Abstract: An apparatus and method on a computing device 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 number of different phonemes. Speech processing is used to provide multiple levels of emphasis and or stretching for enhancing a subject's ability to discriminate between similarly sounding phonemes. The processing is applied to phonemes and presented to the human as a trial. As a subject correctly identifies phonemes in the stimulus sets, the amount of processing applied to the phonemes is reduced, ultimately to the level of normal speech. A performance feedback mechanism is provided to allow the human to obtain a summary of his/her success over the stimulus sets, at the different processing levels. More detailed feedback is also provided indicating specific processing levels achieved for each of the stimulus sets.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: A system for generating video pictures including various images. The system defines a target number of video images eligible for display, identifies target display positions for the images and selects various basic images from game memory. A number of change candidates is selected from among the basic images eligible for display and a change option is selected for each change candidate. The selected change options are executed to define a number of changed images, which may then be displayed with a number of the basic images to define the video pictures. The display system may be advantageously employed to generate pictures in a video game in which points are awarded for identifying the changed images.

Abstract: An audio-visual work and method of its creation which work has writings placed on the pictures of the work so that as each word or other utterance is heard a writing to be associated with the hearing is coordinated with seeing of the writing such that the future presentation of either the utterance or the writing shall evoke the other in the mind of the original viewer-listener. Each word will when appropriate appear in a legible perspective adjacent to the mouth of the utterer. The work can be displayed linearly or under computer control of the viewer/listener along with additional educational materials.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: A communication system includes a talking doll arranged to speak to a user and to request the user to carry out various tasks. The user responds to such requests by selecting and pressing keys on a remote keyboard. The doll and the keyboard communicate using infra-red signalling. The system is programmed so that the doll can respond to the user's selection and to say whether the selection is correct or not.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the cognitive and memory systems in a subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different games to be played by the subject. The games artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by the subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. That is, the subject advances through a number of different processing or skill levels as their ability to distinguish between language elements improves. The subject's progress through the processing levels is recorded to allow an adaptive timing mechanism to optimize game play time for each of the games.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: A computer implemented system for and computer implemented method of summarizing English language etymological information. For each analyzed word, only the primary language or languages of origin are specified. Furthermore, this information is provided in a single line of text. Thus the main objective of this method is to make the major features of the etymology immediately apparent in a single line of text. This method can be implemented on a Personal Computer using word processing software to write a Language Database and Search Macros so the user may easily query the database for words and obtain a printout. A user may type in a single word, multiple words, or an entire paragraph and receive a printout listing an etymological analysis of each word, one analyzed word per line. Secondly, a user may access a Thesaurus with Etymology Database, type in a single word, for example, a medical term, and receive a printout of related medical terms, each etymologically summarized on one line of text.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of converting input text into an audio-visual speech stream resulting in a talking face image enunciating the text. This method of converting input text into an audio-visual speech stream comprises the steps of: recording a visual corpus of a human-subject, building a viseme interpolation database, and synchronizing the talking face image with the text stream. In a preferred embodiment, viseme transitions are automatically calculated using optical flow methods, and morphing techniques are employed to result in smooth viseme transitions. The viseme transitions are concatenated together and synchronized with the phonemes according to the timing information. The audio-visual speech stream is then displayed in real time, thereby displaying a photo-realistic talking face.

Abstract: A phonics training system adapted to teach a pre-school child having a limited vocabulary of words which identify various objects, such as people, animals and things, how each of these words is spelled, thereby making it possible for the child to read these words. The system includes a computer having a video output terminal and a memory in which is digitally stored an electronic dictionary containing the phonetic sounds of the words in the vocabulary and the alphabetic spelling of each of these words. Associated with the computer is image software containing a library of images which illustrate the various objects represented by the words in the phonetics dictionary. The computer is provided with a peripheral in the form of a voice recognition unit into which the child speaks, the unit acting to recognize the distinctive sound pattern of the child's voice and to accommodate the phonetics dictionary to this pattern.

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: 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 interactive adaptive learning system. A collection of core stimuli consisting of at least auditory and visual symbols and information, are stored on a computer. A number of different relationships between the core stimuli are created which can then be presented as discrimination or identification tasks to the user. Different sets of stimuli are then presented succeedingly to the user and the user is requested to respond. The form of response can either be to investigate and analyze the stimuli, or attributes of the stimuli, or answer of the quarry regarding the discrimination or identification task. The system has a built in strategy for progressing the user through learning tasks. The users actions and responses in reaction to the stimuli are all recorded and analyzed. Based not only on the success rate of the user responses, but also on other characteristics of the users reaction to the stimuli, the users learning strategy is classified.

Abstract: A multipurpose learning device having a picture book including a plurality of pages, wherein the pages turned in a top-to-bottom hinged direction instead of a side-to-side hinged direction, a memory unit having audio and video data stored therein, the memory unit being detachably connected to a touch board. A surface of the touch board is declined to a predetermined angle for enabling a user to easily position an electronic pen perpendicular to the touch board. Each sheet of the picture book includes a blank page and a picture page and picture information corresponding to a picture on one of the pages is displayed on a host device, such as a television. A user moves the electronic pen over a blank page which is positioned over the touch board, and a cursor is displayed on the host device at a position corresponding to the position of the electronic pen over the blank page and touch board.

Abstract: An interactive toy employs a plurality of figures which are employed by the user to tell a story. The figures are selected and placed at selected locations on a story board or a book. The selection and placement results in the device telling the story by synthesized speech and other visual communications. The device is also configured in a compact case for carrying and storage.

Abstract: A device and method for teaching children the names of household objects in which a device that includes a recording of the name of the object and a switch to activate play of the recording is attached to an object corresponding to the recorded name in a location where the device is reachable by the child, so that the name of the object will be stated when the child closes the switch, thereby aiding the child in associating the stated name with the object to which the device is attached. The device may include an electronic circuit with a recordable IC in circuit with a speaker, a power source and a switch; and a housing enclosing the circuit. The housing can have a front surface with means to close the switch, and a back surface having an attachment means for securing the housing to the object.

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 interactive adaptive learning system. A collection of core stimuli consisting of at least auditory and visual symbols and information, are stored on a computer. A number of different relationships between the core stimuli are created which can then be presented as discrimination or identification tasks to the user. Different sets of stimuli are then presented succeedingly to the user and the user is requested to respond. The form of response can either be to investigate and analyze the stimuli, or attributes of the stimuli, or answer of the quarry regarding the discrimination or identification task. The system has a built in strategy for progressing the user through learning tasks. The users actions and responses in reaction to the stimuli are all recorded and analyzed. Based not only on the success rate of the user responses, but also on other characteristics of the users reaction to the stimuli, the users learning strategy is classified.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the cognitive and memory systems in a subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by the subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's cognitive processing of acoustic events common to speech, and memory of language constructs associated with speech elements are significantly improved.

Abstract: Linguistic and/or extra-linguistic information is extracted from speech signals to provide measures that may then be compared to expected norms, individual baselines or other nominal or numeric criteria (according to particular psychomotor, perceptual, cognitive or emotional constructs) that are required for satisfactory performance of particular tasks, or that indicate a user's psychological or physical state. The user produces the speech signals in the context of a constrained voice-interactive dialog that utilizes prompts chosen such that the expected range of responses will exhibit low linguistic entropy. For example, the prompts may be interpreted by the user as requests for information, requests to read or repeat or paraphrase a word, sentence, or larger linguistic unit, requests to draw an inference, requests to complete, or identify elements in graphic or verbal aggregates (e.g.

Abstract: An interactive phonological and auditory skills improvement system is provided. The system includes a microprocessor, a display connected to the microprocessor, and a speaker connected to the microprocessor. Phonological game logic is run on the microprocessor, the phonological game logic provides at least one audible sound through the speaker and a phonological test regarding said at least one sound. A user responds to the phonological test which is graphically displayed on the display screen using an input device. Auditory game logic is also run on the microprocessor. The auditory game logic provides at least one audible sound through the speaker and an auditory test regarding said at least one sound. The user must respond to the auditory test using the input device. The auditory test is also graphically displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows a user with minimal understanding of the orthography of a language to nevertheless use its orthography as the basis for performing a database search. Orthographic information is displayed. When a user indicates a possible selection of this information by, for example, placing a mouse cursor over the displayed information the selection is pronounced. When the user selects this information by, for example, clicking a mouse button, the input data associated with the information may be used for a database search, and the results presented to back the user aurally. According to another aspect of the invention, the results may also be presented orthographically. According to another aspect of the invention, the results may also be presented pictorially. According to another aspect of the invention, when the user indicates a possible selection of an orthographically presented result by, for example, placing a mouse cursor over ie result, the result is pronounced.

Abstract: A learning system is provided which includes a plurality of student units for use by a plurality of students and a teacher unit for use by a teacher. The learning system includes a computer for use also by the teacher that operates to control each of the student units using a roster file with data on each student, and which also gives the teacher access to all of the information contained within the roster file. The computer is operable to display a window of information that includes a seating assignment diagram that represents a pictorial arrangement of the students within the class. Identification information on each student may be provided in the seating assignment diagram at locations that correspond to the respective student represented in the pictorial arrangement. Further information on each student may further be accessed by the teacher from the seating assignment diagram, as desired.

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 system for increasing the vocabulary of a student using inductive reasoning is disclosed. The system displays a target word to be learned and associated derivation information, followed by a clue. The derivation information can include a pronunciation guide, historical or anecdotal background information, information about its root and prefix or its foreign derivation. The derivation does not rely on a formal definition of the target word and usually does not include such a definition. Clues then request a response from the student. The correct responses require an understanding of the derivation of the respective word. The correct answer to the clue and an explanation for that answer are then provided, thereby adding to the information the student has about the target word's meaning. Typically, the first clue or first several clues will not include the target word in the question, or the expected answer to the question.

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 locations along 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 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: An educational toy comprises a soft toy (10) carrying a barcode scanner (20) for scanning a number of barcodes each individually associated with a visual message in a book (12). A decoder and audio device in the toy generate an audio message corresponding to that visual message in the book associated with the scanned barcode.

Abstract: A method for proofreading text generated by a speech application can include the following steps beginning with the step of finding all closed-class vocabulary words in the text. Subsequently, the method can include the step of automatically highlighting at least some of the closed-class vocabulary words in the text during proofreading. Additionally, the highlighting of the closed-class vocabulary words can include either highlighting all of the closed-class vocabulary words, highlighting the closed-class vocabulary words based on a perplexity filter, or highlighting the closed-class vocabulary words based on a language model enhancement filter.

Abstract: A computer-operated system for assisting aphasics in communication includes user-controlled means for storing data representing the user's vocalizations during a time interval, means for associating the data stored in each of a plurality of such intervals with an icon, means for ordering a plurality of such icons in a group representing a speech message, and means for generating an audio output from the stored data represented by the icons in the group so as to provide a speech message.

Abstract: An audio-visual work and method of its creation which work has writings placed on the pictures of the work so that as each word or other utterance is heard a writing to be associated with the hearing is coordinated with seeing of the writing such that the future presentation of either the utterance or the writing shall evoke the other in the mind of the original viewer-listener. Each word will when appropriate appear in a legible perspective adjacent to the mouth of the utterer. The work can be displayed linearly or under computer control of the viewer/listener along with additional educational materials.

Abstract: A voice book system includes a sound generating device equipped with at least a voice book. The voice book includes a front cover, a back cover and a plurality of page sheets. The voice book further contains an information storing device for storing a plurality of sound messages with respect to the content of each of the page sheets and a book connector for electrically communicating the information storing device with the sound generating device.

Abstract: An educational interaction device is provided with a housing having a handle and a phone handset. A numeric keypad representative of a telephone keypad is situated on the front face of the housing below the liquid crystal display. A plurality of lamps are situated on the front face of the housing for illuminating upon the actuation thereof. A tape player mechanism is situated within the interior space of the housing for playing back a plurality of audio and information signals. The tape player mechanism is connected to the speakers for transmitting the audio signals to the speakers. A speech synthesizer with associated memory means is connected to the speakers for emitting therefrom a plurality of audio signals representative of various instructions. A sound generation device is also connected to the speakers for emitting therefrom a plurality of audio signals representative of various sounds.

Abstract: An attention performance test uses a visual display, a test subject input device, a memory and a programmed processor coupled to each of the above to administer a test to a test subject. A test target, which for example can be a word colored in a first color but meaning another color, is attempted to be matched by the test subject to one of a series of sequentially presented visual response targets. In one embodiment, a nonvisual test stimulus is also provided to the test subject, the test subject having previously been instructed to respond to the nonvisual test stimulus (such as a beep) in a particular way. The test also measures the response latency of the test subject, i.e., whether the test subject has assumed a correct position for entering a response. The responses from the test subject are recorded and may be compared with data derived from a test subject database in assessing whether an attention deficit disorder exists.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing audible sounds in response to visual indicia in the nature of an electronic book. The electronic book is constructed from a plurality of leaves which may be formed from a continuous accordion folded sheet or individual modular folded sheets joined back-to-back to form the pages of the book. During construction, a spacer is internally provided within each leaf to create at least one internal passageway opening at one end of the leaves at a location forming the book's spine. An electronic circuit having pressure sensitive switches and conductive paths is provided on the surface of a dielectric substrate using conductive ink. The switches are arranged on elongated members which are inserted into a respective internal passageway within the leaves of the book. By activation of a switch by pressure applied to visual indicia on the leaves, audible sounds are produced by an on board electronic module.

Abstract: A system for determining the performance of a user responding to a call includes a processor, a memory, and an interface. The system presents stored audible and textual information to a user to simulate a call, and generates scores to determine the performance of the user in responding to the calls.

Abstract: The present invention consists of means for adding educational enhancements to computer games. One embodiment of the invention consists of a software module that can be incorporated into a game program's code or that can be loaded separately into a computer's memory. This module periodically suspends a game's play by popping up a "flash card" on the computer's display screen asking a question that must be answered correctly before play can be resumed. Questions may be asked at a level that adapts itself to the ability demonstrated by the player. If the player is unable to answer the question within a predetermined period, a hint is flashed on the screen. If the player is still unable to answer the question after a second predetermined period, the answer and an explanation of the answer are displayed on the screen. The player is then be able to resume play by entering the answer. The faster the player is able to enter the correct answer, the faster the player is able to resume play.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for learning a natural language through the visual depiction of grammar is described. The system employs icons that are strung together in sentences that exactly parallel the word order of the natural language being studied. Icons are used to represent all parts of speech, and also to provide a pictorial representation of tense and number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the sensory perceptual system in a language learning impaired (LLI) subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by an LLI subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's temporal processing of acoustic events common to speech are significantly improved.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and formatting information, specifically test questions, in a desirable and predetermined manner. The system has dynamic-content and dynamic-presentation capabilities so that a wide variety of test problems and, ultimately, tests which consist of test problems can be created. The system includes a data processor such as a personal computer having a means for storing at least one computer program and a means for printing indicia such as a laser printer. The software component of the system includes an authoring tool which is used to create generalized expressions of a problem. A variation rules module or engine stores the variations rules which are a language for describing how to create varying questions from the generalized expression or definition of and a problem created in the authoring tool. Then another component of the software, the print engine interprets the variation rules and produces screen displays or printed tests.

Abstract: A study support system comprises computer means and a text in which the subject for study, a problem and a bar code representing the problem are printed; the computer means including a bar code reader, output means, processing means, and storage means in which the answer to the problem, an explanation thereof, and a similar exercise are stored, whereby, when the bar code is read by the bar code reader, the processing means reads out from the storage means the data such as the answer, explanation and the like relating to the data read by the bar code reader, and the data are output by the output means as sight information displayed on a screen and/or printed on paper and/or as aural information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows a user to specify phonemes and the relative positions of the phonemes with respect a word or a group of words, such as at title. Phonemic indicators representing phonemes are provided, and selection of the indicators is allowed. When a phoneme is selected, its position with respect to a word or group of words is determined. According to one aspect of the invention, the phonemes are either initial phonemes or final phonemes, i.e., phonemes which are identifiable by young children. According to another aspect of the invention, the indicators are provided in a manner understandable to an individual who cannot read, such as a young child. According to another aspect of the invention, the phonemic indicators further indicate positional information, in which case both the phoneine and its position are selected when the indicator is selected.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for assisting a child to read a book having at least one visual indicia displayed adjacent one or more of the plurality of printed objects. Each of the at least one visual indicia is uniquely associated with the adjacent one of the plurality of printed objects. The device includes a user input device separate from the book having at least one touch-sensitive switch and at least one visual indicia displayed thereon for receiving a user command indicative of a user's selection of a visual indicia and for outputting a signal corresponding to the selected visual indicia. The device further includes a storage device for storing data representing speech associated with the printed objects adjacent the visual indicia. A controller receives the signal outputted from the user input device and selectively retrieves the data corresponding to the selected visual indicia. A sound generator then converts the retrieved data into speech.

Abstract: This invention relates to a phonics and reading teaching device which depicts an arrangement of indicia representing letters of the alphabet and their associated phonemes. Selection of individual indicia causes the device to generate an audio signal or other response. The audio signal is generated by an output in the form of a speaker, and a processor is provided for controlling the operation of the device. In one mode of operation, the processor causes the speaker to produce a prompting signal indicating a word, and in response to each sequentially correct selection of a letter in the word, to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with the letter. The phoneme produced is dependent on the position of the letter in the word. When all of the letters in the word have been selected in correct order, the processor causes the speaker to produce a signal representing a pronunciation of the word or other affirmative acknowledgement.

Abstract: A learning apparatus for use with a computer comprising a set of tactile flash cards, each individual card having a tactilely perceptible pattern embossed on a surface of the card and two electrically connected contacts at a unique set of discrete spaced positions on the card with a preselected correspondence between the tactilely perceptible pattern on the surface of the card and the selected positions of the contacts, and a tactile flash card reader capable of sensing the positions of the contacts on a card and controlling the computer.

Abstract: A training system used while a person is speaking uses a feedback modification technique to reduce accents. As the speaker is speaking, the system feeds back to the speaker the speaker's speech in "real-time" so that the speaker, in effect, hears what he or she is saying while saying it. The system includes a detector configured to monitor a speaker's speech to detect a preselected target vowel sound that the speaker wishes to produce accurately. In response to the detector detecting a "target" vowel sound, a cue generator generates a sensory cue (e.g., an amplification of the "target" vowel sound) that is perceived by the speaker. As the speaker is speaking, the generator feeds back to the speaker the sensory cue along with the speech so that the cue is coincident with the "target" vowel sound.

Abstract: A remote computer I/O apparatus comprising of a set of position tracked wireless user manipulated bodies and a host adapter station. Input is derived from the real-time position tracking telemetry received from each user manipulated body over a wireless transmitter housed in each body. Location determination is performed on a relative clustering basis using photonic light pulses, on a relative absolute special positioning basis using ultrasonic triangulation between bodies, or on a relative absolute spatial positioning basis between each body and the host adapter. For output each body may store or receive video and audio generated respectively by the controlled computer or by an sound generating device such as a soundcard running on the same. Stored feedback is emitted from each body upon receipt of playback signals transmitted to any selected bodies causing them to display stored video on a local body display or to emit stored audio segments out a local body speaker.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which transforms a standard natural language alphabet into a phonetic alphabet provides a user with a plurality of alphabetic characters of a natural language and prompts the user to select a letter. When a letter is selected, a plurality of allographs containing that letter are displayed, along with indications of the sounds of the phonemes which are encoded by the allographs. The plurality of allographs have in common the selected letter. Thus, a user need not learn a specialized phonetic alphabet to represent sounds for which the allographs may not be known. At the same time, the user is taught alternative allographic representations for the same phoneme. In addition, because a letter may appear in allographs which encode respectively different phonemes, the user is taught alternative sounds that the selected letter may represent.