A tutorial or diagnostic aid based on the representation and iterative interpretation of visual images is taught. A teaching or diagnostic... Show moreA tutorial or diagnostic aid based on the representation and iterative interpretation of visual images is taught. A teaching or diagnostic session is created by overlaying an interpretation layer via a software application onto the visual image layer and synchronizing the two with the time code of the visual image. The interpretation layer allows the reviewer to identify image areas of interest by gesture and append comments thereto in real time; i.e. images or portions of images within the visual representation playback may be identified and labeled and have the concurrent commentary associated therewith. The comments are indexed and linked to a database of similar topics. The flow of the session is recorded to show the images, deictic gestures associated therewith, and commentary associated with the gestures, to enable subsequent users to playback a session and follow the flow of thought (i.e. image identification and commentary within the original session). Iterative sessions allow additional image identification and commentary to be accomplished. Additional database access through the index may further enhance a teaching session, or provide for research sessions and report generation. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less