Abstract:
A book with a USB connection is provided. The book also has a memory and optionally a processor. One or more documents are stored in the memory. When the book is connected to a personal computer, the documents can be displayed on the personal computer. The documents can be modified and stored on the memory in the book for later use by the book's owner. A server can also be connected to the personal computer and the progress of a plurality of students with books can be monitored. Educational systems and methods are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. The method can include measuring a pressure the foot exerts during a stride at a plurality of points over a period of time, analyzing a pressure at the plurality of points over the period of time and designing the orthopedic insert based on the analysis. The system can include a device that measures a pressure exerted by a foot at a plurality of times at each of a plurality of points and a computer connected to the device, the computer having memory that stores the measured pressures and a program operable to analyze the measured pressures to create a design of an orthopedic insert.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for dispensing fragrances are disclosed. A system, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention includes a heat source that emits a varying amount of heat over time, a pad located near the heat source such that the pad receives heat from the heat source, a container for the one or more fragrances, and a dispenser located between the container and the pad such that the one or more fragrances can be dispensed onto the pad.
Abstract:
An improved short life coupon system which allows a television viewer to select discount or promotional coupons while viewing a television commercial. Coupon information relating to the commercial is sent to a central station which also contains up-to-date point-of-sale information. This information is analyzed by the central station so that the coupon can be specifically designed to satisfy the viewer and maximize sales.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for retailing articles of clothing are disclosed. An article of clothing is provided with an electronic memory device. The electronic memory device can be an optical disk or a jump drive or the like. It contains information about how to accessorize or match the article of clothing with other articles of clothing. The information includes both general information and specific recommendations as to which additional articles of clothing to buy. Also, a kiosk-type structure can be provided in a retail outlet. The structure includes an input device, a display and memory. An information tag, such as a bar code, is provided on each article of clothing. When the identifier tag is input to the input device, the information concerning the information about how to accessorize the article of clothing with other articles of clothing is displayed on the display. Other information that has been described as being provided on the electronic device can also be stored in the memory in the structure and can be displayed on the display. Additionally, goods other than clothing that can be accessorized can be sold this way.
Abstract:
A bottle cap for universal retrofitting to one of a number of pre-existing beverage containers containing a beverage and having a removed cap and threaded aperture, having at least one container portion for containing at least one dispensable material, a threaded portion for receiving the threaded aperture and creating, when threaded, a water-tight assembly; and a bag containing the dispensable material located in the container portion. Upon screwable attachment of the threaded aperture into the cap, the threaded aperture parses at least a portion of the bag to permit feeding of the material into the beverage. A plurality of such caps is also shown packaged for commercial sale. The material contained in the cap is selected from the group consisting of vitamins, medicaments, teas, flavors, concentrates and water-soluble food material. Also shown is a universal cap further having a moveable aperture assembly creating an open, fluid-flowing state and a closed, fluid-stopped state, having a top portion containing a drinking aperture and an elongated, moveable fluid-flowing portion. In accordance with another aspect of a dissolvable membrane encloses dispensable material in the cap, and the membrane dissolves upon contact with fluid in a fluid container to release the dispensable material into the fluid.
Abstract:
An improved short life coupon system which allows a television viewer to select discount or promotional coupons while viewing a television commercial. Coupon information relating to the commercial is sent to a central station which also contains up-to-date point-of5 sale information. This information is analyzed by the central station so that the coupon can be specifically designed to satisfy the viewer and maximize sales.
Abstract:
A combined monitor and display assembly at an infant location, and at a caregiver location. The apparatus includes a light box having a semi-reflective mirror behind which is a film transparency having a photographic image of the infant's mother. When a light bulb in the box is energized to illuminate the transparency, the image of the mother becomes visible to the infant. There is a sound-activated switching device connected between the bulb and a power source. The switching device, when activated by the infant's crying, remains activated for a predetermined period to energize the bulb and illuminate the transparency. There is a record playback unit having a stored voice message recorded by the mother, the unit being rendered operative when the bulb is energized. When the infant cries, it is presented with an image of its mother and hears her comforting message.
Abstract:
A virtual learning system environment which provides for progressive education of children, at their own pace, through enhancement in both language arts (e.g. spelling, reading comprehension) and physical skills (interactive prompts). The system of this invention includes a microphone for sensing an audible word or command, a video camera for sensing bodily movement, and means for effecting a computer generated response to said audible word or command, or said bodily movement, wherein said response includes both graphical depiction of the letters of said audible word or command, an object image corresponding to bodily movement or said audible word or command, and an action or object related to said bodily movement or said audible word or command, or any combination thereof, so as to effect a progressive learning or teaching experience. The system also provides for direction to a pathway alternative to said system based upon a series of links, similar to the Encarta Encyclopedia, to web pages and the like, where it directs the child to additional sources of information concerning the one or more aspects of the learning exercise. In addition, the system allows for a live or computer mediator to monitor the progress of the learning experience.
Abstract:
A computer system for converting a colored picture composed of color regions distributed throughout the picture into a line drawing in which each of these regions is delineated to define a zone. The zone bears a symbol which identifies the color to be applied thereto. The system includes a computer whose video display terminal is coupled to a printer to print out the displayed image. Fed into the computer is a digital image of the colored picture to be converted, the image being processed to produce the line drawing which is displayed on the terminal and transferred by the printer to a paper sheet. By applying to the respective zones of the line drawing on the sheet the colors identified by the symbols, the user is then able to recreate the colored picture.