A banana shaped writing device; the banana shaped writing device includes a body, a lead, a stem, a peel, and a metal clip. The banana shaped writing device is useful for allowing a user to peel the writing device and provides a cushioned finger hold. Further, the banana shaped writing device is helpful to teach children who are beginning to write the proper finger positions to write.

A method for displaying graphical content in a playback device, the graphical content being displayed and erased periodically on the display device according to successive cycles that take place at a predetermined frequency (Fd) and in that the successive display periods each have a duration (T1) comprised in an interval of values ranging from 15 to 30% of the duration (T) of the cycles that have taken place.

The disclosure provides technology to enhance the ability of a computing device to detect a current reading location in a text source as the text source is being read aloud. An example method includes determining phoneme data of a text source, the text source comprising a sequence of words; receiving audio data comprising a spoken word associated with the text source; comparing, by a processing device, the phoneme data of the text source and phoneme data of the audio data; and identifying a location in the sequence of words based on the comparing phoneme data.

New and unique puzzle mechanics, systems, and methods are described herein. A puzzle grid comprising linearly arranged intersecting words, with each individual letter placed on a separate puzzle tile, may be divided into a plurality of puzzle pieces, where each puzzle piece is formed of one or more contiguous puzzle tiles. Each puzzle piece shape conforms to one of a predefined set of shapes. To mix up the puzzle grid, identically shaped puzzle pieces may be randomly shuffled and rotated if required so that the puzzle layout remains unchanged whereas the letters are scrambled. Also puzzle pieces whose shape exhibit rotational symmetry may be optionally rotated within the puzzle layout. Letters may maintain upright legibility. A user may then attempt to solve the puzzle by swapping identically shaped puzzle pieces and optionally rotating puzzle pieces whose shape exhibit rotational symmetry.

An alternative to a traditional single solution puzzle is disclosed. Under the puzzle system of the present invention, each tab fits into each pocket, thereby allowing the user to build creatively rather than attempt to solve. The puzzle system of the present invention is useful for all, and it is optimal for young children, aging and cognitively impaired adults.

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

A system and method for dynamically identifying an accessory or other peripheral device to be wirelessly paired with a tablet computer or other primary device, wherein the accessory comprises a display screen that displays a quick response (QR) code when the accessory is not paired, and after the QR code is scanned by the tablet computer, which is then wirelessly paired with the accessory, the QR code is replaced on the display screen with an image associated with the user, such as a picture of the user, the users name, or other means of associating the accessory with the user.

A system and method for dynamically identifying an accessory or other peripheral device to be wirelessly paired with a tablet computer or other primary device, wherein the accessory comprises a display screen that displays a quick response (QR) code when the accessory is not paired, and after the QR code is scanned by the tablet computer, which is then wirelessly paired with the accessory, the QR code is replaced on the display screen with an image associated with the user, such as a picture of the user, the users name, or other means of associating the accessory with the user.