Abstract: Computerized content development methods and tools are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a title by assigning one or more functions to respective portions of one or more position-coded pages through a graphical user interface which does not require a code level programming, and automatically converting the title to a format operable by computing device which interacts with a printed medium of the position-coded pages to perform the functions.

Abstract: A system and method for data organization by identification. The system includes a bus, a processor coupled to the bus, a memory unit coupled to the bus, a writing element for allowing a user to create written items on a surface, and an optical detector coupled to the bus for detecting information on the surface. The system further includes software implemented on the processor which is responsive to a user selection of an identifier corresponding to a group of writing surfaces. The identifier is used to identify a data file corresponding to the group of writing surfaces. The software stores information based on writing on the group of writing surfaces.

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: A stylus for an electrographic position location apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stylus includes a writing element that is retractable. The stylus may have a proximal end and a distal end. A conductive annular structure may be at the proximal end of the stylus.

Abstract: A mark on a surface in sensed by a pen as the mark is made on the surface using the pen. The surface has printed thereon a pattern of markings that define a two-dimensional coordinate system. Stroke data associated with the mark is stored. The stroke data includes coordinates corresponding to a subset of the pattern of markings traversed by the mark. The stroke data is associated with a region of the surface. The stroke data is operated on according to an operation associated with the region.

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: A computer system for providing a simulated computer environment for young children. A console is coupled to a display, e.g., a television set, for storing and processing a plurality of user selectable programs. User selectable program may be stored on a cartridge and received by the console. The user selectable programs are child oriented, educational, interactive and provide feedback responsive to user interaction. A theme-able wireless keyboard adapted for use by young children with keys larger in size than an adult keyboard is coupled with the console, e.g., infrared. The keyboard excludes a subset of adult oriented function and punctuation keys. A theme-able mouse and a mouse pad that is detachably couple to either the left or the right side of the keyboard may be included. An animated character in a GUI and in the programs interacts, gives user instruction and is the focus of reward in reward oriented programs.

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.

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: A graphical user interface (GUI) can be used to provide information reflecting a user's interaction with a product using a stand-alone portable device. The user can respond to questions while interacting with the product. The responses are logged by the portable device and subsequently uploaded to the computer system, which forwards them via the Internet to a server. The computer system also forwards registration information to the server. The registration information identifies the user and the product. Based on information received from the server, the computer system generates a GUI that includes a report summarizing the information forwarded from the computer system, including the name of the product the user was interacting with, and that also includes names of additional products selected based on the forwarded information.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) can be used to provide information reflecting a user's interaction with a product using a stand-alone portable device. The portable device, operable as a stand-alone device, logs inputs by a user who is interacting with a product using the portable device. Information from the portable device, including the inputs, is uploaded and then forwarded to a server. Registration information identifying the user and the product can also be sent to the server. A report specific to the user and summarizing the information forwarded to the server can be displayed, including the name of the product the user was interacting with, along with the names of additional products selected based on the forwarded information.

Abstract: An interactive entertainer having a lower tray with a plurality of compressible legs supporting an upper tray. The lower tray is concave to permit rocking of the tray when placed on a flat surface. One or more supports coupled to the lower tray may be repositioned to inhibit rocking of the lower tray. The legs can fold into the lower tray following separation of the upper tray. The lower tray can then nest within the upper tray to provide compact storage. The upper tray can support a seat that is selectively rotatable or stationary based on a position of a seat lock. A plurality of interactive devices may be positioned on the upper tray. One or more sensors may be positioned relative to the seat to detect the orientation of the seat relative to the devices. The devices may be selectively enabled based on the seat orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an electrographic position sensing system comprises an antenna system and a signal strength detector. In one embodiment, the antenna system comprises two antennas. The detector measures the signal strength from each antenna. A microprocessor contains an algorithm to calculate the position of the detector near the antennas.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for determining position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool and for recognizing information on the encoded writing medium, wherein recognition of a recording-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio recording mode and enables time-synchronization of creation of writing on the encoded writing medium with the writing tool and recording of the audio, and further wherein recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables multiple techniques to control playback of the recorded audio.

Abstract: An interactive device using removable templates to provide adjustable interactive output is disclosed. The interactive device includes a console unit, a plurality of electronic elements included in the console unit, and a plurality of movable elements included in the console unit. A controller is included in the console unit and is coupled to the electronic elements and is coupled to the movable elements. The controller is adapted to recognize a removable template on the console unit and control the electronic elements to provide an output related to the removable template and an actuation of the movable elements.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for determining position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool and for recognizing information on the encoded writing medium, wherein recognition of a recording-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio recording mode and enables time-synchronization of creation of writing on the encoded writing medium with the writing tool and recording of the audio, and further wherein recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables multiple techniques to control playback of the recorded audio.

Abstract: A device for coupling to other devices and unique identification thereof may include a body and a coupler. The coupler may be disposed on the body and may be operable to couple to a coupler of another device. The device may include a test circuit and a processor for recognizing other devices. The processor may be operable to determine the presence of a particular device within a chain of devices by controlling the inputs of the test circuit and monitoring the outputs of the test circuit. The device may include a circuit element for uniquely identifying the device when the device is coupled to one or more of the other devices.

Abstract: Detecting information relating to a medium in an interactive media device. The device includes a surface able to receive the medium and a sensor network embedded within the surface. The sensor network includes a configuration able to detect medium information. The device has a processor able to issue signals to the sensor network and to receive signals indicating capacitance change caused by proximity of a region of the medium to the sensor network. Thus, the processor is able to detect medium information based on the capacitance change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of interacting with a user is described. The method includes identifying a structure coupled to a base unit, wherein the structure includes a visual identifier. A sound is generated using a speaker of the base unit, wherein the sound is associated with the visual identifier of the structure.