Abstract: Disclosed are a method, a device, a system, and/or manufacture of electronic book enhancement. In one embodiment, a device includes a housing, a book coupler to secure a book to the housing, a page detection sensor generating a page signal usable to determine an open page of the book, a computer processor, a computer readable memory, and an audio output device. The computer readable memory stores an audio dataset including one or more page UIDs, one or more associated audio files, and an audio routine that includes computer readable instructions that when executed receive the page signal from the page detection sensor, determine a page UID for the open page, query the audio dataset for the audio file associated with the page UID, and generate an audio signal of the audio file on the audio output device to enhance a reading experience of the book based on the open page.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing digital media such as comics with associated audio files such as audiobooks. The digital media and audio are provided using a computer-implemented application and a website. The system includes a server with associated databases for digitizing physical copies of comics and other graphical content, and creating audio files by using text to speech and natural language processing and storing digital comics and audiobooks. A media player displays digital comics and an audio player plays out audio files in synchronized manner allowing people to listen to comics without having to read the textual content contained in the digital media file.

Abstract: The disclosure provides technology for enhancing the ability of a computing device to detect when a user has discontinued reading a text source. An example method includes receiving audio data comprising a spoken word associated with a text source, wherein the audio data comprises a first duration and a second duration; comparing the audio data with data of the text source, wherein the first duration of the audio data corresponds with the data of the text source; calculating, by a processing device, a correspondence measure between the second duration of the audio data and the data of the text source; and responsive to determining the correspondence measure satisfies a threshold, transmitting a signal to cease comparing audio data with the data of the text source.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed, including a binder structure, connection cylinders detachable coupled to the binder structure and rotatable therein, a first electronic part disposed within a space formed by the connection cylinders, a display module detachably coupled to at least one cylinder and electrically connected to the electronic part, wherein the display module includes a first sheet, a second sheet, a connection unit connecting ends of the first and second sheets, a first flexible display supported by the first sheet, and second flexible display supported by the second sheet, and a sheet fixing member disposed in the internal space of the connection cylinder connecting other ends of the first and second sheets, wherein the first sheet and second sheet are configured to slip relative to one another, and both displays are electronically connected to the first electronic part through the sheet fixing member.

Abstract: The disclosure provides technology for enhancing the ability of a computing device to conserve computing resources while providing special effects that are aligned with a text source being read aloud. An example method includes identifying effects data for a text source, wherein the effects data correlates a physical effect with an audible action of a user; receiving audio data comprising a plurality of audible actions, wherein at least one of the plurality of audible actions comprises a spoken word of the text source; determining, by a processing device, that a triggering condition pertaining to the effects data and the text source is satisfied; loading content for the physical effect prior to an occurrence of the audible action, and providing the physical effect to modify an environment of the user.

Abstract: A system that combines an integrated circuit, sensors, and a detectable material on a device. The sensors are generally capable of detecting the presence of multiple substrates as well as their orientation relative to each other. In example embodiments, the sensors can also detect the velocity and direction of motion of the detectable material. In an example mode of use, the system is installed in a children's device, such as an interactive book. The detectable material is embedded in each page of the book such that the sensors can determine which page the book is open to the user. The integrated circuit can process the page open information to produce an output, such as a sound from a speaker.

Abstract: A method of configuring a smart booklet to encourage adherence to a treatment and/or educational program is disclosed, wherein the smart booklet is “off the grid” (e.g., not connected to an electrical or networking grid) and includes an integrated behavior incentivization feature. Based on an activation of a detection feature of the smart booklet, it is detected whether a state of one or more pages of the smart booklet has changed. Based on the determination that the state of the one or more pages has changed, a set of data items pertaining to the adherence to the treatment and/or educational program is created or updated. Based on an identification that the set of data items is indicative of a failure or a success with respect to the adherence to the treatment program, a message pertaining to the failure or the success is communicated via an output component of the smart booklet (e.g., to encourage the adherence to the treatment and/or educational program).

Abstract: Techniques performed by a data processing system for processing voice content received from a user herein include receiving a first audio input from the user comprising a mixed-mode dictation, analyzing, using one or more machine learning (ML) models, the first audio input to obtain a first interpretation of the mixed-mode dictation, presenting the first interpretation to the user in an application on the data processing system, receiving a second audio input from the user comprising a corrective command, analyzing the second audio input to obtain a second interpretation of the restatement of the mixed-mode dictation presenting the second interpretation to the user, receiving an indication from the user that the second interpretation is a correct interpretation of the mixed-mode dictation, and modifying the operating parameters of the one or more machine learning models to interpret the subsequent instances of the mixed-mode dictation based on the second interpretation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for enhancing one or more publications by receiving live video captured by a user, the live video comprising video of a publication, the publication comprising copyrighted content; identifying at least one first trigger in the live video, identifying one or more first three-dimensional, interactive media associated with the at least one first trigger and pertaining to the copyrighted content, and presenting to the user the first three-dimensional, interactive media; and identifying at least one second trigger in the first three-dimensional, interactive media, identifying one or more second three-dimensional, interactive media associated with the at least one second trigger and pertaining to the copyrighted content, and presenting to the user the second three-dimensional, interactive media to progressively deepen and enrich the engagement with the copyrighted content of the publication.

Abstract: The disclosure provides technology for enhancing the ability of a computing device to conserve computing resources while providing special effects that are aligned with a text source being read aloud. An example method includes identifying effects data for a text source, wherein the effects data correlates a physical effect with an audible action of a user; receiving audio data comprising a plurality of audible actions, wherein at least one of the plurality of audible actions comprises a spoken word of the text source; determining, by a processing device, a triggering condition based on the effects data and the text source; responsive to satisfying the triggering condition, loading content for the physical effect, wherein the triggering condition is satisfied prior to the occurrence of the audible action; and providing the physical effect to modify an environment of the user.

Abstract: A mountable video player apparatus for placing video content in photo albums, scrap books, year books, and art includes a housing having a housing front side, a housing back side, a housing top side, a housing bottom side, a housing left side, and a housing right side defining a housing inside. An adhesive layer is coupled to the housing back side to secure the apparatus to a page. A CPU is coupled within the housing inside. A memory chip and a battery are coupled within the housing inside and are in operational communication with the CPU. A display screen is coupled to the housing front side and is in operational communication with the CPU. A plurality of control buttons is coupled within the housing front side and is in operational communication with the CPU.

Abstract: Printed matter including a viewed-page detection electrode provided to a primary surface of a first printed medium among a plurality of bound printed media, the viewed-page detection electrode being so disposed that, when the printed matter is closed, at least part of the electrode provided to a first page overlaps with an electrode provided to a second page facing the first page; a selected-area detection electrode provided to the primary surface and located at a position different from the viewed-page detection electrode; a first determination unit connected to the viewed-page detection electrode to determine a page that is currently open based on capacitance generated in the viewed-page detection electrode; and a second determination unit connected to the selected-area detection electrode to determine whether the selected-area detection electrode of the open page has been touched by a user based on capacitance generated in the selected-area detection electrode.

Abstract: A wearable imaging device is disclosed. The wearable imaging device includes a frame defining openings aligned to a user's field of view when in a wearable position and a pair of temple arms each extending from one end of the frame and moveable between the wearable position and a folded position. The wearable imaging device includes lenses within the openings of the frame, an imaging unit coupled to the frame and comprising an imaging lens that captures light through at least one of the lenses, an electronics unit coupled to the frame and in communication with the imaging unit, a power source coupled to the frame and providing power to the imaging unit and to the electronics unit, and an input/output module coupled to at least one of the imaging unit, the electronics unit, or the power source that includes a communications interface for communicating with external devices.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods of providing content to a user via communications between a content provider and a user over a plurality of disparate communication channels are provided. Content is provided to a user via a first transmission channel for presentation. Metadata associated with the content identifies a content event trigger at a point in the content. The content is displayed using a first presentation system. When the content event trigger is reached, supplemental content is provided to the user via a second transmission channel. The supplemental content is provided to the user during continued presentation of the content, and the supplemental content is provided to the user using a content providing system that is wholly separate from the first presentation system.

Abstract: An Electronic Video ev-Book of design and manufacture resolving problems of loading undesirable internet content in said book by providing means to eliminate downloading text and graphical images from the internet. The claimed invention differs from existing e-reader products as an ev-Book of flexible QLED and like video screen e-Paper pages displaying internal memory content and eliminating internet communication components. An Electronic Video ev-Book in which the minimum required electronic memory, processing capacity and video capability for all video pages is contained within embedded electronic semiconductor digital operating mini-CPU Central Processing Units. The ev-Book's purposely specified and installed components eliminate user manipulation and changing of programmed content as compared with the ease of reloading personal computer e-readers.

Abstract: An object of this disclosure is to provide a technology for providing 3D reading scenarios. The technology includes: acquiring, in a VR reading mode, corresponding 3D scenario information based on a literature work currently read by a user; and establishing, in cooperation with VR glasses, a 3D reading scenario for the literature work based on the 3D scenario information. Compared with the existing technologies, this disclosure can acquire the corresponding 3D scenario information based on the literature work, and establish the 3D reading scenario for the literature work using the 3D scenario information. Moreover, this disclosure in cooperation with VR glasses further realizes an immersed reading experience by reading literature works in a 3D scenario. This not only improves the monotone disadvantage of the traditional reading scenario, but also brings users into an immersed reading environment in the reading process, and greatly enhances the users' reading experience.

Abstract: A capacitive gesture recognition book includes a plurality of capacitive sensors concealed in a base cover of the book. The capacitive sensors detect changes in capacitance brought on by a finger of a user coming in proximity with the capacitive sensor. A processor located in the base cover includes a plurality of capacitive activation sequences and a plurality of corresponding responses stored therein. Upon detection of a stored capacitive activation sequence, the processor initiates activation of the corresponding response which may be playback of an audio file. The book includes a plurality of pages that contain graphics and/or words for a storyline. The graphics can include images intended to direct a user of a desired motion to be made that corresponds with activation of sensors in a manner stored as a capacitive activation sequence.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods of providing content to a user via communications between a content provider and a user over a plurality of disparate communication channels are provided. Content is provided to a user via a first transmission channel for presentation. Metadata associated with the content identifies a content event trigger at a point in the content. The content is displayed using a first presentation system. When the content event trigger is reached, supplemental content is provided to the user via a second transmission channel. The supplemental content is provided to the user during continued presentation of the content, and the supplemental content is provided to the user using a content providing system that is wholly separate from the first presentation system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products relate to special effects for a text source, such as a traditional paper book, e-book, mobile phone text, comic book, or any other form of pre-defined reading material, and for outputting the special effects. The special effects may be played in response to a user reading the text source aloud to enhance their enjoyment of the reading experience and provide interactivity. The special effects can be customized to the particular text source and can be synchronized to initiate the special effect in response to pre-programmed trigger phrases when reading the text source aloud.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancement of a readable media is disclosed and may include a housing configured to be removably attached to a readable media, a processor, a sensor coupled to the processor and connected to said housing wherein the sensor is adapted to sense a current position associated with the readable media by recognition with the processor of at least a part of the readable media, a memory storing therein an acoustic or other enhancement effects, an acoustic transducer, or a projector which reads out said acoustic enhancement into an acoustic stream or projects a visual effect and a memory storing therein an association between said enhancements and at least an indication of said position associated with the readable media.

Abstract: A display apparatus which is capable of performing an initial setting and a controlling control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes an output unit configured to output a user interface (UI) which is controllable by a plurality of input modes, and a controller configured to set an input mode according to a user feedback type regarding the UI, and configured to output another UI which corresponds to the set input mode.

Abstract: An automatic page detection method for a print article and a print article using the same are provided in the present invention. The automatic page detection method for the print article includes the steps of: disposing N receiving units at N first preset position of a cover of the print article; disposing a transmitting unit at the second preset position of the cover of the print article; disposing N thin conductors respectively at N pages, wherein the a thin conductor is disposed between Kth first preset position of the Kth page and the second preset position of the Kth page; emitting a detection signal by the transmitter; and determining the present page according to the receiving unit(s) of the N receiving units which receive(s) the detection signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for exporting and automatically converting files that make up a digital content work from a first proprietary format to a second format, the second format being a format compatible with an open standards format. Such automatic conversion includes parsing a designated table of contents metadata file to build a list of the files referenced therein. For one or more respective files identified from the table of contents metadata file, each respective file is converted to an HTML5 file, from which a set of EPUB (or other open standards format) -compatible metadata files are created. The EPUB files include a manifest and a spine, which, together with the HTML5 files, are collectively packaged in an EPUB (or other open standards format) container file for distribution.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes circuitry configured to obtain audio data of audio collected through a microphone, determine whether the audio data has a noise level equal to or less than a threshold to generate a determination result, record the audio data when the determination result indicates that the noise level of the audio data is equal to or less than the threshold, and add the recorded audio data to image data.

Abstract: One or more pages are displayed on a display. A page-turning gesture is recognized. Responsive to such recognition, a virtual page turn that lifts a portion of the page is displayed on the display. One side of the lifted portion of the page is visible through the other side of the lifted portion of the page.

Abstract: An electronic book apparatus displays an event invitation icon along with the contents of a book wherein the event invitation icon represents an event data that includes text files and/or game data files that relate to the contents of a specified part of the contents of the book. When a player selects the event invitation icon while reading the contents of the book, the apparatus presents the text as shown in the text files or executes a game from the game data files.

Abstract: A soundtrack creation method and user playback system for soundtracks synchronized to electronic text. Synchronization is achieved by maintaining a reading speed variable indicative of the user's reading speed. The system provides for multiple channels of audio to enable concurrent playback of two or more partially or entirely overlapping audio regions so as to create an audio output having, for example, sound effects, ambience, music or other audio features that are triggered to playback at specific portions in the electronic text to enhance the reading experience.

Abstract: To generate stories for presentation to social networking system users, one or more story generation engines receives a set of actions of social networking system users. Various story generation engines output stories of different types that collect particular types of actions and arrange the actions in a specified format for presentation. The story generators may avoid selecting the same actions for different stories. Stories generated by the various story generators may be ranked and the ranking used to select stories for presentation to one or more social networking system users.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a responsive book system comprising: a book comprising a detecting system, for detecting a current page from a plurality of detectable pages of the book (i.e., the opened page); a storage, for storing content associated with each of the detectable pages; and one or more remote responders, for playing and/or displaying the content associated with the current page. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a responsive book method comprising the steps of: detecting the current page in a book from a plurality of pages; and playing and/or displaying, by a remote responder, content associated with the current page.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and storage medium associated with providing an electronic book for partial consumption are disclosed herein. In one instance, an electronic book, including prominent and non-prominent components, may be stored in memory of an electronic reader. In various embodiments, the electronic reader may monitor for an instruction from a user to transition between a skim mode of operation and a normal mode of operation. In various embodiments, the electronic reader may be placed in the skim mode of operation in response to detecting an instruction from the user to enter the skim mode of operation. While in the skim mode of operation, the prominent components of the electronic book may be filtered from the non-prominent components and presented, and presentation of the non-prominent components of the electronic book may be suppressed. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A device includes a housing body that has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge portion, where the housing body also houses a display screen. The device further includes a cover panel that has an inner surface and an outer surface, where the cover is pivotally attached to the edge portion of the housing body to move between a closed position that covers the display screen and an open position that uncovers the display screen. The cover panel includes a fold-out element that is attached to the inner surface of the cover panel and that is configured to open outward away from the display screen when the cover panel is in the open position.

Abstract: A range of unified software authoring tools for creating a talking paper application for integration in an end user platform are described herein. The authoring tools are easy to use and are interoperable to provide an easy and cost-effective method of creating a talking paper application. The authoring tools provide a framework for creating audio content and image content and interactively linking the audio content and the image content. The authoring tools also provide for verifying the interactively linked audio and image content, reviewing the audio content, the image content and the interactive linking on a display device. Finally, the authoring tools provide for saving the audio content, the video content and the interactive linking for publication to a manufacturer for integration in an end user platform or talking paper platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor apparatus for detecting an object comprising a sensor head having a plurality of receiving spaces for individual sensor devices and a driving mechanism for providing a relative movement of the object relative to the sensor head in an advance direction during a detecting operation. The receiving spaces are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, such that an array of receiving spaces with a rectangular pattern of the receiving spaces is formed, and the array of receiving spaces is tilted with regard to the advance direction such that the rows extend in a transverse direction relative to the advance direction and the receiving spaces of a successive row of the rectangular pattern are offset with regard to the receiving spaces of a preceding row of the rectangular pattern in a direction perpendicular to the advance direction.

Abstract: A digital template animation kit is provided for generating a three-dimensional animation corresponding to a captured two-dimensional template. In embodiments, a template animation kit includes a template portfolio having template designs for coloring in by a user. A computing device executing a template animation kit application, such as a digital fashion portfolio kit application, may then capture an image of the user-completed drawings on each template design. In some embodiments, capturing an image of a template design includes identifying a coloring figure identifier, an upper page guide identifier, and a lower page guide identifier. In further embodiments, the captured images of two-dimensional template designs are applied to three dimensional digital templates for animation within a digital template animation environment.

Abstract: A computing device may provide a visual cue to items of content (for example, words in a book) synchronized with the playback of companion content (for example, audio content corresponding to the book). Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a content playback synchronization system for use with physical books (or other physical media). In an embodiment, the computing device captures images of the physical book and may display a visual cue (for example, an underline, box, dot, cursor, or the like) to identify a current location in textual content of the captured and displayed images of the physical book corresponding to a current output position of companion audio content. As the audio content is presented (i.e., as it “plays back”), the highlight and/or visual cue may be advanced to maintain synchronization between the output position within the audio content and a corresponding position in the displayed physical textual content.

Abstract: An information processing device includes an input operation function identification unit configured to identify an input operation and a function performed on a display screen including at least two areas; an area determination unit configured to determine an area among the at least two areas of the display screen to which the input operation belongs; a function process unit configured to execute a process of the function corresponding to the input operation, with respect to the area determined by the area determination unit; and a display output unit configured to display, on the display screen, a result obtained by the process executed by the function process unit.

Abstract: An electronic information device that does not start an operation unintended by an operator when a display of an object is changed while a contact to a touch sensor is detected, is provided. An electronic information device 1 includes a touch sensor 11, a display unit 14 configured to display the object, and a control unit 15 configured to, when deleting the object while the touch sensor 11 is detecting a contact at a position corresponding to a predetermined object area displayed on the display unit 14, control to disregard detection of the contact by the touch sensor 11 after deletion of the object until the contact is released.

Abstract: An audiovisual recording of a user reading a book aloud is generated for playback with a virtual book. A book reading user interface presents a virtual book concurrently with a current image of the user. The virtual book may be presented based at least in part on an aspect ratio of the virtual book. As the user reads the virtual book aloud, an audiovisual recording of the user is generated. In addition, synchronization information is recorded that enables the audiovisual recording to be synchronized with the presentation of pages of the virtual book during playback. The generated audiovisual recording is stored in a database and may be played back to a recipient on demand.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for correlating an electronic book with a narration. A correlation is determined between a first portion of the narration and a first segment of the text within the electronic book. The correlation is stored as instructions to present the first segment of the text with emphasis simultaneously with playback of the first the portion of the narration. A determination is made that a second portion of the audio recording, immediately following the first portion, does not match a second segment of the text that immediately follows the first segment. A correlation between the second portion and a component of the electronic book is determined and stored as instructions to present the component with emphasis simultaneously with playback of the second portion of the narration.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reading aloud support apparatus includes a reception unit, a first extraction unit, a second extraction unit, an acquisition unit, a generation unit, a presentation unit. The reception unit is configured to receive an instruction. The first extraction unit is configured to extract, as a partial document, a part of a document which corresponds to a range of words. The second extraction unit is configured to perform morphological analysis and to extract words as candidate words. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire attribute information items relates to the candidate words. The generation unit is configured to perform weighting relating to a value corresponding a distance and to determine each of candidate words to be preferentially presented to generate a presentation order. The presentation unit is configured to present the candidate words and the attribute information items in accordance with the presentation order.

Abstract: A backlit storybook for the visually impaired comprises an audio and visual storybook including a book, a base, and an integral backlight. Each page of the book comprises images or words. The book is placed upon the base to enable each individual page to backlight the images and words to provide a high-contrast lighted character pattern easily readable by those with impaired vision. The system further includes a speaker for audio to play a corresponding narration and indicates when different pages should be turned.

Abstract: A method for producing an output in response to an interaction with a print element on a sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a sheet comprising a print element on a surface of a base unit. A user can then mark on the sheet in the vicinity of the print element with a marking instrument. An audio output that corresponds to the print element is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. Further disclosed are techniques and systems for providing a plurality of characters at least some of the characters having multiple associated moods for use in document narration.

Abstract: A computing device may provide a control interface that enables the user to manage the synchronized output of companion content (e.g., textual content and corresponding audio content). For example, the computing device may display a visual cue to identify a current location in textual content corresponding to a current output position of companion audio content. As the audio content is presented, the visual cue may be advanced to maintain synchronization between the output position within the audio content and a corresponding position in the textual content. The computing device may adjust the speed at which the audio content is presented and the visual cue is advanced based at least in part on an input corresponding to the user's performance on a task (e.g., a speed on an exercise machine).

Abstract: An interchangeable story pillow book system having audio content playback has a book core structure having a spine member, a front cover member, a back cover member, a first page member, and a second page member. The book core structure resembles a book having pages. The system has an audio recording and output system having a microprocessor, a speaker, a microphone, a data storage component, a plurality of activation switches, a power source, and a data interface component. The system has a padded multi-page book sheath having a front cover sheath, a back cover sheath, a first page sheath, and a second page sheath. The book sheath is located over and onto the book core structure.

Abstract: A self-contained system containing a plurality of pages of printed content, incorporating means for detecting which page is being viewed by the reader, and incorporating means for producing supplementary auditory output related to the printed content of the pages, wherein the supplementary auditory content produced for any given page is determined by the sequence of pages previously viewed by the reader.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and gathering data relating to publication usage by participants in publication readership studies. Some methods and systems employ portable monitors carried by participants of the studies along with publications fitted with various devices, such as piezoelectric transducers, RFID tags and others devices and circuits.

Abstract: An improved learning aid in the form of a book, the book includes a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages intermediate the front cover and the back cover. The plurality of pages, front cover, and back cover are conventionally bound together along one longitudinal side by a binding means. The back cover includes an outer side disposed with a plurality of sections. Each of the sections printed text framed by a text identification and sequence indicator, wherein the printed text is a complete reproduction of the text printed on a particular numbered page of the plurality of pages of the book.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and editing audio books which indexes the text and audio recording to one another. This allows for ease in locating a portion of the audio recording corresponding to a portion of text. The audio portion can then be edited. Images can be integrated into the text. These images can be included in the completed file for multimedia presentation. The indexing can also be used for ease in placing various takes in the correct sequential order in the master recording. The original audio recording is maintained unchanged while, changes from editing are contained in a separate file. The method and apparatus can also be used to generate compressed audio and text files for ease of forwarding via e-mail.

Abstract: A data processing system applying optical identification devices includes a printed matter having a plurality of encoded data printed thereon; an optical identification device for reading at least one encoded data from the printed matter; and a data processing device coupled to the optical identification device and storing a plurality of content data for reading the at least one encoded data through the optical identification device, obtaining at least one first data corresponding to an operation and one second data corresponding to one of the content data from the read encoded data and performing the corresponding operation of the first data on the one of the content data that the second data corresponds to.