System, method and article of manufacture for a simulation engine with an expert system example processing engine

• US 6,064,998 A
• Filed: 12/22/1998
• Issued: 05/16/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited (Accenture PLC)
• Original Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
• Inventors: Zabloudil, Maureen Therese, Wills, Kerry Russell
• Primary Examiner(s): Hafiz, Tariq R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rhodes, Jason W.
• Application Number:
  US09/219,524
• Time in Patent Office: 511 Days
• Field of Search: 706/60, 706/11, 706/12, 706/14, 706/45-47, 706/61, 706/920, 706/925, 434/307 R, 434/308, 434/322, 434/323, 434/327, 434/332, 434/350, 434/362, 705/11
• US Class Current: 706/45
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 706/925 Business

Abstract

A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and provides examples with process sensitive help that guides a student to intuitively develop the appropriate next step.

Claims

1. A method for creating a business simulation utilizing a rule based expert system with a spreadsheet object component that includes data, calculations required for the simulation and communication information to provide a dynamic, goal based educational learning experience, comprising the steps of:

(a) accessing information in the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system to retrieve indicia representative of a goal;

(b) utilizing the information in the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system to integrate examples into the simulation to provide assistance with achieving the goal;

(c) monitoring answers to questions posed to evaluate progress of a student toward the goal utilizing the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system; and

(d) providing dynamic, goal-based, remediation learning information feedback from a remediation object component including a knowledge system and a software tutor comprising an artificial intelligence engine which generates individualized coaching messages that further assists the student in achieving the goal; and

(e) providing information to assist with a next step in achieving the goal.

2. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, including the step of linking information that motivates accomplishment of the goal to the business simulation.

3. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, including the step of providing information that explains why the next step should be done.

4. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, including the step of providing information that explains how the next step should be done.

5. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, including the step of utilizing video clips as feedback.

6. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, including the step of organizing feedback categorically.

7. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, wherein the feedback is based on a dynamic orientation factor.

8. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, wherein the feedback is based on past information presented.

9. A method for creating a business simulation as recited in claim 1, including the step of providing information based on the simulation context.

10. An apparatus that creates a business simulation utilizing a rule-based expert system with a spreadsheet object component to provide a goal based educational environment comprising:

(a) a processor;

(b) a keyboard under control of the processor for inputting information into the system;

(c) a display under the control of the processor;

(d) a memory that stores information in the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system under the control of the processor that includes data, calculations required for the simulation and communication information;

(e) logic that accesses the memory to retrieve indicia representative of a goal;

(f) logic that accesses the spreadsheet of the rule-based expert system to retrieve examples and which integrates such examples into the simulation to provide assistance with achieving the goal;

(g) logic that monitors answers to questions posed to evaluate progress of a student toward the goal utilizing the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system and provides goal based, remediation learning information feedback from a remediation object component a knowledge system and a software tutor comprising an artificial intelligence engine which generates individualized coaching messages that further provides the student with assistance in accomplishing the goal; and

(h) logic that provides information to assist with a next step in achieving the goal.

11. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a business simulation utilizing a rule-based expert system with a spreadsheet object component that includes data, calculations required for the simulation and communication information to provide a goal-based educational environment, comprising:

(a) a code segment that accesses the information in the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system to retrieve indicia representative of a goal;

(b) a code segment that utilizes the information in the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system to integrate examples into the simulation to provide assistance with achieving the goal;

(c) a code segment that monitors answers to questions posed to evaluate progress of a student toward the goal utilizing the spreadsheet object component of the rule-based expert system and provides goal-based, remediation learning information feedback from a remediation object component including a knowledge system and a software tutor comprising an artificial intelligence engine which generates individual coaching messages that further provides the student with assistance with achieving the goal; and

(d) a code segment that provides information to assist with a next step in achieving the goal.

12. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, including a code segment that links information that motivates accomplishment of the goal to the simulation.

13. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, including a code segment that explains why the next step should be done.

14. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, including a code segment that explains how the next step should be done.

15. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, including a code segment that utilizes video clips as feedback.

16. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, including a code segment that organizes feedback categorically.

17. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, wherein the feedback is based on a dynamic orientation factor.

18. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, wherein the feedback is based on past information presented.

19. A computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium that creates a multimedia business simulation as recited in claim 11, including a code segment that provides information based on the simulation context.