Abstract: One or more microfiber sheets (1701,1802,2003,2004) are joined together at a spine (1702) to define a microfiber booklet (1700). The microfiber sheets can join together at the spine by stitching. The microfiber sheets can be manufactured from microfiber textile materials. The microfiber sheets can each be selectively movable about the spine like the pages of a book. The microfiber sheets can include alphanumeric indicia or indicators and graphical illustrations depicting objects to be cleaned by each microfiber sheet.

Abstract: A machine causes a touch-sensitive screen to present a graphical user interface that depicts a slider control aligned with a word that includes a first alphabetic letter and a second alphabetic letter. A first zone of the slider control corresponds to the first alphabetic letter, and a second zone of the slider control corresponds to the second alphabetic letter. The machine detects a touch-and-drag input that begins within the first zone and enters the second zone. In response to the touch-and-drag input beginning within the first zone, the machine presents a first phoneme that corresponds to the first alphabetic letter, and the presenting of the first phoneme may include audio playback of the first phoneme. In response to the touch-and-drag input entering the second zone, the machine presents a second phoneme that corresponds to the second alphabetic letter, which may include audio playback of the second phoneme.

Abstract: A method for interactive training in the cleaning of a room.

Abstract: A visual teaching aid (100) assists teaching a cleaning order for a predefined area (106). The visual teaching aid can include a legend portion (103) defining a plurality of portions (105) of the predefined area, while a predefined area portion (104) pictorially illustrates the plurality of portions. The legend portion can define a plurality of sequential numerical indicia (107) indicating a predefined order in which the plurality of portions should be cleaned. The predefined area portion can include a plurality of visual indicators (110) assigned to the plurality of portions on a one-to-one basis. The visual teaching aid can be included with one or more cleaning cloths (300,500) in a cleaning package assembly (700).

Abstract: A computer program that plays a user's textual content in an animated format to increase reading speed via reconditioning reading behavior.

Abstract: A server and a method for transcription of a lexical unit from a first alphabet into a second alphabet, the method comprising: acquiring a pair of (i) the lexical unit written in the first alphabet, and (ii) the corresponding transcription of the lexical unit written in the second alphabet, both having been divided into respective segments, such that within the pair, every segment of the lexical unit has a corresponding segment in the transcription of the lexical unit, and such that each lexical unit comprises either a sequence of sequentially alternating consonant segments, or a single vowel segment, or a single consonant segment; defining, for each given segment of the lexical unit, its context; training the server to calculate a theoretical frequency of at least one second alphabet character representing transcription of a particular given segment based on the context of particular given segment of the lexical unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transforming historical data collected in response to one or more triggering events, in order to classify textual values. Embodiments access a plurality of textual values from historical transaction data; identify one or more distinct patterns within the plurality of textual values; group the textual values based on the one or more distinct patterns, thereby forming one or more clusters; apply a similarity gauge to the textual values of each of the clusters to determine similarity or dissimilarity among the textual values of each cluster; and filter the textual values of each cluster to determine which textual values belong in each cluster, wherein the textual values that belong are cluster values. Some embodiments also remove undesired characters from the textual values, and in some cases identifying the distinct patterns includes comparing pronunciations and/or phonetics of the textual values.

Abstract: Disclosed are manipulator devices for use in learning games, and kits utilizing the same. The manipulator devices may be a substantially elongated and flat body formed of flexible material and at least partially stuffed to resemble a bean bag. The body is adapted to be capable of manipulation between an unfolded position and a folded position, where the folded position conceals an identifiable attribute of the device selected from the group consisting of a number or a symbol. The kits may include three or more manipulator devices each having at least two attributes identifiable by children and allowing them to associate the plurality of devices into subsets according to shared types of these attributes.

Abstract: A system for enhancing reading performance operates on a network-connected server with software executing from a non-transitory medium at the server providing an interactive interface for a user connected to the server via a browser link. There is a data repository coupled to the server. The interactive interface provides a word search exercise for the user for improving the user's reading performance, displays a passage comprising a first number of words and a search list with a second number of words that each appear at least once in the passage, the second number smaller than the first number, and when the user clicks on every word in the passage for a word that appears in the search list, that word is indicated in the list as found, until all the words in the search list have been indicated as found.

Abstract: A method of automatically converting alphabetic text written in a text based language into a non-text based language. The method can include parsing the text to identify at least one word. The method also can include via a processor, identifying within a lexicon database data corresponding to the word, wherein the data corresponding to the word identifies at least one pictograph or symbol selected from a group of pictographs or symbols consisting of between twenty seven and thirty three distinct pictographs or symbols that visually look different than the text, wherein each pictograph or symbol corresponds to a unique speech sound of the text based language. The pictograph or symbol can be rendered in a view.

Abstract: Interchangeable glasses in accordance with one embodiment include a glasses frame; a first pair of lenses that are interchangeable with the glasses frame and have a first set of lenses that are a first color; a second pair of lenses that are interchangeable with the glasses frame and have a second set of lenses that are a second color; and a third pair of lenses that are interchangeable with the glasses frame and have a third set of lenses, where the third set of lenses includes a first lens that is the first color and a second lens that is the second color.

Abstract: Keywords are appended to an image portion in one portion of a color image. In order to achieve this, a color bar is displayed on the color image, a color is designated by the position of a mark in the color bar, an image portion having the designated color is detected, a keyword table having keywords corresponding to the detected image portion is displayed, a desired keyword is selected from the displayed keyword table, and characters representing the selected keyword are displayed. Items of data representing the detected image portion, data representing the designated color and data representing the keyword are stored as metainformation in the image file of the color image.

Abstract: A system and method for educational instruction is described. The system and method are useful in teaching subject-based vocabulary and concepts. The system includes a set of learning cards with various indicia related to subjects to be learned, such as vocabulary words, values and symbols. The system also includes first and second education panels capable of receiving and displaying the learning cards in specified patterns or diagrams. According to the method, an instructor introduces the learning cards and places them on the first panel in an arrangement or diagram that relates to the subject lesson. After the lesson is complete, the teacher or students transfer the diagram to the second panel, and place the second panel where it can be easily viewed by the class during subsequent lessons, thus enabling students to see the relationships between the indicia on the learning cards and learn vocabulary words in the context of an entire lesson or unit.

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

Abstract: There is provided a method that includes (a) obtaining a result of a test of a person, wherein the result indicates a color for which the person has an affinity, and (b) preparing a document that includes an element having a feature having the color.

Abstract: Games for at least one player may include at least one game card, each game card including a plurality of letter indicators each indicating a letter and arranged to spell a word, a plurality of letter tokens, each letter token including a letter indicator, a selection device operable to randomly indicate one of a plurality of groups of two or more letter indicators, and a set of rules to play the game. Methods of playing the game may include spelling a word on a selected game card by matching letter tokens to the letter indicators on the game card. Each game card may include a first side and a second side, each side including a word, such that the word on the first side is more difficult to spell than the word on the second side.

Abstract: The method uses vehicles as mascots for different subject areas. Each vehicle is named after a subject area and is decorated. The vehicles serve as a means to generate enthusiasm for the subject areas. Each car has its own color combination corresponding to a given subject. Each subject area has an instructor that is knowledgeable in that subject. The instructors wear clothing colored to match the color of the vehicle named after the subject area that he/she teaches. The instructors teach the pre-planned lessons on a topic in a subject. area. The pre-planned lessons also incorporate supporting information from other subject areas to the topics. The instructors drive the vehicles to sites of instruction where students are located to perform a pre-planned lesson on a topic. The sites of instruction have or utilize concepts that will be used in the pre-planned lesson. In the presentation of the lesson, an instructor uses teaching materials colored to match the color of the vehicle that he/she drives.

Abstract: Methods and programs are disclosed for a computer-based teaching method for various subjects, including grammar. The program includes one or more lessons to test a student's skills relative to a particular subject. A database with coded information allows a computer to search the information, such as sentences and word functions provided therein. A guide for identifying the appropriate code for each respective lesson is provided such that as a student progresses through the lessons, the computer searches the database to provide the appropriate information to the student based upon the code of the information and the guide for the respective lesson. Further, the method of coding answers to a test given with the use of a computer program is discussed. Answers given by a student are compared to the correct answers located in a computer database.

Abstract: A plurality of large, tactically soft, cubes, and a plurality, of learning game boards. Each side of a learning cube has imprinted thereon a teaching concept. Each learning game board has a teaching concept imprinted thereon corresponding to a learning cube.

Abstract: An education method for aiding to teach and learn proper English reading, sounding and spelling. The method is designed in being able to teach and to learn reading with the proper sounding of the English alphabet rapidly with minimal instruction and supervision. It employs colors and symbols to represent 18 vowel sounds, 30 consonant, phonogram sounds and silent sounds. Each colored alphabet letter with or without symbol maps a designated sound which helps to depict a correct sounding from various spelled combinations of the English language. This color and symbol mapping method facilitates teaching reading of the English words as well as to spell correctly. It reduces long intensive phonic drills as well as guessing mistakes from a various possible sounding.

Abstract: An educational device (11) for visually modeling words or numerals. The device including a plurality of inverted U-shaped rods (15) and a plurality of balls (17), each ball (17) being movable between a non display position and a display position. When the device is used to represent a word, the number of rods (15) having a ball in the display position corresponds to the number of phonemes in the word and the number of balls (17) or a respective rod (15) represents the number of letters in a respective phoneme. When the device visually represents a number, each rod having a ball in the display position represents a unit from which the number is formed, and the number of balls in a respective display position can represent the relative size of a respective unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysis involving a first factor and a second factor. The first and second factors are related as expressed by a first relationship. The apparatus comprises a base divided into first, second and third sections, where the second section is positioned between the first and third sections. The first, second and third sections are representative of the first factor, the first relationship, and the second factor respectively. The method of the present invention involves the steps of providing the apparatus and engaging in a dialogue of questions related to both the first and second factors. The apparatus and method of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, such as biopsychosocial analysis, and analysis of the intellectual capital of a business, for example. The apparatus and method may be used for analysis involving more than two factors and presumes that some relationships exist between the factors.

Abstract: A method for assessing the readiness skills of a child between the ages of two and six years is disclosed. To assess the child's skills, a set of specially designed cards is provided. Each card displays one or more predetermined symbols. The cards are displayed to the child according to a predefined protocol. As the cards are displayed, a testing specialist asks the child questions about each card and records the child's responses. The child's responses are then scored to assess his or her skill level. The cards are organized into color-coded subsets. Each subset can be used to test a child's mastery of a certain task. In addition, the cards can be asymmetrically-shaped to facilitate sorting and presentation. The unique design of the cards permits the testing specialist to quickly screen young children with possible learning disabilities.

Abstract: An educational system is provided including a recipient surface such as a cloth or base having a plurality of entities positioned thereon which are selected from the group of entities including colors, shapes, alphabetic characters, and numbers. Also included are marbles and figurines for being removably positioned adjacent to the entities.

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 color-assonant phonetics system for the English language to facilitate reading and pronunciation. It applies three styles of any font and fifteen colors (including black) to the letters of the English alphabet on any white background. All consonant phonemes are black letters and all vowel phonemes are letters colored by a color whose name rhymes with the vowel's sound. Uncommon phonemes are slanted letters. Silent letters are thin.Webster's Dictionary's second definition of "assonance" is "vowel rhyme". Webster's Dictionary's definition of "phoneme" is "the basic distinctive units of speech sound by which morphemes, words, and sentences are represented." Webster's Dictionary's third definition of "phonetics" is "the symbols used to represent the speech sounds of a language.

Abstract: An education method for aiding to teach and learn proper English reading, sounding and spelling. The method is designed in being able to teach and to learn reading with the proper sounding of the English alphabet rapidly with minimal instruction and supervision. It employs colors and symbols to represent 18 vowel sounds, 30 consonant, phonogram sounds and silent sounds. Each colored alphabet letter with or without symbol maps a designated sound which helps to depict a correct sounding from various spelled combinations of the English language. This color and symbol mapping method facilitates teaching reading of the English words as well as to spell correctly. It reduces long intensive phonic drills as well as guessing mistakes from a various possible sounding.

Abstract: An educational aid and a method for using it to teach students to read by facilitating the rapid development of extensive sight-word vocabularies in an interesting and challenging manner through the utilization of a student's natural ability to learn and memorize a text. The educational aid includes a notation system for a readable format text, reinforcement aids for the key words of the text, and a system for teaching phonetic structure and pronunciation. The method for using the educational aid accomplishes the rapid development of sight-word vocabularies and phonetic understanding while requiring only a minimum of instruction and supervision from an educator.

Abstract: An educational system is provided including a recipient surface such as a cloth or base having a plurality of entities positioned thereon which are selected from the group of entities including colors, shapes, alphabetic characters, and numbers. Also included are marbles and figurines for being removably positioned adjacent to the entities.

Abstract: A raised character display structure for an educational toy includes a label having a first character printed on one side thereof and a layer having a first and a second opposite side. The layer's second side has a projection defining a second character shaped substantially identical to the first character and made of a non-opaque material. The layer is disposed on the label with the first side of the layer adjacent to the one side of the label and with the second character substantially coincident with the first character on the label so that the first character may be viewed through the second character and that a user is provided with an illusion that the second character has the color and/or pattern of the printed first character.

Abstract: An educational aid and a method for using it to teach students to read by facilitating the rapid development of extensive sight-word vocabularies in an interesting and challenging manner through the utilization of a student's natural ability to learn and memorize a text. The educational aid includes a notation system for a readable format text and reinforcement aids for the key words of the text. The method for using the educational aid accomplishes the rapid development of sight-word vocabularies, and requires a minimum of instruction and supervision from an educator.

Abstract: The present invention is a word forming game which has a letter selection based on words used commonly in conversation. The word game of the present invention may include: one six-sided die; a game board having four player areas, each area numbered one through six to correspond to the numbers on the die; thirty-one letter tiles imprinted with commonly used letters on both sides of the tile; and a score card. According to a method of playing the game of a preferred embodiment, four players place letter tiles next to each number located in the player areas. By rolls of the die, each player selects four of the letters and attempts to form a word. Each player is given preferably eight rounds in which to form words. At the end of the game, the player may receive a bonus score for forming a sentence from the words formed during the game. Generally, each letter used to form a word counts one point. The scorecard is used to record the letters, words and the points.

Abstract: An educational method for teaching written composition is demonstrated within a series of hand-held, rectangular manipulatives encoded with raised, colored indicia. Representing a foundation from which all types of writing may be explored, the manipulatives have been so designed that continuity of theme and flow of composition is ensured. Each rectangular manipulative symbolizes a paragraph in written composition. Colored bands framing the manipulatives identify paragraph themes and subsequent order within a composition. The raised, color-coded indicia represent key sentences within a paragraph and is so ordered as to clearly outline proper sentence sequencing. The manipulatives, used individually or interactively, provide a focus for critical elements of successful writing through enjoyable visual and tactile stimulation. Traditional writing concepts and language structure rules are reinforced and solidified in an objective, non-threatening manner.

Abstract: Tutorial stampers in logically related sets, such as 26 alphabet stampers, are fabricated with a different color associated with each member of the set. Both the marking fluid and at least a portion of the outer shell each marker match the color associated with the character imprinted by that marker. Preferably the marker cap matches the selected color and the character is imprinted on the marker barrel in the same color. For adults color is a re-enforcing visual cue to help quickly locate the desired character. For children the color difference helps fix in the child's mind the distinction of, for example, each letter of an alphabet or numeral of a number set. In the business world, different colors can be used, in association with a set of distinctive symbols to identify different functional portions of large organization and set of stampers organized in that way can be used, for example, in the organization's mail room to identify package destinations.

Abstract: An improved combination lock comprises any type of conventional combination lock having nonnumerical indicia thereon including a plurality of patches of different daylight fluorescent colors for indicating a predetermined combination. Alternatively, nonnumerical indicia on the lock can comprise pictures of different animals, or different geometrical patterns including sets of at least three parallel lines. One implementation comprises a rotatable inner portion inside an outer housing, with sequential positioning of the inner portion with respect to the outer housing serving to unlock the lock. A second implementation includes a plurality of individually rotatable portions, the rotation of which to a predetermined configuration of relative orientations unlocks the lock.

Abstract: An educational aid and a method for using it to teach students to read by facilitating the rapid development of extensive sight-word vocabularies in an interesting and challenging manner through the utilization of a student's natural ability to learn and memorize a text. The educational aid includes a notation system for a readable format text and reinforcement aids for the key words of the text. The method for using the educational aid accomplishes the rapid development of sight-word vocabularies, and requires a minimum of instruction and supervision from an educator.

Abstract: A gameboard has a crossword grid with bonus spaces of different values marked in different color indicia indicated on an adjacent key. A chip set includes basic chips having a single letter and corresponding numerical value marked thereon and enhanced chips each having a plurality of regions with respective different letters and corresponding numerical values in respective regions marked thereon for alternative selection to complete words on the grid. The bodies of the chips are transparent so that underlying indicia can be seen therethrough. In an alternative, the chip bodies are colored so that the scoring color seen through the chip will be changed to a third color when a chip of a first color overlies a space of a second color. The colors of different regions of an enhanced chip can also be different providing different scoring values according to the letter selected.

Abstract: A teaching aid for increasing the reading efficiency of a dyslexic. The teaching aid comprises a transparent sheet of material having a plurality of horizontal color gradient that is placed over an area of text to be read. Preferably, each color gradient covers a single line of text. When the color gradient covers the text area, a less distracting environment is created and allows the dyslexic reader to more readily focus and concentrate on the lines of text.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching reading and spelling skills to children which is particularly adapted to be used in teaching children with a short-term memory disability. Visual indicator members are provided wherein a first set of visual indicator members represent vowel letters, a second set of visual indicator members represent consonant letters extending above a middle line on a ruled penmanship paper, a third set of visual indicator members represent consonant letters extending below a lower line on a ruled penmanship paper and a fourth set of visual indicator members represent consonant letters not represented by the second and third sets of visual indicator members. Each of the visual indicator members of each set have a unique color characteristic whereby the members of each set are distinguishable from each other. In addition, the members of each set have a common physical characteristic, such as height, whereby the different sets may be distinguished from each other.

Abstract: An improved combination lock includes a plurality of patches of different daylight fluorescent colors with or without additional nonnumerical indicia, for indicating a predetermined combination. Alternatively, the patches can all be of the same fluorescent color and used as a contrasting background for the additional nonnumerical indicia. The additional nonnumerical indicia can comprise different geometrical patterns including sets of at least three parallel lines, or pictures of different animals. The indicia are preferably made larger than is conventional.

Abstract: An educational dynamic method of teaching language is disclosed wherein a set of geometrically-shaped objects represent the parts of speech of natural human languages. The objects are animated to undergo shape change, act alone, and interact with other of the objects to represent symbolically the actions performed on or by each part of speech. Frameworks defined by the grammatical case patterns of the represented language provide the boundaries for arrangement of the objects. Each object is configured to logically represent the complements of the class of words pertaining to the part of speech represented by the object. Animation of the objects in the form of shape changes and dynamic interaction within and between the objects assists in representing the words, expression and action, whether it be voluntary, involuntary, active or inactive. Each object contains the vocabulary words consistent with the level of the language being taught which fall into the class or part of speech represented by that object.

Abstract: A board game apparatus, comprising a flat, multi-sided game board having a course of successive playing spaces generally positioned along the periphery thereof, successive ones of the spaces being colored with one of a given plurality of colors, a chance device, operable by a player, for selecting one color of the plurality of colors, a manually operable playing piece for each player participating in the game, for indicating the current spatial position of each player along the course, a plurality of groups of color cards, where all the cards of each group of cards are the same color, and each group of cards being a different one of the plurality of colors; and a plurality of color card folders, at least a portion of each folder being colored a different one of the plurality of colors and having a plurality of compartments defined therein which are dimensioned so as to individually receive color cards therein.

Abstract: A color-coded system of training illiterate, mentally handicapped or dyslexic individuals in the performance of certain tasks includes specifying colors designating particular objects and the task or operation to be performed with the object bearing a particular color. Color-coded visual indicators such as flash cards may be used to teach the individual to associate the color with the object and the operation.

Abstract: An educational device for broadening one's vocabulary and for developing spelling skills. The device includes a generally rectangular board member that is divided by printed, colored lines into several rectangular sections. Each rectangular section includes a pictorial representation of an object, along with the spelled word corresponding with the name of that object, and a series of side-by-side tile positioning indicia next to the spelled word associated with the illustrated object. A plurality of letter tiles of substantially uniform shape are provided, each letter tile bearing the same color as that of the dividing lines on the board member with which it is to be used, and also bearing a letter of the alphabet on at least one surface.

Abstract: This invention is an improved bilingual dictionary in which cognates are physically distinguished from other words. Cognates are words which are identical in meaning and similar in spelling in two languages. Such words are distinguished from other words in the dictionary by being printed against a distinctly colored background, by being printed with distinctly colored ink, by being printed in a distinguishing typeface, by location in a column of words, or by adjacent symbols. The object of this bilingual dictionary is to facilitate a student's recognition and appreciation of the number of words in a second language which the student already knows without additional study.

Abstract: A color-coded system of training illiterate, mentally handicapped or dyslexic individuals in the performance of certain tasks includes specifying colors designating particular objects and the task or operation to be performed with the object bearing a particular color. Color-coded visual indicators such as flash cards may be used to teach the individual to associate the color with the object and the operation.

Abstract: The invention comprises three-dimensional characters, i.e., letters and/or numerals, which have discretely colored indicia thereon to distinguish left-hand and right-hand sides of the characters, so that a student of writing and/or reading will know how to position each character to dispose the same in a correct orientation. In this, one colored indicia must always be at the left-hand side, and the other colored indicia must always be at the right-hand side. Included is a color-coded guide in which, slidably, to set the characters; the coloring of the guide complements the left- and right-hand colored indicia of the characters.

Abstract: A teaching and learning game for players to learn the sequence of letters in the alphabet. In a preferred embodiment, a set of blocks has a different letter of the alphabet marked on each side of a respective block and further has marked on two sides of the block, first indicia means to indicate the preceding letter, and has marked on two other sides of the block second indicia means to indicate the succeeding letters. Another preferred embodiment includes a set of twenty-six cards having the letters of the alphabet marked in alphabetical sequence on the sides of the cards. Further, one side of each card is marked with first indicia means to indicate the preceding letter and the other side of each card is marked with second indicia means to indicate the succeeding letter. Point scores are awarded to players correctly identifying the preceding or succeeding letter of the alphabet. Selected cards are further marked with scoring indicators to award bonus points to the players.

Abstract: A series of interrelated solid, geometric shapes having informational - processing applications. Each solid, geometric shape may be assigned a specific meaning; additionally, any one solid, geometric shape may be assigned several specific meanings by changes of color, braille, scoring, texture, and/or tone (sound). Means for connecting different solid, geometric shapes are provided and are called connectors, which may or may not be assigned specific meanings or several meanings by changing the solid, geometric shape, color, braille, scoring, texture, and/or tone (sound). The series of interrelated solid, geometric shapes may be used for (1) physiology--fine motor coordination, visual or auditory/tactile perception, and joint hemispherical stimulation of the cerebral cortex and (2) communication--language, history, art, computer programming, computer processing (grammatical and parallel), and abstract thinking.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching construction and recognition of predetermined individual forms, comprising a plurality of elemental components having shapes and sizes to constitute component parts of predetermined forms, especially letters of the alphabet. A minimum number of distinctively shaped parts can be selectively arranged to make a large number of predetermined forms. Each distinctively shaped part is also distinctively colored to facilitate selection. Illustrations are provided of the several letters or other forms, using the color coding of the elemental components, preferably in the form of individual cards. A dot code is also printed in association with each illustration, to facilitate a determination of the number of parts of each color necessary to make the illustrated form.