Patent Application
20080280268
The present invention relates to a system for teaching a new language. One way to learn a new language is to experience or practice the language in an environmental situation where the language is naturally spoken. In other words, one way to learn a language (such as Spanish) is to spend time practicing dialogue in a Spanish speaking environment or situation. When a student or individual trying to learn a language is immersed in a specific environment, the student or person is more likely to be confronted with various practical speaking situations. Furthermore, associating the new communication with actual situations aids tremendously with a student's ability to recall portions of newly learned dialogue and apply them correctly and naturally in a future encounter.
If a student cannot experience such a new environment, an alternative is to bring the new environment to the student. Environments may be duplicated in the form of toy systems that include play pieces that simulate various aspects of the chosen environment. Environments in which a student may desire to practice dialog may include, for example, an airport, a bank, a museum, a supermarket or any other common environment. In one implementation, toy system play pieces may, for example, simulate the environment of a typical supermarket from a particular geographic area. Using the system play pieces, the student can role play to engage in a simulated dialogue associated with purchasing food items from a that local supermarket in the particular geographic area. Similarly, as mentioned above, system play pieces could also simulate an airport or a museum to facilitate a dialogue or learn terms in another language which could aid the student in possible future encounters in such environments.
There is therefore a need to develop a toy system including play pieces that simulate an environment which facilitates a student's role playing to encourage practice of a foreign language dialogue in such environmental situations. Furthermore, there is a need for a toy system that enables a student to practice dialogue from a desired environment, without having to relocate to the actual environment to encounter the appropriate situations.
Generally, the present specification discloses a system for teaching multiple language words or phrases associated with a specific environmental situation. The system includes a housing or base unit stylized in a real-life environmental theme (e.g., a supermarket) where people would commonly engage in conversation. The system also includes a variety of accessories associated with the environmental theme and stylized as real-life items (e.g., groceries) that might be the subject of a conversation under the theme. The accessories in the environment can be items that are used to learn words and/or phrases in multiple languages. The housing can include an identifier, a controller, a memory, an output device and a mode switch. The identifier is capable of identifying an accessory that is engaged with the identifier.
In one method of identification, the identifier can include several switches and each accessory can include several projections arranged in a pattern. Each accessory can have a unique pattern of projections so that when the accessory is associated with or placed in proximity to the identifier, a unique combination of the identifier's switches are activated to generate a unique set of identity information and identify the accessory. Specifically, the controller receives this unique identity information from the identifier and retrieves data from the memory that corresponds to the received identity information. The controller then signals the output device to generate an output, such as to audibly announce the word phrase from the selected data. The housing can also include a mode switch for switching between various electronic modes. When the system includes a mode switch, data in the memory is arranged in data sets. Switching modes signals the controller to retrieve data, such as word response data, from a particular data set associated with the activated mode and can therefore signal the production of different mode specific word phrase output or sound output based on the same input.
Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
In accordance with the present invention, a language teaching toy system 10 is disclosed.
The toy system 10 includes a housing 20 and several accessories 30 and 40 that are uniquely identifiable by the housing 20. To identify accessories 30, 40, the housing 20 contains a controller 22 for generally controlling the electronics of the system 10. Specifically, the housing 20 contains an identifier 26 for identifying an accessory 30, 40. The housing 20 also contains a memory 28 at least for storing word and sound data. Furthermore, an output device in the housing 20 can be used to generate an output, such as an audible word or sound represented by the word or sound data stored in the memory 28.
Each accessory 30, 40 includes an identity or identification portion 32, 42 and an indicia portion 34, 44. The indicia portions 34, 44 enable a user to visually identify an accessory and to distinguish it from other accessories. Correspondingly, the identity portion 32, 42 of each accessory enables the identifier 26 to uniquely identify each accessory of the toy system 10. Therefore, the toy system 10 can audibly announce what it has identified electronically and the user can compare that announcement with what the user has identified visually.
In use, a user visually identifies an accessory by its indicia or indicia portion 34, 44, chooses an accessory and associates (such as moving the accessory in proximity to the identifier) the accessory with the identifier 26. The controller 22 then identifies the accessory through the identifier 26. Based on the identity of the identified accessory, the controller 22 retrieves sound or word data from the memory 28 and transmits the sound or word data to the output device 24. The output device 24 then converts the sound or word data into an electronic signal and plays a sound or word (represented by the data) on a speaker.
Identification of an accessory using the identifier 26 of the toy system 10 can be accomplished in a number of ways. Identification merely requires communication between the identifier 26 and the accessory. In one embodiment, communication between the identifier 26 and an accessory can be achieved using projections or protrusions on one of the identifier 26 and the accessory and several switches on the other of the identifier 26 and the accessory. In that embodiment, the projections or protrusions are engaged with the switches and as a result, the particular accessory can be identified. In other embodiments, the communication can by achieved by light, magnetic attraction, or a wireless signal. For example, the identifier 26 can be an optical scanner and the identity or identification portion 32 on the accessory 30 can be an optical identifier such as a bar code or other indicia that can be read or identified by the optical scanner. The particular communication items used in these alternative embodiments can be conventional elements or components.
In this embodiment, the housing 20 also includes a mode switch 29 for changing the mode of operation of the controller 22. If the toy system 10 includes a mode switch 29 that switches the controller 22 between multiple modes of operation, different types of data can be stored in data sets. For example, different sound and word data can be stored in the memory 28 in different data sets that are accessed by the electronic system depending on the mode of operation of the system 10. Switching between modes causes the controller 22 to retrieve data from a data set associated with a specific mode. Therefore, one input, such as the identification of a unique accessory, results in a first output if the controller 22 is in a first mode or a second output if the controller 22 is in a second mode.
In one embodiment, the toy system 10 can generate audible output that includes words or phrases in multiple languages. For example, when accessory 30 is in communication with the identifier 26, the name of the accessory 30 can be output via the output device 24 in one or more languages. Thus, a child can learn a word or words in multiple languages by playing with an item and using the toy system 10 to generate an output. In some embodiments, the words can relate to objects that are familiar to children. For example, the objects can include everyday items such as milk, cereal, flowers, and/cakes. Alternatively, the words can relate to numbers, colors, shapes, and social skills, such as saying hello, please, and thank you. The system generates output in at least two different languages, with one of the languages being the native language to the country in which the toy system is distributed or sold. For example, when the toy system is distributed or sold in the United States, the toy system can generate outputs in English (the native language of the United States) and in at least one other language, such as Spanish. In that example, the system can generate outputs in English and in Spanish for each of the items used with the identifier. First, the English word or words are output and then the Spanish translation of the word or words is output. Outputs in any other languages, such as French, German, Italian, Japanese as well as other languages, can be utilized with the toy system. The at least two different languages can be selected by the manufacturer and provided with the toy system. If several languages are provided with the toy system, the end user has the ability to select at least two of the languages using an input device, such as a switch. For simplicity reasons only, English and Spanish are the two different languages referenced below with respect to the toy system. An exemplary embodiment of a toy system and methods of using the toy system are described in detail below.
An embodiment of a language learning toy system according to the invention is illustrated in
The lower portion 112 of the base 110 also includes an activity area 120. In
The coin ride 121 is a movably mounted component that is in communication with a switch, which when activated by the movement of the coin ride 121, generates output through the speaker 126. The cash register 124 is movably mounted to the base 110 and coupled to a switch that is activated when the cash register 124 is moved. Particular outputs are generated by the toy system 110 when that switch is activated.
The activity area 120 includes a controller corresponding to the controller 22 of the toy system 10 described above. The activity area 120 allows a user to interact with the language teaching toy system 100 by providing a number of inputs to the electronic controller (e.g., buttons that can be pressed) and by receiving a number of outputs (e.g., lights and/or sounds) from the controller. These features will be described in more detail below.
In this embodiment, the housing 106 of the toy system 100 can be selectively disposed in multiple configurations. As illustrated
Referring to
As previously mentioned, the activity area 120 includes an electronic controller. The electronic controller interactively receives information from several sensors, including a first sensor 121 (the coin ride), a second sensor 124 (the cash register) and a third sensor 130 (also referred to above as an identifier).
The first sensor 121 has a seat and a switch (not shown) that is activated by pressing the seat which is stylized as a children's coin ride toy (commonly located near supermarket checkout areas). The coin ride toy seat includes a receptacle 122 defined by a wall 123. Therefore, when shopper 210 or 212 is placed in the receptacle 122 and the seat is pressed, the switch is activated to send a signal to the controller. The controller receives the signal, retrieves data from a memory, and sends a signal to an output device (e.g., a speaker 129) to output an audible sound or message.
The activity area 120 also includes a second sensor 124 that includes a switch (not shown) and that is actuated by pressing a button stylized as a cash register. Pressing the cash register button sends a signal to the controller to retrieve specific data from the memory. The controller then sends a signal to an output device (e.g., a speaker) to generate a particular output, such as an audible word or message. Pressing the cash register button a second time generates a second output different from the first output. Furthermore, each output message is related to a message that might normally be heard when checking out at a grocery check-out counter. In one embodiment, the message may first be announced in a first language (e.g., English) immediately followed by the same message announced in a second language (e.g., Spanish). As a result, the language learning toy system 100 associates a first language with a second language to teach the second language. Furthermore, the system 100 reinforces the second language in a real-life role play situational context (e.g., a grocery store checkout environment).
Moreover, the activity area 120 includes another sensor or identifier 130 that is configured or stylized as a supermarket checkout counter. The sensor 130 includes an engagement area 132 with several switches that may be depressed or engaged by accessories 300. The sensor 130 is configured to identify the particular accessory with which it is engaged.
As discussed above the language teaching toy system 100 of the present invention also includes a mode switch 29 for switching the controller between activity modes. Three visual indicia representations 125, 126, and 127 are located along side the mode switch 128 in respective positions that correspond to the three mode positions of the mode switch 128.
The engagement area 132 also includes an identity switch array 156 having a first identity switch 158, a second identity switch 162, a third identity switch 166 and a fourth identity switch 172 for identifying which specific accessory 300 has been placed in the engagement area. In other embodiments of the toy system, any number of identity switches can be provided in the array.
The engagement area 132 also includes a first presence switch 170 and a second presence switch 174 for detecting the presence of an accessory 300 in the engagement area 132. In this embodiment, the presence switches 170, 174 are depressed along with the appropriate switch array switches in order to get an output. Also located in the engagement area 132 is button 178, which each time it is pressed, causes an output of a different word and/or phrase in a first language and then in a second language (e.g., Spanish and English). This feature allows a user to practice foreign language words and phrases in a repetitive manner.
The button 178 is large enough to be accessed with a finger. Accordingly, the system can generate an output when the button 178 is pressed without the need of an insertion of an accessory. This manner of operation allows a user to practice dialogue in different languages by simply pressing button 178 repeatedly.
The language teaching toy system includes several accessories 300 that can be formed in different embodiments. Referring to
As an example, first accessory 301 includes top portion 301A with top indicia 301B which is configured to resemble a carton of milk, a sidewall 301C with side indicia 301D thereon labeled as the number one (“1”). The second accessory 302 includes a top portion with indicia 302B which is configured to resemble a piece of cheese and a sidewall with side indicia 302D thereon labeled as the number two (“2”). Third accessory 303 includes a top portion with top indicia 303B which is configured to resemble cereal and a sidewall with side indicia 303D thereon labeled as the number three (“3”). Fourth accessory 304 includes a top portion with top indicia 304B which is configured to resemble juice and a sidewall with side indicia 304D thereon labeled as the number four (“4”). Fifth accessory 305 includes a top portion with top indicia 305B which is configured to resemble portions of balls and a sidewall with side indicia 305D thereon labeled as the number five (“5”). Sixth accessory 306 includes a top portion with top indicia 307B which is configured to resemble cakes and a sidewall with side indicia 306D thereon labeled as the number six (“6”). Seventh accessory 307 includes a top portion with top indicia 307B which is configured to resemble flowers and a sidewall with side indicia 307D thereon labeled as the number seven (“7”). Eighth accessory 308 includes a top portion with top indicia 308B which is configured to resemble peas and a sidewall with side indicia 308D thereon labeled as the number eight (“8”). Ninth accessory 309 includes a top portion with top indicia 309B which is configured to resemble apples and a sidewall with side indicia 309D thereon labeled as the number nine (“9”). Tenth accessory 310 includes a top portion with top indicia 310B which is configured to resemble bananas and a sidewall with side indicia 310D thereon labeled as the number ten (“10”).
In addition to numbers, the indicia of the accessories 301-310 can be any type of visual indicia, including words and colors. For example, the words may be associated with the items on the accessory or the quantity of items on the accessory. Alternatively, a color, in any shape or size, may be provided on a portion of an accessory. In other embodiments, the particular shape of the accessories 301-310 can vary. Also, the quantity of indicia on an accessory can vary. For example, accessories can be used with indicia only on one side. Moreover, in other embodiments, the particular indicia used for an accessory can be any type of indicia, including words, colors, different shapes and themes. Finally, the locations of the indicia on the accessories in different embodiments of the invention can vary.
Referring to
In other words, the bottom portion of each accessory 301-310 has four sides and each side has the same repeated identity portion structured as a pattern of projections. Because each side has the same pattern of projections that are identical with respect to its respective side and symmetric with respect to the accessory's center, the accessories 301-310 can be received in the engaging area 132 in any facing orientation. Thus, if the accessory is rotated 90°, 180° or 270° in the engaging area 132, its projections will still engage the same switches. The result of this identical, symmetrical arrangement is that no matter which side 305GB, 305GT, 305GL, 305GR of the perimeter 305G is positioned in the channel or trench 186 (best shown in
As briefly mentioned above, the general structure of the engagement area 132, which includes posts 154A-D, a perimeter 149 and a switch support 182, reduces the possibility of an unintentional pressing of any of switches 158, 162, 166, or 172 or button 178 while placing an accessory 300 in the engagement area 132.
The above features of the language teaching toy system 100 facilitate effective learning of a new language. The base 110 of the language teaching toy system 100 is generally configured as an environment in which a user would likely have a conversation (e.g., a super market). In addition, the language teaching toy system 100 helps a user to get into the mindset of speaking in a specific environment. It encourages this mindset by providing environmentally specific and suggestive materials and props with which to role play and by providing an electronic interactive controller that receives situational user input (e.g., associating an accessory 300 with the identifier 130) and outputs related multi-lingual dialogue (e.g., sounds or words in multiple languages).
Specifically, an English speaking user can pretend to be engaged in a shopping experience (e.g., in a Spanish speaking environment). The user peruses the shelves to decide which items to purchase. The user can then place the items in a pretend shopping cart for transport to the checkout counter. The English speaking user can now practice typical dialogue with a Spanish/English speaking cashier. The first sensor 121, stylized as a coin operated ride is attached to a button, which when pressed, generates fun sounds or words. The sound and word output can be altered if the mode switch 128 is repositioned between modes. The second sensor 124 stylized as a cash register button generates phrases (in English and then in Spanish) a cashier might say. In a different mode, the phrases might be numbers repeated in sequence in English and then in Spanish.
The third sensor or identifier 130 is configured as a cash register counter for receiving items (accessories 300) chosen from the shelves 146 for purchase. The items for purchase (accessories 300) are brought to and place in the engaging area 132 of the counter to be scanned. The particular accessory 301-310 is then placed in the engaging area 132 on the counter where its identity portion 301I-310I depresses a unique combination of switches 158, 162, 166, 172 in the switch array 156. The electronic controller then receives signals from the switches 158, 162, 166, 172 to identify which grocery item (accessory 300) has been placed on the counter (engaging area 132). When the electronic controller determines which item has been placed on the counter, the controller can then retrieve data related to the identified item (accessory 300) and trigger an output response (e.g., sounds or words) in English then in Spanish.
As discussed above, an accessory 300 may include multiple indicia thereon. When the accessory 300 is identified, the controller can transmit an output relative to either or both indicia. For example, as discussed above, each accessory 300 has a first set of visual indicia that uniquely identifies it (e.g. cheese) and a second set of visual indicia indicating associated with a number (e.g., “2”). Because an accessory 300 may have multiple indicia, when mode switch 128 is switched between modes, the controller may switch between output words associated with the first item set (e.g., milk, cheese etc.) and output words associated with the second number set (e.g., “1,” “2” etc.). Therefore, in a first mode (e.g., for an accessory 302), the controller may output the phrase “cheese” and in a second mode the controller (for that same accessory 302) may output the word “two.” In one embodiment, the output can be related to the shape of the accessory.
In an alternative embodiment, an optical scanner can be used in lieu of the switch-based identifier discussed above. In that arrangement, an optical identifier, such as a bar code or a symbol, can be provided at one or more locations on the accessory as the identity portion in lieu of the projections. In another embodiment, indentations or recesses can be formed on the accessory as part of the identity portion. In that arrangement, the identifier can include a series of switches that engage the indentations or recesses of the accessory to identify the accessory.
Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
