CN1518731A - Interactive installation with templates - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interactive apparatus includes a base unit (12). The base unit (12) can has a surface (29) and an array of electrical elements under the surface (29). A removable template (14) is placed on the base unit (12) and is positioned over the surface (29). The removable template (14) has a movable element (19) that the user can move and a speaker in the apparatus can produce an audio output in response to the movement of the movable element (19).

Description

Interactive installation with templates

technical field

In recent years, talking toys have become popular among children. To this end, many toys have been developed that allow a child to press a button on the toy and make sound or talk. The toy emits pre-recorded sounds when a button is pressed. For example, the toy may have a button with the letter "E" printed on it, and when the child presses the letter "E", the toy will make the sound of the letter E (ie, "eeee").

Background technique

This class can also be improved. For example, after a while, a child may become very familiar with how a toy responds. The child then learns to make the toy make the same sound over and over again by pressing certain parts of the toy. If the user is always presented with this set of buttons corresponding to the same set of sounds, the results of learning and gaming become predictable and merely repetitive. As a result, the child will lose interest in the toy, and the educational and entertainment value of the toy to the child is greatly reduced.

In addition, such toys have very limited means of strengthening children's learning, and have little incentive for children. In many conventional electronic toys, the only communication between the child and the toy is the pressing of buttons. Therefore there is a need for a toy with more functions to motivate children in more ways and to participate in children's games.

The present invention addresses these and other problems.

Contents of the invention

One embodiment of the present invention proposes an interactive device comprising: a) a base including i) a substantially flat plane and ii) an array of electrical components beneath the plane; b) a processor, c) a memory, operatively connected to the processor; d) an audio output device, operatively connected to the processor; and e) a A detachable template; wherein the detachable template includes a movable element arranged on top of an electrical element in the electrical element array, wherein the electrical element is capable of providing an audio output corresponding to the movable element.

Another embodiment of the present invention proposes an interactive device comprising: a) a base including i) a plane, ii) a switch array under the plane, iii) a memory, iv) a processing a device operatively connected to the switch array, v) a slot, and vi) a speaker; b) a transferable information storage medium removably insertable into the slot; and c) a base surface A detachable formwork on the above; wherein the detachable formwork includes a stationary part and a plurality of movable elements, wherein each movable element can move while the stationary part remains stationary, and each movable element has a different A structure in which a plurality of movable elements are arranged on a group of switches in the array switch, and each switch in the group of switches can provide an output corresponding to the movable elements on the switch.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of using an interactive device, the method comprising: a) providing a base including a substantially flat surface; b) arranging a removable template on a substantially flat surface c) moving the movable element in the removable formwork; and d) responding to the movement of the movable element, forming an audio output relative to the movable element.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a removable template for use on the surface of the base of an interactive device, the removable template includes: a) a static area; and b) a movable element, the removable A movable element that is structurally distinct from, and capable of moving independently of, a stationary region, wherein the movable element includes an upper portion that can be moved by the user and a lower portion that can come into contact with a surface in response to the user's movement , where the base forms an audio output relative to the user's movement of the movable element.

These and other embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a base of an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows the interactive device of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of some elements used in an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows an electrical schematic diagram of a switch array;

Figure 6 is a top view of the lower portion of one of the switches in the switch array;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the switch when pressure is applied to the switch;

Fig. 8 shows an interactive device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The detachable formwork in this embodiment has a window, and the window exposes a piece with multiple printed patterns.

Figure 9(a) shows a side view of the detachable template;

Figure 9(b) shows a top view of the detachable form shown in Figure 9(a) in the open position;

Figure 9(c) shows a part of the removable formwork with gaskets;

Figure 10 is a block diagram of the system of an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a table showing characters used in an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention provide an interactive device comprising a base and a removable template for use with the base. In some embodiments of the present invention, the detachable formwork may have movable elements such as buttons. When the movable element moves, the base forms an output for the user.

The output may be an audio output such as music or synthesized speech. The music or speech is preferably associated with the movable element being moved by the user. For example, if the user presses a button that couples red in the detachable template, the base makes a "red" or "coupled red" sound.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the removable formwork is structured to secure a piece, such as a piece of paper, to the base. These detachable formworks may or may not be provided with movable elements such as buttons.

When there is a sheet of paper on the base, the user can interact with the printed patterns on the sheet (eg, graphics, text, letters). For example, the user can apply pressure to the graphic on the sheet, or color the graphic with a marking tool such as a marker.

Correspondingly, the dock can provide an output to the user. The output may be an audio output such as music or synthesized speech. Regardless of the form of the output, the output is preferably related to the specific printed pattern that the user interacts with. For example, if the user is coloring the letter B on a piece of paper, then the output provided to the user could be a synthesized speech such as "B", pronounced "buh".

The base forming support for the removable form includes a major surface.

The main surface may not be flat, but is preferably a flat surface so that the user can draw on it. When the removable formwork is on the base, it can be in direct contact with the main surface or separated from each other. The primary surface may be smooth and washable so that markings, such as markers applied with crayons, can be easily removed.

An array of electrical components is disposed beneath the major surface. In some embodiments, each electrical element is a pressure activated pressure sensitive switch. A suitable pressure-sensitive switch may, for example, comprise a plurality of electrically conductive regions separated from each other by air gaps. Pressure applied to the conductive areas causes the conductive areas to contact each other to close the switch. Another type of electrical element may be a piezoelectric type element. Applying pressure to a piezoelectric element changes its resistance. In either case, the pressure can be applied by, for example, the movable element, a stylus (eg a marking tool such as a marker), or a finger on the electrical element.

In other embodiments, the electrical component may be an antenna, such as the antennas described in US Patent No. 5,877,458 or US Patent No. 5,686,705 and US Patent Application Nos. 09/574,599 and 60/200,725. All of these patent documents and patent application documents have the same assignee as this application, which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application. The antenna sends out a signal that is picked up by a stylus attached to the base. The stylus acts as a receiving antenna. When the stylus is placed on the primary surface, the stylus receives a signal specific to the electrical component under the stylus. The position of the stylus relative to the major surface can then be determined. In these embodiments, the stylus can be used to move movable elements within the removable template on the base. The stylus can also be used to interact with the printed pattern in the sheet, which is fixed on the base with the stencil. In these embodiments, the electrical component may also be a transmitting antenna, which periodically emits signals and which are received by the stylus. In these embodiments, the user does not have to selectively actuate the electrical components. Alternatively, the stylus can be used as a transmitting antenna, while the underlying antenna (ie, electrical component) can be used as a receiving antenna.

In embodiments of the invention, some or all of the electrical components in the array of electrical components may be used to obtain and provide a specific output to a user. Preferably, these electrical components can obtain a predetermined output after activation. Additionally, some of these electrical components can be pre-assigned at startup to indicate different removable panels on the base. For example, when activated electrical components are connected to a new removable template, the processor can reprogram the interactive device to pre-allocate the electrical components in the array for those outputs that are connected to the new removable template.

The output provided to the user by the interactive device may be a visual output and/or an audible output. The preferred output is audible, because audible output can complement and enhance visual information such as characters, images and numbers etc. on the detachable template or sheet. As examples, the output may include characters, numbers, words, paragraphs, jokes, music, questions, answers, prompts, sound effects, facts, and the like.

In some embodiments, such output may be used to prompt the user for a response. For example, the interactive device may pose a question asking the user "Can you find the green triangle?". In response, the user can actuate a movable element connected to the green triangle. After the user responds, provide the user with an output of whether the response is true or false. For example, if the user's response is correct, provide the user with an encouraging output (eg, "That's right").

If the user's response is incorrect, repeat the question, or inform the user that their response was incorrect.

In other embodiments, the output provided by the interactive device includes a prompt that helps the user answer a question previously posed by the interactive device. For example, the question originally given to the user was "press the number 10". If the user does not press the number 10 within a predetermined time, or if the user presses a wrong number, the interactive device allows the user to press a different button and get a cue. For example, the interactive device may prompt the user to "press the dog for a cue cue". After the user presses the key, the device may provide the user with a clue such as "the number 10 follows the number 9".

Giving users clues helps them understand a given topic.

As noted above, in embodiments of the present invention, the output provided to the user may be associated with a particular movable element actuated by the user, or may be associated with a particular printed pattern that the user interacts with. For example, when the user presses a green movable element and a red movable element, different outputs are generated.

Furthermore, different outputs specifically associated with these movable elements are to be provided to the user. For example, after the user presses the green and red movable elements respectively, "green", "red" are provided to the user.

These outputs can be related to information provided by printed elements or to movable elements. For example, these outputs may be associated with the identity, form, color, shape or quality of the movable element or printed elements in the sheet. For example, after coloring the frog pattern on the pedestal sheet with crayons, the phrase "Hey, I'm jumping" could be brought up from memory and spoken to the user using the speaker in the pedestal. Additionally, or alternatively, the output may also provide other information about a particular printed element or movable element. For example, a printed or movable element may take the shape of the state of California, and after the user interacts with the movable or printed element, information about the state, such as population, history, and/or area, may be provided to the user.

There are many removable templates that can be used with the base. In a set of detachable templates, each of the detachable templates may have a different appearance and/or be adapted to teach different content to the user. Preferably, the detachable template can have bright colors and/or two- or three-dimensional characters (eg, animation).

Features such as these enable a child to communicate with an interactive device. Each removable formwork can be made of plastic and can be of rigid or flexible material. Rigid removable formwork is preferred because it is easily handled by a child and is easy to align.

In some embodiments, the removable form includes a layer of molded plastic that is substantially planar. In addition, the removable formwork can be of any suitable planar size or thickness. For example, the thickness of a common detachable formwork is less than 1.27 centimeters, while the plane size is greater than 21.59×27.94 square centimeters.

Each removable formwork has a stationary portion and a plurality of movable elements substantially independent of the stationary portion. Each movable element has a different structure and appearance than the stationary part. For example, in some embodiments the movable elements may be buttons arranged in holes in the stationary part. The buttons are attached to the wall of the hole by flexible connections so that the buttons can move substantially independently of the stationary part. In some embodiments, these movable elements may also be arranged in slotted holes in the removable formwork (ie, slotted holes with respect to the plane of the removable formwork). The movable element can move in the elongated hole, and can also move in a direction parallel to the removable formwork.

Each movable element has an upper portion and a lower portion. Both the upper part and the lower part can move vertically relative to the plane of the removable formwork. A push button is an example of such a movable element. In other embodiments, each movable element may have an upper portion that moves horizontally relative to the removable panel. The upper part of the movable element can rotate, move left and right or move up and down in the plane of the detachable formwork. These movable elements mimic the natural motion of objects, allowing users to interact with them. For example, the upper part of one of the movable elements may take the shape of a wheel. The wheels are available as part of the transport on a removable formwork. The wheel can be rotated in the plane of the removable form to simulate the natural motion of the wheel. As the user rotates the wheel, the user applies force in a downward direction, causing the lower portion of the movable member to move downward and into contact with the primary surface. In other embodiments, the lower portion of the movable element moves up and down (perpendicular to the plane of the removable formwork) in response to this rotational movement. The movement of the movable element part can be converted by gears. As the lower portion of the movable element moves downwardly, it can contact the primary surface thereby energizing appropriate electrical components beneath the primary surface. In the case described above, the train wheels may be sounded in response to the user's rotation of the wheels.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the detachable formwork can be easily detached from the base. The user does not need to use any special tools or procedures to remove the removable formwork and remove the removable formwork from the base. Preferably, the removable form can be placed on the major surface without clips or glue.

To this end, removable templates of different types, patterns or sizes of movable elements can be mounted interchangeably without difficulty on the main surfaces of the base. The interface displayed to the user is easy to change. When the detachable formwork is changed, the look, feel and function of the interactive installation changes. In contrast to many traditional electronic toys, a child does not necessarily use the same set of buttons and corresponding same set of sounds each time they use the interactive device. Thus, children will not lose interest in embodiments of the present invention as easily as compared to conventional electronic toys.

This interactive device can be used for many purposes. For example, it can be used to entertain and educate users. In some embodiments, the detachable template or sheet is also designed to allow the user to play games. For example, a maze can be printed on the sheet fixed on the base. The user may draw a trajectory through the maze with a pencil or other writing implement. Use a pencil to apply some pressure to the major surface below the sheet. The electrical components under the pencil are activated, and a processor in the base can track the pencil's trajectory.

If the user deviates from the correct trajectory in the maze, an audio output is provided to the user (eg, "Going wrong"). In other embodiments, detachable templates may be used to simulate functional objects. For example, these templates can be designed as various functional objects for children such as telephones, computer keyboards, control panels (eg, for spaceships or cars), etc. Each of these functional objects has a movable element that the user can move. Once the movable element moves, a sound is produced in response. For example, the detachable template can be made into the form of a telephone keypad, and the movable elements in the detachable template can be made into buttons of the keypad. When the user presses the button, the lower part of the button comes into contact with the primary surface. Then the speaker inside the base will play the sound of normal phone buttons.

In other embodiments, the detachable templates may be designed to specifically educate the user on a predetermined topic. For example, interactive devices and detachable templates are designed to educate users about colors, characters, shapes, numbers, text pronunciation, pronunciation, facts, songs, arithmetic, algebra, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, Science, Geography, History, Spelling, Grammar, Names and Sounds of Instruments, People, Places, Nature, Music, Sports, Words, Numbers, Counting, Sociology, Creative Expression, Languages such as English, Chinese, etc. The skills taught by the interactive device include recognition skills (such as recognition of numbers and characters) and logic skills.

Thus, in some embodiments, the interactive device can be used as an educational toy.

Although the interactive device can be used as an educational toy, in other embodiments it is not necessarily a toy for children, but can be used by adults as well. For example, in some embodiments, various detachable templates and/or sheets for use with the base can be designed for different language speakers. The interactive device can be reprogrammed so that the output provided can be specific to the removable template or sheet and can be associated with different types of users. A base can use different templates, and these templates can be used by different kinds of people.

Users of the interactive device may be of any suitable age group (eg, adults or children). For example, the user may be a child younger than 10 years old (such as a preschool child aged 3 to 5). In an embodiment of the present invention, the interactive device enables children to participate in character recognition, listening to music, sound and joyful learning activities. Therefore, many important skills (eg, pre-school skills) are taught to children, while encouraging their creativity, self-expression and imagination.

As an illustration, in one embodiment of the present invention, there is a base that utilizes a first removable formwork and a second removable formwork. This first removable template teaches the child the characters of the alphabet. At this time, the movable elements in the first detachable template may be buttons for characters A to Z.

The movable elements in the second removable formwork are different from the movable elements in the first removable formwork. In addition to the movable elements in the form of characters, the movable elements in the second detachable template can be in the form of numbers. For example, the movable elements in the second detachable template can be a plurality of buttons from numbers 1 to 10.

The first removable form is placeable on the base. When a user moves the moveable element within the first removable template, the moving moveable element interacts with one or more electrical components in the array of electrical components beneath it. The one or more electrical elements are actuated in response to interacting with the movable element. An output is then provided to the user in response to movement of the movable element. For example, after the user presses the button of the character A in the first detachable template, the lower part of the button contacts the main surface of the base. Pressure is thus applied to the major surface of the base, and the applied pressure activates a pressure sensitive switch in the switch array below the major surface. When the switch is activated, a processor in the base extracts the audio data corresponding to the button press. The audio data is converted to sound emitted by speakers in the interactive device. For example, after pressing the button in the shape of character A, the data of the phrase "A, A is pronounced as ah" is extracted from the memory, and the speaker in the base emits the phrase "A, A is pronounced as ah".

After the user finishes using the first detachable formwork, the first detachable formwork can be taken off from the base. The second removable form is then placed in its place on the base. When the user activates the movable element in the second removable formwork, the interaction means forms an output different from the output formed when the first removable formwork is in use. For example, when the user presses the button numbered 7 in the second removable template, the lower portion of the button contacts the major surface of the base. Therefore, pressure is applied to the major surface of the base below the button. The button and a switch under the main surface are activated. This switch is used to provide the audio output associated with the number 7. For example, after the user presses the button for the number 7, the audio provided to the user is "7, there are 7 days in a week".

After the user uses the second detachable formwork, the third detachable formwork, the third detachable formwork and the like can also be used on the base. Different removable templates can be used to form a set of removable templates. Each detachable formwork in the set is different in appearance and movable components.

Different templates can produce different outputs. By using different removable templates for the base, users can easily change the look, feel and function of the interactive device. Therefore, compared to many traditional electronic toys, the user will not easily lose interest in the interaction even after using it for a period of time, because the user will not be presented with the same set of buttons and corresponding same set of outputs over and over again.

FIG. 1 is a base 12 of an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The base 12 includes an edge region 17 that surrounds a major surface 29 of the base 12 . The edge region 17 as well as other parts of the base 17 may be made of molded plastic. The underside of base 12 may have a storage recess for storing one or more removable templates (not shown) that are not in use.

The handle 16 is connected to an edge region 17 . The handle 16 is stowable or detachable from the main body of the base. Using the handle 16, the user can easily carry the base and the removable formwork (not shown). Thus, the interactive device is portable and can be carried by a child. Therefore, the planar size of the interactive device is less than 91.44×91.44 square centimeters.

For example, the dimensions of base 12 are approximately 30.02 x 47.625 x 7.62 cm (width x length x height).

The edge region 17 of the base 12 may have other suitable configurations. For example, there may be an enclosed or unenclosed storage space 11 in the edge area 17 . This storage space can be used to store the user's personal items as well as writing utensils such as pencils or markers.

Furthermore, a loudspeaker 18 is located in the edge region 17 of the base. Pre-recorded or synthesized sounds may be provided to the user through speaker 18 . The sound may be music, synthesized text, paragraph, field, sound effect, etc. There may also be a slot 23 (shown in dashed lines) in the edge area 17 for a removable information storage medium (not shown). Slot 23 is configured to receive a removable information storage medium. For example, when the data cartridge is inserted into the slot 23, a spring cover (not shown) can cover the slot 23 and be pushed inwardly.

Also within the edge area 17 is a selection means 20 for the user to select a particular mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 1 , the selection device 20 may take the form of a sliding key. The user can use the selection device 20 to switch the interactive device on and off. When the interactive device is turned on, the user can further select a study mode, a game mode, and a music mode. In the learning mode, the primary output provided by the interactive device is that used to teach the user about a predetermined topic. For example, when the interactive device is in a learning mode, the user can move movable elements of a particular color or shape, or communicate with printed elements of a particular color or shape. In response, the interactive device may specify the shape and color of the movable element or printed element to the user. In the game mode, the user can play the game and the interactive device can also ask the user questions. For example, a removable template with the buttons being the characters A to Z may be arranged on the base. If the user selects the wrong letter, the interactive device can prompt the user by asking "Can you find the character D?" B says buh.")

The interactive device may reward the user if the user selects the correct letter. For example, the user may be provided with a congratulatory word such as "well done" or other rewarding sound in response to selecting the correct one. In the music mode, when different movable elements are moved, different pieces of music are produced. For example, if the base is a sheet with printed elements, different pieces of music may be presented to the user when different printed elements are colored.

In embodiments of the present invention, multiple removable panels may be used, each capable of operating in multiple modes. The interactive device has more functions than other traditional electronic toys. So users won't lose interest in it easily. Furthermore, concepts taught in different modes can reinforce users in different ways. For example, learning the letters of the alphabet can be reinforced through a combination of statements, inquiries (eg, questions), games, and music. Therefore, when the device presents a certain concept to the user in many different ways, it is more helpful for the user to learn the concept.

Major surface 29 may have various characteristics or dimensions. The upper surface of the main surface 29 can be made of polyvinyl acetate or other suitable polyester materials. The major surface 29 is preferably made of a material that easily washes pastel off the surface. In some embodiments, major surface 29 may have a planar dimension that is larger than a standard sheet of paper.

For example, the planar dimensions of major surface 29 may be greater or less than 21.59 by 35.56 square centimeters. This large size accommodates a removable template that secures a standard sized sheet of paper to the base 12 .

Referring to FIG. 2, a removable formwork 14 may be disposed on a major surface of the base 12 (not shown). In this example, there is a picture of a bus in the detachable template 14, and there are various characters in the picture. The detachable template 14 comprises a plurality of moving elements 19, ie buttons in the form of letters (ie a to z). The removable formwork 14 may be made of molded and rigid plastic. The removable formwork 14 can also be basically a flat plate structure.

When the user presses the moving element 19, the lower portion of the moving element 19 applies a force to the major surface of the base 12 below the removable panel 14. Pressure applied to the major surface activates one or more electrical components beneath the depressed moving element 19 . After one or more of the electrical elements are actuated, the processor in the base retrieves an output from the memory associated with the letter associated with the movable element. Then, provide that output to the user. For example, if the user presses the button for the letter "W", in response, the speaker in the base of the interactive device will emit the phrase "W, W is pronounced wah".

The edge region 17 in this and other embodiments is structurally accommodating the removable formwork 14 . In this example, the edge region 17 is raised relative to and encloses the main surface of the base 12 . The edge region 17 guides the removable panel 14 so that it is properly seated on the major surface of the base 12 when the removable panel 14 is placed on the major surface of the base 12 . The moving element 19 is also correctly positioned on the electrical components below the main surface of the base 12 . Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the removable template 14 is automatically aligned with respect to the major surfaces of the base 12 so that a user such as a child can easily use the interactive device and place the removable template 14 on the on the surface of the base 12. The user does not have to worry about the alignment of the removable formwork 14 as the moving elements 19 correspond perfectly to the electrical elements beneath the major surfaces.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another interactive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The interactive device shown in FIG. 3 uses the same type of base 12 as the base 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, in this embodiment of the interactive device, on the base 12 is a different removable template 14 . There is a train in the detachable template 14 of the present embodiment, and various characters are arranged on this train. Similar to the removable formwork 14 shown in Figure 2, the removable formwork 14 in Figure 3 may also be made of molded plastic. At the same time, the template can be a rigid plane template.

The removable formwork 14 shown in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of movable elements. The movable elements 37 , 38 , 39 in the removable formwork 14 may have a portion movable parallel to the plane of the removable formwork 14 . For example, the removable formwork 14 includes a movable element 38 in the form of a train wheel. The upper part of the movable element 38 rotates in a plane parallel to the removable formwork 14 . When the user moves the movable element 38, it appears as if the wheels of the train are moving. The movable element 38 can move in a circular slot (not shown) in the removable formwork. Moving the upper portion of the movable member 38 brings the lower portion of the movable member 38 into contact with the major surface below the removable formwork 14 . The removable formwork 14 also includes a movable element 37 in the form of a siren. The user can move the siren up and down in a slot. Movement of the whistle enables the lower portion of the movable member 37 to move into contact with the major surface below the removable formwork 14 . At this time, a force will be applied to the electrical components (not shown) below the removable template 14 . In response to this applied pressure, a speaker within the base 14 will provide the user with the sound of a train siren. In another example, the movable element 39 is in the form of a window capable of moving up and down. The interactive device is capable of emitting a sound in response to this movement. The removable formwork 14 may also have some moving elements 19 in the form of push-buttons in the form of numbers (eg 1 to 10). When the user presses these numbers, the base 12 can provide corresponding audio output. For example, when the number "10" is pressed, a synthesized voice "ten" is emitted from the speaker.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of certain components used in an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each element shown in Figure 4 is enclosed in a base. Some of these components, such as the removable information storage medium 80, are physically separable from the base.

The interactive device includes a processor 86 . The processor 86 may be one or more microprocessors used to facilitate the operation of the interactive device. In embodiments of the invention, the one or more microprocessors may comprise an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

Processor 86 may be connected to various suitable electronic components. In FIG. 4 , processor 86 is coupled to memory 90 , input device 92 , and array of electrical components 88 . Speech synthesizer 82 and audio output device 84 provide synthesized speech or other audio output to the user. The removable information storage medium 80 is detachably connected to the processor 86 . In some embodiments, the removable information storage medium 80 is insertable into a slot in the base. Data can be extracted from the base or provided to the base through the removable information storage medium.

Speech synthesizer 82 may be a speech synthesis chip that is separate from the microprocessor that controls the interaction between the various components in the interactive device. Alternatively, speech synthesizer 82 may be integrated on a computer chip, along with the logic that controls the interaction of the various components in the interactive device.

Audio output device 84 provides audio output to the user. Such audio output devices include speakers, earphones, and the like. In addition to or alternatively to the audio output device 84, other output devices such as a video output device (not shown) may be used. Such video output devices include LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays).

Memory 90 may be any suitable temporary or permanent information storage device. Memory 90 may include optical storage, magnetic storage, or electrical storage media such as optical disks, magnetic disks, tape or sticks, and the like. Any combination of information storage devices may also be used to form the memory 90 of the interactive device. In some embodiments, the memory 90 may include one or more chips such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Access Memory), and EPROM (Erasable Programmable Memory). For example, memory 90 may include a ROM chip with a storage capacity of about 2MB or more.

The memory 90 may hold various suitable information. For example, the memory 90 may store an electronic map of the detachable templates or sheets used in the base. Each electronic map associates a particular output with a particular electrical element in the array of electrical elements. The specific output may be associated with a specific printed element on the printed sheet, or with a specific movable element within a specific removable template. The memory 90 may also store a code of the user name or a code for extracting the user name from, for example, a removable information storage medium. The device may greet the user by the user's name so that the user's feel may be personalized. The output code of the interactive device may also be stored in memory 90 .

In some embodiments, some information such as questions, text, pictures, musical sounds, applications, etc. can be stored in the code library, source file library, and application library. These library files may be present in memory 90 . Such information, once stored in memory 90 , can be retrieved in accordance with the instruction set of processor 86 . Instruction sets for manipulating data, rather than the data files themselves, can be transferred to and from the interactive device very quickly. Larger data files such as sound and graphics files do not have to be stored in the cradle, nor do they need to be transferred repeatedly to and from the cradle. Smaller instruction files are available for transfers, resulting in faster data transfers and lower storage capacity requirements. Musical data can be quickly transferred to and from the interactive device according to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) or a protocol such as MIDI. For example, in some embodiments, the actual audio data need not be transferred to or from the base, but only the instruction to play the audio data. This allows audio sequences saved in the dock to be used multiple times without requiring more storage space for the audio.

Instructions to play audio data include Generic Audio Sequences (GASs).

GASs are short instructions for specifying and playing audio source code. A sequence of GAS commands can specify a complex audio sequence. As an example, the GAS instruction may include the following:

GAS commands for hGAS～Hello There Play hCA～Hello

Wait 0.1second

PlayhCA There

In this example, the actual audio data for the words "Hello" and "There" doesn't have to be sent to and from the dock. These segments can be stored once in the cradle's memory and then retrieved and played according to commands transmitted to and from the cradle. The instruction file is usually smaller than the actual audio file, so the instruction file can be transferred to and from the dock more quickly than the actual audio file. Therefore, the interactive device of the embodiment of the present invention is easier to update.

General Audio Sequence (GAS) can call various audio source codes stored in CA, SYN and RAW audio source codes. While various suitable designations may be used, SYN is an abbreviation for the word "synthesized" and may be used with chip synthesizers used for musical instruments, horns, animal sounds, and the like. A "SYN" file is available as a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) class file. "RAW" can be a raw uncompressed audio sound file. They are usually used for high quality sound. "CA" can be expressed as a "compressed audio (audio compression)" file.

Each CA audio source file is a compressed binary file used to represent words, phrases or sounds. Each SYN audio source file can be a set of instructions representing instruments and descriptions. In some embodiments, the actual instrument sound files are not saved as SYN audio source files, but are saved as instructions. This enables instructions for musical groups to specify complex but high-quality musical elements in a small space. Instrumental sounds and notes are stored in a RAW audio source file, which can be an uncompressed binary file representing the sound. It is used for high-quality audio output.

The interactive device may have one or more input devices 92 .

Such input devices may include stylus, knobs, buttons, and sliders. They can be arranged in the edge region of the base. For example, the selection device described above could be an input device. Other input devices such as volume controllers may also be provided in the base.

Various suitable removable information storage media 80 can be used in the interactive device. For example, a case, disc, tape, or memory stick, etc. Data boxes are best as they are easy for kids to grab and manipulate. In some embodiments, the removable information storage medium 80 includes a flash memory cartridge.

The removable information storage medium 80 can be used to provide new computer code to the interactive device. Suitable computer code includes interactive device update code for adapting the interactive device to the new removable template. Additionally, the code can be used to update the interactive device to work with other sheets. Thus, through the removable information storage medium 80, the interactive device can be reprogrammed to adapt to new removable templates and sheets on which different printing elements are printed. It can also be used to transmit audio or graphics data and instructions to play audio or graphics data to an interactive device.

The removable information storage medium 80 can also be used to extract computer code from the interactive device for other purposes. For example, the user's performance information may be recorded in a user log file stored in the portable information storage medium 80 . The user's achievement information can be registered in the user's log file, and the achievement information can be uploaded to the computer server at the same time. Through achievement information and optionally personal information, the computer server is able to select content for the user. For example, there are letters A-Z on the detachable template in the interactive device used by the user (ie, the interactive device shown in FIG. 2 ). In the interactive mode, the interactive device asks the user questions about letter recognition and spelling. For example, these questions could be "Can you find the letter A?" and "Can you spell CAT?" The interactive device may discover that the user is already very proficient in letter recognition, but needs improvement in spelling skills. This achievement information will be recorded in the user's log in the removable information storage medium 80, and uploaded to the computer server. In response, the server pulls more spelling questions and fewer recognition questions. Thus, the interactive device can adapt to the user's learning ability over time and provide different challenges to the user. Adaptive learning processes and systems are described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/632,424, filed August 4, 2000, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety .

In some embodiments, the removable information storage medium does not necessarily transfer computer code to and from the base. For example, the base has or is connected to a transceiver (eg, RF transceiver) for receiving or transmitting computer code to a computer separate from the base. In another example, the base may have a data port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port for the user to transfer data to and from the base through a physical connection. The physical connection can be a data cable to the computer.

The interactive device may be powered by batteries or cables.

Batteries are preferably used to power the electronics in base 12 . In addition, when the interactive device is not used for a predetermined period of time (such as 1 or 3 minutes or longer), the base 12 can automatically cut off the power. Doing so preserves battery power in the event the user forgets to turn off the interactive device. Especially children, they are likely to forget to turn off electronic toys after using them.

An example of the operation mode of the interactive device will be described below with reference to FIG. 4 . When the user depresses the movable element within a removable template on the major surface of the base, the force applied by the user to the movable element is transmitted to the major surface as well as electrical components such as pressure sensitive switches. The pressure sensitive switch is located under the movable element and major surface, and in the array of electrical elements 88 . Processor 86 then determines which electrical element in the array of electrical elements 88 is activated at the time. After determining the activated electrical component, the processor 86 retrieves the voice data corresponding to the activated electrical component from the memory 90 . The extracted speech data is associated with the movable element depressed by the user. For example, the movable element is a square red button. The speech data extracted corresponding to the movable element may be a phrase such as "red square". After determining what sounds to provide to the user, processor 86 uses the extracted speech data to cause speech synthesizer 82 and audio output device 84 to form speech.

As noted above, the array of electrical components 88 may be located below a major surface of the submount. The electrical components in the array can be arranged regularly or irregularly. For example, the electrical elements may be arranged in an array of data rows and columns. Each electrical element may correspond to a particular row and a particular column in the array of electrical elements 88 . FIG. 5 is a schematic electrical diagram of an array of electrical switches. In this figure, there are 112 switches in 8 rows and 14 columns of detachable templates, which are marked 1 to 112 respectively. Each switch corresponds to a specific row and a specific column. In an array of electrical components, a portion of the electrical components in the array can be used to interact with movable components in one template, while other electrical components in the array can be used to interact with movable components in another template. For example, referring to Fig. 5, the first removable template may be designed to activate switches 47, 60 and 69 and provide an output related to the pattern on the first removable template. The second removable template is designed to activate the switches 71, 74 and 80 and provide an output related to the pattern on the second removable template.

Designating different switches in the array for use with different removable panels eliminates the need to reassign electrical components in the electrical component array so that different removable panels in the base extract different outputs.

In some embodiments, one or more electrical elements in the array of electrical elements 88 are assigned to identify a particular template (or a particular sheet with one or more different printing elements) used by the user. Each movable template contains a movable element to activate a specific electrical component. This electrical element can be pre-assigned to inform the base: on the base is a different removable template. After activation, specific electrical components in the array of electrical components 88 may again be assigned to extract an output corresponding to a new removable template on the base.

For clarity, referring again to FIG. 5 , a first detachable panel (not shown in the figure) is arranged on the switch array. At this time, the "go" button (or other indication) in the upper right corner can be pressed to activate the switch 14 . A synthetic tone emanating from the base speaker prompts the user to press the "Go" button. The removable template 14 is activated and the processor determines that the first removable template is present on the base.

Switches 85, 87 and 89 can be used to extract outputs specific to the first removable plate when activated by other movable elements in the first removable plate. After interacting with the first detachable template, a second detachable template can be placed on the switch array. This second detachable template has a "Go" button in the lower right corner. A "GO" button within the second removable template may be disposed on the switch 112 . Other movable elements in the second removable template can be arranged on switches 85 , 87 and 89 . Once the "GO" button in the second removable template is pressed, the switch 112 is activated and the processor determines that the second removable template is on the base. At this point, the processor reassigns switches 85, 87 and 89 so that when they are actuated the extracted output is associated with the second detachable template rather than the first detachable template.

Additionally, or alternatively, the dock can automatically determine which template is currently in use without prompting from the user. For example, in some embodiments, each removable panel has a protruding portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the removable panel, or protruding from the side of the panel. The protrusion can be in a different position for each removable template, thereby activating a different pressure sensitive switch (eg, a switch under or on the side of the template) when a different removable template is placed on the base. At this time, the processor in the base can determine which detachable formwork is currently on the base according to the specific switch activated by the detachable formwork. In another example, there are multiple electrical contacts at various locations on the bottom edge of the removable formwork. Corresponding electrical contacts may be located on the major surface of the base. When there is a removable formwork on the base, the bottom edge of the movable element is in contact with the upper edge of the major surface. A specific set of electrical contacts on the bottom edge of the removable form makes electrical contact with the upper edge of the major surface. A processor in the base then determines which contact is activated on the edge of the major surface.

From this information, the processor can determine which removable formwork is currently on the base.

As mentioned above, the electrical component may be a pressure sensitive switch. In some embodiments, each switch has an upper conductive region and a lower conductive region that do not make contact between the two when no pressure is applied. The upper conductive regions can be arranged in a specific row, while the lower conductive regions can be arranged in a specific column (or vice versa). When pressure is applied to the upper conductive region, the upper conductive region contacts the lower conductive region, thereby closing the circuit to activate the switch. The processor determines the row and column of the push switch. The output of the activation switch is then retrieved from memory and provided to the user.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a part of a switch array in an embodiment of the present invention. Lower conductive regions 42(a), 42(b) correspond to columns in the switch array. The lower conductive regions 42(a), 42(b) may be, for example, conductive ink printed on an insulating substrate. The lower conductive regions 42 ( a ), 42 ( b ) of each column are electrically isolated by insulating regions 46 . A plurality of insulating spacers 44 are provided on the lower conductive regions 42(a), 42(b).

Insulating spacers 44 separate the lower conductive regions 42(a), 42(b) of the switches from corresponding upper conductive regions (not shown). The upper conductive region is separated from the lower conductive region 42(a), 42(b) by an air gap. In the absence of pressure, this air gap separates the upper and lower conductive areas of the switch, allowing the switch to be in the open state.

When pressure is applied to the switch, the upper conductive region of the switch contacts the lower conductive region to form a closed circuit. Referring to Figure 7, pressure can be applied to the major surface 29 of the base. The user can apply pressure to the major surface 29 using, for example, a finger, a stylus, or a movable element within the removable template. Styluses may include marking or non-marking implements. Marking tools include crayons, pens, markers, and pencils. Additional details regarding embodiments of the marking implement can be found in U.S. Patent Application 02/19364 (Attorney-Docket No. 020824-001400US), entitled "Interactive Apparatus Using Print Media," filed on the same date as this application . This patent application has the same assignee as this application, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The movable member comprises an upper portion which is accessible to the user and a lower portion which is in contact with the main surface 29 of the base. The major surface 29 may be on an upper insulating layer 52 on which an upper conductive region 54 is printed. The upper insulating layer 52 may be made of, for example, Mylar or other suitable flexible insulating material. The insulating spacer 44 is used to prevent the upper conductive region 54 and the lower conductive region 42 on the lower insulating layer 60 from contacting each other. However, when pressure is applied to major surface 29, upper insulating layer 52 and upper conductive region 54 deform. The upper conductive region 54 then makes contact with the lower conductive region 42 and activates the switch. The conductive material constituting the conductive region can be a solid material or a patterned material. Conductive profiles can save costs by reducing the amount of conductive material used in interactive installations.

The maximum lateral gap between adjacent insulating pads 44 can be adjusted so that the user's palm cannot actuate the switch, but the user can use fingers or a stylus to actuate the switch, and the insulating pads 44 will move the switch up and down. The conductive areas are separated,

For example, in some embodiments, the maximum lateral gap between adjacent insulating spacers 44 may be approximately between 0.3175 cm and 1.27 cm (or less). This allows the user to rest their palm on the main surface of the base without fear of accidentally actuating a switch beneath the main surface.

In some embodiments of the invention, the removable formwork should be adapted to secure the sheet to the base and to align the sheet with the major surfaces of the base. The interactive device can adopt various suitable sheets. The sheet may be colored or uncolored, and may include any suitable number or type of printed elements.

As an example, the printing elements may include graphics, pictures (such as photos), symbols, maps, letters, numbers and the like. A user can interact with the printed elements on the sheet, and the interactive device can provide an output in response to the interaction. Such interactions include, for example, writing on or pressing a printed element. For example, the print element may be, for example, a letter or character that can be colored by a user, and an output associated with the colored letter or character can be provided to the user. The user can also select the printing element without writing on the sheet. For example, a sheet can be placed on the base, and then the user can select a picture, text or letter printed on the sheet instead of marking on the sheet. The output associated with the selected picture, text or letter is provided to the user.

The location of the contacts between the upper conductive region 54 and the lower conductive region 42 may correspond to the pattern marked or noted on the interactive sheet or template on the major surface 29 . In this embodiment of the interactive device, the pattern representing block "A" includes a pair of conductive regions 42 and an upper conductive region 54 . For example, there are 10 pairs of contacts under the block "A" of the movable sheet. When the color pen is used to color the block "A" on the movable sheet, 10 pairs of contacts are activated repeatedly in sequence, and the interactive device responds with an audio signal at the same time. For example, the sound could be "This is the letter A, say "aeh" or "aaeee" in apple or april". The interactive device can continue to play other sounds as long as the letter "A" is still colored. For example, the song "April Flowers" or the verse "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" may continue to play. If the child is coloring block "A", the act of coloring may not be done continuously and the child may stop for a moment and remove the marker from the block. The sound doesn't have to start from the beginning while the child continues to color, especially if the child stops for only a few seconds. Because the "debounce" technique is symmetrical, using the traditional debounce technique when the child resumes coloring after a pause delays the acknowledgment of the signal and delays the restart of the signal. (Traditional debounce techniques require counting repeated touches to a predetermined number before confirming that the signal is true if not false, and waiting for a predetermined number of missed touches in a row before confirming that the signal is terminated.) There is no need for a delay to start, so known debounce techniques are not suitable for solving the problem of the sound starting every time the child pauses for a few seconds. Therefore, the interactive device of the present invention creatively adopts the asymmetric bounce technology in design. In the following, the start of contact in a group of contacts is referred to as "falling edge", and the termination of contact in a group of contacts is referred to as "rising edge". In the inventive asymmetric debounce technique, for a given sampling rate of an electrical signal, the falling edge only needs to sample the set of contacts once to reveal the electrical signal and confirm that the signal is correct (or "good"). In contrast, a rising edge requires 39 missed samples in a row to confirm termination of motion, which actually occurs when no electrical signal is detected. If any electrical signal is detected before 39 samples, the sound resumes as if no interruption occurred at all (the above values of 1 and 39 are chosen for illustration only, asymmetric debounce techniques are usually best used with different values, So any suitable value can be used.) In this way, the sound can be prevented from accidentally jumping to the end. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, if the user does not interact with the sheet within a predetermined time, the sound will start from the beginning instead of starting from the place where it has been played to the user before.

The removable formwork used to secure the sheet to the base may have a plurality of movable elements. The movable element may be the same as or different from the above-mentioned movable element. The device provides an output when the user applies force to the sheet or moves a movable element in the removable formwork.

Even with only one removable template on the base, the user has at least two different ways to interact with the interactive device.

The interactive device in these embodiments is capable of providing appropriate output in response to coloring and writing on the sheet. This increases the user's creativity, self-expression and imagination. Actions other than pressing a button can result in some output that is educational, encouraging, entertaining, and/or informative to the user. During the user's entertainment activities, the interactive device can strengthen or teach the educational concept to the user.

Figure 8 shows an interactive device that includes a detachable template that secures a piece to a base. The removable panel 14 includes a hinge connecting the first part 22 to a second part (not shown). The first and second parts may take the form of a frame and be of substantially planar construction. The second part is below the first part 22 . The second part may have a window (or flexible membrane) substantially the same size as the first part window so that pressure can be applied to the major surface below the removable formwork 14 through the window.

Together the first and second parts form a clamshell structure.

The first part 22 has a frame for forming a window. The user can lift the first part 22 by grasping the upper wing portion inside the first part 22 . Lifting the first portion allows an actuator (not shown) at the bottom of the removable formwork 14 to apply force to an electrical component (such as a switch) below the removable formwork 14 . Can sound in loudspeaker 18 then: " put into a new coloring page ". At this point, certain electrical components are locked out (ie, unresponsive) until the user loads the chip and presses an indicator (eg, green circle "go") notifying the base that a chip has been placed on it. The user then places the sheet 27 between the first and second parts. And the first part 22 is joined with the second part to close the removable formwork. The sheet 27 can thus be viewed through the window in the first part 22 . At the same time, a voice can be emitted from the speaker 18: "Let's learn ABC and color them".

The user can press the circle "Go" 24 (or other identifier) imprinted on the sheet 27 to notify the base that a sheet 27 is on it. At this time, the speaker will emit a sound to prompt the user to "press the circle Go!" on the coloring page. The user then presses the circle "Go" with a marker or finger. Pressing the circle "Go" activates the electrical components beneath the main surface. Activating the electrical components under the circle "Go" will notify the base that the sheet 27 shown in FIG. 8 is already on the base 12. The user may depress the reset button 15 if the user presses the wrong part of the sheet 27 and activates the electrical components of another sheet or template. When pressed, the interactive unit resets and prompts the user to "press the green circle Go" to continue.

The sheet 27 in this example includes a plurality of printing elements. The printing elements on the sheet 27 shown in FIG. 8 include: a large letter P, the word PIE and a frog eating a pie. Users can color these printed elements with markers or scribblers. As the user applies color to the printed elements, pressure is applied to the flap 27 and the major surface below the flap 27 . The applied pressure activates one or more electrical components (not shown) beneath the colored printing element. Upon activation of one or more electrical components, the sound corresponding to the printed element being colored by the user is provided to the user through the speaker 18 . For example, when a user is coloring the word "PIE," the synthesized speech from the speaker says "pie, pie is spelled P-I-E." In another example, if the user colors the frog that is eating a pie, then the sound provided to the user is that of the thing that is eating the pie.

The interactive device can use multiple sheets, and the device can also have different modes of operation. In one of the modes of operation, the interactive device can interrogate the user. For example, the interactive device may ask the user "Where is the letter P?". In response, the user may color the P, at which point the interactive device may sound a reward such as "Correct" in response to the user's selection. In another mode of operation, the user can apply pressure to different printed elements, in which case different musical compositions are presented to the user. For example, the user correctly colors the picture of ants and the letter A.

In response to this coloring operation, the interactive device can play correspondingly different tunes when the colored printing elements are different. This can increase the user's entertainment, attracting the user to continue to participate in the interactive device.

FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of text content related to the sheet 27 . As shown in FIG. 11 , when the printing elements selected by the user are different, the sound output of the device is also different. In Figure 11, "dt" means "press down" onto eg a typographical element, while "drag" means the user is dragging an implement across eg a typographical element, and "sfx" means "sound effect".

After the user interacts with the sheet 27, another sheet with different printing elements can be replaced. For example, the sheet 27 shown in FIG. 8 may be replaced by a sheet printed with a large letter "A" and an ant pattern. The user can notify the base that a different sheet has been placed on it, or the base itself can notify that a different sheet has been replaced. A processor within the base can then assign the electrical elements such that the resulting output corresponds to the printed elements on the new sheet.

For example, a user can color an ant pattern on a new body, and the speaker can play a synthesized sound: "Ants spell A-N-T."

The removable formwork 14 shown in Figure 8 has a plurality of moving elements 19, wherein each moving element 19 is within the frame structure of the second part and passes through a hole in the frame of the first part. Each moving element 19 is a button which can be pressed by the user. In this example, the moving element 19 on the left side of the removable formwork 14 is square, triangular or star-shaped. The moving element 19 can also be provided with bright colors such as green, red and yellow. The mobile element 19 on the right has a different color and at the same time takes the shape of a lily. When the user presses one of the moving elements 19, the speaker 18 emits a synthesized sound to announce the color and shape of the moving element 19 pressed by the user.

Certain aspects of the removable formwork of the type shown in Figure 8 will now be described with reference to Figures 9(a) and 9(b). The detachable form shown in FIG. 9( a ) has a first part 14 ( a ) and a second part 14 ( b ), and the two parts are fixed together by a connecting structure 29 . In some embodiments, the connection may be an "openable" connection that is easily closed by simply pressing the connection parts together. In a typical openable connection, a knob on the first part of the form fits into a recess in the second part of the form to snap the two parts together. Children can easily open this box-type template at the connection structure. Therefore, just an openable and restorable connection structure allows children to "open" the connection, and parents can put the template back together for reuse.

The first part 14 (a) includes a plurality of holes 28 (a), 28 (b), which can accommodate the upper part of the moving elements 19 (a), 19 (b) in the second part 14 (b) of the removable formwork 14 . In some embodiments, apertures 28(a), 28(b) are configured to cooperate with moving elements 19(a), 19(b). For example, each moving element 19(a), 19(b) may be made circular, triangular or square. The holes 28(a), 28(b) in which the movable elements can be placed can be made into larger circles, triangles or squares. When the removable panels are in the closed position, the upper portions of the moving elements 19(a), 19(b) enter the holes 28(a), 28(b) of the first part 14(a). Thus, a user can depress the moving elements 19(a), 19(b) when the removable panel 14 is in the closed position.

When the user presses the moving element 19(a), 19(a) will move down. The lower portion of the moving element 19(a) will then come into contact with the main surface 35 of the base (not shown). As shown, the lower portion has a smaller width than the upper portion of the moving element 19(a). Electrical components P are located below the main surface 35 . When a force F is applied to the moving element 19(a), this force is also applied to the major surface 35 of the base. The moving element 19(a) is thus brought into contact with the electrical element P. As shown in FIG. For example, the electrical element P may be a pressure sensitive switch which activates when pressed.

The lower part of the other non-depressed moving element 19 ( b ) is not in contact with the main surface 35 of the base 12 . In this way, the electrical components underlying the main surface 35 of the base can be selectively actuated by the user applying force to the main surface 35 . A processor in the base can determine which electrical element is activated and extract the appropriate output based on the movable element being moved by the user.

Figure 9(b) shows the removable formwork in Figure 9(a) in its open position. In this figure, there are shown windows 33(a), 33(b) formed by the frame-shaped first and second portions 14(a), 14(b) of the removable formwork 14. As shown in FIG. Two protrusions 7(a), 7(b) protrude from the first and second portions 14(a), 14(b). When the removable panel 14 is in the open position, the raised portion 7(b) activates a pressure sensitive switch (not shown) on the inside of the edge area (not shown) of the base so that the base knows: The frame form 14 is on the base and in an open position. The template 14 will then close and another raised portion 7(a) will activate another switch on the same inner side of the edge region to indicate that the template has been closed.

Thus, in an embodiment of the present invention, the base can automatically determine whether the frame form is on the base, and whether the form is in the open or closed position.

Additionally, a dimple 35 may be formed in the second portion 14(b). The outer edge of the dimple 35 can be slightly larger than the size of standard paper (such as 20.32×27.94 square centimeters), so that a piece of paper (not shown) can stay in the dimple 35 and be properly aligned with the removable template 14 . The panels between the first and second sections 14(a), 14(b) can be viewed through the window 33(a) in the first section 14(a) when the removable panel 14 is in the closed position. In order to further fix this sheet on the correct position of the removable formwork 14, a liner (not shown) can be arranged on the inner surface of the first part 14 (a), which just extends to the edge of the window 33 (a). edge. This liner, which can be made of elastomer, fixes the sheet in the recess 35 so that the sheet cannot move. As noted above, the wafer is preferably positioned so that each printed element on the wafer is aligned with the electrical elements beneath the major surface of the base.

Figure 9(c) shows part of the frame formwork with the pads. The first parts 14(a) and 14(b) are shown in Figure 9(c). A liner 8 may be placed on the first portion 14(a) and secured thereto. In this example, the inner surface of the first portion 14(a) is flat, while the inner surface of the second portion 14(b) is angled relative to the inner surface of the first portion 14(a). The liner 8 may also have a surface which is at an angle to its opposite surface.

This angled surface of the pad 8 and the second portion 14(b) can be used to secure the sheet 5 to the upper surface of the base (not shown). Since the sheet 5 tapers gradually towards the upper surface of the base, it is less likely that a user will poke through the sheet 5 at its edge and next to the first and second template parts 14(a), 14(b).

The removable template securing the sheet to the base may have some other or different features than those described above. For example, the removable formwork embodiment shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) is a clamshell design. In other embodiments, the removable template may be a template that secures a sheet with printed elements to the base. For example, the removable formwork may have no first portion 14(a) but only a second portion 14(b). In addition, instead of dimples 35 , parallel rails may be formed on opposite sides of the frame-shaped first portion 14 ( a ) or second portion 14 ( b ). The user can insert the paper sheet into the guide rail, thereby guiding the paper sheet to the proper position of the removable template. In another embodiment, a flexible membrane may be used in place of the window 33(b) in the second portion 14(b).

In some embodiments, the computer code used by the interactive device may be sent (eg, downloaded) to the user from a remote server. The code is the output (or the command to play the output) of the different detachable templates or sheets. For example, these codes may be audio or visual output to be emitted by the interactive device. It is also possible to send to the user some codes for processing the sheet with different printing elements. The user then prints out the sheets at the location where the printer is used. The printed sheet can be used in this interactive installation.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the system of one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The system includes a main site 109 and user sites 120 . User site 120 may be, for example, home, school, or work. The main site 109 and the user site 120 may be connected via a communication medium 107 .

Primary site 109 may include a server 105 operated by a service provider. In this example, the main site 109 has a server 105 that can read the content database 103 and the profile database 101 .

Server 105 is typically a powerful computer, but it can also be a cluster of computers. For example, the server may be a mainframe, a cluster of minicomputers, or a group of servers used as a unit. In one instance, the server may be a database server connected to a web server. The server can be thought of as a computer that handles one or more client requests. For example, one or more main sites 109 of different user sites may be connected to the server through the communication medium 107 and one or more Internet Service Providers (ISPs) (not shown). Typically, client computers have less memory and less computing power than server 105 . Typically, server 105 is located remotely from client computer 109 .

Server 105 may carry computer code for various functions. For example, server 105 may host code for updating user profiles in a user profile database, code for retrieving data from any suitable database, and code for sending data to various persons. The following codes may also be provided: code to select content for the content pack, code to assemble the content pack, and code to send the content pack to the user. The content package may include: code for audio output, code for graphics output, code for instructions to play audio or graphics code, code for printing a typographic element, code for personalizing information, and the like.

The server 105 and the client computer can communicate through a communication medium such as the Internet, especially the World Wide Web (WWW). The communication protocol commonly used by the server 105 and the client computer may include HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), TCP/IP (Terminal Communication Protocol/Internet Protocol) or other protocols.

Server 105 may carry data representing a website. There may be a suitable number of pages in the website, and it is preferably intended to entertain users under the age of 18. On the website, a user (or someone else such as a user's parent) can, for example, create a user profile, set preferences, play games and select content for content packs.

The personal profile database 101 may include data of user's personal preferences and user information. User profile information may include basic information about the user. Such basic information includes the user's age, hobbies, address, phone number, e-mail address, school, relatives, teachers, parents, etc. User profile information may also include information on user preferences. User preferences may include favorite things, relatives, teachers, songs, sports, food, and cartoons.

Information in the personal profile database 101 can be downloaded to the user site 120 and transmitted to the interactive device 113 . Thus, the user's feeling of use can be more humanized. For example, a user profile indicates that the user likes to exercise. In this way, some mathematical problems or sentences related to sports can be selected by the user, and downloaded for use in the interactive device.

Content database 103 may include a variety of suitable content. The content may include information used in the interactive device. Such information may include, for example, questions (eg, questions, puzzles, riddles, quizzes) as well as songs, games, hints, music, facts, greetings, and messages (eg, calls for help, encouragement, hints, or error messages). The content database 103 may also include codes for the electronic maps of the individual detachable templates and sheets. In addition, the content database 103 may also contain codes of printed element sheets. The code can be downloaded to the user site 120 where it can be printed out with a printer. The sheet may contain various suitable printed elements such as characters, letters, numbers, animals, games and the like.

The content in the content database 103 can also be stored in various suitable forms. For example, the content can be saved in compressed or uncompressed form, it can also be saved in the form of sound files such as MP3 files, WAV files and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files, and it can also be saved in graphic files such as video files, image files, etc. (such as bitmap files) and text files are saved.

At the user site 120, the client computer 109 is operatively connected to a connection device 111. The client computer 109 can be an ordinary personal computer based on Windows operating system. The connection device 111 may be connected to the client computer 109 in a wireless or wired manner (eg, cable). The interactive means 113 can receive computer code from the server 105 via the client computer 109 by means of the connection device 111 .

The connection device 111 may be any suitable device as long as it can transfer data between the client computer 109 and the interactive device 113 . The connection device 111 may be, for example, a wireless transceiver such as a wireless RF (Radio Frequency) transceiver or an infrared transceiver. However, in a preferred embodiment, the connection device 111 is capable of reading information from and writing information to the removable information storage medium. In a typical embodiment, the removable information storage medium may be a storage box that can be inserted into the base of the connection device 111 and the interactive device 113 . Data can be transferred directly or indirectly to the interactive device through the connection device 111 .

The system shown in Figure 10 has many advantages. For example, using the system shown in Figure 10, different sheets with different printing elements can be downloaded to the user's site. It is also possible to download some computer code (such as an electronic map) to reprogram the interactive device to accommodate new tiles. Thus, the user is not limited to the sheets available, for example, in a local store. The user can easily read new and different content, whereby the interactive device can further absorb the user.

In some embodiments, the interactive device can be used with other types of equipment to form a set of equipment that can grow with the child, eg, to educate the child. Each of these devices, such as educational toys, can be designed to educate children of a certain age. For example, an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be designed to educate children aged 3 to 6.

Another device may be used, such as one embodiment shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,142,784 (the assignee of which is the same as the assignee of the present invention, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) to teach 7 Children up to 12 years old. Then use other equipment to educate children from 12 to 16 and from 1 to 3 years old. This group of devices can be used together as part of a personalized education service, so that children have different devices that complement each other and help children learn as they grow.

The terms and expressions used herein are for the purpose of illustration only and not of limitation, and the use of such terms and expressions does not exclude equivalents to the stated features or parts shown. Various modifications are possible within the protection scope of the present invention. In addition, any one or more features in one embodiment of the present invention can be used in combination with any one or more features in other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the concept of the present invention. For example, various interactive device embodiments of the various features described in FIGS. 1-9 could be used with the system shown in FIG. 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (38)

1, a kind of interactive apparatus, it comprises: a) pedestal, it comprises i) a smooth substantially plane and the ii) electrical device array under this plane; B) processor, it links to each other with this electrical device array in operation; C) storer, it links to each other with this processor in operation; D) audio output apparatus, it links to each other with processor in operation; And e) movable die plate on the base-plates surface; Wherein movable die plate comprises a moving element, its be arranged in a electrical equipment in this array electrical equipment above, wherein this electrical equipment can provide the audio frequency output corresponding to this moving element.

2, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this electrical device array comprises switch arrays.

3, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this audio output apparatus comprises a loudspeaker.

4, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this audio output apparatus is arranged in the pedestal.

5, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this movable die plate is suitable for educating user learning numeral or alphabetical.

6, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this pedestal comprises a fringe region, this fringe region forms this surperficial part at least, and wherein this template structurally can be assembled in this fringe region.

7, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this interactive apparatus is a toy.

8, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this movable die plate comprises that one basic is the lamellar body on plane by what molded plastics was made.

9, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this movable die plate comprises a stagnant zone, and wherein this moving element can be independent of stagnant zone and moves and have structure and an outward appearance that is different from stagnant zone.

10, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this movable die plate comprises a stagnant zone, wherein this moving element comprises the part that move on the parallel movable die plate of an energy plane.

11, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this storer comprises the reprogrammable storer.

12, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises a voice operation demonstrator.

13, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this pedestal further comprises a groove and the portable information storage medium that can be inserted in this groove.

14, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises one group of movable die plate.

15, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, template wherein comprises: (i) syndeton; The first that (ii) has a framework; The second portion that (iii) has a framework; Wherein this first and second portion are connected together by this syndeton.

16, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, movable die plate wherein comprises: (i) syndeton; (ii) having a framework and this framework has the first in a hole; The second portion that (iii) has a framework; Wherein this moving element arranges that wherein this first and second portion are connected together by this syndeton in this framework of this second portion, and when this movable die plate was in the close position, moving element wherein passed the hole of first's framework.

17, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, movable die plate wherein comprises: (i) syndeton; The first that (ii) has a framework; The second portion that (iii) has a framework; First wherein and second portion are connected together by this syndeton; Wherein this interactive apparatus further comprises a lamellar body, this lamellar body is arranged between this first and second portion of movable die plate, and comprise a plurality of printing elements, these printing elements are arranged in the electrical device array on the selected electrical equipment, and wherein selected electrical equipment is used for extracting the audio frequency output relevant with this printing element.

18, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, it comprises that further a selection equipment is to select a kind of operator scheme.

19, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, moving element wherein comprise a numeral or a letter.

20, interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein this interactive apparatus adopts asymmetric knock-on technology to determine whether the user has carried out interactive operation with this lamellar body within the predetermined time.

21, a system, it comprises: server; Client computer and interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

22, a system, it comprises: server; The client computer that is connected by communication with server; The connection device that links to each other with this client computer; And interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

23, a kind of interactive apparatus, it comprises: a) pedestal, it comprises i) face, the ii) switch arrays below this face, iii) a storer, iv) a processor, it links to each other with processor with these switch arrays in operation, v) slot, and vi) loudspeaker; B) portable information storage medium, it can be inserted in this slot movably; And c) movable die plate on the base-plates surface; Wherein movable die plate comprises a stationary part and a plurality of moving element, it is static that wherein each moving element can both move stationary part maintenance simultaneously, and each moving element all has a structure that is different from stationary part, a plurality of moving elements wherein are arranged on one group of switch in this array switch, and each switch in this group switch all can provide the audio frequency output relevant with moving element on this switch.

24, as the interactive apparatus of claim 23, it comprises one group of movable die plate.

25, as the interactive apparatus of claim 23, portable information storage medium wherein is a data capsule.

26, as the interactive apparatus of claim 23, portable information storage medium wherein comprises a flash memory.

27, as the interactive apparatus of claim 23, pedestal wherein further comprises a fringe region, and it holds the surface of pedestal, and fringe region wherein and template are fit structure.

28, as the interactive apparatus of claim 23, portable information storage medium wherein comprises a flash memory.

29, as the interactive apparatus of claim 23, interactive apparatus wherein is an educational toy.

30, a system, it comprises: server; Client computer and as the interactive apparatus of claim 23.

31, a system, it comprises: server; The client computer that is connected by communication with server; The connection device that links to each other with client computer; And as the interactive apparatus of claim 23.

32, a kind of method of using a kind of interactive apparatus, this method comprises: a pedestal a) is provided, and it comprises a smooth substantially plane; B) movable die plate is arranged on this smooth substantially plane; C) moving element in the mobile movable die plate; And d) in response to the moving of moving element, provides an audio frequency output corresponding to moving element.

33, as the method for claim 32, moving element wherein is first moving element, and wherein movable die plate is first movable die plate, and method wherein further comprises: e) first movable die plate is taken off from pedestal; F) second movable die plate is put on the pedestal, second movable die plate wherein comprises one second moving element; G) move second moving element; And h) in response to the moving of second moving element, provides an audio frequency output corresponding to second moving element.

34, as the method for claim 32, movable die plate wherein comprises a framework, and this method further comprises: the surface that e) with movable die plate one lamellar body that comprises printing element is fixed to pedestal; F) write at the printing element subscript; And g) generates a output corresponding to this printing element.

35, as the method for claim 32, mark wherein write comprise painted.

36, a kind of a kind of movable die plate that on the interactive apparatus base-plates surface, uses, this movable die plate comprises: a) stagnant zone; And b) moving element, this moving element structurally is different from stagnant zone, and can be independent of stagnant zone and move; Moving element wherein comprises a top and a bottom, and top wherein can be moved by the user, and bottom wherein can contact with the surface in response to moving of user, and pedestal wherein generates an audio frequency output relevant with this moving element.

37, as the movable die plate of claim 36, it further comprises: a syndeton; ) have a first that a hole is arranged on a framework and this framework; The second portion that (iii) has a framework, framework wherein has stagnant zone and moving element; Wherein first and second portion are connected together by syndeton, and moving element wherein extends through the hole of first's framework.

38. as the movable die plate of claim 36, it further comprises a plurality of moving elements, wherein each moving element all comprises a kind of bright color.

Images