Base for a toy
Granted: May 6, 2008
Patent Number:
D568317
Interactive toy
Granted: March 25, 2008
Patent Number:
7347760
Embodiments of the invention relate to interactive toys. In one embodiment, the interactive toy includes a housing, and a receiving region on the housing. A detection device including a plurality of detectors is in the receiving region. A processor operatively coupled to the detection device. A solid object is received in the receiving region. The toy could be a toy electronic train, or an interactive book.
Print media information systems and methods
Granted: November 27, 2007
Patent Number:
7299971
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.
Surface position location system and method
Granted: October 16, 2007
Patent Number:
RE39881
An electrographic sensor unit and method for determining the position of a user selected position thereon. The electrographic sensor unit includes a layer of a conductive material having an electrical resistivity and a surface, at least three spaced apart contact points electrically interconnected with a layer of conductive material, a processor connected to the spaced apart contacts and disposed to selectively apply a signal to each of the contact points, and a probe assembly, that…
Method and system for hierarchical management of a plurality of regions of an encoded surface used by a pen computer
Granted: October 16, 2007
Patent Number:
7281664
A method for hierarchical management of a plurality of regions of an encoded surface. The method includes recognizing unique encoded information on a portion of the surface in response to a pen computer touching down on the portion. A unique location of the portion of the surface is determined based on the unique encoded information. A region is determined out of the plurality of regions for the location. Upon the determination of the region, a determination is made as to whether the…
Game controller
Granted: September 11, 2007
Patent Number:
D550673
Display apparatus for teaching writing
Granted: July 31, 2007
Patent Number:
7249950
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…
Toy for use with vertical surfaces
Granted: June 26, 2007
Patent Number:
7234941
An interactive educational apparatus is described. The educational toy apparatus includes an indicium containing structure and a base unit capable of being vertically attached to a vertical surface such as a refrigerator door. The indicium containing structure is capable of being attached to the base unit so that the indicium containing structure and the base unit are vertically oriented.
Writing stylus
Granted: May 29, 2007
Patent Number:
7224348
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.
Magnetic switch and apparatus including magnetic switch
Granted: January 23, 2007
Patent Number:
7167675
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…
Print media receiving unit including platform and print media
Granted: November 21, 2006
Patent Number:
7139523
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.
Write on interactive apparatus and method
Granted: October 10, 2006
Patent Number:
7120385
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.
Print media receiving unit including platform and print media
Granted: October 10, 2006
Patent Number:
7120386
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.
Interactive apparatus using print media
Granted: September 12, 2006
Patent Number:
7106309
A method for producing an output in response to an interaction with a print element on a sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a sheet comprising a print element on a surface of a base unit. A user can then mark on the sheet in the vicinity of the print element with a marking instrument. An audio output that corresponds to the print element is generated.
Interactive handheld apparatus with stylus
Granted: August 1, 2006
Patent Number:
7083420
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…
Writing stylus for electrographic position location apparatus
Granted: June 27, 2006
Patent Number:
7068262
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.
Edge smoothing systems and methods
Granted: June 27, 2006
Patent Number:
7068286
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…
Interactive apparatus with interactive elements
Granted: June 13, 2006
Patent Number:
7062146
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…
Voting apparatus and method
Granted: May 23, 2006
Patent Number:
7048186
A voting apparatus includes a print media receiving unit including a surface suitable for receiving a printed medium containing a list of two or more choices. An electronic position determining system is associated with the print media receiving unit. The electronic position determining system is capable of determining a position of a selection of the two or more choices on the print medium when the print medium is disposed on the surface. An information storage medium in the voting…
Print media receiving unit including platform and print media
Granted: May 2, 2006
Patent Number:
7039355
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.
