Abstract: A system and method for teaching typing using a computer game. The computer game may take many forms and may provide both audio and/or visual instructions as well as audio and/or visual responses to a user's input.

Abstract: Target music piece, which a trainee player aims to perform well through practice, is designated by a user or player from among various music genres such as classical music, popular music and enka (Japanese popular ballads). Lesson information supplying section supplies lesson information prepared by combining information descriptive of a plurality of training music pieces bearing particular relations to the target music piece, to allow the player to become skillful enough for performing the designated target music piece. The lesson information comprises a combination of information descriptive of a plurality of optimum training music pieces selected on the basis of all kinds of musical information, such as a music genre, key, rhythm and beat, of the target music piece. Control section controls player's performance practice on the basis of the lesson information supplied by the lesson information supplying section.

Abstract: An amusement system comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys and a main control portion capable of instructing operation of the keyboard through a predetermined display device, an operation instructive portion at which a plurality of regions associated with the user's fingers are provided in a visually identifiable mode is displayed on a screen of a display device. An instructive mark for specifying a key to be operated by the finger associated with each region is displayed in the regions, respectively. The instructive mark and a predetermined reference mark are scrolled relatively in a predetermined direction, and the operation time of the key specified by each instructive mark is indicated based on a positional relationship between the instructive mark and the reference mark.

Abstract: A method and therapy software system for preventing computer operator injuries combines a computer with a software system and prevents or rehabilitates computer operator injuries resulting from the prolonged use of a computer keyboard or mouse associated with the computer by reminding said computer operator to perform physical therapy exercises that are designed to reduce the potential injuries that can result from prolonged uninterrupted use of a computer keyboard or mouse.

Abstract: A tactile recognition input device is used by a visually impaired individual, for example, to interact with an electronic device, such as a computer. The input device includes a plurality of activation keys movable in a direction generally parallel to the input device and preferably away from the individual to activate the input device and transmit input signals. Each of the activation keys includes a tactilly recognizable region including, for example, a Braille character. A tactile recognition overlay is used with an existing input device, such as a membrane computer keyboard. The overlay includes an overlay member having a plurality of depressible portions that are movable to below the overlay member to activate input regions on the input device. Activation keys are disposed on the overlay member over each of the depressible portions and are movable in the direction generally parallel to the input device.

Abstract: An improved opaque computer keyboard cover (10) which covers only the three- or four alpha-numeric rows of the keyboard (12). Function and format keys (12) are not covered which provides a one-size-fits-all design. This configuration eliminates the need to order from 3000 various keyboard cover sizes. This cover is for use in keyboarding instruction and prevents peeking to accelerate user memorization. This cover can also be imprinted with a language option layout or Dvorak keyboard layout thus fully conforming the keyboard layout to one of the 60 or so languages available in the computer operating system keyboard preference options.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mandarin phonetic inputting apparatus by using sixteen keys. It achieves the purpose of conveniently operating for those people are not skilled in typewriting, and provides a capability of detecting ambiguous tones in mandarin language for degrading reentering caused by misunderstanding the ambiguous tones, and furthermore, to serve as a user input interface in a handhold calculator with more economical efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an instructional method based on the concept that as a student learns to perform a mental task consisting of a set of elements or steps, whether conceptual or concrete, the student develops a distinct mental connection or path for every element related to the primary mental task being learned. For example, as a student learns to type a particular key on a keyboard, (the primary mental task), the student develops a distinct mental impression for every typing key logically associated with the first key. In other words, a distinct connection or path is defined as a link between two or more elements, one key being a primary element, the other being a related key connected to the primary key by a logical mental step. The present method is also useful for learning a musical instrument, a foreign language, mathematics, test taking skills, and the like logical though processes.

Abstract: A universal design of a handy rotary keystrokes guide that simplifies the tasks of personal computer users who prepare spreadsheets, documents, graphs, presentations, reports, etc. It reduces the requirement to remember a multitude of keystrokes and mouse clicks needed to perform hundreds of computer operations and tasks. It provides a convenient display of keystrokes and mouse clicks in a unique, compact, shorthand symbology form and format that is always in the field of view of the computer operator. A one piece cradle supports the rotary guide and enables quick, simple interchange of the rotary keystrokes guides unique to various software programs. Line registration or line magnifier is accomplished by simple attachment to the cradle.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method to prevent RSI symptoms when keys are operated, and it contains a measuring device (4) to determine the force acting on the key, a device to compare the measured force with a finger stress model, and a device to make critical finger impact values (14, 16) perceptible. The inventive device may be positioned directly on the keyboard (2) as a stand-alone device, or it may be designed as part of a data processing system.

Abstract: A method for providing a health break while using computers, for those aspects of health that are impacted by use of computers for sustained periods of time. These health aspects are those which cause strain and fatigue of muscles in the neck, hand and back areas. Another, important health aspect is the strain on the ciliary muscles in the eye used for focussing. These muscles are strained by sustained visualization of the video screen. The method requires the operating system to pause the application, display a health related break message and an eye related health message at different rates for preset times. This message illustrates the purpose of break and what should be done during the break. The user has the features to delay or cancel the health related break message.

Abstract: A computer typing learning device includes a cover and a seat, and a key board combined electrically with with a screen disposed between the cover 1 and the seat. An electronic circuit board is provided under a base plate of the key board for arranging various circuits thereon for various functions to display typed letters on a exercise letter row of the screen to be compared with a reference letter row and a warning mark row to show which typed letter is wrong. The keyboard is structured as all the same as that for common computers. A solar cell module is also provided inside the cover, connected with a battery deposited in a battery chamber in the cover, and a power convert switch is fixed on the cover for selecting a power source AC or DC for the device.

Abstract: A system to reducing repetitive motion injury (RMI) risks comprises a wrist-resting device having one or both of a heater and a vibrator in the device. In preferred embodiments edges of a support pad for the device are rounded significantly to avoid the possibility of sharp edges impeding a user's blood circulation. In another aspect a control system is provided for monitoring user activity and weighting each instance of activity according to stored parameters to accumulate data on user stress level. In the event a prestored stress threshold is reached, a media player is invoked to provide rest and exercise for the user.

Abstract: A method of instructing students of all skill levels, ages, language abilities, or physical disabilities, to achieve a psychokinetic touch typing ability on an efficient keyboard wherein the most used letters are located on keys on the home row, by providing steps for the student to locate the most used keys and to practice the keyboard by a combination of free style typing, working the fingers, composing text, saving all the keystrokes, showing all keystrokes, displaying errors, avoiding and preventing mistakes, locking up the keyboard upon a student's error, accounting for and recording the student's errors, displaying and suppressing the graphic representation of the finger placement on keys by a plurality of boxes representing the keys or characters of the keyboard in approximate configuration of the keys of a keyboard, providing practice text, placing the fingers on the keys, naming students, and permitting waiving of records, and reducing the flexion and extension of the fingers.

Abstract: Training apparatus for use with a keyboard comprises a rigid support and a stabilizing bar having optional hand guides. The stabilizing bar is attached to the support, preferably pivotably, such that, when said training apparatus is positioned in front of a keyboard, an operator's hands are positioned between but not touching the support and the stabilizing bar when the operator's fingers are positioned over their home keys on the keyboard. In an alternate embodiment, the support for the stabilizing bar is formed integrally with the keyboard support.

Abstract: An improved children's computer keyboard includes enlarged keys that are color-coded according to function group. The enlarged keys provide wider top surface and area between keys, which provides each key with a larger error-free zone than a conventional computer keyboard, thus making the present invention more tolerant for human error. Characters on the keys of the improved children's computer keyboard are also enlarged for improved visibility. The keys are arranged in a conventional QWERTY layout.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for practicing playing an electronic musical instrument which includes a select section for selecting a music teacher mode, a display section for displaying a score and key, a microcomputer for controlling an entire musical system and an output section for outputting audible sound. The apparatus is effective for displaying a mark indicating a key corresponding to a note of the score. Thus, the user can effectively and correctly practice playing an electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A method of typing to reduce repetitive strain injuries comprises coordinating the movement of all moving parts from the shoulders to the fingers to avoid dissonant movement of any one part, starting with the hand and forearm in a natural profile. Each separately moving part is limited to movement to within its mid-range of motion. For speed, a finger is lifted and the hand is rotated to amplify the elevation. Conversely, lowering of the finger to strike a key involves rotating the hand in a reverse direction. The fingers are simply dropped, aiming at the top of the key to eliminate wasteful downward force and reduce finger-to-keyboard impact. Major movement of the fingers about the keyboard occurs simultaneously with upper and lower arm motion to eliminate stressful finger motions. A mouse manipulation method also employ the hand in a natural profile.

Abstract: A tactile recognition language overlay system includes a piece of pliable material for covering a pressure sensitive or push button operated device, such as a keyboard or control panel. The piece of pliable material includes depressible portions which move below the piece of pliable material to contact detection regions disposed on the pressure sensitive device, such as keys on a keyboard. Each depressible portion has an engaging region which is adapted to engage a tactile recognition language block having at least a tactilly recognizable character, such as a Braille character. The tactile recognition language blocks may also include visual indicia. The depressible portions and engaging regions are spaced and oriented in a predetermined pattern corresponding to detection regions on the pressure sensitive device.

Abstract: To educate children how to use the emergency 911 telephone number, a talking doll displays the twelve keys of a conventional telephone instrument. Within the chest of the doll or mounted externally is a tape player having a pre-recorded tape of the words likely to be used by an emergency dispatcher at a "911 number". These include reassuring instructions, inquiries as to the name and address of the child and the nature of the emergency. Hence the user pushes the sequence of buttons "9", "1" and "1". This activates playing the recorded tape. At the end of the tape message, the tape automatically rewinds. A telephone instrument may be suspended on the doll in such manner that a switch is closed when the instrument is lifted from the hook before depressing the "9", "1", "1" buttons.

Abstract: A keyboard training aid has a support resting on the keyboard around the text entry keys and an opaque cover pivotally mounted on the support. The cover extends over the text input keys so that they cannot be seen by a training operator. Two apertures in the top cover are aligned between the keyboard operator and the home keys in the center row so that the home keys can be viewed.

Abstract: A color-coded method and apparatus of learning to type is disclosed having three sets of flash cards which teach the location of keyboard symbols and the appropriate finger to employ a given symbol by the use of a predetermined sector-color-coded keyboard. The invention also includes adhesive backed colored appliques matching the sector-color-coding which can be removably applied to the fingers or another support to provide a means for initial learning of the method prior to practicing the method. Finally, the keyboard is covered with the color appliques according to the predetermined sector color code and a look-away image of the predetermined sector-color-coded keyboard is provided to prevent the user from looking at the keyboard while typing. This system can also be applied to other multiple finger actuated input devices.

Abstract: A process of teaching the use of keyboards thereby enabling keyboard operators to produce large quantities of printed material in a much shorter time at higher accuracy. The process instructs keyboard students to associate printed material with four specific finger movements rather than keyboard memorization, thereby securing proficiency for keyboard students in as little as four hours rather than the usual six to thirty six weeks.

Abstract: A simple teaching kit for use by music teachers and students at any level to illustrate the theory of music. The kit comprises representations of the treble and bass clefs and two octave sections of a piano keyboard in combination with a plurality of transparent overlays upon which the student selectively affixes a plurality of coloured stickers representing any selected scale, tonal pattern or chord pattern in any selected key.

Abstract: An apparatus produces an operational manual of a certain machine and supplies the same to an operator of the machine. The operational manual teaches how to operate a minimum procedure in order to obtain one of functions with which the machine is equipped. Each of the functions including the plurality of minimum procedures which can no longer be segmented. The apparatus stores a help information item for every minimum procedure. Each help information item indicates how to operate a corresponding minimum procedure. The apparatus further stores operations input to the machine by the operator. Thus, the operator analyzes the operations and detects a predetermined function desired by the operator. Then, the apparatus produces the operational manual containing help information items corresponding to the predetermined function, and supplies it to the operator. The operational manual is produced if the apparatus has judged that the predetermined condition has been established.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for instruction of a student which includes interactive guidance of the student through a series of lesson frames includes providing the student with a keyboard having a plurality of keys corresponding to the notes of a musical scale and generating a key relation signal in response to each depressed or released key. A video display has an audio tone generator associated therewith enabling the student to respond to the visually displayed images and audio tones by selecting one or more of the keys on the keyboard. The student is presented with a lesson frame representing an instructional activity requiring a response by the student on the keyboard. The student keyboard response is compared with a performance standard and an absolute performance evaluation result is generated. The absolute performance evaluation result is compared with an acceptable achievement level for the particular instructional activity and a next frame selection signal is generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coaxing a novice operator into dialogue with a touch screen display and for directing the operator to program the machine including a soft display actuator displayed on the first frame of the touch screen display of the user interface, a pointer displayed adjacent to the acutator, the pointer simulating a human action with respect to the actuator, the human action suggesting to the operator the manual engagement of the actuator, and a control responsive to the manual engagement of the actuator to provide a subsequent frame on the touch screen display of the user interface, the subsequent frames providing progressively more complex operator options.

Abstract: A cover apparatus including a transparent housing overlying a computer keyboard, wherein the cover apparatus includes a plurality of forward and rear side walls defining rows of openings, wherein each row of openings is arranged overlying rows of computer keys. The openings are provided with cover housings to selectively cover individual or the plurality of keys, wherein each of the plurality of keys of the computer keyboard is positioned within the openings to provide selective covering thereof to minimize inadvertent pressing of such keys in usage of the keyboard.

Abstract: An educational keyboard with removable keys, wherein musical tone generation for a given key is in response to correct placement of the key in its corresponding key slot, is disclosed. Incorrect placement results in a sour tone. Lights are also used to indicate correct and incorrect placement of keys. A computer interface for the keyboard allows a student to use pre-programmed interactive lessons tailored to the student's age and ability. Methods of teaching music theory and harmony with the keyboard utilize the student's left brain and right brain capabilities.

Abstract: An educational device for teaching touch typing. The device includes a chart to be place in the view of the student and a series of overlays to be used on the individual student keyboards. The chart and overlays give the student the visual and mental impressions necessary to remember the location of individual keys without having to look at the keys.

Abstract: A hand-held calculator for use in conducting classroom demonstrations of the operation thereof, including use of the operation instruction key means. The calculator comprises a frame, a keyboard section, data processing means and a display section and where both the keyboard and display sections are transparent to permit images thereof to be projected on a screen for teaching purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in teaching comprises a carrier (10,20) of information that is to form the subject-matter of a lesson; a keyboard (12) having its keys marked with symbols which include those related to the said information; a visual display unit (14) having a screen (15); a computer (13) which is programmed in relation to said information to check the accuracy of a student's transcription of at least part of the information by indicating on the screen and/or audibly, the performance of the student; the apparatus is intended for use in the largely automated teaching of typing, shorthand (Pitman, Gregg and Teeline), and also foreign languages.

Abstract: Method of teaching keyboarding by providing a first simulated keyboard which is substantially the same size as a standard keyboard and which has means for dividing the keys into appropriate standard finger grouping columns and providing a second simulated keyboard which has means for visually dividing the keys into the same finger grouping columns as the first simulated keyboard. The invention also consists of first and second simulated keyboards for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching small children alphanumeric characters and their positions on a conventional keyboard includes a flat base unit having a plurality of surface slots extending partially through the base and second slots between the bottom of the surface slots and the bottom surface of the base to a metallic bottom plate. Keys are represented on the top surfaces of bars having exterior shapes that fit within the surface slots and with magnet tipped extensions that fit within the second slots. The slots and keyboard bars are uniquely shaped so that each bar can only fit into its respective slot to form a completed assembly similar to a conventional keyboard.

Abstract: A printed computer training device having a number of leaves hingedly connected together. A plurality of first leaves have screen display simulating indicia on a first side and keyboard action simulating indicia on a second side. A second leaf, hinged to the first leaf, has keyboard simulation indicia on a first side. A plurality of third leaves, hinged to the second leaf, have operating instruction indicia on a first side and keyboard action simulating indicia on a second side.

Abstract: An electronic learning apparatus and methodology is disclosed wherein answer codes to a plurality of questions or tasks are disposed on the periphery of a disc. The answer codes are photo-optically read from the periphery of the disc as the disc is rotated with the answer thus read being stored in a register. The user inputs a student's answer through a keyboard into a second register. The answer code as read from the disc is compared to the keyed answer from the user to give an indication of correctness or error. The invention also includes a method for teaching arithmetic operations wherein the user must input the nature of the arithmetic operation as well as the result in order to complete the questions. The invention is also characterized in that the keyboard is adapted to be combined with a plurality of keyboard overlays whereby an arbitrary number of associations may be made between the fixed number of keys and an indefinite number of response types.

Abstract: A method for rapidly and accurately evaluating the number of errors in a test document typed by a test applicant makes use of an original sample master sheet having subject matter imprinted on it in conventional type with margins and spacing established by rule. There is a duplicate of the original master sheet printed in the same type in white ink on a transparent check sheet having identical margins and spacing to those for the master sheet.The test document is typed in black ink of the same type by the person whose skill is to be tested, using the same margins and spacing as directed for the original master sheet.The transparent check sheet is placed over the test document with edges of the sheets in alignment. The white typed subject matter should be in alignment with the black typed subject matter. Errors are revealed by non-aligned black portions of the typed letters on the test document where they do not perfectly match the white letters.

Abstract: An equal input output learning device that can be added to or built into any musical instrument facilitating the teaching and improvisation of music and muscial theory using the musical instrument itself which device consists of a plurality of 12 switches representing the equal tempered 12 tone Chromatic scale, and which switches can be easily activated and changed by the player, as desired, using switches separately or in any combination, and, which switches when activated show all notes of the pitch classes chosen by indicators on the musical instrument together with indicators on the switches themselves.

Abstract: During manufacture, a rubber or other elastic sheet is forcibly stretched out and smoothly affixed to an adhesive spread out on a backing of cardboard or similar material. The sheet is suitable for receiving typing from a typewriter, and the entire assembly is suitable for insertion and bending over the roll of a common typewriter. During operation, a person types a message on the sheet, removes the assembly from the typewriter and forcibly peels the sheet off the backing. The sheet returns to its original unstretched shape, and the typed words, along with the spaces between the words, occupy less space than those of a similar message typed on ordinary paper. When used with a Xerox or similar copying machine, the reduction in the size of the words and spaces permits the use of many more words per final, normal size page of reproduced document.

Abstract: A portable shield intended to block the student typist's view of the keyboard and cylinder is made of cardboard having creases for folding at convenient locations. One portion of the shield screens the keyboard while another portion screens the cylinder. A relatively long extension member is attached to one side of the keyboard portion, extends downwardly along one side of the typewriter and is folded to pass under the feet of the typewriter in order to hold the device in place. The keyboard shield portion is also flexibly attached to the top of the typewriter so that the operator can raise the keyboard portion simply by raising his wrists against the bottom of it. This will enable him to check the position of his hands on the keyboard.

Abstract: A U-shaped member is detachably engaged with the upper end of an elongate support member, the lower end of which embraces the shoulder of a student. The U-shaped member receives the back of the student's head and includes a forwardly extending leg to restrict movement of the head from a predetermined direction. The device prevents the student from observing his hands during the practice of manual dexterity exercises. The U-shaped member is pivotally movable for disengagement with the head.

Abstract: A teaching aid for piano and other keyed musical instruments. The device has switches electrically connected to a matrix array and mechanically linked to each key for detecting each key depression, an LED associated with each key for signalling the keys which should be played and an alphanumeric display for showing notes in literal and octave notation and for showing the student's position in a composition or exercise. The displays are connected in a matrix array and along with the key sensing switches are connected through interface circuitry to a microcomputer. The microcomputer stores a sequence of musical steps forming a composition and compares played notes to the stored sequence. When the compared notes and the depressed keys are identical, the student is signalled and the microcomputer advances to the next musical step. When there is an error, the microcomputer recycles the same musical step.

Abstract: Printed matter is positioned behind a reflective and transparent surface. A lamp illuminates the printing. A student is instructed to copy the material on a typewriter. When a student begins typing, the lamp turns off and remains off until a predetermined interval after typing has stopped. The lamp relights, displaying the printed matter through the printed matter screen and when the student begins typing again the lamp turns off, hiding the printed matter. The process is repeated until the task is completed or a preselected time expires.The student is encouraged to type more during each successive interval, which encourages the student to remember words and groups of words and to comprehend.