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 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: 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: 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a housing, and a rechargeable power source within a linear portion the housing. The linear portion of the housing is receivable in first and second battery holding regions of another housing. The first and second battery holding regions are aligned along the same axis.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided which enhance the learning process by means of interactive exercises and games which involve drawing input from a user. In particular, the present invention provides an interactive print media apparatus which includes a specialized writing instrument and at least one sheet on which the user is to write with the writing instrument. The user receives visual or auditory messages and prompts from the apparatus which instructs the user to perform tasks on the sheet using the writing instrument. In some embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus provides feedback in relation to such markings. In other embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus correlates the markings to known characters, such as letters, numbers or symbols.

Abstract: A print media apparatus is disclosed. The print media apparatus includes a platform including a surface and a first coupling element. A plurality of electrical elements is under the surface. A processor is coupled to the plurality of electrical elements. A book is on the surface and has a spine having a second coupling element. The book and the platform are removably coupled through the first and second coupling elements.

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 battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a housing, and a rechargeable power source within a linear portion the housing. The linear portion of the housing is receivable in first and second battery holding regions of another housing. The first and second battery holding regions are aligned along the same axis.

Abstract: Interactive books are disclosed. An example includes a front cover and a rear cover. At least one page is between the front and rear covers. A binder couples the front cover, the rear cover, and the at least one page together. An antenna is in the rear cover. A stylus is coupled to either the front or the rear cover, and an output device such as a speaker is coupled to the front or the rear cover.