Patent Application
20050266386
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Writing is a fundamental aspect of learning and communicating in our society. Although the introduction of computers and the adoption of word processing by younger and younger generations has introduced typing as a significant means of writing, the manual practice of handwriting is still a necessary skill and provides a unique aspect of the learning process.
Writing helps a student remember and learn about subjects. When learning a subject such as math, it is necessary for a student to write in order to learn about the subject. For example, a calculator can be used to multiply two double-digit numbers together. However, when using a calculator to multiply two numbers together, the student does not learn the process by which the calculator arrives at the answer. In order to learn the computational process performed by the calculator, a user must write down each step in the computational process. Writing is, in a sense, a dialog that the user is having with him/herself, and helps reinforce concepts being learned.
Traditionally, such learning has been achieved in a classroom or tutorial setting wherein the pupil is guided by an instructor. The pupil is provided with a sheet of plain paper to practice the skill of writing. Or, the pupil is provided with a worksheet having blanks for writing text or numbers in relation to elements printed on the page. In either case, the pupil is generally directed by the instructor as to the tasks to be performed on the page. And, in the case of the worksheet, the pupil may be required to read to be able to follow the instructions.
It is desired to provide a means for learning that does not require the continuous presence of an instructor or the ability to read. Further it is desired to provide a means for learning which is stimulating, engaging and fosters interest in learning. These objectives are addressed, individually and collectively, by the present invention.
The present invention provides devices, systems and methods which enhance the learning process by providing interactive exercises and games which involve drawing or writing input from a user. In particular, the present invention provides an interactive print media apparatus which includes a specialized writing instrument and at least one sheet on which the user is to write with the writing instrument. The user receives visual or auditory messages and prompts from the apparatus which instructs the user to perform tasks on the sheet using the writing instrument. In some embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus provides feedback in relation to such markings. In other embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus correlates the markings to known characters, such as letters, numbers or symbols. The apparatus may then use the inputted characters to further the learning process, such as to create exercises or games based on the characters. These examples are just a few of the aspects of the invention presented herein.
In preferred embodiments, an interactive print media apparatus is provided comprising a platform, an electronic position location system comprising a processor, a sheet including at least one prescribed location, a writing instrument operatively coupled with the electronic position location system, and a memory device operatively coupled to the processor. The platform has a surface upon which the sheet is to placed so that the sheet is held in predetermined arrangement. When the user touches or writes within the at least one prescribed location with the writing instrument, the electronic position location system is able to monitor such movements of the writing instrument.
In some of these embodiments, the memory device comprises a code for at least one output wherein the at least one output indicates drawing of a stroke mark with the writing instrument within the at least one prescribed location on the sheet. The at least one output may include a sound that is heard by a user coincident with the drawing of the stroke mark. For example, the sound may include a purring sound. This reassures the user that the apparatus is sensing the movements of the writing instrument and provides incentive to continue writing and enjoying the interactive sounds.
Typically the prescribed locations on the sheet are indicated by at least one print element. The print element may have any suitable shape or form and often includes a delineation or outline of the prescribed location itself. In some embodiments, the at least one print element comprises a pathway wherein the pathway indicates the at least one prescribed location. The user may hear a sound, such as a melody, as the writing instrument is traced along the pathway. Or, a plurality of pathways may be present forming a maze.
In some embodiments the print elements comprise a letter shape wherein the letter shape indicates the at least one prescribed location. The user may be instructed to trace the letter shape with the writing instrument. As the user is drawing within the prescribed location, the user may hear a sound correlating to the letter shape. Alternatively or in addition, the print elements may comprise a number shape wherein the number shape indicates the at least one prescribed location. The user may be instructed to trace the number shape with the writing instrument. As the user is drawing within the prescribed location, the user may hear a sound correlating to the number shape. It may be appreciated that such print elements may also include symbols and other shapes or characters. It may also be appreciated that the user may receive an output indicating drawing of a stroke mark outside of the at least one prescribed location on the sheet. Thus, the user is guided to make the appropriate markings on the sheet with the writing instrument.
In other of the embodiments the memory device comprises code for correlating drawing of stroke marks with the writing instrument within one of the at least one prescribed locations to a character. Such characters typically include letters, numbers and/or symbols. Thus, the interactive print media apparatus is able to recognize writing that is input by the user in the prescribed locations. In most embodiments, the sheet includes at least one print element indicating the location of the at least one prescribed location. Such print elements may have any suitable shape, including a line, square, rectangle, circle, oval, triangle or polygon. Each print element may indicate a single prescribed location or at least one of print elements may indicate an outer boundary of a plurality of adjacent prescribed locations.
The code may also provide a sound related to the recognized character. When the character comprises a letter, the sound may include, for example, a pronunciation of the letter or a phoneme of the letter. When the character comprises a number or a symbol, the sound may include, for example, a pronunciation of the name of the number or the name of the symbol, respectively.
To assist the print media apparatus in recognizing the stroke marks, the user may select a done print element or a “done dot” when the user has completed the drawing of stroke marks in a prescribed location and in the correct sequence. In some embodiments, a processor and computer code in the apparatus correlates the drawing of stroke marks in response to selection of a done print element on the sheet by the user with the writing instrument. Thus, the electronics in the apparatus are signaled that the user is done writing and is ready to receive a response. The done print element may have any shape, such as a dot, circle, oval, line, square, triangle, polygon or swirl. In other embodiments, the apparatus correlates the drawing of stroke marks automatically after a prescribed time period in which the user has not made any additional stroke marks.
In some embodiments, the memory device comprises code that correlates characters drawn within a plurality of prescribed locations to one or more words. In these embodiments, there may also be code for providing at least one sound comprising a pronunciation of the one or more words. Likewise, in some embodiments, there may be code for correlating characters drawn within a plurality of prescribed locations to one or more numbers.
Methods of using the interactive print media apparatus are also provided. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description to follow, together with the accompanying drawings.
I. Print Media Apparatus
A. Electronic Position Location System
An electronic position location system is typically disposed within the platform 700 of the interactive print media apparatus 100. The system may include a processor and array of electrical elements (not shown) that are underneath the surface of the platform. The electrical elements can be antennas such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,458 or 5,686,705, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/574,599 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,405) and No. 60/200,725. All of these patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The antennas can transmit signals that can be received by the stylus 3. The stylus 3 can have a receiving antenna (this may be part of the system). When the stylus 3 is over the surface, the stylus 3 receives a particular signal that is associated with the electrical element underneath the stylus 3. Then, the position of the stylus 3 relative to the surface can be determined. The stylus 3 could be used to interact with the various print elements on the print medium that is on the platform 700. The electrical elements may be transmitting antennas that regularly transmit signals that are received by the stylus 3, or may be receiving antennas that receive a signal from the stylus 3. Exemplary embodiments of the stylus 3 are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/457,981 filed on Jun. 9, 2003 (Attorney Docket Number 020824-004700US) which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the stylus also includes a writing element which allows the user to write on the print medium. Any suitable writing element can be used in the stylus, such as pencils, chalk, standing pencil leads, pens, pen refill cartridges, markers, crayons, etc. Such writing elements will be discussed in further detail in later sections.
Electrical elements that are transmitting antennas are described in detail. However, in other embodiments, pressure-sensitive switches could be used. Apparatuses with pressure sensitive switches are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/886,401, filed on Jun. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,618, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Some or all of the electrical elements in the array of electrical elements can be pre-assigned to retrieve and provide specific outputs for the user so that a user receives a particular output when selecting a print element that is located over a particular electrical element. In addition, some of the electrical elements can be pre-assigned to indicate that a different sheet with different print elements is on the base unit when they are activated. For example, once an electrical element underneath a “Go” circle on a sheet is activated, the electronics in the platform 700 can determine which page of a multi-page print medium is being displayed to the user. A processor can reprogram the interactive apparatus so that the electrical elements in the array are re-assigned to retrieve outputs associated with the print elements in the new sheet.
Some components of a preferred interactive print media apparatus are shown in
The upper and lower sections 9, 11 of the first housing portion 1 define a cavity within which is provided a first transmitting antenna element (not shown). The upper and lower sections 10, 12 of the second housing 2 also define a cavity. The second housing portion 2 can house a loudspeaker and processor.
The upper surface of the upper section 9 of the first housing portion 1 has a rectangular recess 20. An identical rectangular recess 22 is provided on the upper surface of the upper section 10 of the second housing portion 2. These rectangular recesses 20, 22 lie adjacent to one another with the long sides of the rectangular recesses being separated by a small gap 23. Together the rectangular recesses 20, 22 provide a surface on which a book having, for example, a spiral binding (not shown) can rest. Transmitting first antenna elements are located immediately beneath these rectangular recesses 20, 22. Provided along the edges of the rectangular recesses 20, 22 remote from the gap 23 are thumb grooves 25, 26. The thumb grooves 25, 26 provide means by which a user is able to access the corners of pages of a book resting on the rectangular recesses 20, 22.
Adjacent to the thumb grooves 25, 26 further along the long sides of the rectangular recesses 20, 22 are a pair of stylus rests 27, 28. These stylus rests 27, 28 are arranged to receive a detection stylus 3. Lying in the stylus rest 28 in the upper section 10 of the second housing portion 2 is a detection stylus 3. The detection stylus 3 is connected via a wire 6 to the processor located within the part of the cavity defined by the second housing 2.
Provided in the upper section 10 of the second housing 2 is a loudspeaker grill 35, which is provided immediately above the loudspeaker, housed within the cavity. This loudspeaker grill 35 is provided at the corner of the upper section 10 of the second housing 2 next to the thumb groove 26.
In the portion of the upper section 10 of the second housing 2 adjacent to the stylus rest 28 there is an ON/OFF button 5. The ON/OFF button 5 is connected to the processor within the second housing portion 2 and provides means for activating the processor and the transmitting first antenna elements within the platform unit.
The second housing portion 2 includes a headphone jack 37 and a slot 38 arranged to receive a memory device 39 having the form of a cartridge. Provided within the slot 38 is a mating interface (not shown in
Two first antenna elements 64, 66 are connected via cables 67 to the processor 60 enabling the processor 60 to control the timing of signals generated by the first transmitting antenna elements 64, 66. The first antenna elements 64, 66 are provided directly beneath rectangular recesses 20, 22. They are sandwiched between the underside of the upper sections 9, 10 of the first and second housings 1, 2 defining the rectangular recesses 20, 22 and sheets of cardboard 68, 70. They rest upon supports 72, 74 on the inside surfaces of the lower sections 11, 12 of the first and second housing portions 1, 2.
Referring to
The lower antenna 82 is disposed on the opposite side of the insulating acetate sheet 83 and comprises a second resistive strip 86. This second resistive strip 86 extends along the periphery of the area along the long side defined by the rectangular recesses 20, 22 beneath which the antenna is located. In a similar arrangement to the arrangement of the upper antenna 80, extending away at right angles from the resistive strip 86 of the lower antenna 82 are a plurality of conductive fingers 87 spaced equidistant from one another along the length of the conductive strip 86. The number of conductive fingers 85, 87 can vary depending on the desired resolution.
The conductive fingers 85, 87 of the second antenna arrangement 66 within the second housing portion 2 form an orthogonal lattice of equally spaced conductive fingers 85, 87 that extends across the entirety of the area defined by the rectangular recess 22 in the upper section 10 of the second housing portion 2 with conductive strips 84, 86 extending beyond the periphery of this area. Similarly, the conductive fingers 85, 87 of the first antenna element 64 within the first housing portion 1 define an orthogonal lattice of equally spaced conductive fingers 85, 87 extending beneath the extent of the rectangular recess 20 in the upper section 11 of the first housing portion 1. These orthogonal lattices of conductive fingers 85, 87 are used to generate electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the surface of the recesses 20, 22 which can be detected by the detection stylus 3. They are used to determine which portions of a two-dimensional book in the rectangular recesses 20, 22 has been selected utilizing the detection stylus 3.
Provided at either end of the resistive strip 84 of the upper antenna 80 are first 93 and second 94 electrical contacts that are connected via conductive wiring 95 to an interface 96 and hence via the cable 67 to the processor 60. Similar first 97 and second 98 electrical contacts are provided at either end of the resistive strip 86 of the lower antenna 82. These contacts 97, 98 are also connected via conductive wiring 99 to the interface 96, hence via the cable 67 to the processor 60. As in the case of the upper 80 and lower 82 antennas these electrical contacts 93, 94, 97, 98 and the conductive wiring 95, 99 also comprise conductive ink printed on the surface of the acetate sheet 83.
The electrical contacts 93, 94, 97, 98 and conductive wiring 95, 99 enable electrical signals to be applied to the resistive strips 84, 86. When alternating signals are applied to the resistive strips 84, 86 this causes the conductive fingers 85, 87 connected to the resistive strips 84, 85 to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, which can be detected by the detection stylus 3. The resistive strips 84, 86 may comprise a voltage divider strip that allows signals of different voltages to transmit from each of the conductive fingers 85, 87. Further details about the voltage divider strip are in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/574,499, filed May 19, 2000. In this U.S. Patent Application, the voltage divider strip includes a number of resistors in series. These resistors allow the conductive fingers 85, 87 to transmit signals of different voltages. Of course, other types of antenna systems may be used. For example, other embodiments that use capacitive division are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/222,205, filed on Aug. 16, 2002.
The distal end of the detection stylus 3 includes a brass ferule 30 (reflector) which is separated from a small ferule 31 by an insulating washer 104. The small ferule 31 is connected via a solder bead 101 to a center conductor 102, such as a copper wire. The center conductor 102 is connected via wire 6 to the processor 60. An insulating jacket 33 surrounds the center conductor 102 within the small ferule 31 and a conductive jacket 29 surrounds the center conductor 102 as shown. The center conductor 102 extends through the center of this insulating washer 104. Shielding 105 and braid conductor 103 extend within the detection stylus 3, as shown.
Referring to FIGS. 4(a)-4(c) and 5, alternating electric signals are applied via the electrical contacts 93, 94, 97, 98 to the resistive strips 84, 86 of the upper and lower antennas 80, 82. This causes an alternating electromagnetic field to be generated in the vicinity of the antennas 80, 82. This alternating electromagnetic field induces a voltage on the brass ferule 30 of the detection stylus 3 when the detection stylus 3 rests on the surface of a book 4 within the recess 22 adjacent to the antennas 80, 82. This electric signal is then passed via the conductor 102 to the processor 60. The insulating washer 104 and shielding 105 prevent electrical signals from being induced within the conductor 102 other than by variations in the electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the brass ferrule 30.
When the ON/OFF button 5 is pressed, this is detected by the controller unit 120 which causes the transmitter logic 121 to be activated. The transmitter logic 121 then applies electric signals to the electrical contacts 93, 94, 97, 98 of the first antenna elements 64, 66 in a sequence of frames. Referring to
In the course of a frame, an electromagnetic field is generated in the vicinity of the rectangular recesses 20, 22 in the upper sections 9, 10 in the first and second housing portions 1, 2. These electromagnetic fields induce voltage potentials in the brass ferule 30 of detection stylus 3. This signal is then passed via the wire 6 to the receiver unit 122. In one example, the voltages applied to the contacts 93, 94, 97, 98 may range between plus three volts and minus three volts. The voltage induced within the brass ferule 30 can be about 0.5 millivolts. The receiver unit 122 then processes the induced voltage and a processed signal is then passed to the controller unit 120.
The controller unit 120 then converts the processed signals received from the receiver unit 122 into signals identifying the coordinates of the portion of the page of the print media or book 4 at which the detection stylus 3 is currently located. These coordinates are then used to select an appropriate sound stored within a sound memory either provided as part of the controller unit 120 or alternatively a sound memory provided as a memory chip within a memory device 39 inserted within the cartridge interface 62. The appropriate sound is then output via the loudspeaker 61 or to a set of headphones via the headphone jack 37.
B. Memory Device
As mentioned previously, the memory device 39 communicates with the electronic position location system in the platform 700. The memory device 39 may contain code for various audio outputs corresponding to various print elements in the print medium 156. Such audio outputs may include, for example, interpretations of print elements or sound effects associated with print elements on a print medium. In this embodiment, the memory device 39 is in the form of a data cartridge that is external to the platform 700 which can plug into a recess (not shown) in the platform 700. When it is plugged into the platform 700, the memory device 39 is in communication with the electronic position location system in the platform 700. Alternatively, the memory device could be internal to the platform 700 and in communication with the electronic position location system in the platform 700. For example, the memory device may comprise any suitable combination of internal or external ROM (read only memory) units, EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read only memory) units, PROM (programmable read only memory) units, etc. The memory device may also have other forms (e.g., a memory stick, CD-ROM, etc.).
C. Writing Instrument
Exemplary embodiments of the writing instrument or stylus are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/457,981 filed on Jun. 9, 2003 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In these embodiments, the stylus includes a writing element which allows the user to write on the print medium. Any suitable writing element can be used in the stylus. Exemplary writing elements include erasable writing materials such as pencil lead or erasable ink and non-erasable writing materials. Specific examples of writing elements include pencils (mechanical and non mechanical), wood pencils, chalk, automatic pencils, free-standing pencil leads, pens, pen refill cartridges, markers, crayons, etc. Preferably, the writing element is an automatic pencil with an automatic lead feeding mechanism. A preferred writing element is a customized pencil similar to an automatic pencil sold under the tradename “Sensematic”, which is commercially available from Dixon Ticonderoga, Inc.
The writing material (e.g., ink, pencil lead, etc.) that is used in the writing element is preferably non-conductive. The use of a non-conductive writing material can reduce the likelihood that the writing material will not interfere with the signal transmitting antenna under the surface of the housing of the electrographic position location apparatus. Also, a conductive writing material that is inside of the stylus may interfere with signals that are being transmitted by the stylus or received by the stylus. In any case, a separate ground shield is typically included for the writing element in the stylus.
The writing element in the stylus may include a first end portion proximate to the distal end region of the stylus and a second end portion proximate to the proximal end region of the stylus. The first end portion of the writing element corresponds to the portion of the writing element that is used for writing.
In some embodiments, the writing element may be a retractable writing element. Accordingly, the writing element in the stylus may or may not be capable of writing, depending on the user's desire. The tip of the writing element may be inside of the stylus when the stylus is in a retracted position. The tip of the writing element may extend outwardly from the distal end of the stylus when the writing element is in an extended position so that the user may write with the stylus. The stylus can be capable of receiving (or transmitting) an electromagnetic signal when the writing element is either in an extended position or a retracted position.
D. Print Medium
A print medium 156 in the form of a book is shown in
The print medium 156 is preferably an erasable print medium. In such embodiments, a user can write on the sheets of the print medium 156 and can later erase any markings made on the sheets of the print medium 156 so that they can be re-used. In preferred embodiments, the erasable print medium 156 comprises one or more sheets of paper, each of which is flood coated with a clear material which acts as a barrier coat, such as a clear ultraviolet cured mat overprint. In other embodiments, the print medium 156 comprises paper which has been laminated or sealed with a polymeric material, such as an acetate material, a polyester sheet such as Mylar™, or any suitable polymeric sheet. In other embodiments, the print medium 156 comprises plastic sheets without paper. In yet another embodiment, a normal sheet of paper may be used in combination with an erasable pencil.
In some embodiments, the print medium 156 may comprise a transparent sheet (e.g., made of acetate or Mylar™) that may be layered over a sheet having graphics or other printing on it. For example, an acetate or Mylar™ sheet, or other transparent material, could be bound at one edge, say a top edge, to the back cover of the book and flipped over another page with print elements. The user can see the print elements through the transparent sheet. Alternatively, a loose transparent sheet could be inserted in the binding in front of any page having an image where the user is expected to write. Using an erasable print medium and an erasable writing element has advantages. For example, a print medium with instructions and prescribed locations for writing can be reused many times if erasable materials and media are used.
Any suitable number or types of print elements can be on the one or more sheets of the print medium. Exemplary print elements include drawings and portions thereof, words, phrases, portions of words, phonograms, shapes, pictures (e.g., photographs) and portions thereof, characters, symbols, maps, letters, numbers, shapes, drawings, blanks, boxes, lines, arrays of characters (e.g., an array of letters, numbers, or both) etc. As used herein, “characters” can include numbers, shapes (e.g., circles, squares), foreign language markings (e.g., kanji or Chinese characters), etc.
In addition to print elements, the print media includes prescribed locations. As used herein, a “prescribed location” refers to a specifically designated area on a sheet where the user is directed to write, typically in response to a prompt from the interactive print media apparatus. The prescribed location can have one or more print elements associated with it. For example, the one or more print elements at the prescribed location can include one or more boxes, indicia, pictures, blanks, or spaces that are printed on the sheet; these may be referred to as “write on print elements”. The user can write numbers, letters, words, lines, etc. in the boxes, blanks, or spaces. In another example, the print elements on a sheet could comprise dots. The user may be prompted to draw lines between specific sets or pairs of dots. In yet another example, the prescribed location on one sheet may be associated with a print element on another sheet. For example, the sheet with the prescribed location could be a transparent sheet (with or without printing) that overlays with a second sheet with print elements. The print elements can be seen through the transparent sheet. The user may write in the prescribed locations on the transparent sheet corresponding to print elements underneath the transparent sheet.
The sheet with the prescribed locations is preferably in a print medium containing one or more sheets. The print medium and any outputs that are produced in conjunction with print elements in the print medium may be designed to specifically educate the user about a predetermined subject. For example, the print medium and outputs can teach a user about colors, letters, shapes, numbers, word pronunciation, phonics, reading, current events, songs, general math, algebra, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, science, geography, history, spelling, grammar, the names and sounds of musical instruments, people, places, nature, music, sports, letters, numbers, counting, social studies, creative expression, languages such as English, Spanish, and Chinese, etc. The skills taught by the interactive print media apparatus can include recognition skills (e.g., number and letter recognition) and logic skills.
In some embodiments, there can be “assistance print elements” on the pages of a print medium. An “assistance print element” is a print element that provides assistance to the user after the user selects it (e.g., using a stylus). Assistance print elements may be located proximate to prescribed locations where the user writes. Because of its proximity to a prescribed location, a user knows that the user can select the assistance print element if the user needs help writing in the prescribed location. After selecting an assistance print element, the user may receive an audio output that comprises a hint, encouragement, or an answer that relates to what the user is supposed to write. There can also be “game print elements” on the one or more sheets in the print medium. A game print element causes the interactive print media apparatus to play a game after the user selects it.
E. Output Device
An output device (not shown) can be in the platform 700 and is also operationally coupled to the electronic position location system. The output device can be an audio output device, such as a speaker or an earphone jack, or alternatively be a visual output device, such as a display screen. An output such as an audio prompt may be used to prompt the user to write in the prescribed location on the sheet. The outputs provided by the interactive print media apparatus may include visual and/or audio outputs. Exemplary outputs can include letters, stories, numbers, words, phrases, jokes, music, questions, answers, prompts, sound effects, facts, etc. Audio outputs are preferred as they supplement and reinforce visual information such as letters, pictures, and numbers that may be on the sheets of the print medium. Therefore, outputs will be described in terms of audio outputs hereinafter with an appreciation that such outputs may additionally or alternatively include visual outputs.
II. Stroke Recognition
The print medium includes one or more prescribed locations which are areas specifically designated for writing by the user. In some embodiments, when the user creates lines, marks, or strokes within the one or more prescribed locations, the print media apparatus recognizes such activity and provides an audio output. These prescribed locations may be considered “zones” and may be indicated on the print medium by a print element.
A. Zones
Zones are areas within which the user is intended to draw at least a line or stroke. Typically, the zones are designed to follow a single line or stroke drawn by the user, such as a continuous stroke drawn along a path or pathway. Consequently, zones typically have an elongate shape having curvatures and/or straight portions in any combination.
In some embodiments, the user is intended to create a specific stroke within a zone 160, such a continuous line from the first end 162 to the second end 164 of
B. Applications
The above described zones can be applied to a variety of learning mechanisms using the interactive print media apparatus. In most embodiments, the print medium includes print elements related to the zones. The combination of print elements and instructive and engaging outputs induce the user to use writing to enhance the learning process. Writing, reading and listening are all advantageous to the learning process.
In some embodiments, the print elements include letters of an alphabet and the zones are used to assist the user in the practice of writing the associated letter.
In some embodiments, the print elements include numbers and the zones are used to assist the user in the practice of writing the associated number.
In some embodiments, the print elements include symbols and the zones are used to assist the user in the practice of writing the associated symbol. Such symbols may include mathematical symbols, currency symbols, font symbols, map symbols, and any graphical symbols, to name a few.
In some embodiments, the zones form one or more pathways and the print elements are used to assist the user in following the pathway with the writing instrument.
In other embodiments, the zones form pathways between print elements. For example,
Other embodiments in which the zones form pathways between print elements are shown in
III. Handwriting Recognition
As mentioned, the print medium includes one or more prescribed locations which are areas specifically designated for writing by the user. In some embodiments, when the user creates lines, marks, or stroke marks in the shape of characters within the one or more prescribed locations, the print media apparatus recognizes the characters and provides an audio output. Thus, the apparatus is able to recognize handwritten characters, such as letters, numbers and symbols, which enables a variety of interactive learning exercises and games.
A. Character Recognition
Embodiments of the interactive print media apparatus provide a memory device comprising code for correlating lines, marks, or stroke marks, made with the writing instrument within the prescribed locations, to one or more characters. Any suitable character recognition code may be used. Character recognition software is commercially available from Xpert Eye, Inc. of Sammamish, Wash. (www.experteye.com) and Vision Objects, Inc. of Paris, France. Software such as the type sold by these entities can be used in any of the interactive apparatuses described herein. As noted above, the positions of the described stylus during writing can be determined by the processor in the electrographic position location system. Using the character recognition software, these positions can be translated into specific characters by the processor and specific audio outputs, responses, etc. can be provided to the user after the processor determines the specific characters written by the user.
B. Character Recognition Fields
Character recognition fields are prescribed locations designated for handwriting recognition. The user is intended to draw lines or stroke marks in the form of a character, such as a letter, number or symbol, within the field and the print media apparatus recognizes the character. Fields may have any shape including squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, triangles, stars, polygons, or others. Typically, such fields are delineated or indicated by an appropriate print element. The print element may have any suitable form, such as delineating specific shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, triangles, stars, polygons, or others. The shape of a field and a corresponding print element may match or may differ.
It may be appreciated that numbers, symbols, and any other characters may be drawn in the fields 220 and recognized by the electronic position location system in the manner described and illustrated in
It may be appreciated that a variety of stroke marks may be recognized as known symbols by the print media apparatus 100. Standard typewriter-type symbols, such as an “at” symbol (@), a pound sign (#), a dollar sign ($), a percentage sign (%), an ampersand (&), an asterisk (*), a greater sign (>), and a lesser sign (<), etc., may be used. In addition, select symbols, such as a circle, square, triangle, hexagon, cross, star, sun, moon, house, spiral, happy face, stick figure person, heart, flag, etc., may also be recognized.
B. Done Print Elements
It may be appreciated that a plurality of stroke marks may be involved in drawing a particular character. Therefore, to indicate when the user has completed drawing a character in a field, the user selects a print element known as a done print element or a “done dot” which is associated with the field. In some embodiments, selection of the done print element with the stylus activates electrical elements underneath the done print element which signals the print media apparatus 100 to analyze the stroke marks and recognize the marks as a character. In other embodiments, the analysis process begins as soon as the stylus 3 is removed from the field, such as lifted from the writing material. Selection of the done print element with the stylus then retrieves the analysis result. Depending on how quickly the stylus 3 is moved to the done print element, the analysis result will be immediately available or will be available more quickly than if selection of the done print element actuated the analysis. If the user creates another stroke mark instead of touching the done print element, the analysis process is stopped and the results discarded. A new analysis process is then started when the user has removed the stylus 3 from the field after creating the new stroke mark. This analysis process may be referred to as “speculative analysis”. It may be appreciated that any embodiments described herein utilizing done print elements to actuate the analysis process may alternatively use done print elements to retrieve a result with the use of speculative analysis.
Done print elements can have any shape, such as a dot, circle, square, triangle, star, swirl, etc.
C. Applications
The above described handwriting recognition fields can be applied to a variety of learning mechanisms using the interactive print media apparatus. In most embodiments, the print medium includes print elements related to the fields. The combination of print elements and instructive and engaging outputs induce the user to use writing to enhance the learning process. Writing, reading and listening are all advantageous to the learning process.
The user is then prompted to solve the mathematical equation generated by the number “10” and the number written in the subtrahend box 242. The user writes the answer in the equals box 246. The equals box 246 indicates a field 220 wherein stroke marks are recognized by the print media apparatus 100. Once the user is finished writing the answer in the equals box 246, the user touches the associated done print element 230. If the apparatus 100 recognizes the number as the correct number, a congratulatory message may be heard. If the apparatus 100 recognizes the number as the incorrect number, a coaching message may be heard. Again, if at any time the stroke marks are inconsistent and do not form a recognizable character, the user is prompted to select the intended number from a number line 244 present on the print medium 156.
In another example, fields 220 disposed along the top edge of the sheet 154″ are used to generate an interactive mathematical equation and the print elements 170 across the sheets are used to assist the user in creating and solving the generated equation. Here, the print elements include a maze having footprints 250. The user is instructed to find a hidden treasure by making steps along the footprints 250 of the maze. To begin, the user is prompted to select a starting point, such as a volcano 252. The user is then prompted to write a number in the first field 220a. The user is then prompted to write a number in the second field 220b. The user is then prompted to solve the mathematical equation by writing the answer in the third field 220c. If the apparatus 100 recognizes the number as the correct number, a congratulatory message may be heard. If the apparatus 100 recognizes the number as the incorrect number, a coaching message may be heard. Once the correct answer has been written, the user is prompted to make a corresponding number of steps along the footprints 250. Such sequence may be repeated until the treasure is found.
Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be obvious that various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used and the above description should not be taken as limiting in scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, any one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with any one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.
Also, it should be understood that the present invention as described above can be implemented in the form of control logic using computer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will know and appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the present invention using hardware and a combination of hardware and software.
All references, patent applications, and patents mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None of them are admitted to be prior art to the presently claimed inventions.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/575,557, filed May 28, 2004, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60575557 | May 2004 | US |
