Abstract: A recorded technique for teaching a target language to a student having a home language in which each expression in the home language is presented and, under control of the student, time is provided for the student's oral translation thereof. Subsequent to the student's oral translation, a first example student translation of the expressions to the target language is provided and subsequently a second example student's translation of the target language is provided. One ID of the example students is preferably male and the other is preferably female. Then a teacher's translation of the expression into the target language is provided. The sequence is repeated for a series of expressions. To facilitate student comfort and reduce anxiety, the student can provide pauses wherever convenient and in particular the system gives the student time to translate the expression provided from the student's home language into the target language.

Abstract: A method for performing a transaction without the use of spoken communication is disclosed. The method consists of providing at least one transactional flash card having information about the transaction and the transaction goal displayed on the card in text understandable to the user and different text understandable to the party from whom the user wishes to purchase goods or services. The method may include displaying such a flash card in printed form, or on a personal electronic device. The method may further include providing flash cards having inquiries about price, payment methods, or shipping terms. Also disclosed are transactional flash cards used with the method.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of toy action figures, principally toy dolls and, more particularly, to dolls constructed for teaching young children specifically desired and selected words or phrases of a language other than the primary language spoken in the home. Accessories that can be used in combination with the toy for the enhanced learning of a language are also contemplated.

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: Computer implemented training exercises present stimuli to a user and receive responses by the user to the stimuli. The stimuli are specifically selected to challenge and improve a cognitive ability of the user, e.g., the ability to perceive and understand spoken language. As a result, the stimuli cannot be changed or adapted to motivate the user through entertainment. Motivation is therefore provided by periodic reward animations which include persistent plots and characters. Progress indicators represent progress toward reward animations and represent such progression with smooth, entertaining progress animations. Randomly appearing animations and variations in rewards and immediate feedback add to the surprise and curiosity of the user and motivate further correct responses to see further random animations and variations. Progress indicators,also represent a relation between the number of steps taking toward completion of a task and a maximum number of steps which should be needed to complete the task.

Abstract: A homophonic neologisms generator can include a dictionary table (10) having one or more entries including an orthography and an associated pronunciation including one or more phonemes; and a weightings table (14) having one or more entries specifying a cluster including one or more letters, a cluster pronunciation including one or more phonemes, and a weighting for the pronunciation of the cluster. A user interface can receive a word for which neologisms can be generated. A clustering mechanism can divide the pronunciation into a plurality of phonemes having one or more orthographic representations. Each orthographic representation can include one or more graphemes. Orthographic representations of the pronunciation can be ordered according to the associated weightings of the cluster graphemes in the weightings table and the dictionary can be searched to check that a generated well-formed orthography does not exist.

Abstract: A method of analyzing an author's work, including reading a text file, generating an analysis model from the text file and storing the analysis model. The text file may be a poem, the poem containing ASCII text. The analysis model is a linked data structure. The linked data structure includes n-gram data structures, the n-gram structures including combinations of 1-gram data structures, bigram data structures, trigram data structures and quadrigram data structures.

Abstract: A virtual learning system environment which provides for progressive education of children, at their own pace, through enhancement in both language arts (e.g. spelling, reading comprehension) and physical skills (interactive prompts). The system of this invention includes a microphone for sensing an audible word or command, a video camera for sensing bodily movement, and means for effecting a computer generated response to said audible word or command, or said bodily movement, wherein said response includes both graphical depiction of the letters of said audible word or command, an object image corresponding to bodily movement or said audible word or command, and an action or object related to said bodily movement or said audible word or command, or any combination thereof, so as to effect a progressive learning or teaching experience.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination a storybook and a separate audio recording and playback device which may be joined for using prerecorded or spontaneously recorded information corresponding to the storyline of the storybook. The audio device may be used with several storybooks by recording the storyline of each book separately. Buttons corresponding to the several pages of the storybook are provided so that a young reader is able to correlate a button with each page to hear the story as well as read it.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for turning pages of a music book. When a music performer manipulates a power switch, an actuating lever disposed in a housing of the apparatus is raised out of a guide groove of the housing and presses down and carries a right lower end of the page in accordance with an operation of a driving motor interlocked with the actuating lever. At this time, a pressure contact piece is moved in a fore and aft direction with respect to the page to press down or to be separated from the page so that the page can be smoothly turned. The actuating lever continues to pivot leftward along the guide groove to completely turn the page. After completing the operation of turning the page, the actuating lever is separated from the turned page and returns to an initial position along the guide groove.

Abstract: A method 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: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interactive apparatus includes an array of switches, an array of numbers respectively associated with the array of switches, a speaker, a processor coupling the array of switches and the speaker, a memory and a set of movable physical objects. The physical objects are spatially separated from the array of numbers and movable objects within the set are capable of being grouped together to form a group of objects that represents at least some of the numbers in array of numbers.

Abstract: Providing methods and systems to quickly and accurately respond to a natural-language question. The responses to the question can depend on additional information about the user asking the question, and the subject matter of the question the user asked. For example, the system knows that the user understands French, and can supply French answers to the user. Such additional information can improve on relevancy of the responses to the question. More than one responses can be provided to the user to allow the user to pick the more appropriate one. One embodiment uses a computer with a database having many phrases and question formats. The computer identifies phrases in the question based on at least one grammatical rules and phrases in the database. Then the computer links the phrases to categories based on at least one semantic rule, the subject matter of the question, and information about the user, such as previous questions asked by the user.

Abstract: The operater controlled bilingual or multilingual toy is a toy, such as a doll, with a programmable controllable voice synthesizer. The circuit of the toy, when activated, synthesizes a first random phase selected from a bank of phrases. When activated a second time the circuit of the toy will reproduce that first phrase as a translated phrase in a second language. After a specified elapse of time, or a continued reactivation within a specified period of time, this process is repeated by the choice of a second, third, and so forth randomly accessed phases. Each of the phrases is followed by a translation of that phases. If neither the manual switch or a second motion switch is operator activated within a predetermined time, the toy will turn itself off.

Abstract: The invention preferably is a teaching and learning method and system for improving the educational process of students by increasing the interaction between student and teacher preferably. The system preferably includes at least one teacher console, at least one communications server, at least one student console, and at least one database.

Abstract: A locus-recordable portable handwriting device for recording locus of a wireless stylus is provided with function of memory-page scrolling, locus color switching, data clearance, establishment of a built-in power source, etc. The handwriting device comprises a microprocessor, a memory, a power control unit, a display unit, a universal serial bus (USB), a data clearance switch, a memory-page code switching switch, and a locus-color switching switch.

Abstract: A computer-aided learning system comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device. The storage device stores a course database including a plurality of course data and a story database including a plurality of story data, with each course datum corresponding to at least one story datum. The CPU runs the following steps of: reading in a course datum from the course database; outputting the course datum to a learner; checking the learner's comprehension of the course material; reading in a story datum from the story database when the learner's comprehension of the course material reaches a certain level and outputting the story datum to the learner; and reading in the next course datum from the course database. The invention also discloses a corresponding computer-aided learning method.

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: An integrated method which uses multiple sensory materials with a voice recording and playback system. The system teaches multiple parts of a language by a series program covering each aspect of a language. Aspects covered by the program include sound word teaching, sentence teaching, spelling word teaching, and writing teaching. The system teaches initial letter sounds, vowel sounds, consonant sound, consonant combinations, spelling alternatives, the addition of endings to works, making plural words, and spelling rules. The system progresses into additional sessions by adding additional spelling, increasing the difficulty of the words used, and adding dictation passages to translate words and sentences into thought processes.

Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.

Abstract: A system and method for synthesizing a facial image, compares a speech frame from an incoming speech signal with acoustic features stored within visually similar entries in an audio-visual codebook to produce a set of weights. The audio-visual codebook also stores visual features corresponding to the acoustic features. A composite visual feature is generated as a weighted sum of the corresponding visual features, from which the facial image is synthesized. The audio-visual codebook may include multiple samples of the acoustic and visual features for each entry, which corresponds to a sequence of one or more phonemes.

Abstract: A method of navigating textual information via auditory indicators is provided. Through the pervasive and immediate articulation of virtually all textual elements in response to a comparatively passive action, such as a selection device rollover, a user may quickly peruse titles, headings, list items, and so on, as well as emphasized text, paragraphs, captions, and virtually any unit of visually contiguous text. A user may also hear a particular selected word via a slightly more active action, such as clicking a mouse button. Via use of this method, a child, or other user who may understand a language, but not be able to recognize its orthography, may successfully and easily navigate textual documents.

Abstract: A computer controlled speech recognition display dictionary wherein the user may interactively clarify indefinitely detected speech words. There is provided a basic combination of a dictionary of recognizable speech words and the definitions of said words stored for said display dictionary, a routine for detecting said speech words and an implementation responsive to a definite detection of a speech word for displaying said word and the definition of the detected word. Now, in the case of an indefinite recognition, the invention provides an implementation responsive to an indefinite detection of a speech word for displaying a list of possible words approximating said detected word, enabling user selection of one of said displayed possible words and means responsive to a user selection of one of said displayed words for displaying the definition of the selected word.

Abstract: In a distributed method of data gathering, connotative meanings of terms are selected from predefined emotional descriptors organized into a plurality of emotional categories. Respective judges select zero or one emotional descriptors from a given category and rate the term for intensity. Each term is evaluated by a plurality of judges for each emotional category. The results are processed to assure that the selected emotional descriptors were not selected by chance. Retained associations become part of a database of terms, including connotative meanings and related intensity. A self-calibration method is used during intensity evaluation to assure uniformity among intensity ratings. The judges select among anchor terms for each intensity rating in a given emotional category, picking the anchor terms which most accurately reflects the rating level being checked. The completed data base is accessed through a computer interface to implement an electronic language reference tool.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in-the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: In a distributed method of data gathering, connotative meanings of terms are selected from predefined emotional descriptors organized into a plurality of emotional categories. Respective judges select zero or one emotional descriptors from a given category and rate the term for intensity. Each term is evaluated by a plurality of judges for each emotional category. The results are processed to assure that the selected emotional descriptors were not selected by chance. Anomalous results are purged. Statistical analysis is performed to assure that the selected emotional descriptors were not selected by chance. Retained associations become part of the database for the corresponding record. There may be 0, 1 or more connotative associations for any given record. The completed data base is accessed through a computer interface to implement an electronic language reference tool.

Abstract: The invention in the simplest form is a dispenser that is a teaching tool and uses audio and visual means to promote compliance with proper washing techniques. A detection means is used to commence a time interval, and washing instructions are used to communicate with the user as an instructional tool in washing. There is a feedback response during the washing cycle to walk the user through the washing cycle and provide progress indicators during the cycle. A usage indicator tracks the number of usages as part of a management tool of assessing overall employee performance.

Abstract: A method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans, and a human's short term memory, is provided within an animated game environment. The method provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having similar sounding phonemes associated with graphemes. Upon initiation of a trial, a grid of tiles is presented to a subject. The subject selects the tiles, one at a time. As the tiles are selected, an associated phoneme is presented to the subject. The subject clears away tiles by pairing them with identical tiles. When all the tiles in a trial are cleared, the subject is either promoted or demoted in skill level. Promotion/demotion varies the number of tiles presented, the phonemes used within each trial, and the amount of audio processing that is applied to the phonemes.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for teaching prosodic features of speech senses and extracts prosodic or suprasegmental variables of a user's speech segment. Prosodic features of speech include pitch and loudness variations, as opposed to articulatory or sequential features of speech which are the primary determinants of phoneme variations. Once prosodic variables have been extracted from a speech segment, the variables are used to modulate a quasiperiodic waveform such as a sinusoid, a pulse-train, or a synthesized vowel-like waveform, or the parameters can be used to modulate a random-noise-like waveform. A modulated waveform can be played acoustically, and the user can hear the variation of the prosodic parameters without interference from the articulatory parameters of a complete waveform. This auditory feedback can be combined with visual feedback of the speech segment to teach proper prosodic speech formation.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for teaching prosodic features of speech senses and extracts prosodic or suprasegmental variables of a user's speech segment. Prosodic features of speech include pitch and loudness variations, as opposed to articulatory or sequential features of speech which are the primary determinants of phoneme variations. Once prosodic variables have been extracted from a speech segment, the variables are used to modulate a quasiperiodic waveform such as a sinusoid, a pulse-train, or a synthesized vowel-like waveform, or the parameters can be used to modulate a random-noise-like waveform. A modulated waveform can be played acoustically, and the user can hear the variation of the prosodic parameters without interference from the articulatory parameters of a complete waveform. This auditory feedback can be combined with visual feedback of the speech segment to teach proper prosodic speech formation.

Abstract: A method for adaptively training a human subject to process, and to distinguish between, similar acoustic events that are common in spoken language is provided. The method utilizes sequences of up/down frequency sweeps, of varying frequency and duration, and having varying inter stimulus intervals (ISI) between the frequency sweeps. A sequence is presented to the subject for order identification. The subject must listen to the up/down order of a sequence, and signal identification of the up/down order according to what s/he heard. Signal identification is provided utilizing a computer display, a mouse, and graphical buttons corresponding to the up/down frequency sweeps. Correct order identification causes the process to adaptively reduce the ISI separating the frequency sweeps, to reduce the duration of the frequency sweeps, to alter the frequency of the frequency sweeps, and to increase the number of frequency sweeps within a sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing reading skills comprised of recording and digitizing sound waves generated by a subject's voice in response to a series of stimuli. The sound waves are decomposed into sequences of articulation and pause periods. The articulation and pause periods are determined by first scanning the generated sound waves and identifying locatians among the sound waves where the sound amplitude raises above or drops bellow a given value. The reading ability of the subject is profiled by analyzing the series of pause and/or articulation periods. The method allows for the diagnosis of reading deficiencies. Based on the diagnosed deficiencies in the subject's reading skills, drill exercises are proposed and rounds of testing and drill exercising are repeated until the diagnosed reading deficiencies are corrected. The method is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with computerized equipment.

Abstract: A video game device of this invention comprises a speech/action storage device for storing contents of various speeches and actions of a leader character to be given to a main character as an ability growth object; an ability value updating device for successively updating an ability value of the main character according to the execution result of the content of the speech/action; a parameter storage device for storing an enthusiasm parameter which is set to be a positive value for each training-related speech/action and a negative value for any other speech/action; an enthusiasm parameter adding device for adding a set value to a present enthusiasm parameter given to the main character every time the speech/action is executed; a reliability degree calculating means for calculating a reliability degree between the main character and the leader character; and a judging device for judging a successful growth of the main character.

Abstract: This specification discloses a method and system for learning a language. This invention takes the language data selected by a learner or a default test base as the learning content and improves the learner's language ability through tests about the learning content. The learner is allowed to arbitrarily update the language data stored in a learning database. The system according to the present invention contains a grammar analysis engine. This engine analyzes the grammar of the language data in the learning database according to the grammatical rules collected and stored in a language grammar database, converts the language data in the learning database into test problems according to the problem models stored in a problem model database, and finally performs language tests using the grammar analysis processor and provides the test results (such as error analysis and explanation).

Abstract: A method for adaptively training a human subject to process, and to distinguish between, similar acoustic events that are common in spoken language is provided. The method utilizes sequences of up/down frequency sweeps, of varying frequency and duration, and having varying inter stimulus intervals (ISI) between the frequency sweeps. A sequence is presented to the subject for order identification. The subject must listen to the up/down order of a sequence, and signal identification of the up/down order according to what s/he heard. Signal identification is provided utilizing a computer display, a mouse, and graphical buttons corresponding to the up/down frequency sweeps. Correct order identification causes the process to adaptively reduce the ISI separating the frequency sweeps, to reduce the duration of the frequency sweeps, to alter the frequency of the frequency sweeps, and to increase the number of frequency sweeps within a sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans is provided. The method and apparatus provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having a target phoneme, and associated grapheme, and a number of distractor phonemes, and associated graphemes. Upon initiation of a trial, a target phoneme is presented to a subject. A stimulus stream is then prepared that consists of a random sequence of distractor phonemes. Located within the sequence of distractor phonemes is the target phoneme. The stimulus sequence is presented to the subject for identification of the target phoneme within the sequence. Speech processing is used to provide multiple levels of emphasis for enhancing a subject's ability to discriminate between similarly sounding phonemes. The processing is applied to the presentation of the target phoneme and the stimulus stream.

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: An interactive computer assisted pronunciation learning system which allows a student to compare his/her pronunciation with that of a model speaker. A model speaker's recorded reading of text is digitally linked to and aligned with each corresponding syllable of the text. Pitch, volume and duration parameters of each syllable are extracted digitally and displayed in a simplified notation above each word. The student's own speech is also recorded, analyzed, displayed, and/or replayed in the same manner. The student can choose the option of overlapping his/her own notation above those of the model speaker and determine whether, to what extent, and on which parameters his own speech varies from that of the model speaker. Scores may be provided in the margin denoting the percentage of correct correspondence to the model as well as the type and degree of each error.

Abstract: A method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans, and a human's short term memory, is provided within an animated game environment. The method provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having similar sounding phonemes associated with graphemes. Upon initiation of a trial, a grid of tiles is presented to a subject. The subject selects the tiles, one at a time. As the tiles are selected, an associated phoneme is presented to the subject. The subject clears away tiles by pairing them with identical tiles. When all the tiles in a trial are cleared, the subject is either promoted or demoted in skill level. Promotion/demotion varies the number of tiles presented, the phonemes used within each trial, and the amount of audio processing that is applied to the phonemes.

Abstract: A method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans is provided within an animated game environment. The method provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having a target phoneme and a plurality of associated foils (similar sounding phonemes). Upon initiation of a trial, a target phoneme is presented to a subject. Subsequently, the target phoneme is presented to the subject, along with one of the associated foils, in randomized order. As the target phoneme and associated foil is presented, a graphical animation associates the target and foil each with its own graphical image. The subject then designates identification of the target phoneme by selecting its associated image. Speech processing is used to provide multiple levels of emphasis for enhancing the subject's ability to discriminate between the target phoneme and the foils.

Abstract: An interactive system for teaching, entertaining, and habituating a child utilizes an interactive entity such as a doll, the doll having input and output elements and control circuitry adapted for driving the I/O elements, and a bi-directional communication link to a personal computer (PC). Scripted data stored at the computer directs doll activity and verbal articulation, and utilizes response from the child through the doll to the PC in directing output to the doll. The communication between the doll and the PC treats the doll as a peripheral device. In specific embodiments the interactive doll has servo-mechanisms for providing doll motion, such as eye and mouth and limb movement, which may be coordinated with verbalization in different scripts by commands retrieved at the computer and sent to the doll. In a preferred embodiment environments and applications are provided on CD-ROM disks which may also provide the operating application for the interactive doll system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a comprehensive English language learning system and methodology. An interactive procedure for learning English is provided that can be applied in both public and private schools and in adult education programs. It can be used, for example, to teach primary English, to teach English as a second language (ESL) and to improve the language skill of remedial and educationally handicapped students.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed that provide means to enable individuals with speech, language and reading based communication disabilities, due to a temporal processing problem, to improve their temporal processing abilities as well as their communication abilities. The method and system include provisions to elongate portions of phonemes that have brief and/or rapidly changing acoustic spectra, such as occur in the stop consonants b and d in the phonemes /ba/ and /da/, as well as reduce the duration of the steady state portion of the syllable. In addition, some emphasis is added to the rapidly changing segments of these phonemes. Additionally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to modify fluent speech to make the modified speech better recognizable by communicatively impaired individuals. Finally, the disclosure includes method for and computer software to train temporal processing abilities, specifically speed and precision of temporal integration, sequencing and serial memory.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer to teach a student communication skills. First a goal is displayed to the student. Then the student is presented with a prompting scene that is related to the goal that was presented to him. In the prompting scene there is a first character that represents the student. Also, there is at least one second character that represents at least one person to whom the student needs to communicate. Also displayed is a plurality of sentences the student may select. At least one of the sentences will help the student achieve his goal and at least one of the sentences will not help the student achieve his goal. The student's selection is then received. The student is then presented with a response scene. The response scene is positive if the student's selection from the plurality of sentences is such that it will help the student achieve his goal.