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: Apparatus for use in conjunction with a book containing intermixed text and symbols, includes a randomly accessible sound storage-and-playback memory having addressable storage locations, and a plurality of actuatable selectors, each selector being associated with a respective symbol corresponding to a symbol in the book. A switch selects between a recording mode of operation and a playback mode of operation. A microprocessor controls recording at respective addressable storage locations in the memory respective sounds produced by the user, the recording means being active during the selected recording mode of operation. The microprocessor controls the playback from the memory of a respective recorded sound, the playback means being actuated by the microprocessor upon actuation of a respective one of the selectors during the selected playback mode of operation.

Abstract: A picture or photo album is provided with an audio module for recording (optionally), storing and playing back audio messages associated with the pictures contained thereby. The audio module responds to predetermined control signals indicating that the album has been opened to a particular page to automatically play back a prerecorded message associated with the information displayed on that page. Such control signals are produced by different combinations or codes of output signals provided by a plurality of photodetectors mounted in the album cover. Radiant energy emitted by one or more light sources, also mounted in the album cover, is optically coupled to the photodetectors by light pipes mounted on or integral with each album page. As each album page is turned, the light pipe on that page de-couples the light source from a photodetector, thereby changing the output code of the photodetectors.

Abstract: An educational training device in disclosed which includes a replica of a telephone including a telephone headset having an operational speaker and a telephone keypad having a plurality of numeric key buttons. A machine is associated with a telephone operatively connected to the speaker and a machine readable medium which embodies an 911 emergency program is provided. The 911 program contains a series of questions relating to a predetermined 911 emergency situation to be asked to a child or other person being trained by the device. A voice converter or synthesizer is operatively connected to the machine and receiver for converting the machine readable program into a voice output through the handset speaker so that the voice of a 911 operator is realistically reproduced to the child listening on the handset.

Abstract: An educational drawing toy with sound-generating function has a resilient whiteboard, plural sets of contacts arranged in the form of a matrix underneath the resilient whiteboard, and a sound-generating circuit electrically connected to the plural sets of contacts. Under the action of pen pressures applied upon drawing a picture on the whiteboard, the plural sets of contacts are selectively and successively brought into contact with each other to actuate the sound-generating circuit so that a scale or plural melodies can be selectively played.

Abstract: A television receiver capable of performing a video accompaniment function includes a television signal generator for receiving a television signal and providing a video signal and an audio signal, a video accompaniment signal generator for reading background/lyrics information and accompaniment information of a program selected tom among a plurality of programs stored in a memory, providing a video signal for accompaniment and an accompaniment signal, and generating a pseudo-sync signal, a first selector for selectively providing the video signal supplied from the television signal generator and the pseudo-sync signal supplied from the video accompaniment signal generator, a second selector for selectively providing the audio signal supplied from the television signal generator and the accompaniment signal supplied from the video accompaniment signal generator, a video output unit for receiving a signal selected from the first selector and the accompaniment video signal as a video output, an audio output uni

Abstract: A karaoke system includes: reproduction unit for reproducing a MIDI sound source control information for karaoke song from a karaoke data recording medium, the MIDI sound source control information including playing time data of the karaoke songs; operation unit for inputting request of at least one desired karaoke song and karaoke playing time; calculation unit for obtaining playing time data of the requested karaoke songs and for calculating total playing time required for playing all of the requested karaoke songs; determination unit for comparing the total playing time with remaining playing time calculated on the basis of the karaoke playing time and for determining whether all of the requested songs can be played within the remaining playing time or not; and display unit for displaying a notice related to the result of the determination of the determination unit.

Abstract: An electronic book comprising a plurality of leaves, each leaf comprising pages of printed material bound at one edge to form a spine, with electrical circuits formed in each leaf. A common electronic circuit such as a speech generator and/or controller cooperates with the electrical circuits on each of the various pages, connected to the electrical circuits in the leaves through conductive paths through the spine of the book. The electrical circuits in the leaves include electrical elements such as switches, and sensory output devices (e.g., thermochromic devices, light emitting diodes, thermo-olfactory devices, electrochromic devices, and the like). The electrical elements are associated with particular portions of the printed material so that the particular portions can be selectively highlighted or emphasized (e.g., designated by actuation of a visual or olfactory device and/or text read).

Abstract: An electronic talking picture machine is presented which permits human operators to cause speech or sound accompaniment and branching (or alternate) story lines which affect the outcome of a story. In a preferred embodiment, the speech, sound and branching (or alternate) story line information is enclosed as a bar code printed on a picture story belt. The picture story belt is enclosed in a cartridge which contains a mechanism to "roll" the belt from one spool to another so that a sequence of pictures may be viewed. The bar code contains information as to speech, such as conversation narration, questions and answers and sound (other than speech). The information on the bar coded picture story belt is entered into the electronic talking picture machine by inserting the cartridge into a cartridge holding area containing conventional photo optical sensors which "reads" the code when the belt is moved to expose the next picture in the sequence.

Abstract: A device to allow reader interaction with printed materials such as comic books is provided. The device comprises a base unit with a sensitive upper surface on which is placed the printed material. The reader answers questions and solves challenges posed in the printed material by exerting pressure on specially marked areas of the printed page. The sensitive surface translates the pressure into electrical signals which signify the location of the pressure, and the device makes appropriate audio or other responses. The reader is led through the printed material as the specially marked areas become active sequentially. A printed story is thereby transformed into an interactive experience with various game challenges and sound effects. The sound effects and logical challenges for each story are stored in a readily replaceable cartridge. Any number of different printed materials can be used as long as the specific cartridge for each different printed material is inserted into the base unit.

Abstract: Methods of disclosing a target pattern for identification. The methods are based on the principle of sequentially and non-lexicographically revealing, constructing and/or resolving a target pattern to players to permit the players to identify the target pattern. One such method includes the steps of masking the target pattern to make it imperceptible to the player, repetitively unmasking portions of the target pattern according predetermined unmasking steps, and continuing to unmask the target pattern until a completion criterion is met. Target patterns may consist of still images, audio segments, or motion video sequences depicting items and environments known to the players in their unmasked formats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a interactive computer system for use in training persons in surgical procedures in remote locations. The system employs visual, audio and/or textual data bases to provide training to students of such procedures using a personal computer based system with graphics and multimedia capabilities.

Abstract: A method of teaching reading is provided in which symbols to be read are presented to the student. A mirror image of a reader reading the symbols is presented to aid the student's understanding of visible reading correlations. The method may be presented using electronic devices, such as a video tape recorder and a monitor, or using a "transparent flash card" in which a piece of transparent material has a display of symbols to be read and an area for viewing the reader and teacher.

Abstract: A portable video disc displays information on a screen, the source is a CD ROM disc contained within the unit in a removable cartridge. The device can accept several size discs, display text as well as graphics, and display information is several sizes. A memory circuit is continuously connected to a power source so as to retain information even when the unit is turned off. A rocker switch on the front of the unit allows the reader to go forward or back a page.

Abstract: A method of making an instructional recording for an individual for teaching the meaning and other aspects of an operatic piece or foreign-language song with musical and lyrical elements is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a recording of a foreign-language song comprising music and lyrics, with said lyrics consisting of foreign-language words, that is to say, said words are in a language foreign to the individual. Playing and studying said recording determines the gaps between the foreign words in said lyrics. After obtaining a translation of said foreign language words, said translation comprises a plurality of possible word groups. Comparing the duration of said possible word groups of said translation to the duration of said gaps determines actual word groupings for recording and also determines those points corresponding to respective assigned gaps on the recording where the actual groupings will be recorded. A translation recording is then made.

Abstract: An educational device for children to accelerate learning from recognition, language acquisition, awareness of cause and effect, and association. The device houses discrete photos environmentally people, animals and/or inanimate objects, recognizable to the child, with each photo being operatively connected to a discrete pre-recorded message, such that, upon a photo being pressed, the discrete and corresponding pre-recorded message is played. The child's learning is accelerated by repetitive use of the device.

Abstract: An electronic book apparatus that comprises multiple pages (122) with printed information (126), a visual signal (125) for identifying the printed information in a sequentially organized manner, a synchronized audio signal (154) for describing and further identifying the information concurrently with the visual signal, and a switch (127) for electronically controlling the generation and transmission of these signals when each particular page is opened for viewing. Each page of the electronic book includes a laminated sheet (124), on which the printed material is arranged, and an electronic backdrop (121) containing the visual signal for display through the laminated sheet. Separate intelligent electronics (160) in the spine (140) and top portion (150) of the book, coupled to the a switch, activate the illuminating circuitry and a voice synthesizer (168) that are synchronized and sequenced to produce a concurrent visual and audio enhancement of the printed matter being viewed on the page.

Abstract: A substantially improved electronically controlled educational toy or game is achieved by providing animated indicia which is directly responsive to the input signals provided by the user. Preferably, the animated indicia comprises a distinctive character which produces animated movements of approval in response to questions being answered correctly, while producing a negative animated reaction to an incorrect answer. By providing this unique animated response in combination with audible and visual indicia, an educational toy and game is attained which creates added excitement and interest for children.

Abstract: An interactive book or device having a mechanism for generating a plurality of sensory outputs in manner that maximizes the interaction between the user and the book or device. The interactive book includes function initiators for initiating a unique sensory output that corresponds to a visual indicia on a page of the book. A function level selector is coupled to the function initiators that selectively changes a function level and thereby selectively changes the sensory output corresponding to each function initiator. Consequently, the number of sensory outputs is increased and thereby enables greater interaction between the user and the book. It also encourages the user to creatively combine the sensory outputs to obtain a cognizable aggregate output.

Abstract: Announcements from a voice messaging system that either prompt a user for action or provide information to a user are constructed independent of the language in which the announcement is provided to the user. In particular, each announcement is treated as a "semantic expression" having an announcement identifier. This announcement identifier is mapped into a plurality of rules, each rule providing instructions on how to construct the announcement for a particular language. The rules can recursively call other rules to provide additional flexibility in constructing a particular announcement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic testing device for use in responding to questions of quizzes periodically provided in an educational text book. The testing device itself comprises a rectangular housing either permanently or removably affixed to the back cover of the book, an input section for entering selected answers corresponding to the questions, a logic section for comparing the selected answers with correct answers programmed into memory and an output section for providing immediate and enjoyable audio-visual feedback to the user. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a small and compact rectangular housing adapted for permanent affixation or removable attachment to a protruded edge of the back cover of a specific educational book. Alternatively, the device may form a small, portable unit that can be detached from the book for use with quizzes of a plurality of different text books.

Abstract: An interactive speech pronunciation system for teaching pronunciation and reducing the accent of a user includes a memory for storing a plurality of presequenced lessons, an input interface for allowing a user to select predetermined ones of the presequenced lessons, a processor for executing program steps corresponding to the lessons selected by the user, and a monitor for displaying visual indicators to the user of the system. The speech pronunciation system further includes an audio input device, for recording sounds spoken by the user, an audio output device for transducing signals fed thereto to pre-recorded sounds and a speech processor for providing stored signals to the audio output device.

Abstract: A package for sleep therapy including a box having cards with doses in the form of tablets or capsules thereon, some of which are sleep inducing medicine and some of which are placebos, and an audiogenic recording for inducing sleep.

Abstract: An instruction board (10) is disclosed providing multiple pictorial presentations (76) in a column, with each including written presentations (78, 80) and voice modules (60) in two languages such as Spanish and English. The pictorial and written presentations (76, 78, 80) are printed on a thin, flexible, and water resistant label (14) secured to the front (16) of a hollow body (12) and extending over and sealing speaker and switch openings (38, 40). Voice modules (60) in the form of panels are mounted by their opposite peripheral edges by strips (66) of double sided adhesive foam tape such that the label (14) vibrates by the air movement within the hollow body (12) by the vibration of the speaker (64) of the voice module (60).

Abstract: A unique audible message or information delivery system particularly suited for toys is realized by providing each model or type of toy in a particular group or class with a unique identification code and also providing a message delivery and handling assembly which incorporates a plurality of independent messages, each of which are specifically related to one particular toy model and are constructed for being delivered by the message delivery assembly upon receipt of the particular identification code. In this way, whenever a toy model interfaces with the information/message delivery assembly, the unique, identifying code associated with the model is received by the information/message delivery assembly and is processed for activating the audible presentation of the specifically designated message associated with that particular model.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus and method for the arrangement, generation and delivery of an integrated composite work having one of audio and visual content. The system includes a playback device (14) having a plurality of the audio or visual works stored therein, preferably on storage media (55), with distinctive identification means. Each of the stored works has a predetermined fixed content and the content of each work is one of simultaneous and sequentially related to at least one other of the works. A controller (42) is connected to the playback apparatus (41) and generates a playback of a selected first work. After the first work is selected, the controller (42) selects an additional work. If playback of the two works is to be simultaneous, the selection of the additional work will be made only from works which are simultaneously related. If the playback of the two works is to be sequential, the selection of the additional work will be made only from works which are sequentially related.

Abstract: A teaching apparatus for continuous stereoscopic filmstrip viewing while simultaneously hearing a related audio tape, comprising(a) an adjustable stereoscopic viewing head which houses a continuous stereoscopic filmstrip;(b) a base unit comprising an audio cassette tape player; and(c) means connecting the viewing head to the base unit which allow the position of the viewing head to be adjusted relative to a person viewing the filmstrip.

Abstract: An educational and training simulator system for use in classrooms, having two or more sets of visual projectors, each angularly shifted so that it is polarized and a three dimensional image may be viewed that appears to float forward of the screen plane A playback device delivers a pre-recorded clock and cue signal to control the sequence of visual projectors, and simultaneously controls audio output and other special effects output that are desired.

Abstract: Movable and audible toys and other animated devices spaced apart from a television screen are provided with program synchronized audio and control data to interact with the program viewer in relationship to the television program. A sampling keyboard-based encoder for kinetic device actuating signals is coupled via an audio mixer to an audiovisual programming source and television transmitter carrying an audio based kinetic and audio signal complex. At a remote location, coded audio and kinetic device signals along with audiovisual programming is received and the audiovisual programming content is displayed for viewing and listening. Stereo soundband based program audio signals are decoded and separated from the stereo sound band based device audio and kinetic signals. The device audio and kinetic signals are retransmitted to a spaced apart toy causing the device to be audible and move in synchronization with the spaced apart audiovisual programming.

Abstract: An electronic book apparatus that comprises multiple pages with printed information, visual signal means for identifying the printed information in a sequentially organized manner, synchronized audio signal means for describing or further identifying the information concurrently with the visual signal means, and electromechanical or photo-sensitive means for electronically controlling the generation and transmission of these signals when each particular page is opened for viewing. Each page of the electronic book includes a laminated sheet, on which the printed material is arranged, and an electronic backdrop containing the visual signal means for display through the laminated sheet. Separate intelligent electronic means in the spine and top portion of the book, coupled to the electrical or photo-sensitive means, activate the illuminating circuitry and a voice synthesizer that are synchronized and sequenced to produce a concurrent visual and audio enhancement of the printed matter being viewed on the page.

Abstract: A memory scanning device for transmission to the brain of material sought to be learned and of modification of addictive problems comprises, in combination, a computer means including video and audio components, an illuminated by diodes visor having reflective undersurface, modified eyeglasses frame having a pair of mirrors mounted in their openings for reading the computer-stored material and a pair of sound-producing loudspeakers for listening to the recorded computerized material.

Abstract: An Interactive Audiovisual Control Mechanism (IACM) which, by exploiting recent advances in CD technology which permit rapid random access of discrete audio information (such as an individual sound or utterance), provides for the first time an interactive computer system in which large amounts of high quality audio and video are presented to the user simultaneously. In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished via random access to both CD/ROM and VD devices, wherein individual visual frames of the VD are displayed on the system's display monitor for specified periods of time while discrete sounds and utterances from the CD/ROM are played through the system's speaker. Audio from the VD and computer's CPU may also be accessed at the same time, as well as computer graphic still images and animation (due to a well-known "GENLOCK" device).

Abstract: A learning and identification support system for birders and such comprising, a media having a plurality of visually recognizable bird pictures thereon associated with respective ones of a plurality of birds to have birdsong associated therewith. A plurality of scannable barcodes are disposed on the media and associated with respective ones of the bird pictures. Each of the plurality of scannable barcodes comprises a unique index indicating the one of the bird pictures with which it is associated. A barcode scanner is used for scanning individual selected ones of the barcodes to obtain an electrical signal at an output thereof containing the unique index. There is a Compact Disc (CD) containing a plurality of birdsongs associated with respective ones of the plurality of birds, each of the plurality of birdsongs being individually addressable by means of a unique index associated therewith.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing image access cards to be used with an image access system. The image access system utilizes a storage medium containing the images and a reference table which includes a series of reference numbers associated with the storage address of each image. The method of making the image access documents utilizes the steps of placing the images on the storage medium, assigning a reference number to each image, and constructing the reference table. Several variations in the construction of the image access document are available. A printer may be used to print a human readable representation of the image and a machine readable form of the reference number directly onto a supportive substrate. Preprinted cards may be provided with the machine readable reference numbers thereon, and the human readable representation may be printed by a printer, hand drawn, or applied by way of a sticker.

Abstract: A limited function, user interactive teaching apparatus includes a memory for storing a compilation of words and phrases to be used by the teaching apparatus and a pedagogical lesson database which includes a plurality of substantially identical, limited size, lesson frame data units, each such unit including a plurality of pointers for selecting words and/or phrases to be displayed during the execution of the program unit. Each program unit thus comprises, in the main, pointer data rather than substantive pedagogical data. A display is employed for displaying the selected words and phrases and, in addition, includes a movable indicator cursor or touch sensitive position indicator. A processor executes the pedagogical program, unit by unit. The processor fetches the selected words and/or phrases and provides them to the display in accordance with pointer data contained in each data unit.

Abstract: An electronic handheld arithmetic learning aid which includes a speech synthesis device, a speaker driven by the speech synthesis device, a memory having digital data stored therein from which a plurality of mathematical problems may be derived for presentation to an operator for solution, and a controller for accessing selected portions of the digital data from the memory for input to the speech synthesizer device in presenting the mathematical problems to the operator in an audibly voiced manner via the speaker. In one aspect, at least some of the mathematical problems derivable from the memory involve respective sets of at least two individual numbers from which the operator is expected to determine a particular mathematical relation in providing a solution to the corresponding mathematical problem.

Abstract: An interactive and programmable tone generator with scenarios is disclosed nd described as a training device. Sounds are recorded as they are heard in their actual environment. The recording then can be combined with a coded track that triggers a graphics demonstration previously prepared from notations taken during the recordings that describe the actual environment that corresponds to the respective sound. Also, selections can be taken from the recording that present a best example of a sound to be learned, looped for repetition, and then rerecorded digitally onto micro-floppy diskettes. When played-back the diskettes provide challenging interactive training for the novice and expert alike in a variety of available modes using both computer generated graphics and sounds reconverted from digital storage.

Abstract: An object-directed emotional resolution apparatus and method. The apparatus uses speech and electronics technology coupled with psychological techniques to further emotional development and stress reduction. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus for children aged two to six is comprised of a shell-like body having projections around the outer periphery thereof, each projection and the body being formed of a flexible fabric material wherein the projections can be selectively grasped, struck or touched to actuate switches in respective projections. An electronic, speech playback device having electronic circuitry providing a number of different scripts is carried by the body, each script corresponding to a predetermined psychological exercise which can be selected by the user by striking, squeezing or touching a respective projection and the switch in the projection. After actuating the electronic device, the user can follow the instructions set forth on the selected script.

Abstract: A method of preparing and conveying a personalized message from a sender to a recipient utilizes a toy having a cavity containing a cassette player, a battery holder, a switch and circuit elements interconnecting the player, the holder and the switch. The method includes the following steps which are performed by the sender: personally taping the personalized message on a cassette; inserting the cassette in the player; and giving the toy to the recipient with the cassette therein. The toy is cuddly and may be in the general likeness of the sender or may be a stuffed animal, in either case having a flap that is movable between a closed position in which the flap covers the cavity and an open position in which the cavity is exposed. The switch is of the push button type and the push buttons produce bulges in the flap when the latter is closed, so that the switch can be operated without moving the flap to its open position.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for use with prerecorded media or material, such as audio or video tape, to be selectively played through a conventional player/recorder, such as an audio or video tape player, is disclosed. The play of the prerecorded material in the conventional player is controlled by a token operated unit which contains switching circuits to selectively connect the player to a monitor, such as a speaker or ear or headphones, in the case of an audio message, and a television type monitor in the case of a video message. The prerecorded material and tokens interrelated with other game paraphernalia, such as a game board, etc., as desired to provide a game which includes an audio and/or video output as part of the game engineering.

Abstract: A fabricated toy is equipped with a plurality of toy component members having predetermined shapes, a detecting device for detecting the assembly state of these toy component members, and a sound generating device for emitting sounds in accordance with the assembly state of the toy component members detected by the detecting device so that when the toy component members are correctly assembled, a specific shape is completed. In this fabricated toy, the sound generating device generates the sounds of mutually different kinds in the cases where the toy component members are correctly assembled and incorrectly. Infants, therefore, can play at the assembly of the toy for a long period of time, without losing their interest in the toy, and the toy, which is "a horse" or "a frog", can also serve as educational stuff for assembling correctly the toy into the shape of the animal.

Abstract: A personalized feedback system is disclosed that employs survey questionaires for enabling procurement of personalized data indicative of the needs of a user. Compilation components are included for providing computer-readable personal data signals indicative of a compilation of data procured with the survey questionnaires for an individual user. Feedback presentation memory components store a group of pre-recorded feedback display signals that are indicative of a group of vignettes illustrative of various results of the personal data, and recording components store data signals indicative of the compilation of data and the feedback display signals to provide a feedback presentation illustrating results for the user. Switching components responsive to the data signals are included for causing the recoding components to store personal data signals for a certain user along with selected ones of the feedback display signals corresponding to the stored performance data signals in a certain sequence.

Abstract: A user interactive mass storage data access system includes a personal computer (10) and a simulated 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 simulated 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 l ) 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).

Abstract: An animated figure, e.g. a doll, having the capability of moving its eyebrow, eyelids, eyes and mouth in conjunction with an audio reproducer, i.e. speaker, in its interior is electrically connected to a control box. The control box, which may be powered by household A.C. or by batteries, is connected to the audio and video outputs of a conventional videocassette recorder, (VCR). The VCR is connected to a conventional television set or television monitor. A videocassette recording having a video/audio story line recorded thereon, also contains control data in the video track for animating the dolls moveable parts, as well as routing selected portions of the audio track to the doll's speaker. A preferred video encoding scheme is utilized to embed the control data in the video signal by raising selected horizontal line periods to a new, white level. The illusion created to the human viewer is that of the doll having an animated conversation with characters on the television monitor.

Abstract: An interactive video controller 10 for selecting between two or more tracks of video data responsive to the input of a player and for displaying the selected video track. The interactive video controller 10 displays and stores the selected track and then displays the stored track in place of the non-selected track.

Abstract: A sound-producing amusement device, having: a read-only memory having recorded therein digital data representing sounds characteristic of the amusement device, and sound-producing unit for producing the sounds represented by the digital data recorded in the read-only memory. The read-only memory is in a separate unit including connectors for connection to the sound-producing unit. The sound-producing unit includes mating connectors for removably attaching and electrically connecting the sound-producing unit to the read-only memory unit, a battery for supplying power to both the sound-producing unit and the read-only memory unit, and a speaker for producing the sounds represented by the data stored in the read-only memory unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new programming and feedback system for learning science as a language. The zero information based system and kit of the present invention allow verbalization of science subjects in a substantially less period of time than possible by conventional techniques.

Abstract: A student interactive teaching system allows the student to learn at a level of skill appropriate to the student's learning achievements and learning abilities. The student progresses at a rate selected by the student. Ample opportunity is provided for the student to support and reinforce the learning process through student commanded repetition and review. The lessons are personalized by the recording and storage of student commentary. Video masking of the visual presentation allows the student to challenge his/her understanding of the subject matter when visual cues are inhibited. So too, the inhibition of audible cues tests the students abilities to learn and repeat verbal skills, such as are required in the theatrical arts.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the perception of an audio and/or visual presentation by stimulating one or more persons experiencing the audio and/or visual presentation in response to events occurring during the presentation, the stimulation occurring in real time correspondence with the occurrence of the events in the presentation as experienced by the participants for stimulating the participants as the events occur in the presentation.

Abstract: An interactive information delivery system for use in computer-based training is disclosed. The system has a laser disc player which reads training materials from a laser disc to produce high-quality video pictures and training text, etc. Operation of the laser disc player is controlled by a computer which accepts student input data from a keypad. Responsive to the input data, the computer issues commands such as ON, PAUSE, OFF etc. to the laser disc player, thus allowing the student to interact with the system.