2462 results about "Skill sets" patented technology

Streaming compressed digital hypervideo received upon a digital communications network is decoded (decompressed) and played in a client-computer-based "video on web VCR" software system. Scene changes, if not previously marked upstream, are automatically detected, and typically twenty-one past scenes are displayed as thumbnail images. Hyperlinks within the main video scene, and / or any thumbnail image, show as hotspots, with text annotations typically appearing upon a cursor "mouse over". All hyperlinks-as are provided and inserted by, inter alia, the upstream network service provider (the "ISP")-may be, and preferably are, full-custom dynamically-resolved to each subscriber / user / viewer ("SUV") upon volitional "click throughs" by the SUV, including retrospectively on past hypervideo scenes as appear within the thumbnail images. Hyperlinking permits (i) retrieving information and commercials, including streaming video / hypervideo, from any of local storage, a network (or Internet) service provider ("ISP"), a network content provider, and / or an advertiser network site, (ii) entering a contest of skill or a lottery of chance, (iii) gambling, (iv) buying (and less often, selling), (v) responding to a survey, and expressing an opinion, and / or (vi) sounding an alert.

Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and / or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.

An exercise computer monitors the exercises of a user, especially a child, and provides rewards for exercises done well and regularly, thereby motivating the user. Rewards take the form of video games, cartoons, music, and merchant coupons. The exercise computer also provides encouragement and advice as the user progresses in skill level. Exercises may be prescribed. A record of exercise performance can be produced, to track the user's progress over time. The system and method can readily utilize the current install base of handheld computers and video games pre-existing in the marketplace.

A system and method for analyzing and evaluating the performance and attitude of a motor vehicle driver. A raw data stream from a set of vehicle sensors is filtered to eliminate extraneous noise, and then parsed to convert the stream into a string of driving event primitives. The string of driving events is then processed by a pattern-recognition system to derive a sequence of higher-level driving maneuvers. Driving maneuvers include such familiar procedures as lane changing, passing, and turn and brake. Driving events and maneuvers are quantified by parameters developed from the sensor data. The parameters and timing of the maneuvers can be analyzed to determine skill and attitude factors for evaluating the driver's abilities and safety ratings. The rendering of the data into common driving-related concepts allows more accurate and meaningful analysis and evaluation than is possible with ordinary statistical threshold-based analysis.

Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and / or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.

Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and / or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.

The present invention provides a system that creates virtual events within a virtual world. A virtual event may be akin to a real event, but is completely computer generated within a computer-generated world and is based on statistical measures, either real world or created. Numerous characteristics about the competitors and the competition location parameters are available before a competition event. Based on the known parameters about the location of an event and the characteristics of the participants and their historical past performances in similar events enable bettors to make informed wagers on an event that greatly enhances the satisfaction and involvement in a competition event. As such, Histories of virtual events are maintained on actual virtual performance data of competitors in the virtual world. The histories can include all relevant virtual data about a competitor and the past events the competitor competed.The virtual event may be created by an event engine, scheduled, and broadcast or simulcast in real-time through-out the real-world using existing and conventional video transport media, such as web, TV, satellite, telephone network, and cable. A video delivery system is used that will allow high quality high definition video to be broadcast worldwide with very low bandwidth requirements (<20 kb / s).Individuals throughout the real-world may place wagers (e.g., bets) on the outcome of either a pari-mutuel event or a fixed odds event, utilizing either pari-mutuel, exchange wagering or fixed odds wagering systems. The virtual event may be any type of sport, or skill based game that is usually between competitors.

A media capture device (MCD) that provides a multi-sensor, free flight camera platform with advanced learning technology to replicate the desires and skills of the purchaser / owner is provided. Advanced algorithms may uniquely enable many functions for autonomous and revolutionary photography. The device may learn about the user, the environment, and / or how to optimize a photographic experience so that compelling events may be captured and composed into efficient and emotional sharing. The device may capture better photos and videos as perceived by one's social circle of friends, and / or may greatly simplify the process of using a camera to the ultimate convenience of full autonomous operation.

The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An embodiment of a method incorporating RDOG may include steps of requiring a player to purchase a predetermined amount of playing time for a predetermined amount of money; inputting an initial average Return-To-Player (RTP) percentage of the regulated game; initiating the regulated game, and during the purchased predetermined amount of playing time: providing a plurality of reward generating assets and enabling the player to interact therewith, a successful interaction with a reward generating asset generating a reward for the player, and providing a plurality of time penalty inducing assets, interaction with one of which imposes a predetermined time penalty during which the player is prevented from interacting with any of the plurality of reward generating assets whereby, after interaction with one of the plurality of penalty inducing assets, the initial average RTP percentage is reduced by an amount proportional to a length of the predetermined time penalty.

A system and method for predicting the wait time of a caller to a call center is disclosed. The call center associates a set of agents to which the caller may be queued. This set of agents selected may depend on the skills that each agent possesses, the type of service request made by the caller, caller priority, time of day, day of week and other conditions. An initial wait time estimate may then be given to the caller who is just queued. As a caller's conditions may dynamically change, a caller's position in the queue may also change as well as the pool of available agents. Periodic wait time estimate updates may also be given to the queued caller. A caller's wait time may be estimated based upon mean inter-arrival times for recently past calls into the call center. An average inter-arrival time may be calculated for the last several calls. Alternatively, a caller's wait time may be estimated based upon calls that are recently queued and dequeued. A table of values, Wnj, are maintained wherein each such value denoting the jth recent wait time of calls arriving with n calls already in the queue. An average value, Wn, for each n among all such Wnj, is thus calculated and a caller's estimated wait time is thus given, depending on how many calls are in the queue at the time of calling.

Selection of a suitable call-center agent (106-108) to handle a call is based on which available suitable agent's handling of the call will tend to optimize call wait times. When a call needing a particular skill becomes available (200), all skills of agents in the agent queue (131-139) corresponding to the particular skill are determined (202, 204). The agent queues corresponding to the determined skills are checked (206) to determine which ones identify only one agent. For each available agent having the particular skill, the number of agent queues which identify this agent as their only agent is computed (208). The available agent having the lowest computed number is selected (210) to handle the call. This minimizes the number of skills that will be left without an available agent to handle subsequent calls, and thus tends to maximize the probability that a next call will also have a suitable agent already available and not have to wait for one to become available, thereby optimizing call wait times.

The invention provides a system and method for creating and facilitating the exchange of wagering-based transferable financial instruments. The instruments may be used to embody multiple various positions based upon the ultimate outcomes of uncertain future contingent events, including but not limited to outcomes of games of skill and chance. The invention further provides systems and platforms for monitoring, displaying information, and facilitating trading as to such instruments among multiple investment market participants, and a hosting or house participant, for time-variable buying and selling of such instruments.

The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An RDOG gaming machine may include a game that includes a reward generating assets and a graphic shown on a display. The graphic is at least partially controlled by the player and configured to interact with the reward generating asset. A reward table is associated with the reward generating assets and is configured such that when the graphic successfully interacts therewith on the display, a random number is obtained and used as an index into the reward table to derive a reward multiplier. The reward due the player for successfully interacting with the reward generating asset may then be determined by a product of the reward multiplier and a collision wager that is dependent upon a time interval since a last successful interaction with the reward generating asset.

The invention refers to digital interactive games operable from specific terminals, video game consoles, personal computers, cell phones, digital interactive television, even when they include an initial bit of chance for their usual development, in order to incorporate the possibility to get a prize (including cash payments), besides of simply diversion. It comprises the incorporation of at least one random resource capable of sustaining a mathematical balance between winners and losers equivalent to that governing games of pure chance, keeping the condition that, for the resolution of each game, it requires the participation of the person, his / her with and his / her visual, motor, spatial, and linguistic skills, besides to his / her knowledge. The incorporated random resource is managed by a probabilistic balance system that ensures the proper ratio between winners and losers in terms of the predetermined “payout”. The incorporated random resource could be either a lottery of maximum results including the previous draw of the maximum result the player can reach (although he / she plays it perfectly), or a lottery of levels of difficulty that draws the level of difficulty set for each game between a maximum level (virtually impossible to overcome) and a minimum level (very easy to overcome), or a combination of both of them.

A system and method for generating context vectors for use in storage and retrieval of documents and other information items. Context vectors represent conceptual relationships among information items by quantitative means. A neural network operates on a training corpus of records to develop relationship-based context vectors based on word proximity and co-importance using a technique of “windowed co-occurrence”. Relationships among context vectors are deterministic, so that a context vector set has one logical solution, although it may have a plurality of physical solutions. No human knowledge, thesaurus, synonym list, knowledge base, or conceptual hierarchy, is required. Summary vectors of records may be clustered to reduce searching time, by forming a tree of clustered nodes. Once the context vectors are determined, records may be retrieved using a query interface that allows a user to specify content terms, Boolean terms, and / or document feedback. The present invention further facilitates visualization of textual information by translating context vectors into visual and graphical representations. Thus, a user can explore visual representations of meaning, and can apply human visual pattern recognition skills to document searches.

Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data optionally alongside specific content provided by 3rd parties related to skill-based games in the gaming industry, in particular gambling. Data from users are collected and analyzed against the best practices or special style of playing to discover patterns and other related relationships which can be helpful to the user or gambler.

Methods and systems are presented for integrating workforce management and quality monitoring. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: receiving information about a skill; capturing a plurality of contacts made by an agent; receiving an evaluation of the contacts; and updating the skill information based on the evaluation. The skill is associated with an agent, and the evaluation measures the agent skill. In another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: receiving information about a skill; capturing a plurality of contacts made by an agent; receiving an evaluation form for the contacts; and updating the form based on the skill information. The skill is associated with an agent, and the form produces a measurement of the agent skill.

A system for preventing driving skill atrophy comprises a trainer module that determines the driver's current skill level, disables certain automated features based on the determined skill level, and forces the driver to use and hone her driving skills. The system collects data to determine through on-board vehicle sensors how a driver is driving the vehicle. The system then compares the driver's current driving skills with the driver's historical driving skills or the general population's driving skills. Based on the comparison, the system determines whether the driver's skill level is stagnant, improving or deteriorating. If the skill level is improving, for example, the system disables certain automated driving features to give driver more control of the vehicle.

A user-friendly reliable process is provided to help diagnose (assess) and treat (rehabilitate) impairment or deficiencies in a person (subject or patient) caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other neurocognitive disorders. The economical, safe, effective process can include: generating and electronically displaying a virtual reality environment (VRE) with moveable images; identifying and letting the TBI person perform a task in the VRE; electronically inputting and recording the performance data with an electronic interactive communications device; electronically evaluating the person's performance and assessing the person's impairment by electronically determining a deficiency in the person's cognitive function (e.g. memory, recall, recognition, attention, spatial awareness) and / or motor function (i.e. motor skills, e.g. balance) as a result of the TBI or other neurocognitive disorder.

A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and / or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input / output programming, simulated intelligence and / or interactive gaming possibilities.

A call-management method and system for distributing calls to agents, wherein each agent has a profile, e.g., defining agent skills, efficiency, etc. The call center management system implements an algorithm for selecting an agent to receive a call to optimize caller utility, call center efficiency, and agent training. Therefore, the algorithm does not seek to necessarily route a call to the agent having the skill set most suited to the call; rather, the call may be routed to an agent who needs experience in the area of the call, and thus serves as a training exercise. Skilled agents may be made available to shadow the training agent when available.

A tool, called the Skills Matching Application (SMA), allows a user, such as a hiring manager, to communicate requirements to technical service suppliers in a way that significantly reduces the process time and improves the accuracy of requests sent to suppliers. The SMA is accessed from a Web-based Requisition / Catalog (REQ / CAT) Web application. A user who needs to request a technical contractor accesses the REQ / CAT Web application which brings the user to the SMA Web site. The SMA application, after requiring a password and profile (for first time access) to be entered, takes the user through a series of screens which prompts the user to enter a Statement of Work (SOW) and complete a skills detail checklist for each of the technical skills requested. Once the request is completed, it is submitted to contracted suppliers who are sent an e-mail notification notifying the supplier that a new request has been entered into the SMA application for them to review and submit a candidate against. This e-mail has a standard formatted attachment which contains the statement of work and skills detail checklist. The suppliers, when they receive an e-mail request, access the Web site database to view the request details. A supplier provides a candidate or candidates by accessing the SMA Web site and submitting candidates and appending resumes as appropriate. The supplier provides a response to the SOW by responding to the entries with the candidate's skills, experience, etc. The requestor views the supplier responses and associated resumes and can either accept or reject each candidate submitted but cannot accept more than the number of candidates requested.

A computer-based system and method of interactive game challenge and acceptance for finding an appropriate game server for one or more individuals to play on given skill level, latency and numerous other factors; setting up the game server with the proper parameters; connecting those individuals to that server; logging the details of the match; updating those details to a database and updating or creating statistics related to those individuals for display and ranking purposes to be used for later match-ups.

A system and method are disclosed which quantify one or more attributes of a finite number of resources for effective management of such resources. Quantifiable attributes possessed by a resource may include skills or functional capabilities possessed by the resources, as examples. A request for service by one or more of the resources is received, and at least one attribute desired by the request is quantified. Based at least in part on the quantified attributes of the resources and the quantified attributes desired by the request, at least one suitable resource for servicing the received request is determined. Most preferably, attributes of resources may be quantified along a scale, such as a scale of 0 to 100. For example, within a telephony call center, attributes possessed by agents, such as language skills or product knowledge may be quantified along such a scale. A request for service may be received, and the attributes of a resource desired by the request are quantified along such a scale. Suitable resources for servicing a request may be determined by evaluating the quantified attributes possessed by the resources and the quantified attributes desired by the request. Thus, “N” number of resource attributes may be quantified and plotted within an N-dimensional space. Additionally, attributes desired by a received request may be quantified and plotted within such N-dimensional space. The distance between the plotted resource attributes and the plotted requests may be calculated to determine at least one suitable resource for servicing the request.

The present invention relates to a method for workforce scheduling in which workload and workload types vary during scheduling period. The method acquires agent and skill requirements for all periods and contact types; acquires the contact center information including agent skill groups, agent work groups, tour and shift scheduling rules, agent availability, objective criterion to be optimized and its parameters; develops a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model for the scheduling environment; applied an optimization algorithm that uses the Branch and Bound algorithm with a Rounding Algorithm to improve performance; and locates a globally optimal or near optimal workforce schedule in total cost or paid time or agent satisfaction. Detailed schedules may be developed by assigning daily shifts to work patterns, and breaks scheduled to daily shifts.

A computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

A call-management method and system for distributing calls to agents, wherein each agent has a profile, e.g., defining agent skills, efficiency, etc. The call center management system implements an algorithm for selecting an agent to receive a call to optimize caller utility, call center efficiency, and agent training. Therefore, the algorithm does not seek to necessarily route a call to the agent having the skill set most suited to the call; rather, the call may be routed to an agent who needs experience in the area of the call, and thus serves as a training exercise. Skilled agents may be made available to shadow the training agent when available.

A method and system for accumulating data to match and matching a user, based upon a play style and / or personal attribute, in an online gaming environment is described. One aspect of the invention provides a matchmaking system that matches players based upon a play style of the players. The system matches players who are looking for games with players who prefer similar play styles. Similarly the system can match players based upon a personal attribute of the player. The system can be built into existing general skill level and technical capabilities based matchmaking systems to provide more user desired matchmaking parameters, allowing a user to choose based upon play style, personal attribute, general skill level, and / or technical capabilities.