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: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database. The system comprises a memory having a list of telephone numbers associated with destinations implementing IVR. The destinations are grouped based on multiple categories of IVR. Moreover, the memory comprises instructions for automatically communicating with multiple IVR and instructions for downloading customization record from said multiple IVR. The system further comprises a processor that executes instructions stored in the memory.

Abstract: The present invention is a speech synthesizer that generates speech data of text including a fixed part and a variable part, in combination with recorded speech and rule-based synthetic speech. The speech synthesizer is a high-quality one in which recorded speech and synthetic speech are concatenated with the discontinuity of timbres and prosodies not perceived.

Abstract: A phonetic suggestion engine for providing word or phrase suggestions for an input letter string initially converts an input letter string into one or more query phoneme sequences. The conversion is performed via at least one standardized letter-to-sound (LTS) database. The phonetic suggestion engine further obtains a plurality of candidate phoneme sequences that are phonetically similar to the at query phoneme sequences from a pool of potential phoneme sequences. The phonetic suggestion engine then prunes the plurality of candidate phoneme sequences to generate scored phoneme sequences. The phonetic suggestion engine subsequently generates a plurality of ranked word or phrase suggestions based on the scored phoneme sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reviewing and learning word contents of an audio file using a playback apparatus. The apparatus comprises of an audio playing means for playing the digital formatted audio file, an interrupt means for a user interrupt, and a processing means for implementing the methods of the present invention. The methods and apparatus, according to the present invention, allow the user to review and learn a word in the playback of the recorded audio file.

Abstract: A computer-assisted system including a memory storing samples of a user's past writing including mistakes and corrections thereof and a writing learning processor employing the samples of the user's past writing including mistakes and correactions thereof for providing lessons, exercises, games and tests to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating reading recommendation are disclosed. In one example embodiment a reading material is sent as e-content to a reading device. An evaluation process is executed to evaluate a reader's reading ability based on the reading material. The evaluation process may take as first input data collected from the reading device. A recommendation process is executed to identify a reading recommendation for the reader based on the reader's reading ability and the reading recommendation is provided to the reader.

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: 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: A method of educating a learner, comprising the steps of displaying a first level text (15) to the learner and then displaying a second level text (25) to the learner comprising the same words as the first level text (15) and wherein two or more words of the second level text (25) are concatenated to form at least one word group to prompt the learner to read the concatenated words in quick succession improving the learner's reading fluency.

Abstract: A teaching material auto expanding method for expending an input teaching material data having at least one sentence unit into a database in a learning material expanding system is disclosed. The database has multiple subjects and structure information corresponding thereto, each subject having a corresponding subject category and each subject category having at least one corresponding sentence unit. First, subject similarity values corresponding to each subject in the database for each of the sentence units in the input teaching material data are separately calculated wherein each subject similarity value comprises a content similarity value and a structure similarity value. A confidence measurement operation is then performed to obtain confidence measurement values of each of the subjects by using the subject similarity value for each sentence unit. Thereafter, an expanding manner for each sentence unit is determined based on the obtained confidence measurement value corresponding thereto.

Abstract: An interactive system for improving conversational listening and speaking skills in a target language through interaction between personal communications devices (for example, mobile telephones using cellular or other wireless networks, telephones using PSTN lines, VOIP-enabled communications devices, smart phones, voice-enabled PDAs) and an automated system that provides oral/aural instruction and practice in vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar/syntax, engages the learner in simulated conversations, and provides personalized feedback and suggestions for further practice based on an analysis of the type and frequency of specific pronunciation and grammatical/syntactical errors.

Abstract: A teaching machine generates a list of likely completions of an incomplete typed word, based upon previous keyboard input. This may include not only the incompletely typed word, but a number of completely typed, preceding words, in order have the word completion based upon context. The incompletely typed word is then subjected to a phonetic transcription, or other tests based upon knowledge by the system of the user, to further narrow the prediction list.

Abstract: A student using a teaching system, for example, to learn a language, selects a concept, for example a word or phrase, which he does not recall. On a display, he is immediately presented with an array of images or graphics related to the selected concept. For example, the graphics or images may be from previous lessons which involve the concept. If the student then selects one of the images or graphics he is presented with a list of all the concepts, for example, words and phrases, associated with that image or graphic. The student is thereby able to recollect the selected concept in the context of all of his previous experiences with it. If that does not restore the selected concept to his recollection, he is able to select additional images and graphics, in each case being presented with an additional list of related concepts, making it likely that the originally selected concept will be recalled.

Abstract: Audio recordings and programs are saved as audio files on a digital storage unit in a language learning system comprising student units connected to the digital storage unit. The digital storage unit is provided with a audio interface controller (201) having a dedicated input/output RAM buffer (B1-B63) for each student station. Each RAM buffer has an associated file which is either a fixed file or can be defined for each case. When the audio interface controller (201) receives a record command relating to a specific buffer, the controller (201) opens an audio file associated with the specific buffer, buffers the audio data received from a student station or another source in the buffer, and transfers the contents of the specified buffer to the opened associated audio file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of teaching a foreign language by applying emotional intelligence tools. The method comprises the following steps: selecting a subject, selecting one or more elements of the language to be learned as linguistic objectives, selecting one or more emotional intelligence objectives to be reached through the subject, and using the elements of the language to be learned by carrying out educational activity which includes identifying a positive gate, classifying words and phrases representing different attitudes, emotions, moods and approaches, and conducting one or more exercises for enhancing the selected emotional intelligence objectives, whereby attainment and assimilation of the foreign language objectives and emotional intelligence objectives are simultaneously and mutually facilitated.

Abstract: A language teaching system of orientation phonetic symbols includes a pronunciation teaching module containing a word bank unit and an identification-conversion unit. The word bank unit includes large Chinese vocabulary, English single word data, and Chinese and English phonetic symbol word data. The arrangement of each English letter marked to English orientation phonetic symbol word is the same as a specified English single word, and the arrangement of each English letter marked to Chinese orientation phonetic symbol word is the same as the Chinese phonetic symbols of a specified Chinese character. A specified letter of the English phonetic symbol word is marked with a pronunciation auxiliary mark at its periphery to represent its sound. The identification-conversion unit collates the Chinese orientation phonetic symbol word and displays it on a screen.

Abstract: A telephony trainer and exerciser allows a user of the telephony system to practice and train using the telephony system and its various features. The telephony trainer and exerciser system provides at least one automated responder, and more preferably, a plurality of automated responders that can be called by the user, thereby allowing the user to practice different operating features of the telephony system. Using a recognizer agent, the automated responders are able to distinguish between commands given by the user and similar statements given by another automated responder. The trainer and exerciser system optionally includes a correlator agent to provide an audio and/or written transcript of the practice session. A coaching feature is also optionally provided to assist a user in operating the trainer and exerciser and/or the telephony system.

Abstract: Methods and devices for stimulating the development of phonetic categories by an infant. The device includes a memory element operative to store auditory pieces comprising isolated phonemes in a voice similar to the voice of the infant's parent. The method includes the steps of recording the infant's parent pronouncing isolated phonemes, and playing to the infant auditory pieces comprising isolated phonemes based on the recordings of the infant's parent.

Abstract: The method facilitating language learning utilizes a DVD authoring tool to arrange a first stream of video clips and synchronize audio in a target language. The first stream may be comprised of dialogue-rich, live-action films or animations. A symbolic marker is placed in a subtitle track associated with the first stream. The marker symbolizes upcoming complex word usage, grammar patterns, idiomatic expressions, and colloquialisms in the first stream, and is linked to a second stream of video clips, the second stream of video clips including synchronized audio of an instructional nature regarding the target language of the first stream of video clips. During DVD play, user selection of the symbolic marker pauses the first stream and plays the second stream, the first stream resuming upon termination of the second stream. A digital book is included with each DVD including the translated script, vocabulary list, lesson summaries, and exercises.

Abstract: An adjustable hierarchical scoring method is disclosed. A hierarchical scoring structure for speech-sound data is generated. Historical data of speech-sound scoring for the speech-sound data is retrieved from a speech-sound practice database while a professional scoring result for the hierarchical scoring structure of the speech-sound data is being collected. A weight-adjusting operation is performed according to the historical data of speech-sound scoring and the professional scoring result to calculate optimum adjusting weights for each layer of the hierarchical scoring structure. Retrieved speech-sound data of a student is scored using a speech-sound scoring system and a weighted average operation is performed to the score of the speech-sound data of the student according to a corresponding adjusting weight, thereby generating the final score of the speech-sound data of the student.

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 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: A system for decoding foreign accents includes a visual display monitor, an audio display device, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to, and configured for communication with, the visual display monitor and the audio display device. The processor is further configured to exert a measure of control over the visual display monitor and the audio display device to display aural and visual content. The processor is still further configured to train a user of the system to understand the nature of a mispronunciation of a native language word by a foreign language speaker, and to comprehend a response thereto. The processor is yet still further configured to validate the user's understanding and comprehension by allowing the user to determine whether his response to a mispronunciation was accurately performed following an aural display of the mispronunciation through the audio display device.

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: A speech transformation apparatus comprises a microphone 21 for detecting speech and generating a speech signal; a signal processor 22 for performing a speech recognition process using the speech signal; a speech information generator for transforming the recognition result responsive to the physical state of the user, the operating conditions, and/or the purpose for using the apparatus; and a display unit 26 and loudspeaker 25 for generating a control signal for outputting a raw recognition result and/or a transformed recognition result. In a speech transformation apparatus thus constituted, speech enunciated by a spoken-language-impaired individual can be transformed and presented to the user, and sounds from outside sources can also be transformed and presented to the user.

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: A method for assisting a user in learning a target language is provided. A set of first terms is displayed. The set of first terms enables the user to begin a sentence. A selection of a first term of the set of first terms is received. A first set of child terms is retrieved from a repository based on the selection of the first term and is displayed to the user. The first set of child terms may combine with the first term based on grammatical rules of the target language. A second set of child terms is displayed subsequent to the first set of child terms based on receiving a selection of a first child term and/or completion of the sentence. Selections of the first term, the first child term and subsequent child terms are received from the user to form the sentence.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic public library system for providing reading together of an electronic children literature item at two remote computers, which comprises: (a) an adult computer and a child computer that are located remote one from the other, and are connected to the Internet; (b) two mouse pointing devices, one at each of said computers; (c) a camera and microphone at each of said computers for producing an adult live video channel and child live video channel from each of said adult and child computers respectively; and (d) a library server which comprises: (i) storage for storing a collection of children literature items for selection; (ii) a user interface for enabling access, and selection of an item from a first of said adult or child computers; (iii) item processing unit for (I) establishing communication with said two computers; (II) receiving the adult and child video channels from said adult and child computers respectively; (III) activating the selected children literature item;

Abstract: Educational systems and methods for learning how to spell are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: a working surface including a representation of a hand having five fingers; five sets of vowels “a”, “e”, “i”, “o” and “u” depicted at the working surface, each of the sets being associated with a corresponding one of the fingers; and five spelling locations depicted at the working surface, each of the locations being associated with a corresponding one of the fingers.

Abstract: A software system which automates the process of creating electronic screen based product, such as e-learning tutorials and electronic presentations, by analysing source content documents, generating screens and dynamically inserting relevant graphics onto resulting screens. There is no necessity for the user to tag on the source document where a screen should begin or end. The system can also automatically create interactive activities that the tutorial student can complete and be assessed by. The system represents a four step procedure from the point of view of the user. Firstly the user has the option of setting preferences, box (34). Secondly, the user nominates the source document(s) they wish to be converted, box (36). Thirdly, once the system has generated the screens, box (38) through to box (60), the user can edit the resulting screens, box (62). Finally, the user requests the system to publish the screens, box (62), to a nominated industry standard format, box (66).

Abstract: Speech analysis system with a system for undisturbed speech generation of a person and to a method for analysing a speech generation of a person. The speech analysis system allows for an undisturbed speech generation by the person. The system first writes out the test sentence, clears it and shows afterwards a sequence of visual clues to the person in order to remind him of the correct wording. The person is reminded of the sentence and repeats it exactly but without any influence through letters. The method provides visual clues that remind the person of the exact sentence, without influencing his pronunciation.

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: Methods, Systems, And Computer Program Products For Speech Assessment are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a speech assessment method can be provided and include prompting a speaker to pronounce one or more words. The one or more words pronounced by the speaker can be recorded to generate one or more recorded pronunciations. The one or more recorded pronunciations can be presented to a listener. A listener can be prompted to enter a phonetic or orthographic representation of the one or more recorded pronunciations in response to presentation of the one or more recorded pronunciations. Further, the phonetic or orthographic representation entered can be automatically compared with a correct spelling of the one or more words.

Abstract: A method encodes a word or words. A sequential input string of symbols representing a word or a plurality of words is parsed into segments. A graph is constructed having spatial levels, each level including nodes. The segments of the input string are mapped to the nodes according to the levels and attributes are assigned to the nodes according to the segments, where an entropy of the word or plurality of words is a constant times an entropy of the graph and of the nodal attributes.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods and computer program code for facilitating learning of spoken languages. We describe a computing system to facilitate learning of a spoken language, the system comprising: a user interface to prompt a user of the system to produce a spoken language goal and to capture audio data comprising speech captured from said user in response; a speech analysis system to analyse said captured audio data to determine acoustic or linguistic pattern features of said captured audio data; a pattern matching system to match one or more subsets of said pattern features to a database of pattern features and to determine feedback data responsive to said match; and a feedback system to provide feedback to said user using said feedback data to facilitate said user to achieve said spoken language goal.

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 automatically generating personalized text for teaching a student to learn to read. Based upon inputs of the students reading ability/level, either from a self assessment or teacher input and input of personal data, the system automatically searches selected libraries and chooses appropriate text and modifies the text for vocabulary and topics of character identification of personal interest to the student. An optional function of previewing by one of the student's teacher, parent or advocate is included. The system generates a local repository of generated text associated with a particular student.

Abstract: Methods and computer programs for recording infant-directed speech, including: guiding a parent as to which sound to record; showing the parent an image of her infant, or asking the parent to look at an image of her infant, in order to encourage the parent to speak in an infant-directed manner; and recording the parent.

Abstract: Methods and devices operative to play auditory pieces to an infant for stimulating the development of phonetic categories. Optionally, the device determines the auditory pieces to be played to the infant according to the age of the infant. The auditory pieces including isolated phonemes in the infant's parent's voice.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for detecting autism in a natural language environment using a microphone, sound recorder, and a computer programmed with software for the specialized purpose of processing recordings captured by the microphone and sound recorder combination, the computer programmed to execute the method, includes segmenting an audio signal captured by the microphone and sound recorder combination using the computer programmed for the specialized purpose into a plurality recording segments. The method further includes determining which of the plurality of recording segments correspond to a key child. The method further includes determining which of the plurality of recording segments that correspond to the key child are classified as key child recordings.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for automatically assessing text difficulty. Text reading difficulty predictions are expressed on a scale that is aligned with published reading standards. Two distinct difficulty models are provided for informational and literary texts. A principal components analysis implemented on a large collection of texts is used to develop independent variables accounting for strong intercorrelations exhibited by many important linguistic features. Multiple dimensions of text variation are addressed, including new dimensions beyond syntactic complexity and semantic difficulty. Feedback about text difficulty is provided in a hierarchically structured format designed to support successful text adaptation efforts.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the system and method for expressive language development; a method for detecting autism in a natural language environment using a microphone, sound recorder, and a computer programmed with software for the specialized purpose of processing recordings captured by the microphone and sound recorder combination; and the computer programmed to execute a method that includes segmenting an audio signal captured by the microphone and sound recorder combination using the computer programmed for the specialized purpose into a plurality recording segments. The method further includes determining which of the plurality of recording segments correspond to a key child. The method also includes extracting acoustic parameters of the key child recordings and comparing the acoustic parameters of the key child recordings to known acoustic parameters for children. The method returns a determination of a likelihood of autism.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and a method for language training and general entertainment and role-playing. It employs a computer that can play back audio or audio-visual program material, using special software to selectively direct the audio of this playback through the computer'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: 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: In a state where an explanatory information display screen corresponding to a desired entry word is displayed on a touch panel display unit, the front area and reverse area of a rote card to be created on the screen are displayed. In this state, the user selects the areas sequentially with a cursor and inputs on a handwriting input unit an entry word and explanatory information corresponding to the entry word in handwritten characters. The handwritten entry word and explanatory information are displayed in the front area and reverse area and registered in a RAM as a single rote card. A plurality of registered rote card data items are displayed in list form. A desired rote card is selected and the display is suitably switched between the front data (entry word) and reverse data (explanatory information) of the rote card.

Abstract: A system and method for developing reading skills, the system comprising a processor and a reader interface in communication with one another. The processor is structured to run at least one computer program for facilitating interactive multimedia learning relating to the development of reading skills. The reader interface is structured to present multimedia content including a text-based passage to a reader, and to receive input from the reader. The reader interface is further structured to display animated text, and to permit placement of the animated text in a location that facilitates viewing thereof. The reader interface also comprises audio and graphic aids which correspond to the text-based passage. Additionally, the processor is structured to measure and track at least one reading performance indicator.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for language instruction is provided. In an embodiment, a method of language instruction is provided which comprises presenting a first description of an event responsive to a first perspective and presenting a second description of the event responsive to a second perspective, wherein the first description of the event and the second description of the event are in a common language. The first and second descriptions of the event can be provided in a variety of formats, such as in audio format or as text.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interactive educational apparatus, ideally suitable for children. A set of symbol pieces, preferably in the form of letter blocks are provided. An interface board is provided for accommodating one or more selected symbol pieces and a sensor on said interface board generates a signal identifying each symbol piece when placed on said interface board. Media files are stored on a storage medium and each media file has an associated tag. A processor is programmed to match a search key represented by one or more selected symbol pieces with said tags. A display device displays one or more media files having identifier tags matching said search key represented by said selected symbol pieces. These identifier tags provide a means to match up the media files with each search key generated by placement of the symbol pieces on the interface board.