Abstract: A method of object recognition trains a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a set of training images, then classifies an image of an object using the trained CNN. A first layer of the CNN is trained by generating a set of first convolutional filters from eigenvectors produced from linear principal component analysis of patches of the training images. The training of each of multiple hidden layers CNN includes generating a set of convolutional filters from a selected subset of eigenvectors produced from linear principal component analysis of patches of an affinity matrix constructed using a set of prior convolutional filters from a prior layer of the CNN, where the affinity matrix represents correlations of feature vectors associated with the prior layer. The last layer of the CNN is trained with a regular classifier by error back-propagation using the training images and labels associated with the training images.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oven, especially to a domestic oven, which has a control panel comprising a user interface (1) for inputting data (D) into the control panel, wherein the user interface (1) comprises: at least one display element (2) for displaying data, wherein data (D) can be displayed on the display element (2) at a location (Z) on the display element (2) at a predetermined first axial position (x) and a predetermined second axial position (y), wherein the direction of the first (x) and of the second (y) axial positions are perpendicular to another, selecting means (3, 4) for selecting the location (Z) on the display element (2) by selecting or pretending a definite first (x) and second (y) position for a cursor (5), wherein at least one of the selecting means (3, 4) are established as a slider element extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and having a surface (6) sensitive for touching with a finger (7) of the user, wherein a control unit is arranged to position the cursor (5) in a position

Abstract: Systems and methods related to game consoles, game software and games for play on a game console having a touch screen interface. A card having a pattern defined therein is overlaid on the touch screen. The defined pattern is used to activate portions of the touch screen by guiding user interaction with a touch pad or touch screen. The activated portions of the touch pad or touch screen launch responsive activity in a computer program implemented on the game console.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) playing device includes a playing surface; a first anaglyph image displayed on the playing surface, the anaglyph image including a first and a second superimposed color layers that have a predetermined lateral offset, the first color layer including a first color, the second color layer including a second color, the first and second colors are different from each other; a plurality of prearranged dots displayed on the playing surface; and indicia indicating a predetermined sequence to connect the dots. The first anaglyph image forms a background or a foreground for an image revealed by connecting the dots.

Abstract: Method of managing software tools using an electronic device includes initializing a three dimensional (3D) cube on a user interface of a software. The 3D cube includes cube surfaces. Each of the cube surfaces has been divided into blocks. A tool of the software is loaded on each of the blocks of each of the cube surfaces. In response to detecting a rotation signal on the 3D cube, a selected cube surface is determined. In response to detecting a touch signal on the selected cube surface, selected blocks on a same layer on the selected cube surface are determined, and a rotation direction of the layer is determined based on the touch signal. Current blocks are determined on the selected cube surface by rotating the layer according to the rotation direction. Icons of tools corresponding to the current blocks are displayed on the selected cube surface.

Abstract: A coloring sheet including a sheet of paper and a design formed on the sheet of paper. The design is at least partially formed by a pair of parallel, adjacent raised lines, wherein the adjacent raised lines are spaced apart by a distance of less than about 13 mm ½ inch).

Abstract: Architecture that guides the freeform drawing of objects by a user to enable the user to produce improved drawings without significant training. As the user draws, the architecture dynamically updates a relevant shadow image proximate (e.g., underlying) the user's strokes. The strokes overlay an evolving shadow image, which shadow image is suggestive of object contours that guide the user during the drawing process. Relevant edge images selected from a large database are automatically blended to construct the shadow image. As the user draws, the strokes are dynamically analyzed using an encoding of overlapping windows for fast matching with the database of images. A top ranked set of matching database edge images are aligned to the drawing, a set of spatially varying weights blend the edge images into the shadow image, and a scoring technique is employed to select the optimum shadow image for display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermochromatic inks. The present invention provides a toy, wherein the toy includes at least one thermochromatic ink. The present invention provides a pre-printed item, wherein when the temperature of the pre-printed item is changed to particular temperatures, the color of a marking, the color of a drawing, or both, change. The present invention provides an interactive item, wherein the visual appearance of the item is changed by changing the color of at least one of a first or second inks. The present invention provides a drawing device, wherein the position of a substrate and a temperature element are such that a thermochromatic ink does not change color unless sufficient pressure is applied to the substrate effective to deflect the surface of the substrate and bring it temporarily sufficiently more proximate to the temperature element. The present invention provides a smart wand for drawing on a substrate that includes thermochromatic ink.

Abstract: A capacity building system is for developing visual-spatial construction planning ability. An arithmetic section has a model image display unit displaying a model image to be copied and a model image reference, a model image marks-entering request unit requesting the learner to enter marks, a model image auxiliary line-entering request unit requesting the learner to enter vertical and horizontal auxiliary lines in the model image area, an exercise image auxiliary line-entering request unit requesting the learner to enter vertical and horizontal auxiliary lines in an exercise image area, an exercise image marks-entering request unit requesting the learner to enter marks on positions, in the exercise image area, corresponding to the marks of the model image, and an exercise image forming request unit requesting the learner to form the exercise image by connecting between the marks in the exercise image area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating skin for aesthetic, functional, health or other purposes are described. According to various embodiments, materials are delivered to or formed in or on the skin at multiple depths or heights in a pattern to form a hologram in or on the skin.

Abstract: An animation stand which provides a camera support assembly that enables a camera to be positioned along any axis which allows users to create traditional, hand-made animation, specifically two-dimensional animation using a variety of art techniques and stop-motion animation of poseable figures and everyday objects.

Abstract: An illuminated child's activity toy in which a housing is provided on which opaque drawing sheets can be mounted. The housing includes an illumination system that can be used to back-light the surfaces of the housing. Using a scraping tool, a child can remove the opaque material from the drawing sheet to reveal the illuminated base and optionally, a design which has been pre-printed on the drawing sheet. The illuminated toy can be viewed using 3D glasses to enhance the visual appearance of the toy. Additionally, the toy can be used as a customized nightlight of the child's own design. A novel child's activity toy is provided.

Abstract: Architecture that guides the freeform drawing of objects by a user to enable the user to produce improved drawings without significant training. As the user draws, the architecture dynamically updates a relevant shadow image proximate (e.g., underlying) the user's strokes. The strokes overlay an evolving shadow image, which shadow image is suggestive of object contours that guide the user during the drawing process. Relevant edge images selected from a large database are automatically blended to construct the shadow image. As the user draws, the strokes are dynamically analyzed using an encoding of overlapping windows for fast matching with the database of images. A top ranked set of matching database edge images are aligned to the drawing, a set of spatially varying weights blend the edge images into the shadow image, and a scoring technique is employed to select the optimum shadow image for display.

Abstract: An improved sketching device is disclosed having a substantially flat base and a regular grid of at least 20×20 bumps disposed on the base. A bottom of the each of the bumps can be spaced apart from a bottom of an adjacent bump by a first distance comprising between 0.005-5 mm. The raised bumps can be sized and positioned to form a plurality of intersecting grooves.

Abstract: A writing utensil kit comprising a plurality of writing utensils including an associated tip having at least one notch formed therein and adapted to mechanically engage a writing surface and produce a stylized design when manipulated thereupon by a user. A method of using the writing utensil wherein a user selects a writing utensil from the kit; orients the writing utensil such that the writing utensil is in mechanical engagement and fluid communication with a writing surface; and manipulates the writing utensil such that a stylized design is produced thereupon.

Abstract: A computer peripheral toy device is provided that connects to a personal computer and enables a child user to create drawings, animated figures, cards, posters, and other projects and items. The device includes a housing having a drawing tablet and a stylus that connects to the housing for use on the drawing tablet. There a plurality of buttons on the top surface of the housing that a user depresses when engaging in a drawing activity. Computer software is provided for installation on the personal computer in order to display data associated with a drawing activity. When executed by the computer, the computer software causes the computer to respond to the messages received from the controller to engage in a drawing activity using drawing style parameters based on which of the drawing style buttons, color palette buttons and design tool buttons are selected by a user.

Abstract: An improved sketching device is disclosed having a substantially flat base and a regular grid of at least 20×20 bumps disposed on the base. A bottom of the each of the bumps can be spaced apart from a bottom of an adjacent bump by a first distance comprising between 0.005-5 mm. The raised bumps can be sized and positioned to form a plurality of intersecting grooves.

Abstract: In the state where a card having a hole or a cut-out portion of a predetermined shape is placed on a touch panel of a game apparatus, a player performs an input operation along the hole or the cut-out portion. Then, the input operation is detected. It is determined whether or not the input operation on the touch panel has been performed using the card, based on the detected input track and determination information for determining whether or not the input operation has been performed along the hole or cut-out portion of the card which is placed on the touch panel. In accordance with the determination result, an event is generated. Thus, a novel input system, as a combination of a touch panel and a card, for generating an event which influences the progress of the game is realized.

Abstract: A kit for guiding a user is drawing a trace includes a sketching device coupled to a paper tablet. The sketching device comprises a first pattern of raised bumps sized and positioned to form a plurality of intersecting grooves along the surface of the sketching device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermochromatic inks. The present invention provides a toy, wherein the toy includes at least one thermochromatic ink. The present invention provides a pre-printed item, wherein when the temperature of the pre-printed item is changed to particular temperatures, the color of a marking, the color of a drawing, or both, change. The present invention provides an interactive item, wherein the visual appearance of the item is changed by changing the color of at least one of a first or second inks. The present invention provides a drawing device, wherein the position of a substrate and a temperature element are such that a thermochromatic ink does not change color unless sufficient pressure is applied to the substrate effective to deflect the surface of the substrate and bring it temporarily sufficiently more proximate to the temperature element. The present invention provides a smart wand for drawing on a substrate that includes thermochromatic ink.

Abstract: Children and adults interested in the visual arts often have trouble mastering basic drawing and painting skills due to a lack of structured instruction. A device composed of gridded drawing and painting apparatus is used to eliminate ongoing frustration that can occur during artistic training. Supporting charts and equipment used to maximize efficiency are also provided. A method to operate the device to its maximum potential is supplied. Procedures to advance a pupil through various stages of development are set forth. Alternate working methods that target the specific needs of various artists and art students are proposed. A routine for identifying optimal results is set forth, along with methods to measure that success. Examples of student artwork verify the logic of a system that ensures positive results.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to game consoles, game software and games for play on a game console having a touch screen interface. A card having a pattern defined therein is overlaid on the touch screen. The defined pattern is used to activate portions of the touch screen by guiding user interaction with a touch pad or touch screen. The activated portions of the touch pad or touch screen launch responsive activity in a computer program implemented on the game console.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight wall adhering material includes a non-woven fabric or a water-resistant paper, having a coating weight of from 40 to 150 g/m2 as a substrate and provided thereon a porous layer in an amount of from 5 to 50 g/m2. The porous layer includes a binder resin and a low-refractive-index pigment dispersed in the binder resin and firmly fixed thereto. The water-discoloring wall adhering material has a gross weight of from 50 to 200 g/m2. The water-discoloring wall adhering material has excellent convenience at the time of production and use, promptly forms clear image to perceive, and is difficult to fall down when adhered to a wall.

Abstract: Improvements in the instruments for drawing lines using grooves providing the presentation of lines that may be drawn by placing a sheet of paper over the presentation and engaging the sheet of paper with the point of a writing tool with sufficient force to press the engaged part of the paper into a selected groove and then moving the writing tool point within the line, depositing pencil lead or ink from the end of the writing tool on the paper that is pressed into the selected groove to form a line on the paper. The improvements include the provision of registration marks on a clipboard which has the presentation of grooves for lines to be drawn on the upper side of the clipboard, the registration marks acting as guidelines for the precise placement of the sheet of paper on which lines are to be drawn.

Abstract: The present invention, referred to as DRAW FOR BATTLE, is a strategic dueling card game, combining an art instructional component as part of interactive card game play. Players must first draw the characters chosen from the PRIMARY DECK during game play before placing them onto the battlefield for combat through assigned numerical STRENGTH levels and SMARTS levels. The game includes a PRIMARY DECK, which itself includes ADD cards, DRAW cards, MORPH cards, and WILD cards, and the THINK DECK, which describes an intellectual way of defeating the brute through various THINK cards, and if it was successful or not. The BATTLE CARD TABLET is a set of preprinted oversized cards, with a grid pattern for guidance during drawing, in tablet form to create battle cards. The MASTER DECK is a series of oversized cards that provide the basic instructions for illustrating the characters and their back-story.

Abstract: This invention is an image capture device for manually transferring an image from a three dimensional scene or from a two dimensional picture onto paper comprised of a two-paneled foldable transparent clipboard. The clip board includes a first panel equipped with a paper clip and a second panel hinged to the first panel. The image capture device also includes a light box and an erasable pen.

Abstract: A rotatable drawing device intended for children. The top and sides of said device are attached and are formed to accept drawing mediums such as chalk, water or dry erase marker used to color, write and draw upon this device. The top of the drawing device has a recessed portion to hold the drawing medium when not in use. The drawing device rests upon and is attached to a base platform on which it rotates. The drawing unit is spaced above the base platform so that the drawing cylinder may rotate about its center axis. Feet adhered to the bottom of the base hold the invention off the floor.

Abstract: A drawing sheet assembly including a drawing sheet and a plurality of dots printed on the sheet. The dots have a differing optical property relative to each other. The drawing sheet assembly further includes a sequence guide configured guide a user to connect the dots in a particular sequence such that when a user connects the plurality of dots in accordance with the sequence guide a drawing or part of a drawing is created.

Abstract: Sheets of heavy duty sketch paper are preformed with one or more grooves in them, without requiring a flat panel sheet with grooves in it, placing a paper over that flat panel sheet, and then sketching on the sketch paper with the pencil or pen following the grooves in the flat panel sheet while indenting the sheet into those grooves as is required by the prior art. The sheets of sketch paper have the grooves therein and it is the grooves of the sketch paper itself that are followed by a pencil or pen and creating lines of the sketch on the sketch paper. The sheets of heavy duty sketch paper which have preformed grooves thereon may have many very closely spaced grooves so that there is a very fine choice for using any particular groove.

Abstract: An apparatus which carries a storyboard comprised of images and/or text and which allows a user to place and arrange on a rubbing board select ones of a plurality of rubbing objects that are related to the images and/or text depicted on the storyboard. The apparatus further provides for the user positioning a sheet of paper over the selected and arranged rubbing objects whereupon the user may move a marker, crayon, or the like back and forth across the paper and the underlying rubbing object to cause the image(s) carried by the rubbing object(s) to be imposed onto the paper.

Abstract: This invention is a computer program and process that make it possible for the novice or experienced crafter to convert any digital picture into a customize high quality painting. The crafter can choose the subject that he wants to paint (his children, a scanned pictures, an image from the internet, etc). He can choose the size of the painting, the pigments that he will like to use (acrylic, oil, markers etc), the surface (canvas, paper etc), and the level of complexity of his project. The invention generates a ‘color in line’ drawing and detailed instructions on how to accurately and artistically fill the drawing with paint in order to create a high quality fine art painting with likeness to the original digital picture.

Abstract: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: An art training device. A graphics scroll presents various images suitable for tracing or copying, or blank spaces for freehand drawing, as it is wound or unwound on spindles. A transparent drawing sheet is mounted just above the scroll for the user to practice on.

Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that operate to receive a request to generate an identifier in a computer aided design (CAD) application. Additionally, the instructions operate to determine if an input corresponds to a predetermined shape for the identifier, the input being a single variable input. Then, the instructions operate to generate the identifier with the predetermined shape based at least in part on the input. As a result, an improved way of generating geometric shapes for identifiers is facilitated.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight easel for assisting in the tracing of figures is provided. The base has an interior volume with a projector and ancillary art supplies disposed therein. The projector has a light source and a receptacle for receiving a light-transmissible medium having at least one image formed thereon. A writing plane is attached to the main base and angled above the interior volume. It was an upper surface and a lower surface. The writing plane includes a translucent window-like portion between its upper and lower surfaces. The projector shines light through the medium and projects the image through the window and onto the lower surface of the writing plane so that the image is visible on the upper surface of the writing plane. Multiple images may be provided on a single medium, and the easel may be provided with multiple media each bearing different images.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for encouraging communication over a network between participants engaged in a learning activity. A communication channel is opened over the network between participants. An objective shared by the participants is presented. Cooperative interaction between the participants is required to complete the objective. Content related to the objective is displayed to each participant of the learning activity. Messages are exchanged in real-time between the participants over the communication channel to allow the participants to progress cooperatively towards completing the objective. Input from one of the participants of the learning activity is received. The input represents an action taken in response to the exchanged messages. The content displayed to the participants is dynamically updated based on the action taken by one of the participants during the learning activity, to depict progress towards the objective.

Abstract: A deformable drawing tablet in which contiguous longitudinal edge portions of a stack of individual elongate strips which are confined for relative sliding movement to form a drawing surface. A user can shift individual strips longitudinally to deform the drawing surface thereby distorting an image drawn or preprinted on the drawing surface. Longitudinal end portions of the strips form a lateral edge of the tablet so that the lateral edge can be formed into profiles of different characters by shifting the strips longitudinally to different relative positions. An edge forming die includes a stencil for drawing character features. The strips are clamped in a coplanar stack by a transverse locating post, extending through slots in the strips and secured at opposite ends to a cap and a base which house an eraser and a drawing implement, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for creating printed images by transferring the bas relief pattern of a rubbing object onto a sheet of paper by a rubbing process. The kit is an educational tool that enhances creativity and develops motor skills. It includes markers, rubbing objects and a rubbing board having a work surface and having storage areas for the markers and rubbing objects.

Abstract: A paint activity tray has a first section with a workspace at least partly surrounded by a channel for holding excess water and a second section with recesses holding containers for water and watercolor paint blocks. A container with a handle holding paint brushes to drip dry is provided in one embodiment. The paint activity tray protects surrounding area from spills and drips since all of the components for making a watercolor painting are contiguous, and the containers for water and paint are securely held in recesses of the tray.

Abstract: A system for sketching, illustrating, drawing or painting a likeness composition such as a canvas oil painting from a source image is described, and includes a set of graduated reusable overlayable source image grids with subdivision indicators affixed to clear plastic sheets to be used with a corresponding destination canvas grid pattern, thereby allowing a consistent grid pattern for all canvas sizes. Such a system greatly simplifies the use of grids in producing artwork and provides a low cost timesaving method to draw accurate shapes. The system includes a unique pre-gridded canvas with a water soluble grid pattern that includes the image grid pattern, thereby facilitating the drawing of the source image onto the canvas and simplifying the removal of the grid pattern after the drawing is completed and prior to painting. A method for imprinting the grid pattern onto the canvas, and a method for using the system of the present invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an electronic writing device for interactive teaching of users to reproduce a selected graphical representation. The electronic writing device comprises a casing, a screen and internal logic placed within the casing. The internal logic controls adjustment of a light beam directed at a bottom surface of the screen to temporarily illuminate one or more light segments, visible on a top surface of the screen, in efforts to guide a user in writing the graphical representation.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for encouraging communication over a network between participants engaged in a learning activity. A communication channel is opened over the network between participants. An objective shared by the participants is presented. Cooperative interaction between the participants is required to complete the objective. Content related to the objective is displayed to each participant of the learning activity. Messages are exchanged in real-time between the participants over the communication channel to allow the participants to progress cooperatively towards completing the objective. Input from one of the participants of the learning activity is received. The input represents an action taken in response to the exchanged messages. The content displayed to the participants is dynamically updated based on the action taken by one of the participants during the learning activity, to depict progress towards the objective.

Abstract: A magnetic drawing apparatus including image forming means, image erasing means, motion generating means, movement control means and a main housing, wherein: the image forming means include a plurality of magnetic cells which collectively define an image forming surface, the magnetic cell contains a viscous fluid and magnetic powder; the image erasing means include a magnetic image eraser which is adjacent to the image forming means, the magnetic image eraser is connected to the motion generating means and is movable relative to the image forming means; and the movement control means include means for actuating the motion generating means and means for selecting the direction of movement of the magnetic image eraser with respect to the image forming means.

Abstract: An electronic drawing assist toy comprising a drawing control mechanism operative to selecting a pattern to be displayed. A display screen is arranged in a two dimensional memory array and is selectively energized to sequentially display a selected pattern in response to operation of said control mechanism to assist the user in creating a corresponding drawing.

Abstract: The invention relates to freehand drawing tools and, specifically, to an improved device for training and guiding aspirant and accomplished artists to produce accurate freehand drawings. The device facilitates using the technique of correlating a visual image to a reference grid and drawing a representation of the image on a drawing surface with a proportionally identical grid. The device comprises a series of sighting grid plates through which a subject to be drawn is viewed, a series of grid transfer stencils used to set a similar grid on a drawing surface, a means for supporting the sighting grid plates in position to be looked through by an artist viewing a subject, and a means for applying a color contrasting substance to the drawing surface through the holes in the grid transfer stencils.

Abstract: An electronic drawing assist toy comprising a drawing control mechanism operative to selecting a pattern to be displayed. A display screen is arranged in a two dimensional memory array and is selectively energized to sequentially display a selected pattern in response to operation of said control mechanism to assist the user in creating a corresponding drawing.

Abstract: An electronic drawing assist toy comprising a drawing control mechanism operative to selecting a pattern to be displayed. A display screen is arranged in a two dimensional memory array and is selectively energized to sequentially display a selected pattern in response to operation of said control mechanism to assist the user in creating a corresponding drawing.

Abstract: A system for sketching, illustrating, drawing or painting likeness compositions such as canvas oil paintings from source images includes a set of increasing size reusable overlayable source image grids with image composition frames used with corresponding destination canvas grid patterns, allowing a consistent grid pattern for all canvas sizes by using predetermined grid dimensions for each canvas size. The image grid patterns may be affixed to clear plastic sheets or may be software-generated patterns. This combination greatly simplifies the use of grids in artwork and provides low-cost timesaving methods to draw accurate perspective. The system includes a unique canvas grid ruler for simplifying generation of canvas grid lines and in some embodiments canvases are pre-printed or backside-shadowed with appropriate canvas grid patterns and labels.

Abstract: A sketching device for use by a blind person includes a pen body secured to a metallic encloser, slaughts being provided in the opposite sides of the encloser for holding a bobbin spool secured on an axle for window acrylic or wool thread thereon, a knob being provided at both the ends of the axle for winding the thread in the bobbin spool, device being provided at the writing end of the pen body for cutting the thread, a pilot thread being provided with the bobbin spool for the replacement of the thread when required.

Abstract: A sketching device for use by a blind person includes a pen body which is hollow and which has a writing end; a bobbin spool encloser which is secured to the pen body, which has slots provided in opposite sides thereof, and which has a hole defined therein through which thread may pass into the pen body; an axle positioned within the bobbin spool encloser and extending through the slots; a bobbin spool positioned on the axle; thread wound onto the bobbin spool threaded through the hole provided in the bobbin spool encloser and passing into and through the hollow pen body, and exiting the writing end of the pen body; knobs provided at both the ends of the axle to retain the axle and bobbin spool within the bobbin spool encloser; and thread cutting means provided at the writing end of the pen body for cutting the thread.