Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for providing weather information are provided. An indication of a subject of interest may be received from a user. A geo-location of the subject of interest may be determined. Weather information within a threshold distance from the geo-location may be determined. Sounds corresponding to the weather information may be generated. The sounds may include sound localization with respect to the user in order to indicate a position of the weather information with respect to the geo-location.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a plurality of work processes in a multitasking mobile terminal, and more particularly, a method for selecting a second work process during a first work process and controlling a predetermined function of the selected second work process. In the controlling method, icons corresponding to the respective work processes are displayed in response to a user command, and a desired work process is selected through the displayed icons. A predetermined function of the selected work process is controlled through a pop-up menu activated in response to the user command.

Abstract: A method of simplifying automated testing within an integrated development environment (IDE) for a user having a visual impairment is disclosed. An access mechanism is provided for selecting automated testing scripts from within the IDE by responding to audio communications describing one or more access commands. An execution mechanism is provided to the user for executing one or more of the selected automated testing scripts. A result mechanism is provided to the user, the result mechanism including a summary of a result of the executing of the one or more selected testing scripts, the summary based on an analysis of console output of the IDE, the analysis including performing feature extraction and natural language processing on the console output to generate a natural language description of the result. An action mechanism is provided to perform an additional action that is selected based on the type of the result.

Abstract: A method of assessing expressive language development of a key child. The method can include processing an audio recording taken in a language environment of the key child to identify segments of the audio recording that correspond to vocalizations of the key child. The method also can include applying an adult automatic speech recognition phone decoder to the segments of the audio recordings to identify each occurrence of a plurality of phone categories and to determine a duration for each of the plurality of phone categories. The method additionally can include determining a duration distribution for the plurality of phone categories based on the durations for the plurality of phone categories. The method further can include using the duration distribution for the plurality of phone categories in an age-based model to assess the expressive language development of the key child.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to methods, systems and devices for generating and playing back a personalized state song representing a target state of a user. In one scenario, a computer system accesses biometric data corresponding to various bodily systems of a user. The computer system encodes the biometric data into data structures that are configured for modeling using an algorithm that is specific to the user. The computer system models the encoded biometric data to identify specified patterns in the encoded biometric data, and these identified patterns are used to generate a personalized algorithm that corresponds with the identified patterns unique to the user. The computer system then synthesizes a state song using the personalized algorithm, which represents a specific biometric state for one of the bodily systems, and plays back the state song to the user to induce the user to the specific biometric state.

Abstract: An example method facilitates verifying behaviors, functionality, and user interface display screens of a post-upgrade software system by comparing output thereof with a pre-upgrade software system. The example method includes accepting a first signal from a user input device to identify, at least in part, a first set of pre-upgrade output data items from the pre-upgrade software system; accepting a second signal from a user input device to identify, at least in part, a second set of corresponding post-upgrade output data items from the post-upgrade software system; and performing a consistency validation check between corresponding output data items in the first set and the second set. Accordingly, output data items in an upgraded system are readily validated against a pre-upgrade system. Plugins, as part of an upgrade verification tool, may implement specific tests. This enables enterprise software customers to automate their on-premise upgrade validation processes and to choose tests.

Abstract: A wireless scanner includes an optical scanning assembly which includes a housing, a light source circuit board, a reflective member and an image capture module. The housing has a bottom wall defining a window, a high end wall, a short end wall and two side walls. Two edges of the two side walls connecting with the top wall and the short end wall are defined as slopes. The light source circuit board is mounted to one of the two side walls and inclined upward and outward. The reflective member is mounted to the slopes and receives light from the light source circuit board to reflect it uniformly on the window. The image capture module is mounted to the high end wall for receiving light which is from an original in the window and reflected by the reflective member and then transmitting it to a Printed Circuit Board assembly.

Abstract: A method of complementing a spoken text. The method including receiving text data representative of a natural language text, receiving effect control data including at least one effect control record, each effect control record being associated with a respective location in the natural language text, receiving a stream of audio data, analyzing the stream of audio data for natural language utterances that correlate with the natural language text at a respective one of the locations, and outputting, in response to a determination by the analyzing that a natural language utterance in the stream of audio data correlates with a respective one of the locations, at least one effect control signal based on the effect control record associated with the respective location.

Abstract: A multi-part system utilizing an active-passive configuration of Near Field Communications (“NFC”) in order to facilitate the ability of a visually-impaired person to: (i) ascertain the specific rank and suit of a playing card; and (ii) maintain privacy of information regarding the identity of the card. The present invention comprises: (i) a passive “NFC Tag” that is embedded within a playing card and that is encoded with the information necessary to identify the rank and suit of the card; and (ii) an active “NFC Reader” that is disposed within a wearable sheath and is designed to receive and to relay the said information to a wearable earpiece; and (iii) a said earpiece that deploys a combination of hardware and software in order to convert the said information to an audible signal that identifies the card for a user of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for performing one or more actions based on triggers detecting within captured image data. In one implementation, a method is provided for audibly reading text retrieved from a captured image. According to the method, real-time image data is captured from an environment of a user, and an existence of a trigger is determined within the captured image data. In one aspect, the trigger may be associated with a desire of the user to hear text read aloud, and the trigger identifies an intermediate portion of the text a distance from a level break in the text. The method includes performing a layout analysis on the text to identify the level break associated with the trigger, and reading aloud text beginning from the level break associated with the trigger.

Abstract: An audio user interface is provided in which items are represented in an audio field by corresponding synthesized sound sources from where sounds related to the items appear to emanate. An audio cursor, in the form of a synthesised sound source from which a distinctive cursor sound emanates, is movable in the audio field under user control. Upon the cursor being moved close to an item-representing sound source, a related audible indication is generated by modifying the sounds emanating from at least one of that item-representing sound source and the cursor. In one embodiment, this audible indication also indicates the current distance between the cursor and item-representing sound source and also the direction of the latter from the cursor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping a moving direction by using sounds for people with visual impairments, in which a moving direction can be expressed multi-dimensionally by using sound information and can effectively assist people with visual impairments and the like in navigation tasks. A moving direction of a person carrying a device configured to output sounds is mapped by using a combination of sounds outputted from the device. A plurality of different sound information pieces are stored in association with three or more predetermined directions, respectively, a current position of the moving target device is identified, and then a moving direction of the device is identified. A sound obtained by combining two sounds in a ratio according to the identified moving direction is outputted on the basis of sound information pieces associated respectively with two adjacent directions sandwiching the identified moving direction among the predetermined directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a sound signal is based on an ear model for deriving, for a number of inner hair cells, an estimate for a time-varying concentration of transmitter substance inside a cleft between an inner hair cell and an associated auditory nerve from the sound signal so that an estimated inner hair cell cleft contents map over time is obtained. This map is analyzed by means of a pitch analyzer to obtain a pitch line over time, the pitch line indicating a pitch of the sound signal for respective time instants. A rhythm analyzer is operative for analyzing envelopes of estimates for selected inner hair cells, the inner hair cells being selected in accordance with the pitch line, so that segmentation instants are obtained, wherein a segmentation instant indicates an end of the preceding note or a start of a succeeding note. Thus, a human-related and reliable sound signal analysis can be obtained.

Abstract: A contextual input device includes a plurality of tactually discernable keys disposed in a predetermined configuration which replicates a particular relationship among a plurality of items associated with a known physical object. The tactually discernable keys are typically labeled with Braille type. The known physical object is typically a collection of related items grouped together by some common relationship. A computer-implemented process determines whether an input signal represents a selection of an item from among a plurality of items or an attribute pertaining to an item among the plurality of items. Once the selected item or attribute pertaining to an item is determined, the computer-implemented process transforms a user's selection from the input signal into an analog audio signal which is then audibly output as human speech with an electro-acoustic transducer.

Abstract: Speech recognition is improved for wearers of hearing aids and other hearing devices by training the speech recognition. A first speech element is acoustically presented, and the element is identified by the person wearing the hearing device. Subsequently, the acoustic presentation of the presented speech element is automatically changed and the aforementioned steps are repeated (S1 to S4) with the changed presentation until a specified maximum number of repetitions is reached if the identification is incorrect. Otherwise, a second speech element is acoustically presented if the identification of the first speech element is correct or if the number of incorrect identifications of the first speech element is greater than the maximum number of repetitions. In this manner, each of a plurality of speech elements can be trained in multiple stages.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting data into Braille text and permitting scrolling of a Braille display are provided. Embodiments may include a Braille display configured to present Braille text, a control device configured to allow a user to at least partially control scrolling of the Braille text, communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive data, and a processor that is operably coupled to the Braille display and communication circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to convert at least portions of data received by the communication circuitry into Braille text for presentation by the Braille display. Embodiments may further include a memory for storing Braille text.

Abstract: A screen reader software product including a pattern store containing at least one user-definable array of keywords relating to a subject of interest and skim reading module adapted to apply the at least one array of keywords to a target document whereby only portions of the target document matching the at least one array of keywords are output by the screen reader software to an end user.

Abstract: A Braille writing device capable of processing information, comprises a motherboard (10) including a plurality of Braille cells (11) arranged in rows and columns, each cell consists of six dot-shaped recesses or pinholes, a sub-board (20) is configured to be inserted into a flute (12) being provided at each of left and right margins of the motherboard and moveable along the flute, a plurality of marks (13) are provided on an outer surface of the flutes (12), and a detent member (30) is formed between each two of the marks (13) in the inner side of the flute (12) and configured to prevent the moveable sub-board from being moved during writing. A Braille information processor (40) is fixed on a concave formed on the backside of the motherboard (10), comprising a circuit board (41), a central processing unit (42), a plurality of Braille trigger switch groups (44) each of which consists of six trigger switches (43), and an infrared transmitter (45).

Abstract: A tactile input to a system having a speaker located in an enclosure with an audio port can be detected by generating a sound wave in response to a signal and sensing the phase relationship between the current phase and the voltage phase of the signal. While the audio port is open a baseline current and voltage phase difference is established. When the audio port is obstructed by a finger touch, the current and voltage phase difference is altered in response to the obstruction. While the altered phase difference is detected, a tactile event is indicated.

Abstract: A speech-generating product for controlling the output of tabular or other composite data in a computer having a screen reader function. The product provides a customized control presentation tool that configures a screen reader to present tabular or other composite data to a user in the order most useful to the user. The tool includes the ability to configure the screen reader independently for both speech and Braille output on a control by control basis. This customized control presentation is saved in permanent storage. Consequently, each time the screen reader is presented with this instance of the control, the screen reader immediately knows how to present it to the user. The software product allows a user to modify the output by the screen reader of the data according to preferences configurable by the user.

Abstract: Braille symbols are automatically read aloud, to aid in learning or using Braille. More generally, a tile which bears a tactile symbol and a corresponding visual symbol is placed in a sensing area, automatically distinguished from other tiles, and vocalized. The tile is sensed and distinguished from other tiles based on various signal mechanisms, or by computer vision analysis of the tile's visual symbol. Metadata is associated with the tile. Additional placed tiles are similarly sensed, identified, and vocalized. When multiple tiles are placed in the sensing area, they are vocalized individually, and an audible phrase spelled by their arrangement of tactile symbols is also produced. A lattice is provided with locations for receiving tiles. Metadata are associated with lattice locations. Tile placement is used to control an application program which responds to tile identifications.

Abstract: The speech perception of hearing-aid wearers and wearers of other hearing devices is intended to be improved. To this end, a method for training the speech perception of a person, who is wearing a hearing device, is provided, in which a first speech component is presented acoustically and the latter is identified by the person wearing the hearing device. Subsequently, there is automated modification of the acoustic presentation of the presented speech component and the aforementioned steps are repeated with the modified presentation until, if the identification is incorrect, a prescribed maximum number of repetitions has been reached. Otherwise, if the first speech component is identified correctly or if the number of incorrect identifications of the first speech component is one more than the maximum repetition number, a second speech component is presented acoustically. This allows a plurality of speech components to be trained in respectively a number of steps.

Abstract: The present invention is a speech synthesizer that generates speech data of text including a fixed part and a variable part, in combination with recorded speech and rule-based synthetic speech. The speech synthesizer is a high-quality one in which recorded speech and synthetic speech are concatenated with the discontinuity of timbres and prosodies not perceived.

Abstract: An electronic aid which comprises a device (1) which is configured to record and play back sound clips. The device (1) incorporates a reader (10) which is configured to read identifiers. The device (1) can be used in combination with a data carrier which may be provided with a plurality of different identifiers. A user can record sound clips and associate each sound clip with a corresponding identifier. The device (1) is configured to play back a sound clip when the reader (10) reads the corresponding identifier.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for the provision and enabling of multi-language and sign language services in real-time are disclosed. System components include a call processing computer/server that receives requests and is in communication with other system components, a video server/computer for processing and relaying video images, user interface devices for making requests and receiving data transmitted between system components and service provider devices for responding to or satisfying requests received.

Abstract: A device for use by a deafblind person is disclosed. The device comprises a first key for manually inputting a series of words in the form of a code, a second key for manually inputting an action to be performed by the device, a third key for manually inputting a user preference, and a fourth key for manually inputting communication instructions. The device further has an internal processor programmed to carry out communication functions and search and guide functions. The device has various safety and security functions for pedestrians or persons in transit. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an electronic cane known as an eCane. Also disclosed is a system for allowing a deafblind person to enjoy television programs.

Abstract: A Braille type device including printed or displayed matter on a medium in combination with printed or displayed Braille type code, preferably machine readable Braille type bar code. The Braille type system includes the combination of the Braille type device and a Braille type-scanning device. The Braille type method includes printing or displaying a Braille type bar code on a medium.

Abstract: A method of operating a reading machine includes receiving an image and receiving an user-initiated command. The reading machine interprets the command to determine the portion of the image to process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information input/output device for visually impaired users whereby the visually impaired users can easily obtain information for the operation and perform the operation without confusion. This device comprise a braille output unit having a plurality of projectable dotted portions and which enables output of a plurality of braille patterns by controlling the projection of the dotted portions, and a recognition means which recognizes that an operation concerning the braille patterns output by the braille output unit is input when the braille output unit is pushed within a predetermined period of time after the braille patterns are output by the braille output unit. When the user inputs an operation concerning the braille patterns, the user pushes the braille unit in which the braille patterns are output.

Abstract: A method enabling a person to visualize images including encoding spatial information relating to a feature or features contained within an image into the form of one or more musical sequences, and playing the musical sequence or sequences to the person.

Abstract: A portable print reading device includes a high resolution digital camera to which the following additional functions have been added: image centering by tactile or sound information, obtained from the analysis or real time video signals provided by the camera sensor, optical recognition of the characters contained in an image, conversion of recognized text into synthetic speech, conversion of recognized text into Braille, positioning of the reading cursor anywhere inside documents recognized and temporarily stored in the reading device memory: beginning of a page, a paragraph, a line, word search, etc., processing of raw images provided by the camera to allow the transfer of whole images or selected image parts to a tactile graphic array, to allow blind users to apprehend graphic elements of such an image, and control of the camera functions by electrical signals provided by the recognition of commands spoken by the user.

Abstract: A method for repeatable application testing on a computer system for audible output generated by the application in conjunction with a screen reader or similar assistive technology. The method includes recording user inputs to a user application using a test input component. The user inputs are also accessed by a screen reader input component. Outputs of the user application are recorded using a test output component. The outputs of the user application are also accessed by a screen reader output component. The resulting screen reader outputs are recorded and are analyzed with respect to the recorded user inputs and the recorded outputs of the user application. The user inputs to the user application can be keyboard inputs or mouse inputs, and inputs of other input devices. The outputs of the user application can be graphical outputs or alphanumeric outputs for a display of the computer system.

Abstract: An electronic toy appliance for use with interchangeable graspable objects such as blocks or tiles, the toy appliance designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.

Abstract: An electronic toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of sides, the object adapted for lateral movement and rotational manipulation by a child on a substantially horizontal surface so that the child can laterally move the object on the substantially horizontal surface and select different sides of the object to face upwardly.

Abstract: There is provided a user friendly display interface system for the interactive handling and sorting out of windows in complex window hierarchical graphical user interfaces. The system provides for the storage of a hierarchy of windows which are displayable to overlap each other in a selected order whereby a plurality of said windows are partially visible. Apparatus is provided for displaying on a display screen a plurality of these partially overlapping windows. A different audio identifier is provided and stored for each of these windows. Further apparatus is provided for moving around and positioning a pointing device, such as a cursor on the display screen, in combination with means responsive to the pointing device for announcing the audio identifier for each window which said pointing device enters. The pointing device may be a user controlled cursor, a stylus or even a finger in touch sensitive display systems. The audio identifier may conveniently be the name in the title bar of the window.

Abstract: A robot-arm telemanipulating system that presents an operator auditory information converted from a part of information on operating status of the robot arm (hereinafter referred to as “telemetry data”) transmitted from a distant position from the operator, so that a burden imposed on the operator can be alleviated. The telemanipulating system includes a sound source for simulatively generating an operating sound of the robot arm under telemanipulation, capable of variably controlling at least one of key, volume and tone of the operating sound by sound source control data input from outside; a telemetry data analyzing unit for analyzing telemetry data transmitted from the robot arm, and controlling the sound source by generating sound source controlling data corresponding to a load amount applied to the robot arm; and an audio output unit for presenting the operator the operating sound generated by the sound source in a form of auditory information.

Abstract: An interactive adaptive learning system. A collection of core stimuli consisting of at least auditory and visual symbols and information, are stored on a computer. A number of different relationships between the core stimuli are created which can then be presented as discrimination or identification tasks to the user. Different sets of stimuli are then presented succeedingly to the user and the user is requested to respond. The form of response can either be to investigate and analyze the stimuli, or attributes of the stimuli, or answer of the quarry regarding the discrimination or identification task. The system has a built in strategy for progressing the user through learning tasks. The users actions and responses in reaction to the stimuli are all recorded and analyzed. Based not only on the success rate of the user responses, but also on other characteristics of the users reaction to the stimuli, the users learning strategy is classified.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A system or kit for treating developmental verbal apraxia is provided. The system or kit includes a plurality of picture cards in which each card identifies in written, spelled-out form a selected multi-syllabic word for describing an activity, item or thing with a corresponding drawing or picture which illustrates the activity, item or thing. In addition, each card also includes, in written, spelled-out form, a series of single syllabic words in written, spelled-out form, each word describing an activity, item or thing. Associated with each single syllabic word is preferably a drawing or picture which illustrates the activity, item or thing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an audio sign adapted to provide an aural message once the sign is tactilely actuated. The invention typically includes a graphical information section, a tactile information section, and a self contained audio section configured to provide aural information once tactilely actuated.

Abstract: An interactive adaptive learning system. A collection of core stimuli consisting of at least auditory and visual symbols and information, are stored on a computer. A number of different relationships between the core stimuli are created which can then be presented as discrimination or identification tasks to the user. Different sets of stimuli are then presented succeedingly to the user and the user is requested to respond. The form of response can either be to investigate and analyze the stimuli, or attributes of the stimuli, or answer of the quarry regarding the discrimination or identification task. The system has a built in strategy for progressing the user through learning tasks. The users actions and responses in reaction to the stimuli are all recorded and analyzed. Based not only on the success rate of the user responses, but also on other characteristics of the users reaction to the stimuli, the users learning strategy is classified.

Abstract: A sensory system and method for a visually impaired user includes an array of laser transmitters for transmitting laser signals in given areas corresponding to each of the laser transmitters. An array of laser sensors are provided for receiving laser signals reflected from objects in the corresponding given areas with each laser sensor corresponding to a respective one of the array of laser transmitters. The time between transmitted and received laser signals of a laser transmitter and the respective laser sensor is indicative of the distance between the user and an object in the corresponding given area. A processor is operable with the laser transmitters and laser sensors to effect scanning of the given areas by the array and to process the transmitted and received signals to determine the distance between the user and an object in the given areas. A feedback system is operable with the processor for generating a feedback signal for each of the laser sensors as a function of the received laser signals.

Abstract: An interactive adaptive learning system. A collection of core stimuli consisting of at least auditory and visual symbols and information, are stored on a computer. A number of different relationships between the core stimuli are created which can then be presented as discrimination or identification tasks to the user. Different sets of stimuli are then presented succeedingly to the user and the user is requested to respond. The form of response can either be to investigate and analyze the stimuli, or attributes of the stimuli, or answer of the quarry regarding the discrimination or identification task. The system has a built in strategy for progressing the user through learning tasks. The users actions and responses in reaction to the stimuli are all recorded and analyzed. Based not only on the success rate of the user responses, but also on other characteristics of the users reaction to the stimuli, the users learning strategy is classified.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A computer-operated system for assisting aphasics in communication includes user-controlled means for storing data representing the user's vocalizations during a time interval, means for associating the data stored in each of a plurality of such intervals with an icon, means for ordering a plurality of such icons in a group representing a speech message, and means for generating an audio output from the stored data represented by the icons in the group so as to provide a speech message.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening an individual's ability to process acoustic events is provided. The invention provides sequences (or trials) of acoustically processed target and distractor phonemes to a subject for identification. The acoustic processing includes amplitude emphasis of selected frequency envelopes, stretching (in the time domain) of selected portions of phonemes, and phase adjustment of selection portions of phonemes relative to a base frequency. After a number of trials, the method of the present invention develops a profile for an individual that indicates whether the individual's ability to process acoustic events is within a normal range, and if not, what processing can provide the individual with optimal hearing. The individual's profile can then be used by a listening or processing device to particularly emphasize, stretch, or otherwise manipulate an audio stream to provide the individual with an optimal chance of distinguishing between similar acoustic events.

Abstract: A reading machine for a blind or visually impaired person includes a computer system that causes the computer to load a definition file in accordance with the current word whose definition a user desires the reading machine to read aloud, extract from said definition file text corresponding to at least a first definition contained in said file, and synthesize speech corresponding to the extracted text to permit the definition to be read aloud. The reading machine includes a user input device including a user activated button that produces a signal that causes the computer to enter a definition mode to read a definition of current word being spoken by the reading machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the sensory perceptual system in a language learning impaired (LLI) subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by an LLI subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's temporal processing of acoustic events common to speech are significantly improved.

Abstract: A learning apparatus for use with a computer comprising a set of tactile flash cards, each individual card having a tactilely perceptible pattern embossed on a surface of the card and two electrically connected contacts at a unique set of discrete spaced positions on the card with a preselected correspondence between the tactilely perceptible pattern on the surface of the card and the selected positions of the contacts, and a tactile flash card reader capable of sensing the positions of the contacts on a card and controlling the computer.