Abstract: Provided are a method and system for providing services based on authentication of college students. According to the present invention, a verification code is transmitted to an email account that is provided by a college, a college student who inputs the same verification code is authenticated, and the authenticated college student provides the services including an essay providing service or an essay review service, based on the verified identity of the college student.

Abstract: Methods, systems and interfaces are used in the teaching, practicing, and testing of spelling skills with a computer system. An instructor is provided words, groups of words, and filters for creating word lists to administer to one or more students in a preview. Previews are administered to each of the students for generating individualized word lists that are used to administer practice exercises and practice tests. The individualized word lists can also be used to administer final tests to the students. Some interfaces are used for tracking words passed off by the students as well as words the students fail during the final testing. Graphical user interfaces are provided for instructors and students. Some of the instructor interfaces allow instructors to manage students and student groups and to administer previews, word lists, practice exercises and practice tests, final tests, and reporting.

Abstract: A language learning method is disclosed. The method includes providing a persistent environment such that when a player enters the persistent environment, an interaction between the player and the persistent environment is based on the player's level of a language skill.

Abstract: Techniques for language instruction and teaching are described. Methods focus on the sound distinctions that learners have trouble discriminating. Learners practice discriminating these sounds. A learning system is developed using databases of speech from people discriminating these sounds. An embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure can utilize sets of words that differ by only a single syllable containing a sound that is difficult to pronounce, as a way to teach the pronunciation of a word. The sets of similar words can be of a desired number or have a desired number of constituent members. Embodiments of systems can include user interfaces and a automated speech recognition system, including suitable automated speech recognition software, that can interact with a user, e.g., in a pedagogical setting. Related software products including computer-readable instructions resident in a computer-readable medium are described. HMM and DTW algorithms may be used for the embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides an educational language building game, in which the players collectively spell words. The game pieces may take different forms made of different materials, such as a pack of spelling cards. The virtual version of the game can be played over the computer and the Internet. The game can be played by people, with robots using artificial intelligence, or both. The game pieces include more than one set of the 26 letters of the English alphabet and multiple non-alphabet game-specific symbols. The goal of the game play is to spell a complete word, i.e. an original word, a modified word, an extended word, or a compound word, in a language based on the English or Roman alphabet system. The game can also apply to other languages, such as Chinese, which have adopted the English or Roman alphabet system as one of its spelling methods.

Abstract: Immersive imaging system for learning a language comprising at least a first level, this first level including: d) a first activity that introduces a user of the system to the meaning and sound of a piece of spoken language; e) a second activity that works the visual mapping of spoken language on a picture matrix; and f) a third activity that works the narrative mapping of spoken language.

Abstract: A computerized system and method of teaching spelling interfaces with an application that captures a user's misspelled words and adds them to a word database. A teacher or instructor may also add words to the word database based on a user's curriculum, cross-curriculum or words of interest. The words in the word database are utilized to automatically create an individualized spelling teaching assignment and spelling Journal for a user. The user corrects any spelling mistakes that he or she has made and performs assignments with new words including hearing the words pronounced, spelling the words and writing sentences using the words. Spelling tests are also assigned. The teacher or instructor monitors the completion of the various assignments by the students and also monitors how well the assignments are performed.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided. In at least one embodiment, the method includes receiving an indication of selection of a key from a keyboard, including at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol; and displaying a scene related to the selected at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a keyboard including a plurality of keys including polysemous symbols; and a display to display, on at least a portion thereof and in response to receiving an indication of selection of a key including at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol, a scene related to the selected at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol.

Abstract: A learning support system has an information processing apparatus, a portable information terminal and a learning management server which are connected through a network. The information processing apparatus includes a second memory unit for storing first learning information which includes result of learning, and the portable information terminal includes a fourth memory unit for storing second learning information which includes result of learning at the portable information terminal, and the learning management server includes a fifth memory unit for storing the first learning information transferred from the information processing apparatus and the second learning information transferred from the portable information terminal. The information processing apparatus or the portable information terminal carries out continuous learning after learning information of other party is acquired through the fifth memory unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for leading composition capable of being performed by the leading of an instructor with respect to the composition prepared and submitted by a learner, in which errors are extracted from the composition, so that teaching and learning composition are performed through correction, error remediation, and index study based on the errors. The method for teaching and learning composition comprises constructing a learning composition database including an index database wherein index information associated with the composition is stored, providing a learning topic to a learner with reference to the leading composition database and receiving correction information associated with the composition prepared by the learner from an instructor, extracting the index information from the index database included in the leading composition database; and providing instruction information including the correction information and the index information to the learner.

Abstract: A modularized computer-aided language learning system utilizing a unique user interface and modularized presentation modules to assist users to learn a language. The system presents a presentation module including a first description of a presentation subject and a placeholder indicating that a second description of the presentation subject is missing from the presentation module. Each of the first description of the presentation subject and the second description of the presentation subject is one of a textual type, a visual type and an audio type. Separated from the presentation module, the system presents the second description of the presentation subject, and receives a user input indicating an association of the presented second description to presentation module related to the presentation subject. Feedback is provided indicating the correctness of the association. The disclosure also describes a unique program design approach to form training programs using the presentation modules.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for automated training speech and communication, including, but not limited to, pronunciation, intonation, speech fluency, dialect, accents and non verbal social conduct. This invention deals with the following problems: How to train a user to communicate in a specific region's dialect, accent and conduct, in scenarios similar to the ones the user is expected to encounter. How to train a user in building sentences that convey his thoughts. How to train a user to correctly pronounce given sentences, in a given dialect and accent. How to increase a user's confidence in his/her ability to communicate in a taught language. The method offers a solution for training users to communicate fluently in a desired environment, in a way that is both effective and fun.

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.

Abstract: An interactive learning system has a book, electronic memory, and system electronics. The book has at least one selectable object with a tactile feature. The electronic memory has stored therein data associated with the tactile feature. The system electronics comprises a selection sensor configured to detect the selection of the at least one selectable object, an audio signal generator, and a processor operatively coupled to the electronic memory, the sensor and the audio signal generator. Selection of the tactile feature causes the audio signal generator to produce an audible signal based on the data associated with the tactile feature.

Abstract: The specification discloses a computer-based system and method for enhancing language listening comprehension. The system and method perform analyses according to the answers entered by the learner. The analysis result determines whether to increase or lower the voice-playing speed and whether to increase or decrease the problem difficulty.

Abstract: A device for communicating, preferably between two people who could not normally orally communicate, by at least one user pointing to pictograms on the device. The device can be a static medium having a plurality of icons thereon or can be part of a computer generated program having a graphic display that is either moving or stationary so that a user can select at least one icon to communicate an idea. When two or more people use the device to communicate, the device enables a dialogue to develop between the people. A first responder to an emergency situation could use the device in any country to gather information to quickly respond to the situation.

Abstract: A question-answering system that is formed with an information processing apparatus for processing information in accordance with a program, and obtains an answer to an input search question sentence by searching a knowledge source, includes: a background information set; a first answer candidate extracting unit; a first background information generating unit; an accuracy determining unit; and a first background information adding unit.

Abstract: An entertainment device that includes an output generator that produces audible outputs is disclosed. The output generator produces outputs in response to user inputs. In one embodiment, the entertainment device includes several actuators that can be activated by a user. The output generator produces different outputs in response to different user inputs.

Abstract: An interactive educational apparatus is described. The educational toy apparatus includes an indicium containing structure and a base unit capable of being vertically attached to a vertical surface such as a refrigerator door. The indicium containing structure is capable of being attached to the base unit so that the indicium containing structure and the base unit are vertically oriented.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface, at least a portion of which comprises a contact-sensitive display screen for being contacted by a child.

Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface, at least a portion of which comprises a contact-sensitive display screen for being contacted by the child.

Abstract: An electronic learning/teaching device operates with and without a printed sheet element having an arrangement of selectable content by means of a user responsive sensor array beneath a surface configured to receive the element. The sensor array is formed by cross-points of two sets of crossing conductive lines, one set being driven sequentially with a radio frequency square wave and the other set being sampled sequentially though a high impedance amplifier connection with an asynchronous detection circuit. Where more than one cross-point location is user activated, algorithms are used to identify one cross-point sensor location as the user activated selection.

Abstract: A main computer processing system accesses a text, counts the number of times each word appears, and arranges the words on the display in a way that makes understanding the text easier. On the display, the user can see which words are used most frequently, and the placement of each word gives some information about where it appears in the text. Each word is associated with a graphical drawing that indicates everywhere the word appears in the text (a “Distribution Glyph”).

Abstract: A method using a spatial-temporal software game for both teaching math concepts to a child and for scoring the child's proficiency in these math concepts. These scores are compared with the child's performance on a language-based test of the math concepts. If the child's score on the language-based test is lower than what is reflected by the child's game scores, instruction is given the child using stories and flashcards related to the spatial-temporal software games so that the child will relate vocabulary terms with the math concepts and characters in the temporal-spatial software game.

Abstract: A method of interpreting keypad input includes identifying a first letter of a target word from activation of an initial key, identifying a set of possible intermediate letters of the target word in response to non-activating traversal of associated keys of the keypad following activation of the initial key, identifying a last letter of the target word from activation of a final key following the non-activating traversal, and then determining the target word based upon the identified first, intermediate and last letters. The method is particularly useful in key input devices sensitive to non-activating finger position above the keys.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for videorealistic, speech animation is disclosed. A human subject is recorded using a video camera as he/she utters a predetermined speech corpus. After processing the corpus automatically, a visual speech module is learned from the data that is capable of synthesizing the human subject's mouth uttering entirely novel utterances that were not recorded in the original video. The synthesized utterance is re-composited onto a background sequence which contains natural head and eye movement. The final output is videorealistic in the sense that it looks like a video camera recording of the subject.

Abstract: Learning materials of an Ueda Method can be distributed to teachers and learners through a computer network, and a teacher can effectively teach a language using the distributed learning materials of the Ueda Method. The method includes: (A) inputting to a computer predetermined information about our daily life which refers to an advertisement of a company; (B) preparing language learning materials for a learner and language teaching materials for a teacher based on the advertisement; (C) distributing the language learning materials to the learner through a network; (D) distributing to a teacher the language learning materials and the language teaching materials through a network; (E) training a teacher using the language learning materials and the language teaching materials; (F) inputting and registering the trained teacher and a learner in the computer; and (G) the trained teacher teaching a language to a learner through the computer.

Abstract: In a communication technique using the apparent distribution of stars and other celestial bodies visible from the earth to generate codes corresponding to communication characters such as the English alphabet and or Arabic numbers, the characters of a conventional keyboard, or any other suitable character set. The stars, or subset of stars, or combinations of stars and other celestial bodies to be used may be divided into sections; the stars or stars and celestial bodies of each section may be assigned to represent one or more characters of the character set to be used. A communication to be sent is prepared by replacing each conventional character of the communication with the section of stars that correspond to the character. The resulting communication is unrecognizable as a conventional communication, it has a high degree of security, and yet it has an esthetic or romantic appeal similar to that of the night sky. Any celestial communication may be decoded by reversing the procedure.

Abstract: A language learning system and method with a visualized pronunciation suggestion is disclosed. A sound wave corresponding to a sample voice output is used to suggest the user to make corrections with respect to tones and stresses. Through sectional evaluations and corrections, the invention can effectively improve the speaking ability of the user. The disclosed system includes a language database, a follow-reading module, a display control module, a sectional evaluation module, a correction module, and a suggestion-editing module. The disclosed method includes the steps of: extracting a full-sentence sample, outputting a full-sentence voice message and an associated message, prompting the user to imitate and recording the voice data, comparing the voice data with the full-sentence voice message and outputting the similarity, and evaluating the voice data.

Abstract: A computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

Abstract: A scoring method and a scoring system perform scoring quickly and accurately, and summarize and sort the scores into statistic data readily. The scoring method includes the steps of collecting answer data concerning answers provided by a plurality of examinees in a test, collecting various attribute data of the examinees, determining which answer data corresponds to a correct answer, an incorrect answer, and no answer, and summarizing the various attribute data of the examinees by contents of the answer data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a learning data base building method which can achieve data update in an optimum memory size and simultaneously build a systematic data configuration. Moreover, a video apparatus having a learning function and learning function control method therefor which can provide systematic, simple and effective learning by using a learning data base. The learning data base building method includes the steps of arranging vocabulary data in order of frequency in use thereof, grouping the arranged vocabulary data classified by subjects, and producing index for reading in consecutive order the groups of the vocabulary data classified by subjects.

Abstract: A computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface for being contacted by the child.

Abstract: An access control system for an electronic entertainment device includes a processor and a memory comprising access control instructions for execution by the processor. The instructions periodically present a set of working queries during execution of an entertainment software application, accept answers to the working queries, and allow access to, or terminate, the entertainment software application based on the answers. Access is allowed for a supervisor configurable time period for each user and each entertainment software title.

Abstract: A text enhancement method and apparatus for the presentation of text for improved human reading. The method includes extracting text specific attributes from machine readable text and varying the text presentation in accordance with the attributes. The preferred embodiment of the method: extracts parts of speech and punctuation from a sentence, applies folding rules which use the parts of speech to determine folding points, and presents text segments each on a new line and having a determined horizontal displacement based on the text specific attributes. One method displays text over bent curves having a shape based on text content. Another method includes displaying relative text position within a hierarchy using alternating vertically and horizontally tiled planes. Another method supports reading text segments across opposed pages without waiting for paging. Yet another method displays text to allow reading from bottom to top as though from front to back.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy having a housing for teaching letters, words, numbers or pictures comprising a toy housing supporting a substantially planar work platform on which a child can make selections by causing contact with the work platform and enclosing a speaker, a processor, and a sensing system sensing occurrences of contact caused by the child across the surface of the work platform.

Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the identification of selected objects for use in connection with an electronic children's toy, which apparatus includes a plurality of objects, each of the objects including several object contact elements, and an identification member, including several member contact elements. The identification member is configured such that at least two of the member contact elements come into electrical contact with at least two of the object contact elements when the identification member is engaged with one of the objects, forming a complete electrical circuit. A processing unit associated with the identification member then is able to uniquely identify the particular object which is engaged with the identification member by means of an electrical signal generated by the processing unit. The processing unit then provides feedback to the user by audio, visual and/or tactile means corresponding to the particular object selected by the user.

Abstract: A computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination a storybook and a separate audio recorder adapted for mounting on the storybook. The recorder may be used with any one of several storybooks by recording the storyline of each book by the purchaser for later playback by a child. Buttons corresponding to the several pages of the storybook are provided so that a child is able to correlate a button with each page to hear the story as well as read it. Dual recording devices may be played simultaneously wherein one may provide a background music or sound, while the other provides and audio representation of the text or whatever audio the user desires.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position locating system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional position locating system includes a housing including a substantially planar surface. The housing includes a first antenna element under the substantially planar surface. A stylus including a second antenna element is coupled to the housing. A processor is electrically coupled to the first antenna element and the second antenna element, and a three-dimensional structure overlies the first antenna element. An antenna coupling element is associated with the three-dimensional structure and an output device can be coupled to the processor.

Abstract: A vocabulary teaching aid system generally includes a computer that is operably connected to a video monitor and one or more user-interactive peripherals, e.g., keyboard or mouse. The computer operates under direction of a program whose directions include providing an interactive screen presentation on the video monitor, providing for selection of a desired vocabulary word from the screen presentation through use of the user-interactive peripheral, and presenting an example of usage of the selected vocabulary word on the video monitor.

Abstract: A system for enhancement of books or other reading material includes an item of reading material, printed on a substrate having a substantially invisible, machine-readable coordinate grid. A pointing device is configured to detect the coordinate grid on the substrate when placed in proximity thereto. An output device receives input from the pointing device to determine the location of the pointing device relative to the substrate, and provides output corresponding to contents of the reading material at the location. The output may be in the form of audio and/or video.

Abstract: An interactive shopping role-play toy comprises a toy item bin, a first set of toy items replicating shopping items, an input device adapted to uniquely identify each of the toy items; and an audio playback device adapted to play an audio acknowledgment associated with the identified toy item. The audio acknowledgement is uniquely associated with the identified toy item. The input device is configured to uniquely identify a toy item when the toy item is within physical proximity of the input device. Each toy item includes an RF identification tag corresponding to a unique electronic identification, and the input device includes an RF identification tag reader.

Abstract: A learning system method for infants, toddlers and young children which uses selected visuals stored on an audiovisual storage and playback device in conjunction with unique flash cards to provide an enhanced learning experience.

Abstract: A computer program (10) and a method for creating non-verbal test items (20) to target a level and a cognitive source of item difficulty for psychological tests comprising a test configuration module (30) for choosing an ability to be tested, an item type, and a general appearance of the items (20), an item specification module (40) for choosing one of a plurality of blueprints, and an item creation module (50) for creating each item (20). Each item (20) comprises a stem (90) and a list of response alternatives (100). Both the stem (90) and the list of response alternatives (100) each comprise a plurality of objects (110). The blueprints allow a user to create and immediately use the items (20) without having to conduct empirical tryouts. Tests can be administered either as fixed-content paper tests, fixed-content computer tests, or adaptive-content computer tests.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system to teach a user a subject based on his questions. The system allows the user to control his learning process, and helps to fill in gaps of misunderstanding in the subject. In one embodiment, the system, including a database, presents study materials on the subject to the user. After working on the presented materials, the user enters his question into the system, which generates an answer to the question, and presents it to him. Then the system compares the question with one or more questions previously entered by the user to determine his understanding level in the subject. Based on the determination, the system may present to the user appropriate study materials. The user typically asks more than one question, and the process of answering his question by the system repeats.

Abstract: A phonics training system provides immediate, audible and virtual answers to questions regarding various images such as objects, animals and people, posed by a child when the child views such images on a video display terminal of the system. The system provides virtual answers to questions without the need for an instruction or teacher and includes a computer having a video output terminal and an electronic library containing common answers to basic questions.

Abstract: A system including a scanning apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system has (a) an article having (i) a surface having a plurality of positions and a plurality of print elements respectively at the plurality of positions, and (ii) a plurality of codes respectively at the plurality of positions and relating to absolute or relative locations of the positions. The system also has (b) a scanning apparatus comprising (i) a stylus having an optical detector and an optical emitter, (ii) a processor coupled to the optical detector and the optical emitter, (iii) a memory unit comprising code for audio corresponding to the print elements, the memory unit coupled to the processor, and (iv) an audio output device coupled to the processor.