Abstract: A learning device comprises a receptacle for holding an information bearing card. The information bearing cards include a problem and a coded answer. The receptacle of the learning device includes a decoding display window with a movable writing screen which may be moved to cover or uncover the decoding display window. The user can insert the information bearing cards into the receptacle, write down a response on the writing screen with the display window covered, and compare their response with the correct answer by moving the movable writing screen to reveal the decoded answer through the decoding display window.

Abstract: A method for automatically detecting a programmed status of a non-volatile memory and selecting one of multiple operational modes based on that status. In one embodiment a non-volatile memory (102) has a normal and an access restricted operational mode. The memory is placed in the access restricted operational mode once it is programmed in order to prevent unauthorized access to the programmed data. A detection logic (226) determines whether the non-volatile memory is in a non-programmed state. Based on this detection it is determined whether the non-volatile memory is to be placed in a normal or an access restricted operational mode. The invention relates also to determining an operational mode of the microcontroller which can advantageously be incorporated into an assembled electronic device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a phonics and reading teaching device which depicts an arrangement of indicia representing letters of the alphabet and their associated phonemes. Selection of individual indicia causes the device to generate an audio signal or other response. The audio signal is generated by an output in the form of a speaker, and a processor is provided for controlling the operation of the device. In one mode of operation, the processor causes the speaker to produce a prompting signal indicating a word, and in response to each sequentially correct selection of a letter in the word, to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with the letter. The phoneme produced is dependent on the position of the letter in the word. When all of the letters in the word have been selected in correct order, the processor causes the speaker to produce a signal representing a pronunciation of the word or other affirmative acknowledgement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a teaching toy that invites a child's interaction using an attractive play figure, for example a stuffed animal, to present more than one instructional modality in mixed formats. The child is presented with a declarative instruction, quizzing, and logical connections are induced in the child's mind via problem solving games, songs, and visual stimuli. Particularly, the present invention teaches and reinforces a child's knowledge of letter names, letter phonetics, colors, numbers, and social manners by use of visual, audial, and kinesthetic involvement of the child. If the inventive is presented in the form of a stuffed animal, the exterior of the animal would have a plurality of indicia that the child could press. The indicia is connected to switching circuitry and those switches activate a logic circuit containing preprogrammed instruction modalities and play methods.

Abstract: This invention provides for an interactive teaching device. The device comprises a housing depicting a map and has corresponding to various locations on the map. Also provided is a plurality of buttons, a card reader, a processor, and a speaker. Cards are provided with encoded information readable by the device, and depict objects such as animals. In response to insertion of a card or activation of a button thereafter, the device produces a signal that may be a prompt, a statement, or a sound associated with the depicted object. The device allows a user to respond to a prompt by selecting an appropriate button, upon which the device produces a signal validating the user's response.

Abstract: A new and improved urine deflector for eliminating the splatter of urine on surfaces of a toilet bowl and toilet seat when males urinate from a standing position. The invention comprises a collar having paired opposed arcuate sections and paired opposed elongated sections together forming a generally oval configuration. Further included is an inner flange disposed downward from an inner edge of the collar. The flange is in generally frictional communication with an interior edge of the toilet bowl for ease of removal, cleaning, and reinstallation. A baffle is oriented on an outer edge of a rearward arcuate section of the collar. The baffle redirects urine away from a hinged section of the toilet seat. Also included is a lip extending upwardly from the outer perimeter of the collar. Finally, the device is fabricated from an elastomeric material, preferably plastic.

Abstract: An interactive learning device in the form of an open book for toddlers and preschoolers, having a plurality of embodiments. In one embodiment the book has three-dimensional letters of the alphabet received by a card that spells a word. The card is adapted to be placed in the book and a speech processor circuit recites the word written therein and sounds the phonic associated with each phoneme in the word when the child places the correct alphabet letters in the card, and repeats the entire word. In a second embodiment the book acts as a simple translator. In a third embodiment the book is in the form of a talking math calculator that teaches elementary mathematical operations. In a fourth embodiment the child may learn the sounds and names associated with various animals, and may also translate the animal names. A plurality of shapes and colors may also be represented by cards and indica bearing units.

Abstract: A three-dimensional indicia bearing unit, including a voice synthesis chip, battery and amplifier/speaker (8) for synthesizing an audible sound for educational purposes such as an interactive method for learning to read. The audible sound produced is the name and/or associated sound of the indicia bearing unit. The indicia bearing unit may be a letter, number, or alternatively, short vowel, long vowel form of a letter to produce the audible sound of the phonetic pronunciation of the letter. A plurality of unique indicia bearing units organized in a selected sequence form a set retained in a book like holder. The chip, battery and amplifier/speaker may be self-contained within each indicia bearing unit.

Abstract: A cryptographic system creates a key table from a single key such that the relationship between the keys in the key table cannot be determined even if the system implementation is known. The system uses variable functions in which the determinants are changed by the variable function chosen by the determinant. Thus, the functions used in creating the key table do not have to be one-to-one functions. From the key table, four blocks of bytes of additional key based determinants are formed which are called masks. The original key does not exist in either the key table or the mask table. The system preferably uses the key table in a multiple round encryption process. The keys chosen from the table for a key addition operation are a function of the plaintext, the current state of the ciphertext, and the mask values. Therefore, the order in which the keys are chosen is not predetermined or patterned.