Abstract: An improved screen cover that is configured for tactile learning and a method of utilizing the screen cover for tactile learning. The screen cover is sized and configured to be utilized over the useable area on the upper surface of a tablet, smart phone, computer screen or other touch screen device that displays information which the person using the screen cover and touch screen device can better learn by tactile learning procedures. The screen cover comprises a transparent sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of textured elements thereon that extend above the top surface. The textured elements can be in a non-Braille pattern. The bottom surface removably attaches to the touch screen device. The person traces his or her finger along the textured elements over the displayed information to utilize the sense of touch to help the person learn and retain the displayed information.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding learning by a person comprises a cover or shield (1) for concealing from the person a part of the person's body, and a webcam (6) and a screen (10) for visually displaying to the person, during concealment of the concealed body part, images of a part of the person's body not in direct view of the person. The apparatus may be used in the learning of a skill, such as hand-writing. In another embodiment, the shield is a collar worn to conceal part of the wearer's body, and the webcam and screen display the concealed body part in real time to the wearer. This apparatus can be used in many applications, such as to learn sports activities or to correct body image, posture or movement.

Abstract: An instruction is presented to a user for making a target gesture. The target gesture may be a portion of an exemplary or model symbol. The instruction may be presented in various ways, such as being printed on a writing surface or being played in audio format through a speaker of a smart pen device. A writing gesture made on a writing surface by the user is digitally captured using a smart pen device. The captured writing gesture is compared to the target gesture and feedback is determined based on this comparison. This feedback may indicate the correctness of the user's writing gesture. The feedback may be presented to the user through various means, including through the smart pen device. The comparison may also be used to determine a next instruction for the user to follow.

Abstract: A writing or display system including a case having an opening configured to receive an insert therein. The insert includes a plurality of pages bound together by a binding device, and the case includes a generally clear, transparent or translucent panel configured such that an outer-most page of the insert is viewable therethrough when the insert is received in the opening. The case further includes a coupling device configured to selectively engage the binding device or an outer surface of the pages to retain the insert in the case.

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 electronic device (10, 100) is disclosed. The device (10, 100) has a sequence of language symbols (18) and control electronics (16) operatively coupled to a graphic user interface (14) and a language-symbol selector (20, 20?) having a sight (22, 22?). The sequence of language symbols (18) and the language-symbol selector (20, 20?) are movable in relation to one another such that each language symbols of the sequence is viewable in the sight (22, 22?). The control electronics (16) has an electronic memory (30) having stored therein a plurality of traceable templates (32) representing each language-symbol of the sequence (18). Selection of a language symbol when the language symbol is viewable in the sight (22, 22?) causes the graphic user interface (14) to produce the traceable template (32) corresponding to the language symbol and to produce a visible rendering (34) of a movement of an affector (36) as the affector (36) races the traceable template (32).

Abstract: A combination teaching and learning kit is provided. Such combination teaching and learning kit includes a chart member for at least one of free standing and attachment to a wall, a table, and an item of furniture. A plurality of card members having predetermined indicia disposed on at least first predetermined side thereof and a securing mechanism disposed on at least an opposite second predetermined side thereof for releasably attaching the card members to such chart member.

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: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: A method of teaching writing and the alphabet using an electronic teaching device like a laptop computer having a touch screen for displaying a selected letter, a video screen for displaying an exemplary object with a name using the letter, and a speaker for delivering selected audio messages in connection with the displays on the touch screen and the video screen, wherein the selected letter is displayed and identified, the sequential strokes in creating the letter are shown in broken lines with directional indicators on the touch screen and traced by the user, the completed strokes are shown in solid lines, a representative object is displayed, and audio instructions are given for the object with the pronunciation of the letter and the name of the object.

Abstract: A digitizing tablet (190) for use in handwriting analysis is described. The tablet includes a digitizing layer (1920) translating pressure from a stylus (1930) into digital information, a display layer (1910) for providing visible output that corresponds to a student's use of the stylus (1930) on the tablet, and an overlay layer (1900) for protecting the display layer (1910) and providing an electro-mechanical mechanism for erasing the displayed contents.

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: A system and method for printing characters that is developmentally appropriate for children are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention introduces children to character shapes using the familiar shape of a snowman and through calisthenics that involve gross motor skills. When the children have become familiar with the shapes of the characters and the movements necessary to form the shapes, the method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention teaches the children to use similar movements on a smaller scale to form the characters on writing paper.

Abstract: A system and method for printing characters that is developmentally appropriate for children are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention introduces children to character shapes using the familiar shape of a snowman and through calisthenics that involve gross motor skills. When the children have become familiar with the shapes of the characters and the movements necessary to form the shapes, the method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention teaches the children to use similar movements on a smaller scale to form the characters on writing paper.

Abstract: A carrier for writing symbols, such as numerals and the like, comprising a base, and a plurality of designated areas each formed by a plurality of individual elements, each of the areas being marked by indicating of corresponding individual elements so as to provide identical numerals and the like regardless of handwriting of an individual.

Abstract: A drawing device for providing entertainment as well as promoting the development of children, including a plurality of drawing instruments, such as crayons, a drawing instrument detector for determining the color of the particular crayon selected for use, a pressure sensitive drawing tablet that is responsive to pressure contact from the drawing instrument, and a computer that is adapted drive an audible device, such as a speaker, to generate various audible output, including both speech and melody which, in a preferred embodiment, may vary depending upon movement from the drawing instrument. Various uniquely identified drawing sheets, which may be preprinted with a wide variety of scenes, are included to directly insert into the device and overlay the drawing tablet. In connection with these drawing sheets, the computer may be adapted to further vary the audible output of the speaker dependent upon the identity of the particular drawing sheet that is inserted.

Abstract: A letter of a correct form is engraved in a plate member in the form of a groove having a specified depth. Either a side wall on the bottom side of the groove is arranged in the form of an inclined surface inclining towards the side facing the user at a specified angle, or both of the side walls on both a top side and the bottom side of the groove are arranged in the form of inclined surfaces inclining towards the side facing the user at a specified angle. The plate member may further have indicia indicating the correct order of writing the letter and/or the bottom surface of the groove may be provided with a resistant surface providing resistance to writing. Such arrangements enable a user to naturally and effectively master correct and beautiful letters and a correct holding angle of a writing tool.

Abstract: An educational drawing toy with sound-generating function has a resilient whiteboard, plural sets of contacts arranged in the form of a matrix underneath the resilient whiteboard, and a sound-generating circuit electrically connected to the plural sets of contacts. Under the action of pen pressures applied upon drawing a picture on the whiteboard, the plural sets of contacts are selectively and successively brought into contact with each other to actuate the sound-generating circuit so that a scale or plural melodies can be selectively played.

Abstract: Teaching apparatus is disclosed having a keyboard for selecting a character to be inscribed, an inscription panel for supporting writing material, and control apparatus for displaying the selected character under the inscription panel; each character is developed bit by bit along a writing stroke or strokes, and the rate of sequencing of the bits is regulated so as to be conveniently followed by the user in executing the inscription strokes. A supply roll of inscription material is provided at the right of the inscription panel so that a sequence of upright characters may be inscribed by drawing a previously inscribed character to the left and drawing a fresh area of writing material over the inscription panel.

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 learning device for aiding a person in forming alphanumeric combinations comprises a base having a top and a bottom. A template has an insert receiving aperture formed therein. The template is removably attached to the base, and a stencil insert having a figure formed therein is removably receivable within the insert receiving aperture. Also disclosed is a method for using the present learning device.

Abstract: The present invention deals with guided writing and variable displays, for signs, illustrations, etc., using: (a) guiding points at the main intersections of the lines of a common symbol representing a group of symbols, letters or figures, etc., and display means in between; (b) holding means at the said guiding points and tie lines in between; (c) grooves, raised tracks, magnetic tracks, stretched strings, etc., in between the said guiding points and fillers, coverings, markings, etc., along the lines of the symbols to be displayed; (d) colorless markings or grooves as in (c) and pen markings over the selected symbols; (e) bars, inking elements, etc.