Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an image of a cornea having a stereomicroscope configured to obtain and display 2D or 3D image content of an eye of a patient, with pupil imaging optics that form a pupil along an optical axis and a shutter configured to form a pattern of one or more apertures for light at the formed pupil. An input prism is configured to direct light to or from the optical axis, with optics configured to convey light along the optical axis to a sensor.

Abstract: A static mitigation end cap, for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber. The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber and configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The end cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering personalized learning material are disclosed. A method includes providing, by a computer device, current learning material and advance learning material to a plurality of students; monitoring, by the computer device, a reading performance and a complexity of the advance learning material for a student of the plurality of students; determining, by the computer device, a student comprehension score for the student based on the monitoring the reading performance and the complexity of the advance learning material; and providing, by the computer device, additional learning material to the student based on the student comprehension score being above a threshold.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for determining a logical starting location to start providing (e.g., reading) content to a user. When the user navigates to a particular web page and/or email message, a screen reader can automatically read content associated with the web page and/or email message beginning at the determined logical starting location. A heuristic can be applied in order to determine the logical starting location. The heuristic can analyze information regarding user interface element(s) (e.g., property(ies) and/or attribute(s)) of the particular webpage and/or email message to find a logical location to start reading once the webpage and/or email message have loaded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reading test to measure vision loss. In one embodiment, the vision loss is due to disease progression. The tests are useful in evaluating the effects of intervention in vision deterioration. The tests are non-invasive, simple, quick, sensitive, reproducible, and easy to administer. The tests measure the subject's reading speed and accuracy under defined conditions of illumination and contrast. The results of these tests may be used to determine if treatment of a disease should be initiated, terminated, altered, or remain unchanged.

Abstract: Disclosed is an individual during a specific reading phase. The main feature of a method is that it includes the following steps, a step of subjecting the individual to a test involving the specific reading of a material including a text including a series of common words and into which errors have been inserted between the words at predefined locations, a step in which the individual reads the text out loud, a step of assigning an optical indicator linked to the reading errors identified and making it possible to characterize the quality of reading, a step of selecting the most appropriate visual aid unit depending on the determined optical indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating a log MAR value for a reading acuity test, including the steps of displaying words on a first computer monitor, where the words will be read aloud by a person taking the test; displaying the words on a second computer monitor, where words will be observable by a person administering the test, where the administrator can select words which are incorrectly read using a pointing device; measuring the amount of time the first person takes to read the words; calculating the reading rate based upon both the words correctly and those read incorrectly; measuring the distance between the first person and the monitor; and, calculating the log MAR value based upon the distance, the font size and the reading rate.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for guiding user reading on a screen is provided, the method comprising: determining a reading speed of a user; receiving a selection of a document having an original layout to be read; setting a reading speed for the document; formatting the selected document for presentation to the user on a screen; presenting the formatted document using the original document layout; dividing text in the formatted document into blocks that include a plurality of words; reformatting the blocks based on the layout of the formatted document and punctuation of the document to include at least one word, such that each reformatted block includes less than a predetermined number of characters and the at least one word of the reformatted block is on a single line in the text of the document; and presenting guidance to the user within the formatted document at the set reading speed.

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 user device displays portions of an electronic publication for a user to read. The user device tracks the user's reading behavior of the portions of the electronic publication. The user device then selects a problem from a group of pre-generated problems for the user based on the user's reading behavior and provides the selected problem to the user.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for providing a user-specific effort value associated with digital textual content. Typical embodiments include identifying a user read speed value; identifying a complexity value for a particular work of authorship; and calculating, in dependence upon the user read speed value and the complexity value, an individualized effort value for the work of authorship.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for providing a user-specific effort value associated with digital textual content. Typical embodiments include identifying a user read speed value; identifying a complexity value for a particular work of authorship; and calculating, in dependence upon the user read speed value and the complexity value, an individualized effort value for the work of authorship.

Abstract: A technique for inferring whether a message has been read includes the following: identifying at least part of a message that is in a viewport of a computing device, determining a value that is based on the at least part of the message, comparing the value to a threshold, tracking an amount of time that the at least part of the message is in the viewport if the value meets or exceeds the threshold, and inferring whether the message has been read based on the amount of time.

Abstract: A method and software for presenting reading fluency training to a user via a computer. The method includes presenting reading lessons to the user in a variety of formats and automatedly collecting data on the user's performance. The method uses the collected data to dynamically vary presentation formats, rates and content of the reading lessons throughout a reading fluency training session.

Abstract: By performing a comparison of words spoken by a speaker and defined material which is presented to the speaker, information can be determined which allows for the convenient control of the presentation of material and external devices. A comparison of a speaker's words with defined material can be beneficially used as an input for controlling the operation of an exercise apparatus, video games, material presented to an audience, and the presentation of the material itself. Similar feedback loops can also be used with measurement and stimulation of neurophysiologic states, to make the activity of reading more enjoyable and convenient, or for other purposes.

Abstract: Methods and related computer program products, systems, and devices for providing intelligent feedback to a user based on audio input associated with a user reading a passage are disclosed. The method can include assessing a level of fluency of a user's reading of the sequence of words using speech recognition technology to compare the audio input with an expected sequence of words and providing feedback to the user related to the level of fluency for a word.

Abstract: A device that assists students in reading by using an opaque sheet to cover an entire page. The sheet has a “window” slot in the center that highlights a single line on the page. The device also has a curved slider that is pivotably attached at the top of the sheet. The placement of the pivot point and the shape of the curved member are such that in the initial position, the entire slot is covered. The student moves the curved slider letter by letter until syllables and words are exposed. As letters, syllables and words are exposed, the student reads them. At no time is the student distracted by other text on the page or the remaining words on the line. Once the line has been mastered, the slider can be returned to the initial position and the sheet slid down to the next line to repeat the process.

Abstract: A speed reading process formats and speed reads text, enhances reading speed and comprehension. Selected text is formatted in vertical columns of less than 4 cm wide and a pair of vertical scan bars facing the left of each column of selected text. Each group of scan words in any line of the column is selected to form a complete thought and the selected group is highlighted in a larger bolder type and in a different font from the remainder of the text. A plurality of scan line indicators are placed between the pair of vertical scan bars indicative of each line that has at least one scanned word and vertically scanning each other a group of scanned words in the column of text thereby reading only complete thoughts in a narrow column of scanned lines of text.

Abstract: The fluency of a spoken utterance or passage is measure and presented to the speaker and to others. In one embodiment, a method is described that includes recording a spoken utterance, evaluating the spoken utterance for accuracy, evaluating the spoken utterance for duration, and assigning a score to the spoken utterance based on the accuracy and the duration.

Abstract: A method and system for redisplaying or re-presenting an instant message. An instant message is received at a client and stored in a repository. The instant message is displayed in a first window which is provided by the client, and which is viewable by a user of the client. Alternatively, the message is converted to another format (e.g., speech) capable of being comprehended by the user via a non-visual sense, and presented to the user. The message is identified as being unread (or not comprehended) by the user based on pre-defined criteria. Detection of a pre-defined action prompts a search of the repository for any message identified as unread (or not comprehended). The message is located in the repository based on the search. Automatically, the message is redisplayed in a second window viewable by the user, or the message is re-presented to the user.

Abstract: By performing a comparison of words spoken by a speaker and defined material which is presented to the speaker, information can be determined which allows for the convenient control of the presentation of material and external devices. A comparison of a speaker's words with defined material can be beneficially used as an input for controlling the operation of an exercise apparatus, video games, material presented to an audience, and the presentation of the material itself. Similar feedback loops can also be used with measurement and stimulation of neurophysiologic states, to make the activity of reading more enjoyable and convenient, or for other purposes.

Abstract: This invention is a method of analyzing and preparing electronic text in such a way as to set values for each word in terms of recognizability, comprehensibility, and parts of speech for later emphasis and marking for printing or display on an electronic device. When used on electronic display devices it further employs methods which permit the user to limit eye movement by displaying such text one or a few words at a time. This invention also enhances the ability of small electronic devices to display textual information by providing a method of display which is more suitable for small display areas. The invention is made up of two sections. The first analyzes the text to be displayed and grades each word in such a way as to substantially anticipate the difficulty in understanding each word the reader will have when it subsequently is displayed.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for timing student reading. According to the method and system it is provided that a timer device is used to time student reading and determine a words read per minute score. According to one example embodiment of the inventive subject matter, the teacher/test administrator sits down with a student. The teacher places reading passage in front of student. The passage may indicate number of words in the passage. The teacher presses the Start/Stop button 108 on the reading timer 100 when the student starts to read. The student reads the entire passage and while they read the time taken is displayed, counting up, on display 102. The teacher presses the Start/Stop 108 button on the timer 100 when the student finishes reading the passage. The teacher uses the numeric keypad 110 on the timer 100 to reflect the number of words read by the student during the timing, and the entered reads read are displayed on the display 104.

Abstract: A speed reading system includes a plurality of printed sheets, each sheet having a pair of vertically extending scan bars and a plurality of printed lines of indicia extending perpendicular to the scan bars. Selected printed lines of indicia have a plurality of grouped scan words therein, each group forming a single thought, with each scan word being in a different font and larger type than the non-scanned words and each group of scan words being positioned with the first scanned word in the group in one line being adjacent to the vertically extending scan bars. A plurality of scan line indicators are located adjacent and between the scan bars with one scan line indicator being adjacent each scan line having at least one scan word therein.

Abstract: A reading or language interactive system which utilizes a mechanism to permit a computer-based instruction program in reading or language instruction to implement a shared reading program, wherein portions of the text are read by the student and portions by the computer itself. The proportion of the text “read” by each participant and the pace at which the lesson progresses can each be automatically altered based upon the proficiency of the student. In addition, the system utilizes a computer instructor to share the task of reading or language learning by modeling the task for the learner, variably controlling the amount of material that the student reads aloud based upon a computer assessment of the student's ability, helping the learner navigate through the instructional application, and participating in a joint performance that demonstrates the student's reading.

Abstract: An apparatus having a generally triangular shape and for helping a person read includes a housing with oppositely spaced edge portions and oppositely spaced end portions integral with the edge portions. The housing further has substantially planar top and bottom surfaces with respective openings formed therein and a slot formed generally medially between the top and bottom surfaces of the housing. The apparatus further includes a plurality of colored films selectively positionable into the slot and for assisting a user to differentiate a group of words in a line from a remainder of words in other lines.

Abstract: A method for measuring reading ability in which the test subject reads passages at a predetermined distance from the eyes of the test subject, the text size of the passages varying in steps in the reading order, the measurer assessing the test subject's reading ability on the basis of what the measurer hears. Each text passage contains at least one numeral word, indicating the visual acuity required by the passage. An auxiliary device for positioning the test subject's eyes at a desired distance from the object being viewed includes a plurality of parts of different lengths, linkable to one another in succession, from which parts the length corresponding to each desired distance is obtained by selecting and, when necessary, by linking the parts together.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for supporting reading of a text from a display member (1) in order to increase the reading speed. The device includes first means (2, 4) which are arranged to provide a text, which consists of a number of characters forming words in said text, and to display at least a part of the text on the display member (1), an second means (2, 5), which are arranged to display a marking means (7) which marks at least one character of said part of the text on the display member (1). The second means are arranged to move the marking (7) in an automatic manner on the displayed part of the text in order to control the reading of the text.

Abstract: A method and a system for a quick reading training using the Internet are disclosed, in which diversified training data for the quick reading are provided through the Internet, and the results of the quick reading training are tested on the real time basis, so that the fast reading ability and the trainee's progress in the quick reading training can be known. The method for a quick reading training using the Internet includes the following steps. That is, one of the connectable terminals is connected by a fast reading trainee to the server to make the server transmit a fast reading menu picture data to the connectable terminal (first step). The fast reading menu picture is outputted onto the terminal, and a fast reading training mode and fast reading training conditions are selected by the fast reading trainee to receive them (second step).

Abstract: A system (11) for presenting textual and/or graphical information for reading. The system includes a visual display unit (15) for displaying the textual and/or graphical information within a general layout screen, a microcomputer including processing means (13) to receive the textual and/or graphical information in an electronically encoded form and process the same for presentation on the visual display unit (15). A computer program (19) is provided for controlling the presentation of the textual and/or graphical information on the visual display unit (15) in a prescribed manner. A keyboard and mouse input (17) is included for inputting control signals to operate the processing means (13) and the computer program (19) or for altering control parameters of same.

Abstract: The “ReadSpeeder” is a thin, flat piece of plastic, having an opaque upper and lower portion. Between the opaque portions is a clear strip or “window” through which lines of written words may be read. The device allows a person to manually regulate his or her reading speed and to focus his or her attention on groups of words rather than reading one word at a time.

Abstract: A reading teaching aid comprising two substantially coplanar masking elements each of which defines at least one edge of a viewing area, said elements being carried on the respective first ends of a pair of elongate arms which are resiliently hinged together at their second ends, each of said elongate arms having finger reception means adjacent said masking elements which include a substantially horizontal portion and an upstanding portion to allow said masking elements to be pressed onto a supporting surface and moved towards and away from each other against the resilience of the hinge to vary the dimensions of the viewing area.

Abstract: A method for marking dictated text for deferred correction or review of dictated text in a speech recognition system proofreader, comprising the steps of: displaying previously dictated text; sequentially highlighting words in the text; selectively establishing a mark for different ones of the sequentially highlighted words responsive to user commands; and, storing the marks in an ordered list, each of the marks including a current position and length of a corresponding marked word, whereby the marked words can be later recalled for correction in accordance with the ordered list. The method can, further comprise the steps of: displaying the previously dictated text in a first display window; sequentially displaying in a second display window a portion of the previously dictated text including the sequentially highlighted word; and, sequentially displaying in a third display window within the second display window the sequentially highlighted word.

Abstract: A system which utilizes a series of computer controlled exercises designed to strengthen eye muscles to reduce eye fatigue, to increase overall reading speed by performing variable reading speed exercises, and to enhance an eye-brain connection to improve reading comprehension and maintain the speed reading and comprehension skills. A specific variable reading rate process has the reader read at a first rate, then increase to a second rate, and finally decrease to a third reading rate that is faster than the first rate, and slower than the second rate. Eye-brain connection enhancement exercises include following objects moving in specific patterns across a computer screen, expanding peripheral vision by watching and following the outline of expanding objects, rapidly solving maze puzzles, sequentially locating a series of numbers on a single display screen, and two-point horizontal and vertical scanning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading system and method for printing texts for a more comfortable, faster and even superfast reading and for the facilitation of acquiring reading skills for very young pupils, in which the printed pages of the texts have one or more columns of individual isolated words. The individual isolated words which constitute each column run vertical to the straight ideal axis of said column and the beginning and the end of each word are as symmetrical as possible to said ideal axis which thusly runs through the middle of each word. The words can then be read in a perpendicular fashion, from top to bottom. As the length of each words is within the visual angle of the reader's eye, the system of the invention directs the reader's eye in following the ideal axis while reading without shifting the eyes from one side to the other, thusly rendering the reading of each column much more comfortable as well as faster than that of other types of printed texts.

Abstract: A system (11) for presenting textual and/or graphical information for reading. The system includes a visual display unit (15) for displaying the textual and/or graphical information within a general layout screen, a microcomputer including processing means (13) to receive the textual and/or graphical information in an electronically encoded form and process the same for presentation on the visual display unit (15). A computer program (19) is provided for controlling the presentation of the textual and/or graphical information on the visual display unit (15) in a prescribed manner. A keyboard and mouse input (17) is included for inputting control signals to operate the processing means (13) and the computer program (19) or for altering control parameters of same.

Abstract: While leaving the spelling of words intact the sequence of words on ever other line of print text is reversed. The reader reads the first line of text from left to right. When finished with the first line the reader drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the second line and reads the words on the second line right to left. When finished with the second line the reader again drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the third line and reads this line left to right. The reader continues reading alternately lines of text right to left, left to right until reaching a major break in the composition when the process is begun anew.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer aided reading training provides for improving reading speed with comprehension, the method comprising the steps of displaying textual matter in a machine readable format; presenting a designated text display area indicia on a video monitor screen; presenting input device controllable operational indicia on the video monitor screen; and displaying the textual matter within the word display area indicia on the video monitor screen, the textual matter being segmented into textual portions, each of the portions appearing on the monitor screen for a selected duration and at the termination of the selected duration being instantly replaced by each subsequent one of the textual portions in turn, the operational indicia being functional for adjusting the position and approximate quantity of textual matter in each of the textural portions.

Abstract: A reading or language interactive system which utilizes a mechanism to permit a computer-based instruction program in reading or language instruction to implement a shared reading program, wherein portions of the text are read by the student and portions by the computer itself. The proportion of the text "read" by each participant and the pace at which the lesson progresses can each be automatically altered based upon the proficiency of the student. In addition, the system utilizes a computer instructor to share the task of reading or language learning by modeling the task for the learner, variably controlling the amount of material that the student reads aloud based upon a computer assessment of the student's ability, helping the learner navigate through the instructional application, and participating in a joint performance that demonstrates the student's reading.

Abstract: A method of displaying a self-reading electronic child's book on a display medium that displays a sequence of indicia, such as words, and having associated with the first indicia or word a visual indicator that may be associated with a cursor moved by a child to audibilize the indicia or word associated with the visual indicator and automatically cause the visual indicator to move under the next indicia or word in sequence to enable a book to be read by a child.

Abstract: A method of displaying at least one reading metric in an electronic book includes reading machine-readable data from a machine-readable storage medium installed in the electronic book. The machine-readable data is representative of text of a book. At least one page of the text represented by the machine-readable data is displayed using the electronic book. A reading pace of a user is monitored over the at least one page, and the reading pace is displayed by the electronic book. An amount of the book which can be read at the reading pace during a remaining powering time for a battery which powers the electronic book can also be displayed. An estimated completion time for a portion of the book can be calculated and displayed based on the reading pace.

Abstract: A pulsed-tone timing method. Pulsed audible guide tones are activated at an initial pulsing rate. The pulsing rate is manipulated so as to repeatable (i) increase the pulsing rate over a time span to an intermediate pulsing rate and (ii) abruptly drop the pulsing rate to a decreased rate between the intermediate pulsing rate and a previous rate, until a predetermined final pulsing rate is reached. The pulsing rate can be manipulated such that each subsequent intermediate pulsing rate pulses at a faster rate than previous intermediate pulsing rates. The method can be used in many activities. For example, a reader can read a line of text per each guide tone while keeping pace with the specifically timed rate increases, thereby increasing reading effort and reading speed.

Abstract: A self-reading electronic child's book that displays a sequence of indicia, such as words, and having under each indicia a visual indicator such as a light-emitting diode with the visual indicators being automatically illuminated in sequence as the child touches a switch associated with each light-emitting diode to sequentially drive a voice synthesizer that audibilizes the indicia or word associated with the light and switch that was activated.

Abstract: A transmission and reading guide rapid return device for an auxiliary reading apparatus which includes a driving wheel driven by a DC motor through a transmission gear unit to move a reading guide in either direction alternatively, a switch, and a control bar driven by the reading guide to switch the switch between the forward position and the return position. The revolving speed of the DC motor is regulated by changing the voltage to the DC motor.

Abstract: A computerized tachistoscope presents information in a transitory, flashed, manner in order to mandate student-user attentiveness, retention, and learning. Particularly in teaching reading successive groups of words, typically of three words each, are transitorily successively presented in positions actually occupied by the word groups within a block of text. Required reading is unidirectionally forward while each successive fixation of the eye must assimilate multiple, and not individual, words. Particularly in teaching spelling a word image is flashed and a student-user is quizzed to spell the word, which word is no longer visible. In teaching reading the base rate of the transitory presentation of successive groups of words is intermittently automatically accelerated, normally about 10% for the successive presentations of many successive word groups, in order to force the student-user to sprint, and to thereby extend his or her reading rate.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing reading skills whereby readers can improve both reading speed and comprehension. This novel teaching method and system associatively combines input to visual, tactile, auditory senses. The reader is trained to conceptualize the meaning of words directly from symbols rather than from symbols and related sounds by causing the eyes to scan text more rapidly than both symbols and related sounds can be assimilated. The eyes are prompted to follow a rapidly moving finger induced to rhythmically move back-and-forth across the text at rapidly driven rates by an auditory beat. Different auditory inputs are provided to each ear, such that each hemisphere of the brain predominately receives signals which are related to its primary function. Rhythmic beats to induce higher reading rates are addressed to the left hemisphere of the brain which governs spatial relations, time, rhythm, and reading the written word.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing reading skills whereby readers can improve both reading speed and comprehension. This novel teaching method and system associatively combines input to visual, tactile, and auditory senses. The reader is trained to conceptualize the meaning of words directly from symbols rather than from symbols and related sounds by causing the eyes to scan text more rapidly than both symbols and related sounds can be assimilated. The eyes are prompted to follow a rapidly moving finger induced to rhythmically move back-and-forth across the text at rapidly driven rates by an auditory beat. Different auditory inputs are provided to each ear, such that each hemisphere of the brain predominately receives signals which are related to its primary function. Rhythmic beats to induce higher reading rates are addressed to the left hemisphere of the brain which governs spatial relations, time, rhythm, and reading the written word.

Abstract: A reading method for reading text whereby the reader listens to a cyclic stereophonic sound pattern while reading text. The cyclic stereophonic sound pattern paces the reader's eye movement over the text. A decrease in the pitch of the stereophonic sound pattern reduces reader stress due to learning to read more quickly. The invention also includes reading improvement apparatus used in the practice of this method.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing reading skills whereby readers can improve both reading speed and comprehension. This novel teaching method and system associatively combines input to visual, tactile, and auditory senses. The reader is trained to conceptualize the meaning of words directly from symbols rather than from symbols and related sounds by causing the eyes to scan text more rapidly than both symbols and related sounds can be assimilated. The eyes are prompted to follow a rapidly moving finger induced to rhythmically move back-and-forth across the text at rapidly driven rates by an auditory beat. Different auditory inputs are provided to each ear, such that each hemisphere of the brain predominately receives signals which are related to its primary function. For example, rhythmic beats to induce higher reading rates are addressed to the left hemisphere of the brain which governs spatial relations, time, and rhythm.

Abstract: In a compact liquid crystal television receiver having an information memory, map information, train time table information, or telephone directory information is prestored in the information memory, and is read out therefrom as needed. The readout information data is displayed on a screen, instead of a television image. In the case, window display can be used. The information memory is an IC card, and a still image audio or characters by character broadcasting can be recorded or reproduced.