Abstract: A device user interface in which computer functionality is invoked by user interaction with dynamically generated interface regions of a writing surface. A computer system identifies a marking written on the writing surface or a user selection of an existing written marking. Adjacent to the marking, the computer system automatically generates one or more interface regions associated with the marking. User interaction with one of these regions automatically invokes computer functionality related to the interacted region. A different function may be invoked by each region. The computer system dynamically positions and may dynamically size the interface regions based on the position (and size) of the marking. Multiple markings yield multiple regions, with different regions associated with respective markings. In one embodiment, the regions are established in front of and/or after a written word. Regions may also be established on top of and/or below the written word, for example.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating content with an image bearing surface. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a method, operable at an electronic interactive device, comprises accessing a first image, e.g., identifying the content, on a surface, wherein the surface comprises an encoded pattern of location information on the surface for providing location information to the electronic interactive device. The method further comprises decoding the first image to associate the location information with second image information, e.g., of the content, of a second image on the surface.

Abstract: A method for producing an output in response to an interaction with a print element on a sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a sheet comprising a print element on a surface of a base unit. A user can then mark on the sheet in the vicinity of the print element with a marking instrument. An audio output that corresponds to the print element is generated.

Abstract: A dot template for enabling user interaction between a computing device and a printed material. The template comprises a plurality of dot patterns for position determination. The template further comprises a plurality of icons for accepting input/output (e.g., a handwriting recognition pad, a keyboard) and for controlling the operation of a computing device (e.g., volume control, controlling audio/video information). The transparent template is placed over a printed material. Information regarding the printed material (e.g., Time magazine, October publication, page 11) is entered on the template using the computing device. The printed material is identified and its corresponding program is accessed. In response to a selection of a printed element the computing device detects the corresponding dot patterns, uses the program to determine the selected printed element and outputs related information to the selected printed element.

Abstract: A method, a user interface, and an educational content server for assisting a user in learning using interactive learning appliances are disclosed. The performance information of the user, which may be in the form of a user log file in an interactive learning appliance, may be received at a server computer from a site where the user is present. The performance information and profile information can then be presented in the user interface and used to generate an electronic content package. The electronic content package can then be received and loaded into the interactive learning appliance.

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: 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 peripheral interface device for determining the color of a surface, where the surface color may then be used to determine device position and identify objects. Embodiments provide a device capable of directing different colors of light (e.g., red, green and blue) onto a surface and measuring relative intensities of the reflected colors to determine the color of the surface. The reflection and measurement of each color may be performed separately. Alternatively, composite-colored light may be directed at the surface, which may then be filtered to extract the different colors and enable measurement of their relative intensities. As such, the device can detect regions of a given color and regions of different shades of the same color, which may then be used to determine the position of the device and/or identify an object.

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: 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: 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: 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 user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of interaction with invisible printing. In one embodiment, a printed page includes a printable surface, an invisible machine readable code disposed on the printable surface; and a human viewable image disposed on the printable surface. The invisible machine readable code may not absorb or reflect visible light substantially differently from the printable surface, in one embodiment. The invisible machine readable code may be detectable when exposed to infrared and/or ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus that is used in a game. The interactive apparatus is in the form of a stylus and contain a stylus housing and a processor coupled to the stylus housing and a memory unit comprising computer code for playing a game involving a plurality of printed cards and an audio output device and an optical emitter and an optical detector and wherein the audio output device, the memory unit, the optical emitter, and the optical detector are operatively coupled to the processor. The apparatus may scan the cards to enhance an interactive game play.

Abstract: A system for producing audio output from interaction with printed material and a pen based computer system. The system includes a printed page including a substantially invisible position code and a human viewable image. The system further includes a pen-based computer system for determining a position of the human viewable image in response to interactions there between, e.g., based upon the pen tip's proximity to the image. The pen-based computer is operable to produce a human-audible output corresponding to the human viewable image contemporaneously with the interaction. The human viewable image may be produced independent of the pen based computer and may include a textual word and/or an image. A plurality of pages may be provided in book form allowing a plurality of audio recordings to be rendered in connection with a plurality of images, thusly providing an interactive audio book experience for the user.

Abstract: Creating and using virtual flash cards is disclosed. A disclosed method includes receiving an input of sets of flash data into a portable handheld device, associating related sets of the flash data based on manual inputs that define the relationship between the related sets of flash data, presenting one of the related sets of flash data via the handheld device and prompting a selection of a set of flash data that is associated with the presented set of flash data. Feedback is provided that indicates whether or not a selected set of flash data is correct.