Abstract: A method of processing video data includes directing the video data set toward a display device. The display device has horizontal resolution h1 and vertical resolution v1. The video data has horizontal resolution h2 and vertical resolution v2. The video data includes a plurality of scan lines. At least one scan line has at least one line span representing the projection onto that scan line of a graphics vector rendered in the video data. The graphics vector has a slope and the line span has a color and a width. The method includes, for a resultant video data set having a horizontal resolution less than h2, determining a color of an edge resultant pixel in a resultant scan line using, at least in part, the slope of the graphics vector at an edge sub-pixel.

Abstract: A stylus for an electrographic position location apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stylus includes a writing element that is retractable. The stylus may have a proximal end and a distal end. A conductive annular structure may be at the proximal end of the stylus.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus including a reflective member is disclosed. The reflective member includes a first image and a second image, wherein the reflective member is at least partially reflective. The apparatus also includes a first element coupled to a first sensor, the first sensor being activated by the first element, and a second element coupled to a second sensor, the second sensor being activated by the second element. Activation of the first sensor causes the first image to appear in the reflective member at a first location and activation of the second sensor causes the second image to appear in the reflective member at a second location.

Abstract: A voting apparatus includes a print media receiving unit including a surface suitable for receiving a printed medium containing a list of two or more choices. An electronic position determining system is associated with the print media receiving unit. The electronic position determining system is capable of determining a position of a selection of the two or more choices on the print medium when the print medium is disposed on the surface. An information storage medium in the voting apparatus is capable of storing the selection.

Abstract: A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a interactive ball includes (a) a plurality of indicia, (b) a processor and memory unit operatively coupled to the plurality of indicia, (c) an audio output unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit, (d) a first outer surface; and (e) a second outer surface that is recessed with respect to the first outer surface, wherein the plurality of indicia are present at the second outer surface.

Abstract: A magnetic switch and children's apparatuses, such as print media apparatuses and plush dolls, which include magnetic switches are disclosed. One magnetic switch includes a first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor. A third conductor is disposed under the first and second conductors, the third conductor being formed from a magnetic material. A magnet is also included, the magnet being adapted to move the third conductor towards the first and second conductors so as to form a conductive bridge. Another magnetic switch includes a first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor. A first magnet is disposed under the first and second conductors. A second magnet is also included, the second magnet being adapted to move the first magnet so that the first and second conductors form a conductive bridge.

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a housing, and a rechargeable power source within a linear portion the housing. The linear portion of the housing is receivable in first and second battery holding regions of another housing. The first and second battery holding regions are aligned along the same axis.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus includes a stylus housing, a processor coupled to the stylus housing, and a memory unit comprising (i) computer code for recognizing a plurality of graphic elements created using a stylus, (ii) computer code for recognizing the selection of at least two of the graphic elements in a user defined sequence using the stylus, and (iii) computer code for playing at least one audio output that relates to the formed graphic elements, and an audio output device.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for creating an interactive journaling experience for a user. The user is provided with apparatuses or systems which assist the user in generating a journal by providing interactive features such as suggestions, supportive statements, questions, instructions, and entertainment to enhance and develop the user's writing ability and interest in the journaling process.

Abstract: A method and device for teaching foreign languages is disclosed. The device can have an interactive user interface so that a language student can choose what percent of language in a passage is presented in the student's native language and what percent is presented in the language the student wishes to learn. The passage may be presented as audio or may be presented in visual form.

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: Devices, systems and methods are provided which enhance the learning process by means of interactive exercises and games which involve drawing input from a user. In particular, the present invention provides an interactive print media apparatus which includes a specialized writing instrument and at least one sheet on which the user is to write with the writing instrument. The user receives visual or auditory messages and prompts from the apparatus which instructs the user to perform tasks on the sheet using the writing instrument. In some embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus provides feedback in relation to such markings. In other embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus correlates the markings to known characters, such as letters, numbers or symbols.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position locating system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional position locating system includes a housing including a substantially planar surface. The housing includes a first antenna element under the substantially planar surface. A stylus including a second antenna element is coupled to the housing. A processor is electrically coupled to the first antenna element and the second antenna element, and a three-dimensional structure overlies the first antenna element. An antenna coupling element is associated with the three-dimensional structure and an output device can be coupled to the processor.

Abstract: Game apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for interactive play by a user. In preferred embodiments, the game apparatus is comprised of a platform having a surface and a print medium having print elements corresponding to a game, wherein the print medium is capable of being received on the surface of the platform. By positioning the print medium on the platform, the game becomes interactive for the user. The platform includes an array of electrical elements under the surface which are coupled to a processor unit. The processor unit is coupled to a memory device having code which provides for the interactive gaming experience for the user.

Abstract: An electronic device for use by users having different levels of skill or intelligence includes a memory configured to store sets of questions, each of the sets of questions being configured to be answerable by the users having different levels of skill or intelligence; and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to present the different sets of questions to the different users having different levels of skill or intelligence during a game in which the different users compete against each other.

Abstract: An interactive entertainer having a lower tray with a plurality of compressible legs supporting an upper tray. The lower tray is concave to permit rocking of the tray when placed on a flat surface. One or more supports coupled to the lower tray may be repositioned to inhibit rocking of the lower tray. The legs can fold into the lower tray following separation of the upper tray. The lower tray can then nest within the upper tray to provide compact storage. The upper tray can support a seat that is selectively rotatable or stationary based on a position of a seat lock. A plurality of interactive devices may be positioned on the upper tray. One or more sensors may be positioned relative to the seat to detect the orientation of the seat relative to the devices. The devices may be selectively enabled based on the seat orientation.

Abstract: An interactive game is disclosed. The interactive game includes a game board, and a plurality of objects, and an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes an object reader, a processor unit coupled to the card reader, a memory unit coupled to the processor unit, and a speaker coupled to the processor unit. The memory unit comprises code for prompting a player to select an object, and providing an instruction to the player.