Abstract: A computer system incorporating a combined computer pointing device (mouse) and hand scanner is disclosed. When used as a hand scanner, the device transmits signals representing image data, position information and rotation information to the computer. The computer assembles from the received signals a unified image from possibly non-aligned and overlapping image data and stores the resulting image.

Abstract: An electronic educational video system apparatus for connection to a standard television receiver for teaching basic skills to a child through the use of animated graphic displays which serve to motivate the child to utilize the apparatus and enhance the child's learning. A microprocessor cooperates with digital memory, a video generator, a sound generator, and a voice synthesizer to generate a display of a pictorial representation upon the television receiver combined with a request associated with the pictorial representation directing the child to provide a proposed correct response. The child's correct response is compared to the actual correct response stored in the digital memory so that the particular pictorial representation associated with a particular request may become animated to provide an indication to the child of the correctness of the child's response. The child may provide his or her response through a plurality of interchangeable input devices.

Abstract: An electronic educational video system apparatus for connection to a standard television receiver for teaching basic skills to a child through the use of animated graphic displays which serve to motivate the child to utilize the apparatus and enhance the child's learning. A microprocessor cooperates with digital memory, a video generator, a sound generator, and a voice synthesizer to generate a display of a pictorial representation upon the television receiver combined with a request associated with the pictorial representation directing the child to provide a proposed correct response. The child's correct response is compared to the actual correct response stored in the digital memory so that the particular pictorial representation associated with a particular request may become animated to provide an indication to the child of the correctness of the child's response. The child may provide his or her response through a plurality of interchangeable input devices.

Abstract: An electronic instructional apparatus is provided wherein the operator engages in exercises in spelling, arithmetic and associational exercises by responding, in part, to audible prompts provided by the apparatus in the form of requests and/or questions to which the operator must respond. The requests and/or questions are based upon digital data stored within the memory representative of numbers, letters of the alphabet, colors and physical objects, such as commonly recognized animals. The operator responds to the requests and/or questions by inserting answer blocks into input cavities provided in the apparatus housing. Each answer block has disposed thereon a plurality of display faces bearing indicia representative of potential responses to the presented statements and/or questions. Each display face has corresponding input surfaces which cooperate with detection elements to input into said apparatus the response selected by the operator.