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: An interactive binder and platform system includes a remote multimedia source, a feedback unit electronically connected to the remote multimedia source, and a plurality of binders. Each binder includes a plurality of conductive pins and at least one fixed medium having a plurality of distinct circuits operatively connected to the binder and a plurality of touch points defining exposed portions of the distinct circuits. A transceiver electronically connected to at least one of the binders provides power to the at least one of the binders and transmits/receives signals to provide two-way communication between the remote multimedia source and the binders where selection of a particular touch point by a user electronically connects the distinct circuit associated with the particular touch point and the remote multimedia source, the output from the remote multimedia source associated with input sent to the remote media source by the selection of the particular touch point.

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: An imaging system includes a magnetically responsive display. The imaging system includes a first panel, a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel and a plurality of transplant cards that are also hingedly connected to the second panel. A magnetic drawing panel for eraseably forming a magnetic image is mounted on the first panel. A hand operated instrument comparable to a pen or pencil has a magnetic tip which the user employs much like a pen or a pencil to draw an image on the magnetic drawing panel. The instrument is removeably mounted to one of the panels or to some other part of the imaging system. Alternative embodiments of the imaging system include, for example, drawing toys, notebooks, notepads and three-ring binders having a magnetically responsive panel incorporated therein on.

Abstract: A three-dimensional story book comprising: (1) an outer housing defining a recess; and (2) one or more story modules within said recess, each of said story modules corresponding to a portion of a story.

Abstract: A system for readers to interact with printed materials (201) such as books is provided. The system consists of an ultrasonic pointing unit (216), an ultrasonic base unit (213), a control unit (220) and a response unit (240). The reader interacts with the printed material (201) by placing the ultrasonic pointing unit (216) on various areas of the printed page (10). Ultrasonic wave propagates between the ultrasonic point unit (216) and ultrasonic base unit (213). By measuring multiple time-of-flight of ultrasonic wave, the location of the ultrasonic pointing unit (216) could be determined, and the device makes appropriate audio or other responses. A printed material (201) is thereby transformed into an interactive experience with various sound or visual effects. The sound effects or other response data (540) are stored in data storage (230) accessible by the control unit (220).

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

Abstract: An electronic book includes pages with printed materials, a display showing selectively a plurality of images and a control circuit arranged to cause pictures to be displayed in accordance with pages being viewed by a reader. In one embodiment, a sensor is used to detect which page is the reader looking at. In other embodiments, an automatic sensor or a sensor operated by the reader is used to determine what images are to be shown. Multiple images are also displayed in sequence to form moving images. In addition, speakers may also be provided to reproduce sounds.

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: A method and system (10) for illustrating sound and text comprising a book (18) with pages (20) including illustrations and/or text, wherein at least some of the pages (20) include magnetic signatures (24). The system further includes a book holder (12) adapted to accept the book (18). As such, the book holder (12) has a reading surface (14) with a magnetic signature sensor (16), a cartridge slot (36), a reading controller (42), a speaker (44), and a power supply (46). The system also comprises a cartridge (34) adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot (36). The cartridge (34) includes stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages (20). The magnetic signature sensor (16) is predisposed to detect the magnetic signatures (24) on the pages (20) as they are turned by a user viewing the book (18).

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 editorial and stationery article, such as a diary, exercise-book, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, etc., having particular ergonomic features, characterized in that it has a structure that can be opened as a book, with sheets or pages of quadrilateral shape, with the back or spine side oblique to the upper and lower sides, so that in the open position at least the lower sides converge towards the opening central axis, with convergence according to the obliquity angle of the spine side with respect to said upper and lower sides, so as to have a substantially user-enveloping configuration.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for supporting reading of a text from a display member (1) in order to increase the reading speed. The device includes first means (2, 4) which are arranged to provide a text, which consists of a number of characters forming words in said text, and to display at least a part of the text on the display member (1), an second means (2, 5), which are arranged to display a marking means (7) which marks at least one character of said part of the text on the display member (1). The second means are arranged to move the marking (7) in an automatic manner on the displayed part of the text in order to control the reading of the text.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting an individual in daily meditation upon the Bible. The system includes a textual display providing information and inspiration on a specific passage of the Bible. The system also includes a voice recorder/player for recording a desired biblical verse. The recorded verse is played back by the individual as desired to assist in the memorization of the verse. The textual display is pocket sized for easy transportation and convenient referral by the individual. In addition, the voice recorder/player is shaped in the appearance of a Bible and is also pocket sized for convenient carriage.

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 talking book and a method of authoring a talking book is presented where the talking book includes a synthesizer, an audio system, a memory, a display, and switches for selecting pages and/or chapters of the talking book. The talking book is authored by a script that lists speech files, the sampling rate, and the chapter and page boundaries. Configuration tables and segment tables are generated from the script and these tables are assembled with a playback program to combined binary data stored in the talking book.

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: Disclosed herein is a book having a sound generator built in that can be implemented at a low price and can be separated from the book.

Abstract: An educational system is disclosed for educating learners by having them perform self-directed activities. The preferred system includes a set of distinct pictorial symbols and a training program that trains the learners to associate each of the pictorial symbols with a specific instruction. The system further includes a plurality of activity sheets that each have instructional indicia comprising a plurality of the pictorial symbols arranged to instruct the learners to perform one of the activities. The activity sheets are arranged in sets so that the learners perform a series of activities related in educational content when presented with each set. An educational method is also disclosed. The preferred educational method involves training the learners to associate each of the pictorial symbols with the corresponding instruction, using a plurality of the symbols to instruct the learners to perform the desired educational activity, and having the learners perform the that activity.

Abstract: A method and device for teaching the pronunciation of the letters of the alphabet's phonetically correct sound, and recognition of name and shape, for learning reading and writing, utilizing the technique of multi-sensory tactile impressions. Illustrations of letters and their phonetically correct sounds are linked with commonly associated words. For example, the letter “s” is paired with an illustration of and the word “sun” to teach an unvoiced “s” sound; or paired with an illustration of and the word “rose” to teach a voiced “zzz” sound. The letter's textured surface is distinguishable from the pages' flat surface. While simultaneously tracing the letter's bumpy surface, the user vocalizes the letter's name, phonetically correct sound and associated word. Combinations of letters are used to blend sounds to form words. The same method can be used to teach number recognition and meaning.

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: 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: This invention relates to children's sound books and in particular to books having a fabric covering with sound chips positioned therein and an overlapping cover which closes and locks due to hook and loop fasteners. This invention involves a folding cloth covered book that is appealing to children, pleasant to touch and stretches out into an elongated representation of the book subject matter. Sound chips and a controller are mounted between cloth layers and are coupled to a controller similarly mounted to emit sounds when a particular representation is contacted. The books are intended for children 6 months old and above.

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: Enhancements improve the use and enjoyment of electronic books, particularly those having both a viewing and audio enunciation capability. According to one aspect of the invention, a user control is provided enabling a reader to receive a “recap” up to a point designated by the reader or, alternatively, allow the reader to “finish the book” by being provided with a summary, covering the material from a given point to the end. A pointing device such as a touch pad may be provided along with curser on the display, enabling a reader to click on words for additional information, such as the definition of the word, the meaning of the word in context, or, in the case of a pronoun or personal pronoun, information about a character in the story, such as a family tree or genealogy.

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: The present invention provides systems and methods of creating talking books that employ photo-electronics for autonomous page recognition. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for employing one or more light sensing components, such as photoresistors, phototransistors, and photodiodes, on the pages of a book in order to recognize when a page is being read by a user so that an audio segment associated to the page, or pair of pages, that is being read by the user may be played. This invention also relates to employing light sensing components that can recognize and react user interactions with a talking book. Examples of a reaction would be to play a media segment for a particular action or to turn ON a particular LED.

Abstract: An audio generating assembly, which is working for book, clear book, photo album and the like. The audio generating assembly has a case. The case has an attaching segment thereon for engaging to a secure device attached on a book and the like to detachable fasten the case to the book and the like. The case has a sensor array, a set of auxiliary lights, a main controller unit, a message storage unit and a speaker therein. The sensors are to receive reflecting light from bar codes on pages of the book of the like to identify the page. The auxiliary lights are to illuminating the bar code in a poor ambient light condition. The message storage unit can store audio messages therein and broadcast the audio message corresponding to the identified page via the speaker.

Abstract: A photo album includes a CPU that records audio and control buttons located adjacent to each of a plurality of photograph-accommodating pockets on leaves of the photo album. A microphone unit is used to record audio sound bites for each photograph stored in the album and a control button is pressed to activate a playback circuit, which includes a speaker on the album, to play back the audio recorded for the selected photograph.

Abstract: Infants and toddlers are introduced to learning through musical sounds and visual stimulation related to different fields of experience. A learning center table includes a hinged book moveable to display a first or a second page. Turning the page selects between a first and a second mode of operation. In one embodiment, the first page illustrates learning indicia such as letters or numbers, with child/toy interaction giving rise to stimulus related primarily to the concepts to be learned. In a second mode, the second page illustrates musical indicia such as instruments and notes, and child/toy interaction gives rise to stimulus related primarily to musical concepts such as timbre, melody, and rhythm.

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: A book device includes a book and a speech circuit. The speech circuit includes a printed circuit formed on a composite membrane affixed to the cover of the book. The composite membrane includes a first dielectric film on which a first circuit portion, including plural first circuit modules, has been printed and a second dielectric film on which a second circuit portion, including plural second circuit modules, has been printed. One of the films also includes a pattern of dielectric ink dots that insulate the first circuit modules from the second circuit modules. The pattern of ink dots is such that when a user presses an object in the book that overlies one of the first circuit modules, the conductive lines of the first circuit module contact the conductive lines a correspond second circuit module, thereby closing one or more switches of the circuit.

Abstract: A book, mainly used by children and students, consists of a book and a speech circuit. A printed circuit board containing press triggers is placed inside the cover of the book. A number of speech switches in the book correspond to the positions of pictures in the book. In the book, the speech circuit includes circuit for storage and sound emission, a speaker and a battery, all of which are in a box-like container linked with the book. When reading the book, press a picture in a page, the speech switch would be switched on. Based on preset programs and storage, the circuit for storage and sound emission enables the speaker to read aloud the language of the page, which may be Chinese or foreign languages, etc. Corresponding to the content of the book, the sound can be dialogue between animals. This makes learning a language easy and interesting.

Abstract: A printed book has associated therewith certain electronically stored data in the form of a glossary of words appearing in the printed text. The electronic data is preferably stored in a remotely accessible server. A graphical user interface is provided for controlling access to the data stored in the server. When the reader of the book wishes to access data associated with a portion of the text, the reader uses a computer pointing device to select or manipulate indicia on the graphical user interface corresponding to the visual cue in the book. The server retrieves the appropriate glossary entry which is then presented on the reader's computer.

Abstract: A reading system and method. The system and method integrate a printed book and associated interactive electronic data stored on a remote database. The printed book contains indicia to identify the location of the interactive electronic data. In addition, visual cues are disposed throughout the printed book to indicate the availability of electronic data associated with printed material located in the proximity of the visual cue. A reader of the printed book employs the indicia and the visual cues to accesses the interactive electronic data.

Abstract: A device for bulletining posters and the like has a simple construction which eliminates the need for using a base plate, allowing individual posters and the like to be bulletined with an easy mounting operation.

Abstract: The electronic picture book of the present invention includes a plurality of pages graphically depicting or telling a story. The book further includes an LCD screen and a speaker to provide a reader with animation sequences and sounds that relate to the graphical pictures on the pages. A set of buttons is provided to trigger the animation sequences and sounds. While reading the book, each page indicates a button to depress. The reader, depressing the correct button, is then provided with animation sequences and sounds indicative to the graphic representations on the page.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and audiovisual system for a journal. The method and system comprises written exemplary text describing a journalized activity, graphical images of items described in the written exemplary text, journalizing instructions, formatted journal entry forms configured to conform to the journalizing instructions and the written exemplary text, and an audio recording device. Additional optional components also include prerecorded audio narratives, dolls, costumes and accessories for dolls, and cameras.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination a storybook and a separate audio recording and playback device which may be joined for using prerecorded or spontaneously recorded information corresponding to the storyline of the storybook. The audio device may be used with several storybooks by recording the storyline of each book separately. Buttons corresponding to the several pages of the storybook are provided so that a young reader is able to correlate a button with each page to hear the story as well as read it.

Abstract: A photo album includes front and rear covers, a volume of pages bound between the covers, each page for holding at least one photograph, and an audio recorder for recording an audio message and playing back a recorded message. The recorder includes an electronic control circuit mounted on a printed circuit board affixed to one of the covers, and includes a memory device for storing recorded messages. The recorder includes a microphone and a speaker connected to the control circuit, the microphone and speaker inputting and outputting a message respectively, and at least one electrical switch supported by each separate page. The switch is associated with at least one photograph held by the same page and is connected to the control circuit for triggering the audio recorder to record or play back a message associated with the at least one photograph.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination a storybook and a separate audio recording and playback device which may be joined for using prerecorded or spontaneously recorded information corresponding to the storyline of the storybook. The audio device may be used with several storybooks by recording the storyline of each book separately. Buttons corresponding to the several pages of the storybook are provided so that a young reader is able to correlate a button with each page to hear the story as well as read it.

Abstract: The invention provides a book containing a three dimensional model assembly made from a plurality of model components attached to respective pages in the book. The model can be a human body or anything desired. When the book is closed, the model components combine to form a completely assembled model assembly that is thinner than the book. Thus, the book can lie flat on either its front or back cover on a flat surface. When the book is open, and as a reader turns each page, the model components attached to the respective page separate from the model assembly revealing other components that remain combined to form a partially assembled model assembly. The components can be fixedly or hingedly attached to respective pages with bars, flaps or both. If hingedly attached, the model components can be separated from the model assembly without turning a respective page.

Abstract: An electronic book device runs at least two output mode threads—one graphics, and one audio—such that the device can both graphically display book content, and play the content over a speaker in the device Annotations can be made audibly or graphically, and user commands can likewise be made audibly or graphically

Abstract: A compact, light weight and display apparatus is formed with a display, a bulk storage means and a key signal entering are housed in a display operating unit which is provided as a separate case from a driving unit 11 for reproducing the data stored in a disc storage medium, so that when the two are connected to each other, the reproducing data read from the driving unit are transferred to the display operating unit, and is sequentially stored into the bulk storage. And when carrying it around, the display operating unit is to be disconnected, and the reproduced data stored in the bulk storage are displayed on the display based on the operation of the key signal entering. Therefore, the necessary data can be freely searched without carrying the thick and heavy driving unit, thus enhancing the convenience for use.

Abstract: A method and kit for teaching disabled students, such as children with developmental delays and disabilities such as autism, through music. The method makes extensive use of an illustrated song book and individual sound recordings of appropriate songs with lyrics, and tying the pages of the song book with the individual sound recordings of the songs by the use of icons or graphic images, including icon cards, representing respective ones of the songs. The method permits the students to find the appropriate page in the song book for following along as the selected song is being played, while also permitting the students to have a choice in the selection of songs to be experienced. The method and kit also provide the teacher with suggestions of activities for engaging the children, such activities being specific to the selected song being played.

Abstract: An adjustable book jacket and book cover combination for a book comprising a book jacket for covering said book cover wherein the book jacket contains printed indicia of the subject matter of said book, and the jacket indicia, by reason of graphics, color or text is susceptible to easy perception and identification when said book containing said book jacket is arranged in partial overlapping sequence from east to west. The book cover similarly contains printed indicia of the subject matter of the book and said cover indicia by reason of graphics, color or text being susceptible is also easy perceived and identified when said book containing said book cover is arranged in partial overlapping sequence from north to south.

Abstract: A memory album retains and displays items of memorabilia and comprises top and bottom covers, which may be constructed of a stiff backing material and have a selected geometric configuration, and a foldable display panel disposed between the covers for receiving the items of memorabilia. The foldable display panel is moveable between a compact state where it is in a collapsed configuration with the top and bottom covers positioned in a first orientation with respect to one another, and an expanded state where it is in a flattened configuration with the top and bottom covers positioned at a second orientation with respect to one another. The display panel is operative upon movement of the memory album between the compact state and the expanded state to extend along both a first direction that is parallel to longitudinal axis and a second direction that is transverse thereto, thereby to reveal a plurality of display panel regions adapted to receivably retain the items of memorabilia.

Abstract: An electronic talking book and method of operation thereof. The electronic talking book includes a book unit that has a front cover, a back cover and a spline cover. The book unit further includes a number of modular core sheets, where each of the modular core sheets has a laminated leaf that includes a front side and an electronic side that has at least one visual image. The electronic talking book also includes an audio recording/playback apparatus, where the audio recording/playback apparatus includes an audio input means for receiving audible utterances associated with a selected one of the visual images. An audio output means is also provided for playing back the audible utterances when the associated visual image is selected for personalizing the audio presentation of the visual images. In a related embodiment, the electronic talking book further includes a storage device for storing the received audible utterances and a playback device for audio reproduction of the stored audible utterances.

Abstract: A method for turning pages of a multi-purpose learning system comprising a picture book package in a form of a cassette having a memory, a main body having a number of controllers for reading data stored in said memory, an audio/video output unit having a monitor and a speaker for outputting audio and video signals processed by said controllers. The method includes the steps of setting circuits of the main body to a standby mode, displaying a starting display having page icons which can be selected by an user to turn pages to proceed in interacting with the multi-purpose learning system, determining whether one of said page icons displayed on the starting display is selected by the user, and outputting the corresponding server display data of the selected page to the audio/video output unit for a visual display.

Abstract: A user interactive mass storage data access system includes a personal computer (10) and a stimulated book (30). A mass storage device, such as a compact disk (CD) read only memory (ROM) (22), is connected to the personal computer, and the computer and the stimulated book are connected by an infrared (IR) data communications link including IR transceivers (26, 48). The simulated book includes a display screen (34) and a microprocessor (43) with memory (44, 46). The microprocessor is programmed for storing data received and decoded by its IR transceiver (48) in memory (46) and responsive to user input for displaying a page of data on the display screen. In addition, the microprocessor is programmed to cause its IR transceiver (48) to transmit to the IR transceiver (26) connected to the personal computer (10) a data request command, and the personal computer is in turn programmed to transmit data from the CD ROM (22) to the simulated book (30).