US005413486A

United States Patent (19) 11) Patent Number: 5,413,486

Burrows et al. 45 Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
54 INTERACTIVE BOOK 5,120,065 6/1992 Driscollet al. .
5,122,062 6/1992 Cutler et al. .
75 Inventors: Roger I. Burrows, Fairfield; Michael 5,145,447 9/1992 Goldfarb .
J. Morris, Western, both of Conn. 5,167,508 12/1992 McTaggart.
5,174,759 12/1992 Preston et al....................... 434/317
(73) Assignee: Joshua Morris Publishing, Inc., 5,209,665 5/1993 Billings et al. .
Wilton, Conn.
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
21) Appl. No.: 77,900
3140735 8/1983 Germany .
22 Filed: Jun. 18, 1993 2619717 8/1990 Germany .
(51) Int. Cl'................................................ GO9B 3/00 59-169897 11/1984 Japan.
(52) U.S. Cl. .................................... 434/317; 434/308; 62-181979 11/1987 Japan .
2024480 1/1980 United Kingdom .
434/327; 434/335 2108747 5/1983 United Kingdom .
58) Field of Search ............... 434/317, 308, 327, 335; 2189742 11/1987 United Kingdom .
364/410, 419.01 2227872 2/1989 United Kingdom .
56 References Cited OTHER PUBLICATIONS
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS “Educational Apparatus with Workbooks', IBM Tech
2,442,447 6/1948 Zadig. nical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 11, No. 7, Dec. 1968, pp.
3,522,665 8/1970 Kalt ................................ 434/317 X 748-749.
3,949,488 4/1976 Welch. User's Manual for Electronic Toy.
4,216,965 8/1980 Morrison et al. .
4,303,398 12/1981 Yoseloff. Primary Examiner-Richard J. Apley
4,355,984 10/1982 Slavik et al. ........................ 434/335 Assistant Examiner-Glenn E. Richman
4,403,966 9/1983 Yang . Attorney, Agent, or Firm-C. Scott Talbot; Howrey &
4,416, 182 11/1983 Wise et al. . Simon
4,425,098 1/1984 Döring.
4,465,465 8/1984 Nelson . 57 ABSTRACT
4,474,557 10/1984 Clossey . An interactive book or device having a mechanism for
4,557,694 12/1985 Nelson . generating a plurality of sensory outputs in manner that
4,636,881 1/1987 Brefka et al. .
4,639,225 1/1987 Washizuka . maximizes the interaction between the user and the
4,673,357 6/1987 Ito . book or device. The interactive book includes function
4,682,958 7/1987 Slavik et al. . initiators for initiating a unique sensory output that
4,703,573 11/1987 Montgomery et al. . corresponds to a visual indicia on a page of the book. A
4,778,391 10/1988 Weiner . function level selector is coupled to the function initia
4,809,246 2/1989 Jeng . tors that selectively changes a function level and
4,855,725 8/1989 Fernandez ...................... 434/308 X
4,884,974 12/1989 DeSmet . thereby selectively changes the sensory output corre
4,959,017 9/1990 Thompson et al. . sponding to each function initiator. Consequently, the
4,968,255 1 1/1990 Lee et al. . number of sensory outputs is increased and thereby
4,990,092 2/1991 Cummings . enables greater interaction between the user and the
4,990,093 2/1991 Frazer et al. ................... 434/327 X book. It also encourages the user to creatively combine
4,997,374 3/1991 Simone . the sensory outputs to obtain a cognizable aggregate
5,030,101 7/1991 Ikemoto et al. . output.
5,035,625 7/1991 Munson et al. ................. 434/327 X
5,055,053 10/1991 Hyman .
5,059,126 10/1991 Kimbali . 43 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent May 9, 1995 Sheet 1 of 6 5,413,486

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U.S. Patent May 9, 1995 Sheet 2 of 6 5,413,486

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U.S. Patent May 9, 1995 Sheet 3 of 6 5,413,486

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turn, leads to a different sensory output for each visual
INTERACTIVE BOOK indicia on each page.
Furthermore, the mechanism can be configured such
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION that the sensory outputs for each function level (i.e.,
The invention relates generally to interactive books each page) may be initiated sequentially to provide one
and devices and, more particularly, to interactive books cognizable aggregate output, according to the creativ
and devices in which sensory outputs are provided for ity of the user. For example, a page may be selected that
each page of the book or layout of the device. has a function level (selected by actuating the function
A book can be more fun as an amusement device and
10
level selector) in which the sensory output provided by
more effective as an educational tool when it has fea each of the function initiators is an audible reading of a
tures that not only engage the attention of the user but word printed on the page. By actuating the function
also encourage the creativity of the user. Books with initiators in a particular sequence, the entire output can
various interactive features have been proposed in the provide one cognizable output in the form of a sentence
past. One such book is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 15 made up of words written on the page. Furthermore,
4,884,974 to DeSmet. This patent discloses a book us depending on the creativity of the user, the sequence
able with an audio player assembly that provides audio can be varied to provide any number of aggregate cog
outputs relevant to material on the printed page in re nizable outputs.
sponse to actuation of any of a series of buttons. One The same concept can be applied to providing a cog
button provides an audible reading of the text on the 20 nizable output in the form of a melody generated from
page of the book. Another button provides an audible individual notes printed on the page. The user can initi
question pertaining to the information given in the writ ate the sensory outputs to provide the melody printed
ten text. The remaining two buttons provide choices of on the page or initiate the outputs in a creative sequence
answers to the question. and thereby generate a new melody.
Another example of an interactive book is disclosed By providing a mechanism that has different function
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,092 to Cummings. This patent 25 levels according to the pages in the book, there are a
discloses a book having a series of buttons mounted greater number of sensory outputs available for the user
along the outer edge of the bottom cover. Each button to initiate. This also enables the user to create aggregate
is programmed to provide an audio output relevant to a
corresponding page of the book. outputs. Consequently, the interaction of the user with
Yet another example interactive book is disclosed in 30 the book is maximized.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,374 to Simone. This patent discloses BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
a book device having an audio program source that
provides audio outputs either of the text on a particular FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an interac
page of the book or a question pertaining to that text. A tive book constructed according to the principles of the
user answers any question by actuating any of a plural 35 invention.
ity of answer buttons. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the interactive book of
Other interactive books have been proposed as well. FIG. 1.
See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,881 to Brefka et FIGS. 3-6 are plan views of four embodiments of
at., U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,246 to Jeng, U.S. Pat. No. interactive books with a particular page exposed.
5,167,508 to McTaggart and PCT Publication No. WO 40 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
91/06090 (Billings et at.).
These known interactive books, however, do not An interactive book 100 in accordance with the prin
provide a mechanism that maximizes the amount of ciples of the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1
sensory outputs available to the user. Nor do these and in block diagram form in FIG. 2. The interactive
known books enable creative combination of the sen 45 book includes a base 102 on which is supported each of
sory outputs by the user. Consequently, the interaction the components of the interactive book 100, including
between the user and the book is not as great as it could the pages of the book 104, a speaker 110, function initia
be and the user is more likely to grow bored or to lose tor buttons 106, a function level selector 108 and a dis
concentration. play 112 for showing the function level. The compo
50
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION nents of the interactive book 100 all being supported on
Accordingly, the invention is directed to providing the base 102 provides for an interactive book 100 that is
an interactive book or device in which the mechanism compact and readily available for immediate use.
that provides the sensory outputs maximizes the interac With reference to the block diagram in FIG. 2, the
tion between the user and the book or device both by 55 operation of the interactive book 100 is controlled with
increasing the number of different sensory outputs an electronic storage/logic chip 103 which provides
available to the user and by enabling the user to cre electronic interface with the function initiator buttons
atively combine those sensory outputs. For example, in 106, the function level selector 108, the visual output
one embodiment, when the book is opened, a page hav (display) 112 and the audio output (speaker) 110. Stored
ing visual indicia is exposed. Through the actuation of a in the chip 103 are a plurality of function levels for the
function level selector, a function level corresponding interactive book, there being one function level corre
to the exposed page is selected. That function level sponding to each page of the book 104. Each function
provides each of a set of function initiators with the level provides each function initiator button 106 with
capability of providing a unique sensory output which the capability of initiating a unique sensory output
corresponds to one or more visual indicia on the se 65 (through the speaker 110) for that function level.
lected page of the book. Each page represents a differ It will be appreciated that the sensory output need
ent function level. Therefore, for each page, a different not be exclusively an audio output. It is contemplated
sensory output is provided for each initiator which, in that the sensory output could be a visual output, an
 3
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4.
audio output, a combination of an audio and visual function initiators could be configured to play a note
output, or any other sensory output. while others could be configured to produce sound
The selection of a particular function level is per effects such as animal noises or percussion instrument
formed through actuation of the function level selector sounds. This gives even greater creative options to the
108. With each actuation of the selector 108, the chip Se.
103 will cause a change in the display 112 in a way that In FIGS. 1 and 2, the correspondence between the
the user can determine which function level is currently visual indicia 114 on the printed page and the function
Selected. In operation, the user will initially open the initiator buttons 106 is indicated through the use of
book 104 to a particular page, for example, to page 1. letters (i.e. "A, B, C, etc.). However, the correspon
The user will then actuate the function level selector O dence can also be obtained through the use of color
108 until the display indicates that the function level for coding whereby the color of the visual indicia 114 has
page 1 is selected. Making reference then to the visual the same color of the function initiator button 106 to
indicia 114 printed on page 1, the user then can initiate which it corresponds. Similarly, the correspondence
certain audio outputs (by actuating the function initiator can also be obtained through the use of shape whereby
buttons 106) that have correspondence to the visual 15 the visual indicia 114 includes a figure that has the same
indicia 114 on the page. For example, the visual indicia shape as the function initiator button 106 to which it
'A' could pertain to a certain word such that, upon corresponds. Finally, the correspondence could be ob
actuating function initiator button “A”, the chip 103 tained through the use of any combinations of the
will send a signal to the speaker 110 that audibly states above.
that particular word. 20 Similarly, a display 112 is not the only way the func
When finished with page 1, the user will move to a tion level may be viewed. For example, the function
Subsequent page, for example, to page 2, and will then level selector 108 could be configured to be a rotary
actuate the function level selector 108 until the display knob whereby the function level is indicated by viewing
112 indicates that the function level for page 2 is se the setting of the rotary knob. Another option is to
lected. Upon selection of the level for page 2, the audio 25 configure the function level selector to be a multiple
output for each function initiator button 106 is changed position switch whereby the function level is indicated
to now be relevant to the visual indicia 114 printed on by viewing the position of the switch.
page 2 instead of page 1. For example indicia “A” on Further features can be introduced to the interactive
page two could pertain to a certain musical note such book to further encourage the interaction between the
that, upon actuation of function initiator button 'A', 30 user and the book. Such features can include a logic
the chip 103 will send a signal to the speaker 110 that function in the chip 103 that creates a game out of actu
plays that particular musical note. ating the function initiator buttons 106. It can also in
On certain pages, each of the visual indicia 114 may clude a logic function that creates a Question and An
correspond to a certain word such that when each of swer interaction between the book and the user. Fur
the words is strung together in a particular sequence a 35 thermore, the relation between the visual indicia 114
sentence is formed. Consequently, upon actuating the and the function initiator buttons 106 can be supple
function initiator buttons 106 (for each visual indicia) in mented by other sensory output buttons as well as a
a particular sequence, an aggregate cognizable output short term memory function that can repeat a previous
can be obtained in the form of an audible sentence. In a sensory output. These and other features are described
configuration where the sensory output is visual instead with reference to FIGS. 3-6.
of audio, the actual text may be shown on an LCD Referring to FIG. 3, a first embodiment of an interac
display. tive book 100 is shown and includes a base 102 having
An example of such a sentence could be "A Cat Sat rounded handle 201 fixed to the top for easy handling
On The Hat” where each of the six words in that sen by the user. The book 104 is centrally mounted in the
tence appear as a visual indicia 114 on the printed page 45 base 102 and is illustrated with cartoon characters along
and correspond to the sensory output of one of the with visual indicia 114. In this case, each of the visual
function initiator buttons 106. Because each function indicia corresponds to one word in the sentence, "Joan
initiator button 106 provides a sensory output of only lives under the blue sea.” The function initiator buttons
one of the words in the sentence, the user may experi 106 are located below the book 104.
ment with forming different sentences with those words SO The function level selector is separated into two but
by experimenting with different sequences of the func tons 108A, 108B, one for moving upward to a higher
tion initiator buttons 106. For example, by creatively level, the other for moving downward to a lower level.
actuating the function initiator buttons 106, the user can The speaker 110 is mounted on the base 102 between the
create a sentence such as "On The Hat The Cat Sat' or two function level selector buttons 108A, 108B.
“On The Cat Sat The Hat. 55 The visual display 112 is mounted above the book 104
A similar capability is obtained for pages where the and comprises a conventional LCD device. The display
visual indicia 114 are musical notes. When each of the indicates the function level that is selected which, in this
notes is strung together (by sequentially actuating the case, corresponds to the page number 212 printed on the
appropriate function initiator buttons 106) according to page of the book 104.
a particular sequence printed on the page, a melody is As shown in FIG. 3, function level 3 has been se
formed and can therefore be heard. However, the user lected which corresponds to page 3 of the book 104.
can ignore the sequence suggested by the visual indicia Consequently, by sequentially actuating the function
114 on the page and experiment at creating the user's initiator buttons 106 from left to right, the sentence
own desired melodies. "Joan lives under the blue sea” will be output from the
In this connection, it will be appreciated that the 65 speaker 110. The user can also experiment with differ
sensory output for each function initiator need not be ent sequences to create different sentences. One exam
just one note but that it could be a combination of notes ple sentence that could be generated is "The Sea
(e.g., a melody segment). Furthermore, some of the Lives.'
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To further enhance the interaction of the user and the between answers A, “52”, or answer B, "124'. The user
book, a discrete memory is provided that will playback looks to the bottom of the right half of page 3 to deter
a preceding output. The content of that memory is mine which function initiator buttons 106 correspond to
played back by actuating a memory button 208 located question 1. The user than presses either the “A” button
at an upper fight hand side of the base 102. The memory or the “B” button to indicate the chosen answer. If the
is cleared by actuating a memory clear button 210 lo answer is correct, an LED 502 located at the top of the
cated an upper left hand side of the base 102. base 102 illuminates. If the answer is incorrect, an LED
Also provided are two supplementary function initia 501, also located at the top of the base 102, illuminates.
tor buttons 202 located on either side of the row of A different series of questions is provided on each page
function initiator buttons 106. The left button 202 pro O 104.
vides an audio output resembling the sound of the sea To enhance the interaction between the user and the
when depressed. The right button 202 provides an audio interactive book 100, a game circuit is provided that
output resembling the sound of fish. The user is will challenge the user's ability to answer the questions
prompted to depress each of these buttons according to quickly. The game circuit incorporates a game switch
visual indicia 212 that appear after the lines of text on 15 508 located at the upper right edge of the base 102, a
the left side of page 3. The visual indicia 212 also ap countdown display 503 and a score display 504, both
pears on the left half of page 3 immediately above the displays being located above the book 104 on either side
location of the supplementary buttons 202. These sup of the visual display 112 for the function level.
plementary function initiator buttons 202 are also avail Upon depressing the game switch 508, a timer will be
able to the user for introducing sound effects to new initiated that counts down from 10 seconds to zero
compositions created by the user. seconds. If the question is answered correctly within
Referring to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of an the first five seconds, the user scores 3 points. If the
interactive book 100 is shown and includes a book 104
that aids the user in learning words of different lan question is answered correctly within the second five
guages. The visual indicia 114 on the page shows the 25 seconds, the user scores 2 points. In the event the ques
term of a particular object in two different languages, tion is answered correctly after time has expired, only 1
e.g., “Plane” (English) and “Plano” (Spanish). Further points awarded. The score is indicated in the score
more, each term is shown to correspond to a particular display 504.
function initiator button 106. Consequently, by pressing To further supplement the interaction between the
the corresponding function initiator button 106, the user 30 user and the book, a supplemental sensory output but
can hear the pronunciation of the words for the particu ton 506 is provided at an upper left edge of the base 102.
lar object in two different languages. Upon pressing this supplemental button, a sound effect
It is noted that the indicia for showing the corre may be initiated. An example output may be the spoken
sponding function initiator button 106 utilizes letter words “No Way” or “Far Out'.
designation (i.e., 'A', 'B', etc.) in conjunction with 35 The interactive book of FIG. 5 has the same shape as
shape (i.e., a circle and a hexagon). This designation the base of the interactive book shown in FIGS. 3 and
corresponds to the actual shapes and letter of the but 4. The function level selector 108A and 108B, the visual
tons 106 themselves. It would also be possible to use display 112 and the page number 212 for the book is also
color coding in combination with shape to achieve the the same as that for the interactive book of FIGS. 3 and
appropriate designation. 4.
In order to further enhance the interaction of the user Referring to FIG. 6, a fourth embodiment of an inter
and the book, interactive book 100 is provided with a active book 100 is shown and includes a book 104 with
game circuit that may be actuated by pressing a game page 3 having visual indicia 114 in the form of printed
initiation button 302 located at an upper fight hand musical notes of a particular melody. A letter, "A, B, C,
location of the base 102. Upon initiating the game cir . . ', is printed near each musical note and corresponds
cuit, a particular audio output corresponding to one of to a particular function initiator button 106 having the
the terms printed on the page 104 will be played same letter designation. Through actuating the function
through the speaker 110. The user is then required to initiator buttons 106 in a sequence that follows the se
determine which term has been played and then press quence of notes on the page, the melody is output
the function initiator button 106 that corresponds to it. 50 through the speaker 110. A different melody is provided
The game circuit will indicate with another audio out on each page and, therefore, for each function level. In
put whether the term that was selected was correct. addition to playing the melody on the printed page, the
The interactive book of FIG. 4 has the same shape as user may experiment in creating new melodies by sim
the base of the interactive book shown in FIG. 3. The ply pressing the function initiator buttons 106 in any
function level selector 108A and 108B, the visual dis 55 desired sequence, much like playing a piano.
play 112 and the page number 212 for the book is also To enhance the interaction between the user and the
the same as that for the interactive book of FIG. 3. book 104, several audio and visual features are pro
Referring to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of an inter vided. For example, by actuating an on/off button 607
active book 100 is shown which includes a book 104 located at an upper right edge of the base 102, a plural
with printed visual indicia that aid a user to learn certain ity of LED's 602, each of which correspond to a func
facts on a particular topic. The visual indicia on page 3 tion initiator button 106, are sequentially illuminated. If
are in the form of a series factual questions about the the user actuates the function initiators according to the
dinosaur "Tyrannosaurus Rex', the answers to which sequence shown by the illuminated LED's, the melody
must be selected from two choices for each question. depicted on the page will be output. In that connection,
Each answer, A, B is shown to correspond to a particu 65 a rhythm circuit is also provided whereby, according to
lar function initiator button 106 for each question. the position of a rhythm switch 604, a fast or slow
For example, for question number 1, "How many rhythm can be provided to aid in the playing of the
teeth did a tyrannosaurus have?', the user must choose melody.
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The outputs through the speaker 110 are normally a a function level selector coupled to each of said func
simple musical tone. However, a sound circuit is pro tion initiators, said function level selector selec
vided whereby the musical tone can be changed to any tively changing a function level of the apparatus
melodic or sound effect variation which can then be and thereby selectively changing the sensory out
combined to form a cognizable aggregate output. This 5 put corresponding to at least one of said function
is initiated by moving a sound effect switch 606 to a initiators;
particular position. A particular animal sound may be a means for displaying said function level; and
chosen, for example, from a plurality of different animal a support member supporting said output generating
sounds according to the position of the switch. means, said plurality of function initiators, said
Although particular embodiments of the present in 10 function change selector and said book.
vention have been shown and described, it will be obvi 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
ous to those skilled in the art that changes and modifica visual indicia include a plurality of written inquiries.
tions may be made without departing from this inven 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at
tion in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the least two function initiators correspond to each written
appended claims is to cover all such changes and modi 15 inquiry and wherein said sensory output for each of said
fications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this at least two function initiators is an output responsive to
invention. the written inquiry.
What is claimed is: 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said
1. An apparatus comprising: sensory output for each of said at least two function
means for storing a set of discrete sensory outputs; 20 initiators is one of a sensory output indicating a correct
means for outputting each of said sensory outputs; response to the written inquiry and a sensory output
a book having a plurality of pages, each of said pages . indicating an incorrect response to the written inquiry.
including a plurality of visual indicia; 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said
a plurality of function initiators coupled to said out sensory output is a visual output.
put means, each of said function initiators initiating 25 13. An apparatus according to claim 11, including a
the output of a unique sensory output by said out selectively operable game circuit having a timer and
put means, each of said function initiators corre scoring device, whereby points are accumulated by said
sponding to at least one of said visual indicia, and scoring device according to each correct response to a
all of said function initiators being physically dis written inquiry within a predetermined period of time
tinct from all of said visual indicia; 30 as measured by said timer.
a function level selector coupled to each of said func 14. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said
tion initiators, said function level selector selec audio output for each of said function initiators is a
tively changing a function level of the apparatus musical note.
and thereby selectively changing the sensory out 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said
put corresponding to each of said function initia 35 audio outputs for said function initiators are sequen
tors, each of said function initiators being associ tially combinable to form a melody.
ated with a different sensory output at each of said 16. An apparatus according to claim 15, including a
function levels; and selectively operable game circuit for sequentially acti
a support member supporting said storage means, said vating a plurality of visual output devices according to
output means, said plurality of function initiators, a predetermined pattern, each visual output device cor
said function change selector and said book. responding with at least one of said function initiators,
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said whereby the sensory outputs for the function initiators
sensory output by said output means is an audio output. will create a melody according to said predetermined
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pattern when said function initiators generate the sen
audio output for each of said function initiators states a 45 sory outputs following the sequential activation of the
particular word. visual output devices.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, including a
audio outputs for said function initiators are sequen selectively operable rhythm circuit for providing a
tially combinable to form a cognizable phrase. rhythmic sensory output as a guide to the tempo of the
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, including at SO created melody, said rhythmic sensory output being
least one supplemental function initiator for initiating variable.
the generation of a sound effect output. 18. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said
6. An apparatus according to claim 4, including a audio output for each of said function initiators is a
discrete memory for storing and selectively outputting sound effect.
at least one of a previous audio output. 55 19. An interactive book apparatus according to claim
7. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said 1 further comprising:
particular word for at least one of said function initia a combination memory for storing an ordered set of
tors is in a language other than the English language. said sensory outputs, said ordered set being com
8. An apparatus comprising: prised of the sensory outputs associated with a set
means for generating a plurality of sensory outputs; of selected function initiators on a selected one of
a book having a plurality of pages, each of said pages said levels and being ordered in the order in which
including a plurality of visual indicia; the function initiators are selected;
a plurality of function initiators coupled to said out a combination initiator for initiating the output of said
put generating means, each of said function initia ordered set of sensory outputs by said output
tors initiating the generation of a sensory output by 65 C2S.
said output generating means and each of said func 20. An interactive book apparatus according to claim
tion initiators corresponding to at least one of said 1 wherein each of said sensory outputs consists of an
visual indicia; individual word, said words being combinable, at each
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of said levels, in multiple orders to form a plurality of a book having a plurality of pages, each page contain
phrases or sentences. ing a plurality of visual indicia, each of said indicia
21. An interactive book apparatus according to claim uniquely corresponding to one of said switches;
1 wherein said function initiators are grouped into a a level selector for selecting a logical level of the
plurality of pairs of initiators, one of said initiators in apparatus, each level corresponding to a different
each of said pairs initiating the output of a word or page of said book;
phrase by said output means in a first language, and the a level indicator for providing visual feedback to the
other of said initiators in each of said pairs initiating the user of said logical level of the apparatus selected
output of the same word or phrase by said output means by said level selector;
in a second language. 10 a logic unit coupled to said level selector, said men
22. An interactive book apparatus according to claim ory, and said switches to select one of said plurality
1 wherein each of said pages contains a plurality of of sensory outputs corresponding to each of said
questions, each of said visual indicia representing an switches to be output by said output means in re
answer corresponding to one of said questions and each sponse to selection of each of said switches by the
of said sensory outputs indicating whether said visual 15 user by pressing the switches; and
indicia is a correct or an incorrect answer to said corre a support member supporting said book, said men
sponding question. ory, said level selector, said level indicator, said
23. An interactive book apparatus according to claim switches, said logic unit, and said output means.
22 further comprising: 31. An interactive book apparatus comprising:
a timer circuit for specifying a counting of a specific 20 a book having a plurality of pages, each page having
period of time; and a plurality of visual indicia;
a scoring circuit for counting the number of function means for outputting sensory outputs;
initiators, which correspond to said visual indicia a plurality of function initiators, each function initia
which is a correct answer, initiated during said tor corresponding to one of said visual indicia;
specific period of time. 25 a logic memory means coupled to said function initia
24. An interactive book according to claim 1 wherein tors and said output means for storing a plurality of
said sensory outputs are musical notes. sensory outputs and associating one of said sensory
25. An interactive book apparatus comprising: outputs to each of said function initiators to be
a book having of a plurality of pages, each page in output by said output means upon selection of each
cluding a plurality of visual indicia; 30 of said function initiator; and
means for storing a set of discrete sensory outputs; a function level selector coupled to said logic mem
means for outputting said sensory outputs; ory means for informing the logic memory means
a function level selector for selecting a function level of the level of the apparatus, each of said pages
of the apparatus; defining a different level of the apparatus, and
a support member supporting said book, said output 35 changing said association between said sensory
means, said storage means, and said function level outputs and said function initiators.
selector; 32. An interactive book apparatus according to claim
a plurality of function initiators disposed on said sup 31 further comprising;
port member adjacent said book, each of said func a combination memory for storing an ordered set of
tion initiators corresponding to at least one of said said sensory outputs, said ordered set being com
visual indicia; and prised of the sensory outputs associated with a set
means supported by said support member and cou of selected function initiators on a selected one of
pled to said storage means, said output means, said said levels and being ordered in the order in which
function level selector, and said function initiators the function initiators are selected;
for specifying one of said sensory outputs to be 45 a combination initiator for initiating the output of said
output by said output means in response to selec ordered set of sensory outputs by said output
tion of one of said function initiators, said specified eaS
sensory output being different for each function 33. An interactive book apparatus according to claim
level. 31 wherein each of said sensory outputs consists of an
26. An interactive book apparatus according to claim 50 individual word, said words being combinable, at each
25 wherein each of said function levels correspond to a of said levels, in multiple orders to form a plurality of
different one of said pages of said book. phrases or sentences.
27. An interactive book apparatus according to claim 34. An interactive book apparatus according to claim
25 further comprising a level indicator for displaying 31 wherein said function initiators are grouped into a
said function level. 55 plurality of pairs of initiators, one of said initiators in
28. An interactive book apparatus according to claim each of said pairs initiating the output of a word or
25 wherein said function level selector comprises a pair phrase by said output means in a first language, and the
of buttons, one for increasing and one for decreasing other of said initiators in each of said pairs initiating the
said function level. output of the same word or phrase by said output means
29. An interactive book apparatus according to claim in a second language.
28 wherein said level indicator is a digital display. 35. An interactive book apparatus according to claim
30. An interactive book apparatus providing sensory 31 wherein each of said pages includes a plurality of
output for a user, said apparatus comprising: questions, each of said questions corresponding to a
a memory for storing a set of discrete sensory out plurality of visual indicia indicating possible answers to
puts; said corresponding question.
means for outputting said sensory outputs; 36. An interactive book according to claim 35
a plurality of switches, each of said switches corre wherein a sensory output indicating a correct response
sponding to a plurality of said sensory outputs; is associated with said function initiators corresponding
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to visual indicia which indicate a correct response to 42. An interactive book according to claim 38 further
said corresponding question, and a sensory output indi comprising a sound effect selector for modifying the
cating an incorrect response is associated with said sound of said musical notes without modifying the pitch
function initiators corresponding to visual indicia which of said musical notes.
indicate the incorrect response to said corresponding 5 43. An apparatus comprising:
question. means for storing a set of discrete sensory outputs;
37. An interactive book according to claim 35 further means for outputting each of said sensory outputs;
comprising: a book having a plurality of pages, each of said pages
means for measuring a specific period of time; including a plurality of questions, a plurality of
means for counting the number of said function initia O answers corresponding to each of said questions,
tors corresponding to visual indicia which indicate and a plurality of visual indicia, each of said visual
the correct response to said corresponding ques indicia corresponding to at least one of said an
tions are initiated during said period of time. swers, at least one of said sensory outputs being
38. An interactive book according to claim 31 indicative of a correct answer, and at least one of
wherein each of said sensory outputs is one or more 15 said sensory outputs being indicative of a wrong
musical notes. answer;
39. An interactive book according to claim 38 a plurality of function initiators coupled to said out
wherein said musical notes are combinable to create a put means, each of said function initiators initiating
melody. the output of a sensory output by said output
40. An apparatus according to claim 39, including a 20 means, each of said function initiators correspond
selectively operable game circuit for sequentially acti ing to at least one of said visual indicia, and all of
vating a plurality of visual output devices according to said function initiators being physically distinct
a predetermined pattern, each visual output device cor from all of said visual indicia;
responding with at least one of said function initiators, a function level selector coupled to each of said func
whereby the sensory outputs to the function initiators 25 tion initiators, said function level selector selec
will create a melody according to said predetermined tively changing a function level of the apparatus
pattern when said function initiators generate the sen and thereby selectively changing the sensory out
sory outputs following the sequential activation of the puts corresponding to said function initiators, less
visual output devices. then all of said sensory outputs being associated
41. An apparatus according to claim 39, including a 30 with function initiators at each of said levels; and
selectively operable rhythm circuit for providing a a support member supporting said storage means, said
rhythmic sensory output as a guide to the tempo of the output means, said plurality of function initiators,
created melody, said rhythmic sensory output being said function change selector and said book.
variable. k ak s: sk k

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