Abstract: Methods are described for automatically presenting at least one definition in context, for a dictionary entry, based a contextual analysis of the grammatical unit, such as the sentence, the clause, or the phrase, in which the dictionary entry is embedded. The dictionary entry may be single word, for example, “consideration,” or a word combination, such as “due to,” provided the word combination appears in an ordinary dictionary as a single entry. A definition in context will generally include a definition in accordance with the function of the word in the grammatical unit, and may further include a preferred definition from among several options for the same function, based on contextual clues within the grammatical unit. Similarly, a translation in context may be presented. The present invention further relates to a method of preparing automatic-translation viable documents, in a first language, adapted for accurate automatic translation, to a plurality of languages.

Abstract: Methods are described for automatically presenting at least one definition in context, for a dictionary entry, based a contextual analysis of the grammatical unit, such as the sentence, the clause, or the phrase, in which the dictionary entry is embedded. The dictionary entry may be single word, for example, “consideration,” or a word combination, such as “due to,” provided the word combination appears in an ordinary dictionary as a single entry. A definition in context will generally include a definition in accordance with the function of the word in the grammatical unit, and may further include a preferred definition from among several options for the same function, based on contextual clues within the grammatical unit. Similarly, a translation in context may be presented. The present invention further relates to a method of preparing automatic-translation viable documents, in a first language, adapted for accurate automatic translation, to a plurality of languages.

Abstract: A stand-alone, hand-held apparatus is provided, which combines elements of a scanning dictionary with an automatic-translation software, for in-context translation. Additionally, the apparatus may include a text-to-speech synthesis, for in-tandem exposure to spoken and translated forms of a portion of text, such as a clause, a sentence, or a few sentences. A whole document may thus be read, for example, sentence by sentence. The apparatus may further be used for teaching correct pronunciation of any portion of text, by recording the user's pronunciation of the portion of text and comparing it with a text-to-speech synthesis produced by the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stand-alone, hand-held, scanning apparatus, which provides a user with exposures to a spoken form and an interpretation of a portion of text, simultaneously, or in sequence. Preferably, the apparatus provides a text-to-speech synthesis of a portion of text, for example, a sentence, followed by an audible, automatic translation to a second language, of the same portion of text. Alternatively, the automatic translation may be displayed in parallel with the text-to-speech synthesis. Interpretation may include translation only of difficult words and phrases, in context, upon request, or rephrasing of difficult words and phrases, in context, upon request. These may be audible or displayed.