Abstract: An interactive communications appliance for broadcasting personalized information is disclosed. The interactive communications appliance comprises a transceiver for receiving personalized information transmitted via a wireless link. A memory stores the personalized information and an audio device broadcasts the personalized information to a user.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a teaching toy that invites a child's interaction using an attractive play figure, for example a stuffed animal, to present more than one instructional modality in mixed formats. The child is presented with a declarative instruction, songs, and moving lights and kinesthetic and reasoning connections are induced in the child's mind via games, songs, and visual stimuli. Particularly, the present invention teaches and reinforces a child's knowledge of geometric shapes, colors, melody and rhythm by use of visual, audial, and kinesthetic involvement of the child. If the inventive is presented in the form of a stuffed animal, the exterior of the animal would have a plurality of indicia that the child could press. The indicia is electrically coupled to switching circuitry and those switches activate a logic circuit containing preprogrammed instruction modalities and play methods.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an electronic learning game that provides a plurality of pedagogical and instructional modalities which combine strong kinesthetic, auditory, and visual stimulation to assist a child to learn basic arithmetical concepts. The inventive game utilizes a combination of voice statements, rhythmic music, a visual display, and manual inputs from number dials and a response switch to achieve multi-modal learning or arithmetic concepts. The ergonometric size and structure of the present invention promotes a strong kinesthetic learning modality.

Abstract: A learning device comprises a receptacle for holding an information bearing card. The information bearing cards include a problem and a coded answer. The receptacle of the learning device includes a decoding display window with a movable writing screen which may be moved to cover or uncover the decoding display window. The user can insert the information bearing cards into the receptacle, write down a response on the writing screen with the display window covered, and compare their response with the correct answer by moving the movable writing screen to reveal the decoded answer through the decoding display window.

Abstract: This invention relates to a phonics and reading teaching device which depicts an arrangement of indicia representing letters of the alphabet and their associated phonemes. Selection of individual indicia causes the device to generate an audio signal or other response. The audio signal is generated by an output in the form of a speaker, and a processor is provided for controlling the operation of the device. In one mode of operation, the processor causes the speaker to produce a prompting signal indicating a word, and in response to each sequentially correct selection of a letter in the word, to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with the letter. The phoneme produced is dependent on the position of the letter in the word. When all of the letters in the word have been selected in correct order, the processor causes the speaker to produce a signal representing a pronunciation of the word or other affirmative acknowledgement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a teaching toy that invites a child's interaction using an attractive play figure, for example a stuffed animal, to present more than one instructional modality in mixed formats. The child is presented with a declarative instruction, quizzing, and logical connections are induced in the child's mind via problem solving games, songs, and visual stimuli. Particularly, the present invention teaches and reinforces a child's knowledge of letter names, letter phonetics, colors, numbers, and social manners by use of visual, audial, and kinesthetic involvement of the child. If the inventive is presented in the form of a stuffed animal, the exterior of the animal would have a plurality of indicia that the child could press. The indicia is connected to switching circuitry and those switches activate a logic circuit containing preprogrammed instruction modalities and play methods.

Abstract: This invention provides for an interactive teaching device. The device comprises a housing depicting a map and has corresponding to various locations on the map. Also provided is a plurality of buttons, a card reader, a processor, and a speaker. Cards are provided with encoded information readable by the device, and depict objects such as animals. In response to insertion of a card or activation of a button thereafter, the device produces a signal that may be a prompt, a statement, or a sound associated with the depicted object. The device allows a user to respond to a prompt by selecting an appropriate button, upon which the device produces a signal validating the user's response.

Abstract: An interactive learning device in a laid open book format for toddlers and preschoolers, having a plurality of advantageous features. The device has keys in the form of raised letters of the alphabet that are depressed to make a voice processor circuit recite the letters. The learning device receives a card that spells out a word, and the speech processor circuit, upon the depressing of the keys that correspond to the letters constituting the word, pronounces the word phonetically, both letter by letter and by the entire word. The device provides numerous feedback mechanisms for reinforcing learning, and is of a portable, compact shape.