Abstract: A system and computerized method is provided that controls a reading slot to provide aid to a user in reading a passage. The computerized method includes generating a mask having an opaque portion and a reading slot. The opaque portion covers a plurality of lines having characters that are visible through the slot. The plurality of lines includes at least a first line and a second line. The method includes advancing the slot at a midline velocity in relation to the first line of the passage, and increasing the velocity of the slot in accordance with a digital transition velocity profile when the slot enters a transition zone of the passage.

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 device for teaching reading skills employs a frame of rectangular configuration having an open interior region bounded in part by spaced apart parallel struts having paired grooves which function as upper and lower tracks. A window panel having an elongated aperture with a height that embraces one to three lines of printed text removably slides into the interior region upon one set of tracks. An obscuring panel slidably enters the other set of tracks and enables controllable visualization of a few words per line of exposed text.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for displaying a plurality of alphanumeric characters on a display device that is connected to an automated device having a processor, a memory, and an input device. The automated device executes a plurality of instructions that configure the processor to provide a reading focus tool on the display device. The reading focus tool includes a first section and a rectangular window within the first section and a notch section. The reading focus tool overlays the plurality of alphanumeric characters and aligns at least one line of alphanumeric characters within at least one of the rectangular window and the notch section. Further, a user is enabled to move the reading focus tool to a selection of alphanumeric characters to be read.

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: An educational device and method in which a user can learn the pronunciation and meaning of words using a word isolator with a window and a slide. The word isolator is placed over the unfamiliar word. The slide is manipulated to expose only a portion of the word at a time, thereby helping the user break down and identify the unfamiliar word.

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: 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 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: Apparatus for assisting the learning of a foreign language employs a text in the foreign language printed with an ink which reflects part of the visual spectrum, such as red ink. Superimposed on that foreign language text is a literal translation of the text in a language familiar to the reader, imprinted in an ink which reflects a different portion of the visual spectrum, such as blue ink. A student reads the text using eyeglasses which have lens coated with filters so that the lower portions, through which the student normally reads the text, pass light reflected from the foreign language text, rendering it visible to the reader, and block light reflected from the familiar language translation, rendering it invisible to the reader. When the reader's gaze is shifted, in the manner of use of bi-focal glasses, to observe the text through the upper sections of the filter, the translation is visible.

Abstract: A fully automatic speed-reading trainer for which reading speed can be adjusted in a non-step fashion is provided which includes an electric motor designed to drive a relatively large gear, which is one main component of a driving assembly forming a portion of the trainer. Coaxial with the larger gear, on opposite sides thereof, are an eccentric cam and a first pulley. The eccentric cam and pulley are each provided with an axle tube, and each has a coil spring attached thereto, with each coil spring having a free end inserted into respective holes on the larger gear. When the larger gear is rotatably driven in a predetermined direction, one of the springs is tightened about one of the axle tubes, which in turn, dependent upon the rotational direction of the larger gear, drives either the eccentric cam or the first pulley.

Abstract: A music teaching apparatus, useful for requiring the student to play notes in correct relative timing and suitable for employment on a piano, includes a holder for sheet music, a continuous transparent web having a plurality of opaque covering sections thereon, such as strips of pressure sensitive tape of substantial width, so as to be capable of covering at least one note "width" and preferably more, with such opaque sections being positioned to permit (and require) continuous reading and playing of the music by the player ahead of the covering sections when the web is moved across the music, and means, such as a pair of vertical cylinders about which the web is held in tension, for continuously moving the web across the music and in contact with it or close to it (so as to prevent optical distortions). Preferably, individual opaque sections extend over a treble staff and a corresponding bass staff but do not extend to other treble and bass staffs. A method of teaching music is also disclosed.