Abstract: A game apparatus and game methods of play that provide mental exercises to increase the level of abstract thinking to create 3-D objects from universally accepted 2-D flat patterns. Since we read and write on 2-D surfaces, the shapes we associate most with a 2-D environment are alphanumeric characters. Combining letters and numbers in a 3-D environment creates challenging exercises for visualizing 3-D shapes. The competitive games involve a series of 3-D manipulative modules. Play of the games involves scoring points for creating and/or discerning words made up of letters recognized from the 3-D manipulative modules. The games are for multiple players and can also be implemented electronically and online.

Abstract: A puzzle kit and a puzzle constructed from said puzzle kit. The puzzle kit comprises a three dimensional substrate having an outer surface, and a plurality of puzzle pieces that cannot interlock. Each puzzle piece has a first surface and an opposite second surface and a thickness defined between the first and second surfaces. Each puzzle piece comprises first attachment means and the outer surface of the substrate defines a plurality of complementary second attachment means, such that the first attachment means and the second attachment means magnetically attach each puzzle piece to the outer surface. The first attachment means comprises a projection extending from the second surface of the puzzle piece. The second attachment means comprises a hole to partly receive the projection.

Abstract: Computerized system operative to perform selectable system-actions responsive to user input, the system being accessible to non-literate users via a touch screen defining touch screen locations respectively corresponding to the selectable system-actions, the touch screen being operative to detect and distinguish between first and second gestures, the system comprising a processor-controlled touch-triggered actor which, responsive to at least each first gesture applied by end-user to an individual location within the touch screen, from among plural touch screen locations, performs individual action/s which corresponds to the individual location; and a processor-controlled touch-triggered oral presenter which, responsive to at least each second gesture applied by end-user to an individual location within the touch screen, from among the plural touch screen locations, presents an oral characterization of individual action/s which corresponds to said individual location.

Abstract: A game apparatus and game methods of play that provide mental exercises to increase the level of abstract thinking to create 3-D objects from universally accepted 2-D flat patterns. Since we read and write on 2-D surfaces, the shapes we associate most with a 2-D environment are alphanumeric characters. Combining letters and numbers in a 3-D environment creates challenging exercises for visualizing 3-D shapes. The competitive games involve a series of 3-D manipulative modules. Play of the games involves scoring points for creating and/or discerning words made up of letters recognized from the 3-D manipulative modules. The games are for multiple players and can also be implemented electronically and online.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of phonetically encoding a text document. The method comprises providing, for a current word in the text document, a phonetically equivalent encoded word comprising one or more syllables, each syllable comprising a sequence of phonemes from a predetermined phoneme set, the sequence being phonetically equivalent to the corresponding syllable in the current word, and adding the phonetically equivalent encoded word or the current word at a current position in the phonetically encoded document. Each phoneme in the phoneme set is associated with a base grapheme that is pronounced as the phoneme in one or more English words.

Abstract: Game apparatus comprising a plurality of multi-sided, game and base pieces having notches whereby the pieces may be interlocked, and said pieces having two faces with indicia or other markings on at least some of the faces whereby words and/or equations and/or other things can be formed along horizontal and/or vertical and/or diagonal axes by placing game pieces adjacent to each and/or game pieces and/or base pieces interlocked into each other. Methods for playing games with said apparatus in two and/or three dimensions is disclosed.

Abstract: An educational teaching device for children to learn and write the letters of the alphabet, numbers, or other elements in proper sequence. The device comprises an inner board surface with plurality of cavities and a separate plurality of puzzle pieces of elements corresponding to the configuration. Upon proper placement of puzzle pieces, indicators are activated resulting in the emission of visual or audible signaling. The educational puzzle and writing device also comprises a magnetic writing sheet or writing materials using a magnetic pen or writing implement with numbered arrow instructions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and displaying user preferences in a tag cloud are provided in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. A user preference tag cloud may be of any shape and size and may be generated using a stencil selected by a user. A user preference tag cloud may thus present a user's media preferences in an attractive and compelling visual arrangement that, in some embodiments, also functions as an intuitive interface which allows users to indicate and/or modify their preferences.

Abstract: A system for enhancing reading performance operates on a network-connected server with software executing from a non-transitory medium at the server providing an interactive interface for a user connected to the server via a browser link. There is a data repository coupled to the server. The interactive interface provides a word search exercise for the user for improving the user's reading performance, displays a passage comprising a first number of words and a search list with a second number of words that each appear at least once in the passage, the second number smaller than the first number, and when the user clicks on every word in the passage for a word that appears in the search list, that word is indicated in the list as found, until all the words in the search list have been indicated as found.

Abstract: A novel keyboard made up vowel daisies is used to learn to read, write and spell in English. A story is presented in which a specific set of words that can be generated emphasized. Upon hearing the story, a user enters a response which is received by the device when the specific word is highlighted in the story. A letter configuration, such as a hexagonal ring of letters corresponding to the specific word is displayed on the device. A phonic data relating to a letter in the specific word is manifested at the same time as another characteristic or attribute of the letter, specifically the shape of the letter, is also displayed or manifested to the user. These are done concurrently with displaying the letter configuration that corresponds to the word, wherein the letters are all in the same daisy array.

Abstract: An interactive computer based system and method for multi-sensory learning to teach students to read, to write, to improve their fluency, and to improve their reading comprehension. The multi-sensory system combines phonics and reading comprehension to teach students how to decode the alphabet and understand what they read. The multi-sensory system can be individually customized and tailored to meet needs of an individual student.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for recognizing user personality in accordance with a speech recognition system. For example, a technique for recognizing a personality trait associated with a user interacting with a speech recognition system includes the following steps/operations. One or more decoded spoken utterances of the user are obtained. The one or more decoded spoken utterances are generated by the speech recognition system. The one or more decoded spoken utterances are analyzed to determine one or more linguistic attributes (morphological and syntactic filters) that are associated with the one or more decoded spoken utterances. The personality trait associated with the user is then determined based on the analyzing step/operation.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of teaching a child the letters of the alphabet, the numbers, the shapes, and the primary colors by a caregiver. The method features obtaining a teachable clothing system featuring a teachable clothing article of clothing having a character attached thereon. The character is located in view of a wearer when worn. The character is reachable by a hand of the wearer when worn. The system features a teachable clothing game book. The method features outfitting the teachable clothing article of clothing on a child, verbalizing a character name, verbalizing a character color, pointing to an object in an occupied room having the same character color as the character, and reading the teachable clothing game book to the child at a child's end of the day and playing a game described in the teachable clothing game book with the child.

Abstract: A method for the computer-assisted learning of orthography, the method includes executing by a data processing system the steps of retrieving a main set of words from a data storage; retrieving an error data set associated with said main set of words from the data storage and repeatedly executing the steps of selecting a word to prompt the user with, by computing, for each word from the error data set, a statistic measure related to the probability of an error occurring in the word, and selecting the word which has the maximum value of the statistic measure; prompting the user with the word; accepting a user input specifying a sequence of symbols; comparing the user input with the word and updating and storing the error data set.

Abstract: A method of automatically converting alphabetic text written in a text based language into a non-text based language. The method can include parsing the text to identify at least one word. The method also can include via a processor, identifying within a lexicon database data corresponding to the word, wherein the data corresponding to the word identifies at least one pictograph or symbol selected from a group of pictographs or symbols consisting of between twenty seven and thirty three distinct pictographs or symbols that visually look different than the text, wherein each pictograph or symbol corresponds to a unique speech sound of the text based language. The pictograph or symbol can be rendered in a view.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method, computer program and data set which are intended to facilitate language comprehension and/or learning. For said purpose, samples of a target language are worked on and modified versions of said samples are used. The purpose of the modified versions is to provide clues which will enable the person using the invention to understand the target language samples. The invention greatly facilitates the management of the modified versions. In particular, the invention aids the tutor in the creation of modified versions and, in addition, in the identification of the versions most suited to the person interested in understanding and/or learning the target language. The modified versions are produced using sets of modifications, referred to herein as Relations, which are processed autonomously.

Abstract: A method of play, wherein play emphasizes storytelling and story recounting abilities, and wherein the method comprises: (a) providing a gaining device which provides for: a plurality of subject elements, wherein each subject element from the plurality of subject elements comprises a topic for a particular story; and a plurality of situational elements, wherein each situational element from the plurality of situational elements qualifies the subject element; (b) pairing a subject element from the plurality of subject elements with a situational element from the plurality of situational elements; and (c) providing a story based on the paired subject element and selected situational element.

Abstract: Interactive blocks (12, 212) that present changeable individual characterizations (118) and sensory output based on meaningful assemblage of sensed individual characterizations from similar juxtaposed blocks (12, 212) are configured to record their interactions to produce an historic log or both successful interactions that yield a sensory output or failed interactions that produce no logical or meaningful sensory event. Uploading of the historical log (158) permits automated computational assessment of all interactions, with a centralized computing resource dynamically arranged to cause selective download of new content and/or new operating instructions to one or more of the interactive blocks (12, 212) based of identification of trends in the historical record.

Abstract: A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).

Abstract: An activity device including an activity sensor for 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, for presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements for providing the user with feedback.

Abstract: There is provided a set of blocks including a plurality of beginning, middle and ending blocks. The blocks each have an indicia face with alphabetical indicia, a front end and a rear end. The middle block front end includes a first connector having a first gender type. The rear end includes a second connector having a first gender type. The beginning block rear end includes a beginning block primary connector having a second gender type. The beginning block primary connector is engageable with a first connector. The beginning block primary connector is not engageable with a second connector. The ending block front end includes an ending block primary connector having a second gender type. The ending block primary connector is engageable with a second connector. The ending block primary connector is not being engageable with a first connector.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for locale and operating platform independent font selection. In an operating platform having an operating platform configuration and an associated locale, a locale and operating platform independent font selection method can include parsing a pre-established font properties file to identify whether a desired font referenced in the font properties file supports at least one of the operating platform configuration and the associated locale. Consequently, if it is indicated within the font properties file that the desired font supports either or both of the operating platform configuration and the associated locale, the desired font can be utilized in the operating platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for converting a digital number to text and for pronouncing the digital number. The system includes a filtration system for determining whether the digital number has nonnumeric symbols and for generating a filtrated number, an analyzing system for analyzing the filtrated number, a composition system configured to collect words associated with ternary units of the filtrated number, a linking system configured to link the words, and a pronouncing system for pronouncing the linked words.

Abstract: An activity device including an activity sensor for 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, for presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements for providing the user with feedback.

Abstract: A method for the computer-assisted learning of orthography, the method includes executing the following steps by a data processing system: retrieving (11) a main set of words from a data storage; retrieving (12) an error data set associated with said main set of words from the data storage; repeatedly executing the following steps: selecting (13) a word to prompt the user with, by computing, for each word from the error data set, a statistic measure related to the probability of an error occurring in the word, and selecting the word which has the maximum value of the statistic measure; prompting (14) the user with the word; accepting (15) a user input specifying a sequence of symbols; comparing (16) the user input with the word; updating (17, 18) and storing the error data set.

Abstract: A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of utilizing flashcards-like clipboards, wet erase pen, die cut alphabet letters and numbers, and magnetic receiver plates having female die cut holes for the die cut letters and numbers, etc. for children to learn while playing games. The clipboard of the present invention is generally rectangular with concave sides and rounded corners. It has many unique features including a wet-erase surface for writing and learning, an integral clip for clipping additional notes, an ID holder for holding identification card. It can also be used for tabbing projection above a sheet of paper and as an aid to help electronic book reading for children and adults with reading challenges. The clipboard is also designed to be accompanied by additional clipboards held together by a book ring that can be worn with a lanyard or put in a pocket as flashcards.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multi language exchange system which includes a communication device having an input screen on which a message in a first language is to be translated into a second language. The input screen displays a programmable grid or list having at least one sentence or phrase formed by the grid or list in the first language. Each grid element of the at least one sentence or phrase contains a word or words in the at least one sentence or phrase. Each grid element of the at least one sentence or phrase having a sequence based on the order in which the word or words of the respective grid element would appear in the translation of the at least one sentence or phrase in the second language. The user follows the sequence to allow the at least one sentence or phrase to be translated in the correct order.

Abstract: Methodologies for improving a student's phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, oral and written comprehension are described herein. The method is embodied in a suite of twelve exercises operable on a computing device. The exercises are geared towards training of 1st and 2nd grade students but are not limited to that. The methods present an entertaining screen environment, with target stimulus, and foil or distracter stimulus presented visually, textually, and aurally. The student is required to identify the target stimulus from the distracter stimulus within the context of each exercise. Progress from easier trials to more difficult trials is made as the student successfully completes particular difficulty levels.

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: Methodologies for improving a student's phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, oral and written comprehension are described herein. The method is embodied in a suite of twelve exercises operable on a computing device. The exercises are geared towards training of 1st and 2nd grade students but are not limited to that. The methods present an entertaining screen environment, with target stimulus, and foil or distracter stimulus presented visually, textually, and aurally. The student is required to identify the target stimulus from the distracter stimulus within the context of each exercise. Progress from easier trials to more difficult trials is made as the student successfully completes particular difficulty levels.

Abstract: A manually manipulable device adapted to present an individual characterization to a user comprising a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator, and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity of a similar device, such that a user can manipulate the device and generate a sensory response in the response generator or a response generator of another, at least similar, device, in accordance with the proximity of the other device.

Abstract: A system for teaching learners to write letters of an alphabet uses a plurality of template blocks, each having a cutout corresponding to a letter of the alphabet. A bottom wall of the cutout is covered with all abrasive material to facilitate tactile recognition of the letter shape by the learner. The kit has a plurality of insert members that make letter-forming components, such that one or more insert members fitted in the cutout form the corresponding letter of the alphabet.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of letter identification latency of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of letters and a background; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of letter identification latency of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A computer system provides a series of visual flash stimuli to a user and then requires that the user process the visual stimuli to produce a verbalization that corresponds to the visual stimuli and/or a fine motor activity that corresponds to the visual stimuli. The visual flash stimuli are presented to a user via a display device and include letters, words and phrases. The fine motor activity includes inputting letters or words via an input device, such as typing on a keyboard. The system includes eye movement activities, letter flash activities and word flash activities. The content or visual stimuli provided during these activities, as well as the progression through these activities can be determined in part by the diagnosis of the individual user. The system can be used to treat a variety of mental disabilities.

Abstract: An educational restaurant and travel game system and method of use include a plurality of educational games each having a plurality of game pieces disposed in a game container. The game container is adapted to house the plurality of educational games and has a size and shape so that the game container is adapted for portability. A game book setting forth rules for each of the educational games, age ranges, number of players, list of items needed, a stated educational objective, and an educational goal is included within the container. Reading, math, fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, memory enhancement and retention, and social skills games are included within the compact travel container. Playing the games of the educational restaurant and travel game system fosters an educational environment, while at the same time offers entertainment and quality family interaction. The game system finds use during travel and during moments of idle time for children, such as doctor's office and restaurant visits.

Abstract: An educational tool for teaching a user, the tool including at least one first member having a plurality of different visual cues, at least one second member associated with the at least one first member, the at least one second member having a plurality of indicia, each indicia corresponding to at least one visual cue on the at least one first member, wherein indicia of the at least one second member are used in increasing levels of difficulty, to trigger the user to associate and identify indicia on the at least one second member with a corresponding visual cue on the at least one first member.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for teaching and assessing a set of targets to a student, particularly in the field of literacy. One application of the invention is in teaching sound-symbol relationships. The invention using a rapid learning system, whereby each target is associated with a completion score and a student score. A student is prompted to identify a particular target (from a number of options). When the student correctly identifies a target, the student score is incremented until it reaches a completion score. The student score is decremented for incorrect responses. A support mechanism (e.g. a mnemonic) may be provided to the student—as a student shows increased proficiency, the level of support is reduced. This may be done by “morphing” the mnemonic into a standard representation of the target. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.

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 multi-player solitaire or multi-player video game that generates tags for digital images. A tabletop or computer screen video game provides an enjoyable way for collocated players to view, share, talk about and, in the process tag photos. The video games can generate valuable text labels for photos with multiple levels of specificity and named entities. These labels can be used to help manage and index collections of photos for browsing and retrieval.

Abstract: The present invention consists of simple phonetic marks combined with alphabet letters to form Phonetic Words for the reader to read words and learn the pronunciation at the same time. The phonetic marks are placed on appropriate letters to form phonetic words. Unique, simple marking rules are created to minimize the use of phonetic marks so the marks do not clutter letters and still retain their function.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for producing a teaching aid. The system includes an input receiving means for receiving input for a text character, a processor configured for converting the input for the text character into an output character, and an output character output means for displaying the output character. The output character includes an indicia related to the text character, which indicia includes separated dots which are within the projected borders of a line of the text character, a dotted character; an indicated space, or combinations thereof.

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: A system for playing a game comprises a game unit and a number of mobile terminals which can communicate with the game unit. The game unit is arranged for sending a game code to one or more mobile terminals, and the mobile terminals are arranged for sending at least one game code-related reply message to the game unit. Each reply message comprises an identification code of the mobile terminal. The game code is a number consisting of two or more digits, and each digit identifies a key of each mobile terminal. Each reply message is a word composed of letters which have been selected by means of the keys identified by the digits of the game code. The game unit is arranged for verifying the letters of the reply message.

Abstract: A method of displaying alphasyllabaries by way of appropriately shaped building blocks that represent individual character components of the scripts, and an apparatus for Total word forming and word building in alphasyllabaries using a minimum number of such building blocks, such that orthographic accuracy of the words formed/built in relation to the script and conformity with the alphabetic-syllabic nature of the scripts are maintained. The method and apparatus include a structured means to house the building blocks in a sequence or grid of spaces, with each space comprising of a closed shape within a closed shape and capable of housing a simple syllable or a complex syllable. The inner closed shape typically houses an independent vowel or consonant, and the area between the inner closed shape and the outer closed shape typically houses the dependent characters (diacritics).

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: The letter shapes and sounds are abstract for children. The present Invention eliminates the abstract nature of the letter shapes and sounds, makes the learning material extremely easy and fun by inventing tangible bases for the letter shapes and their basic sounds. The Invention comprises 26 flash cards with 26 invented letter shaped animals and objects on them. Each animal or object physically looks like a letter and the first sound of that animal or object name and the basic sound of that letter are the same. Learning the animal or the object shape and the first sound of the animal/object name as the short version of the animal/object name, the child actually learns the shape and the basic sound of the letter.

Abstract: A method for testing the alphabetical order knowledge possessed by a person in combination with an electronic machine including a display member, a computational means, an electronic timer, a data storage device, a keyboard, a point-and-select input means, and a data bank of words on the data storage device, the method starting with the steps of the electronic machine selecting and displaying a word with simultaneous beginning of a timer. As instructed on the display means, the person commences entering letters from the selected word in alphabetical order into answer spaces provided on the display member. Upon completion, stopping of the timer by the electronic machine is followed immediately by assessing by a computational method of the correctness of the order of the letters entered into the answer area, then assigning and displaying a score based on elapsed time and correctness of the order.

Abstract: A pre-writing teaching aid and method assists beginning writers in creating letters. The teaching aid includes a tray having a recessed area surrounded by a tray frame. A plurality of cards respectively depict alphanumeric characters, where each of the cards includes a start indicator designating a starting point for forming the depicted character. The students use dough having a consistency that is moldable into strips for forming the alphanumeric characters depicted on the cards in the tray. The teaching aid utilizes multi-sensory teaching methods to make it easy and fun for students to form letters and numbers correctly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of interacting with a user is described. The method includes identifying a structure coupled to a base unit, wherein the structure includes a visual identifier. A sound is generated using a speaker of the base unit, wherein the sound is associated with the visual identifier of the structure.