Tag requires a
Microsoft Windows or
Mac OS computer running LeapFrog Connect software to populate the Tag with audio for books. The software downloads book audio from the LeapFrog web site and transmits it to Tag via a USB cable. The Tag pen device works with specially made books which include an optical pattern of dots too small to disturb the reader. A stylus touches the book to actuate the Tag device, and the device, through analysis of the printed pattern, divines both the book being read and its exact position within the book. With the book and position known, the Tag device looks up the appropriate audio to play for that location in the book and plays it. This technique for position recognition is patented by
Anoto. Tag includes a
state machine to facilitate game play on specially designed pages of books, with games like, "Find the letter that makes the sound
k." It also collects statistics on usage to reconnect with the software and present electronic rewards to the learner and help parents monitor learning progress. Tag and the proprietary, compatible books were covered by U.S. Patents 6502756, 6548768, 6666376, 6667695, 6674427, 6732927, 6836555, 7224348, and 7281664; however the majority of these patents have now expired. ==References==