Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting future and concurrent reading ability are provided. A first variable comprising a measurement of picture vocabulary, a second variable comprising a measurement of phonemic awareness, a third variable comprising a measurement of rapid naming, and a fourth variable comprising a measurement of single letter or word naming are detected. An assessment of concurrent or future reading ability is generated from the first, second, third and fourth variables. The assessment of concurrent or future reading ability may be carried out with an empirically-based model of actual clinical experience or a regression model.

Abstract: An activity device including an activity sensor generating an activity interaction signal responsive to a sustained large-muscle physical activity of a user operating the activity device; a controller, coupled to the activity monitor, generating a virtual environment supporting a virtual user frame-of-reference in the virtual environment, the controller generating a set of virtual education elements in the environment and a goal for the set virtual representation with respect to the virtual education elements wherein the controller is responsive to the activity interaction signal to produce an affected interaction of the virtual representation with the virtual education elements with the controller measuring a conformation of the goal by the affected interaction; and a feedback system, coupled to the controller, presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements providing the user with feedback regarding the goal and the conformation of the goal by the

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing educational structures and tools to enhance the effectiveness of teaching multiple academic disciplines. Both age-level and subject-focused instructors may be provided; technical tools facilitate student-focused, individualized learning experiences wherein integrated electronic records are maintained to track student progress and guide future efforts. A spiral curriculum provides flexibility to instructors and students. Read-aloud e-books may be provided that permit a student to control the rate of reading and identify areas where increased understanding is needed. Reading progress may be enhanced by use of an electronically implemented autophonics structure to identify areas of weak understanding. Many other technical tools may also be provided.

Abstract: Methods and related computer program products, systems, and devices for providing intelligent feedback to a user based on audio input associated with a user reading a passage are disclosed. The method can include assessing a level of fluency of a user's reading of the sequence of words using speech recognition technology to compare the audio input with an expected sequence of words and providing feedback to the user related to the level of fluency for a word.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and a method for language training and general entertainment and role-playing. It employs a digital processing system plays back audio or audio-visual program material, using special software to selectively direct the audio of this playback through the system's speakers or a headset, with the user taking the headset audio—in particular speech—as a model and prompt to repeat this speech. The user plays the role of the speaker in the program material, and the software further permits the user to record, in audio or audio-video, her dubbing efforts along with the program material, producing a version of the program material with the user's voice recorded in place of, or in conjunction with, the voice of a character in the program material. The user's recorded performance can also be overlaid onto the original program material.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user in organizing and writing a research paper. The system includes a thesis module configured to run on a processor and to present a series of questions to the user, receive input regarding the series of questions, and to assemble a thesis statement based on the input received; a research module configured to run on the processor and to output topics related to the thesis statement, to output research notes, and to assemble source citations; an organization module configured to run on the processor and to edit the topics and research notes and to arrange the topics and the research notes within the topics in a predetermined order; and a writing module configured to run on the processor and to create an editable draft of the research paper that includes the thesis statement and the content of the research notes arranged in the predetermined order.

Abstract: A network of terminals, where each terminal is operable by a student in a group as a response apparatus, is in contemporaneous communication with a teacher station. The modes of operation include visual, i.e. hand writing, hand drawing and typing, as well as audio, in particular the voice of the user, which may contemporaneously accompany the visual, such as when explaining what is being drawn. Such an apparatus can also be used by a teacher to author a lesson, including graphics and audio, providing information and questions which are recorded at the teacher station. The communication means between the student apparatuses and the teacher's station is in a preferred embodiment of the invention via an 802.11 wireless gateway when the students are in the same room as the teacher or in close proximity, or via the Internet especially in the case where individual students are remotely located from the teacher.

Abstract: The increasing globalization of the world necessitates further strengthening of foreign language learning policies. The brain's foreign language recognition activity is enhanced and effective foreign language learning is enabled by extracting signals of prescribed bands from a speech signal in a foreign language using a first bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters, extracting the envelopes of each frequency band signal using envelope extraction sections having envelope extractors, applying a noise source signal to a second bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters and extracting noise signals corresponding to the prescribed bands, multiplying the outputs of the first bandpass filter section and the second bandpass filter section in multiplication sections, summing up the outputs of the multiplication sections in an addition section to produce a Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signal, and presenting the Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signals for listening.

Abstract: A method, system and an apparatus of alternative energy powered electronic reader having preloaded educational data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes converting a solar energy, through a photovoltaic cell, into an electrical current to utilize the solar energy of a sun. In addition, the method includes storing the electrical current in a battery to provide a power source to an electronic reader. The method also includes powering the electronic reader through the battery to provide an electronic content to a user. The method further includes storing the electronic content in a solid state drive in the electronic reader. The electronic content may be an educational lesson.

Abstract: An adaptive learning system and method provides for automatically generating question types to a user for word comprehension and selecting multiple choice answers for display. Questions are developed for the user by obtaining online content and indexing the content into individual sentences and questions. The system provides questions in a series of rounds to the user and then adaptively tracks the progress of the user based on the categorization of each question.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach English speakers various foreign alphabets. For example, embodiments may provide instruction in writing Arabic letters, Greek letters, or Chinese or Japanese characters, to name a few. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may be used to teach artistic forms of writing, such as calligraphy, script, or various fonts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of education of human subjects, and more specifically to a computer program for training the brain development disorder where in human subjects are impaired of social interaction and communication. The program deliver animated content to the subject and varies the size, clarity, colors, background images, animated characters, sound with animation, method of instructions, so they would be more easily distinguished by the subject and thereby gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. Thus the system, method and apparatus of the present invention maximizes the effectiveness and efficiency of learning by adding a reward delivery system to deliver the object of the student's interest upon achieving the goal set by the trainer. The system includes modules configuration system, user validation system, content delivery system, user response/input system, monitoring system and feedback system.

Abstract: A literacy system provides teaching for reading and writing skills. In one embodiment, the literacy system may include exercises for teaching visual sequencing, motor skills, phonology, semantics, syntax, and text. The literacy system may have a pre-reading section, which includes exercises for developing visual sequencing skills and motor skills prior to teaching the skills of reading and writing words. Also, the literacy system may have a language skills section that includes exercises to collectively teach all four of the language skills of phonology, semantics, syntax, and text.

Abstract: A student providing a multi-word response in a computerized language teaching system provides a manual input concurrently with each responsive word. For example, he might enter a keystroke correspondent to the first letter of each word. When using the teaching computer silently, a student will typically “speak” each word mentally as he enters a keystroke, so the limited experience is almost as effective as speaking out loud. When a student types one or more keystrokes concurrently with each word that he speaks, the computer will be able to detect when a student is responding with a correct word, but merely mispronouncing it. Also, since the computer will receive a keystroke as the student starts each new word, it is better able to distinguish the boundaries between words and recognize them more reliably.

Abstract: A method of generating a poet personality including reading poems, each of the poems containing text, generating analysis models, each of the analysis models representing one of poems and storing the analysis models in a personality data structure. The personality data structure further includes weights, each of the weights associated with each of the analysis models. The weights include integer values.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing, promoting and/or augmenting communication skills includes an apparatus base dimensioned for positioning relative to a support. The apparatus base defines longitudinal, vertical and orthogonal axes, and a reference plane inclusive of the longitudinal and orthogonal axes. The apparatus base includes a top support surface arranged at a predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees relative to the reference plane. The top support surface has an article retaining element associated therewith. At least one icon containing article having communication media adapted for conveying information is releasably mounted to the article retaining element of the top support surface. The top support surface may be arranged at an angle ranging from about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the reference plane. In one embodiment, the top support surface is arranged at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the reference plane.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of tonal language speech signal processing. We describe a computer system for characterizing samples of a tonal language. These are analyzed to identify one or more vocal tract characterizing parameters of the user and synthesized speech data is generated by modifying a variation of fundamental frequency with time using a set of standard tones. The synthesized speech data represents the user speaking the tonal language with the modified fundamental frequency. Graphical feedback to guide the user can also be provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a learning bracelet that contains a compartment for placing learning tags for display. The learning tags can either be pre-printed with a word and/or can be made printer friendly so that the desired word and/or concepts can be printed upon the learning tag before being used. Once inserted into the learning bracelet, the learning tag displays the word and/or concept to the person wearing the learning bracelet. The displayed word and/or concepts can be view by the student using the bracelet so as to reinforce the word, its spelling and or meaning.

Abstract: The method extracts individual words from a source text, in sequence of occurrence, and subsequently inserts these words in a vocabulary database table. Insertion only takes place if the said table does not yet contain that particular word. When the insertion process is completed, individual words are presented to the student to exercise. When the student reaches fluency in reading individual words, the source text from which they were extracted is presented and the student is able to read the text fluently. As the student progresses, the vocabulary table grows, allowing the source texts to contain more words, as only new words are exercised. The method's advantages are: Deliver positive reading experiences within days; The ability to teach a student how to read with materials at par with the student's verbal intelligence; The ability to teach reading in a non-technical manner, very close to the normal reading experience.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of verbal memory of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of symbols and a background; (2) moving the plurality of symbols relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) adjusting the saliency of the plurality of symbols relative to the tracked movement; (4) increasing the number of said plurality of symbols; (5) receiving feedback from the subject via said input device; (6) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (7) modulating the movement of the plurality of symbols relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A system and method for educational instruction is described. The system and method are useful in teaching subject-based vocabulary and concepts. The system includes a set of learning cards with various indicia related to subjects to be learned, such as vocabulary words, values and symbols. The system also includes first and second education panels capable of receiving and displaying the learning cards in specified patterns or diagrams. According to the method, an instructor introduces the learning cards and places them on the first panel in an arrangement or diagram that relates to the subject lesson. After the lesson is complete, the teacher or students transfer the diagram to the second panel, and place the second panel where it can be easily viewed by the class during subsequent lessons, thus enabling students to see the relationships between the indicia on the learning cards and learn vocabulary words in the context of an entire lesson or unit.

Abstract: A method records verbal expressions of a person for use in a vehicle navigation system. The vehicle navigation system has a database including a map and text describing street names and points of interest of the map. The method includes the steps of obtaining from the database text of a word having at least one syllable, analyzing the syllable with a greedy algorithm to construct at least one text phrase comprising each syllable, such that the number of phrases is substantially minimized, converting the text phrase to at least one corresponding phonetic symbol phrase, displaying to the person the phonetic symbol phrase, the person verbally expressing each phrase of the phonetic symbol phrase, and recording the verbal expression of each phrase of the phonetic symbol phrase.

Abstract: Methods and devices treat treating non-stuttering pathologies having impaired or decreased communication skills by administering a frequency altered auditory feedback signal to a subject having a non-stuttering pathology while the subject is speaking or talking to thereby improve the subject's communication skills.

Abstract: A method and system for teaching a foreign language to a user who has knowledge of a base language is disclosed. The method and system may include delivering a video presentation simultaneously to a plurality of users. The method and system may also include simultaneously delivering a plurality of mixed known language-foreign language audio and/or text streams to the plurality of users, each of the plurality of mixed known language-foreign language audio and/or text streams corresponding to the video presentation.

Abstract: Phonetic distances are empirically measured as a function of speech recognition engine recognition error rates. The error rates are determined by comparing a recognized speech file with a reference file. The phonetic distances can be normalized to earlier measurements. The phonetic distances/error rates can also be used to improve speech recognition engine grammar selection, as an aid in language training and evaluation, and in other applications.

Abstract: A method of editing communication sheets comprises providing a picture/text editing interface; providing a dividing function for communication sheet; providing a expression (s) database, a picture database and a voice database; providing a correlation searching function; providing expression (s) insertion function; providing picture insertion function; providing language assigning function; and providing a output file generating function. The method also handles multiple languages and can change the language of expression (s) or voice with a rapid manner.

Abstract: A system for transmission of information between at least two players in a training area comprises means on a first (1) of said players for encoding light pulses and means for transmitting information in the form of such coded light pulses towards at least one second (2-4) of said players, said second player having means for receiving said light pulses and means for decoding the information thereof. Each of said players is provided with a clock, and the system comprises means for keeping said clocks synchronized. The encoding means and the decoding means are adapted to utilize data of times of transmission and receipt of said light pulses for transmitting information from the first player to the second player.

Abstract: To automatically annotate an essay, a sentence of the essay is identified and a feature associated with the sentence is determined. In addition, a probability of the sentence being a discourse element is determined by mapping the feature to a model. The model having been generated by a machine learning application based on at least one annotated essay. Furthermore, the essay is annotated based on the probability.

Abstract: Disclosed are educational straws having an end portion of a defined shape and the name of said shape displayed on the exterior body of the straw thereby instilling a cognitive recognition of a sequence of letters associated with the shape which will enhance vocabulary, spelling and object spatial recognition for a plurality of defined shapes.

Abstract: An electrographic position location apparatus and a data cartridge are disclosed. The data cartridge comprises a body and a memory device in the body. A connector extends from the body and is coupled to the memory device. A microphone is attached to or is incorporated within the body.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for teaching a target language are disclosed that may include providing a pool of tasks associated with instruction of the target language by a computing system; receiving a query from a user requesting instruction of a target task from among the pool of tasks; identifying a sequence of tasks beneficial for teaching the target task; and presenting a lesson plan, including the beneficial sequence of language tasks, to the user in response to the user query, wherein the lesson plan includes the target task and at least one supporting task.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating.

Abstract: A method for testing a language learner's ability to create semantically coherent grammatical text in a language, comprising generating text having at least one active region and inactive regions; displaying the text in a graphical user interface on a display unit, wherein at least one active region comprises a key word or phrase; identifying at least one active region in the graphical user interface; selecting at least one active region to display a menu of linguistic choices comprised of at least one grammatically correct linguistic choice and at least one grammatically incorrect linguistic choice; selecting one of the linguistic choices; and displaying an error message when at least one grammatically incorrect linguistic choice is selected.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and a method for language training and general entertainment and role-playing. It employs a digital processing system that can play back audio or audio-visual program material, using special software to selectively direct the audio of this playback through the digital processing system's speaker system or through a headset, with the user taking the audio routed to her headset—in particular speech—as a model and prompt to repeat this speech audibly. The user plays the role of the person in the program material whose speech is being routed to her headset, and the special software further permits the user to record her dubbing efforts along with the program material, producing a version of the program material with the user's voice recorded in place of, or in conjunction with, the voice of a character in the program material.

Abstract: Children exhibit curiosity and desire to acquire things of interest from their earliest stages. This eventually evolves into their lust for toys, dolls, stickers, books, clothing, having books read to them, being allowed to watch TV, and more. Things of a child's interest are generically referred to as ‘collectibles’ hereafter. A game system that overlays educational content with in-game collectibles is presented. The more in-game collectibles the player has the more fun they have. This paradigm converts the lust for in-game collectibles into a lust to learn. A virtuous cycle emerges where (i) anticipation to acquire the next educational content builds up, and then (ii) this anticipation is gratified when the educational content is finally acquired, and (iii) the educational content is naturally appreciated until the child moves onto the next collectible.

Abstract: A method of learning a second language through the guidance of pictures that enables users to learn multiple languages through computers. After users input a plurality of words, a picture/text interface will display the plurality of input words, a plurality of output words, and a plurality of pictures. The plurality of output words represent the plurality of input words in another language, and the plurality of pictures represent the plurality of input words.

Abstract: A method for the rapid, dynamic conversion of Pin Yin words is disclosed. The present invention comprises a web-based computer program. The user identifies an input which may be a hybrid or unaccented Pin Yin word. The character is translated dynamically into an accented Pin Yin word, a Simplified Chinese character or a Traditional Chinese character. The translated character is then displayed. The translation is done in the web page without a round trip to the server.

Abstract: System and method for developing cognitive skills in a student, utilizing a computing device to present stimuli and to record responses. A stimulus may be graphically presented to the student via the computing device, and the student may be required to respond to the stimulus. A determination may then be made as to the correctness of the student's response. The graphically presenting, requiring, and determining may be performed for each of a plurality of stimuli. Additionally, the graphically presenting, requiring, determining, and performing may be performed in an iterative manner to improve the cognitive skills of the student. Various exercises directed to different cognitive skills and learning approaches may utilize this basic framework, and may be performed in an iterative manner to build cognitive skills in the student.

Abstract: An interactive live game, computer program game, television game, television game show, Internet game and Internet game show for all ages. The game in all forms is based on language arts, testing and teaching the players' knowledge in the use of written and oral language. All aspects of language arts, including but not limited to punctuation, spelling and grammar, are determined, found or corrected by individual teams. The game may be utilized in other educational fields, such as science or mathematics, or may be utilized for example in concepts of artificial intelligence, voice recognition and the like.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and apparatus for aiding language pronunciation. In an aspect of the invention, based on at least one triggering event, an audio enabled toy such as a babble bear may be adapted to play back phonemes and/or lingos comprising sounds, including words, phrases and sentences. The phonemes and/or lingos may cover a wide range of phonemes from a variety of languages, thereby exercising the hearing ability of infants and toddlers and enhancing their ability to learn new languages. Phoneme sequences and lingo sequences, or a combination thereof, may be retrieved from one or more removable storages within the toy and selectively played back within the audio enabled toy. Libraries of phonemes and lingo can be downloaded from servers, personal computers and remote storage.

Abstract: An interactive electronic device having a master integrated circuit, an analog audio output device and a bus having a single-conductor digital data link and a single-conductor analog data link and a method for transmitting digital data and an associated analog signal are disclosed. The bus is configured to electrically simultaneously couple the master integrated circuit with any combination of a plurality of removable electronic cartridges arranged in any order in any of a plurality of removable cartridge connectors. The master integrated circuit transmits along the digital data link simultaneously to each of the removable cartridge connectors one identification code of a plurality of identification codes, the identification codes being different from any memory address in any of the removable cartridges. The analog data link simultaneously couples all of the removable cartridge connectors with the analog audio output device and transmits analog signal associated with the one identification code.

Abstract: A segment set before updating is read, and clustering considering a phoneme environment is performed to it. For each cluster obtained by the clustering, a representative segment of a segment set belonging to the cluster is generated. For each cluster, a segment belonging to the cluster is replaced with the representative segment so as to update the segment set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulative visual language tool for teaching grammar and syntax of a language comprising at least one colored shape further comprising a graphical indicator, wherein said language comprises at least one grammatical part of speech, wherein said at least one grammatical part of speech comprises at least one variety of said grammatical part of speech, wherein said at least one colored shape comprises a single grammatical part of said at least one grammatical part of speech, and wherein said graphical indicator comprises a single variety of said at least one variety of said at least one grammatical part of speech. In a further embodiment, the present invention discloses a method of using the disclosed manipulative visual language tool.

Abstract: A process that occurs within a border made up of the twenty-six-letter English alphabet that produces two-dimensional symbols from words by creating one continuous line from the first letter of a word being processed to the next letter of the same word being processed. This process continues in one unbroken line until the last letter of the word being processed has been reached. Once the last letter of the word being processed has been reached, the process stops.

Abstract: There is provided a language learning apparatus, which includes an inputting portion to which a voice signal is input, a time stretching portion which compresses or expands the voice signal in a time axis direction such that a phonation period of a voice indicated by the voice signal input into the inputting portion is matched with a phonation period of a model voice, a specifying portion which compares the voice signal which is compressed or expanded by the time stretching portion with a voice signal indicating the model voice to specify a different part between the both voice signals, a signal processing portion which applies a signal processing of emphasizing the different part specified by the specifying portion to one of the voice signal input into the inputting portion and the voice signal indicating the model voice, and an outputting portion which outputs a voice signal to which the signal processing is applied by the signal processing portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to create Vertical English Character (VEC) and calligraphy. The Characters including one-block structure, two-block structure, up elbow structure, down elbow structure and three-block structure are disclosed. The invention is suitable to build up fine art scripts, calligraphies and artworks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for teaching early receptive language, especially to infants, young children, the learning disabled, and hearing impaired, comprises a multi-media medium for displaying a set of visual images and their corresponding audio in the language of choice. The multi-media apparatus includes the requisite controls to stop, play, reverse, forward and pause the images being displayed. The method consists of displaying a series of visual images of an object containing comparable but not identical objects on a screen and providing an accompanying audio to describe the objects. This method of repetition and categorization is reinforced by concluding a set of series with a faster paced flow of some objects in the series. Further reinforcement of the concepts is accomplished by the use of textual material. With this method and apparatus parents and teachers can enhance the receptive language and categorization skills of infants, young children, the learning disabled and hearing impaired.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns a method of generating a real number score for a response, such as a written essay response. The method comprises providing a scoring model having one or more concepts; determining for each concept a probability that the concept is present in the response; creating a scoring rule or scoring rule function; determining an expected value function for the scoring rule; and generating a real number score for the response based on the scoring rule, the expected value function, and the probabilities that the concepts are present in the response (or a combination thereof). The real number score for the response may then be displayed or output, for instance, where the method is implemented as a computer system or application. Concept-based scoring provides improved scoring accuracy and individualized feedback for students and reports for teachers and parents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.

Abstract: To help young children and other individuals learn a language while playing and having fun a novel card or device is presented that includes, on one side, a word in a first (e.g., non-English) language on its surface along with a pronunciation guide associated with the word and an image of the word, and on an opposite side a translation (e.g., into English) of the word along with a pronunciation guide associated with the word. The device may also include means to secure it to a physical object similar to that shown in the image.