Abstract: An audiovisual device for displaying a visual image while simultaneously sounding out a corresponding audio message. The device includes base unit and a number of cartridges which fit into the base unit. Each of the cartridges includes a housing featuring a window, a pair of substantially parallel rods which are rotatably mounted within the housing, and a printed substrate, such as paper or plastic, mounted on the rods so that the substrate can be scrolled for the purpose of displaying portions of the substrate through the window in the housing. The base unit includes a driving mechanism for engaging and rotating the rods of the cartridge and a frame locator system for accurately locating a selected portion of the substrate in the window. Finally, the base unit includes a suitable speaker for producing sounds corresponding to the displayed portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A talking electronic learning aid is operative for requesting one or more responses from the operator, receiving responses from the operator, and then automatically adjusting the level of difficulty of subsequent requests dependent upon the prior responses of the operator. The device consists of an electronic memory for storing a plurality of data sets, a speech synthesizer, a keyboard input device, and a micro-controller for controlling operation of the device. Each of the data sets includes speech data from which requests for operator response are derived, and further includes corresponding control data related to the appropriateness of operator responses to the requests. Each of the data sets preferably reflects a different level of intellectual difficulty. In operation, the micro-controller selects a first data set, and further randomly accesses a portion of the speech data of the selected data set from which a random request for an operator response is derived.

Abstract: An electronic book includes a book-shaped housing having a first housing member pivotably connected to a second housing member to open and close in a book-like manner. A touchscreen displays a page of the text represented by the machine-readable data. A user-initiated event selecting a portion of the text is received by the touchscreen. The touchscreen displays the portion of the text in a highlighted form. The processor stores an indicator of the portion of the text to be highlighted in the removable machine-readable storage medium to remain with the text when the removable machine-readable storage medium is removed from the electronic book.

Abstract: A toy or educational device includes front and back covers, a spine, a plurality of pages, a plurality of pressure sensors mounted in the front and back covers and a sound generator connected to the pressure sensors. The pressure sensors are responsive to the application of pressure to an aligned location of a page overlying the corresponding cover for actuating the sound generator to generate sounds associated with both the location of the sensor which is depressed and the page to which pressure is applied.

Abstract: The instructional method of the present invention demonstrates each portion of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to the user, using a multimedia equipped computer, in an interactive manner. The MSDS is displayed on the screen and the user can use the mouse, for example, to click onto various portions of the displayed MSDS. Once the user has clicked onto an MSDS portion, the multimedia computer presents the user with an instructional demonstration, using, for example, spoken word, computer graphics, photographs and video, of the information contained in that portion of the MSDS.

Abstract: An interactive electronic graphics tablet is provided which utilizes two windows, one large window for the insertion of a standard sheet of paper or other material allowing the user to draw images on the paper and another smaller second window. A cartridge having various icons, such as animal images, is clicked into place in the smaller window. The device is configured such that the paper overlays a touch sensitive pad. The operation of the present invention allows the user to assign any cell of the drawn page corresponding to XY coordinates to particular sounds correlated to the icons in the smaller second window by touching respective locations and icons.

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

Abstract: A combination of a book with an audio device includes a book and an audio device attached to the back cover of the book for audibly reproducing predetermined text printed on the pages. Different identification labels are attached to the end edge of the pages. These labels are composed of an insulation tape with an U-shape conductive stripe printed thereon which is different for each page. The audio device includes a ROM memory having the spoken messages corresponding to the printed text on the pages pre-stored therein in digitized form. Other electronic components for audibly reproducing the spoken message are included. A contact plate pivotally secured on a lower section of the audio device contacts the identification labels on the book pages. A plurality of parallel disposed conductive stripes on the inner surface of the contact plate connect to the respective electronic components of the audio device.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a remote control for an interactive media can include a printed publication and/or a storage media and/or a data button. One embodiment of a remote control includes a printed publication (such as a book, magazine or a catalog) and one or more buttons physically attached to the printed publication to allow users to remotely control use of associated electronic content by a host device. Another embodiment of a remote control has a housing capable of removably holding a storage media encoded with electronic content associated with a button of the remote control. Yet another embodiment of a remote control has at least one data button which permits the user to select the data to be displayed by the host device. An autostart driver in the host device detects insertion of a storage media into a peripheral and automatically starts an application. The application interprets button codes transmitted by the remote control and displays the results or initiates other events.

Abstract: An electronic book comprising a plurality of leaves, each leaf comprising pages of printed material bound at one edge to form a spine, with electrical circuits formed in each leaf. A common electronic circuit such as a speech generator and/or controller cooperates with the electrical circuits on each of the various pages, connected to the electrical circuits in the leaves through conductive paths through the spine of the book. The electrical circuits in the leaves include electrical elements such as switches, and sensory output devices (e.g., thermochromic devices, light emitting diodes, thermo-olfactory devices, electrochromic devices, and the like). The electrical elements are associated with particular portions of the printed material so that the particular portions can be selectively highlighted or emphasized (e.g., designated by actuation of a visual or olfactory device and/or text read).

Abstract: To provide effective, self-learning and fun way to educate children, this electronic audio learning apparatus consists of the sensing section program which are stored in the ROM-pack. The D/A converting section and the piano IC generate audible analog voice output from the ROM-stored digital data and the musical keyboard. These two types of signals are sent to the book/keyboard selection switch to provide users with variety of sound service. The CPU calculates the address of the ROM-pack data/program from the input data detected by the sensing section and the sound effect section. The digital data which is fetched from the ROM-pack is converted to audible voice as it passes through the D/A converting section, LPF, the book/keyboard selection switch, the voice amplifier and the speakers, sequentially.

Abstract: An amusement and educational audio visual apparatus consisting of what is commonly referred to as a talking book and a playback device adapted to be utilized in conjunction with any one of a plurality of different talking books. The talking book includes a front cover and a back cover with pages being mounted therebetween. Interiorly of the back cover or the front cover there is mounted a cassette tape within which is located a prerecorded continuous audio tape. A separate hand holdable playback device is to be lockingly engaged with the cassette. The playback device includes a slide switch which when moved from a deactivating to an activating position will result in playing of the audio tape contained within the cassette. With the slide switch in the activating position, the slide switch is locked.

Abstract: An interactive coordinated book assembly useful for teaching in a parent/child, teacher/student or self-study environment, comprising: a plurality of left and right main pages, the pages containing textual material and a key word on each page, (The key word may be different on each page); a plurality of left and right activity pages, each of the activity pages containing an activity area and a direction text area; the main pages and the activity pages being alternately interleaved and bound along one edge to form a book; the direction text area on the activity page area containing at least one activity to be read by a parent to a child, the direction area text on the right activity page being reverse coordinated with the key word appearing on the left main page and the direction text area on the activity page area containing text to be read by a parent to a child, the activity being coordinated with the key word appearing on the fight main page, the left activity page containing a repetition of the key word p

Abstract: A self-reading electronic child's book that displays a sequence of indicia, such as words, and having under each indicia a visual indicator such as a light-emitting diode with the visual indicators being automatically illuminated in sequence as the child touches a switch associated with each light-emitting diode to sequentially drive a voice synthesizer that audibilizes the indicia or word associated with the light and switch that was activated.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with a book containing intermixed text and symbols, includes a randomly accessible sound storage-and-playback memory having addressable storage locations, and a plurality of actuatable selectors, each selector being associated with a respective symbol corresponding to a symbol in the book. A switch selects between a recording mode of operation and a playback mode of operation. A microprocessor controls recording at respective addressable storage locations in the memory respective sounds produced by the user, the recording means being active during the selected recording mode of operation. The microprocessor controls the playback from the memory of a respective recorded sound, the playback means being actuated by the microprocessor upon actuation of a respective one of the selectors during the selected playback mode of operation.

Abstract: A picture or photo album is provided with an audio module for recording (optionally), storing and playing back audio messages associated with the pictures contained thereby. The audio module responds to predetermined control signals indicating that the album has been opened to a particular page to automatically play back a prerecorded message associated with the information displayed on that page. Such control signals are produced by different combinations or codes of output signals provided by a plurality of photodetectors mounted in the album cover. Radiant energy emitted by one or more light sources, also mounted in the album cover, is optically coupled to the photodetectors by light pipes mounted on or integral with each album page. As each album page is turned, the light pipe on that page de-couples the light source from a photodetector, thereby changing the output code of the photodetectors.

Abstract: An educational training device in disclosed which includes a replica of a telephone including a telephone headset having an operational speaker and a telephone keypad having a plurality of numeric key buttons. A machine is associated with a telephone operatively connected to the speaker and a machine readable medium which embodies an 911 emergency program is provided. The 911 program contains a series of questions relating to a predetermined 911 emergency situation to be asked to a child or other person being trained by the device. A voice converter or synthesizer is operatively connected to the machine and receiver for converting the machine readable program into a voice output through the handset speaker so that the voice of a 911 operator is realistically reproduced to the child listening on the handset.

Abstract: An electronic book comprising a plurality of leaves, each leaf comprising pages of printed material bound at one edge to form a spine, with electrical circuits formed in each leaf. A common electronic circuit such as a speech generator and/or controller cooperates with the electrical circuits on each of the various pages, connected to the electrical circuits in the leaves through conductive paths through the spine of the book. The electrical circuits in the leaves include electrical elements such as switches, and sensory output devices (e.g., thermochromic devices, light emitting diodes, thermo-olfactory devices, electrochromic devices, and the like). The electrical elements are associated with particular portions of the printed material so that the particular portions can be selectively highlighted or emphasized (e.g., designated by actuation of a visual or olfactory device and/or text read).

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

Abstract: A device to allow reader interaction with printed materials such as comic books is provided. The device comprises a base unit with a sensitive upper surface on which is placed the printed material. The reader answers questions and solves challenges posed in the printed material by exerting pressure on specially marked areas of the printed page. The sensitive surface translates the pressure into electrical signals which signify the location of the pressure, and the device makes appropriate audio or other responses. The reader is led through the printed material as the specially marked areas become active sequentially. A printed story is thereby transformed into an interactive experience with various game challenges and sound effects. The sound effects and logical challenges for each story are stored in a readily replaceable cartridge. Any number of different printed materials can be used as long as the specific cartridge for each different printed material is inserted into the base unit.

Abstract: An audio-visual book includes a plurality of pages and a text portion on the plurality of pages. The text portion includes, on each of at least two of the pages, both a plurality of lines of text and a plurality of different predetermined graphic depictions related in concept to the subject matter of the text and interposed within the lines of text. A switching mechanism is disposed in predetermined relationship to the text portion and includes a plurality of individually actuable elements, each of the switches being associated with one of the graphic depictions. A digital sound generator, responsive to actuation of one of the switches, is provided for selectively effecting generation of a sound associated with the subject of the depiction associated with the one switch.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with a book containing intermixed text and symbols, includes a randomly accessible sound storage-and-playback memory having addressable storage locations, and a plurality of actuatable selectors, each selector being associated with a respective symbol corresponding to a symbol in the book. A switch selects between a recording mode of operation and a playback mode of operation. A microprocessor controls recording at respective addressable storage locations in the memory respective sounds produced by the user, the recorder being active during the selected recording mode of operation. The microprocessor controls the playback from the memory of a respective recorded sound, the playback means being actuated by the microprocessor upon actuation of a respective one of the selectors during the selected playback mode of operation.

Abstract: A talking book includes front and back covers and a plurality of individual leaves therebetween. The covers and leaves contain literal and graphic indicia thereon describing and illustrating at least one character, object or event. At least one sound source is removably attached to the book for producing sound corresponding to at least a selected one of the characters, objects and events illustrated and described in the book. The sound source includes at least one switch thereon for causing the production of sound in response to actuation of the switch. The switch is uniquely labelled to correspond to a selected one of the characters, objects or events.

Abstract: An electronic book apparatus that comprises multiple pages (122) with printed information (126), a visual signal (125) for identifying the printed information in a sequentially organized manner, a synchronized audio signal (154) for describing and further identifying the information concurrently with the visual signal, and a switch (127) for electronically controlling the generation and transmission of these signals when each particular page is opened for viewing. Each page of the electronic book includes a laminated sheet (124), on which the printed material is arranged, and an electronic backdrop (121) containing the visual signal for display through the laminated sheet. Separate intelligent electronics (160) in the spine (140) and top portion (150) of the book, coupled to the a switch, activate the illuminating circuitry and a voice synthesizer (168) that are synchronized and sequenced to produce a concurrent visual and audio enhancement of the printed matter being viewed on the page.

Abstract: An interactive book or device having a mechanism for generating a plurality of sensory outputs in manner that maximizes the interaction between the user and the book or device. The interactive book includes function initiators for initiating a unique sensory output that corresponds to a visual indicia on a page of the book. A function level selector is coupled to the function initiators that selectively changes a function level and thereby selectively changes the sensory output corresponding to each function initiator. Consequently, the number of sensory outputs is increased and thereby enables greater interaction between the user and the book. It also encourages the user to creatively combine the sensory outputs to obtain a cognizable aggregate output.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic testing device for use in responding to questions of quizzes periodically provided in an educational text book. The testing device itself comprises a rectangular housing either permanently or removably affixed to the back cover of the book, an input section for entering selected answers corresponding to the questions, a logic section for comparing the selected answers with correct answers programmed into memory and an output section for providing immediate and enjoyable audio-visual feedback to the user. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a small and compact rectangular housing adapted for permanent affixation or removable attachment to a protruded edge of the back cover of a specific educational book. Alternatively, the device may form a small, portable unit that can be detached from the book for use with quizzes of a plurality of different text books.

Abstract: A talking book and a method of making a talking book in which the switches that operate the book's audio system are carried by inserts placed in lateral channels in the pages of the book that are accessible from the binding-facing edge of the pages. Each page may include a core with an aperture overlain with informational sheets to form a channel, and an insert may be placed into the channel after the informational sheets have been added. The method provides flexibility in locating the switches on the page and prevents inadvertent activation of a switch from another page.

Abstract: A talking book and audio player apparatus includes a book having a back face, a mounting platform attached to the back face, a cassette tape mounted within the mounting platform, the book, mounting platform and tape together forming a cartridge, and a player base assembly for removably receiving the mounting platform and for playing the tape, so that the user can play the tape while following printed contents of the book, and such that any of several book and tape cartridges can be inserted into the base assembly to provide variety and selection of reading material. The player base assembly preferably includes a housing having a top wall portion and a recessed area in the top wall portion for receiving the mounting platform so that the book is positioned for use, a mechanism for removably connecting the mounting platform to the top wall portion, and a cassette tape player within the housing having elements positioned to engage and play the tape when the mounting platform is inserted into the recessed area.

Abstract: An audio storybook incorporates raised characters within the storybook which are electronically connected to sound synthesizer and reproduction apparatus associated with a book. The book provides the ability to utilize a progressively revealed pattern in a story, thus improving the ability of such storybooks to accommodate complex story lines and hold the reader's attention.

Abstract: A talking book with a plurality of pages each having a switch operable from opposite sides of the page, with all of the audio components located other than on the page, e.g., in the binding. A switch may also be provided in the binding for a selective audio presentation without opening the book, and illumination means may be provided within the pages in addition to the audio.

Abstract: A personal learning system comprising a base structure with a base member for mounting a pair of training manuals and audio/visual apparatus having prerecorded instructional information for instructing a student in use of training manual course material. The base member has a back portion expandable outward from the base member to support the base member in an easel configuration with the training manuals in an open position for enabling the student to study the training manual course material in accordance with the prerecorded instructional information. A top structure normally encloses the base structure to protect the training manuals and audio/visual apparatus and is opened and positioned against the base member back portion to aid in supporting the base structure in the easel configuration.

Abstract: A hand held portable reading unit having a screen capable of presenting characters in variable font sizes is provided for readers, such as the visually impaired, allowing them to read characters in a font size most comfortable to them. The reader effects font size changes by depressing a font size select button, in turn activating a counter incremented the number of times the button has been depressed to generate the corresponding size font desired. The incremented counter may be used to address a particular place in memory where bit-mapped characters of different font sizes are stored or may be used as a scalar inputted into a character scaling algorithm to generate a desired character font size. The stored textual data may further be presented in useable form to the blind wherein an audible processor is utilized to convert the stored character code into audible signals inputted into a speaker.

Abstract: An interactive electronic game book is disclosed in which the pages of the book form game boards for educational or amusement-type games. An electronic randomizer unit is affixed to the back cover of the game book for providing randomly-selected instructions directing the games and allowing the player to interact with the game board pages. The randomizer unit may sequentially operate and randomly select one of a plurality of lights, which correspond to one of a set of game instructions provided on a page adjacent to the randomizer. Several different types of game boards may be contained within a single volume.

Abstract: An audio-visual book includes a plurality of pages and a text portion on the plurality of pages. The text portion includes, on each of at least two of the pages, both a plurality of lines of text and a plurality of different predetermined graphic depictions related in concept to the subject matter of the text and interposed within the lines of text. A switching mechanism is disposed in predetermined relationship to the text portion and includes a plurality of individually actuable elements, each of the switches being associated with one of the graphic depictions. A digital sound generator, responsive to actuation of one of the switches, is provided for selectively effecting generation of a sound associated with the subject of the depiction associated with the one switch.

Abstract: A video system enables the operator to repeatedly touch a study object to change the action according to dramatics or game on a video display.A educational embodiment enables that student to touch the page of a printed book and effect multiple types of video response, selected on page by a student, educating the student of the meaning of the point in the printed text or graphics touched. A similar embodiment provides a solid object the student touches to effect multiple animations. Multiplexed workbooks and monitors enable the teacher's writing or drawing in workbook to be displayed on all, or selected, monitors. Questioning by the animation or in the workbook is answered by touching designated areas in the multiplexed workbooks to select an answer, which is timed, graded, and recorded for the teacher's reference. The animation responds to the student answers.

Abstract: A speech therapy device for providing a means for the treatment of speech and swallowing problems and disorders comprising a sheet having first and second surfaces with a centrally-affixed means for providing direct visual feedback, as well as instructions, guidelines and indicia placed strategically therearound for practicing basic oral exercise drills. The preferred visual feedback means is a mirror, particularly one comprised of an acrylic material. The sheet may be either a single flat sheet or folio prepared from a folded single sheet or multiple sheets.

Abstract: An electronic book apparatus that comprises multiple pages with printed information, visual signal means for identifying the printed information in a sequentially organized manner, synchronized audio signal means for describing or further identifying the information concurrently with the visual signal means, and electromechanical or photo-sensitive means for electronically controlling the generation and transmission of these signals when each particular page is opened for viewing. Each page of the electronic book includes a laminated sheet, on which the printed material is arranged, and an electronic backdrop containing the visual signal means for display through the laminated sheet. Separate intelligent electronic means in the spine and top portion of the book, coupled to the electrical or photo-sensitive means, activate the illuminating circuitry and a voice synthesizer that are synchronized and sequenced to produce a concurrent visual and audio enhancement of the printed matter being viewed on the page.

Abstract: A learning and identification support system for birders and such comprising, a media having a plurality of visually recognizable bird pictures thereon associated with respective ones of a plurality of birds to have birdsong associated therewith. A plurality of scannable barcodes are disposed on the media and associated with respective ones of the bird pictures. Each of the plurality of scannable barcodes comprises a unique index indicating the one of the bird pictures with which it is associated. A barcode scanner is used for scanning individual selected ones of the barcodes to obtain an electrical signal at an output thereof containing the unique index. There is a Compact Disc (CD) containing a plurality of birdsongs associated with respective ones of the plurality of birds, each of the plurality of birdsongs being individually addressable by means of a unique index associated therewith.

Abstract: A teaching device includes a changeable two channel prerecorded program source, and a console unit including a work booklet. The first channel of the program source includes an audio program comprising a series of spoken words which are audibly reproduced by the console unit and the second channel includes a series of control signals which are operative for actuating lights adjacent prespecified words in the work booklet. The operation of the console unit is coordinated with the audio program so that lights are actuated adjacent to the words in the work booklet as the same words are audibly reproduced by the console unit. One embodiment of the device further includes a plurality of depressible user response buttons on the console unit for indicating responses to questions presented in the audio program.

Abstract: A talking book including a power source, switches, voice chips and speaker, all of which are mounted within the book and act together to "read" the words written on pages of the book. The switches are pressure-sensitive types, and marked areas on the pages are pressed in order to activate the switches and the chips in order to produce words or other sounds.

Abstract: An index sheet formed of one recording sheet on which are printed, as small-size positive images in parallel rows, a plurality of scenes recorded on an image recording medium such as, for example, a photographic film, a still video floppy, a video cassette, or a video disc. The small positive images are arranged in the same order they were taken, and frame numbers are printed in juxtaposition with the respective positive images. To produce such an index sheet, a plurality of strips of negative are copied onto photographic paper in a reduced size with the negative strips inserted in a negative sheath. For a magnetic or optical image recording medium for a very large number of images, a lesser plurality of scenes read out are edited in such a manner as to arrange in a representative sample and thereafter are printed on a recording sheet.

Abstract: An interactive talking book and audio player assembly, the back cover of the book having an ROM module attached to its end margin in which is stored digitally recorded spoken texts corresponding to texts printed on pages of the book. Printed on the end margin of each book page that carries a printed text is a page-identifying binary bar code formed by reflective and non-reflective elements. Associated with the book is an audio player having a base inlet adapted to receive the end margin of the back cover and to bring the terminals of the ROM module into engagement with inlet contacts connecting the module to a speech unit for converting the digitally-recorded texts into audio signals which are amplified and reproduced. When the pages of the book are turned, they overlie the base inlet of the player, the bar code on the open page being then exposed to ambient light.

Abstract: A user interactive mass storage data access system includes a personal computer (10) and a simulated 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 simulated 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 l ) 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).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for teaching with the use of an electronic processor and associated display, preferably in conjunction with a conventional textbook, the method comprising the steps of selecting verbal data providing a description of a selected concept and animation data providing a visual, non-verbal illustration of the same concept, storing both the verbal and animation data in the processor and operating the processor for displaying the verbal and animation data to a student separately and in a selected and predetermined sequence for impressing both the verbal and animation data upon the student. Corresponding apparatus according to the invention comprises an electronic device with a processor component, a display component and necessary control components for carrying out the steps of the invention as set forth above.

Abstract: An electronic school teaching system includes a data collection computer, teacher's computers and a student's electronic and test units. The data collection computer is located in the school's administration office and connected to a plurality of teacher's computers located in a corresponding plurality of school rooms, and a plurality of student's read and test units are connectable to each of the teacher's computers. The data collection computer receives student related data including textbook updates to the teacher's computers. The teacher's computers are connectable to the student's read and test units for writing homework assignments, tests, and grades and reading student identification, homework, and test information. The student's read and test units include electronic textbook memory modules, one for each course, and a memory module for receiving the homework assignments, an open book size housing for a display, keyboard, and microprocessor. The display shows left and right pages of the textbook.

Abstract: A sound illustrated book comprises a plurality of sheets bearing printed matter, a page indicator circuit, and an audio sound reproducing circuit. The page indicator circuit comprises a code generator, and a decoder. An unique code is generated by said code generator, when the book is opened to any one of said sheet. Said unique code is transmitted to said decoder, and a pre-recorded message related to the matter printed on said any one of said sheets is played by said audio sound reproducing circuit according to a decoded signal from said decoder.

Abstract: A sound-producing amusement or educational device, particularly a book, comprises a read-only memory having recorded therein digital data representing sounds characteristic of the amusement device, and a sound-producing unit for producing the sounds represented by the digital data recorded in the memory. The memory is in a separate unit attached to the book and includes connectors for connection to the sound-producing unit. The sound-producing unit is separate and distinct from the book and its memory unit, and includes mating connectors for removably attaching and electrically connecting the sound-producing unit to the memory unit, a battery for supplying power to both the sound-producing unit and the memory unit, and a speaker for producing the sounds represented by the data stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: A picture book including a switch unit mounted on part of the book. The switch unit is arranged in the style of an immitated telephone dial and is provided with a plurality of switching means. The picture book also provides a sound generator having a unit for generating false musical instrumental sound corresponding to activated switching means.The picture book is further provided with at least one of two kinds of leaves, the one containing a picture to allow the switch unit to be part of a telephone and the other one containing a picture which makes up part of musical instrument.

Abstract: An activated work comprising at least two turnable pages pivotably attached to one edge of each of the pages so that the pages are pivotable from a juxtaposed closed position to an adjacent opened position, a visual image display affixed to one of the pages, the visual image display having a first visual activation state at which a visual image is not visible thereon and a second visual activation state at which a visual image is visible thereon, a sound generator attached to the work having a first activation state at which an audible sound is not generated and a second activation state at which an audible sound is generated, connected to the visual display for selectively activating the visual display from one of the visual activation states to another upon pivoting the pages from the open position to the closed position, and connected to the sound generator for selectively activating the sound generator from one of the sound activation states to another upon pivoting the pages from the closed position to t

Abstract: A talking book includes front and back panels. A microcassette tape player and logical circuitry with left and right infrared detectors are located at the top of the back panel. A ring binder is located at the left of the back panel adjacent the spline and below the left and right infrared detectors. A housing below the ring binder carries an infrared source that energizes the left and right infrared detectors. The housing also carries a headset jack. A conduit located beside the ring binder accommodates wires between the logical circuitry and the housing.