Abstract: A Consistency Checker provides an improved method of analyzing a Japanese text document to identify inconsistently spelled words. The Consistency Checker utilizes a Reading Pair Database (RPD) and a Compressed Lexicon Database (CLD) to determine the reading units within a word, to calculate a Reading Pair Identification Number (RID) for each reading unit, to calculate a Sense Identification Number (SID) for each word, and to calculate a Spelling Variant Identification Number (SVID) for each word. Spelling variants are generated by combining variations of individual RIDs in the RID array. A Registry is updated to maintain statistics on all of the words within the document. An error field within the Registry indicates that the document contains more than one spelling variant of a particular word. The client program can access the Registry to alert a user to inconsistencies discovered in the document.

Abstract: A learning system is provided which includes a plurality of student units for use by a plurality of students and a teacher unit for use by a teacher. The learning system includes a computer for use also by the teacher that operates to control each of the student units using a roster file with data on each student, and which also gives the teacher access to all of the information contained within the roster file. The computer is operable to display a window of information that includes a seating assignment diagram that represents a pictorial arrangement of the students within the class. Identification information on each student may be provided in the seating assignment diagram at locations that correspond to the respective student represented in the pictorial arrangement. Further information on each student may further be accessed by the teacher from the seating assignment diagram, as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing recorded signals by using a recorded medium and a method for reproducing recorded signals. The learning of language is done by using the general recorded medium such as cassette tape and video tape with movies or music recorded thereon, thereby improving the learning efficiency. In the method for reproducing recorded signals of a recording medium in a language learning apparatus, the operation is carried out in the following manner. A control section switches a first switch in accordance with a reproduction command of a reproduction key inputting section, so that the audio signals of an audio signal processing section would be supplied to a speaker. Further, the control section turns on a second switch in accordance with a voice recognition command of a voice recognition key inputting section, so that the voices of a voice detecting section would be supplied and stored to a voice recognizing section.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A system for increasing the vocabulary of a student using inductive reasoning is disclosed. The system displays a target word to be learned and associated derivation information, followed by a clue. The derivation information can include a pronunciation guide, historical or anecdotal background information, information about its root and prefix or its foreign derivation. The derivation does not rely on a formal definition of the target word and usually does not include such a definition. Clues then request a response from the student. The correct responses require an understanding of the derivation of the respective word. The correct answer to the clue and an explanation for that answer are then provided, thereby adding to the information the student has about the target word's meaning. Typically, the first clue or first several clues will not include the target word in the question, or the expected answer to the question.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for encoding signs in a given sign language. The sign typically uses a dominant hand for some signs and a second hand is used for other signs the dominant hand remaining dominant of the two hands. In order to encode the signs into a useful form, each hand has various articles defined. The first article is that of handshape for both hands. The next article is that of palm orientation, with location and movement being the next two articles. A parametric value is associated with each of these particular articles. A combination of the articles, such as an article's concatenation in a parametric value string, allows for the transcription of a particular sign. Using this parametric value or even parts of the parametric value for the combined sign, a desired sign or a group of signs may be identified that closely resembles the particular sign being encoded.

Abstract: While leaving the spelling of words intact the sequence of words on ever other line of print text is reversed. The reader reads the first line of text from left to right. When finished with the first line the reader drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the second line and reads the words on the second line right to left. When finished with the second line the reader again drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the third line and reads this line left to right. The reader continues reading alternately lines of text right to left, left to right until reaching a major break in the composition when the process is begun anew.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing reading skills comprised of recording and digitizing sound waves generated by a subject's voice in response to a series of stimuli. The sound waves are decomposed into sequences of articulation and pause periods. The articulation and pause periods are determined by first scanning the generated sound waves and identifying locations along the sound waves where the sound amplitude raises above or drops bellow a given value. The reading ability of the subject is profiled by analyzing the series of pause and/or articulation periods. The method allows for the diagnosis of reading deficiencies. Based on the diagnosed deficiencies in the subject's reading skills, drill exercises are proposed and rounds of testing and drill exercising are repeated until the diagnosed reading deficiencies are corrected. The method is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with computerized equipment.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for teaching prosodic features of speech senses and extracts prosodic or suprasegmental variables of a user's speech segment. Prosodic features of speech include pitch and loudness variations, as opposed to articulatory or sequential features of speech which are the primary determinants of phoneme variations. Once prosodic variables have been extracted from a speech segment, the variables are used to modulate a quasiperiodic waveform such as a sinusoid, a pulse-train, or a synthesized vowel-like waveform, or the parameters can be used to modulate a random-noise-like waveform. A modulated waveform can be played acoustically, and the user can hear the variation of the prosodic parameters without interference from the articulatory parameters of a complete waveform. This auditory feedback can be combined with visual feedback of the speech segment to teach proper prosodic speech formation.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A communication and teaching aid for increasing the communication skills of a nonverbal, speech and/or language impaired individual comprising a collection assembly preferably in the form of a book structure having a plurality of movably mounted pages each of which serves as a support structure for a plurality of demonstration pieces. Informative indicia is formed on an exposed surface of each of the demonstration pieces either in the form of an alpha-numeric display or a pictorial representation with a word or phrase label, wherein the informative indicia is representative of subject related categories of common objects, activities, statements, phrases, questions, answers, etc. A coding system is utilized to identify each of the plurality of demonstration pieces by category so as to facilitate their accessibility and identity when at least one demonstration piece of a given category is desired to be used either by the individual or one communicating with or teaching the individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for analysis of rhythmic measures of speech. One input device is operable to generate input signals representing the rhythm of a group of syllables and an output device responds to these signals and provides a representation of the input rhythm and an indication of the relationship of the input rhythm to a known or predetermined rhythm. The visual representation may be in the form of a numerical display such as comprising symbols representing different rhythmic measures of speech. The input device may be a push button to open and close a switch in a rhythm corresponding to that in which a group of syllables such as a line of verse would be spoken or read. The instrument allows information to be entered rapidly and simply and the different between spoken and written language presents no difficulty.

Abstract: Representations of letters of the alphabet have surfaces which have a feel on being touched which are different from the feel of surfaces of other letters. The letters may be presented in a book having a plurality of pages, each page displaying a letter of the alphabet, the surface of the letter having a feel on being touched which is different from the feel of its page and from the feel of other letters. The letters may also have a different appearance from the appearance of other letters. Each letter may have a combination of feel and appearance which is different from the combination of feel and appearance of each of the other letters. The letters may be disposed in a plane which is offset from a plane defined by its page. Each page is preferably split into a first portion which displays the uppercase form of the letter and a second portion which displays the lowercase form of the letter, the first and second portions being capable of being turned independently of one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening an individual's ability to process acoustic events is provided. The invention provides sequences (or trials) of acoustically processed target and distractor phonemes to a subject for identification. The acoustic processing includes amplitude emphasis of selected frequency envelopes, stretching (in the time domain) of selected portions of phonemes, and phase adjustment of selection portions of phonemes relative to a base frequency. After a number of trials, the method of the present invention develops a profile for an individual that indicates whether the individual's ability to process acoustic events is within a normal range, and if not, what processing can provide the individual with optimal hearing. The individual's profile can then be used by a listening or processing device to particularly emphasize, stretch, or otherwise manipulate an audio stream to provide the individual with an optimal chance of distinguishing between similar acoustic events.

Abstract: A raised character display structure for an educational toy includes a label having a first character printed on one side thereof and a layer having a first and a second opposite side. The layer's second side has a projection defining a second character shaped substantially identical to the first character and made of a non-opaque material. The layer is disposed on the label with the first side of the layer adjacent to the one side of the label and with the second character substantially coincident with the first character on the label so that the first character may be viewed through the second character and that a user is provided with an illusion that the second character has the color and/or pattern of the printed first character.

Abstract: Multi-media technology is applied to the testing of children, brain damaged adults and the general population using standard psychological and educational assessment tools. To avoid the inherent bias occurring when a tester speaks in a language or dialect not fully comprehended by the student or other human subject, the multi-media computer has a linguistic adaptation means, such as a sound card and data associated therewith, which can produce sounds, such as test instructions, in the most appropriate language and dialect of the test taker, such as a student, so that the human tester can provide the human subject with instructions for responding to the psychological evaluation. The human subject is exposed to computer-generated multi-media psychological evaluative probing, so that the human subject can respond to the computer-generated psychological evaluative probing. The computer tallies and records the student's responses and analyzes the human subject's recorded responses.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for learning a natural language through the visual depiction of grammar is described. The system employs icons that are strung together in sentences that exactly parallel the word order of the natural language being studied. Icons are used to represent all parts of speech, and also to provide a pictorial representation of tense and number.

Abstract: The invention includes a teaching machine that presents questions to the user who responds with answers. Graded interval recall is accomplished by storing the exact time and date when the user learns a correct answer. The machine determines the presentation mode and review schedule for each unit according to the length of real time that has elapsed since the user learns the material. Precise timing is designed to bridge the threshold between short-term and long-term memory by interrupting default sequencing of material to review items at an exact preset interval from the time the user learned the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows a user to specify phonemes and the relative positions of the phonemes with respect a word or a group of words, such as at title. Phonemic indicators representing phonemes are provided, and selection of the indicators is allowed. When a phoneme is selected, its position with respect to a word or group of words is determined. According to one aspect of the invention, the phonemes are either initial phonemes or final phonemes, i.e., phonemes which are identifiable by young children. According to another aspect of the invention, the indicators are provided in a manner understandable to an individual who cannot read, such as a young child. According to another aspect of the invention, the phonemic indicators further indicate positional information, in which case both the phoneine and its position are selected when the indicator is selected.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for assisting a child to read a book having at least one visual indicia displayed adjacent one or more of the plurality of printed objects. Each of the at least one visual indicia is uniquely associated with the adjacent one of the plurality of printed objects. The device includes a user input device separate from the book having at least one touch-sensitive switch and at least one visual indicia displayed thereon for receiving a user command indicative of a user's selection of a visual indicia and for outputting a signal corresponding to the selected visual indicia. The device further includes a storage device for storing data representing speech associated with the printed objects adjacent the visual indicia. A controller receives the signal outputted from the user input device and selectively retrieves the data corresponding to the selected visual indicia. A sound generator then converts the retrieved data into speech.

Abstract: This invention relates to a phonics and reading teaching device which depicts an arrangement of indicia representing letters of the alphabet and their associated phonemes. Selection of individual indicia causes the device to generate an audio signal or other response. The audio signal is generated by an output in the form of a speaker, and a processor is provided for controlling the operation of the device. In one mode of operation, the processor causes the speaker to produce a prompting signal indicating a word, and in response to each sequentially correct selection of a letter in the word, to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with the letter. The phoneme produced is dependent on the position of the letter in the word. When all of the letters in the word have been selected in correct order, the processor causes the speaker to produce a signal representing a pronunciation of the word or other affirmative acknowledgement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for augmenting the learning to read process, the device comprising a surface enabled for aligned placement of written terms arranged for reading in vertically spaced positions and a plurality of voice activating means arranged in registered alignment adjacent the spaced terms comprising the document such that upon actuation thereof, the device sounds out the pronunciation of a term contained in registered alignment at the position adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A computer toy for infants that promotes normal speech development by facilitating the infant's experimentation with babbles and other elementary sounds. Additionally, the toy provides an enriched environment for language learning by prompting the infant with a repertoire of verbal sounds including phonemes, syllables, and simple spoken words. The toy includes a microphone input device for detecting vocalizations by an infant and an audiovisual output device for providing feedback to the infant including the immediate playback of the infant's own vocalizations, and a control means for transforming detected vocalizations into instructions for use by the audiovisual output device.

Abstract: An article of clothing such as a bib, T-shirt, pants, dress, pajamas, etc. for a baby, toddler, or child having one or more inverted items, for example characters, numbers, diagrams, pictures, letters, designs, figures, or combinations thereof, on the front of the article so that, they appear right-side-up to the infant or toddler wearing the article and up-side-down to the adult or care giver. Such an article can be used to teach a child numbers, letters, pictures, the alphabet, numerical system, and the like while a child is wearing the article. It is believed that by putting the items in the proper orientation for right-side-up viewing by the child, the child may learn more quickly and not be confused when these items are shown right-side-up on the television and in reading materials.

Abstract: A voice-over instructional system comprising an instructional recording having a plurality of completed works, each completed work including an example section as an example for the student to follow, and a performance section consisting of a background-only track; and a script including the words and director's notes for each of the plurality of works. The performance section preferably immediately follows the example section for each work. It is also preferable to divide the recording into separate works including a first selection that includes both the example section and the performance section; and a second selection immediately following the first selection having only the performance section for the work. In a second aspect of the invention a voice-over instruction method is provided that utilizes the voice-over instructional system.

Abstract: A language information processing system includes a device for inputting a document preparation aid command including the kind of document to be prepared, a knowledge base having knowledge for document preparation is searched in accordance with the input command to determine a document preparation rule corresponding to the document to be prepared, the document preparation rule determined being converted to a form that can be understood by the user before it is output, thereby assisting the user in the preparation of a document or the learning of a language.

Abstract: An audio frequency converter apparatus which includes an input amplifier, first threshold sensor, connected to an output of the input amplifier, for cutting off a voltage supplied by the input amplifier at a threshold, after rectification, and second threshold sensor, connected to the output of the input amplifier, for adding at a threshold the voltage supplied by the input amplifier after rectification. The second threshold sensor has a time constant which is at least equal to that of the first threshold sensor. A voltage controlled oscillator is connected to the output of the first threshold sensor to provide an oscillating output having a frequency that decreases with an increase in the output of the first threshold sensor.

Abstract: A computer toy for infants that promotes normal speech development by facilitating the infant's experimentation with babbles and other elementary sounds. Additionally, the toy provides an enriched environment for language learning by prompting the infant with a repertoire of verbal sounds including phonemes, syllables, and simple spoken words. The toy includes a microphone input device for detecting vocalizations by an infant and an audiovisual output device for providing feedback to the infant including the immediate playback of the infant's own vocalizations, and a control means for transforming detected vocalizations into instructions for use by the audiovisual output device.

Abstract: A device for teaching, language skills is disclosed. In the teaching device, a predetermined number of questions are displayed on a display. The predetermined number is determined dependent on a level of a learner. The learner inputs answers to the questions to be displayed on the display. The answers are discriminated to be correct or incorrect. The device teaches correct answers for the incorrect answers repeatedly.A question for a level of the learner which is higher than a predetermined level is removed from the predetermined number of questions.

Abstract: A learning aid is provided which allows the user to selectively mute one part of a prerecorded multipart drama and substitute his or her voice for that muted part. A recorded copy of a composite of the unmuted prerecorded portions of the drama, the user's voice, and additional sound effects may thus be created. A voice sensitive microphone allows the period of time for the user's part to be flexibly varied and prerecorded control signals provide visible cues to the user that the part selected is imminent.

Abstract: A system and method for multimodal interactive speech training include selecting a modality (10) corresponding to various sensory stimuli to present non-native vocabulary elements (12) to an individual to train the individual to immediately respond (16) to a presented word, situation, or data without performing a time-consuming literal translation or other complex cognitive process. The system and method include speech synthesis, speech recognition, and visual representations of non-native vocabulary elements to promote rapid comprehension through neuro-linguistic programming of the individual.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for aiding foreign language instruction, comprising a language instruction program that runs on a multimedia computer. The language instruction program uses a story to teach the foreign language by displaying selected frames about the story and dialog balloons that include phrases in the foreign language associated with the frames. Translations of the phrases are also displayed. As a further aid, a pronunciation guide displays an animated representation of a person's lips as the correct enunciation of selected words in the foreign language.

Abstract: Several parts of speech, including sentences, words and phrases, in multiple languages, Japanese and English, for instance, are stored in a ROM; and some of the parts of speech include an addition-permitting flag indicating that a word or phrase can be added to these parts of speech. Words and phrases that may be added to the stored syntactical structures are also stored in the ROM. In response to user input, a desired syntactical structure is read from the ROM and displayed. When the displayed syntactical structure has an addition-permitting flag, a predetermined symbol near the displayed syntactical structure is displayed, and a desired word or phrase is read from the ROM and added to the displayed syntactical structure in response to a user input. Upon depression of a key, the resulting syntactical structure is translated into another language.

Abstract: A computer system with a speech recognition component provides a method and apparatus for instructing and evaluating the proficiency of human users in skills that can be exhibited through speaking. The computer system tracks linguistic, indexical and paralinguistic characteristics of the spoken input of users, and implements games, data access, instructional systems, and tests. The computer system combines characteristics of the spoken input automatically to select appropriate material and present it in a manner suitable for the user. In one embodiment, the computer system measures the response latency and speaking rate of the user and presents its next spoken display at an appropriate speaking rate. In other embodiments, the computer system identifies the gender and native language of the user, and combines that information with the relative accuracy of the linguistic content of the user's utterance to select and display material that may be easier or more challenging for speakers with these characteristics.

Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.

Abstract: A recording method and system that provides optional and controllable song lyric acoustical promptings and music for Karaoke participants which is also capable of providing phonetic instruction for formative bilingual skill development. The acoustical prompts are in the form of short spoken phrases, acoustically provided just prior to the time at which the actual vocal should be sung. The method of acoustical prompting employs a listen--sing-along procedure effected via the interaction of the spoken instructor-promptings and the Karaoke participant. The acoustical system includes preparing a multi-track recording in proper time sequence to provide a precedent acoustical prompt. For example, the recording could have stereo music on two tracks, an original vocal on a third track in synchronism with the music, and on a fourth track rapidly spoken prompt messages preceding respective portions (vocal lines) of the original vocal.

Abstract: A series of bilingual educational dolls that aid in teaching children additional languages. Each doll has characteristics and costume depicting a specific recognizable Nation and each Nation is represented by both male and female figures. Provided with each doll is an accessory containing an interactive sound transmitting and recording device. Pre-recorded music with educational song lyrics are synchronized with the recording mechanism and are sung in the American English language then immediately repeated in a second language corresponding to the Nation being depicted by the characteristics and costume of doll.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A computer, responsive to user input, controls the presentation of an audio-visual work to a user. Through the selection of several interactive learning options, support and reinforcement of the learning process is provided. In particular, the computer interacts with the user to challenge the user's understanding of the audio-visual work. In connection with the presentation of foreign language works, the user interacts with the computer in role playing, transcription, translation, fill-in-the-blanks and speech repetition activities designed to teach the user to speak the foreign language. Furthermore, as the audio-visual work is presented, a computer generated transcription or translation is displayed for user contemplation, and the user may interact with the computer by requesting the display of grammatical, cultural and geographic notes the further assist in the learning process.

Abstract: A language learning system comprises a video recording and playing system for playing a recording media, such as a VCR tape, which records a first voice signal of a first speaker and a second voice signal of a second speaker. The video recording and playing system has a first channel and a second channel which are exclusively responsive to the first voice signal and the second voice signal, respectively. A channel selecting device selects at least one of the first voice channel and the second voice channel so that at least one of the first voice signal and the second voice signal is reproduced. As a result, the user can practice conversation with the selected speaker in place of the non-selected speaker.

Abstract: A voice recording/reproducing apparatus suitable for use in a language laboratory operates with a disk on which are recorded text segments comprising sentences and a table of contents containing text and sentence addresses. Automatic sensing of the division points between sentences in each of the text sections can be performed. Only the end portion of a sentence may be readily reproduced, and the division point following the sentence may be finely adjusted. Desired audio data may be quickly retrieved by rough retrieval operations, in which the time code is advanced or reversed by a large amount, followed by fine retrieval operations, in which the time code is advanced or reversed by a small amount. One of several pronunciation practice modes may be selected. A reduced reproduction speed capability allows a student to hear fine pronunciation of words with an invariant pitch.

Abstract: A method of accessing information in a database of text entries is provided. The user may be prompted for an initial sound of the information to be accessed, by providing a menu of symbols, each symbol representing a respectively different sound. The initial sound is received. A sound other than the initial sound for the information to be accessed is also received. A subset of the text entries in the database is associated with the initial sound and the other sound. The associated text entries are searched by a searching method that may include sequential search. The associated text entries are provided as the accessed information, and the meaning of a selected one of the text entries is indicated in a manner which would be understood by individuals who cannot read, such as sound and pictures, or sound and animation.

Abstract: A speech training aid compares a trainee's speech with models of speech, stored as sub-acoustic word models, and a general speech model to give an indication of whether or not the trainee has spoken correctly. An indication of how well the word has been pronounced may also be given. An adult operator enters the word to be tested into the training aid which then forms a model of that word from the stored sub-word speech models. The stored acoustic models are formed by first recording a plurality of words by a plurality of trainees from a given list of single words. These recordings are then processed off-line to give a basic acoustic model of an acceptable or correct sound for each phoneme in the context of the pre-and proceeding phonemes. The acoustic models are Hidden Markov Models. The limits of acceptable pronunciation, applied to different words and trainees, may be adjusted by variable penalty values applied in association with the general speech acoustic model.

Abstract: A method for controlling the reciting time of a language learning device. The language learning device has a recording medium for recording a voice signal thereon, a timer for outputting time information, a motor for transporting the recording medium in the desired direction, and a microcomputer for controlling the entire operation of the language learning device. The microcomputer stops the motor to suspend a reproduction operation until the input of a voice signal recited by the user is completed. If the input of the recited voice signal is completed, the microcomputer drives the motor to resume the reproduction operation. According to the present invention, after a reproduced voice signal from the recording medium is outputted, the reproduction operation is suspended regardless of the length of the reproduced voice signal for a time period during which the user gives a language recitation. Therefore, the user has a sufficient reciting time, resulting in an increase in language learning efficiency.

Abstract: There is a musical score in which the key and any accidentals are indicated by visual coding of the individual notes and associated components as they appear throughout said score. The visual coding includes a set of contrasting colors. One of the set is applied to those individual notes (r) inflected with a sharp and another of said set being applied to those individual notes (g) inflected with a flat. Changes to the bass or treble clef are indicated with lines 24(R), 25(C) in contrasting colors of said set.

Abstract: Apparatus for interactive language training including a trigger generator for eliciting expected audio responses by a user;an expected audio response reference library containing a multiplicity of reference expected responses, the multiplicity of reference expected responses including a first plurality of reference expected responses having acceptable pronunciation and for each of the first plurality of reference expected responses having acceptable pronunciation, a second plurality of reference expected responses each having different pronunciation errors;an audio response scorer which indicates the relationship between the expected audio response provided by the user and the reference expected responses; anda user feedback interface which indicates to the user the pronunciation errors in the expected audio responses provided by the user.

Abstract: An audio system with a language exercise function, the system including a cassette tape deck, comprising a keyboard, an output display, a microcomputer to which the keyboard and the output display are connected, a voice synthesizer memory unit connected to the microcomputer, the memory unit including a plurality of random access memories and a voice synthesizer circuit, and an audio level sensor connected to the cassette tape deck which is connected to the microcomputer so that automatic repeated playback and pronunciation functions of the cassette tape deck are executed.

Abstract: A multi-level educational game apparatus and method for teaching children and adults language, mathematical, and other skills. The educational game includes a board and a plurality of cards. The board comprises a plurality of rows and columns, each having a letter, word, or picture imprinted thereon. The cards have letters, words, numbers, symbols, or pictures imprinted thereon that correspond to the participant's boards. The board game includes multi-levels of difficulty corresponding to varying individual language and other ability levels. An instructor will read aloud the card and give a brief explanation of the card's contents. When a participant recognizes the cards contents on his board, he will cover the respective box with a marker. The object of the game is to complete a row or other predetermined sequence of boxes prior to another participant.

Abstract: An educational method for teaching written composition is demonstrated within a series of hand-held, rectangular manipulatives encoded with raised, colored indicia. Representing a foundation from which all types of writing may be explored, the manipulatives have been so designed that continuity of theme and flow of composition is ensured. Each rectangular manipulative symbolizes a paragraph in written composition. Colored bands framing the manipulatives identify paragraph themes and subsequent order within a composition. The raised, color-coded indicia represent key sentences within a paragraph and is so ordered as to clearly outline proper sentence sequencing. The manipulatives, used individually or interactively, provide a focus for critical elements of successful writing through enjoyable visual and tactile stimulation. Traditional writing concepts and language structure rules are reinforced and solidified in an objective, non-threatening manner.

Abstract: A method for learning a foreign language by first memorizing conjugations of representative verbs using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, and a device for implementing the method, the device providing the feeling memorizing means, the method comprising the step of memorizing the conjugations of the language using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, wherein using the feeling sense is effected by having the conjugations symbolized by elements of the device, each having a specifying location and a specifying surface or construction conferring a learner with an associated specifying feeling, such that when the learner sees a scene displayed on a display and hears a sentence associated with that scene, which sentence includes an associated specific conjugation, the learner touches a specific corresponding element symbolizing the associated specific conjugation.