Abstract: The Alphacube invention is a collection of modular shapes that form cubes, each letter of the alphabet and that are a twisty cube puzzle that can be solved for each letter of the alphabet. The pieces can both build structures and communicate verbal messages. They are a toy, puzzle, and an educational tool to teach literacy in a fun and engaging way. The pieces can also be assembled into artistic shapes or into basic shapes that describe animals and simple things like a small hole on a flat surface.

Abstract: In a computer implemented sketch-based education or training system, guidance elements are generated and output to users both on an affirmative request of the user and in an automated manner without a request for guidance from the user. Automated guidance may take the form of a mini-hint that does not provide explicit information about a solution. The automatically provided guidance elements may contain numerical measures of correspondence between a user submitted sketch and a model sketch.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a configurable cat toy transformable between two different positions to provide different forms of the toy, including a first member, a second member being identical to the first member, a hingable connection operably connecting the first member and the second member in a first position, wherein the first member and second member are transformably rotatable relative to each other about the hingable connection, into a second position, and wherein, in the first position, the toy in a shape of letter A, and wherein, in the second position the toy is a sloped structure.

Abstract: Latin-derived letters may be converted into Arabic letters by performing processing associated with causing, with a display module in communication with a processor circuit and a display, the display to display a wheel comprising a Latin-derived letter and a corresponding Arabic letter; performing processing associated with receiving, with a UI module in communication with the processor circuit and an input device, a selection of a Latin-derived letter via the input device; and performing processing associated with causing, with the display module, the display to display an Arabic letter corresponding to the Latin-derived letter in a window on the wheel.

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 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: 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: A tool for implementing Korean characters using a consonant-vowel combination system, in which a simple and concise combination system capable of implementing all Korean characters 5 using only six consonants and vowels is constructed, and thus users of the tool may realize originality, superiority, and convenience of Korean letters in daily life. The tool for implementing Korean characters using a consonant-vowel combination system is configured to implement the Korean characters using six consonant and vowel plates. Therefore, users of the Korean letters may recognize value of the Korean letters from the heart and be proud of the Korean letters.

Abstract: A pivotally manipulable toy is disclosed which includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled in series, with a plurality of counting apertures being located in a plurality of the sections. The pivotally manipulable toy can be manipulated to form a plurality of shapes including letters and numbers. The pivotally manipulable toy may be used in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for children. Further, a manual which correlates each of the shapes with the number of unobstructed counting apertures that are visible when each shape is formed correctly may be provided together with the pivotally manipulable toy.

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: 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 an 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 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: 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 an 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: The invention Alphabitz/ABC Sticks is an educational toy to be used in teaching the proper formation of the letters of the alphabet. Alphabitz/ABC Sticks consists of twenty pieces/sticks cut into, curves, half circles, straits, straits with angled ends and a corner piece. By using the pieces in conjunction with one another a person is able to form every letter of the alphabet in upper and lower case form.

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: This invention is an integrated alphabetic language teaching system that facilitates teaching multiple levels of the arts of writing and reading to individuals aged one year and older. This invention reverses traditional methods of written language development by enabling writing prior and preliminary to reading. This invention initially teaches a set of orthographic graphemic segmental strokes by drawing geometric constructs called instructional entities composed entirely of the same orthographic graphemic segmental strokes that will subsequently be individually taught and practiced, thereby providing a student with a fundamental enabling skill with which the entire sets of 26 majuscule, 26 miniscule, 10 numerals, 14 punctuation marks and the entire lexicon of the English and other alphabetic languages may be constructed.

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: 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: A lettering and numbering kit including a plurality of a plurality of character segments is provided. The plurality of character segments have two different lengths and are shaped so as to form any number from 0-9 or any letter of the alphabet when so arranged in combination.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alphabetic character input device which includes a key input section composed of a first key group having input keys mapped with first half patterns of certain alphabetic characters which are divided into a pair of half patterns and a second key group having input keys mapped with second half patterns of said certain alphabetic characters, the other undivided alphabetic characters being mapped on the input keys of either the first key group or the second key group; a memory for storing a table that maps the input keys of the first and second key groups with the first and second half patterns of said certain alphabetic characters and said other alphabetic characters; and a control section that recognizes a key mapped with the alphabetic character is pressed and combines a first half pattern with a second half pattern when keys mapped with first second half patterns are pressed in sequence, thereby recognizing the combined patterns as a single alphabetic character.

Abstract: A pre-writing teaching aid assists beginning writers in creating letters and pre-writing strokes. The teaching aid includes a magnetic-responsive drawing tablet including a housing, a writing surface and structure for displaying an image responsive to magnetic contact on the writing surface. Structure for erasing the image is provided enabling the writing surface to be used over and over. The teaching aid also includes at least four magnetic stamps that are appropriately sized relative to the writing surface and are shaped as big line, little line, big curve and little curve. All of the capital letters in the English alphabet can be formed using these four simple shapes. The resulting assembly provides a fun and effective learning activity.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an electronic writing device for interactive teaching of users to reproduce a selected graphical representation. The electronic writing device comprises a casing, a screen and internal logic placed within the casing. The internal logic controls adjustment of a light beam directed at a bottom surface of the screen to temporarily illuminate one or more light segments, visible on a top surface of the screen, in efforts to guide a user in writing the graphical representation.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching a child a sequence of letters, numbers, colors or other sequences. The toy would be provided with a plurality of segmented body portions, each of the body portions associated with a single indicia. A switch is provided on each of the segmented body portions. When this switch is depressed, an audio output associated with the indicia would be produced. After the child has memorized a series of indicia to produce a learned sequence, a switch associated with a segmented body portion having demarcation indicia would be depressed, allowing the entire sequence to be vocalized in order.

Abstract: A reading device for teaching or learning reading is composed of: (A) a two-layer structure containing a first layer, an opposite second layer, viewing slots formed in corresponding portions of the first and second layers, and a hollow pocket defined between the first and second layers; wherein: the first layer has printed on a front face thereof a letter/image chart, and the second layer has printed on a back face thereof a numerical listing of the names of the objects represented by the images on the letter/image chart; and (B) a flat card having a front face which is blank and a back face which preferably has printed thereon one or more sample words or sentences. The flat card is disposed for insertion into the hollow pocket defined between the first and second layers.

Abstract: The present invention is an educational word game and method of playing same that may be provided in single or bi-lingual versions and that challenges players to form as many new words from a set of at least two base words as possible within a limited amount of time. The word game requires that the players define a set of rules for each game prior to play and by the random selection of round prize amounts and the letter length of the at least two base words, and thus the number and type of letters players may use to form new words. Base word letter length and prize amounts are determined by spinning a pointer on the board. Players fill in a game rules sheet. By requiring that two or more base words be used, the number, length, and sophistication of words a player may potentially make is greatly expanded.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching a child a sequence of letters, numbers, colors or other sequences. The toy would be provided with a plurality of segmented body portions, each of the body portions associated with a single indicia. A switch is provided on each of the segmented body portions. When this switch is depressed, an audio output associated with the indicia would be produced. After the child has memorized a series of indicia to produce a learned sequence, a switch associated with a segmented body portion having demarcation indicia would be depressed, allowing the entire sequence to be vocalized in order.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching a child a sequence of letters, numbers, colors or other sequences. The toy would be provided with a plurality of segmented body portions, each of the body portions associated with a single indicia. A switch is provided on each of the segmented body portions. When this switch is depressed, an audio output associated with the indicia would be produced. After the child has memorized a series of indicia to produce a learned sequence, a switch associated with a segmented body portion having demarcation indicia would be depressed, allowing the entire sequence to be vocalized in order.

Abstract: A foldable toy which can be selectively arranged into a plurality of desired shapes is disclosed as well as an associated game. The foldable toy includes a plurality of primary links, a plurality of joints connecting the primary links together, and a plurality of secondary links having first ends secured to the joints and having opposite free ends. The joints permit the primary and secondary links to be rotated about the joints through 360.degree. in parallel planes in order to form different desired shapes. The foldable toy can advantageously form a virtually unlimited number of different shapes including, for example, each of the letters A through Z of the English-language alphabet, each of the numerals 0-9, and a plurality of common geometric shapes such as a square, triangle, rectangle, star, diamond, and octagon. The foldable toy can also be formed into other amusing shapes such as animals, rocket ships, buildings, etc. and numerous other shapes that a child can imagine.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching a child a sequence of letters, numbers, colors or other sequences. The toy would be provided with a plurality of segmented body portions, each of the body portions associated with a single indicia. A switch is provided on each of the segmented body portions. When this switch is depressed, an audio output associated with the indicia would be produced. After the child has memorized a series of indicia to produce a learned sequence, a switch associated with a segmented body portion having demarcation indicia would be depressed, allowing the entire sequence to be vocalized in order.

Abstract: A bean bag alphanumeric figure is provided comprised of a first fabric side and a second fabric side having indicia of a face on the exterior of the first fabric side. The first fabric side and the second fabric side are held together in attachment so as to form a pocket by stitching along the periphery of the fabric sides so as to expose the exterior of the first fabric side to the exterior of the pocket. The pocket formed from first fabric side and the second fabric side is stitched closed leaving an opening which would allow the filling of the pocket formed from the two sides with a bean or pellet like material. The two sides of the fabric left unattached would then be brought into engagement and attached by stitching the sides closed. A Velcro.TM. like material or snaps would be provided on both sides of the feet and hands of the alphanumeric figures so that they may be brought into removable engagement with each other removably secured hand to hand, foot to foot, or foot to hand.

Abstract: An educational kit for instilling in children a positive self-image at an early age. The kit (known as "ALPHA BLOCKS") teaches young children the complete alphabet and numeral system in a way that is fun, captivating, hands-on and helps them acquire understanding of divergent shapes and colors. The kit includes alphanumeric symbols ranging from the letters of the alphabet to numerals 0 to 9. The symbols are separable into dual sections via a dovetail and groove connection. The dovetail and groove connection ensures a strong and study attachment that permits easy separation of the symbols by the children. Each symbol has a unique color that helps distinguish it from the other symbols. This assists the children in assembling the symbols and also helps them develop the ability to distinguish colors. Included also in the kit is a receptacle useful in storing the complete set of alphanumeric symbols and displays each individual symbol (with its appropriate color) in both an attached and detached arrangement.

Abstract: An assembly is provided having at least two sets of pieces representing characters of a known set. The pieces may be connected to form an assembled puzzle of the pieces wherein the completed assembled puzzle arranges the puzzle pieces in a known order for a known set. Preferably, the pieces are letters of an alphabet wherein one portion of the puzzle pieces are lower case letters of the alphabet and another set of the puzzle pieces are upper case letters, of the alphabet. The lower case letters fit into the upper case letters to complete the upper case letters, and the upper case letters fit into another conventional puzzle piece which, following assembly of the conventional pieces, place the known set of characters in the known order.

Abstract: A method of, and a fount for, representing Arabic characters, C in number, of an alphabet numbering L letters (where C>L) by way of display characters generated from display components in which M (where M<L) of the display characters are represented per se; and the remaining N characters (where N=C-M) are unrepresented; the M display characters being a part of a display fount which is adapted for transformation to generate the N remaining display characters.

Abstract: A patterned indicia forming system (10) is provided which includes the combination of a flexible carrier layer (18) and a flexible backing layer (28). A plurality of sets of indicia elements (20) are sandwiched between the carrier layer (18) and the backing layer (28). Each set (20) of indicia elements is formed of individual indicia elements (22) which may be removed from a selective set (20) to form a patterned indicia element (16) which may be mounted on a base surface (14). Through use of the patterned indicia forming system (10), a user may inexpensively and simply provide an aesthetically pleasing and professional looking set of sign indicia (16) mounted on a base surface (14).

Abstract: An educational apparatus for teaching symbols, such as letters, words and numbers which includes a number of cards, each of which features a drawing and/or a word or other assembly of symbols, and a number of symbol blocks, such as letter blocks, each of which features a hollowed-out region representing a single letter, and a frame for holding one of the cards and several of letter blocks. The user can select a card, place the card on the frame, and proceed to select and place onto the frame the appropriate letter blocks to form the word represented on the card. If a sheet of paper is place below the frame, the user can proceed to stencil in the word. Furthermore, the user can fill in the letters with soft non-adhering pliable plastic putty, such as play dough or silly putty and the like, and/or to fill in the hollow letters with specially designed letter segments.

Abstract: A board game has an adherent playing surface for players to competitively develop words from individual alphabetical letters formed by placing removable strips on ordered matrix patterns incorporated onto the surface of the board. A die having opposite surfaces embossed with duplicate numbers of dots producing random totals of 1, 2, and 3 when thrown generate numerical information effecting player-agreed use options for disposition of the strips relative to the matrix patterns and for advancing the game to a win conclusion. The word game according to the invention is primarily a board game, but would be suitable as a computer game programmed on a disc or cartridge useful with computer graphics.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching construction and recognition of predetermined individual forms, comprising a plurality of elemental components having shapes and sizes to constitute component parts of predetermined forms, especially letters of the alphabet. A minimum number of distinctively shaped parts can be selectively arranged to make a large number of predetermined forms. Each distinctively shaped part is also distinctively colored to facilitate selection. Illustrations are provided of the several letters or other forms, using the color coding of the elemental components, preferably in the form of individual cards. A dot code is also printed in association with each illustration, to facilitate a determination of the number of parts of each color necessary to make the illustrated form.

Abstract: A system for composing alphanumeric characters and/or decorative designs from modules containing line segments. The line segments within each module are to be provided with means to make each line segment differentially visible, for example light-emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, etc. The arrangement of line segments within the modules is the means whereby a variety of typefaces previously unobtainable in illuminated lettering or signage is now made available through the use of the present invention. Two module types, each with a different arrangement of line segments within, are herein specified.

Abstract: A system of composing alphanumeric characters and/or decorative designs from modules containing line segments. There are eight different module types (I-VIII), each different module type containing a differently shaped or positioned line segment. Most characters are formed by placing six modules in an array of three high by two wide; those of the module types which are needed to create the desired character are used in the array. Some character require an array only three modules high, while others require an array of three modules high by three modules wide. This embodiment has application in the fields of signage, tiling, games, and educational toys.In another embodiment a system for composing alphanumeric characters and/or decorative designs from compound modules is provided.

Abstract: This disclosure is a game played with colored chips, which when played on a game board or flat surface, one chip at a time, create for each consecutive of two or more players, with his specific color chips, patterns of number, letters, or geometric designs, depending on the selection of which pattern type, as the game objective at start of game. Values are established for each pattern which determine the winner as the one who has constructed the most patterns and or their accumulated number of values. The game chips are preferably flat pieces of rigid or semirigid material, having multiple edges, such as squares, hexagons, octagons, etc. Each consecutive play by each player constructs "legs", that is, a group of same color chips in a row, of two or more, the combinations of these rows used to construct the specific pattern selected by the player.

Abstract: Blocks of three different shapes can be detachably secured to a supporting surface such as a board and can form numbers from 0 to 9 inclusive in digital format.

Abstract: Digits of a multi digit alphanumeric display have eight segments, viz a conventional seven segment arrangement plus an eighth. The attitude/position of the eighth segment differs from digit to digit, the pattern of variation being selected so that a limited repertoire of words and phrases can be displayed without the provision of full alphanumeric capability on all digits.

Abstract: A play device or game in the form of circular top and bottom members having a group of individual transparent disks between the members, the top member having a cutout or window through which a section of all disks can be seen. The disks carry a group or pattern of opaque spots on their surfaces so arranged that the disks can be positioned to provide alignments of groups of spots on individual disks observable through the window so that the spots collectively define the outline of a letter, geometric figure, or other design. Methodology is provided by way of use of rectangular grids, each having spots arranged to represent a component of a letter or figure. The grids are identified by a number, and then tabulated to indicate the grid components that make up each letter or figure and are then used for positioning the opaque spots in the disks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combined educational puzzle and amusement device comprising a set of nine toy blocks that have various indicia imprinted on the sides of the individual blocks, in such a manner that the rotation and displacement of the individual blocks in a given pattern can produce all of the letters in the alphabet; the letters being formed on the combined top surface of the toy blocks, when the blocks are arranged in a grid, of three rows down, and three rows across.

Abstract: The invention relates to spectacular, promotional signs suitable for windows, walls and stretched supports, and comprises flexibly connecting a multiplicity of component parts to form giant, self-contained letters, numbers and other characters that are easily folded to compact size without creasing the parts, and are easily separated to accommodate window dividers during installation. In preferred form, the parts are arranged by color to form giant characters that appear to be three dimensional, said parts being made from paper and connected by tape to provide temporary signs that are economical.

Abstract: An educational and amusement device includes elements in the form of an alphabet and/or the digits of a numbering system. Each character element is similarly divided by a plurality of essentially similar parallel lines, which may consist of a first set of parallel lines alone or first and second sets, with the second set of parallel lines oriented to extend in an opposite and perpendicular direction from such first set of lines. Each element includes at least three parts but less than ten, and preferably is four or five parts for sufficient complexity to maintain interest of a child or other person having a learning disability but of a sufficient simplicity to prevent frustration. Each element may be formed with the parts releasably interconnected with each other as by water soluble adhesive. Each element can be made progressively more complex.

Abstract: A game to teach children alphanumeric symbols uses a game board having a main course. Positions on such main course bear indicia entitling a player to obtain a playing piece called a symbol component piece. Various shapes of symbol component pieces are provided and can be combined in multiple fashions to form alphanumeric symbols. A reference board prescribes, by a physical lay-out to educate young children, the specific manners in which the several symbols may be formed. The use of colors and a color chart assists young children in learning to identify colors.