Abstract: An electronic apparatus which allows even a visually-handicapped user to perceive the function or state related to an operating element in advance. When an operator makes a RF tag mounted in a predetermined portion of the human body operating an operating element approach the operating element and then a RFID reader reads an ID stored in the RF tag, the function of the operating element or the state corresponding to the operating element is notified to the operator through voice in accordance with the read ID.

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 of educating a learner, comprising the steps of displaying a first level text (15) to the learner and then displaying a second level text (25) to the learner comprising the same words as the first level text (15) and wherein two or more words of the second level text (25) are concatenated to form at least one word group to prompt the learner to read the concatenated words in quick succession improving the learner's reading fluency.

Abstract: An interactive photo album has an RFID transceiver in one half of a cover. In or on each page of the photo album there is a unique RFID tag. The RFID transceiver can detect the RFID tags in the stack of pages on top of it. A processor on the cover can determine, based on this detection, at what page the album is laid open. The processor plays a sound fragment from a memory on a loudspeaker that corresponds to the page laid open is played back. In addition, a microphone or microphone terminal are provided for recording sound fragments with each page.

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: A unit for providing an interactive, light-activated, voice recorder unit for a book wherein said interactive voice recorder unit automatically initiates a playback mode when the front cover of a book is opened and light enters the unit.

Abstract: Interactive media includes first and second pages having a transmitter and a user input, a speaker, a microphone, and a receiver in communication with the transmitters. The interactive media includes an electronic memory device and a processor in communication with the speaker, microphone, receiver, and memory device. A mode device is in data communication with the processor to cause the processor to alter between a recording mode in which the processor is controlled by recording programming in the processor and a playback mode in which the processor is controlled by playback programming in the processor. The recording programming causes the processor to actuate the microphone and store audio data input through the microphone in the electronic memory device to correspond to a selected page. The playback programming causes the processor to actuate the speaker to present the stored audio data corresponding to a selected page.

Abstract: An electrographic position location apparatus and a data cartridge are disclosed. The data cartridge comprises a body and a memory device in the body. A connector extends from the body and is coupled to the memory device. A microphone is attached to or is incorporated within the body.

Abstract: An audiovisual recording of a user reading a book aloud is generated for playback with a virtual book. A book reading user interface presents a virtual book concurrently with a current image of the user. The virtual book may be presented based at least in part on an aspect ratio of the virtual book. As the user reads the virtual book aloud, an audiovisual recording of the user is generated. In addition, synchronization information is recorded that enables the audiovisual recording to be synchronized with the presentation of pages of the virtual book during playback. The generated audiovisual recording is stored in a database and may be played back to a recipient on demand.

Abstract: A book (100) includes a front cover (A), a back cover (B) and a plurality of intermediate sheets (1-11) disposed between the front cover (A) and the back cover (B) so as to define a plurality of printed pages (P1-P12), the covers (A, B) and the intermediate sheets (1-11) being bound, by means of a binder (20), on the left-hand edge of the book. A printed circuit board (30) with a plurality of LEDs (L1-L8) is disposed in the back cover (B), and slots (S) in the back cover (B) make the LEDs (L1-L8) visible. Through holes (F) are made in at least some of the intermediate sheets (2-11) to make visible the respective LED coinciding with the through hole (F). A magnetic page identifier (40) for identifying the pages that are being read is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic book with opposed displays facing each other on a foldable housing can present book text on each page in portrait mode. Upon receipt of a mode change signal caused by, for example, the user rotating the book 90°, the lower display can display an image of a keyboard and/or text in landscape mode while the upper display can present text in landscape mode. The keyboard image may be for a user-selected language.

Abstract: Power management features of a reader device control an amount of electrical energy supplied to the reader device. The power management features include several power control categories that a user may select to affect an amount of power consumed by the reader device. One power control category controls power consumption based on a genre of an electronic book being processed by the reader device. Another power control category controls power consumption based on a time of day an electronic book is being processed by the reader device. Power control instructions that control how much power a reader device consumes may also be generated based on a characteristic of a user's interaction with the 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 speech activated book having a cover disposed to receive an elongated housing. The speech-activated book could also include at least one page disposed along a portion of a binding area of the book. The page includes text having at least one trigger word. The speech-activated book could also include an audio circuit that, in response to detecting an audible representation of the trigger word, could provide an associated sound effect stored in memory. The elongated housing could be secured to the cover by at least one of: glue, an adhesive, a heat-set binding, a screw, a tab, a wire, a spiral connector, a rivet, a staple, a fastener, and a retainer.

Abstract: An automatic induction device for turning pages includes a plurality of inner pages, a plurality of conductive rubber pieces, a flexible printed circuit board, and an electronic unit. The inner pages connect with each other on one side and each has a groove on the connected side. The conductive rubber pieces are inserted in the grooves respectively and one end of each conductive rubber piece extends out of the corresponding groove. The flexible printed circuit board has a plurality of connecting finger conductive portions and a connecting end, the connecting finger conductive portions are inserted in the grooves and contact with the conductive rubber pieces, respectively. The electronic unit electrically connects with the connecting end of the flexible printed circuit board. Based on the above assemblies, the automatic induction device for turning pages, electronic audio books and photo albums has more reliable performance, a simple structure and a low cost.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a system that allows publishers to publish bibliographic data, reference data, and/or author notes of non-fiction materials (e.g. books, journals, etc.) on an Internet web site with a formal structure rather than in paper form. Bibliographic references and author notes are stored in a computer database, and presented to end users through web pages in such a manner that references can be displayed alongside digital images of the physical pages that they originated from, with hypertext links to digital files representing the author's original sources, as appropriate.

Abstract: A manual (1) comprising a binder (6) and pages (3) releasably retained in the binder (6) comprises apparatus (2) for identifying an opened page (3) and for transmitting the identity of the page (3) to a computer (4). The apparatus (2) comprises a carrier member (15) which carries a plurality of photo sensors (16) for reading a binary identity code (17) along an edge of each page (3) for identifying the page. A plurality of input keys (37) on the carrier member (15) carry identifying symbols (40) which correspond to identifying symbols (41) provided on the pages (3) adjacent passages of text for facilitating inputting of select signals for operating the computer (4) to display additional data on a visual display unit (5) relating to the passage identified by the corresponding identifying symbol.

Abstract: An interactive system for providing multimedia data in response to interaction with lift-the-flap elements. The system may include a housing which forms a substantially planar surface configured to support at least one printed media sheet. The printed sheet may include at least one lift-the-flap element. The system may further include a playback device configured to provide multimedia data relating to the lift-the-flap element. The system may include a detector which is configured to detect a position of the lift-the-flap element and provide position information. The system may further include a processing unit configured to cause playback of the multimedia data via the playback device based on the position information provided by the detector.

Abstract: The interactive storyteller system (11) of the invention comprises electronic circuitry, wherein the electronic circuitry is operative to allow a user to select data associated with a book (13), the data comprising a plurality of associations, each of the plurality of associations being between one or more words of the book (13) and an output signal, detect one or more spoken words, look up an association comprising the one or more spoken words in the plurality of associations, and reproduce the output signal associated with the one or more spoken words. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to function as the system of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic reader. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing an electronic reader having interactive and educational features. Generally, the electronic reader allows a user to view text on a visually perceptible output device (e.g., a screen) and to interact with the electronic reader through a tactile input device (e.g., a mouse). The user selects and, thereby, visually and/or audibly emphasizes words in the text through the use of the tactile input device. In some cases, the electronic reader records and reports the words that the user selects. Additionally, in some cases, pages of text displayed on the visually perceptible output device can be peeled back to reveal additional pages of text.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for source language comprehension designed for a listener mastering a target language, which consists in causing the listener to listen to a statement, consisting of a series of several contents, in the source language and in displaying simultaneously with the listening of the statement a succession of notations marking the succession of contents in the source language, showing a notation marking a content only as from the time when it is being heard and showing, a series of inscriptions in the target language which corresponds to the full statement. The method is characterized in that it consists in showing the whole series of inscriptions before the beginning of the statement.

Abstract: An article with circuit actuating capability includes a first article part, a second article part formed with a pocket and linked to the first article part such that the first and second article parts being movable relative to each other, the pocket having an access opening, and a circuit built in the pocket in the second article part and accessible through the access opening of the pocket for controlling circuit states of the circuit.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method and apparatus for synchronization of sensory stimulation with the reading experience. In a specific embodiment, audio and/or video stimulation can be provided to a reader. In additional embodiments, the sensory stimulation can include touch, smell, and/or taste. The reading experience can include, for example, the reading of books, magazines, textbooks, telephone directories, maps, resumes, brochures, newspapers, or other forms of written or printed materials, which can include, but are not limited to, words, photographs, illustrations, drawings, cartoons, and braille. The synchronization of sensory stimulation with the reading experience can involve providing sensory stimulation in relation to a reader's location or approximate location with respect to written or printed materials. In addition to sensory stimulation, other forms of interaction can be provided, such as interactive games, or interactive tests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel interactive information system which can be used to make a traditional print medium such as a magazine, “interactive”. When the traditional print medium is placed on a print media receiving unit in a predetermined position, a user can interact with the traditional print medium. Printed matter elements on the printed medium can be made “selectable” by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus that allows a menu 20 of song titles 22 to be displayed on printed pages 24, rather than on small song cards, that are held by page frames 30 that are hingedly joined to a juke box unit. The printed pages can be changed by positioning a page frame under a hatch, which is an opening 50 that preferably includes a lid 52, and slipping different pages in an out through a thin slot 32 on the top of a page frame. The front of the juke box housing 10 has a hollow 58 that a user can fit their fingers into to manipulate flipping handles 56 that are fixed to the page frames such that the user can turn and position the printed pages for either changing out the printed pages or for browsing the menu of song titles.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio content with text including a book holder and a book. The book holder identifies which book of a plurality is placed in the holder by detecting magnetic indicators in specific locations and arrangements which are unique to each book. The page of the book which a user views at any given time is identified by detection of ambient light, by detection of a number of circuit elements in parallel, by detection of progressively stacked magnetic sensors, or by microwave reflection.

Abstract: Access to an electronic version of a physical work is provided to a user. The electronic version of the physical work comprises images of the physical work that, when visually displayed, appear the same as the physical work. Access to the electronic version of the physical work is based on user ownership of the physical work. Access to a portion or all of the physical work may be provided in accordance with one or more access rules. A user may own a physical work by virtue of purchasing the physical work or purchasing an item that the physical work normally accompanies. A flag may be set for later reference to indicate user ownership of the physical work.

Abstract: A self-contained system containing a plurality of pages of printed content, incorporating means for detecting which page is being viewed by the reader, and incorporating means for producing supplementary auditory output related to the printed content of the pages, wherein the supplementary auditory content produced for any given page is determined by the sequence of pages previously viewed by the reader.

Abstract: Hybrid reading materials and methods for mentally investing readers in reading materials. Hybrid reading materials include text reciting written subject matter adapted to be read visually and an audio source operatively coupled to the text, the audio source including a memory device configured to store spoken presentation data, the spoken presentation data supplementing the text and being distinct from the written subject matter. Methods for mentally investing a reader in a reading material include providing a reader with a summary document which summarizes aspects of the reading material and providing the reader with a spoken presentation of subject matter related to the reading material.

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. A light is associated with the stylus. The light is illuminated to indicate that the stylus is available for use during operation of the educational game.

Abstract: In an interactive system for interacting with a printed material having at least a visual icon associated with predetermined response data, there is an ultrasonic pointing unit positionable over the at least one visual icon and arranged for generating ultrasonic wave. An ultrasonic positioning base unit is arranged for receiving the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic pointing unit and determining a position of the ultrasonic pointing unit based on the received ultrasonic wave. A is arranged for locating, in a data storage, the response data corresponding to the visual icon according to the position of the ultrasonic pointing unit. A response unit is arranged for outputting the response data.

Abstract: An electronic book and method of use thereof for reading instruction and entertainment are disclosed, wherein a narration of the story contained in the book may be recorded for subsequent playback during use of the book for reading instruction or entertainment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic page detector, to determine which page of a book is open. The automatic page detector uses a sensor plate and an inductor as a sensor. In the invention, there is a sensor plate at each page of the book and the locations of the sensor plates for different pages are different. There is an array of inductors just beneath the sensor plates when the book is closed. The inductors are connected to the feedback loop of a LC oscillator through analog switches. The proximity of a sensor plate to an inductor will change the frequency of the LC oscillator. Scanning the analog switches by a microprocessor and detecting the variation of frequency of the LC oscillator during each scanning time period, the status of each sensor plate will be detected and we can determine which page of a book is opened.

Abstract: An online reading system, and more particularly to a reading system that allows users to read, listen to, and/or interact with electronic stories in an online (typically, internet-based) environment. In some cases, the electronic stories may be customizable by the user, so that specific personal attributes of the user, such as the user's name, age, favorite animal, and other personal attributes and/or preferences may be incorporated into the story.

Abstract: A thin flexible electronic display includes a flexible membrane, control circuitry, and self-contained power source, which may be a thin flexible battery. A display may be affixed to an associated device for use in displaying dynamic information or video.

Abstract: DAL education system, support education and teaching students in the third world. The DAL Education system is comprised of three systems/I, II, III/, to fit the request and the affordable schools need at the third word countries. The first DAL Education system/I/use kiosk self-service DAL e-library with DAL e-Book reader to be read throw domestic TV screen, the second DAL Education system/II/use, DAL Library keeper special software with DAL e-Book reader to be read throw domestic TV screen, the third DAL Education system/III/use, small cheap self-service DAL e-Magazine or monthly Author e-book library, with DAL e-Book reader to be read throw domestic TV screen. The DAL EDU. System made the e-book reading cheap easy and affordable to the third world students, this will support and increase the quality education to make the standard living third world people much better, as learning is the key to success in life.

Abstract: A computerized method and/or system for training over a network is provided, the method and/or system comprising: sending an item, over the network for evaluation related to a trainee; requiring an evaluator to evaluate the item in an evaluation, the evaluation including information on why the evaluation was given; receiving the evaluation over the network; generating a report comparing the evaluation to other evaluations performed by other evaluators, the report including the information on why each evaluation was given; determining needed change(s) based on the report; determining how to achieve the needed change; and providing materials over the network on how to achieve the needed change to the evaluator.

Abstract: An image displaying device includes a first display portion capable of changing display contents and provided at a surface side of a main body, a second display portion capable of changing display contents and provided at a lower surface side of the main body and a detector which detects a turning-over of the main body. The display contents of the first or second display portion is changed by a display controller depending on detected results of the detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided relating to delivering audio content for an interactive electronic book system, including a book with a plurality of pages with overlaying magnets affixed thereto, a magnetic sensor, a temperature sensor, a speaker, a computer with calibration and temperature compensation data stored in non-volatile memory, and audio content related to the pages of the book, such that the computer determines which page the book is open to and causes the speaker to deliver audio content related to the open page. Apparatus and methods are provided for calibrating an electronic book system including temperature compensation steps.

Abstract: An audio book comprising: a plurality of leaves with an inductively-powered transponder fastened to each leaf, each transponder having a unique code, one or both of the pages of each leaf bearing printed matter; a power source mounted in the book; an processor connected to the power source and having audio related to the printed matter; and a page sensing circuit including: a reader coil for magnetically inducing an electrical current for powering the transponders; and a receiver connected to the processor for receiving the unique codes from the transponders, wherein the audio related to the matter printed on any one of the pages which is opened is played by the processor according to the unique codes received by the receiver.

Abstract: An electronic learning device for receiving a book having a plurality of successive page spreads, at least one page spread having selectable content and an optically readable page identifier. The device includes a housing configured to receive the book, a position sensor in the housing configured to determine the location of the selectable content on the at least one page spread, an optical sensor in the housing configured to irradiate and detect the page identifier on the at least one page spread and control electronics in the housing operatively coupled to the optical sensor and to the position sensor and configured to synchronize operation of the position sensor and the optical sensor.

Abstract: The talking memory book has front and rear covers, a plurality of pages bound between the covers, and an audio system and audio system control panel, preferably mounted in the rear cover, for recording and playing back a recorded message. The audio system control panel includes electrical switches connected to the control circuit for triggering the audio system to record or play back a message associated with the at least one page. The audio system can also be configured as a digital audio system to accept downloaded audio files.

Abstract: A thin flexible electronic display includes a flexible membrane, control circuitry, and self-contained power source, which may be a thin flexible battery. A display may be affixed to an associated device for use in displaying dynamic information or video.

Abstract: A box structure with an external appearance of a photo album and configured to electronically display digital images, the structure comprising: (a) a front cover for the box structure, the cover being connected to the box structure along an edge such that the cover is configured to pivot along the edge; (b) a data input port to receive incoming data of images for display; (c) an electronic data processing device, located within the box and connected to the input port, configured to receive the incoming data from the input port and process the incoming data; and (d) a display associated with the processing device configured to display the electronic images and disposed on the box structure against the front cover such that upon opening the front cover the display is visible.

Abstract: A user interface for an audio book player is provided. The user interface includes a number of primary keys for accessing primary functions of the player, the primary keys disposed in a primary zone of a top surface of the player, a number of secondary keys for accessing secondary functions of the player, the secondary keys disposed in a secondary zone of the top surface, and a tactile separation element separating the primary zone from the secondary zone. Each of the primary and secondary keys may have a specific tactilely-recognizable shape and label associated with it.

Abstract: An audio device concealed within a traditional book wherein said device is non-intrusive on the traditional reading experience and is compatible with the habits of the avid reader, functional for the professional author, and useful for the enhancement of the literary art form.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for publishing printed matter, whereby information relevant to the story is made available to the reader in a tangible form to enhance the reader's experience or understanding of the story. The invention generally comprises tangible, life-like indicia or inserts which add an element of surprise and/or intrigue when a reader comes across or locates the insert. The insert may provide evidence or further corroborate or add credibility to the story to engage the reader.

Abstract: A page or book for interacting with a non-human animal is provided. In various embodiments, a book is provided comprising a cover, a plurality of pages, at least one of the plurality of pages and/or cover having at least one element is provided that is attractive to the animal's sense of sight, smell, taste, touch, and/or sound, and optionally a spine for holding the cover and the plurality of pages. The book is designed so that the animal will sustain interest in the book and interact with the reader. In various embodiments, a page is provided, the page comprising at least one element that is attractive to the animal's sense of sight, smell, taste, touch, and/or sound.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical module for recognizing the pages of an electronic book. The optical module of the invention comprises: at least one light source, a plurality of pages, at least one light sensor and a page recognizing device. The light source is used for generating emitting light. Each page has a peripheral side for reflecting the emitting light. The light sensor is used for receiving the reflective light from the pages and outputting a corresponding signal, and the light source and the light sensor are mounted on the peripheral cover of the electronic book. The page recognizing device is used for recognizing a current page of the electronic book according to the corresponding signal. According to the invention, the different peripheral sides on the different pages are used to reflect the different reflective light, so that the electronic book can recognize the page which the user currently opens.

Abstract: The invention provides an information processing apparatus wherein playback of display data and playback of audio data relating to the display data are changed over in an associated relationship with each other in response to an open or closed state of a lid with respect to a housing.