Abstract: A method for playing an instructional video tutorial is disclosed. The method includes providing to a display, data to present a video tutorial that includes a plurality of video segments. Each video segment is automatically looped, thereby improving instructional compliance. Upon a user selecting to advance to a next step, the next video segment is played and automatically looped to again, enable a user to better follow the instruction presented in each looping video segment. In one example, a playback speed may also be automatically altered in each successive playback loop to better enable a user to follow instruction.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener is disclosed. The pencil sharpener may include a first receptacle for sharpening a distal end of a pencil; and a second receptacle for heating the distal end of the pencil, the heater configured to heat an end of the pencil at a temperature corresponding to a material of the pencil.

Abstract: A pencil holder is disclosed. The pencil holder may include a housing having a first receptacle for receiving a distal end of a pencil. The pencil holder also includes a heating element disposed within the housing for heat the distal end of the pencil.

Abstract: A pencil holder is disclosed. The pencil holder may include a housing having a first receptacle for receiving a distal end of a pencil. The pencil holder also includes a heating element disposed within the housing for heat the distal end of the pencil.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.

Abstract: A smart mirror includes a mirror having a reflective surface and a transparent surface; an image capture device configured to capture images of the user; a display disposed proximate to the transparent surface of the mirror, the display configured to augment a reflection of the user; and a processor configured to: analyze images of the user to identify a plurality of reference points corresponding to facial features of the user; assess a symmetry of the facial features of the user using the plurality of reference points; generate an individualized cosmetic treatment program based on the symmetry of the facial features; and cause the display to augment a reflection of the user with a first cosmetic instruction, the first cosmetic instruction configured to aid the user in applying a cosmetic material onto a first area of a face of the user according to the individualized cosmetic treatment program.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener is disclosed. The pencil sharpener may include a housing and a sharpener assembly disposed within the housing. The sharpener assembly is configured to sharpen an end of a pencil. The pencil sharpener also includes a heating element coupled to the sharpener assembly that is configured to heat the end of the pencil. The pencil sharpener may also include a sanitation element to sanitize the tip of a pencil.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener is disclosed. The pencil sharpener may include a housing and a sharpener assembly disposed within the housing. The sharpener assembly is configured to sharpen an end of a pencil. The pencil sharpener also includes a heating element coupled to the sharpener assembly that is configured to heat the end of the pencil. The pencil sharpener may also include a sanitation element to sanitize the tip of a pencil.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener is disclosed. The pencil sharpener may include a housing and a sharpener assembly disposed within the housing. The sharpener assembly is configured to sharpen an end of a pencil. The pencil sharpener also includes a heating element coupled to the sharpener assembly that is configured to heat the end of the pencil. The pencil sharpener may also include a sanitation element to sanitize the tip of a pencil.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a base and a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base. The microscope further includes an objective coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser. The microscope further includes a first and second knob configured to adjust the position of the objective, wherein the first knob is disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the second knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener is disclosed. The pencil sharpener may include a housing and a sharpener assembly disposed within the housing. The sharpener assembly is configured to sharpen an end of a pencil. The pencil sharpener also includes a heating element coupled to the sharpener assembly that is configured to heat the end of the pencil. The pencil sharpener may also include a sanitation element to sanitize the tip of a pencil.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a base and a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base. The microscope further includes an objective coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser. The microscope further includes a first and second knob configured to adjust the position of the objective, wherein the first knob is disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the second knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a base and a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base. The microscope further includes an objective coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser. The microscope further includes a first and second knob configured to adjust the position of the objective, wherein the first knob is disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the second knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a base and a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base. The microscope further includes an objective coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser. The microscope further includes a first and second knob configured to adjust the position of the objective, wherein the first knob is disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the second knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided. The microscope may be converted into an upright configuration or an inverted configuration. The microscope includes a base. The microscope further includes a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base at a rotational coupling. The microscope further includes one or more objectives coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the one or more objectives and the condenser. The stage includes a first specimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein the second specimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the first specimen supporting surface.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided. In some aspects, the microscope can be converted into an upright configuration or an inverted configuration. The microscope includes a base having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion configured to support the microscope. The microscope further includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second portions. The body is rotatably coupled to the base at a rotational coupling that defines a rotating axis that extends in a longitudinal direction with respect to the microscope.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided. The microscope may be converted into an upright configuration or an inverted configuration. The microscope includes a base. The microscope further includes a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base at a rotational coupling. The microscope further includes one or more objectives coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the one or more objectives and the condenser. The stage includes a first specimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein the second specimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the first specimen supporting surface.