Abstract: A multi-media photograph album comprises a network of electrical conductors which connect with plural data storage devices storing audio data and/or image data. A user, via a user interface, selectively addresses the data storage devices. The user selects individual sound bites for immediate playback via a speaker in the photo album, or via transmission over a wireless link, for playback through an external audio device, for example a hi-fi system. Image data are retrieved from the data storage devices and sent via a wireless link to an image data storage device, e.g., a personal computer. The data storage device can be embedded within a photograph, or can be a separate data storage device attached to the album.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position locating system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional position locating system includes a housing including a substantially planar surface. The housing includes a first antenna element under the substantially planar surface. A stylus including a second antenna element is coupled to the housing. A processor is electrically coupled to the first antenna element and the second antenna element, and a three-dimensional structure overlies the first antenna element. An antenna coupling element is associated with the three-dimensional structure and an output device can be coupled to the processor.

Abstract: This paperless book is portable and uses removable ROM devices to provide the visual and aural information displayed in the paperless book. The book can be read in a visual mode, as print, or in an aural mode, as the spoken word corresponding to the print, or in both visual and aural modes. The display mode may be conveniently shifted back and forth between visual and aural, for use, for example, by a counter who uses the book in the aural mode while driving and switches to the visual mode while riding on a train. In addition, the visual display may be manipulated affecting the appearance, for use, for example, by persons with reduced visual acuity. Movies also may be viewed using the paperless book. Finally, portions of the text may be enhanced by additional visual images, music or other sounds.

Abstract: A book with improved binding includes a front cover page having at least one binding hole extending therethrough, a rear cover page having at least one binding hole extending therethrough and at least one center page having at least one binding hole extending therethrough which is positioned between the front and rear cover pages. Each of the front, rear and center pages are constructed of foam material and the invention includes at least one binding cord which extends through each of the binding holes of the front cover page, rear cover page and center pages for binding the pages to one another in book format.

Abstract: A talking book is combined with a talking, animated toy figure. Each includes a sound synthesizer, a digital memory including at least some speech data to be used by the synthesizer to produce speech and a processor to control the operations of the synthesizer. Each includes a speaker coupled with the synthesizer to actually produce speech and other sounds. The book includes two outer covers and two inner pages, each with some printing. Depressible switches are provided on the inner covers to cue the processor to generate sounds appropriate to the print near the depressed cover switch. Switches in a hinge pin received in hinge rings provided each cover and page to join the covers and pages together are depressed by cam surfaces inside the ring of the front cover and each page and signal, the processor the configuration of the book.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a book device corresponding to at least one narrative story, including a spine, at least three pages pivotably connected to the spine, a sound producing apparatus, and a plurality of switch elements which activate the sound producing apparatus to play desired audio segments corresponding to a particular story element. Each of the pages contains illustrative material, such as text and/or pictures, and at least one of the pages is partially transparent, so that illustrative material on subsequent pages is visible to the reader through the transparent portion of the page. In another embodiment, the illustrative material is not affixed to the pages themselves, but takes the form of inserts which may be removed and interchanged, with the book device able to determine which story corresponds to the particular inserts being used and play the desired audio segments corresponding to that story.

Abstract: A method for presenting media on an electronic device. A landmark is identified based on a landmark sensor of the electronic device. Media is selected based on the landmark. The media is presented on the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the education and entertainment of infants includes a housing that supports a plurality of objects over a crib or playpen and which rotates the objects in a circle. An audio program includes a recitation of each object when it is disposed proximate an infant disposed in the crib or playpen. Accordingly, the infant learns to associate the speech aspect of the audio presentation with the objects through a pattern of continual visual and synchronized simultaneous audio repetition and reinforcement, thereby optimally learning the names of objects and possibly even contributing to the learning of speech syntax.

Abstract: An electronic toy appliance for use with interchangeable graspable objects such as blocks or tiles, the toy appliance designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback.

Abstract: An electronic toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of sides, the object adapted for lateral movement and rotational manipulation by a child on a substantially horizontal surface so that the child can laterally move the object on the substantially horizontal surface and select different sides of the object to face upwardly.

Abstract: A talking book is combined with a talking, animated toy figure. Each includes a sound synthesizer, a digital memory including at least some speech data to be used by the synthesizer to produce speech and a processor to control the operations of the synthesizer. Each includes a speaker coupled with the synthesizer to actually produce speech and other sounds. The book includes two outer covers and two inner pages, each with some printing. Depressible switches are provided on the inner covers to cue the processor to generate sounds appropriate to the print near the depressed cover switch. Switches in a hinge pin received in hinge rings provided each cover and page to join the covers and pages together are depressed by cam surfaces inside the ring of the front cover and each page and signal, the processor the configuration of the book.

Abstract: A gear-driving device that allows the user to create an interlocking moving gear display that is coordinated with the subject matter in a book or on a page.

Abstract: A low-cost lightweight portable display and listening stand is configured to display, demonstrate and sell media such as music compact disks (CDs) particularly at general retail outlets and directly by musicians to attendees of live performances and other public events. A bottom compartment accommodates a CD player that is set up to drive a headphone set that is made available to a user. An open bin located above the bottom compartment holds a small quantity of CDs packaged in individual “jewel-box” cases. A vertical panel, extending upwardly from a rear region of the open bin, provides display of sales literature or display of product, e.g. one of the packaged CDs, and provides a hanger for the headphone set. The display rack can be made integral or can be assembled from two or more component portions that can be separated and that can nest together for convenient storage, transportation or shipping.

Abstract: A video slide projection book is shown. The video slide projection book has a front cover and a back cover connected to the front cover at a binding. A plurality of pages are interposed between the front cover and the back cover and are connected to the binding. The video slide projection book also has a projector configured to accept a video slide source. The projector is configured to have a casing defining an interior volume; a circuit positioned in the interior volume and a lens. A holder is connected to the back cover wherein the holder is configured to accept the projector.

Abstract: The present invention is a manipulative teaching aid designed to develop the discourse level of language development in children. The invention builds narrative or discourse skills, which connect speech with written language. The present invention has a soft, flexible body member from which a plurality of arm and leg members protrudes. Additionally, there are a plurality of indicia that removably attach to the body, leg, and arm members. The arm members serve as a means to attach the invention to the child or teacher. The leg members hold removable indicia that represent action sequences of a story including an initiating event, reactions to the action sequences, internal responses/feelings resulting from the action sequences, and the resolution of the story. The body member holds removable indicia that create the identity of the character in the story and the setting of the story. The teaching aid may be worn, touched and moved by a person.

Abstract: An apparatus for the education and entertainment of infants includes a housing that supports a plurality of objects over a crib or playpen and which rotates the objects in a circle. An audio program includes a recitation of each object when it is disposed proximate an infant disposed in the crib or playpen. Accordingly, the infant learns to associate the speech aspect of the audio presentation with the objects through a pattern of continual visual and synchronized simultaneous audio repetition and reinforcement, thereby optimally learning the names of objects and possibly even contributing to the learning of speech syntax.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of toy action figures, principally toy dolls and, more particularly, to dolls constructed for teaching young children specifically desired and selected words or phrases of a language other than the primary language spoken in the home. Accessories that can be used in combination with the toy for the enhanced learning of a language are also contemplated.

Abstract: An activity station and method of learning for reinforcing skills taught by a teacher or institutional assistant to students. The activity station is comprised of a board with folds that, when open, will stand erect and reveals instructions and activities for the student. A student's progress through the activities is tracked, and the student's performance is evaluated by completing skill sheets. The activity station can then be closed to conceal the instructions and activities for ease in storage.

Abstract: A method of storytelling in an interactive system includes presenting a narrative, interrupting the presentation of the narrative in response to a user input, presenting information regarding at least one mental impression of a character in the narrative, and continuing the presentation of the narrative after presenting the information. The method can also include presenting the narrative, interrupting the narrative presentation to present a nonfictional analysis of the mental impression of at least one of the characters, and continuing the presentation of the narrative. A method of teaching in an interactive system can include presenting at least the first set of nonfictional psychological background information, and presenting a narrative in response to a user selection including a series of events demonstrating human actions and interactions consistent with the first set of nonfictional psychological background information.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interactive apparatus includes an array of switches, an array of numbers respectively associated with the array of switches, a speaker, a processor coupling the array of switches and the speaker, a memory and a set of movable physical objects. The physical objects are spatially separated from the array of numbers and movable objects within the set are capable of being grouped together to form a group of objects that represents at least some of the numbers in array of numbers.

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: A device suitable for use as a child's toy includes a housing having a window through which is visible a medium on which are displayed changing scenes. A plurality of lights are positioned behind the medium and selectively illuminated to provide animation effects. Different portions of the medium may be selectively illuminated as the scenes are changed in order to vary the animation effects. The medium may be in the form of an at least partially translucent scroll, on which is printed a series of different scenes and which may be moved by a motor, spring, or other winding mechanism arranged to advance the scroll so that a different complete scene appears in the window each time the scroll is advanced.

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 portable, programmable karaoke unit that is flexible in its use. Data may be stored and retrieved in compressed digital data format from an internal memory or a removable storage medium. The unit is operable by remote control and transmits audio data over radio frequencies. It may display visual data on an internal or external display. Data can be downloaded for storage from external sources such as a digital system or the Internet.

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 reading system includes a computer and a mass storage device and software including instructions for causing a computer to accept an image file generated from optically scanning an image of a document. The software converts the image file into a converted text file that includes text information, and positional information associating the text with the position of its representation in the image file. The software records the voice of an operator of the reading machine as a series of voice samples in synchronization with a highlighting indicia applied to a displayed representation of the document and stores the series of voice samples in a data structure that associates the voice samples with displayed representation. The reading machine plays back the stored, recorded voice samples corresponding to words in the document as displayed by the monitor while highlighting is applied to the words in the displayed document.

Abstract: A child educating system is provided including a book and at least one hook coupled to the book and adapted for being attached to a recipient surface in a vehicle. By this structure, the book may be supported on the recipient surface.

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: A base unit has a microprocessor onboard and is programmable via a keypad. A drive is operable in accordance with a program input into the microprocessor in order to provide motive power to move the movable element. The base unit may be derived from a telephone unit of conventional type, and have wheels/axles drivable in accordance with the microprossesor program. The base unit may serve as a base for a consructional toy (which may have elements driven by the axles) and functions as an educational aid to introduce basic computer programming.

Abstract: An image holder such as a picture album (10) includes a plurality of pages (14) that receive printed images (18). The pages (14) also have markers (20) placed thereon, with each marker corresponding to one of the images. A memory (25) stores audio segments associated with the respective images. A user may place the printed images in any order in the image holder. A controller (22) performs an initialization routine to match the image locations with corresponding audio segments for future playback. Once the initialization is complete, whenever a user selects a marker associated with an image, the audio segment associated with that image is played back.

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 multi-cultural doll is provided including a color changing mechanism situated therein for changing a color of the doll to simulate persons of various cultures.

Abstract: A novel educational audio playback device is disclosed which, in the preferred embodiment, is in the shape of a simulated telephone. On the body of the apparatus are a plurality of buttons, each of the buttons having a hinged cover mounted thereon. These hinged covers have indicia on their front, this indicia, in the preferred embodiment, being letters of an alphabet. Upon the user opening the hinged cover, a simulated sound of a telephone ringing is generated and the associated button is exposed. On each of the buttons is a symbol or picture that is representative of a character, object or thing that is related to the letter of the alphabet on the hinged cover. The letter "H", for example, could contain a picture of a nursery rhyme figure, such as Humpty Dumpty. Upon the user depressing the associated button, an index is generated that tells a circuit or microprocessor where on the internal sound storage portion of the device is to be found the appropriate sound segment.

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: A compact video cassette player for children is provided including a housing with a front face, a rear face, a top face, a bottom face and a pair of side faces. The top face has a handle mounted thereto. A light assembly is equipped with a lamp for illuminating upon the receipt of power. Further included is a video cassette player assembly having a display mounted on the front face of the housing; a plurality of control buttons including a start button, stop button, rewind button, eject button and actuator button; and a speaker positioned on the housing. The video cassette player assembly also has a video cassette player mechanism having an inlet for receiving a video cassette so as to display video and audio signals from the video cassette via the display and the speaker, respectively, in accordance with the depression of the control buttons. Further, a power unit is provided for supplying the light assembly and video cassette player assembly with power.

Abstract: A learning aid is provided which allows the user to selectively mute one part of a prerecorded multipart drama and substitute his or her voice for that muted part. A recorded copy of a composite of the unmuted prerecorded portions of the drama, the user's voice, and additional sound effects may thus be created. A voice sensitive microphone allows the period of time for the user's part to be flexibly varied and prerecorded control signals provide visible cues to the user that the part selected is imminent.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus using a video tape includes a user interfacer for generating comment information in response to a user key input, a video cassette recorder for recording the comment information on a predetermined region in a video tape, a transmission interfacer for enabling the user interfacer and the video cassette recorder to a transmit and receive a signal therebetween and a display for displaying a signal reproduced from the video cassette recorder so that user can recognize the signal. This apparatus is particularly useful for an educational-purposed video system.

Abstract: An electronic storybook is disclosed that allows a child to not only interact with the storybook by drawing characters that depict or change a scene, but also to allow the child to record his/her verbal comments, interpretations and impressions while the scene is being created so that the full story told by a child may be captured in an audio-visual manner.

Abstract: This invention provides an interactive educational apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a memory which has a reference database having plural topics, an objective rating for each topic relative to the other topics, and at least one question for selected topics. The memory also includes an educational module configured for interface between the user and the reference database. The apparatus also has a processor for executing the module, a display for displaying the questions for selected topics, and an input device for communicating to the processor user responses to questions. This invention also provides an interactive educational method for creating and using the apparatus.

Abstract: A virtual reality system provides effective exposure treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from a particular anxiety disorder. The system is characterized by a video screen disposed in front of the patient to display an image of a specific graphical environment that is intended to trigger anxiety within the patient as a result of the particular patient phobia. A headset is worn by the patient, and has sensors disposed to detect movement and positioning of the patient's head. A computer program controls the operation of the system, and is designed to control the display of the graphical environment on the video screen, monitor the headset sensors and determine the position of the patient's head, and controllably manipulate the graphical environment displayed on the video screen to reflect the movement and position of the patient's head.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided for playing a game, educational or instructional sequence in conjunction with a prerecorded multimedia presentation consisting of at least motion video, sound and accompanying text. The multimedia presentation is partitioned into time segments. The game sequence is also partitioned into task units that are synchronized with the time segments. The time address markers for the beginning and ending of each of the time segments initialize, execute and close each task unit of a programmed game sequence.A corresponding authoring system allows an author to design and implement the time-segmentation of the multimedia presentation and its functional interface with the game sequence.This system can be used for motivating instructional games based on music video, movies, animated cartoons and karaoke that provide the player with the same excitement and challenge of the popular video games.

Abstract: A study guide includes a housing with a screen and a removable cartridge. The cartridge provides textual material including a plurality of questions and a set of answers for each question. The textual material is displayed on the screen and the user then selects one of the answers in response to each question. A microprocessor in the housing tabulates the answers and on demand displays a score of the total number of questions and/or the number of correct answers.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided for playing a game, educational or instructional sequence in conjunction with a prerecorded multimedia presentation consisting of at least motion video, sound and accompanying text. The multimedia presentation is partitioned into time segments. The game sequence is also partitioned into task units that are synchronized with the time segments. The time address markers for the beginning and ending of each of the time segments initialize, execute and close each task unit of a programmed game sequence. A corresponding authoring system allows an author to design and implement the time-segmentation of the multimedia presentation and its functional interface with the game sequence. This system can be used for motivating instructional games based on music video, movies, animated cartoons and karaoke that provide the player with the same excitement and challenge of the popular video games.

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 audio visual karaoke system using a karaoke audio cassette to which high frequency signals have been added containing specific data information. In the audio player, these high frequency signals are separated from the audio signals by a high pass filter ("HPF"). Using a data converter, the high frequency signals are converted into data information. Subsequently, this data information is processed by a microprocessor and a display controller to generate lyrics or other information, which are displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A document interpreting system comprises a graphics tablet on which a stack of documents, e.g., a book, to be interpreted are stacked, a pointer associated with the graphics tablet and operable through the stack of documents whereby the co-ordinates of an area of the topmost document to which the pointer is directed may be determined, speech storage typically in the form of a compact disc, for storing speech relating to the different areas of the documents being interpreted and speech reproduction meas, typically in the form of a compact disc player for reproducing speech relating to an area of the topmost document to which the pointer is directed.

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: An optical disc playback and display apparatus comprising a playback block for reproducing the optical disc recorded with large quantities of character information or image information, a display block, rectangular in shape, for displaying reproduced character information or image information, and a touch panel input block superimposed on the rectangular display block. The novel constitution eliminates use of a conventionally practiced hardware keyboard, making the apparatus far thinner and therefore more portable as well as enhancing ease of search data input.

Abstract: A device for identifying an object includes a graphic representation of an object and an omnidirectional bar code representing information relative to the object. The bar code is made up of a sequence of light and dark lines arranged as closed concentric curves. The shape of the curves corresponds to the outline of the object. Using a bar code reader connected to a transducer for converting the bar code into humanly detectable signals, the user can scan the bar code in any direction to learn the name of the object or other information about the object.

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.