METHODS AND SYSTEMS THAT MONITOR LEARNING PROGRESS
Granted: April 9, 2009
Application Number:
20090094540
A graphical user interface (GUI) can be used to provide information reflecting a user's interaction with a product using a stand-alone portable device. The portable device, operable as a stand-alone device, logs inputs by a user who is interacting with a product using the portable device. Information from the portable device, including the inputs, is uploaded and then forwarded to a server. Registration information identifying the user and the product can also be sent to the server. A…
INTERACTIVE APPARATUS WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK CAPABILITY USABLE WITH ENCODED WRITING MEDIUM
Granted: February 26, 2009
Application Number:
20090055008
An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for determining position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool and for recognizing information…
Toy for use with vertical surfaces
Granted: June 19, 2008
Application Number:
20080145823
An apparatus and method of interacting with a user is described. The method includes identifying a structure coupled to a base unit, wherein the structure includes a visual identifier. A sound is generated using a speaker of the base unit, wherein the sound is associated with the visual identifier of the structure.
DISPLAY APPARATUS FOR TEACHING WRITING
Granted: February 28, 2008
Application Number:
20080048991
Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the…
Writing stylus
Granted: September 14, 2006
Application Number:
20060202976
A stylus for an electrographic position location apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stylus includes a writing element that is retractable. The stylus may have a proximal end and a distal end. A conductive annular structure may be at the proximal end of the stylus.
Interactive hand held apparatus with stylus
Granted: August 24, 2006
Application Number:
20060188861
An interactive, handheld apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a display screen on the housing, an electronic position location system, a stylus for selecting images on the display screen, a directional control pad on the housing and a memory device. The electronic position location system includes a processor that is capable of determining a location of a selected region of the display screen. The memory device includes computer code for an educational game and is…
Magnetic switch and apparatus including magnetic switch
Granted: April 20, 2006
Application Number:
20060082429
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…
User created interactive interface
Granted: February 16, 2006
Application Number:
20060033725
An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus includes a stylus housing, a processor coupled to the stylus housing, and a memory unit comprising (i) computer code for recognizing a plurality of graphic elements created using a stylus, (ii) computer code for recognizing the selection of at least two of the graphic elements in a user defined sequence using the stylus, and (iii) computer code for playing at least one audio output that relates to the formed graphic…
User interactive journal
Granted: February 9, 2006
Application Number:
20060031245
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for creating an interactive journaling experience for a user. The user is provided with apparatuses or systems which assist the user in generating a journal by providing interactive features such as suggestions, supportive statements, questions, instructions, and entertainment to enhance and develop the user's writing ability and interest in the journaling process.
Interactive foreign language teaching device and method
Granted: January 26, 2006
Application Number:
20060019223
A method and device for teaching foreign languages is disclosed. The device can have an interactive user interface so that a language student can choose what percent of language in a passage is presented in the student's native language and what percent is presented in the language the student wishes to learn. The passage may be presented as audio or may be presented in visual form.
Print media apparatus including stroke recognition
Granted: December 1, 2005
Application Number:
20050266386
Devices, systems and methods are provided which enhance the learning process by means of interactive exercises and games which involve drawing input from a user. In particular, the present invention provides an interactive print media apparatus which includes a specialized writing instrument and at least one sheet on which the user is to write with the writing instrument. The user receives visual or auditory messages and prompts from the apparatus which instructs the user to perform…
Gaming apparatus including platform
Granted: September 22, 2005
Application Number:
20050208458
Game apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for interactive play by a user. In preferred embodiments, the game apparatus is comprised of a platform having a surface and a print medium having print elements corresponding to a game, wherein the print medium is capable of being received on the surface of the platform. By positioning the print medium on the platform, the game becomes interactive for the user. The platform includes an array of electrical elements under the surface…
Interactive game apparatus
Granted: August 4, 2005
Application Number:
20050170873
An electronic device for use by users having different levels of skill or intelligence includes a memory configured to store sets of questions, each of the sets of questions being configured to be answerable by the users having different levels of skill or intelligence; and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to present the different sets of questions to the different users having different levels of skill or intelligence during a game in which the different…
Interactive entertainer
Granted: June 30, 2005
Application Number:
20050140185
An interactive entertainer having a lower tray with a plurality of compressible legs supporting an upper tray. The lower tray is concave to permit rocking of the tray when placed on a flat surface. One or more supports coupled to the lower tray may be repositioned to inhibit rocking of the lower tray. The legs can fold into the lower tray following separation of the upper tray. The lower tray can then nest within the upper tray to provide compact storage. The upper tray can support a…
Game using objects and reader
Granted: June 23, 2005
Application Number:
20050137004
An interactive game is disclosed. The interactive game includes a game board, and a plurality of objects, and an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes an object reader, a processor unit coupled to the card reader, a memory unit coupled to the processor unit, and a speaker coupled to the processor unit. The memory unit comprises code for prompting a player to select an object, and providing an instruction to the player.
Frame rate control systems and methods
Granted: May 26, 2005
Application Number:
20050110796
A method of operating a pixel includes generating one of m possible data streams from an n-bit input that represents a desired intensity level. The data stream is usable to drive a pixel to the desired intensity level. Each of the m data streams includes a plurality of frames. The method further includes pseudo-randomly selecting a starting frame from the plurality of frames in the data stream for a specific pixel, using the selected data stream to drive the specific pixel, and…
Edge smoothing systems and methods
Granted: May 26, 2005
Application Number:
20050110799
A method of processing video data includes directing the video data set toward a display device. The display device has horizontal resolution h1 and vertical resolution v1. The video data has horizontal resolution h2 and vertical resolution v2. The video data includes a plurality of scan lines. At least one scan line has at least one line span representing the projection onto that scan line of a graphics vector rendered in the video data. The graphics vector has a slope and the line span…
Tutorial apparatus
Granted: May 26, 2005
Application Number:
20050114776
A tutorial apparatus is disclosed. The tutorial apparatus is to be operated by a user, and includes a processor unit and a memory unit coupled to the processor unit. The memory unit includes code for allowing the user to enter user-selected study material into the tutorial apparatus, code for forming a problem using the user-selected study material, and code for providing assistance in solving the problem formed using the user-selected study material.
Display apparatus for teaching writing
Granted: May 19, 2005
Application Number:
20050106538
Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the…
Interactive apparatus with interactive elements
Granted: May 5, 2005
Application Number:
20050094962
An interactive apparatus including a reflective member is disclosed. The reflective member includes a first image and a second image, wherein the reflective member is at least partially reflective. The apparatus also includes a first element coupled to a first sensor, the first sensor being activated by the first element, and a second element coupled to a second sensor, the second sensor being activated by the second element. Activation of the first sensor causes the first image to…
