Abstract: A finger-sensing apparatus (23) and a method with a page detection mechanism (47). The apparatus (23) comprises a finger-sensitive substrate (26) having a plurality of keypads (30), a page detection mechanism (47), a control circuit (31) and a pliable media (25). When a finger (33) of a user is proximate to a keypad (30), the control circuit (31) detects a change in a characteristic at the keypad (30). The page detection mechanism (47) determines a page (24) exposed to the user and sends the information to the control circuit (31). The characteristic is a capacitance.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product for performing an operation for automatic electronic book augmentation. The operation presents an electronic book via a display screen of an electronic device, and identifies user preferences. The operation then determines a current reading position of a user within the electronic book. The operation then identifies, based on the user's current reading position, a context within the electronic book. The operation then identifies, based on the context and the user preferences, sensory effects to enhance the user's experience. The operation then outputs the sensory effects.

Abstract: A printed article comprises a sheet or cover and an electronic device housed in the in the sheet or cover for providing audio content, the device comprising a user interface for controlling playback of the audio content and a connector for coupling with a corresponding connector for providing an audio signal to a peripheral audio device.

Abstract: A system for processing a visual capture operation as described. The system receives an indication of a visual capture operation performed from a rendered document. The indication specifies both a text sequence capture As part of the capture operation and a supplemental marking captured as part of the capture operation. The system determines an action to perform in response to receiving the indication, based both upon the text sequence specified in the indication and the supplemental markings specified by the indication.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic book, as well as a method and device for identifying electronic book page numbers. The method includes positioning trigger pins and a contact end on a book spine. The contact end is electrically connected to a controller. When a page of the electronic book is flipped, two contact ends of a soft circuit, which is closely affixed on the book spine, are made conducting by squeezing a positioning trigger pin. The conduction signal of the contact ends are received and the page number of the flipped page is identified according to the received signal. The preset content of the book page is played through the controller which is electrically connected to the soft circuit. Positioning trigger pins and the contact end are arranged on the low parts of the book spine surface, which is formed naturally by mounting and bending pages.

Abstract: A method of play, wherein play emphasizes storytelling and story recounting abilities, and wherein the method comprises: (a) providing a gaining device which provides for: a plurality of subject elements, wherein each subject element from the plurality of subject elements comprises a topic for a particular story; and a plurality of situational elements, wherein each situational element from the plurality of situational elements qualifies the subject element; (b) pairing a subject element from the plurality of subject elements with a situational element from the plurality of situational elements; and (c) providing a story based on the paired subject element and selected situational element.

Abstract: An interactive printed article includes a cover and a plurality of printed leaves on which a plurality of touchpoints are distributed. A particular printed leaf among the plurality of printed leaves includes first and second viewed surfaces and first and second inner surfaces and has a touch sensor incorporated therein proximate to a touchpoint among the plurality of touchpoints. At least one of the first and second viewed surfaces has content printed thereon, and at least one of the first and second inner surfaces has a conductive trace formed thereon. The interactive printed article further includes an electronics package electrically coupled to the conductive trace that initiates presentation of a particular presentation corresponding to the touchpoint in response to detection via the touch sensor of selection of the touchpoint.

Abstract: An electronic learning device for receiving a book having a plurality of successive page spreads, at least one page spread having selectable content and an optically readable page identifier. The device includes a housing configured to receive the book, a position sensor in the housing configured to determine the location of the selectable content on the at least one page spread, an optical sensor in the housing configured to irradiate and detect the page identifier on the at least one page spread and control electronics in the housing operatively coupled to the optical sensor and to the position sensor and configured to synchronize sequential operation of the position sensor and the optical sensor.

Abstract: An inexpensively-produced operating tool to which information about the direction of the operating tool or various kinds of identification information can be provided, and in which a switch can be provided. An operating tool (100), which is placed on the detection plane of a conductor detector capable of detecting a conductor by detecting a change in coupling coefficient of loop coil groups crossing each other, comprises a plurality of conductor pieces (102). The conductor piece has, for example, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or a ring shape. At least a part of the plurality of conductor pieces may be arranged in a predetermined pattern such that the conductor detector can detect the direction of the operating tool.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided relating to delivering audio content for an interactive electronic book system, including a book with a plurality of pages with overlaying magnets affixed thereto, a magnetic sensor, a temperature sensor, a speaker, a computer with calibration and temperature compensation data stored in non-volatile memory, and audio content related to the pages of the book, such that the computer determines which page the book is open to and causes the speaker to deliver audio content related to the open page. Apparatus and methods are provided for calibrating an electronic book system including temperature compensation steps.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching combining letters, images and sounds. A keyboard having letters on keys has sounds associated with each key. Keys for words used in a lesson may be highlighted to provide clues how to spell a word. Sounds associated with a selected word may be played upon the successful completion of spelling of the word on the keyboard.

Abstract: Trigger point information is generated for an eBook to play sounds in an eBook. A request for trigger point information is received from a client. The eBook is analyzed to determine trigger point information for the eBook. The trigger point information includes location information identifying a location of a trigger point in the eBook. The trigger information also includes sound information indicating a sound to play at the trigger point. The determined trigger point information is transmitted to the client in response to the request for trigger point information. The client is configured to track a user's reading location in the eBook and play the sound indicated by the sound information responsive to the user reading the eBook at the location of the trigger point.

Abstract: The invention can be efficiently used for intensively learning different disciplines, including foreign languages, and for forming and automating operational skills of professionals in different field of activity. It makes it possible to obtain a technical result and a high-quality intensive training. The use of a training aid is developed according to a synergetic theory in the form of a synergetic training device and makes it possible to provide a synergetic variant of intensive training. The synergetic training device is embodied in a dynamic technical device consisting of several soundproof booths which comprise training facilities and technical means using a sensor system.

Abstract: A computing device may include a display, a memory to store electronic book data having a plurality of different content layers each associated with a different content difficultly level, and a processor coupled to the display and the memory.

Abstract: A system includes an education module (171) that is operable with, includes, or is operable to control three-dimensional figure generation software (170). The education module (171) is configured to present a three-dimensional interactive rendering (981) on a display (132) above an image (250) of an interactive book (150) disposed beneath a camera (130) that is operable with the education module (171). The three-dimensional interactive rendering (981) can be a game, an interaction scenario, or other image, and can be presented when a user (400) covers a user actuation target (304). A cut video (850) can be presented after the user actuation target (304) is covered but before the three-dimensional interactive rendering (981) is presented to provide a stimulating educational experience to a student.

Abstract: A system for producing audio output from interaction with printed material and a pen based computer system. The system includes a printed page including a substantially invisible position code and a human viewable image. The system further includes a pen-based computer system for determining a position of the human viewable image in response to interactions there between, e.g., based upon the pen tip's proximity to the image. The pen-based computer is operable to produce a human-audible output corresponding to the human viewable image contemporaneously with the interaction. The human viewable image may be produced independent of the pen based computer and may include a textual word and/or an image. A plurality of pages may be provided in book form allowing a plurality of audio recordings to be rendered in connection with a plurality of images, thusly providing an interactive audio book experience for the user.

Abstract: Hybrid reading materials and methods for mentally investing readers in reading materials. Hybrid reading materials include text reciting written subject matter adapted to be read visually and an audio source operatively coupled to the text, the audio source including a memory device configured to store spoken presentation data, the spoken presentation data supplementing the text and being distinct from the written subject matter. Methods for mentally investing a reader in a reading material include providing a reader with a summary document which summarizes aspects of the reading material and providing the reader with a spoken presentation of subject matter related to the reading material.

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: A thin flexible electronic display includes a flexible membrane, control circuitry, and self-contained power source, which may be a thin flexible battery. A display may be affixed to an associated device for use in displaying dynamic information or video.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a housing that is configured to support a first picture and a second picture, a first sensor that is configured to receive a first input and that is associated with the first picture, a second sensor that is configured to receive a second input and that is associated with the second picture, a communication module that is configured to communicate with a remote device and to retrieve audio messages from the remote device, a speaker that is configured to play the audio messages, an electronics control module that is configured to control playing of the audio messages that are designated as being associated with the first picture in response to selection of the first sensor and control playing of the audio messages that are designated as being associated with the second picture in response to selection of the second sensor, and a power module.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a test and an answer key to identify correct answers is disclosed. A test can be created by entering a set of questions with answer choices and correct answers at the same time. The tests can be rendered via a rendering device that includes both the questions and the answer choices. A ticket can be generated that drives a CNC (computer numerically control) machine to create a punched answer key with holes that align over correct answers. The answer key can also be rendered on a transparency utilizing a solid color everywhere except an area where the correct answer should be marked. The test and the answer key can also be rendered and aligned side by side in order to identify correct answers.

Abstract: An article of print media that includes an electronic module that has at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the electronic module and first means for closing the electronic module such that at least a first video is shown.

Abstract: A visual interface having a plurality of picture elements disposed on a substrate wherein a viewable display area of the visual interface may be configured by expanding or contracting the substrate in at least one dimension, and a characteristic of the visual interface is controlled based on the configuration of the viewable display area.

Abstract: A versioning system for electronic textbooks provided to a variety of textbook readers uses a highly abstracted content file tagged with content identifiers allowing this content file to be readily re-edited into multiple versions compatible with different curricula and suitable for a range of different reader types.

Abstract: Text sections and each comic character within each of at least one scanned comic frame are identified. Text is captured from each of the identified text sections using optical character recognition (OCR) of each of the identified text sections. A sequence of the text sections is determined based upon grammatical conventions of a language within which the at least one scanned comic frame is presented. An audio output model is identified for each of the determined sequence of the text sections. The at least one scanned comic frame is stored with the captured text, the determined sequence of the text sections, and the identified audio output model for each of the determined sequence of the text sections. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method of creating a relationship diagram for electronic book (or e-book) contents in a reader includes determining whether there is a relationship diagram creation request in a current page. The method includes, if there is the relationship diagram creation request, determining whether there is a relationship diagram associated with a previous page. In addition, the method includes, if there is the relationship diagram associated with the previous page, displaying the relationship diagram in an input window. Further, the method includes, if the relationship diagram displayed in the input window is modified and there is a save request, allowing the modified relationship diagram to be saved in accordance with the current page.

Abstract: An article with circuit actuating capability includes a first article part [13], a second article part [11] formed with a pocket [101] and linked to the first article part such that the first and second article parts being movable relative to each other, the pocket having an access opening [113], and a circuit [2] built in the pocket in the second article part and accessible through the access opening of the pocket for controlling circuit states of the circuit.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an electronic document reading device, that is to a device such as an electronic book which presents a document to a user on a display to enable the user to read the document. A portable flex-tolerant electronic document reading device, the device including a flex-tolerant display coupled to a flex-tolerant layer of pixel driver circuitry, and wherein said device has a physical configuration comprising a planar display surface and a rear surface having a frame around its outer perimeter to stiffen the device, the frame defining a central region of relatively reduced thickness compared with a thickness of said frame.

Abstract: A book spread identification arrangement for a board book is provided, the arrangement comprising a plurality of conductive paths, contact means disposed adjacent at least part of at least one of the conductive paths and processing means connected to the conductive paths and configured for processing signals associated with the conductive paths. One selection end of each path is disposed adjacent the spine surface of the book. The contact means comprise one or more conductive surfaces and are arranged, upon opening of the book to a spread, to contact one of a plurality of combinations of one or more of the conductive paths. Each of the plurality of combinations is in a predetermined unique association with a respective single spread of the book. From the processed signals, the processing means are able to determine the particular combination of conductive paths contacted by the contact means and identify to which spread the book is open.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for learning in an electronic book reader. A method for learning in an electronic book reader includes displaying a mask region covering an object of electronic book contents displayed on a screen, and releasing the displayed mask region to again display the covered object of the electronic book contents.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to driving a stacked arrangement of display panels are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-contained binder provided in the disclosure has a document binder and a computer device. The document binder having at least one cover plate and plural parallel folder rings piercing through an edge of the cover plate. The computer device has a main body, a column-shaped battery portion pierced through by all of the parallel folder rings, and a movable arm. The movable arm has two opposite ends, in which one end thereof is fixed on one of the opposite ends of the column-shaped battery portion, and the other end thereof is movably disposed on one side of the main body.

Abstract: A computer-contained binder provided in the disclosure has a document binder and a computer device. The document binder having at least one cover and plural parallel folder rings piercing through an edge of the cover. The computer device has a main body, a column-shaped battery portion pierced through by all of the parallel folder rings, and two shafts. Each shaft respectively pivots the column-shaped battery portion and the main body at two opposite end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for creating a book using a network, comprising using a processor to create a website to entice a user to become a subscriber. Computer instructions are used to provide a welcome message, provide a security feature to the user, provide a free tour of the service for creating the book, and offer a search tool to browse a dynamic information database containing artwork, text, characters, contact information for artists and authors to provide commissioned work, and rules of usage. The computer instructions also offer viewing of artwork having high viewing frequency, provide a payment selection to become a subscriber, and process payment by the user. A subscriber is then allowed to create a unique book, store selections and work under an account having a secure account number, and print at least a portion of the unique book on a printer owned, controlled, or designated by the subscriber.

Abstract: A viewer for displaying electronic books and having various features for restricting access to their content. A user may assign ratings to stored electronic books, or use standard ratings, and assign access levels to potential users. The ratings and access levels determine which electronic books, or portions of the electronic books, a particular user may access on the viewer.

Abstract: An instructive content creation and viewing system, including a first microprocessor assembly, an intuitive viewing interface, a second microprocessor assembly in communication with the first microprocessor assembly, and an content creation interface. The viewing interface is housed on the first microprocessor assembly and the content creation interface is housed on the second microprocessor assembly. The content creation interface is used to create the instructive content, while the first microprocessor assembly obtains the instructive content. The viewing interface presents the instructive content while the viewing interface adapts to the instructive content and user preferences or actions.

Abstract: An interactive system for providing multimedia data in response to interaction with lift-the-flap elements. The system may include a housing which forms a substantially planar surface configured to support at least one printed media sheet. The printed sheet may include at least one lift-the-flap element. The system may further include a playback device configured to provide multimedia data relating to the lift-the-flap element. The system may include a detector which is configured to detect a position of the lift-the-flap element and provide position information. The system may further include a processing unit configured to cause playback of the multimedia data via the playback device based on the position information provided by the detector.

Abstract: A children's musical book includes an electronic audio circuit which is able to generate music or any other type of sound. It includes a back cover (3) of considerable thickness in which there is a hollow (6) of dimensions that make it suitable for holding the electronic audio circuit (7) together with its keypad (8), battery (9), loudspeaker (10) and wiring (11), while both surfaces of the back cover (3) are covered by sheets of cardboard (15), so that the circuit occupies the minimum space and is perfectly protected within the back cover. Additionally, the back cover, cover and inside pages are composed of a central core of foam rubber (4, 4?), which is covered on both sides by the said sheets of cardboard (5), the free edges of which are tucked in respecting the edge of the foam rubber core that are likewise free, these latter being those on which manual contact takes place during normal usage of the book.

Abstract: An electronic learning device for receiving a book having a plurality of successive page spreads, at least one page spread having selectable content and an optically readable page identifier. The device includes a housing configured to receive the book, a position sensor in the housing configured to determine the location of the selectable content on the at least one page spread, an optical sensor in the housing configured to irradiate and detect the page identifier on the at least one page spread and control electronics in the housing operatively coupled to the optical sensor and to the position sensor and configured to synchronize sequential operation of the position sensor and the optical sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for source language comprehension designed for a listener mastering a target language, which consists in causing the listener to listen to a statement, consisting of a series of several contents, in the source language and in displaying simultaneously with the listening of the statement a succession of notations marking the succession of contents in the source language, showing a notation marking a content only as from the time when it is being heard and showing, a series of inscriptions in the target language which corresponds to the full statement. The method is characterized in that it consists in showing the whole series of inscriptions before the beginning of the statement.

Abstract: An article of print media that includes an electronic module that has at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the electronic module and first means for closing the electronic module such that at least a first video is shown.

Abstract: Apparatus comprise a printed article (2) supporting at least one user input device (6), at least one output device (8) and a controller (7). The controller is configured, in response to receiving an input signal from a user input device, to cause an output device to produce an output signal in dependence upon a previous input signal received by the input device or another input device and/or upon an updatable parameter indicating one of at least two states.

Abstract: An electronic book is provided with a soundtrack, to which a reader can listen while reading the electronic book. The soundtrack accompanies and enhances the reading experience, in which readers generally have images in their minds based on the story or other visual media that is part of the electronic book. Playback of the soundtrack is synchronized with the visual display of the electronic book. Audio cues are associated with different points in the text and these cues are dynamically played back in synchronization with the visual display of the electronic book based on the interaction of the user with the electronic book. The dynamic playback involves editing and playing an audio cue so that it has a duration that is based on a prediction of the duration of the portion of the electronic book with which the cue is synchronized. When the system starts playing an audio cue, it predicts when the next audio cue should start.

Abstract: An electronic device switches between an electronic book reading mode and an audio book playback mode in a manner that is convenient and intuitive to the user. The electronic device stores an electronic work that contains a text version and an audio version of written material. The position in an active one of the text version or the audio version is matched against a corresponding position in the other one of the text version or the audio version. The user may indicate to the electronic device to switch modes. In that case, if the text version was active, playback of the audio version may commence from a point at which the user stopped reading the text version. Similarly, if the audio version was active, the text version may be displayed at the point where playback stopped.

Abstract: A children's story audio/video playing device includes a playing device body having a main board, a display device, a speaker, an audio receiver, a user operating device, at least one connector and power supply, and the main board includes a central processing unit, a display engine, an audio processing unit, a general purpose I/O; a USB host, a memory card controller, a power management controller, a network controller, a direct memory access unit, a program storage unit, a real time clock unit, and a memory controller, such that the children's story audio/video playing device can play words, pictures, animation images and sounds and allow users to record the played audio content.

Abstract: An interactive toy for interacting with a user while a story is being read aloud from a book or played from a movie/video. The toy includes a speech recognition unit that receives and detects certain triggering phrases as they are read aloud or played from a companion literary work. The triggering phrase read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video may have independent significance or may only have significance when combined with other phrases read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video.

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: An interactive book reading system (600) responsive to a human finger presence. The system (600) includes a radio frequency (RF) scanning circuit (675), a control circuit (610), a memory (615) and an audible output device (650). The RF scanning circuit (675) is configured to detect the presence of the human finger when the finger enters an RF field generated by the RF scanning circuit (675). The control circuit (610) and the memory (615) are in communication with the RF scanning circuit (675). The memory (615) stores a plurality of audible messages. The audible output device (650) is also in communication with the control circuit (610). The audible output device (650) outputs at least one of the audible messages based on an analysis of the RF field performed by the control circuit (610) when the finger enters the RF field.

Abstract: A book for displaying images and playing associated audio content. The book comprises a plurality of leaves defining pages of the book. A plurality of pairs of transmitters and receivers are arranged on the leaves, so that a plurality of the leaves each has a transmitter and a plurality of the leaves each has a receiver. Capacitance coupling between a transmitter and its paired receiver depends upon whether a page of the book is open. The book has a controller configured to provide pulsed signals to the transmitters and receive signals from the receivers. In addition the book has memory for audio content and an audio playback device. The controller is configured to identify any open page of the book by comparing signals received by the receivers from the transmitters to a threshold value. If only one page is open, the controller identifies associated audio content relevant to the open page from audio stored in the memory and identified audio is played on the audio playback device.

Abstract: An electronic early recognition and confirmation system generally in learner-useable book-form structure including (a) pages, each including at least one lesson-specific question, and for each such question an associated field containing a plurality of nominally undistinguished, learner-selectable, image-based answers among which there is at least one best answer, (b) with respect to each such question, an invitation to a learner to respond to that question by interacting in a defined way with any selected one of the relevant field-associated answers, and (c) power-ready, electronic, interaction-response structure embedded in the book-form structure, operable, when a learner interacts with a selected answer in the relevant field, to produce a light and/or sound correctness-confirming response of one style when the selected answer is the best answer, and a light and/or sound noncorrectness-announcing response of another style when the selected answer is another, incorrect answer.