Field of the Invention;
The present invention pertains in general to computer based training packages and in particular to computer based experimentation systems.
Background of the Invention
With day-to-day increasing work complexity, the use of computer has become highly essential. It is changing not only the way we work but also the way we learn. There has been a marked increase in the number of computer-based applications coming up for our use. Following the same trend, the number of computer based training packages is also picking up.
Computer based training packages for science education offer several advantages such as interactivity, multimedia content and self-paced learning. There are also several disadvantages of computer based training packages. The present computer based training packages for science education lack the facililty of experimentations. In most of these packages, computers act as replacements or supplements to traditional textbooks. Further, these packages use simulations to illustrate concepts. They do not allow conducting a science experiment at a computer terminal. But conducting experiments can help in better and faster learning of the same concepts.
There are also a number of computer-based instruments that allow measurement of parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure etc. Some of these display results in the form of graphs and allow storage of values. These computer-based instruments or data loggers as they are also called require setting up of standard laboratory equipment as one would when using standard digital instruments. The chief disadvantage is that they lack the facility of instructions through computers. In other words these instruments only act as substitute for standard laboratory instruments.
A survey of prior art systems dealing with computer assisted experimentation reveals two major shortcomings:
Tendency to overuse simulations instead of real experiments
No interaction between experimental setup and the lesson. The lessons are in no position to check the correctness of the student's experimental set-up. Also most of the systems cannot be used without outer guidance.
In US patent no. 5,360,344 for "Hands-on learning system including three-dimensional action model kit", the instructions on assembling a kit are given through a computer. Once the kit is assembled, no measurement can be performed as no instrument is provided to connect to the computer. It does not use the computer as a measurement tool. It is exactly a hands-on learning system including three-dimensional action model kit - has flat rigid molded panels of distinctive shapes.
US patent no. 5,855,483 for "Interactive play with a computer", provides playthings that interface with the computer and allow fantasy play. It does not use a separate instrument for measuring and viewing "real-life" physical/scientific parameters. Further there is no embodiment to teach any scientific phenomenon. It is just a method for enabling fantasy play using a computer and a plaything.
US patent no. 5,562,454 titled "Educational mechatronics apparatus" is an embodiment to teach only mechatronics. Further, there is no integration of the computer, instrument and instruction. It is merely an educational mechatronics apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards respectively corresponding to blocks appearing on a block diagram of an automatic control system.
US patent no. 4,091,550 for "Automated Instructional Apparatus and Method" simulates the functionality of the test equipment for training purposes. The gist of the invention lies in simulating the devices rather than performing experiments in the physical world taking away the essence of laboratory like experiments.
GB patent no. 2,324,401 for "A Fast Assemble Technology And Science Kit" merely displays the output in a graphical format. It discloses the use of PCB boards interfaced to a computer to evaluate the output. The PCB board restricts the flexibility of the system. Further the invention does not disclose lessons or experimental approach towards learning.
US patent no. 4,812,125 for "Interactive Teaching Apparatus" is more specific to particular equipment that is the object of the invention. It uses as one of its components the actual piece of equipment that is the ultimate object of training. Thus the invention aims basically to train, rather than educate, a user using the equipment, which the user would use later.
Objects and Sunmary of the invention
The present invention substantially reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with prior art in computer based training.
The objective of the present invention is to enable a user to conduct an experiment as well as learn about the theory behind the experiment. It eliminates the delay between learning and conducting experiments.
It is further an object of the present invention to observe a scientific phenomenon, attempt proposing a plausible theory explaining the phenomenon and validate the proposed theory by conducting more experiments in the way scientists do.
It is a further objective of the present invention to pointedly strengthen the art of observation.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to elicit formulation of explanation and provide scope and option for validation.
The Computer Assisted Experimentation (CAE) System overcomes the above disadvantages of both the computer based training packages and computer-based instruments while retaining the advantages of both. It provides educational equipment, which introduces a user selected scientific theory/phenomena before formal introduction in the curriculum, pointedly strengthens the art of observation, elicits formulation of explanation and provides scope and option for validation.
A Computer Assisted Experimentation System (CAES) comprising:
means for displaying lessons and instructions for experimentation,
means for conducting experiments and generating parameters related to said experiments, means for sensing the said parameters and conveying them to an interface device, and means for analysis of said parameters and providing feedback based on the analysis.
A method of computer based experimentation, said method comprising the steps of:
- imparting lessons and instructions for performing experiments with the use of a computing device,
- performing experiments in the real world,
- converting results of the experiment into a digital format, and
- analysis of said results.
The present invention consists of an instrument that enables measurement of parameters and is interfaced to the computer; an experimentation kit and learning material that is computer based and uses both the said instrument and the said kit to impart improved instructions. The kit is experiment specific. For instance in case of electricity based experiments, it consists consisting of a board with components such as, but not restricted to, motors, lamps and Light Dependant Resistors. The computer-based lesson includes a set of experiments and exercises involving measuring of various parameters. These lessons are capable of imparting instructions as well as communicating with an interface device to display the results. These lessons are capable of detecting if the student has made mistakes and giving appropriate feedback.
In one embodiment the kit is color-coded to setup/assemble the components correctly without any external guidance. The present invention also allows a teacher to re-order the experiments to suit individual learners.
It is also possible with this invention to take it outdoor and perform experiments and store the readings in the interface device and later input them to the computer. The interface device contains a display means for outdoor experiments and also for the user's convenience whenever the user desires.
The invention also provides multimedia-based, interactive and/or textual lessons to assist the learner in performing the experiments.
The present invention can also be utilized as a computer controlled power source to actuate a particular component of the experimental setup. This allows a computer-based lesson to control the functioning of certain scientific apparatus.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
Fig 1 is a block diagram illustrating the CAE system.
Fig 2 is a block diagram illustrating the instrument interfaced to the computer.
Fig 3 is a block diagram illustrating the experimentation kit in the CAE system.
Fig 4 depicts a chart that shows how a typical lesson is designed.
Fig 5 shows the basic internal structure of the computing devices
Fig 6 describes a subset of objects used in a typical lesson.
Detailed Description of the Drawings:
Figure 1 gives a block diagram of the Computer Assisted Experimentation System. The system consists of an Experimentation Kit, 11. Topic-specific sensors 12 sense/measure the parameters from the kit and convey them to an interface device, 13. The sensors can be detached or attached as desired to the device, which converts the parameters into a form readable by the computer and further conveys them to the computer through a port. The ports can be, but not restricted to, parallel, serial or USB. The communication channel can be wired or wireless. The computer-based lessons on the computer accept the values and display them appropriately as part of instruction. They also
use this value to perform an intelligent diagnosis to check if the value sensed is as expected in the lesson.
Figure 2 gives a block diagram of the interface device in the CAE system, which is interfaced, to the computer. The Sensor Interface Circuitry, 21, converts the sensed parameters into values compatible with the analog to digital converter. In one embodiment, local intelligence 22 in the form of a microcontroller or a microprocessor is present. Embodiments can also exist without local intelligence. The values of the measured parameters are received by the Channel Selector and Analog to Digital Converter, 23, allows selection of one of the many sensors connected and converts the selected analog quantity into a corresponding digital quantity. The Channel Selector and Analog to Digital Converter, 23, may reside within the local intelligence 22 or outside it. The Port Interface Circuitry, 25, converts the digital data from 23 into levels suitable for the computer port. Appropriate routines residing on the computer read this digital value. The power circuitry, 24, converts the power from the AC Mains into the levels appropriate for the rest of the circuitry. In one embodiment, the power circuitry, 24, converts the power from the serial port into levels appropriate for the rest of the circuitry. In addition to this there is a memory device, 27, that provides a provision to save the readings generated during experimentation if at present the computer or the software program is not available. Also there is a control device, 26, which can control an externally attached device such as a fan or heating device etc. This can also act as a source of power. This will be as required in the experiment being performed. This interface unit is also called Data Capture and Control Unit (DCCU).
The inventive concept can be used to experiment and measure any physical/scientific parameter. It shall now be explained that how the present invention can be applied in conducting experiment in the field of electricity.
Figure 3 gives a block diagram of the Experimentation Kit in the CAE system. In one embodiment, the kit has electrical components, 31, mounted on a board. Each component is associated with sockets that can be used to make connections to the component. Connections are made using cables with plugs that snug-fit into the sockets. Both the sockets and the cables are color-coded to facilitate easy connections. The Electricity Kit can use batteries or a battery eliminator as a power source, 33.
A free area, 32, with appropriately placed and color coded sockets is provided to enable the learners to devise and perform their own experiments.
Apart from the fixed components mounted on the board, a number of free components such as but not restricted to switches, Light emitting diodes, capacitors, resistors, are also provided. Each component is fitted with color-coded plugs that can be mounted on the board into color-coded sockets.
Figure 4 depicts a chart that shows how a typical lesson is designed. It starts with the learner trying to analyze a particular phenomenon 10. To understand the phenomenon better, the learner postulates a theory 11. A theory can be verified best by experimentation; hence the learner tries to experiment to validate his theory 12. The interface device reads the parameters of the experiment and converts it to digital form and sends it to the computer. The computer has programs to analyze them and inform whether the experiment performed was correct or not thus the theory postulated is correct or incorrect 13. If the results are shown as correct, the learner will get to refer the prevailing theory 14, else the above steps can be repeated.
Figure 5 shows the internal structure of the general computer system as described above. The computer system (111) consists of various subsystems interconnected with the help of a system bus (112). The microprocessor (113) communicates and controls the functioning of other subsystems. Memory (114) helps the microprocessor in its functioning by storing instructions and data during its execution. Permaient Storage (115) is used to hold the data and instructions permanent in nature like the operating system and other programs. Display adapter (116) is used as an interface between the system bus and the display device (117), which is generally a monitor. The network interface (118) is used to connect the computer with other computers on a network through wired or wireless means. The computer may also be connected to the internet for providing and downloading relevant lessons. The computer system might also contain a sound card (not shown). The system is connected to various input devices like keyboard (119) and mouse (120) and output devices like printer (121). Various configurations of these subsystems are possible.
The lessons provided by the present invention, through the computer, are arranged in a format so as to provide maximum convenience to the leamer. It contains the matter arranged under proper subheadings. Figure 6 shows us the sub-headings. Firstly a title displays the heading of the lesson/
instruction/ experiment. Then a photo in digital form demonstrates how the experiment is to be performed. Just following the figures, a learner with ordinary skill can perform experiments correctly. A readings table displays the readings measured, by the instrument provided, after the learner has completed or is continuing with the experimentation and clicks on 'Measure'. The software programs residing on the computer help in achieving this. Next and Previous options enable the learner to move to the previous or the next experiment with the screen initialized for the experiment. The learner has the option to save the readings of any experiment, by clicking on save, to work on it later or to show the same to any person concerned. The user can exit from the lesson at any time during experimentation and can also see the theory any time between the experiments.
It will readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. Thus variations may be made within the scope and spirit of the accompanying claims without sacrificing the principal advantages of the invention.

We ciaim:
1. A Computer Assisted Experimentation System (CAES) comprising:
means (117) for displaying lessons and instructions for experimentation,
means (11) for conducting experiments and generating parameters related to said experiments,
means (12) for sensing the said parameters and conveying them to an interface device, and
- means (13) for analysis of said parameters and providing feedback based on the analysis.
2. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for displaying lessons and
means for analysis comprises a programmable computing device said computing
device comprising:
one or more system bus,
at least one communications unit connected to the system bus,
a memory unit including a set of instructions connected to the system bus,
at least one control unit executing the instructions in the memory for the functioning of said means, and
a display device.
3. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for conducting experiments and generating parameters comprises an experiment specific kit.
4. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein said parameters are electrical parameters comprising voltage and current.
5. The CAES as claimed in claim 3, said experimentation specific kit comprises:
a kit board,
components connected on the said kit board,
means for supplying power to the kit board and the components,
a free area on the said kit board to accommodate additional components.
4. The CAES as claimed in claim 4, wherein said components are associated with colour-coded plugs and sockets.
5. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for sensing the said parameters comprise topic specific sensors.
6. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensors comprise voltage and current sensors.
7. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interface device comprises:
at least one power source,
memory means for storing received parameters,
a sensor interface circuit for converting the said parameters into values compatible with an Analog to Digital Converter,
a channel selector means for selecting parameters from the said sensor interface circuit,
an analog to digital converter for converting said parameters into a digital form, and
a port interface circuit for converting the digital parameters to suitable level.
8. The CAES as claimed in claim 8, wherein said interface device comprises display means.
9. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interface device is connected through ports to said computing device for analysis of said digital values
10. The CAES as claimed in claim 10, wherein said ports comprise serial ports, parallel ports and USB ports.
11. The CAES as claimed in claim 1, wherein connectivity between said interface device and said computing device comprise wired and wireless means.
12. A method of computer based experimentation using the computer assisted experimentation system as claimed in any preceding claim, said method comprising the steps of:
observing and analyzing a phenomenon,
devising a theory or hypothesis,
verifying and validating said proposed theory or hypothesis,
reading the parameters of the experiment and converting it to a digital form,
analyzing and determining whether experiment is correct or not and consequently
said theory.
13. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said method is used for conducting experiments related to field of electricity.
14. A Computer Assisted Experimentation System as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
15. A method of computer based experimentation as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.