DESC:Prodyovidhi Ref. STNF.0010.IN
“APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUDIO VISUAL LEARNING”
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter generally relates to a training apparatus and method. More specifically, the subject matter relates to computer assisted training apparatus and method.
BACKGROUND
[002] The concept of learning or training basically refers to transfer of information and knowledge from a teacher to a student. Learning helps a student to acquire one or more skills that foster development of the student. The traditional method of teaching with black/white board and chalk/marker with subject teacher delivering the theory has been proved ineffective. The traditional system delivers minimal learning and lacks interaction. Traditional methods lack to arouse the interest in students towards acquiring knowledge. Traditional method has boosted rote learning which gives clearance in exam but not in practical world. In addition, the system at present is examination oriented and encourages the student for rote learning without understanding the concepts. Overall result of this kind of system is that while it produces students who are successful in clearing exams but often lack the necessary skills for employment.
[003] The conventional methods of learning not only fail to deliver quality education but also make the learning process boring for students as these methods do not individualized learning process according to each students comprehension level and needs. The learning or training system does not cater for a student to learn at his/her own pace. There is no scope for effective learning as the present systems do not provide a continuous performance feedback to the student. The system at present is not incentivized to explore and learn newer avenues. Also the system does not encourage learning while doing and hence lacks a practical approach to learning.
SUMMARY
[004] It is therefore an objective of the subject matter to provide an apparatus and method that overcomes the above and other limitations.
[005] One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a primary console (DLC 210). The primary console may comprise a computer system and a first set of contents, and the primary console is configured to receive and store a first response signal. The first set of contents comprises audio clips (211-212), presentation files (213) and reference material(214) and a plurality of second consoles. Each of the plurality of second consoles comprises headphones and a microphone, and a display. Each of the plurality of second consoles is coupled to the primary console. Each of the plurality of second consoles is configured to receive the first set of contents and transmit the first response signal. The first response signal includes audio clips received through the microphone in response to the first set of contents. A television is coupled to the primary console. The television is configured to display graphical representation of reference material and graphical representation of the first response signal. The primary console is configured to broadcast graphical representations of the reference material and graphical representation of the first response signal to the display and receive and store a second response signal in response to the broadcast.
[006] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus wherein the first set of contents comprise audio clips for teaching a desired skill, the presentation files comprise video presentation of the desired skill and the reference material comprise graphical representation of the desired skill.
[007] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus wherein the desired skill is a language skill wherein the language skill includes a desired pronunciation of words and sentences of a language.
[008] One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus wherein the apparatus is configured to assist teaching and learning of the desired skill in an interactive manner by comparing reference material, graphical representation of the first response signal and graphical representation of the second response signal.
[009] One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for learning. The apparatus includes a computer system coupled with a number of elements such as, hardware, analog to digital converters, digital signal processors, microphones, televisions, speakers etc and software to communicating amongst the elements and the computer system. In one embodiment, the present subject matter provides that the computer system controls more than one microphone and speakers. The computer system is further configured to receive inputs from more than one microphone and provide output signal to more than one speakers. . In some embodiments, the cables are optical cables. According to one feature, the present subject matter is configured for receiving feedback from a learner and record the progress of a learner. Such feature makes the present subject matter advantageous wherein, the learner may be adaptively provided the learning content based on the feedback of the learner.
[0010] In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present subject matter may be deployed for learning/teaching languages skills. According to this embodiment, the computer system may be stored with a language learning software and associated audio files. The computer system is provided with additional hardware such as analog to digital converters and digital signal processors, so that the computer system is equipped to process audio and speech signals. The computer system is connected to peripherals such as speakers, microphones and display systems through appropriate interfaces. The computer system is configured to transmit and receive audio and speech signals to students during their learning process. Microphones and corresponding speakers may be connected to the computer system. The computer system in a further embodiment for training language skills is configured to visually represent speech characteristics of students such as accent, articulation, rhythm and intonation of sounds on a single or multiple video monitors. Students are presented with their forms of speech with the correct forms of standardized speech so that they can compare both forms of speeches and learn. Students can visually see the difference in their speech with the correct form of a standardized speech. A student can repetitively learn by repeating his/her own speech to closely follow the form of speech. This type of graphical mode of presentation while learning helps students to improve their speech and eliminate their undesirable accents.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the computer system is configured to send and receive audio and speech signals to a plurality of students simultaneously. In this manner, uniformity of learning, typically for a set of 8 to 48 students can be ensured. However, it shall become clear to a person that the present subject matter may be easily scalable to any number of students.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the computer system is configured to send and receive the audio and speech signals repetitively, based on request of a student thereby enabling the student to learn at his/her own pace until he/she achieves desirable improvement. A customized learning is thereby made available by the apparatus of the present subject matter.
[0013] In a further embodiment, the computer system is configured to deliver training on skills such as communication skills, management skills and many other soft skills such as positive attitude, negotiation and innovation skills.
[0014] The present subject matter also provides a method of audio visual learning using the apparatus of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The subject matter shall now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows block diagram of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows block diagram of the apparatus and interconnections thereof, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0018] FIG. 3 shows block diagram of the apparatus and interconnections thereof in more details, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows block diagram of the apparatus and interconnections between software thereof in more details, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows block diagram of the apparatus and audio broadcasting process thereof in more details, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0021] FIG. 6 shows block diagram of the apparatus and audio recording process thereof in more details, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Multimedia Lab is used for implementation of ICT in education. Generally this type of lab is configured with multiple computers with or without network and servers. Widely used technology is CBT (Computer Based Tutorial) CD's and tutorial Software. In this approach, self-learning is the key characteristic. Software purchase is the major capital investment. The selection of software is very important to cater for the different level of students. Technically sound instructors are required to manage hardware and software as number of computer system is large. In multimedia lab, there are multiple computers, audio devices and software to be purchased. This requires high cost of investment. However, the present subject matter substantially eliminates the above and other disadvantages associated with conventional multimedia labs. The present subject matter substantially reduces number of consoles, hardware and software that are required to be installed and configured. The present subject matter provides a system that serves as multipurpose audio-visual theatre.
[0023] Furthermore, operating and maintenance of hardware in a multimedia lab requires service of highly skilled IT expert very frequently for managing a number of systems. Whereas, the present subject matter substantially reduces the maintenance cost and efforts as the solution provides a solution that is requires relatively less maintenance because the number of system that require regular maintenance are reduced considerably. Moreover Lab technician with basic IT skills can operate the entire lab. This saves cost, time and man hours.
[0024] Furthermore, the present subject matter provides an optimal learning environment with high ambience and acoustic lab. The solution of the present subject matter may be optimized for theory and practical pedagogy for the best result, optimum exposure to content with the audio visual equipment. Further the present subject matter may be optimized for resolution video quality visibility, audio quality etc. In multimedia lab, a learner is likely to be lost in multitude of options provided by software.
[0025] According to another advantage the present subject matter provides possibility where interaction, practice and guidance are possible, whereas in multimedia lab as the class is operated by software according to prerecorded instructions two way interactions are often not possible.
[0026] Reference is now made to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview diagram of the apparatus 100 of the present subject matter. The apparatus 100 includes: a computer system 110, hardware 120, software 130, and content modules 140. The computer system 110 along with items 120, 130 and 140 is also referred to, in this specification, as Digital Learning Console (DLC) or Console. The DLC may be henceforth referred to as a primary console. DLC , primary console and Console refer to the same apparatus in this document. The computer system 110 may be a general purpose computer such as a personal computer or a laptop with an associated operating system software e.g. Microsoft™ Windows. The computer system 110 may have its associated hardware such as random access memory, hard drive, an optical storage read/write drive such as DVD drive, a video monitor, additional slots for connecting external hardware, standard input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting commands.
[0027] The hardware 120 may comprise input / output devices such as television monitors, headphones, microphones, analog to digital converters, graphics accelerator cards and other hardware for effective processing of audio and speech signals. Some of the additional hardware may be Scope™ card and ADAT™ card that may be used for speech and audio processing.
[0028] The software 130 may comprise software that are required for the control and interactions of the additional hardware with the computer system, e.g., Scope™ software is to be loaded to interact with the Scope™ hardware card. Cubase5™ may be another software for interfacing between the audio signals and additional hardware. It is also utilizing the framework of Scope™ card. An example of additional software may be Sonic Core™ for functions such as mixing, mastering loudness and tone control, psychoacoustic equalizer, stereo expander, balance control, spatial acoustics for different applications, dynamic effects compressor, filter, modulation effects and recording up to 48 tracks maybe used to enable 48 students to undergo a training simultaneously.
[0029] The content modules 140 may comprise content specific to learning domains. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, content modules for language learning may comprise modules for presentation, pronunciation and other related material. Similarly, content modules for various other training programs such as personal and corporate communication, life skills, soft Skills and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)-Call Centre, other training etc., may be incorporated in another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0030] Now reference is made to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The apparatus 200 includes: a computer system, a set of audio clips 211 ,recorded audio clips of students 212, presentation files 213, other materials 214,a first set of cables 220.01 to 220.08, a second set of cables 230.01 to 230.08, headphones 240.01 to 240.08,and television 250.
[0031] The set of audio clips 211 , recorded audio clips of students 212, presentation files 213, other materials 214 may collectively referred to as a first set of contents. The presentation files comprise video presentation of the desired skill and the other material may refer to reference material that comprise graphical representation of the desired skill. In one embodiment of the present subject matter, first set of contents may include contents for teaching and learning of a particular skill e.g., learning a language with a desired pronunciation of words and sentences of the language.
[0032] The computer system together with the items 211 through 214 and is also referred to as a primary console or Console or DLC 210. The terms primary console, Console or DLC may be interchangeably used in this document. In some embodiments, the first set of cables 220.01 to 220.08 are microphone cables and are configured to carry audio signal from Console to speaker and headphones 240.01 to 240.08. In some embodiments, the second set of cables 230.01 to 230.08, are microphone cable and are configured carry audio signal from microphones to Console 210. In some embodiments, the headphones 240.01 to 240.08 are coupled to the Console 210. From the DLC 210 audio clips 211 are broadcasted to the headphone 240.01 to 240.08 to enable respective user of the headphones 240.01 to 240.08 hear what has been broadcasted. The headphones and microphones provided at a user position may be referred to as a second console. A plurality of such second consoles may be connected to the primary console. In some embodiments, the user of the headphones 240.01 to 240.08 hears to what has been broadcasted from the Console 210 and repeats the pronunciation. The microphone attached to the headphones 240.01 to 240.08 then receives the response of the user and sends it to the Console 210. The response received at the Console 210 may be recorded. The response received at the primary console via the microphones of a second console may be referred to as a first response signal or a second response signal depending upon what has been broadcasted to the second consoles. A first response signal is obtained when the first set of contents is broadcasted to the second consoles. The recorded first response may be graphically displayed on the television 250 and a comparison with standard expected response indicative of level of correct pronunciation may be displayed on the television 250 for the reference of the user of the headphones 240.01 to 240.08. A second response signal is obtained from the second consoles when graphical representation of reference material and graphical representation of the first response are displayed on the television monitor 250. Based on the graphical representation the user may accordingly repeat the speech and practice until the user’s graphical representation of the speech reaches at an acceptable level in comparison to the standard expected response.
[0033] For learning a language with correct pronunciation, tone and pitch are important. These characteristics may be displayed on the television screen graphically and compared with the voices of a user obtained as the first response and second response are displayed for the user to learn the correct pronunciation. These voices of the learners are graphically shown on the LCD TV to demonstrate the variation of the articulation, accent, rhythm and intonation of the speech sounds. This graphical mode of the speech helps learners to improve their knowledge and neutralize the accent.
[0034] In some embodiments a facilitator optimally use the resources available with the apparatus 200 for managing learning process of each user of the apparatus 200.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows block diagram of the apparatus 300 and interconnections thereof in more details, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The apparatus 300 includes: a CPU- cabinet 310, scope card 311, fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b, ADAT 313, headphones 320, microphone 323, loudspeakers 321 and 322, 3- pin electronic connector 330, 5-pin connectors 340, microphone (mic) cables 350, VGA splitter 360, LED monitor 370, television (TV) 380.
[0036] The CPU –cabinet 310 includes a CPU. In one embodiments, the CPU may be installed with scope 3DSP with ADAT Expansion made by Sonic Core (made in Germany) 311. In one embodiment a PCI bus may facilitate communication between the CPU, ADAT 311 and scope 3. The scope card 311 enables recording, mixing, surround sound, and effects processing with high audio quality and performance.
[0037] According to one embodiment, the scope card 311 may have an extensive driver pack for unlimited and flexible routing of inputs and outputs. In some embodiments, the scope card 311 may have two input and two output ports, wherein input ports may be used for recording sound and output ports are used for sound broadcasting. In some embodiments, the fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b couple the scope card 311 and the ADAT 313. One of the fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b may be used for receiving inputs at the ADAT 313 and the other may be used for providing output at the ADAT 313. According to one embodiment, the ADAT 313 may be an ADA8000/ADA8200 (Ultragain) device. In some embodiments, the ADAT 313, or ADA8000/ADA8200 (Ultragain) 313 is 8-channel Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog converter with 8 built-in preamps. In some embodiments, the ADAT 312 has built-in interface to record in computer through plugged in microphone. In some embodiments, the fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b may be used to couple the scope card 311 and the ADAT 313 for accurate signal transfer. In some other embodiments, the fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b may be heavy-duty molded connectors for long-ting durability and optimum performance. In some other embodiments, the fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b may support Dolby Digital surround sound. According to one embodiment the input port of the scope card 311 may be connected to output port of the ADAT 313 through fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b for sound recording. In some other embodiments, the output port of scope card 311 is connected to the input port of the ADAT 313 through the fiber optic cables 312.a and 312.b for sound broadcasting. In one embodiment, the scope card 311 and the ADAT 313 and the fiber optic 312.a and 312.b may be configured to couple the headphones 320. In one example, eight headphones 320 may be coupled to the scope card 311 and the ADAT 313. It shall however become clear to a person in the art that number of the headphones 320 more than eight or less than eight. The headphones 320 has the loudspeakers 321 and 322 and the microphone 323. The loudspeakers 321 and 322 enable audio listening and the microphone 323 may be used for audio recording. In one embodiment, the 3-pin electronic connector 330 may couple the scope card 311 with the ADAT 313. In one embodiment, the 3-pin electronic connector 330 may be used for signals transfer, audio signal balancing, lighting control, power balancing etc. In some other embodiments, the 3-pin electronic connector 330 may include the pair pin with male and female pins. The male pin may be used to couple the front side connection in the ADAT 313 for recording and the female pin may be coupled at the back side of the ADAT 313 for broadcasting.
[0038] In some embodiments, the 5-pin connector 340 may be used to connect ADAT 313 and headphone 320. The 5-pin connector 340 may perform most functions of 3-pin connector 330 and additional 2 pins of the 5-pin connector 340 may be used for dual elements of stereo and microphones. The 5-pin connector 340 may also have the male and female pins. These male-female pins may be used for coupling ADAT 313 and headphone 320. In some embodiments, each of the headphones 320 may be connected to signal source from ADAT 313 through the 3-pin connector 330 and the 5-pin connector 340. In some embodiments, the microphone cables 350 may be used to couple the headphones 320 and the ADAT 313. In some embodiments, color coding of the may be used to identify the microphone cables 350. In some embodiments, the VGA splitter 360 may be used couple a display for example, the LED monitor 370 and the television 380. According to one possibility, the VGA splitter 360 may boost signal it receives, amplify them, and splitting video signals for displaying them on a number of displays. The LED monitor 370 the television 380 may be a standard output device connected to CPU 310.
[0039] Shown in FIG. 4 is an embodiment 400 of the present subject matter in which interactions between the different types of software are shown. An interface software 420 and a signal processing software 430 may interact with an operating system software 410. The embodiment 400 includes project files 421 and configure files 431. In some embodiments, the operating system 410 may be a windows ™ operating system. The operating system 410 may be installed on the DLC. In some other embodiments, the interface software 420 is Sonic Core software accompanied with Scope card (Hardware). Sonic Core software 420 is used to configure Scope hardware and creating a virtual studio to configure input and output devices to play and record the sound. It connects Scope card with ADAT channels. Sonic Core software 420 has plug-in for mixing, mastering loudness and tone control, psychoacoustic equalizer, stereo expander, balance control, spatial acoustics for different applications, dynamic effects compressor, filter, modulation effects, recording up to 48 tracks
[0040] In some embodiments, the signal processing software 430 is a Cubase5™. software 430. The Cubase5™. Software 430 is music software by created by a German company Steinberg. It used to transfer audio between the program and the audio hardware. It utilizes the framework of Scope card.
[0041] In one embodiment, the present system may operate as follows. At a first block, the Digital Learning Console is turned on. At the following block the operating system 410 is loaded. At a further block interface software 420 which in some cases may be the scope software 420 is loaded. In some subsequent block, project files 421 may be opened. In a further block, the project files 421 are configured with input output channels matching at the time of installation. In some specific examples, Scope card and ADAT channels may be interfaced. In some more specific embodiments, the file used for interfacing has “.pro” extension. In a subsequent block, the Cubase5™. 430 software may be loaded. In a specific example, the configuring file 431 may be opened. In some examples, the configuring files 431 have extension “.cpr”. In some examples, the configuring files 431 are created at the time of installation or loading of the interface.
[0042] The interface software 420 may be used to transfer audio signals between the computer and audio devices. It may utilize the framework of Scope™ card. A typical example of the interface software may be Cubase5™.
[0043] The signal processing software 430 may have plug-ins for mixing, mastering loudness and tone control, psychoacoustic equalizer, stereo expander, balance control, spatial acoustics for different applications, dynamic effects compressor, filter, modulation effects and facilities for recording multiple sound tracks. An example of such a signal processing software is the Sonic Core™ software that is is used to configure Scope™ hardware and creating the virtual studio to configure input and output devices to play and record the sounds from a maximum of 48 sound tracks.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows block diagram of the apparatus and audio broadcasting process 500 thereof in more details, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The process 500 at a block load audio files 531 in Cubase5™. 530. At another block play back option 532 from Cubase5™. 530 may be executed to enable sound playing on headphones 550.01 to 510.08 using the scope 520 and the fiber optical cables and ADAT and headphone. Operating system 510 provides an environment for the above function to operate.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows block diagram of the apparatus and audio recording process 600 thereof in more details, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 6 shows headphones 630 which has microphones 630.01 through 630.08, the Cubase5™. environment 620, and operating system 610. The process 600, at a block receives voice may be received through microphones 630.01 to 630.08 and recorded using the Cubase5™. environment 620. The operating system 610 provides environment for the process 600. According to one possibility the present system provides that the voice may be saved in more or more formats. For example mpeg, mp3, avi, etc.
[0046] Some of the features of the apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 are as follows.
[0047] Some systems employ Integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education. Worldwide research has shown that ICT can lead to improved student learning and better teaching methods. A report made by the National Institute of Multimedia Education in Japan, proved that an increase in student exposure to educational ICT through curriculum integration has a significant and positive impact on student achievement, especially in terms of Knowledge, Comprehension, Practical and Presentation skills.
[0048] ICTs are often associated with the modern and sophisticated computer-based technologies. It is also integrated with television and telephone. It emphasize on learning rather than teaching. ICT is use of audio and visual tools to enable student to learn, relearn at his own. The present education system cannot cope with the demand for education on the one hand, and the issues of access, equity, and resources on the other. Education requires a complete revamp from the point of view of skills training. Some of the advantages of the ICT in education are as follows.
[0049] ICTs give practical and uniform learning methods to all the learners with uniform quality. This surpasses the imbalanced attention to the students in the class. The present subject matter provides a solution that is activity based and learner-centric. It gives hands on training with stimulated environment. This approach gives equal emphasis to all the students in a class. The present solution accelerates interest and understanding of the students, which is one of the major shortcomings of traditional system of learning. The present solution allows most and in some instances each of the student substantially equal opportunity to practice the skill several times. In one possibility according to the present subject matter a facilitator may guide a student for improvement. The present subject matter enables an average and weak students to imbibe learning at their own pace and time. The present subject matter surpasses one time teaching concept of the traditional system. The present subject matter also enables, global learning the facilitator has access to innumerable resources at hand which can be customized to suit the needs of students. The present subject matter enables access to variety of resources to learners to prepare for global competition. In the tradition system, resource is limited to information provided in the textbook.
[0050] In one embodiment, station-e language lab (herein referred to as Lab) of the present subject matter serves as multipurpose audio-visual theatre. It can be used by multiple facilitators for multiple students for variety of subjects. This accelerates interest and understanding of the students. Presentations, e-book, text, image, movies etc. can be used as tools for imparting interactive training. Lab is equipped with specially designed seating arrangements that are integrated with headphones and mike. Lab is integrated with a "Console". A console is a customized computer system which apart from regular accessories is installed with special hardware SCOPE Cards (Germany) and ADATs and special software Cubase5™. and Scope for enabling audio broadcasting and audio recording of every student. The console is connected to LCD-TV with VGA Splitter (Hardware) to act as additional display for high resolution output. The prerecorded sound clips for the session related topic may be broadcasted from a console to all the students simultaneously. Students hear this sound clips through exclusive headphones attached to individual seats. The lab provides the facility to record the practice voice of the trainee which is graphically shown on the LCD TV through the console to demonstrate the variation of the articulation, accent, rhythm and mixing, surround sound, and effects processing with high audio quality and performance. It has extensive driver pack for unlimited and flexible routing of all inputs and outputs and is compatible with SCOPE platform.
[0051] In one embodiment, the Lab may employ ADA8000/ADA8200 (Ultragain) one of the state -of-the-art 8-channel AID (Analog to Digital) and DIA(Digital to Analog)converter with 8 built-in Invisible Microphone Preamps (IMP). The ADA8000/ADA8200 (Ultragain) has built-in ADAT interface to directly record in computer through plugged in microphone. ADA8000/ADA8200 (Ultragain) also converts digital signals back into analog audio.
[0052] In another embodiment, the Lab may employ a fiber optic cable (MX) is used to connect the ADA8000/ADA8200 to Scope 3 DSL card. It is used for accurate signal transfer. The fiber optic cable may come with heavy-duty moulded connectors for long lasting durability and optimum performance. The fiber optic cable may support Dolby Digital surround sound.
[0053] In one embodiment, the Lab may employ a three-pin connector. The connector may be used to interconnect ADA8000/ADA8200 and headphones for audio signals transfer. The three-pin connector may also perform the functions of balancing audio signals, lighting control, low-voltage power supplies etc.
[0054] In one embodiment, the Lab may employ software and hardware such as Scope 3 DSP card (Hardware). Employing such software may provide the lab with many inbuilt Plug-Ins and flexibility to configure DSP hardware. Furthermore such software and hardware may assist in creating a virtual studio and to configure I/O devices to play and record sounds. Furthermore using such proprietary hardware and software may provide plugins for Mixing, Mastering loudness and tone control, Psychoacoustic Equalizer, Stereo Expander, Balance Control, Spatial acoustics for different applications, Dynamic effects Compressor, Filter, Modulation effects, Recording up to 48 tracks and more.
[0055] In another embodiment, the Lab of the present subject matter may employ Cubase 5. The Cubase 5 is music software developed by German company Steinberg. Cubase uses a system of input and output busses to transfer audio amongst elements of the Lab. Input busses route audio from the inputs (microphone) into the Cubase5™..
[0056] In some embodiments, the present subject matter also provides, a single hardware and software system also referred to as 'Console' for entire operation. Providing the Console enables centralizing operation of entire system with a single computer and one technician.
[0057] The present subject matter provides a number of advantages, for example, it is easy and user friendly, involves few steps for controlling and a single lab technician with basic computer skills may operate the entire system. This saves cost, time and man hours.
[0058] The present subject matter provides, the lab which in effect is a platform for conducting result oriented training programs in areas like language, personal and corporate communication, life skills, soft Skills and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)-Call Centre, other training etc.
[0059] According to one feature of the present subject matter, learning does not remain confined to one content or a subject, the present subject matter provides options of generating e-contents and may effectively imparted to learners. The present subject matter also provides options of updating the e-contents and other material.
[0060] According to another feature the present subject matter enables a facilitator with e-content and interaction to assist a learner to imbibe the subject one learner at a time. Learners with uniformity listen to broadcast. In another feature, the present subject matter provides options to observe response of a learner on an LCD TV and provide for appropriate correction and guidance in real time. The present subject matter enables most students in the class to learn on individual basis. There is no uniformity in learning in multimedia lab, Whereas in our innovation, all learners simultaneous hears, see and understands the same contents establishing uniformity in content.
[0061] In some embodiments of the present subject matter include computer, devices, software, sound files and method of digital learning. The subject matter is used to guide and customize audio-visual training. The present subject matter includes a computer with storage of pre-recorded sounds, video modules and other resources relating to the target skill to be imparted. In some feature the subject matter provides establishing lab equipped with seating arrangement integrated with headphones etc. the headphones are connected with the console. The subject matter provides enabling audio broadcasting, audio recording, visual presentations and movies. The audio broadcasting: Sound clips from console are played and multiple learners in a class may listen the sound through headphones with optimum and unique quality. In one options, audio is broadcasted with the single command enabling each headphone to play similar sound. In one example where language is being learnt by one or more learners, pronunciation, tone and pitch are very important. Therefore the sound modules are highly qualitative and are best captured in acoustic infrastructure. These sound modules can be repeatedly played according to learner's requirement. For language learning, speaking skill is equally important. Therefore, each learner practices speech which is recorded from the individual headphone to console. These voices of the learners are graphically shown on the LCD TV to demonstrate the variation of the articulation, accent, rhythm and intonation of the speech sounds. This graphical mode of the speech helps learners to improve their knowledge and neutralize the accent.
[0062] According to one feature, the stored sound clips can be compared for day wise improvement of learner's ability. The subject matter promotes activity based learning. According to another feature a single console used to broadcast audio to multiple outputs, and same console is used for recording of audio clips from multiple in inputs to a single console. This establishes uniformity in learning delivery to 8 to 48 learners or more.
[0063] While the subject matter may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described herein. Alternate embodiments or modifications may be practiced without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. The drawings shown are schematic drawings and may not be to the scale. While the drawings show some features of the subject matter, some features may be omitted. In some other cases, some features may be emphasized while others are not. Further, the methods disclosed herein may be performed in manner and/or order in which the methods are explained. Alternatively, the methods may be performed in manner or order different than what is explained without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. It should be understood that the subject matter is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the subject matter is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as described above.
[0064] The above description while describing the present subject matter has used some proprietary hardware and software as well as some proprietary terms of expression including trademarks or other copyrighted subject matter, the applicant has taken immense care in acknowledge the ownership of the proprietary subject matter. However, if the applicant has inadvertently omitted any such acknowledgement, the applicant states that any such omission is unintentional and without any malicious intention.

Prodyovidhi Ref. STNF.0010.IN ,CLAIMS:Prodyovidhi Ref. STNF.0010.IN
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a primary console (DLC 210), wherein the primary console comprises a computer system and a content module, wherein the content module comprises audio clips (211-212), presentation files (213) and reference material(214) and the primary console is configured to receive and store a first response signal;
- a plurality of second consoles, wherein each of the plurality of second consoles comprises a headphone, a microphone, and an auxiliary display, each of the plurality of second consoles is coupled to the primary console and each of the plurality of second consoles is configured to receive the first set of contents and transmit the first response signal, wherein the first response signal includes audio clips received through the microphone in response to the first set of contents; and
- a primary display coupled to the primary console , wherein the primary display is configured to display graphical representation of reference material and graphical representation of the first response signal
wherein, the primary console is configured to broadcast graphical representations of the reference material and graphical representation of the first response signal to the auxiliary display, and receive and store a second response signal in response to the broadcast.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary console is coupled to the primary display and the plurality of auxiliary displays through a graphics-video splitter.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary console is provided with a graphics accelerator hardware, wherein the graphics accelerator hardware is configured to display graphical representation of reference material and graphical representation of the first response signal on the primary display.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of second consoles is coupled to the primary console through a set of analog to digital conversion hardware wherein the analog to digital conversion hardware is configured to convert audio clips received through the microphones from analog format to digital format.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the primary console is provided with an analog to digital conversion software wherein the analog to digital conversion software is configured to operate the analog to digital conversion hardware.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of second consoles is coupled to the primary console through a set of signal processing hardware wherein the signal processing hardware is configured to modify one or more parameters of the audio clips comprised in the content modules.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the primary console is provided with a signal processing software wherein the signal processing software is configured to operate the signal set of signal processing hardware to modify one or more parameters of the audio clips
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second response signal includes audio clips received through the microphone in response to the broadcast.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary display is configured to display the first response signal and the second response signal.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first set of contents comprise audio clips for teaching a desired skill, the presentation files comprise video presentation of the desired skill and the reference material comprise graphical representation of the desired skill.
11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the desired skill is a language skill wherein the language skill includes a desired pronunciation of words and sentences of a language.
12. A method comprising:
- broadcasting a first set of contents comprising audio clips (211-212), presentation files (213) and reference material(214) from a primary console to a plurality of second consoles coupled to the primary console;
- receiving and storing a first response signal at the primary console received from each of the plurality of second consoles configured to receive the first set of contents through headphones and transmit the first response signal, wherein the first response signal includes audio clips received through a microphone in response to the first set of contents;
- broadcasting and displaying graphical representation of reference material and graphical representation of the first response signal on a television monitor coupled to the primary console;
- receiving and storing a second response signal at the primary console received from each of the plurality of second consoles configured to transmit the second response signal, wherein the second response signal includes audio clips received through the microphone in response to the broadcasted graphical representation of the reference material and graphical reference material of the first response signal.
Dated this the 10th day of March 2015.
K. Pradeep
Of ProdyoVidhi
Agent for Applicant
Registration Number: IN/PA-865

Prodyovidhi Ref. STNF.0010.IN