Patent Application
20060025036
Many types of interactive electronic games and toys are known. Generally, interactive electronic toys are toys that have the ability to receive an electronic input from a user, and to produce a specific output in response to the input. Interactive electronic toys may be used for entertainment or educational purposes. Some examples of common interactive electronic toys include video games and electronically interactive dolls.
Another type of interactive electronic toy includes an output device, such as a display screen, on which various questions or puzzles may be presented to a child. This type of toy also typically includes an input device on which the child may select an answer to the question or puzzle. Furthermore, the toy may be configured to provide feedback related to the input, typically via the display screen.
In the past, such interactive electronic toys generally included a keyboard or keypad as an input device. More recently, some such toys have utilized a touch-screen input device. The use of a touch-screen input device allows a child to interact directly with the screen, and thus helps to increase the degree of interactivity of the child with the display shown behind the touch screen. However, the output is typically provided in a separate location on the device from the input. Furthermore, the background of the input devices on such toys is typically fixed or electronically generated.
An interactive electronic device is provided. A first embodiment of the device includes a body, a controller disposed within the body, a touch-screen input coupled with the body, wherein the touch-screen input includes a transparent viewing field, a display output coupled with the body, wherein the display output includes a transparent portion positioned within the viewing field of the touch-screen input, and a background disposed behind the touch-screen input and the display output, the background including activity content, wherein the controller is configured to accept an input from the touch-screen input and to control the display of an output on the transparent portion of the display output.
An alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic device including a body, a touch-screen input coupled with the body, wherein the touch-screen input includes a transparent portion, a display output coupled with the body, and a printed media receptacle disposed adjacent the touch-screen input. The printed media receptacle is configured to receive a printed medium and to position the printed medium relative to the touch-screen input such that an activity content portion of the printed medium is visible through the transparent portion of the touch-screen input.
Another alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic toy including a body, a transparent touch-screen input coupled with the body, a printed media receptacle disposed adjacent the touch-screen input, wherein the printed media receptacle is configured to receive a printed medium, the printed medium including an identification code that identifies the printed medium, and a code detector associated with the printed media receptacle, wherein code detector is configured to read the identifying code on the printed medium when the printed medium is positioned in the printed media receptacle.
Yet another alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic toy configured to provide an audio output, wherein the toy includes a volume control operable by a user to control a volume of the audio output, and an audio transducer positioned at least partially within an interior portion of the volume control, wherein the audio transducer is configured to output an audio signal through the volume control.
Yet another alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic toy configured to receive an input from a memory cartridge and to display an output to a user, the memory cartridge including an operative major surface and an opposed non-operative major surface, each major surface being bordered by and separated from the other major surface by at least one edge, each major surface having a larger surface area than the at least one edge. The interactive toy includes a body, and a memory cartridge receptacle associated with the body and configured to receive the memory cartridge in such a manner that the operative major surface of the memory cartridge is positioned against a bottom surface of the memory device receptacle and the non-operative face is positioned outwardly toward the user.
Body 12 may include a background receptacle 20 to enable the insertion and removal of background 18 so that the background may be changed as desired. Body 12 may also include a cartridge receptacle 22 for receiving a memory cartridge 24 containing data corresponding to a selected background 18. Memory cartridge 24 may be electrically connected to a controller 26 disposed within body 12. Controller 26 may be configured to read the data stored on memory cartridge 24 and to display information from the memory cartridge specific to the background in current use. Controller 26 may also be configured to accept input from touch-screen input 14, and to process the input in a manner specific to the background in current use.
Interactive electronic device 10 may include other outputs besides display 16. For example, body 12 may include one or more lights 28 configured to provide additional visual feedback to a user of interactive electronic device 10. Likewise, interactive electronic device 10 may also include an audio transducer 30 to provide aural feedback to a user.
The combination of touch-screen input 14, display 16 and background 18 allow interactive electronic device 10 to be used as a platform on which a variety of different games, puzzles and/or other activities may be played. Furthermore, a user may change activities simply by changing background 18 and/or memory cartridge 24. Interactive electronic device 10 may be configured to automatically determine the identity of the background 18 in current use, and to display on display 16 statements, questions, and/or other text and/or graphics specific to the background in current use. The user may respond to the questions, statements, puzzles or other information on display 16 by touching touch-screen input 14 at a location generally over a part of the background that corresponds to an answer to the question, solution to the puzzle, etc. The use of a transparent display 16 allows the display to be placed within the field of view of touch-screen input 14 and background 18. This allows text and/or graphics displayed on display 16 to be displayed over portions of background 18 having activity content, or even to interact with activity content on the background.
Body 12 may have any suitable configuration. In the depicted embodiment, body 12 has a generally rectangular shape (with deviations to accommodate memory cartridge 24, lights 28, and audio transducer 30, as well as to give the body a more interesting appearance), and fully surrounds touch-screen input 14. Body 12 may include a handle 32 to provide a location at which a child may easily grasp body 12 for carrying. Alternatively, body 12 may include another carrying mechanism, such as a strap. The depicted body bears a resemblance to a briefcase, handbag, satchel, etc. However, the body may also take other forms intended to appear pleasing to a target audience. For example, where the interactive electronic device is configured to appeal to small children, the body may take the form of a representation of an animal, a popular character, etc.
In addition to background receptacle 20, which positions a background 18 currently in use correctly behind touch-screen input 14 and display 16, body 12 may include a second background receptacle 34 for holding additional backgrounds 18′ other than the background 18 currently in use. Second background receptacle 34 may be configured to hold only a single background (or single set of backgrounds, where multiple backgrounds are bound together as a book), or may be configured to hold multiple backgrounds or sets of backgrounds. Second background receptacle 37 thus provides a convenient place to store and transport an additional background 18′. The spatial relationship of background 18 and additional background 18′ is shown in
Body 12 may be made of any suitable material or materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, materials that are lightweight, impact-resistant, and low-cost. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, many plastics.
In the depicted embodiment, touch-screen input 14 occupies a large majority of the front surface area of interactive electronic device 10. Such a configuration may allow the use of a larger background 18, and thus may permit the background to incorporate more graphics, text and/or other activity content related to a game or other activity. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the touch-screen input may occupy a smaller portion of the overall front surface of interactive electronic device 10.
Any suitable type of touch-screen input device may be used for touch-screen input 14. Examples of suitable touch-screen input technologies include, but are not limited to, capacitive, resistive, projected capacitive, and surface-acoustic wave touch input devices. The touch-sensitive portion of touch-screen input 14 may extend across the entire field of view that is framed by body 12, or may be located in a smaller sub-section of the field of view. Touch-screen input 14 may be configured to accept input via the touch of a finger, or a stylus 35 may be provided with which a user may make an input.
Display 16 may occupy any suitable portion of the field of view of touch-screen input 14. For example, display 16 may occupy the entire field of view of touch-screen input 14, or, as in the depicted embodiment, may occupy only a portion of the field of view of the touch-screen input. Also, display 16 may be positioned in any suitable location within the field of view of touch-screen input 14. In the depicted embodiment, display 16 is positioned along a lower edge of touch-screen input 14, and is approximately centered along this edge. Alternatively, display 16 may be positioned along an upper edge of touch-screen input 14, along either side of the touch-screen input, or even centered approximately in the middle of the touch-screen input.
Display 16 may be positioned either in front of or behind touch-screen input 14 from the perspective of a user, and the term “overlapping” may be used to refer to either of these arrangements. It may be advantageous to place display 16 behind touch-screen input 14 in some circumstances, as shown in
Any suitable type of display may be used for display 16. Suitable types of displays include those that are at least partially transparent so that a viewer can view background 18 through display 16. Examples of suitable displays include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal displays and other transmissive light valve devices.
Background 18 is configured to display text, numbers, graphics, and other information related to or referenced by a game, puzzle or other activity played on interactive electronic device 10. Background 18 may also be configured to be changeable so that different backgrounds may be used for different activities. Background 18 may take any suitable form. In the depicted embodiment, background 18 takes the form of a plurality of printed media bound together as an activity book. Each printed medium forming the activity book may be printed only on a single side, or may be printed on both sides. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that background 18 may take the form of only a single page of printed medium, rather than a plurality of printed media bound together.
Memory cartridge 24 may contain data related to questions, statements, graphics, etc. configured to be displayed on display 16 that are related to activity content appearing on background 18. Furthermore, memory cartridge 24 may also contain data related to the regions of touch-screen input 14 that correspond to correct and/or incorrect answers on background 18. Where a single memory cartridge 24 is configured to be used with more than one different background 18, interactive electronic device 10 may include a mechanism for detecting the identity (page number, etc.) of a background in current use. Any suitable mechanism may be used to permit interactive electronic device 10 to determine the identity of the background 18 in current use. In the depicted embodiment, background 18 includes an identifying code 38, and interactive electronic device 10 includes a code reader 40 electrically connected to controller 26. Code reader 40 is configured to read identifying code 38 and to communicate the identifying code 38 to controller 26. Controller 26 then may be configured to locate data on memory cartridge 24 corresponding to the identifying code 38 so that text, graphics, etc. corresponding to the identifying code may be displayed on display 16, and so that the controller may determine which regions on touch-screen input 14 correspond to right and wrong answers.
Any suitable type of code and code reader may be used as identifying code 38 and code reader 40. Examples of suitable types of codes (and associated code readers) include, but are not limited to, optical codes, such as bar codes, magnetic codes and electronic codes.
Identifying code 38 may be located in any suitable place on background 18. For example, identifying code may be located at a place on background 18 that is hidden behind body 12 when the background is inserted fully into background receptacle 20. This may allow identifying code 38 to be hidden from view while background 18 is in use. In the depicted embodiment, identifying code 38 is located in a lower corner of background 18. Alternatively, identifying code may be located in an upper corner, along a side of, or even in a central position on background 18.
Likewise, code reader 40 may be located at any suitable location on body 12 where it can read identifying code 38. Where identifying code 38 has the location on background 18 shown in the depicted embodiment, code reader 40 may be coupled to body 12 in a location within background receptacle 20 adjacent to cartridge receptacle 22. Alternatively, code reader 40 may be coupled to body 12 along a side of body 12, as shown at 40′, or along a top edge of the body, as shown at 40″. It will be appreciated that the locations of code reader 40 shown in
As described above, memory cartridge 24 includes memory which may store data representing text, graphics, and/or other objects displayable on display 16 that correspond to one or more backgrounds 18. Memory cartridge 24 may also include data representing sounds to be output by audio transducer 30. Examples of such sounds include, but are not limited to, questions or statements prompting a user to select an answer via touch-screen input 14, and verbal, musical, or other feedback regarding the selection of correct or incorrect answers. Furthermore, memory cartridge 24 may include any other data related to games and other activities playable on interactive electronic device 10.
Memory cartridge 24 may have any suitable configuration. In the depicted embodiment, memory cartridge has a flattened, broad configuration configured to have a low profile when positioned in memory cartridge receptacle 22. In particular, memory cartridge 24 includes an operative major surface 42 configured to rest against the bottom surface of memory cartridge receptacle 22, and an opposed non-operative major surface 44 configured to face outwardly toward a user. Memory cartridge 22 also includes a side 46 separating operative major surface 42 and non-operative major surface 44. In the depicted embodiment, each major surface has a larger surface area than side 46. The depicted memory cartridge configuration allows memory cartridge to have a low profile that fits within memory cartridge receptacle 22 such that non-operative major surface 44 may stand only slightly above the surface of body 12. If desired, a logo or other graphics (not shown) may be displayed on non-operative major surface 44.
Memory cartridge 24 may have any suitable shape. In the depicted embodiment, memory cartridge 24 has a generally round perimeter. The round perimeter of memory cartridge 24 may have some degree of asymmetry, for example, a slightly ovalesque shape, so that memory cartridge 24 only fits in memory cartridge receptacle 22 in a correct orientation. However, memory cartridge 24 also may have a symmetric shape if desired. In this case, memory cartridge 24 may include another alignment mechanism, such as tabs or other protrusions that are configured to fit into complementary receptacles within memory cartridge receptacle 22 to help insure correct alignment.
Operative major surface 42 of memory cartridge 24 may include electrical contacts (not shown) configured to connect to a set of contacts 45 located on the bottom surface of memory cartridge receptacle 22 when inserted into the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively or additionally, side 46 of memory cartridge 24 may include electrical contacts (not shown) configured to connect to a set of contacts 45′ located on a side of memory cartridge receptacle 45. Contacts 45 and 45′ allow data, power and ground connections to be made between memory cartridge 24 and controller 26.
While the depicted embodiment utilizes a memory cartridge to provide information related to background 18 to controller 26, it will be appreciated that any other suitable memory device may be used to provide data to controller 26. For example, a dedicated on-board memory device, such as a hard drive, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc., may be used to store information related to one or more backgrounds 18. Likewise, other external memory devices besides memory cartridge 24 may be used to provide information to controller 26. Examples include, but are not limited to, many types of external disk drives and flash memory cards.
As mentioned above, interactive electronic device 10 may include one or more lights 28. Lights 28 may be used to indicate a correct answer to a question or puzzle to provide positive feedback or reinforcement. Interactive electronic device 10 may have as many lights 28 as desired. The depicted embodiment includes five lights that incrementally increase in size from smallest light 28′ to largest light 28″.
Lights 28 may be configured to light up in any desired pattern. For example, where interactive electronic device 10 includes a plurality of lights 28, controller 26 may be configured to light up one light for each correct answer input by a user, for example, beginning with smallest light 28′, and then illuminating the next-largest light with each correct answer. The illuminated lights may stay illuminated until the user answers all questions or completely solves a multi-step puzzle. Once the user completely finishes the activity correctly, the lights may be configured to flash on and off in a pleasing pattern to provide further positive reinforcement. As another example, all lights 28 may flash in a pattern or in unison with each correct answer.
Audio transducer 30 may take the form of any suitable type of transducer. Examples include, but are not limited to, speakers and piezoelectric devices. Likewise, audio transducer 30 may be configured to provide any suitable type of audio output (typically via controller 26). For example, audio transducer 30 may be configured to output spoken versions of questions or statements displayed on display 16 to reinforce reading skills. Furthermore, audio transducer 30 may be configured to provide output in response to correct or incorrect answers to questions, statements, puzzles, and other activities posed to a user on display 16.
Audio transducer 30 may be positioned in any suitable location on body 12. For example, in the depicted embodiment, audio transducer 30 is positioned within a hollow interior of a volume control 50 used to control the volume of the output of audio transducer 30. Positioning audio transducer 30 within volume control 50 may offer advantages over other locations. For example, where interactive electronic device 10 is a young children's toy, a child playing with the toy may be drawn to play with volume control 50 by the sounds coming out of audio transducer 30. The child may then notice that turning volume control 50 causes the volume of the audio output to vary in intensity, and thus may learn to use the volume control to intentionally adjust the volume of the audio output. Alternatively, audio transducer 30 may be positioned within body 12 at location directly below volume control 50 rather than within the volume control, or even at a location remote from the volume control.
The rear side of interactive electronic device 10 may also include a spare cartridge receptacle 56 for holding a spare memory cartridge 58. While body 12 has a single spare cartridge receptacle 56 in the depicted embodiment, it will be appreciated that body 12 may have more than one spare cartridge receptacle.
However, interactive electronic device 110 also has some different features than interactive electronic device 10. For example, interactive electronic device 110 includes a memory cartridge receptacle 122 and memory cartridge 124 having asymmetric perimeters. The use of a memory cartridge receptacle 122 and memory cartridge 124 with asymmetric perimeters may help to prevent memory cartridge 124 from being inserted into memory cartridge receptacle 122 in an incorrect orientation. Thus, this may help a child insert the memory cartridge into the memory cartridge receptacle in a correct orientation with greater ease relative to a memory cartridge and memory cartridge receptacle having symmetric perimeters.
Interactive electronic device 110 has some other differences compared to interactive electronic device 10. For example, lights 128 of interactive electronic device 110 are similar to lights 28 of interactive electronic device 10 in that lights 128 are arranged in ascending order of size along a side of body 112. However, largest light 128′ has a brain-shaped configuration instead of a more ordinary geometric shape. Largest light 128′ may be configured to illuminate only at the successful completion of a puzzle or other activity, wherein the illuminated brain-shaped light provides positive feedback to the child in the form of an indication of the “brain power” of the child. Alternatively, largest light 128′ may be configured to illuminate with the input of any correct answer, or at any other desired time.
Other differences between interactive electronic device 110 and interactive device 10 are also apparent in
As described above, many different types of games, puzzles and other activities may be played on interactive electronic devices 10 and 110.
First referring to
Upon receipt of input from touch-screen input indicating that the child has correctly identified five triangles, display 16, lights 28 and/or audio transducer 30 may be configured to provide output that positively reinforces the lesson. Likewise, upon receipt of an input indicating an incorrect choice, display 16, lights 28 and audio transducer 30 may be configured to provide output that requests the child to keep trying, and also that may provide another hint to help the child. Because the content displayed on display 16 may be changed, a single background 18 may be used for many different activities.
Next referring to
It will be appreciated that interactive electronic device 10 may be used for many more games, puzzles and activities other than those set forth in the examples above. For example, the portion of background 18 behind display 16 may be blank (or have a graphically framed blank center), and the region of touch-screen input 14 that overlaps display 16 may be used to display text that changes independent of background 18. Furthermore, the text shown on display 16 may be touch-sensitive, and thus may be hyperlinked or otherwise associated with additional content. The region of touch-screen input 14 that overlaps display 16 may also be used as an area in which to write and/or draw, and the words, characters and/or pictures drawn may appear in display 16. Furthermore, display 16 may display a representation of a gameboard, and a user may use touch-screen input 14 to play a game on the gameboard.
Although the present disclosure includes specific embodiments, specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.
