Abstract: A method for producing an output in response to an interaction with a print element on a sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a sheet comprising a print element on a surface of a base unit. A user can then mark on the sheet in the vicinity of the print element with a marking instrument. An audio output that corresponds to the print element is generated.

Abstract: The system provides a way for a parent or other custodian or guardian to control content to be accessed by a child or children on a network. In one embodiment, the system logs all activity on a network by a child and sends regular historical reports to the parent for review. The parent can set certain triggers that will provide more immediate feedback when certain events occur or when certain types of data are accessed, or an attempt is made by the child for such access. The system allows the parent to control the filters and options from a variety of sources, including via the child's computer, texting, instant messaging, cell phone, other web enabled computers, and PDA's.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a rechargeable battery pack configured to provide power to a device that also accepts at least one standard non-rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery pack comprises a housing for housing at least one battery cell and recharging circuitry. The at least one battery cell and the recharging circuitry is be housed substantially within the housing. The recharging circuitry is coupled with the at least one battery cell. The recharging circuitry is configured to charge the at least one battery cell when the battery pack is inserted into the device that also accepts at least one non-rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery back further comprises a protection circuit coupled with the recharging circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting writing pressure is comprised of a carrier. A mode selection device coupled to the carrier is operable to select writing modes. A switch coupled to the carrier is operable to move between a first state and a second state in response to writing pressure coupled to the switch. An actuator coupled to the carrier is configured to actuate the switch in response to pressure applied to the actuator in response to writing.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising electronically providing content to a user via a display on a learning apparatus wherein the content comprises a plurality of stationary image elements and a plurality of removable image elements at a plurality of locations on the display, detecting when a user shakes the learning apparatus, wherein the removable image elements move away from the plurality of locations, receiving an indication that one or more of the image elements has been selected by a user, and determining a location of placement of the one or more image elements by the user.

Abstract: A system for producing audio output from interaction with printed material and a pen based computer system. The system includes a printed page including a substantially invisible position code and a human viewable image. The system further includes a pen-based computer system for determining a position of the human viewable image in response to interactions there between, e.g., based upon the pen tip's proximity to the image. The pen-based computer is operable to produce a human-audible output corresponding to the human viewable image contemporaneously with the interaction. The human viewable image may be produced independent of the pen based computer and may include a textual word and/or an image. A plurality of pages may be provided in book form allowing a plurality of audio recordings to be rendered in connection with a plurality of images, thusly providing an interactive audio book experience for the user.

Abstract: A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.

Abstract: An interactive media device. The device has an area for receiving a document and a sensor network adjacent to the area. The sensor network has a first region adjacent to the document and responsive to user proximity to the first region. The sensor network has a second region that is responsive to markers disposed on or embedded in the document. The device has a processor coupled to the sensor network and able to receive signals from the sensor network indicating capacitance change in the first and second regions based on the received signals. The processor is thus able to identify a location in the document based on the first and second received signals.

Abstract: A technique for interactively coupling electronic content to printed or written content, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes use of a computing device and a pre-printed control panel. The control panel includes graphic representations overlaid on unique coded patterns. Each unique coded pattern is associated with a particular function or datum. The control panel is used to input an identifier of a written or printed content to the computing device. In response thereto, the computing device interactively delivers the electronic content related to the particular written or printed content.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for determining position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool and for recognizing information on the encoded writing medium, wherein recognition of a recording-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio recording mode and enables time-synchronization of creation of writing on the encoded writing medium with the writing tool and recording of the audio, and further wherein recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables multiple techniques to control playback of the recorded audio.

Abstract: A method for audibly instructing a user to interact with a function. A function is associated with a user-written selectable item. The user-written selectable item is recognized on a surface. In response to recognizing the user-written selectable item, a first instructional message related to the operation of the function is audibly rendered without requiring further interaction from the user.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a user interface for a device through user created graphical elements. The method includes recognizing a graphical element icon created by a user. Once recognized, a function related to the graphical element icon is accessed and an output in accordance with the function is provided. The function is persistently associated with the graphical element icon. Menu selection and navigation is implemented through interaction with the graphic element icon. A listing of options associated with the graphical element icon is audibly rendered. In response to a selection of one of the options, the selected option is invoked.

Abstract: An interactive, handheld apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a display screen on the housing, an electronic position location system, a stylus for selecting images on the display screen, a directional control pad on the housing and a memory device. The electronic position location system includes a processor that is capable of determining a location of a selected region of the display screen. The memory device includes computer code for an educational game and is operatively coupled to the processor.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach English speakers various foreign alphabets. For example, embodiments may provide instruction in writing Arabic letters, Greek letters, or Chinese or Japanese characters, to name a few. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may be used to teach artistic forms of writing, such as calligraphy, script, or various fonts.