Interactive training apparatus

• US 4,576,578 A
• Filed: 03/31/1983
• Issued: 03/18/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bell & Howell LLC (Böwe Systec AG)
• Original Assignee: Bell & Howell LLC (Böwe Systec AG)
• Inventors: Parker, Robert R., DiGianfilippo, Dominic J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb, William H.
• Application Number:
  US06/480,989
• Time in Patent Office: 1,083 Days
• Field of Search: 434/307, 434/432, 312/7.2, 312/22, 312/23, 312/24, 312/25, 312/28, 358/254, 400/682
• US Class Current: 434/307.00R
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/063 with hand-placed probe or plug

Abstract

Interactive training apparatus is provided as a self-contained, mobile unit. The interactive training apparatus includes a program control unit and audio and video program transducing units responsive to respective program records. The program control unit includes a computer and a control program record. The various program records define a lesson of a training program and include program control information and audio and video program information. The apparatus includes a fold-out keyboard for limited access by an instructor-operator to organize or enroll the various learner-operators for the lesson. A video display monitor is provided on a movable shelf at the top of the cabinet. The learner-operator interfaces with the interactive training apparatus as to entry of information via a light pen device that provides visual display frame information to the central control unit.

Claims

1. An improved interactive training apparatus including a video display device for displaying visual information, an audio device for providing audio information, a program control device for controlling the operation of the interactive training apparatus, and a keyboard and a light pen input devices, said interactive training apparatus comprising:

a mobile enclosure for containing the interactive training apparatus;

means for movably carrying the video display device with respect to said enclosure to provide movement of a carried video display device outward from a first predetermined front plane of said enclosure;

operable means for inhibiting movement of said movable carrying means with respect to said enclosure;

means for inhibiting movement of said movable carrying means beyond a second, predetermined outwardly extended position;

means for movably mounting the keyboard input device between a first generally vertical position and a second generally horizontal position, such that the keyboard input device is accessible to an operator only in said second generally horizontal position; and

means for limiting access to the keyboard input device and for preventing movement of the keyboard input device from said first vertical position to said second horizontal position.

2. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said movably carrying means comprises a shelf and means for slidably mounting said shelf with respect to said enclosure.

3. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said movably carrying means comprises a video display device support surface, said operable means for inhibiting movement of said movable carrying means being operable with said movably carrying means in a first closed position wherein said support surface is moved into said enclosure.

4. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 3 wherein said movably carrying means further comprises means for movably mounting said video display device support surface with respect to said enclosure.

5. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for movably mounting said video display device support surface comprises two pairs of interfitting slide track elements, each pair of said slide track elements including a first element fixed to said enclosure and a second element interfitting with said first element and mounted along an edge of said support surface, said second elements being mounted on respective opposing sides of said support surface.

6. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 5 wherein said movement inhibiting means comprises an extending portion of said enclosure and an extending portion of said video display device support surface, said extending portions meeting to inhibit movement of said video display device support surface when said video support surface is moved beyond said predetermined outwardly extended position.

7. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 4 wherein said operable inhibiting means comprises a lock carried by said video display device support surface, said lock including a movable element, said operable inhibiting means further comprising a receiver of said enclosure interfitting with said lock element.

8. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 3 wherein said video display device support surface is separated with respect to the bottom plane of said enclosure to provide an optimum viewing position of the visual display device for a seated operator.

9. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for movably mounting the keyboard input device includes a support surface being pivotally mounted with respect to said enclosure.

10. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 9 wherein said support surface is separated with respect to the bottom plane of said enclosure to provide an optimum working position for an operator in a seated position with respect to the keyboard input device.

11. The information presentation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for limiting access to the keyboard input device comprises a lock and a removable key.

12. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a storage compartment including a pivotally mounted door and means for limiting access to said storage compartment attached to said door and cooperating with said means for movably mounting the keyboard input device for limiting access to said storage compartment.

13. The improved interactive training apparatus of claim 12 wherein said storage compartment access limiting means comprises a plate extending beyond one edge of said pivotally mounted door, said plate being covered by said support surface when said means for mounting the keyboard input device is in said vertical position.