Abstract: The invention is a method of teaching an individual how to correctly sing a song by using visual display that is displayed to the individual synchronously with the playing of the audio portion of the song. A plurality of visual cues included in the visual display guides the individual in following the musical tones in the song that is played along with the display of the visual cues. The visual display can be made available for use in a variety of ways such as on CDs, on the Internet, and the like. Alternatively, the visual display can be published in a printed publication for use with an audio recording of the song.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to educational toys. In one embodiment, the educational toy includes (a) a figure having an exterior surface, and wherein the figure has a chest, hands and feet, (b) at least one indicium on the chest of the figure, (c) switching circuitry coupled to the indicia, (d) a sound synthesizer, (e) a speaker, (f) a memory, (g) a plurality of preprogrammed instruction modalities in the memory, wherein the plurality of preprogrammed instruction modalities comprises a first preprogrammed instruction modality and a second preprogrammed instruction modality, and (h) a logic circuit having a microprocessor, input terminals that are electrically coupled to the switching circuitry, and output terminals electrically coupled to the sound synthesizer and the speaker. The logic circuit controls the interaction between the switching circuitry and the plurality of preprogrammed instruction modalities.

Abstract: A device for bulletining posters and the like has a simple construction which eliminates the need for using a base plate, allowing individual posters and the like to be bulletined with an easy mounting operation.

Abstract: A computerized puppet theatre (1, 100, 120) including one or more puppets P each

Abstract: A multiple listening training device which is novel and suitable for a training simultaneous listening to a plurality of audio exercises or video/audio exercises. In the multiple listening training device, a plurality of audio exercises, the contents of which are different from each other, are prepared and stored as sound data. The device plays back via an audio playback device one turn of audio material comprising a first part playing back simultaneously k pieces of audio exercises, a second part playing back simultaneously m pieces of audio exercises and a third part playing back simultaneously n pieces of audio exercises and the first part, the second part and the third part being arranged by time series. Wherein, k, m, n are integers not less than 1 and k<n<m.

Abstract: A method of classifying an individual's personal preference for an image, comprising: viewing an image for a period of time; and ranking the image on a scale extending between a “detached” feeling and an “attached” feeling, where “detached” is a feeling of not being able to personally connect to the object or situation depicted in the image, and “attached” is a feeling of a personal connection to the object or situation depicted in their image.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus for creating a scratch effect through a MIDI interface. In one form, timing signals are derived from a turntable whose direction and speed of rotation are manually controlled by a disk jockey. The timing signals are processed by a microcomputer into a MIDI protocol recognizable by a conventional MIDI instrument. Preferably, the microcomputer is coupled to control a computer which interprets the MIDI protocol output and uses the output to regulate speed and direction of playback of a musical and/or visual presentation.

Abstract: An audio-visual education system using movable toys is disclosed. The system includes a multichannel radio transmitter mounted on a stereo output terminal of a sound signal regenerative apparatus, the radio transmitter separates sound signals, call signals, and movement control signals corresponding to specific movable toys and radio transmitting each of the signals. The moveable toys move their mouth, hands, feet, or body. A radio receiver is mounted in each movable toy. The radio receiver receives signals from the radio transmitter and controls the sound and movement of the relevant portion of the movable toy according to the received signals. A speaker is mounted in each movable toy for outputting the sound signal received from the radio receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive case and video-based teacher training is provided. The invention includes a server portion 200 and a client portion 202. A media database 100, a video assignment or video assessment database 102, an administration database 104, and a user database 106 interact with a computer system 108 and with a lesson-builder program 114 and a lesson viewer program 116 in order to allow for the development of time-indexed video case-centric lessons and courses, which are stored in a lesson database 110. The computer system 108 communicates with a plurality of client computers 206 via a browser program 208, allowing teacher-users or general users to interact with the lesson-builder program 114 and the lesson viewer program 116 for the creation and use of lessons. The lessons generated and used in the present invention are video-centric, and the present invention provides for the use of time-coded or time-indexed references to relevant portions of the video.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination a storybook and a separate audio recording and playback device which may be joined for using prerecorded or spontaneously recorded information corresponding to the storyline of the storybook. The audio device may be used with several storybooks by recording the storyline of each book separately. Buttons corresponding to the several pages of the storybook are provided so that a young reader is able to correlate a button with each page to hear the story as well as read it.

Abstract: A presentation control system and method facilitates the interaction between a user and a presentation device. The user generates tangible sensible identification devices, which are linked to items to be displayed in a presentation. In use, the user places the tangible sensible identification-carrying device, in the sensible area of an identification sensing device. The identification sensing device reads a presentation element identification from the identification-carrying device and determines a presentation element identified by the presentation element identification. The presentation element is then displayed via a presentation display device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus are disclosed for use in the capture, compilation, production and delivery of integrated educational and/or training programs in digital form. A wide range of alternative structures and acts are described to illustrate the adaptability of the invention, including a comprehensive disclosure of the prototype system used to create and deliver a fully accredited, four-unit course on the law of Commercial Torts.

Abstract: A handheld device that allows lecturers get and hold the attention of an audience. The device emits a loud sound when actuated by the lecturer chosen from a number of pre-determined sounds. A built-in recorder allows the recording of custom sounds including short spoken sentences or phrases. The device also includes auxilliary features such as a timer, a watch, an alarm, and a calendar.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing communications between grown-ups and babies as young as one month, children in pre-school and toddlers anywhere in-between and for the hearing impaired, are provided using a unique combination of American Sign Language and music. The signing is expressed using movements of the baby's fingers and music is in the form of signing and/or rhythmic instrumental play. The systems comprise of a range of curricula, a clothing line, books, games and toys and children's television shows as methods to enhance communication between babies and grown-ups. The systems and methods of the present invention promote communication, increase the I.Q., improve vocabulary, decrease frustration, refine motor coordination and develop spatial reasoning skills.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training users to play musical instruments which provides anticipation of notes to be played and the initiation time of a note as well as its duration, while not requiring the ability to read music. The apparatus provides a plurality of light emitting elements arranged and activated in sequence.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a teaching toy that invites a child's interaction using an attractive play figure, for example a stuffed animal, to present more than one instructional modality in mixed formats. The child is presented with a declarative instruction, songs, and moving lights and kinesthetic and reasoning connections are induced in the child's mind via games, songs, and visual stimuli. Particularly, the present invention teaches and reinforces a child's knowledge of geometric shapes, colors, melody and rhythm by use of visual, audial, and kinesthetic involvement of the child. If the inventive is presented in the form of a stuffed animal, the exterior of the animal would have a plurality of indicia that the child could press. The indicia is electrically coupled to switching circuitry and those switches activate a logic circuit containing preprogrammed instruction modalities and play methods.

Abstract: A robot control device for controlling a robot having a substantial entertainment value is disclosed. A sensor signal processor recognizes the voice of a user, sets an association between the voice recognition result and an action of the robot, and registers the association in a behavior association table of a behavior association table memory. A behavior decision unit decides which action for the robot to take based on the behavior association table.

Abstract: A method and kit for teaching disabled students, such as children with developmental delays and disabilities such as autism, through music. The method makes extensive use of an illustrated song book and individual sound recordings of appropriate songs with lyrics, and tying the pages of the song book with the individual sound recordings of the songs by the use of icons or graphic images, including icon cards, representing respective ones of the songs. The method permits the students to find the appropriate page in the song book for following along as the selected song is being played, while also permitting the students to have a choice in the selection of songs to be experienced. The method and kit also provide the teacher with suggestions of activities for engaging the children, such activities being specific to the selected song being played.

Abstract: The toy kitchen of the invention has a variety of play features, including a countertop, a stove top arrangement, a sink, an answering machine and telephone, and a cookbook. The toy kitchen includes a control system that receives and processes inputs from several switches associated with the various play features. The disclosed stove top arrangement includes a pair of simulated burners on which a child may place a utensil. A switch is placed beneath each burner to sense an object that has been placed on a burner. A simulated cookbook is mounted on the countertop. The cookbook includes a page that is pivotally mounted to the cookbook base so that it can be turned by the child user. When the page is turned to either side of the cookbook, it engages a switch on the cookbook base. When an object is placed on one of the burners, the sound output by the control system varies depending on which side of the page engages the switch.

Abstract: A computer system having an external animated doll device connected to the personal computer in order to “personalize” the computer. The external animated doll device represents the computer as if it were a live creature. The external doll device can respond to external stimuli, and can be activated via the Internet. In the present invention, the term “external animated doll” refers to any image or figure having a physical shape or form.

Abstract: The invention enables the inclusion of voice and remaining audio information at different parts of the audio production process. In particular, the invention embodies special techniques for VRA-capable digital mastering and accommodation of VRA by those classes of audio compression formats that sustain less losses of audio data as compared to any codecs that sustain comparable net losses equal or greater than the AC3 compression format. The invention facilitates an end-listener's voice-to-remaining audio (VRA) adjustment upon the playback of digital audio media formats by focusing on new configurations of multiple parts of the entire digital audio system, thereby enabling a new technique intended to benefit audio end-users (end-listeners) who wish to control the ratio of the primary vocal/dialog content of an audio program relative to the remaining portion of the audio content in that program.

Abstract: An order receiving apparatus (1) for making sound-accompanying photographs having, recorded thereon, image information, and audio information converted into code images to be optically readable. This apparatus includes an audio input unit (22) for receiving audio information from a customer, an image input unit (23) for receiving image information, a layout editor (12) for designating recording regions on a sound-accompanying photograph to be made, to record the image information and audio information, and an order information output unit (26) for outputting the image information and audio information as order information and as linked to the recording regions designated.

Abstract: A video game device of this invention comprises a speech/action storage device for storing contents of various speeches and actions of a leader character to be given to a main character as an ability growth object; an ability value updating device for successively updating an ability value of the main character according to the execution result of the content of the speech/action; a parameter storage device for storing an enthusiasm parameter which is set to be a positive value for each training-related speech/action and a negative value for any other speech/action; an enthusiasm parameter adding device for adding a set value to a present enthusiasm parameter given to the main character every time the speech/action is executed; a reliability degree calculating means for calculating a reliability degree between the main character and the leader character; and a judging device for judging a successful growth of the main character.

Abstract: A multiple listening training device which is novel and suitable for a training simultaneous listening to a plurality of audio exercises or video/audio exercises. In the multiple listening training device, a plurality of audio exercises, the contents of which are different from each other, are prepared and stored as sound data. The device plays back via an audio playback device one turn of audio material comprising a first part playing back simultaneously k pieces of audio exercises, a second part playing back simultaneously m pieces of audio exercises and a third part playing back simultaneously n pieces of audio exercises and the first part, the second part and the third part being arranged by time series. Wherein, k, m, n are integers not less than 1 and k<n<m.

Abstract: A novelty device assembly is provided. The novelty device includes an audio signal generator and a book. The audio signal generator is capable of being removably secured to the novelty device. The audio signal generator includes a memory to store data and a speaker to provide an audible signal. The book is separate from the audio signal generator and includes a plurality of pages having discrete printed information. Each page contains a contact capable of being detected by the audio signal generator. The pointer retrieves data from the memory corresponding to the selected page and converts it into an audible signal.

Abstract: A game communication system enhancing and improving clarity of players perception of a game. The game communication system includes gaming machine units connected to each other through communication modules which are adapted to perform a communication procedure within the game communication system. Each of the gaming machine units includes communication units adapted to execute the communication procedure to ensure bi-directional communications among the gaming machine units, a performance unit performing a sound track for a corresponding gaming machine unit, and a synchronization data setting unit setting a synchronization data which is used to control operation timing of the performance unit.

Abstract: An educational system server connected to a network comprises a student database for storing student ID, proficiency level, status of payment of tuition and the like of students. The educational system server checks the ability level of the student based on data of the student stored in the student database and, based on the results, selects a course suitable for the student. Further, a next course step suitable for the student is selected according to the current proficiency level of the student. Finally, whether or not the course is to be completed is judged based on the results of grading. By virtue of this constitution, an educational system can be realized wherein a student can select a course, which matches the current proficiency level of the student, and, during taking of the course, can change the course level and can cancel the course.

Abstract: Provided is an audio or image processing system capable of realizing virtual cooking such that a child may comprehensively enjoy and learn cooking in general while following the cooking steps. The audio or image processing system to be used for playing a game of virtual cooking comprises a plurality of input devices for respectively conducting different forms of virtual cooking, and an audio or image processing device for performing audio or image processing corresponding to the respective input devices based on data input therefrom and outputting the result thereof to an output playback device.

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: A method for behavior modification and memory enhancement utilizing a central processing unit, comprising compiling a symbolic profile of a subject participant, interpreting the subject participant's stored symbolic constructs, instructing the subject participant using virtual reality means, evaluating and recording physiological parameters of the participant and delivering symbolic containers to the participant; and delivering symbolic prescriptions to the subject participant for behavior modification and memory enhancement. The methodology allows for accessing and recognition of stored memory symbolic constructs by isolating symbolic quests embodied within multiple multimedia virtual reality events, and delivering the multimedia virtual reality events to a user by artificial intelligence and multi-media means, applying the symbolic constructs to the user.

Abstract: An interactive toy that can display emotional expressions in accordance with the degree of friendliness between the user and the toy, comprising a detector for detecting an external stimulation which is a stimulation by a movement and converting it into an electric signal and an output for outputting data stored in a storage section by the electric signal sent from the detector, wherein the data so outputted are data with respect to sound, and the toy reacts with audio.

Abstract: An electronic interactive puppet 10 has a body 12 with a head 14 that is capable of moving from left to right. The puppet's head 14 also has a moveable mouth 16, moveable eyes 18 and moveable eyebrows 20 to give added expression to the puppet's facial features. An actuating means 22 is provided for moving the puppet's head 14, mouth 16, eyes 18 and eyebrows 20 responsive to an actuating signal. The puppet 10 also includes a sound reproducing means 24 housed within the body 12 for reproducing pre-recorded sounds such as dialogue for the puppet. An electronic control means 26 is operatively connected to the actuating means 22 and sound reproducing means 24 of the puppet. The sound reproducing means 24 and actuating means 22 can be activated in synchronism with a sound track of a video program so that the puppet 10 appears to interact audibly and animatedly with the video program. The puppet 10 can be used with any conventional video program, and does not require a special video recording.

Abstract: A child care monitoring network integrates a centralized information dissemination system with live streaming video to increase parental involvement with child care workers and improve child care worker training, including provision for enabling parents to monitor their children during the workday over the Internet and for providing live training demonstrations during off-hours. A local area network connects video cameras to a multi-media computer for digitizing and compressing the video feed and supplying it to a regional broadcast server capable of delivering multiple broadcast video streams to parent subscribers either through direct Internet connections, or over a secured network connected to the Internet via a firewall. A pre-recorded video library and server may be provided in addition to the live video broadcast server for providing information and instruction to both parents seeking child care and to child care providers.

Abstract: An educational toy (10) having a dodecahedron shape is formed with a different visual display on each planar face (17-28). A position sensing mechanism (50) is oriented inside the toy (10) to inform a microprocessor (62) which one of the planar faces (17-28) is in the “up” position. As the toy (10) is turned or moved a signal is generated to “power on” and a musical tune is played. When one of the planar faces (17-28) is stopped in the “up” position, the position sensing mechanism (50) informs the microprocessor (62) and an aural response corresponding to the visual display is transmitted through a speaker (44). If the toy (10) is left alone for a specified period of time, a warning tune is transmitted. If the toy (10) is still not moved thereafter, the toy (10) will automatically “power off”.

Abstract: A multipurpose learning device having a picture book including a plurality of pages, wherein the pages turned in a top-to-bottom hinged direction instead of a side-to-side hinged direction, a memory unit having audio and video data stored therein, the memory unit being detachably connected to a touch board. A surface of the touch board is declined to a predetermined angle for enabling a user to easily position an electronic pen perpendicular to the touch board. Each sheet of the picture book includes a blank page and a picture page and picture information corresponding to a picture on one of the pages is displayed on a host device, such as a television. A user moves the electronic pen over a blank page which is positioned over the touch board, and a cursor is displayed on the host device at a position corresponding to the position of the electronic pen over the blank page and touch board.

Abstract: A slide presentation arrangement and method are provided. The presentation arrangement includes a slide sleeve sheet including a plurality of slide pockets each sized to receive a slide and at least one additional pocket. A plurality of slides are provided with each slide having a border with indicia for identifying the slide. A plurality of lecture note cards are also provided. Each lecture note card includes indicia presenting information for correlating the note card with a particular slide. Each lecture note card also includes graphics/indicia corresponding to the graphics/indicia of the corresponding slide and lecture notes for the corresponding slide. The slides are disposed in an order in a sleeve sheet and said note cards are disposed in an order in the additional pocket.

Abstract: A presentation control system and method facilitates the interaction between a user and a presentation device. The user generates tangible sensible identification devices, which are linked to items to be displayed in a presentation. In use, the user places the tangible sensible identification-carrying device, in the sensible area of an identification sensing device. The identification sensing device reads a presentation element identification from the identification-carrying device and determines a presentation element identified by the presentation element identification. The presentation element is then displayed via a presentation display device.

Abstract: Text symbols associated with audio data reproducible from a recording disc are displayed by downloading previously stored groups of text characters, each group representing a respective phrase of text. Each text character includes start/end bits to indicate the start and end of respective phrases as well as symbol identifying bits to identify a respective text symbol in the phrase. The start/end and symbol identifying bits of a downloaded group of text characters are used to assemble a phrase of text symbols; and the assembled phrase is displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking school attendance includes a central office computer 101 interfaced with a plurality of attendance telephones 102. Typically, the interface is based on telephone lines or similar hard-wired network. Each AT device may therefore communicate with the central office computer or another AT device by data transmitted through the central office computer. A telephone interface 104 allows the central office computer to outside computers 105, including particularly the school district's central computer and database. The structure and organization of the software associated with the apparatus includes functionality related to the taking, recording and transmitting of school attendance and other purposes.

Abstract: A recording device that is coupled to a book. The recording device records, saves and plays back a plurality of discrete messages. An archival control disables and enables the device, thus permitting the user to ensure that no new messages will be accidentally recorded over existing saved messages.

Abstract: Interactive toy apparatus including:a toy having a fanciful physical appearance and including:at least one audio transducer; anda toy transceiver communicating with the audio transducer; anda computer including:a user input receiver;a user information storage unit storing information relating to a user's preferences received from a user via the user input receiver and relating to a user;a computer transceiver;a speech recognition unit receiving speech inputs from the user; andan interactive content controller employing the information relating to the user's preferences received via the user input receiver and stored in the user information storage unit and also employing the speech recognition output for providing interactive audio content to the user at the toy.

Abstract: A learning system is provided which includes a plurality of student units for use by a plurality of students and a teacher unit for use by a teacher. The learning system includes a computer for use also by the teacher that operates to control each of the student units using a roster file with data on each student, and which also gives the teacher access to all of the information contained within the roster file. The computer is operable to display a window of information that includes a seating assignment diagram that represents a pictorial arrangement of the students within the class. Identification information on each student may be provided in the seating assignment diagram at locations that correspond to the respective student represented in the pictorial arrangement. Further information on each student may further be accessed by the teacher from the seating assignment diagram, as desired.

Abstract: A learning system is provided which includes a plurality of student units for use by students, a teacher unit for use by a teacher, and a plurality of master storage devices that store information reproduced by the student units. The learning system includes a computer for use also by the teacher that operates to control each of the student units. The computer also provides the feature of student tape auto compile in which the student units are controlled to record student responses/answers, selected student units are controlled to reproduce the respective recorded information in a predetermined format, and the master unit(s) is controlled to record the information output by the selected student units. Various user selections during student tape auto compile include which student recordings to be compiled, the compiling format (e.g., sequential by student, sequential by question number), amount of student recording time, and which master units are to be used during compiling.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing recorded signals by using a recorded medium and a method for reproducing recorded signals. The learning of language is done by using the general recorded medium such as cassette tape and video tape with movies or music recorded thereon, thereby improving the learning efficiency. In the method for reproducing recorded signals of a recording medium in a language learning apparatus, the operation is carried out in the following manner. A control section switches a first switch in accordance with a reproduction command of a reproduction key inputting section, so that the audio signals of an audio signal processing section would be supplied to a speaker. Further, the control section turns on a second switch in accordance with a voice recognition command of a voice recognition key inputting section, so that the voices of a voice detecting section would be supplied and stored to a voice recognizing section.

Abstract: A combination question-answer book and a separate answer display for reading and displaying the answers to each question provided on the respective pages of the book. Microprocessor chips are secured to protruding ears extending from an edge of each page for being read by a digital microprocessor chip reader. Each microprocessor chip is programmed with answer information specific to the page with which it is associated and a portable handheld digital display reader may be positioned relative to each chip to respectively read the chips and display the respective answer information for each associated page.

Abstract: A sound belt removably mounted on diapers includes a housing with two opposite flat surfaces on which one or more switch actuators are exposed. A removably mounted overlay with pictorial representations that cooperatively coincide with the switches permit a baby to activate them. Prerecorded sounds, including messages, are generated in response to the actuation of the switches and these messages are relevant to the pictorial representations so that the baby user learns what they means and aids him/her in communicating his/her desires and/or needs.

Abstract: A method for behavior modification and memory enhancement utilizing a central processing unit, comprising compiling a symbolic profile of a subject participant, interpreting the subject participant's stored symbolic constructs, instructing the subject participant using virtual reality means, evaluating and recording physiological parameters of the participant and delivering symbolic containers to the participant; and delivering symbolic prescriptions to the subject participant for behavior modification and memory enhancement. The methodology allows for accessing and recognition of stored memory symbolic constructs by isolating symbolic quests embodied within multiple multimedia virtual reality events, and delivering the multimedia virtual reality events to a user by artificial intelligence and multi-media means, applying the symbolic constructs to the user.

Abstract: An electronic sound and music making device includes a memory that stores a plurality of sound segments, such as musical notes, animal noises, etc., a keypad having a series of keys, each of each indicates and is associated with a different one of the stored sound segments, and a set of visual indications, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), that indicate when different ones of the sound segments are being played. The device repeats a programmable sequence of, for example, four of the stored sound segments to form a song while, simultaneously turning on different ones of the LEDs to indicate the different sound segments being played. The keypad enables a user to specify the identity and the order of the sound segments to be played and allows a user to substitute any of the sound segments stored in the memory with the sound segments being played so as to produce a new or different song.

Abstract: An album (100) for storing a collection of image prints (94). At least one of the image prints comprises an index print (20) that includes a memory unit (30) integral with the print to define an audio print for storing audio data. The album includes a print holder (90) having respective front and back covers and a plurality of pages (92) configured for mounting the collection. An audio unit (40) is mounted to the print holder. The audio unit includes a housing (42) and an image print processor (60), when the audio print is coupled to the audio unit, to communicate with the audio print memory unit and selectively process audio data related to the collection.

Abstract: A user interactive mass storage data access system includes a personal computer (10) and a stimulated book (30). A mass storage device, such as a compact disk (CD) read only memory (ROM) (22), is connected to the personal computer, and the computer and the stimulated book are connected by an infrared (IR) data communications link including IR transceivers (26, 48). The simulated book includes a display screen (34) and a microprocessor (43) with memory (44, 46). The microprocessor is programmed for storing data received and decoded by its IR transceiver (48) in memory (46) and responsive to user input for displaying a page of data on the display screen. In addition, the microprocessor is programmed to cause its IR transceiver (48) to transmit to the IR transceiver (26) connected to the personal computer (10) a data request command, and the personal computer is in turn programmed to transmit data from the CD ROM (22) to the simulated book (30).