Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a book comprises at least one page visually displaying information about a subject, wherein the visually displayed information is conveyed from a first perspective; and an audio device operable to aurally display information about the subject, wherein the aurally displayed information is conveyed from a second perspective that is different than the first perspective, and wherein the information displayed aurally is different than the information displayed visually. By receiving different information from different perspectives, a user of the book can draw more and better inferences, develop more thorough conclusions and thus better understand the subject of the book.

Abstract: An educational and entertainment device for the playback of recorded audio and video media to a young child reclining in a stroller or crib is disclosed. The educational and entertainment device comprises a digital media player such as a digital video disc and/or audio disc player device which is secured to and preferably built into the crib or stroller so as to be delivered to the consumer as a unit. The video disc player device comprises a playback unit adapted to receive and visually/auditorily reproduce a recorded DVD or CD. One or more audio speakers are driven by the playback unit and is secured nearby to the reclined or seating location of the young child. A viewing screen assembly is secured to the crib or stroller and oriented such as to be viewable by the young child such that the young child is provided with an array of educational and entertaining recorded media.

Abstract: A system for the storage and retrieval of audio files includes an audio storage and retrieval device and a label with an encoded memory storage address. The audio storage and retrieval device includes a memory for storing a plurality of audio files where each stored audio file corresponds to a unique memory storage address, a decoder for reading an encoded memory storage address from the label, and a control module: i) in communication with the decoder for deriving the memory storage address corresponding to the encoded memory storage address and ii) in communication with the memory for retrieving an audio file corresponding to the memory storage address.

Abstract: A interactive system and a method illustrates the subject matter of an object. The system has an object having an external surface, a housing, a selector that selects a specific location on the external surface, and a video screen that displays video images associated with the specific location. Electronics in the housing respond to the specific location selected by the selector, and transmits to the video screen signals representative of the video images.

Abstract: A interactive system and a method illustrates the subject matter of a book or a plurality of documents. The system has a housing assembly, a selector, and a video screen. A book or a plurality of documents are positioned in a receiving zone of the housing assembly in a manner in which at least one page of the book or plurality of documents is exposed and faces upwardly. The selector is then used to select a specific location on the exposed page, causing video images associated with the specific location to be displayed at the video screen.

Abstract: An e-book allowing note and corrigendum sharing as well as differential update is produced using vector graphics satisfying XML syntax, and a script program is embedded in or linked to the e-book. The script program allows a user to add various kinds of note markups to the e-book, including fluorescent marker, text annotation, handwriting note, bookmark, digital blackboard record, post-it note, highlight, voice, memo, tracking information, etc. The e-book also allows an e-book editor to correct any error in the e-book. The note markups and corrigenda may be uploaded via network, and be shared among other users by way of differential update.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel interactive information system which can be used to make a traditional print medium such as a magazine, “interactive”. When the traditional print medium is placed on a print media receiving unit in a predetermined position, a user can interact with the traditional print medium. Printed matter elements on the printed medium can be made “selectable” by the user.

Abstract: An interactive device includes a base unit and at least one interchangeable cartridge. The base unit comprises a transparent pressure-sensitive touchscreen overlying the cartridge and a microphone. The cartridge comprises a scroll having a plurality of image frames which are sequentially viewable through the transparent touchscreen and a digital memory. The cartridge is configured to key into a cartridge receptacle in the base unit and couple the memory with a processor in the base unit. The cartridge includes release levers which prevent rotation of the scroll when the cartridge is removed from the base unit.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio content with text including a book holder and a book. The book holder identifies which book of a plurality is placed in the holder by detecting magnetic indicators in specific locations and arrangements which are unique to each book. The page of the book which a user views at any given time is identified by detection of ambient light, by detection of a number of circuit elements in parallel, by detection of progressively stacked magnetic sensors, or by microwave reflection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic page detector, to determine which page of a book is open. The automatic page detector uses a magnet and an inductor as a sensor. In the invention, there is a magnet at each page of the book and the locations of the magnets for different pages are different. There is an array of inductors just beneath the magnets when the book is closed. The inductors are connected to the feedback loop of a LC oscillator through analog switches. The proximity of a magnet to an inductor will change the frequency of the LC oscillator. Scanning the analog switches by a microprocessor and detecting the variation of frequency of the LC oscillator during each scanning time period, the status of each magnet will be detected and we can determine which page of a book is opened.

Abstract: A first and a second language are presented in audiovisual and printed format with equal emphasis, so that either language can be learned. Moreover, the audiovisual and the printed format are presented in consistent format to reinforce the learning experience. The printed material may include a slider with a picture consistent with the image shown on the audiovisual format, and the slider can be moved to selectively reveal the spelling of the word in either the first or the second language. Other items, such as electronic books, toys and apparel can be used to present consistent images to reinforce the bilingual training.

Abstract: A periodical is shown having flexible pages whereon is affixed a thin flexible electronic display. The 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 one or more of the pages of the periodical for use in displaying dynamic information or video.

Abstract: There is provided an Ebook. The Ebook includes a memory device, an MP3 decoder, and at least one speaker. The memory device stores files. The files include at least one MP3 file. The MP3 decoder decodes the MP3 file to output text. The at least one speaker audibly reproduces the text.

Abstract: Systems and methods of creating talking books that employ photo-electronics to realize autonomous page recognition, are provided. More particularly, systems and methods are provided for employing one or more light sensing components (e.g., photoresistors, phototransistors, and photodiodes) on the pages of a book in order to recognize when a user is reading a particular page, or a pair of pages such that an audio segment associated to that page, or pair of pages, may be played. This invention also provides light sensing components that can recognize, and react to, user interactions with a talking book. Examples included playing a media segment or turning a particular LED ON for a particular action (e.g., covering an interacting light sensing component).

Abstract: A system for illustrating sound and text including a book with pages having illustrations and/or text, at least some of the pages including a magnetic signature; a book holder adapted to accept the book, the book holder having a reading surface with a magnetic signature sensor, cartridge slot, a reading controller, a speaker, and a power supply; and a cartridge adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot, the cartridge including stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages; wherein the magnetic signature sensory is predisposed to detect and make direct contact with the magnetic signature on the pages as they are turned by a user viewing the book, and wherein the reading controller is adapted to interact with the magnetic signature sensory to determine a given page that the user is viewing responsive to the direct contact between the magnetic signature sensor and the magnetic signature on the given page, and to retrieve audio representations and/or text stored on the cart

Abstract: An electronic learning/teaching device operates with and without a printed sheet element having an arrangement of selectable content by means of a user responsive sensor array beneath a surface configured to receive the element. The sensor array is formed by cross-points of two sets of crossing conductive lines, one set being driven sequentially with a radio frequency square wave and the other set being sampled sequentially though a high impedance amplifier connection with an asynchronous detection circuit. Where more than one cross-point location is user activated, algorithms are used to identify one cross-point sensor location as the user activated selection.

Abstract: A notebook cover assembly with ergonomic support for providing ergonomic support to the wrist of a user. The notebook cover assembly with ergonomic support includes a cover member having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion, and designed for receiving a notebook; and a wrist support member operationally coupled to the cover member for providing support for a wrist of a user writing on the notebook.

Abstract: A magnetic switch and children's apparatuses, such as print media apparatuses and plush dolls, which include magnetic switches are disclosed. One magnetic switch includes a first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor. A third conductor is disposed under the first and second conductors, the third conductor being formed from a magnetic material. A magnet is also included, the magnet being adapted to move the third conductor towards the first and second conductors so as to form a conductive bridge. Another magnetic switch includes a first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor. A first magnet is disposed under the first and second conductors. A second magnet is also included, the second magnet being adapted to move the first magnet so that the first and second conductors form a conductive bridge.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a picture book production system accompanied with a server and a recording medium for creating a picture book, in order to reduce a user's energy and to help create a picture book containing images and sentences which are mutually consistent despite a very small amount of stored data. When a user operates a mobile phone 40 to select three keywords, which are transmitted via a wireless base station 30 and a network 20 to a server 10, where a CPU 11 of the server 10 converts the arrangement of the three keywords, reads sentence data along with image data corresponding to the keywords from a memory 12, and produces three scenarios (picture book constituent parts) by synthesizing the sentence data and the image data, so that the picture book is produced by combining the scenarios.

Abstract: The invention has an object to provide the electronic paper file, which an electronic paper can be attached to or detached from by providing a connecting terminal including the physical or electrical connecting function to both the electronic paper and the main unit. Since the display data is to be displayed on the nonvolatile display medium fitted to the display of the electronic paper, the electronic paper detached from the main unit can retain the display content. Since the connecting terminal fitted to the main unit is fixed to the rotatable rotatable axis, it is possible to retain the desired page with keeping double-pages spread.

Abstract: The invention provides an information processing apparatus wherein playback of display data and playback of audio data relating to the display data are changed over in an associated relationship with each other in response to an open or closed state of a lid with respect to a housing.

Abstract: A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.

Abstract: A wearable book. A wearable book, comprising a plurality of pages and a loop adapted for encircling a body portion for attaching said pages to the body, is provided. The pages are preferably bound together at one edge and preferably are of substantially the same size. The loop preferably has at least about 50% elasticity for stretching the loop over a second body portion such as a hand having a substantially larger circumference than a first body portion such as a wrist, and thereafter snugly circumferentially contacting the first body portion to secure the book in place.

Abstract: A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.

Abstract: An interactive print media apparatus is disclosed. It includes a platform including a surface and an electronic position location system, and a print medium including a prescribed location. A user can write in the prescribed location. During writing, the writing instrument and the electronic position location system are operationally decoupled.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio content with text including a book holder and a book. The book holder identifies which book of a plurality is placed in the holder by detecting magnetic indicators in specific locations and arrangements which are unique to each book. The page of the book which a user views at any given time is identified by detection of ambient light, by detection of a number of circuit elements in parallel, by detection of progressively stacked magnetic sensors, or by microwave reflection.

Abstract: A dual sided integral composite image product and method of make same. The image product includes a first support substrate having a separate image layer thereon and a second support substrate having separate image layer thereon. The second support substrate being secured to the first support substrate so as to form the dual sided integral composite image product. A fold line is provided on said image product about which the integral composite image product may be folded.

Abstract: The system generally comprises a probe device, a computing device, an electronic media, a presentation device, and a suitable medium as a specimen. The probe is manipulated over the specimen and information from the probe is transmitted to the computing device. The computing device uses the probe information to identify the image and probe position on the specimen. Based upon the specimen and position of the probe on the specimen, electronic media is presented simulating an output of a real tool used to inspect an actual specimen. The hand manipulation of the probe coordinated with the display of the electronic media provides the visceral experience normally encountered by a user of the real tool. In one embodiment, the probe is a camera and the specimen an image identified by examination of an image feature database. In an alternative embodiment, the probe is a finger.

Abstract: A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a voice book device. The voice book device includes voice book and a book support. The voice book contains various pieces of information. The book support includes a printed circuit board and a housing. The printed circuit board has a storage unit, an optical sensor unit, a decoder unit, a voice output unit, and a control unit. The housing includes the printed circuit board. Each page of the voice book consists of a transparent part and a contents part. An optical reflector is formed on the transparent part and one or more optical sensors are disposed in the book support, and the optical reflectors and the optical sensors are arranged in a one-to-one mapping relationship so that the pages of the voice book are automatically recognized by cooperation operation between the optical reflectors and the optical sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for providing electronic resources to those possessing a particular book(s) or CD. Electronic resources enhance the static published material by providing more recent information and exchange of ideas. Access to the electronic enhancements is limited to book or CD owners in a way that does not add complexity to the publishing process.

Abstract: An electronic book device receives from an external delivery source book data representing the contents of a book, a reciter images, for example, of famous persons who read aloud the contents of the book based on the received book data, and the corresponding reciter voice data, and then displays the received book data and reciter images on the display. A user views the received book data and reciter images displayed on the display and causes the reciter images to read the book data aloud in voices represented by the reciter voice data.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination a storybook and a separate audio recorder adapted for mounting on the storybook. The recorder may be used with any one of several storybooks by recording the storyline of each book by the purchaser for later playback by a child. Buttons corresponding to the several pages of the storybook are provided so that a child is able to correlate a button with each page to hear the story as well as read it. Dual recording devices may be played simultaneously wherein one may provide a background music or sound, while the other provides and audio representation of the text or whatever audio the user desires.

Abstract: The invention provides an information processing apparatus wherein playback of display data and playback of audio data relating to the display data are changed over in an associated relationship with each other in response to an open or closed state of a lid with respect to a housing.

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 book that is capable of displaying one or more coins related to its theme, including a front cover and a back cover. At least one book cover defines one or more apertures that are capable of receiving coins. The book theme is displayed on at least one of the book covers. The book may optionally include one or more caps that may be inserted into and removed from the coin-receivable apertures. These caps will preferably display images that are related to the theme of the book. The invention provides a coin specific display that stores and displays one or more coins in an appealing manner, and that also conveys or provides additional information about the theme displayed on the coin.

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: A method and apparatus for providing textual, audio and/or video information regarding a pet to a user comprising supplying an electronic database which database has stored textual, audio and/or video information data files representative of animal/pet behavior, animal/pet identification, animal/pet selection, animal/pet characteristics, animal/pet training, and animal/pet care, and combinations thereof, selecting one of the stored textual, audio and/or video information data files and outputting the information regarding an animal/pet to said user either in either a textual, audio or video form.

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: The present invention relates to a photo journal scrapbook which combines the attributes of a photo album, a scrapbook, and a journal in a single book. The book has a number of pages, a front and back cover, and a binder to hold the binder and pages together. The book may also include pocket pages to include larger items, and can be supplemented by the addition of pop-in pages by the user. Each page of the photo journal scrapbook has two different sides so that when the photo journal scrapbook is opened, frames for displaying photographs are present on one page, while lines with text prompts are present on the other page. This facilitates the inclusion of textual description alongside the included photographs. The photo journal scrapbook also utilizes variable size frames that can be altered to fit photographs of a variety of sizes.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying electronic text on a screen is disclosed, comprising presenting text as a single word display of a particular duration plus a non-text gap, and continuing this single word duration plus gap presentation until all desired text has been sequentially displayed; wherein the speed of the text display is created by repetition of the duration plus gap, and wherein varying the gap relative to the duration creates a different flow of text presentation. The speed of the display is controllable by the reader using a control pad. This method and device permits text to be easily read on a limited viewing area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container configured to electronically display images and simulate a photo album storage device, including a storage housing having a bottom and a plurality of upwardly extending sides to concurrently store a plurality of removable digital memory storage devices. A display cover is coupled to the storage housing and includes a visual display device configured for open and closed positions. The display cover encloses the storage housing when in a closed, storage mode and exposes the display device when in an open, viewing mode. An electronic processing device, coupled to the storage housing and the visual display device is configured to read and display at least one of many contained removable memory storage devices and to display digital image data contained on the storage device.

Abstract: A system for enhancement of books or other reading material includes an item of reading material, printed on a substrate having a substantially invisible, machine-readable coordinate grid. A pointing device is configured to detect the coordinate grid on the substrate when placed in proximity thereto. An output device receives input from the pointing device to determine the location of the pointing device relative to the substrate, and provides output corresponding to contents of the reading material at the location. The output may be in the form of audio and/or video.

Abstract: A manual for teaching and/or demonstrating the assembly and/or operation of a transmittable energy circuit, wherein the manual has a base hinged to a plurality of pages for folding the pages over or away from the base, wherein at least one of the pages has conductor portions of an energy circuit thereon, and wherein the portions are provided with electrical connectors for receiving one or more electrical components adapted for completing the circuit, and wherein at least one of the pages has instructions thereon for so completing said circuit.

Abstract: The invention has an object to provide an electronic paper file with high operating performance. The electronic paper file is assumed to comprises an electronic paper of an flexible display medium and a cover to which a plurality of electronic papers is attachable. In the invention, the first storage means stores display-data to be displayed on the electronic paper. The first display control means obtains from the first storage means the display-data corresponding to the desired page selected by the page selecting means and then display them on the electronic paper. Accordingly, even if the enormous pages of the electronic paper were not attached to the electronic paper file, the invention can display the whole of mass data such as an encyclopedia or theses data. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operating performance of the electronic paper file.

Abstract: A combination book and storage device comprising a container with at least one cover which contains locking mechanism which is simple to operate and manufacture and a book which is mounted so that when the cover of the storage device is locked the book is still accessible.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus wherein playback of display data and playback of audio data relating to the display data are changed over in an associated relationship with each other in response to an open or closed state of a lid mounted on a housing, includes the portable housing having an image display section provided thereon, the lid mounted for opening and closing motion on the housing for covering the display section, a lid opening/closing detection section for detecting opening or closing of the lid with respect to the housing, a display control section for displaying display data on the image display section, an audio playback section for playing back audio data relating to the display data, and a control section for controlling the audio playback section so as to play back, when opening or closing of the lid is detected by the opening/closing detection section, the audio data relating to the display data displayed when the opening or closing of the lid is detected by the lid opening/closing det

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a voice book device. The voice book device includes voice book and a book support. The voice book contains various pieces of information. The book support includes a printed circuit board and a housing. The printed circuit board has a storage unit, an optical sensor unit, a decoder unit, a voice output unit, and a control unit. The housing includes the printed circuit board. Each page of the voice book consists of a transparent part and a contents part. An optical reflector is formed on the transparent part and one or more optical sensors are disposed in the book support, and the optical reflectors and the optical sensors are arranged in a one-to-one mapping relationship so that the pages of the voice book are automatically recognized by cooperation operation between the optical reflectors and the optical sensors.

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 system and method for selling electronic resources to those possessing a particular book(s) or CD. Electronic resources enhance the static published material by providing more recent information and exchange of ideas. Access to the electronic enhancements is limited to book or CD owners in a way that does not add complexity to the publishing process.