Uniform motivation for multiple computer-assisted training systems

• US 6,585,519 B1
• Filed: 07/11/2000
• Issued: 07/01/2003
• 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:
  US09/613,610
• Time in Patent Office: 1,085 Days
• Field of Search: 434/236, 434/322, 434/323, 434/327, 434/335, 434/353, 434/354, 434/362, 463/25, 463/30, 463/31, 463/33, 345/772
• US Class Current: 434/236
• 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 are 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:

establishing a progress milestone in terms of correct responses of the user to the stimuli presented by the training process;

displaying to the user a progress indicator at an initial position wherein the position of the progress indicator represents the proximity of the user in using the training process to achieving the progress milestone; and

in response to the user responding to stimuli of the training process, changing the position of the progress indicator to represent a change in the proximity of the user in using the training process to achieving the progress milestone by;

animating movement the progress indicator to represent a continuous transition from the previous progress state to the next progress state; and

animating the progress indicator independently of a change in position of the animating movement of the progress indicator.

2. 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 are 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:

establishing a progress milestone in terms of correct responses of the user to the stimuli presented by the training process;

displaying to the user a progress indicator at an initial position wherein the position of the progress indicator represents the proximity of the user in using the training process to achieving the progress milestone; and

in response to the user responding to stimuli of the training process, changing the position of the progress indicator to represent a change in the proximity of the user in using the training process to achieving the progress milestone by;

animating movement the progress indicator to represent a continuous transition from the previous progress state to the next progress state; and

animating the progress indicator independently of a change in position of the animating movement of the progress indicator.

3. 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 are 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;

establishing a progress milestone in terms of correct responses of the user to the stimuli presented by the training process;

displaying to the user a progress indicator at an initial position wherein the position of the progress indicator represents the proximity of the user in using the training process to achieving the progress milestone; and

in response to the user responding to stimuli of the training process, changing the position of the progress indicator to represent a change in the proximity of the user in using the training process to achieving the progress milestone by;

animating movement the progress indicator to represent a continuous transition from the previous progress state to the next progress state; and

animating the progress indicator independently of a change in position of the animating movement of the progress indicator.