Abstract: Embodiments of the invention recite a method, apparatus and system for conveying cartridge notification. In one embodiment, a permanently encoded pattern of location information embedded on a printed medium is recognized using an electronic interactive device. Note that the encoded pattern identifies an application. A determination can be made as to whether the electronic interactive device has access to the application based on its memory and the memory of an attached cartridge. In response to the electronic interactive device not having access to the application, it is determined based on a cartridge lookup table of which cartridge includes the application. A message can be conveyed regarding the cartridge to the user. The cartridge lookup table may be populated with information regarding the application contents of various cartridges in response to these cartridges being inserted into the interactive device.
Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to interactive toys. In one embodiment, the interactive toy includes a housing, and a receiving region on the housing. A detection device including a plurality of detectors is in the receiving region. A processor operatively coupled to the detection device. A solid object is received in the receiving region. The toy could be a toy electronic train, or an interactive book.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 3, 2003
Date of Patent:
March 25, 2008
Assignee:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael C. Wood, Craig R. Hendrickson, Kathleen Campisano, Jim Cordova
Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach English speakers various foreign alphabets. For example, embodiments may provide instruction in writing Arabic letters, Greek letters, or Chinese or Japanese characters, to name a few. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may be used to teach artistic forms of writing, such as calligraphy, script, or various fonts.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 31, 2007
Publication date:
February 28, 2008
Applicant:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard Freeman, Elecia White, Ed Annunziata
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 method for hierarchical management of a plurality of regions of an encoded surface. The method includes recognizing unique encoded information on a portion of the surface in response to a pen computer touching down on the portion. A unique location of the portion of the surface is determined based on the unique encoded information. A region is determined out of the plurality of regions for the location. Upon the determination of the region, a determination is made as to whether the location is within a sub-region within the region. If the location is within a sub-region, a function of the pen computer is performed based on the sub-region. If the location is not within a sub-region, a function of the pen computer is performed based on the region.
Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach English speakers various foreign alphabets. For example, embodiments may provide instruction in writing Arabic letters, Greek letters, or Chinese or Japanese characters, to name a few. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may be used to teach artistic forms of writing, such as calligraphy, script, or various fonts.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 7, 2004
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2007
Assignee:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard Glen Freeman, Elecia White, Ed Annunziata
Abstract: An interactive educational apparatus is described. The educational toy apparatus includes an indicium containing structure and a base unit capable of being vertically attached to a vertical surface such as a refrigerator door. The indicium containing structure is capable of being attached to the base unit so that the indicium containing structure and the base unit are vertically oriented.
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 4, 2006
Date of Patent:
May 29, 2007
Assignee:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Perkins, Peter Nevil Milford, Kim Voskuil, Larry Lynch, Julie Wu Kuei Yao Willey
Abstract: A magnetic switch and children's apparatuses, such as print media apparatuses and plush dolls, which include magnetic switches are disclosed. One magnetic switch includes a first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor. A third conductor is disposed under the first and second conductors, the third conductor being formed from a magnetic material. A magnet is also included, the magnet being adapted to move the third conductor towards the first and second conductors so as to form a conductive bridge. Another magnetic switch includes a first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor. A first magnet is disposed under the first and second conductors. A second magnet is also included, the second magnet being adapted to move the first magnet so that the first and second conductors form a conductive bridge.
Abstract: A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 11, 2003
Date of Patent:
November 21, 2006
Assignee:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Larry Lynch, Mark Flowers, Dave Conroy, Tom Musolf
Abstract: An interactive print media apparatus is disclosed. It includes a platform including a surface and an electronic position location system, and a print medium including a prescribed location. A user can write in the prescribed location. During writing, the writing instrument and the electronic position location system are operationally decoupled.
Abstract: A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 11, 2003
Date of Patent:
October 10, 2006
Assignee:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Larry Lynch, Mark Flowers, Dave Conroy, Tom Musolf
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.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 4, 2006
Publication date:
September 14, 2006
Applicant:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Perkins, Peter Milford, Kim Voskuil, Larry Lynch, Julie Willey
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 16, 2003
Date of Patent:
September 12, 2006
Assignee:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael C. Wood, Tracey Hope Jedrzejek, Richard Glen Freeman, Mark Flowers, Eric Thomas Shuler, Margaret E. Grunert, Jason Avery
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.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 13, 2006
Publication date:
August 24, 2006
Applicant:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Wood, Alice Vordan, David Goldstein, Mark Flowers, Joseph Miller, Michelle Fitts, Curtis Cole, Rick Adolf, Antonia Kohl, Carol Thies
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 9, 2004
Date of Patent:
August 1, 2006
Assignee:
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael C. Wood, Alice Chen, David Goldstein, Mark Flowers, Joseph B. Miller, III, Michelle Fitts, Curtis Cole, Rick Adolf, Antonia Kohl, Carol Thies
Abstract: An electrographic sensor unit and method for determining the position of a user selected position thereon. The electrographic sensor unit includes a layer of a conductive material having an electrical resistivity and a surface, at least three spaced apart contact points electrically interconnected with a layer of conductive material, a processor connected to the spaced apart contacts and disposed to selectively apply a signal to each of the contact points, and a probe assembly, that includes either a stylus of a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the layer, coupled to the processor with the stylus disposed to be positioned by a user in vicinity of a user selected position on the surface of the layer, or that position being selected with a user's finger on the flexible layer and to receive signals from the layer when the contact points have signals selectively applied thereto.