Carol J Strohecker

US Patent:

6464501, Oct 15, 2002

Filed:

Feb 9, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/246962

Inventors:

Carol Strohecker - Cambridge MA
Edith Ackermann - Cambridge MA
Aseem Agarwala - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G09B 1100

US Classification:

434 81, 434 96

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a new and useful learning system. A computer-based system permits a user to create and manipulate basic elements within an environment. The system then represents relationships within the environment. The system and user cooperate to provide a learning opportunity for the user. As the user makes or reviews changes of basic elements, he or she can learn how different aspects of an element affect the overall interactions. Two specific embodiments are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the system is used for exploring geometric patterns. The basic elements are tiles which are formed and manipulated through operations of geometric symmetry. The tiles can be combined into different repeating patterns. Multiple tiles can be used within a pattern. Also, new tiles can be created from portions of the pattern.

US Patent:

61008966, Aug 8, 2000

Filed:

Mar 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/822011

Inventors:

Carol Strohecker - Cambridge MA
Barbara Barros - Madison CT

Assignee:

Mitsubishi Electric Information Technology Center America, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G06T 1520

US Classification:

345427

Abstract:

A system for generating a virtual reality environment applies principles of urban planning. Participants interact with the system by designating or anging certain objects or characteristics of the environment. The environment includes designation of districts having similar scenic characteristics. Paths define routes through the districts and within the environment. Specific foci or landmarks can be identified at locations within the environment. In addition to creating a conceptual view of the environment, the system generates a set of scenes representing movement of a participant along a defined walkway through the environment. The scenes are generated as composite images of objects in a perspective view. The objects forming a composite in the scene are determined based upon the characteristics of the district to which the scene applies.

US Patent:

61062995, Aug 22, 2000

Filed:

Dec 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/997249

Inventors:

Edith Ackermann - Cambridge MA
Carol Strohecker - Cambridge MA
Aseem Agarwala - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Mitsubishi Electric Information Technology Center America, Inc. (ITA) - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G09B 1100
G09B 1900

US Classification:

434 81

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a new and useful learning system. A compr-based system permits a user to create and manipulate basic elements within an environment. The system then represents relationships within the environment. The system and user cooperate to provide a learning opportunity for the user. As the user makes or reviews changes of basic elements, he or she can learn how different aspects of an element affect the overall interactions. Two specific embodiments are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the system is used for exploring geometric patterns. The basic elements are tiles which are formed and manipulated through operations of geometric symmetry. The tiles can be combined into different repeating patterns. Multiple tiles can be used within a pattern. Also, new tiles can be created from portions of the pattern.

US Patent:

62118765, Apr 3, 2001

Filed:

Jun 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/102258

Inventors:

Edith Ackermann - Cambridge MA
Dennis Nathan Bromley - Arlington MA
David Ray DeMaso - Wellesley MA
Sara Frances Frisken Gibson - Arlington MA
Joseph Gonzalez-Heydrich - Dorchester MA
Judith Galler Karlin - Wellesley MA
Joseph Marks - Belmont MA
Chia Shen - Arlington MA
Carol Strohecker - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G06F 300
G06F 1730
G06F 1727

US Classification:

345348

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus are provided for accessing an experience journal which includes unstructured text items relating to a topic, such as a medical condition. The method is implemented in a computer system including a processor, a storage device, a video display unit having a display screen, and a user interface. The unstructured text items are stored in the storage device. Similarities among the unstructured text items are determined, and icons, one corresponding to each of the unstructured text items, are displayed on the display screen. The icons are positioned on the display screen relative to each other, such that the distances between icons are representative of the determined similarities among the unstructured text items. In response to user selection of one of the icons, the corresponding unstructured text item is displayed on the display screen.