 wherein the second predetermined percentage of the iterations are distributed throughout the iterations in a randomized manner.

7. A computer system comprising:

a processor;

a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and

a motivation module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, causes the computer to provide motivation to a user of a training process which, when executed, presents stimuli to the user wherein the stimuli is designed primarily to improve a cognitive ability of the user and measures the cognitive ability of the user by comparison of responses of the user to the stimuli to predetermined correct responses by;

for a number of iterations,

presenting a stimulus to the user;

receiving a response from the user in response to the stimulus;

determining that the received response is correct for the stimulus; and

acknowledging receipt of the received response when the received response is correct for the stimulus by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation;

for a predetrmined percentage of the iterations, acknowledging by presenting to the user an acknowledgment represention having a first predetermined form; and

for a second predetermined percentage of the iterations, acknowledging by presenting to the user an acknowledgment representation having a second predetermined form.

8. The computer system of claim 7 wherein the first-mentioned predetermined percentage is approxiamately 97%.

9. The computer system of claim 7 wherein the second predetermined percentage of the iterations are distributed throughout the iterations in a randomized manner.