Abstract: A video distribution system according to this disclosure is a video distribution system that distributes a video including an animation of a character object generated based on a movement of a distribution user and comprises one or a plurality of computer processors. The one or plurality of computer processors provide (i) a distribution portion, (ii) a display device, (iii) a determination portion. If the determination portion determines that a first object is being displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object, the object display device changes the first object and the second object to a third object and displays the third object.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: A facility for vocabulary learning is described.

Abstract: The language-based video game places a player avatar into a game environment contained within a display field following a story narrative or an adventure for completing an objective. The gameplay reinforces pronunciation and writing of a given language. The display field includes a minor head graphic, as can be highlighted text in the given language, interactive text objects, and can include a control icon and a progress icon. The minor head graphic is a representation of a human head, or portion thereof, animated to show pronunciation of the highlighted text. As the player progresses through the game, the player encounters the interactive text objects that, upon activation, transform into useful objects for overcoming challenges present in the game environment, the interactive text object being the same as, substantially the same as, or corresponding to the highlighted text. Avatar movement and interactions are controlled through a control scheme via an interface.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product are provided for optimizing a training regimen to achieve performance goals. Historical training data is provided. At least one training regimen is defined. A training objective is selected for at least one training regimen to optimize. The training regimen is optimized by computing an initial training regimen solution and computing a neighbor solution at a distance from the initial training regimen solution. The neighbor solution is compared to the initial training regimen solution. If the neighbor solution is determined to be a better solution than the initial training regimen solution, the initial training regimen solution is replaced with the neighbor solution. The determination occurs using: Performance = S · St · N c · T - d ? ? and ? ? St = ? ( lag i ) T i ? N i ? . The distance is updated per a schedule to compute a next neighbor solution.

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: A method of play, wherein play emphasizes storytelling and story recounting abilities, and wherein the method comprises: (a) providing a gaining device which provides for: a plurality of subject elements, wherein each subject element from the plurality of subject elements comprises a topic for a particular story; and a plurality of situational elements, wherein each situational element from the plurality of situational elements qualifies the subject element; (b) pairing a subject element from the plurality of subject elements with a situational element from the plurality of situational elements; and (c) providing a story based on the paired subject element and selected situational element.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product are provided for optimizing a training regimen to achieve performance goals. Historical training data is provided. At least one training regimen is defined. A training objective is selected for at least one training regimen to optimize. The training regimen is optimized by computing an initial training regimen solution and computing a neighbor solution at a distance from the initial training regimen solution. The neighbor solution is compared to the initial training regimen solution. If the neighbor solution is determined to be a better solution than the initial training regimen solution, the initial training regimen solution is replaced with the neighbor solution. The distance is updated per a schedule to compute a next neighbor solution.

Abstract: A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).

Abstract: An interactive input system comprises a display surface and processing structure communicating with the display surface. The processing structure presents on the display surface at least one graphic object, the graphic object having properties and a respective solution state comprising a value of at least one property. The processing structure in response to gesture input manipulates the value of the at least one property, and provides an indication as to whether the graphic object is in its solution state in response to the application of a predetermined amount of pressure against the display surface in association with the graphic object. A method and computer readable medium are also provided.

Abstract: An activity device including an activity sensor for generating an activity interaction signal responsive to a sustained large-muscle physical activity of a user operating the activity device; a controller, coupled to the activity monitor, generating a virtual environment supporting a virtual user frame-of-reference in the virtual environment, the controller generating a set of virtual education elements in the environment and a goal for the set virtual representation with respect to the virtual education elements wherein the controller is responsive to the activity interaction signal to produce an affected interaction of the virtual representation with the virtual education elements with the controller measuring a conformation of the goal by the affected interaction; and a feedback system, coupled to the controller, for presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements for providing the user with feedback.

Abstract: A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).

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

Abstract: An activity device including an activity sensor generating an activity interaction signal responsive to a sustained large-muscle physical activity of a user operating the activity device; a controller, coupled to the activity monitor, generating a virtual environment supporting a virtual user frame-of-reference in the virtual environment, the controller generating a set of virtual education elements in the environment and a goal for the set virtual representation with respect to the virtual education elements wherein the controller is responsive to the activity interaction signal to produce an affected interaction of the virtual representation with the virtual education elements with the controller measuring a conformation of the goal by the affected interaction; and a feedback system, coupled to the controller, presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements providing the user with feedback regarding the goal and the conformation of the goal by the

Abstract: A computer system provides a series of visual flash stimuli to a user and then requires that the user process the visual stimuli to produce a verbalization that corresponds to the visual stimuli and/or a fine motor activity that corresponds to the visual stimuli. The visual flash stimuli are presented to a user via a display device and include letters, words and phrases. The fine motor activity includes inputting letters or words via an input device, such as typing on a keyboard. The system includes eye movement activities, letter flash activities and word flash activities. The content or visual stimuli provided during these activities, as well as the progression through these activities can be determined in part by the diagnosis of the individual user. The system can be used to treat a variety of mental disabilities.

Abstract: A method of editing communication sheets comprises providing a picture/text editing interface; providing a dividing function for communication sheet; providing a expression (s) database, a picture database and a voice database; providing a correlation searching function; providing expression (s) insertion function; providing picture insertion function; providing language assigning function; and providing a output file generating function. The method also handles multiple languages and can change the language of expression (s) or voice with a rapid manner.

Abstract: An educational word game includes a plurality of answer pads. Each of the answer pads includes a first column composed of a plurality of short lines on which selected word fragments are written and a second column composed of a plurality of long lines on which players' answers are written next to the first column of the plurality of short lines creating distinct rows. The game further includes a plurality of writing implements, a timer, and a plurality of playing cards. Each of the playing cards includes a backside identical to the backside of all other playing cards and a front side printed with a word fragment used in playing the present word. The game is played by providing each player with an answer pad and a writing implement; selecting playing cards having word fragments printed thereon; recording the word fragments from the playing cards on the answer pad; forming words including the word fragments; and comparing the words and awarding points.

Abstract: A hand held teaching aid is made of three layers of card. The grip has a panel projecting from the grip and a pocket slides on the panel. The grip carries a picture of an item whose name is to be taught, eg. an apple, and the panel bears the name of the item, eg. APPLE. When the grip and pocket are pushed together, the picture is visible but not the word. When the grip and pocket are slid apart, the word comes into view. In a variant, numerals and simple calculations replace pictures and words.

Abstract: Disclosed are educational straws having an end portion of a defined shape and the name of said shape displayed on the exterior body of the straw thereby instilling a cognitive recognition of a sequence of letters associated with the shape which will enhance vocabulary, spelling and object spatial recognition for a plurality of defined shapes

Abstract: A language learning computer system is proposed which allows students to learn a foreign language as naturally as a baby learns its mother tongue. The computer system has a CPU which is programmed to show a first character as an instructor and a second character as a student on the display, produce a voice sound from the speaker, and move the first character corresponding to the voice sound produced from the speaker. If a student operates the input device corresponding to the movement of the first character, the CPU moves the second character exactly as the first character moves. In stage 2, if the student operates the input device corresponding to the voice sound produced from the speaker, the CPU moves the second character corresponding to the voice sound produced by the speaker. In stage 3, if a voice sound picked up by a microphone coincides with the voice sound produced by the speaker, the CPU moves the second character corresponding to the voice sound produced by the speaker.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of advertising by conducting a competition using a literary work that is divided into a plurality of distinct parts and formed into playing pieces, each piece optionally having an associated advertisement, logo, or brand. A literary work, such as a short story, is divided into a plurality of distinct parts in such a way that the correct sequence of words in the literary work cannot be readily determined by looking at any distinct part. Each distinct part is recorded on a playing piece, such as a paper or cardboard element, and an advertisement (e.g., a corporate logo, brand, or slogan) can be recorded on the reverse side of the card. Additional “helper” playing pieces may contain information regarding the correct sequence for arranging the other cards to reassemble the literary work. The playing pieces are distributed to the public, and participants are encouraged to collect all the playing pieces pertaining to that literary work.

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

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

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

Abstract: A method and system (10) for illustrating sound and text comprising a book (18) with pages (20) including illustrations and/or text, wherein at least some of the pages (20) include magnetic signatures (24). The system further includes a book holder (12) adapted to accept the book (18). As such, the book holder (12) has a reading surface (14) with a magnetic signature sensor (16), a cartridge slot (36), a reading controller (42), a speaker (44), and a power supply (46). The system also comprises a cartridge (34) adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot (36). The cartridge (34) includes stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages (20). The magnetic signature sensor (16) is predisposed to detect the magnetic signatures (24) on the pages (20) as they are turned by a user viewing the book (18).

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

Abstract: An electronic toy appliance designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of substantially planar sides adapted for manipulation by a child on a substantially flat surface so that a child may select different sides of the object to face upwardly. The appliance prompts the child with more difficult prompts depending on the child having provided correct previous responses.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of motivating a child to want to do what is beneficial, including the steps of (a) providing an item which the child interacts with to establish a play pattern that is fun for the child, (b) packaging the item in a manner that is convenient to use and wherein the packaging assists in establishing the play pattern.

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 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 treasure hunt game provides for teaching young children or others the basics of writing and reading, by conducting a physical search for cards placed or concealed throughout a predetermined area in accordance with clues provided. A series of cards include pictorial representations of various articles or objects on the front face thereof, with the cards having one or more written clues on the reverse face thereof. Each clue corresponds to a pictorial representation shown on the front face of the next successive card in the series, with all of the cards being arranged in alphabetical order according to the first letter of the name of the object or article pictured. The back faces of the cards may include more than one clue, with a corresponding number of cards being provided in order to provide sufficient pictorial symbols. The game is played by placing or concealing the cards adjacent to articles or objects corresponding to their pictorial representations.

Abstract: Image data and natural language data indicating a visual impression of an image prepared based on the image data are correlated to each other and stored in the correlated form in the image database, and when retrieving an image using the retrieving section, natural language data indicating a text for retrieval is inputted from a natural language input section, and image data relating to natural language data having a common visual impression is extracted from the image database by collating the inputted natural language data to natural language data on the image database.

Abstract: An interactive learning device for children has a housing with a front and back face. Multiple switches are located on the front face of the housing and an image of a letter of an alphabet is associated with each of the switches. The housing also supports a speaker designed to produce sounds or music and one or more display devices for displaying images. An electronic processor in the housing communicates electrically with the multiple switches, the speaker, and the one or more display screens. The processor responds to the switches to selectively cause the speaker to produce sounds and the screen to display images.

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 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: A method and system are disclosed for encoding signs in a given sign language. The sign typically uses a dominant hand for some signs and a second hand is used for other signs the dominant hand remaining dominant of the two hands. In order to encode the signs into a useful form, each hand has various articles defined. The first article is that of handshape for both hands. The next article is that of palm orientation, with location and movement being the next two articles. A parametric value is associated with each of these particular articles. A combination of the articles, such as an article's concatenation in a parametric value string, allows for the transcription of a particular sign. Using this parametric value or even parts of the parametric value for the combined sign, a desired sign or a group of signs may be identified that closely resembles the particular sign being encoded.

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: 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: 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.

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 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 method of accessing information in a database of text entries is provided. The user may be prompted for an initial sound of the information to be accessed, by providing a menu of symbols, each symbol representing a respectively different sound. The initial sound is received. A sound other than the initial sound for the information to be accessed is also received. A subset of the text entries in the database is associated with the initial sound and the other sound. The associated text entries are searched by a searching method that may include sequential search. The associated text entries are provided as the accessed information, and the meaning of a selected one of the text entries is indicated in a manner which would be understood by individuals who cannot read, such as sound and pictures, or sound and animation.

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: An electronic video game requires the player to match the location of information on a video screen with the correct location of a pushbutton in a corresponding array. Initially, the video screen produces a display showing nine object character icons located in nine different locations in a tic-tac-toe arrangement. The display is flashed on for a few seconds and then discontinued. Next, the video screen displays one of the characters in a clue box and challenges the player to correctly match the clue character with its previous location on an array of nine pushbuttons laid out in the same tic-tac-toe fashion. The player then chooses one pushbutton corresponding to where the player believed the character had appeared in the original video display.

Abstract: A toy, as for instance a simulated toy computer, has a housing with a window formed in the housing. Behind the window is an indicia strip or carrier which has indicia located on its surface. Positioned in front of the indicia strip is a lenticular screen. The lenticular screen is connected to a mechanism which mechanically moves the lenticular screen with respect to the indicia. Movement of the lenticular screen in front of the indicia gives the appearance that the indicia, in fact, is moving. Actuator keys are provided on the housing for advancing the indicia strip and for activating the movement of the lenticular screen.

Abstract: A teaching toy has a housing with a viewing screen located in the housing. Positioned behind the viewing screen is an indicia carrier located on rollers. A plurality of indicia is located on the surface of the indicia carrier. By rolling the indicia carrier on the rollers, different portions of the indicia located on the indicia carrier are viewable through the viewing screen. Associated with the indicia carrier and located in front of it between it and the screen are a series of cover members which can temporarily cover a part of the indicia which is exposed through the screen. Operator actuators are connected to the cover members so as to allow the cover members to sequentially move from a position wherein they cover the indicia to a position where they no longer cover the indicia. By sequentially utilizing the actuator members, a child utilizing the toy partially uncovers the indicia, allowing the child to guess what the total indicia will be.

Abstract: An electronic learning aid selectively provides synthetic speech to an operator. An electro-optic sensor which reads bar code from the pages of a book selects speech words or phrases to be produced by an electronic speech synthesizer. A mode of operation is provided wherein the operator selects an object of comparison such as a displayed picture, number or the like and then seeks to identify one of a plurality of choices which properly associates with the object of comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic learning aid having modes of operation to provide an interesting and effective learning experience to a student. In the preferred embodiment, inputs to the learning aid are effected via scanning of a bar code on a page by the student. In a first mode, the student is audibly directed to place depicted objects on the page in some specific sequence, as by alphabetical order of the first letter of the names of the objects. The student selects items in the sequence by scanning bar code associated with each item and the system audibly informs him of his progress in correctly identifying times of the sequence. In a second mode the student upon scanning the bar code associated with a depicted object is audibly directed to spell the name of that object. The system audibly informs him of his progress.