Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of training a MT network to detect a wake expression that directs a digital assistant to perform an operation based on a request that follows the expression. The MT network includes processing nodes with configurable parameters. The method iteratively selects different sets of input values with known sets of output values. Each of a first group of input value sets includes a vocative use of the expression. Each of a second group of input value sets includes a non-vocative use of the expression. For each set of input values, the method uses the MT network to process the input set to produce an output value set and computes an error value that expresses an error between the produced output value set and the known output value set. Based on the error values, the method adjusts configurable parameters of the processing nodes of the MT network.

Abstract: Described are systems for spatial cognitive ability assessment wherein a subject is able to manipulate one or more object(s) that is monitored by a device for recording motion attached to the object(s), the subject, or both that is able to generate motion electronic data. Also described are methods for assessing spatial cognitive ability.

Abstract: A teaching and learning aid for articulation of a verb-related language grammar. A number of grammar tables are gathered in structured assemblies. Each assembly describes different verb-related grammar category. A solid body unifies all assemblies into one system by providing one face to each assembly. Each face of a solid body has its assigned color to code its verb-related grammar category. Combination of sides of a solid body visualizes grammar of related colored parts in a sentence. A result is an intuitive and easy-to-use system for teaching, learning, presentation, navigation and analysis of a verb-related grammar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an algorithm teaching apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an algorithm teaching apparatus that uses blocks that can be played with like toys by children and facilitates easy teaching of an algorithm. The apparatus is divided into an event region, an execution region and a condition region, wherein an event block mounting part of the event region and an execution block mounting part of the execution region are formed so as to have different shapes, thus facilitating efficient teaching of the basic principles of an algorithm to children.

Abstract: A customizable adhesive toy playscape is constructed of a combination of printed adhesive playscape tape and other accessories, such as printed stickers, upstanding signs, toy vehicles, and the tape roll core that can be used by children (or adults) for creating imaginary playscape tape worlds for play, education, or other uses. The playscape tape can be part of a two-layer track construction that includes machine-readable codes for controlling movement of a mobile agent traveling thereover.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for performing a vocabulary-based visual search using multi-resolution feature descriptors. A device may comprise one or more processors configured to perform the techniques. The processors may generate a hierarchically arranged data structure to be used when classifying objects included within a query image based on multi-resolution query feature descriptor extracted from the query image at a first scale space resolution and a second scale space resolution. The hierarchically arranged data structure may represent a first query feature descriptor of the multi-resolution feature descriptor extracted at the first scale space resolution and a second corresponding query feature descriptor of the multi-resolution feature descriptor extracted at the second scale space resolution hierarchically arranged according to the first scale space resolution and the second scale space resolution. The processors may then perform a visual search based on the generated data structure.

Abstract: A system for enhancing reading performance operates on a network-connected server with software executing from a non-transitory medium at the server providing an interactive interface for a user connected to the server via a browser link. There is a data repository coupled to the server. The interactive interface provides a word search exercise for the user for improving the user's reading performance, displays a passage comprising a first number of words and a search list with a second number of words that each appear at least once in the passage, the second number smaller than the first number, and when the user clicks on every word in the passage for a word that appears in the search list, that word is indicated in the list as found, until all the words in the search list have been indicated as found.

Abstract: A novelty game that utilizes a plurality of alphanumeric-shaped playing pieces. Each playing piece has a body shaped as a letter or number. The body has a flat face surface, a parallel rear surface, and side edges that interconnect the face surface to the rear surface. The width of the side edges is large enough to enable each playing piece to stand upright on-edge and unsupported. A plurality of mechanical connectors are present on the playing pieces. The connectors enable each playing piece to physically interconnect with at least two others of the playing pieces to form an assemblage of letters or numbers word. When a conjoined assemblage is formed, only one or some of the playing pieces touch the ground. Most are supported in the air as the playing pieces build atop one another.

Abstract: A method of playing a word forming game comprises distributing a predetermined number of tiles to a set of players so as to form a hand of play associated with each player. Each tile has a character value associated with the tile, and at least one tile has a special feature value. The players form words on a playing surface, and the words comprise one or more tiles from a player's hand of play and one or more tiles already on the playing surface. Exemplary special feature values instruct players to skip a turn, to reverse the order of play, or to redistribute tiles. Each tile has a nesting portion and a nested portion. The nesting portion is characterized a concavity into which another playing tile may be nested and the nested portion is characterized by a convex edge.

Abstract: A word game system for playing multiple word games and its corresponding play methods are disclosed. The game system and the multiple word games are all based on the word scramble process—constantly and dynamically scrambling the playing pieces to form words by all the players all the time, hence extremely stimulating and entertaining. The game system and its specific set of playing pieces with proper ranking distribution, value point assignments, math function selections and incorporation of wild playing pieces support a host of brain stimulating games including Scramble Word, Scramble Poker and Scramble Ma-Jong. These word games are playable in English and other languages and playable as board, computer, broadcasting as well as board-less games.

Abstract: An alphabet board designed to facilitate learning one of several languages includes pockets organized in rows on the front side of the board with each pocket bearing a removable letter of the chosen language and made to receive a set of letter cards bearing a letter matching the letter on the pocket. An area on the front side of the board is designed to receive and display letter cards pulled and placed to spell at least one word in the language. The board further includes pockets for larger diacritical cards which may be placed behind respective letter cards in words to enable reading the diacritical mark and the letter at the same time. Picture cards for each letter of the alphabet are also included for forming words and/or sentences with a picture on the front and a word on the back describing the picture and starting with the respective letter.

Abstract: A game and method of play is disclosed to facilitate learning of the IPA. The game is a multiplayer card game where each player receives a specified number of cards. Each card includes a single alphabetic character of the IPA. One player begins by spelling out a phonetic word using one or more of his or her cards. The next player then forms a new phonetic word by interchanging, adding or subtracting one of his or her cards to or from the phonetic word. Each player continues to form new words by interchanging, adding or subtracting a card. If a player is unable to form a new word, that player is out of the game. The game continues until only a single player is left. That player is the winner.

Abstract: An interactive educational apparatus, ideally suitable for children. A set of symbol pieces, preferably in the form of letter blocks are provided. An interface board is provided for accommodating one or more selected symbol pieces and a sensor on said interface board generates a signal identifying each symbol piece when placed on the interface board. Media files are stored on a storage medium and each media file has an associated tag. A processor is programmed to match a search key represented by one or more selected symbol pieces with the tags. A display device displays one or more media files having identifier tags matching the search key represented by said selected symbol pieces. These identifier tags provide a way to match up the media files with each search key generated by placement of the symbol pieces on the interface board.

Abstract: A manually manipulable device adapted to present an individual characterization to a user comprising a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator, and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity of a similar device, such that a user can manipulate the device and generate a sensory response in the response generator or a response generator of another, at least similar, device, in accordance with the proximity of the other device.

Abstract: A method of editing communication sheets comprises providing a picture/text editing interface; providing a dividing function for communication sheet; providing a expression (s) database, a picture database and a voice database; providing a correlation searching function; providing expression (s) insertion function; providing picture insertion function; providing language assigning function; and providing a output file generating function. The method also handles multiple languages and can change the language of expression (s) or voice with a rapid manner.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a playing surface divided into discrete fields each having distinct indicia such as a color. The system includes a plurality of game pieces, such as letter tiles, each having an indicia corresponding to a respective field as well as having an alphanumeric or user-choice indicia. The entertainment system includes an input device for actuating a timer or processor. A display is included for displaying instructions, aesthetic elements, or even a sound emitter. A method of playing the entertainment system includes a plurality of players initially selecting a predetermined number of game pieces and then, in turn, arranging game pieces on playing surface fields having like color indicia to form words, selecting additional game pieces or taking other actions relative to game pieces, and rearranging game pieces to form other words. Electronic components are included to provide elements of chance, instructions, or aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: An apparatus for educating children includes a first symbol for application to a first article of clothing and a second symbol for application to a second article of clothing. The first article of clothing is worn by a user at a same time as the second article of clothing and the first article of clothing and the second article of clothing are both part of a clothing set. The second symbol is non-identical to the first symbol and the first symbol corresponds to and matches the second symbol based on a relationship of an educational topic.

Abstract: An interactive learning appliance includes a body, a plurality of puzzle pieces and a control circuit. The body defines a receptacle. The puzzle pieces are provided to be placed in the receptacle selectively. Each puzzle piece has a distinct sensing surface with at least one hole defined therein. The control circuit installed in the body includes a storage circuit, an output circuit and an identification circuit. The storage circuit stores a plurality of content files each corresponding to a combination of the selected puzzle pieces. Each content file illustrates a meaning of the combination of the selected puzzle pieces. The identification circuit is configured to recognize each of the selected puzzle pieces via the hole of the sensing surface, to find out the corresponding content file according to an identification result of the selected puzzle pieces, and to have the output circuit execute the corresponding content file.

Abstract: A spelling device used to strengthen the visual representation of a word to be spelled. The device is a six-row-by-two-column matrix of boxes with two or more letters of the alphabet in each box, or the device is a circle comprising multiple shapes. The letters of the alphabet are located in the boxes or in the multiple shapes in a zigzag, or alternating pattern. Half of the boxes or the multiple shapes are shaded in a zigzag or alternating pattern. A method for using the device comprises the steps of drawing the speller, shading the device in a zigzag or alternating pattern. Placing numbers in the boxes or multiple shapes that correspond to the letters of the word to be spelled. Then, studying the visual pattern of the word noting the location, shading and shape of the box or shape of the numbers and the corresponding letters.

Abstract: Educational devices, educational systems, and methods of teaching and learning reading are provided. The devices, systems, and methods can include an indicium reader, such as an optical character recognition device, for reading indicium from objects. Such objects can be three-dimensional blocks and the indicium can be a letter, word, sentence, number, or some other type of readable character(s). The devices, systems, and methods can include a display for displaying the read indicium and an audio producing device for producing audio corresponding to the read indicium. The educational devices can be a self-contained, portable unit with the indicium reader, the display, and the audio producing device supported by a housing of the educational devices.

Abstract: A toy for teaching the logical thought process of computer programming has a plurality of stackable blocks with each block having a memory for the storage of at least one computer programming instruction. When the plurality of stackable blocks are mechanically stacked, a plurality of instructions are electrically connected forming a computer program. A main block is configured so that the plurality of stackable blocks can be mechanically stacked on the main block. A computer is electrically connected to receive the computer program. A robot is connected to the computer, with the computer controlling the robot in response to the computer program.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least on strung bead so that Jewelry items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical of the pop beads.

Abstract: Tags that have educational material imprinted thereon are used in combination with a key ring. The key tags are designed to be used singly upon the key ring and changed daily, to assist an adult or child with an educational endeavor such as, for example, learning new vocabulary words. Durable sheet stock such as polymeric or metallic sheet stock, polymer laminates, and coated papers are contemplated for the tag substrate material, as are various reinforcements, dimensions and colors. The tags may be printed or manufactured in volume, or may alternatively be printed on demand from a kit and special stock material.

Abstract: A language learning system is provided. The language learning system typically includes a set of fictional characters, each character being associated with a predetermined phoneme of a language, such as English. The character typically has a given name including the phoneme. The system may further include a learning device configured to display at least one of the characters along with an associated letter corresponding to the phoneme. The device may be a wheel, block, vessel, card, doll, disk, cone, or other suitable device.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interactive apparatus includes a base unit. The base unit can has a surface and an array of electrical elements under the surface. A removable template is placed on the base unit and is positioned over the surface. The removable template has a movable element that the user can move and a speaker in the apparatus can produce an audio output in response to the movement of the movable element.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of motivating a child to want to do what is beneficial, including the steps of (a) providing an item which the child interacts with to establish a play pattern that is fun for the child, (b) packaging the item in a manner that is convenient to use and wherein the packaging assists in establishing the play pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a set of interconnecting letterform segments, in the discernable shapes of letters, numerals, and mathematical operators. Each segment comprises a length of body material defining an inner region having an access opening to enable the letterform segments to be releasably coupled with other segments—to enable the linked spelling of words and the linked construction of mathematical expressions.

Abstract: An educational device (11) for visually modeling words or numerals. The device including a plurality of inverted U-shaped rods (15) and a plurality of balls (17), each ball (17) being movable between a non display position and a display position. When the device is used to represent a word, the number of rods (15) having a ball in the display position corresponds to the number of phonemes in the word and the number of balls (17) or a respective rod (15) represents the number of letters in a respective phoneme. When the device visually represents a number, each rod having a ball in the display position represents a unit from which the number is formed, and the number of balls in a respective display position can represent the relative size of a respective unit.

Abstract: A game apparatus of education and entertainment purposes comprises a number of building pieces and a number of connector pieces. The building pieces have peripheral edges that employ slots to receive complementary sized portions of the connector pieces. The connector pieces have a number of different configurations to permit creation of a variety of three dimensional shapes, including arranging building pieces at right angles, and oblique angles. The building pieces can have indicia thereon to create text, images, or combinations thereof when put together. The building pieces are modularly sized so that differently shaped and sized pieces can easily fit together.

Abstract: The present invention is an educational word game and method of playing same that may be provided in single or bi-lingual versions and that challenges players to form as many new words from a set of at least two base words as possible within a limited amount of time. The word game requires that the players define a set of rules for each game prior to play and by the random selection of round prize amounts and the letter length of the at least two base words, and thus the number and type of letters players may use to form new words. Base word letter length and prize amounts are determined by spinning a pointer on the board. Players fill in a game rules sheet. By requiring that two or more base words be used, the number, length, and sophistication of words a player may potentially make is greatly expanded.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends in a radial direction an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the item. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least one strung bead so that bracelets and similar items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical bodies of the pop beads. Additional embodiments include pop beads that depend from barrettes, eyeglass holders, lanyard hooks, and similar articles.

Abstract: The Jack Switch Talking Block is an educational toy for young children. The Jack Switch is the means by witch six sided blocks, normal children's play blocks, can be made to speak to the children. It must be made of a size shape and construction to meet or exceed all the laws that apply to such a product. It must be safe for the children to play with.

Abstract: An educational method, apparatus, and instructions for improving an individual's ability to identify and express emotions, associate their emotion with needs, and then communicate the emotion and need through blocks having multiple faces. The apparatus comprises at least two sets of blocks and a support structure. A first set of blocks has faces bearing informative indicia identifying various emotions or feelings. A second set of blocks has faces bearing informative indicia which identify various needs. The support structure comprises optional textual material. The method and instructions lead the individual through the process of linking feelings identified through the use of the first set of blocks with needs identified through use of the second set, establishing an association between emotions and needs, and providing a simple verbal framework for identifying, linking, and sharing or describing feelings and needs. The invention can be practiced on a computer.

Abstract: A music education apparatus for teaching musical concepts, comprising note meaning and pitch recognition, music reading, instrument playing, tempo, staccato, degrees of loudness, note duration, rhythm, harmony, chords, trills, the sonic characteristics of different instruments, and music writing. The music education apparatus comprises a block with visual representations on each side designating musical notes, letters representing musical notes, and physical portions on musical instruments, wherein the musical note(s) designated on the other sides are highlighted on the keyboard or other designated physical portion of an instrument. The music education apparatus may also serve as an alarm clock that can be set to sound at a selected time by conventional means, or by light, sound, temperature, or other stimuli. Voice programming may be featured, whereby a word, name, sentence, etc., is spoken or sung when the alarm sounds.

Abstract: An interactive learning device for children has a housing with a front and back face. Multiple switches are located on the front face of the housing and an image of a letter of an alphabet is associated with each of the switches. The housing also supports a speaker designed to produce sounds or music and one or more display devices for displaying images. An electronic processor in the housing communicates electrically with the multiple switches, the speaker, and the one or more display screens. The processor responds to the switches to selectively cause the speaker to produce sounds and the screen to display images.

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.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a cognition nurturing toy comprising at least one rigid board having a series of cavities therein, with each cavity having a distinct outline belonging to a first set. There is also provided a series of colorful illustrations printed on the board with each illustration encompassing one cavity. Each illustration in the series is arranged on the rigid board in a coherent order portraying at least one environment. The cognition nurturing toy also comprises a plurality of distinct pieces each having a shape corresponding to one of the outlines of the cavities such that each piece is insertable in only one of the cavities. Each piece further has colors and graphic properties of the illustration encompassing the corresponding cavity. A child using the cognition nurturing toy is able to associate each piece to only one of the cavities, using shape recognition, color recognition and whole picture recognition.

Abstract: A game piece for language related play having a plurality of flat exterior surfaces that are equal in number to the number of letters in the alphabet of a particular language. All of the letters of the particular language are displayed on the body so that one letter is on each flat exterior surface. Optionally, a corresponding braille character and/or a corresponding sign-language character may be displayed adjacent to each letter on the same flat exterior surface. In one embodiment, the language is English and the plurality of flat exterior surfaces number twenty-six.

Abstract: A educational card game for teaching phonetic pronunciation of words and letters. The educational card game includes a plurality of cards, each of the plurality of cards includes a face side and represents a different letter of the alphabet. The letter of the alphabet represented by each card is printed in a central portion of the face side and a point value assigned to each card is printed in a corner of the face side. A device for storing data representing an oral pronunciation of each letter printed on each of the plurality of cards is included to provide a correct oral pronunciation of each letter on each card. The data representing the phonetic pronunciation of each letter is assigned a respective location within the data storage device.

Abstract: Apparatus for teaching the usage, spelling, and meaning of words, the components of the apparatus including structural units having letters and words superimposed thereon. Each structural unit relates a word with the initial letter thereof. Moreover, the structural units provide an arrangement by which one may spell and use words alone and in phrases and sentences.

Abstract: An educational interlocking block set having six facing sides. Two of the opposite block sides have either a four spaced projecting male protrusions or a four spaced complimentarily shaped receiving female recesses for male protrusions of an adjoining interconnected block. The other four sides of each block may have the same letter thereon to permit the viewing of their displayed surfaces. When several interlocked blocks are viewed, either in horizontal or vertical configurations, words may be spelled out by the displayed letters of the blocks. Vertically aligned blocks may be either stacked upon joined lower horizontally disposed blocks or may be joined vertically thereto. An almost endless configuration of joined blocks representing different joined shapes, such as pyramids and diamonds, may be constructed with visible surface letters.

Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.

Abstract: A base supports a closed loop trackway path within which a plurality of recesses are formed. A plurality of tiles shaped in correspondence to the various recesses are receivable within the recesses to lie within the trackway path. The recesses and tiles are shaped in distinctive shapes corresponding to various parts of speech. Each tile bears a visible word as well as a bar code encoded symbol set corresponding to the visible word. In addition, tiles bearing nouns are provided with pictorial representations of the nouns. A toy vehicle includes a drive mechanism for moving the vehicle upon the trackway path across the tiles. The vehicle further includes a sound circuit and bar code reader which is used to scan the bar codes of the tiles and audibilize the corresponding words. The recesses within the trackway path are arranged to assure the correct syntax of sentences formed by the words upon the various tiles.

Abstract: A special education device to teach the severely mentally retarded the basic skills of reading comprising four elements; a plurality of blocks, joining mechanisms, a base and a connecting member. Each of the blocks have three special structural characteristics; a symbol or pictorial representation; a means of joining other blocks to form words and sentences only in a horizontal left to right direction; and a means of connecting to the connecting member. All four elements are capable of being united by a student that has severe handicaps in finger dexterity and arm movement. At least the following structures can be formed; sorting in vertical columns; associating the word or sentence formed with a pictorial representation of this word or sentence; words and sentences formed in rows which are parallel to each other and to the flat top surface of the base; formation of words by changing the beginning and ending consonants of a root phonogram.

Abstract: This invention comprises an instructional and game device wherein two elements of the device may be fitted together to form a non-continuous ball which may be bounced, rolled, spun or thrown. The elements comprise, for example, the letters of the alphabet wherein a large "A" and a small "a" may be fitted together to form a discontinuous spherical ball. The letters are formed in a particular rounded format around the exterior edge and include a centrally located notched internal member where the elements are locked together. The individual elements are generally flat and may be readily stacked for packaging. Various constructions or combinations may be built with the letters. Also, the elements may be made in the shape of numerals so that various combinations of numerals or numerals and letters may be fit together into a discontinuous spherical design.

Abstract: A toy educational building block set having alphabetical and other indicia for word building. The building blocks are adapted to have letter units selectively secured to their surfaces to form alphabetical blocks.

Abstract: A multiple card flash card is disclosed that assists memorization in four domains. The disclosure discusses the application to English, and Chinese, with particular reference to pinyin, orthodox characters and simplified characters.

Abstract: An educational dynamic method of teaching language is disclosed wherein a set of geometrically-shaped objects represent the parts of speech of natural human languages. The objects are animated to undergo shape change, act alone, and interact with other of the objects to represent symbolically the actions performed on or by each part of speech. Frameworks defined by the grammatical case patterns of the represented language provide the boundaries for arrangement of the objects. Each object is configured to logically represent the complements of the class of words pertaining to the part of speech represented by the object. Animation of the objects in the form of shape changes and dynamic interaction within and between the objects assists in representing the words, expression and action, whether it be voluntary, involuntary, active or inactive. Each object contains the vocabulary words consistent with the level of the language being taught which fall into the class or part of speech represented by that object.

Abstract: An educational dynamic method of teaching language is disclosed wherein a set of general categories of shapes represents all the parts of speech of natural human language. Animated changes in form and dynamic interaction within and between the categories of shapes represent symbolically the actions performed on or by each part of speech. A structural framework space provides the boundaries for arrangement and movement of the shapes; the framework space is defined by the rules of the given language. Each shape has its own structure which logically represents the complements of the given part of speech. Different colors within each category of shapes represent subcategories of the corresponding part of speech. Shapes, shape changes, and dynamic interaction within and between the shapes, represent the words, expression, and action whether it be voluntary, involuntary, active or inactive.

Abstract: A learning system is disclosed that comprises ordered pairs of interlocking cooperatively aligned hexagonal bosses and recesses having one or more peripherally disposed lobes as control structures to influence a user to connect or assemble articles or objects in a predetermined sequence or positional relationship.