Abstract: Devices and methods can be used for artificial cardiac pacing and/or resynchronization. For example, this document provides improved electrodes for stimulating and sensing electrical activity of the heart, and provides pacing and resynchronization systems incorporating such electrodes. While the devices and methods provided herein are described primarily in the context of pacing, it should be understood that resynchronization can additionally or alternatively be performed in an analogous manner, and that the scope of this disclosure includes such subject matter.

Abstract: A method for heart failure management may include volume overload intervention in response to sensor-based parameters indicating volume overload. The method may include administering non-volume overload intervention in response to the sensor-based parameters not indicating volume overload. Volume overload may be determined based on monitoring sensor-based parameters. Sensor-based parameters may be monitored in response to receiving an alert indicative of a worsening heart failure score or status for a patient.

Abstract: An earphone wire control device, an earphone, a voice recording system and a voice recording system and method. When a switching unit turns on a first path, a microphone path is short-circuited, a first signal generating unit generates a recording start signal and cuts off the first path after generating the recording start signal so that the microphone path is turned on. When the switching unit turns on a second path, the microphone path is short-circuited, a second signal generating unit generates a recording stop signal and cuts off the second path after generating the recording stop signal.

Abstract: An image associated with a poll may be acquired via a camera. One or more symbols indicating responses may be found by analyzing the image. The responses specified by the symbols may be determined and saved. The responses may also be displayed to the operator and/or to the respondents.

Abstract: An adaptable audio instruction system and method allows for tailoring and modification to audio sequences used for audio instruction of users. The tailoring and modification abilities of the system regard content and presentation details of the audio sequences to comply with user preferences and user progress in learning content contained in the audio sequences.

Abstract: An adaptable audio instruction system and method allows for tailoring and modification to audio sequences used for audio instruction of users. The tailoring and modification abilities of the system regard content and presentation details of the audio sequences to comply with user preferences and user progress in learning content contained in the audio sequences.

Abstract: A maintenance system of an image forming apparatus is composed of an image forming apparatus and a central management apparatus connected to it via a communication line. The image forming apparatus is composed of an image forming unit for forming an image, an information output unit for outputting intra-machine information of the image forming unit, a voice information input unit for inputting voice information of a user of the image forming unit, and a first communication controller for outputting the intra-machine information and voice information via the communication line.

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 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: An educational system using virtual reality includes an image computer for extracting an image of a student from an entire image acquired by capturing the student; a remote lecturer computer for extracting an image of a lecturer at a remote place from an entire image acquired by capturing the remote lecturer. Further, the educational system using the virtual reality includes a classroom lecturer computer for executing learning content in which a virtual space is implemented, and performing real-time communication with the remote lecturer computer; and a virtual reality computer for combining the image of the student and the image of the remote lecturer with the virtual space of the learning content.

Abstract: Game processing apparatus comprising: an indication generator operable to generate an indication of a sequence of target actions to be executed by a user; a detector operable to detect user actions executed by said user; comparison logic operable to compare said target actions with said user actions to determine whether said target actions have been successfully completed by said user actions; and scoring logic operable, when in a non-scoring mode, to detect a first pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering a scoring mode upon detection of said first pattern, said scoring logic operable, when in said scoring mode, to detect a second pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering said non-s

Abstract: Speech analysis system with a system for undisturbed speech generation of a person and to a method for analysing a speech generation of a person. The speech analysis system allows for an undisturbed speech generation by the person. The system first writes out the test sentence, clears it and shows afterwards a sequence of visual clues to the person in order to remind him of the correct wording. The person is reminded of the sentence and repeats it exactly but without any influence through letters. The method provides visual clues that remind the person of the exact sentence, without influencing his pronunciation.

Abstract: Improving the frequency with which agents complete training in a call center or other constituent contact environment. Agents working in call centers are typically given periodic training to improve their skills. Training breaks are scheduled at various times throughout the day that can depend on the workload of the call center. However, often times the agents are unable to receive or complete their training during the scheduled training break due to unexpected work loads and other interruptions. The present invention enables monitoring and recording of whether training is received and completed during a training break. If the training was not completed, the training break is stored and rescheduled for a later time. The invention also facilitates completion of missed training breaks by providing spontaneous training breaks during periods of unexpectedly lower workload at the call center.

Abstract: A game system is provided with a converting means including a voice input member, such as a microphone, for allowing the game player or his/her friend to input voices and for converting the inputted voices into electrical signal data, a sound data storage for storing the electrical signal data obtained by the conversion together with predetermined sound-relating data corresponding to contents of instructions, a sound generator for generating voices from the corresponding electrical signal data when a game player makes a motion in response to the content of instruction, and a device for evaluating a game result based on the content of instruction. Accordingly, a sound output type game system which can provide more interesting and enjoyable games can be realized.

Abstract: An infant toy includes a body portion having an interior cavity within which an audio device is disposed. The body portion has a soft exterior surface. The audio device has “play” and “record” functions, both of which may be activated manually or by voice. The audio device has the capability of playing pre-recorded sounds such as soothing music, user-recorded sounds such as the parent' voices, or a combination of pre-recorded sounds and user-recorded sounds. The toy can cease operation after a predetermined period of time. By setting the toy in the voice-activated mode, the toy can comfort an infant when necessary and turn itself off after the infant has fallen asleep.

Abstract: An interactive system for teaching, entertaining, and habituating a child utilizes an interactive entity such as a doll, the doll having input and output elements and control circuitry adapted for driving the I/O elements, and a bi-directional communication link to a personal computer (PC). Scripted data stored at the computer directs doll activity and verbal articulation, and utilizes response from the child through the doll to the PC in directing output to the doll. The communication between the doll and the PC treats the doll as a peripheral device. In specific embodiments the interactive doll has servo-mechanisms for providing doll motion, such as eye and mouth and limb movement, which may be coordinated with verbalization in different scripts by commands retrieved at the computer and sent to the doll. In a preferred embodiment environments and applications are provided on CD-ROM disks which may also provide the operating application for the interactive doll system.

Abstract: An audio program and message distribution system in which a host system organizes and transmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The host organizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduled programming in accordance with preferences associated with each subscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subject matter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generate both text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to more easily identify and select desirable programming. A playback unit at the subscriber location reproduces the program segments received from the host and includes mechanisms for interactively navigating among the program segments.

Abstract: A recording device that is coupled to a book. The recording device records, saves and plays back a plurality of discrete messages. An archival control disables and enables the device, thus permitting the user to ensure that no new messages will be accidentally recorded over existing saved messages.

Abstract: A sound belt removably mounted on diapers includes a housing with two opposite flat surfaces on which one or more switch actuators are exposed. A removably mounted overlay with pictorial representations that cooperatively coincide with the switches permit a baby to activate them. Prerecorded sounds, including messages, are generated in response to the actuation of the switches and these messages are relevant to the pictorial representations so that the baby user learns what they means and aids him/her in communicating his/her desires and/or needs.

Abstract: A novel educational audio playback device is disclosed which, in the preferred embodiment, is in the shape of a simulated telephone. On the body of the apparatus are a plurality of buttons, each of the buttons having a hinged cover mounted thereon. These hinged covers have indicia on their front, this indicia, in the preferred embodiment, being letters of an alphabet. Upon the user opening the hinged cover, a simulated sound of a telephone ringing is generated and the associated button is exposed. On each of the buttons is a symbol or picture that is representative of a character, object or thing that is related to the letter of the alphabet on the hinged cover. The letter "H", for example, could contain a picture of a nursery rhyme figure, such as Humpty Dumpty. Upon the user depressing the associated button, an index is generated that tells a circuit or microprocessor where on the internal sound storage portion of the device is to be found the appropriate sound segment.

Abstract: A learning aid is provided which allows the user to selectively mute one part of a prerecorded multipart drama and substitute his or her voice for that muted part. A recorded copy of a composite of the unmuted prerecorded portions of the drama, the user's voice, and additional sound effects may thus be created. A voice sensitive microphone allows the period of time for the user's part to be flexibly varied and prerecorded control signals provide visible cues to the user that the part selected is imminent.

Abstract: A consumer feedback apparatus for collecting, analyzing, and reporting information on goods and services offered for sale to consumers by providers, comprising a recording station selectively operable by consumers for recording oral comments regarding goods and services offered by the providers. The oral comments and associated time signals are communicated to an analyzer for creating discrete normalized representations including comment category, at least one descriptor, at least one dimension, and an attitude, representative of each oral comment. Normalized comments are then selected according to the comment category, descriptor, dimension, attitude, and time signal, and analyzed for reporting to the provider for use in responding to perceptions of consumers as to the services and goods offered by the store to consumers. A method of collecting, analyzing, and reporting consumer feedback comments on goods and services offered for sale to consumers by retailers is disclosed.

Abstract: An audio system with a language exercise function, the system including a cassette tape deck, comprising a keyboard, an output display, a microcomputer to which the keyboard and the output display are connected, a voice synthesizer memory unit connected to the microcomputer, the memory unit including a plurality of random access memories and a voice synthesizer circuit, and an audio level sensor connected to the cassette tape deck which is connected to the microcomputer so that automatic repeated playback and pronunciation functions of the cassette tape deck are executed.

Abstract: An interactive system for teaching, entertaining, and habituating a child utilizes an interactive entity such as a doll, the doll having a microphone, a speaker, and control circuitry adapted for driving the speaker and microphone and a bidirectional communication link to a personal computer (PC). Scripted data stored at the computer directs doll activity and verbal articulation, and utilizes response from the child through the doll to the PC in directing output to the doll. In alternative embodiments the interactive doll has also servo-mechanisms for providing doll motion, such as eye and mouth and limb movement, which may be coordinated with verbalization in different scripts by commands retrieved at the computer and sent to the doll. In a preferred embodiment environments and applications are provided on CD-ROM disks which may also provide the operating application for the interactive doll system.

Abstract: A remote controller is disclosed having recording and playback functions which enables repetitive operation in applications such as language study. The remote controller is used in combination with conventional audio recording and playback devices and imposes only a small economic burden on the user. The remote controller includes the following capabilities: recording external audio signals, playback of the signals, storing recordings in memory for future playback, and controlling the operation of an audio recording and playback device.

Abstract: An educational training device in disclosed which includes a replica of a telephone including a telephone headset having an operational speaker and a telephone keypad having a plurality of numeric key buttons. A machine is associated with a telephone operatively connected to the speaker and a machine readable medium which embodies an 911 emergency program is provided. The 911 program contains a series of questions relating to a predetermined 911 emergency situation to be asked to a child or other person being trained by the device. A voice converter or synthesizer is operatively connected to the machine and receiver for converting the machine readable program into a voice output through the handset speaker so that the voice of a 911 operator is realistically reproduced to the child listening on the handset.

Abstract: A voice, familiar to a patient having a short-term memory loss problem, records comments, of the type that evoke responses, on a tape cassette followed by blank portions on the tape cassette to allow the patient to respond. The cassette is then played back for the patient over a personal cassette player through headphones to allow the patient to respond to the comments while the blank intervals are being played back.

Abstract: A voice, familiar to a patient having a short-term memory loss problem, records comments, of the type that evoke responses, on a tape cassette followed by blank portions on the tape cassette to allow the patient to respond. The cassette is then played back for the patient over a personal cassette player through headphones to allow the patient to respond to the comments while the blank intervals are being played back.

Abstract: A commercial, two deck, stereo tape system, FIGS. 2 and 3, by means of the system control and switching logic module of FIG. 4 and the manual controls of FIG. 5, is adapted to provide an adjustable, interactive audio training system. A three position switch 503 permits an operator to select from three modes of system operation, namely, normal tape mode, master tape mode and training mode.When the system is in the normal tape mode, the switches of FIG. 3 are in full control. The system can be used exactly the same way as the original two deck stereo tape system.When the system is in the master tape mode, the system control and switching logic module of FIG. 4, in response to signals from manual controls of FIG. 5, permits an instructor to prepare "Master" tapes which may comprise: lecture material as a preamble to a training exercise; one or more series of "cues" to which a trainee is to respond; and discretely coded control signals.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a polypeptide of the formula:A-R.sub.1 -B-R.sub.2-22 -CwhereinA is the amino acid sequence 1-16 of human beta interferon;R.sub.1 is cysteine, serine or alanine;B is the amino acid sequence 18-31 of human beta interferon;R.sub.2-22 are naturally occurring amino acids;C is the amino acid sequence 53-166 of human beta interferon.

Abstract: Audio-frequency converter apparatus, in particular for treating subjects suffering from audio-phonatory disorders, the apparatus being suitable for generating, on the basis of an input audio frequency signal, a parametric signal for application via an electro-acoustic transducer to a person being treated.

Abstract: Audio frequency converter apparatus, in particular for treating subjects suffering from audio-phonatory disorders, the apparatus being suitable for generating, on the basis of an input audio frequency signal, a parametric signal for application via an electro-acoustic transducer to a person being treated.

Abstract: A foreign language study reproduction voice record system which allows automatic operation under control of a predetermined study procedure program. More specifically, the system is disclosed wherein there are provided a tape or tapes on which are recorded program signals indicative of study procedures, master study materials voice signals and identification signals indicative of blocks for pronunciation practice, the program signals are beforehand stored or loaded in a memory of a microcomputer prior to starting of master study, so that reproduction of the master study materials recording of student's pronunciation voice are automatically effected under control of the program, thereby allowing efficient and effective self-study of recorded foreign or native language instruction materials.