Goal based system utilizing a time based model

• US 7,054,848 B1
• Filed: 02/08/1999
• Issued: 05/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited (Accenture PLC)
• Original Assignee: Accenture LLP (Accenture PLC)
• Inventors: Lannert, Eric Jeffrey, Conant, Jonathan Christian, Gobran, Timothy John, Smith, Karen Therese, Willow, Michael James, Murphy, Scott Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirl, Joseph P.
• Application Number:
  US09/868,708
• Time in Patent Office: 2,668 Days
• Field of Search: 706/45, 706/14, 706/12, 434/350
• US Class Current: 706/45
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 5/04 Inference or reasoning models

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 training 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 uses 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 allows a user to experience real-world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system is architected around a time based model to manage and control the system.

Claims

1. A computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation, comprising:

(a) a reception source code segment comprising source code for receiving information indicative of a goal;

(b) an integration source code segment comprising source code for integrating information that motivates accomplishment of the goal for use in the presentation;

(c) a synchronization source code segment comprising source code for synchronizing events in the presentation utilizing a time based model, for presenting, to a user, a selected predetermined list of actions during each time period to perform a simulated company task for a simulated business activity, and for receiving a user selection from the selected list of actions during each said time period, wherein the simulated business activity is partitioned into at least two time periods; and

(d) an evaluation source code segment comprising source code for evaluating progress toward the goal and providing feedback that further motivates accomplishment of the goal utilizing the time based model to control the presentation of information based on the user selection.

2. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including an interactive source code segment comprising source code for presenting an interactive session and querying a user for analysis of the interactive session including a decision.

3. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 2, including a presentation source code segment comprising source code for altering the presentation based on the user'"'"'s decision to further refine the accomplishment of the goal.

4. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including a timing source code segment comprising source code for advancing time as the presentation proceeds.

5. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 4, including a presentation code segment comprising source code for presenting a new presentation and querying a user for a new decision after the time is advanced.

6. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including a simulation code segment comprising source code for simulating management of resources utilizing the presentation.

7. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including an adjustment code segment comprising source code for adjusting the feedback based on a current time.

8. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including an interface code segment comprising source code for passing information from the presentation to an expert system to analyze the information and formulate the appropriate feedback utilizing time as a variable for analysis.

9. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including a timing code segment comprising source code for utilizing an internal clock to synchronize time.

10. The computer data signal of claim 1, wherein the synchronization source code segment further comprises source code for initiating execution of the presentation at a desired start time period of time and for allowing the execution of the presentation to continue for a desired number of time periods.

11. The computer signal of claim 1, wherein the evaluation source code segment synchronizes the events in the presentation with the feedback.

12. The computer signal of claim 1, wherein the events correspond to video and graphics.

20. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including logic that passes information from the presentation to an expert system to analyze the information and formulate the appropriate feedback utilizing time as a variable for analysis.

13. An apparatus that creates a presentation, comprising:

(a) a processor;

(b) a memory that stores information under control of the processor;

(c) logic that integrates information that motivates accomplishment of the goal for use in the presentation;

(d) logic that synchronizes events in the presentation utilizing a time base model, that presents, to a user, a selected predetermined list of actions during each time period to perform a simulated company task for a simulated business activity and that receives a user selection from the selected predetermined list of actions during each said time period, wherein the simulated business is partitioned into at least two time periods;

(e) logic that evaluates progress toward the goal; and

(f) logic that provides feedback, responsive to a progress indication, hat further motivates accomplishment of the goal utilizing the time based model to control the presentation of information based on the user selection.

14. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 13, including logic that presents an interactive session and querying a user for analysis of the interactive session including a decision.

15. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 13, including logic that alters the presentation based on the user'"'"'s decision to further refine the accomplishment of the goal.

16. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 13, including logic that advances time as the presentation proceeds.

17. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 16, including logic that presents a new presentation and querying a user for a new decision after the time is advanced.

18. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 13, including logic that simulates management of resources utilizing the presentation.

19. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 13, including logic that adjusts the feedback based on a current time.

21. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 13, including logic that utilizes an internal clock to synchronize time.