CN1518731A - Interactive apparatus with templates - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

The interactive apparatus that has template

Technical field

In the last few years, acoustic toy was subjected to children's extensive welcome.For this reason, many toys that can allow child push button on the toy and sounding or speak have been developed.After pressing the button, this toy can send the sound of noting in advance.For example, can have a button that is printed on letter " E " on this toy, after child pushed letter " E ", toy just sent the sound (that is, " eeee ") of letter e.

Background technology

This class can also improve to some extent.For example, after a period of time, child may become very familiar to the reaction of toy.Child will learn to make toy to send same sound again and again by certain position of pushing toy.If is the button of this group corresponding to same group of sound all the time in face of the user, the result of study and recreation will become and can predict and only be a kind of repetition.Child can lose interest to toy thus, and this toy also reduces greatly to child's education and recreational value.

In addition, this type toy is very limited to the reinforcement means of child study, and child's incentive action is not then almost had.In the electronic toy of many routines, unique exchanging is exactly pressing button between child and the toy.Therefore the more toy of a kind of function of needs encourages child in more mode and participates among child's the recreation.

The present invention is devoted to these problems and other problem.

Summary of the invention

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

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

An alternative embodiment of the invention has proposed a kind of method of using a kind of interactive apparatus, and this method comprises: a pedestal a) is provided, and it comprises a smooth substantially plane; B) movable die plate is arranged on the smooth substantially plane; C) mobile moving element in movable die plate; And d) moving of response moving element forms the audio frequency output with respect to moving element.

An alternative embodiment of the invention has proposed a kind of a kind of movable die plate that uses on the surface of interactive apparatus pedestal, this movable die plate comprises: a) stagnant zone; And b) moving element, the structurally different stagnant zones of this moving element, and can be independent of stagnant zone and move, moving element wherein comprises a top and a bottom, top wherein can be moved by the user, bottom wherein can contact with the surface in response to moving of user, and pedestal wherein forms one with respect to the audio frequency that the move output of user to moving element.

These and other embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 shows that the planimetric map of the pedestal of interactive apparatus in one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows that the interactive apparatus of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows that the interactive apparatus of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows that the piece figure of used some element in the embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows that the electrical schematics of switch arrays;

Figure 6 shows that in the switch arrays the wherein top view of the bottom of one group of switch;

Figure 7 shows that when pressure is added on the switch cut-open view of a part in this switch;

Figure 8 shows that the interactive apparatus of another embodiment of the present invention, the movable die plate in the present embodiment has a window, and this window exposes a lamellar body, and this lamellar body has a plurality of printed patterns.

Fig. 9 (a) is depicted as the side view of movable die plate;

Fig. 9 (b) is depicted as the top view of movable die plate when open position shown in Fig. 9 (a);

Fig. 9 (c) is depicted as the part that movable die plate has packing ring;

Figure 10 shows that the piece figure of one embodiment of the invention system;

Figure 11 shows that the form of the used literal of one embodiment of the invention.

Embodiment

Embodiments of the invention have proposed a kind of interactive apparatus, and it comprises a pedestal and a movable die plate that uses with pedestal.In certain embodiments of the present invention, movable die plate can have moving element such as button.When moving element moved, pedestal just formed an output for the user.

This output can be that audio frequency output is as music or synthetic voice.The moving element that this music or voice are preferably with the user moves is associated.For example, if the user pushes the coupling red button in the movable die plate, pedestal just sends the sound of " redness " or " coupling redness ".

In addition or as selecting, in certain embodiments of the present invention, movable die plate structurally can be fixed on a lamellar body on the pedestal as scraps of paper.These movable die plates can have moving element such as button, also can not be with.

When on the pedestal scraps of paper being arranged, the user can carry out with the printed patterns on the lamellar body alternately (as, figure, literal, letter).For example, the user can be added to pressure on the figure of the scraps of paper, perhaps comes to pattern coloring with marking tool such as crayon.

Correspondingly, pedestal can provide an output to the user.This output can be that audio frequency output is as music or synthetic voice.Regardless of the form of exporting, it is relevant with the specific printed patterns of user interactions that this output is preferably.For example, if the user is painted to the letter b on the scraps of paper, the output that offers the user so just can be the voice that synthesize as " B ", B reads to do " buh ".

Movable die plate is formed the pedestal that supports include a main surface.

Main surface can not be flat, but is preferably a plane, and the user can scribble on this surface like this.When movable die plate was positioned on the pedestal, it can directly contact also and can be separated from each other with main surface.This main surface can be smooth, flushable, so just can mark can be removed as the mark of putting on crayon at an easy rate.

Have one group of electrical device array be arranged in main surface below.In certain embodiments, each electrical equipment is pressure-activated pressure sensitive switch.Suitable pressure sensitive switch for example can comprise a plurality of conductive regions that separate with air gap each other.Being added to pressure on the conductive region can make these conductive regions contact with each other to close this switch.Another kind of electrical equipment can be the piezoelectric type element.Pressure is added to its resistance is changed.Under above-mentioned any situation, pressure all can be applied by the finger-type part on for example moving element, recording pointer (as marking tool such as crayon) or the electrical equipment.

In other embodiments, this electrical equipment can be an antenna, as american documentation literature US5,877,458 or US5,686,705 and U.S. Patent application file 09/574,599 and 60/200,725 described in antenna.All these patent documentations are identical with the application per capita with assigning of patented claim document, and its form with reference is incorporated the application into here.This antenna can send out signal, and this signal can be received by a recording pointer that links to each other with pedestal.This recording pointer is as receiving antenna.When recording pointer was placed on the main surface, this recording pointer can receive the signal of an electrical equipment under the recording pointer.Then, just can determine the position of recording pointer with respect to main surface.In these embodiments, this recording pointer can be used to the moving element in the movable die plate on the mobile foundation.This recording pointer can also be used for lamellar body in the printed patterns reciprocation, lamellar body wherein is fixed on this pedestal that has template.In these embodiments, electrical equipment is emitting antenna also, and this antenna is periodically launched signal, and receives these signals by recording pointer.In these embodiments, user's de-energisation electrical equipment optionally.As selection, recording pointer can be used as emitting antenna, and the antenna (that is electrical equipment) below can be used as a receiving antenna simultaneously.

In an embodiment of the present invention, some or all electrical equipment in the electrical device array can be used to obtain and provide specific output for the user.As preferably, these electrical equipments can obtain predetermined output after startup.In addition, some electrical equipments wherein can be allocated in advance to be used to refer to movable die plates different on the pedestal when starting.For example, when the electrical equipment that starts when movably new template links to each other with, processor can be to this interactive device reprogramming, thereby allocates these electrical equipments in the array in advance to obtain those and this movably output of linking to each other of new template.

The output that offers the user by interactive apparatus can be the output on visual output and/or the sound.Preferred output is the output on the sound, because the output on the sound can replenish and strengthen visual information such as character, image and numeral etc. on movable die plate or the lamellar body.This output can comprise literary composition symbol, numeral, word, paragraph, joke, music, enquirement, answer, prompting, audio, the fact etc. as an example.

In certain embodiments, this output can be used to point out the user to respond.For example, interactive apparatus can propose a problem with the inquiry user " you can find green triangle? "In response, the user can touch a moving element that links to each other with green triangle.After user's response, provide the output of a response to the user again to mistake.For example, if user's response is correct, so just to the user provide the output of incentive ground (as, " right ").

If user's response is not right, can repeat this problem, inform that perhaps its response of user is incorrect.

In other embodiments, the output that interactive apparatus provided comprises the prompting clue that can help the user to answer the previous problem that proposes of this interactive apparatus.For example, be originally for user's problem " pushing numeral 10 ".If the user does not push numeral 10 within the predetermined time, perhaps the user has pushed the numeral of a mistake, and this interactive apparatus can allow the user by the different button of the next one and obtain a prompting clue.For example, this interactive apparatus can point out the user " dog to be pressed to obtain the prompting clue ".After the user pressed this key, device can be the user provided a clue as " numeral 10 is after numeral 9 ".

Give a clue to the user and to help the user to understand given theme.

As mentioned above, in an embodiment of the present invention, the output that offers the user can be associated with a specific moving element by user action, perhaps can with the user mutual specific printed patterns be associated.For example, when the user pressed the moving element of green moving element and redness, the output that is produced was different.

In addition, to offer the user with the different outputs of these moving element particular association.For example, after the user pushes green and red moving element respectively, " green ", " redness " are offered the user.

The information that these outputs can be provided with printing element or exist some to get in touch with moving element.For example, these outputs can be associated with sign, form, color, shape or the quality of printing element in moving element or the lamellar body.For example, with crayon the frog pattern on the pedestal scraps of paper is carried out painted after, can from storer, propose paragraph " feed, I am beating ", and send this phrase to the user with the loudspeaker in the pedestal.In addition, perhaps as selection, this output also can provide the out of Memory of relevant specific printing element or moving element.For example, printing element or moving element can adopt the shape of California, USA, after user and this moving element or printing element are mutual, just information such as population, history and/or the area etc. in relevant this state can be offered the user.

Can be a lot of with the movable die plate that pedestal uses.In a cover movable die plate, each movable die plate wherein all can adopt different appearance forrns also/or be applicable to the user and teach different contents.As preferably, movable die plate can have bright color and/or bidimensional or 3-D character (as, animation).

Feature such as this class can allow child exchange with interactive apparatus formation.Each movable die plate can be made of plastics and can adopt rigidity or flexible material.What preferably adopt is the movable die plate of rigidity, operated because this class template is easy to by child, and alignment easily.

In certain embodiments, to include one deck be the molded plastics on plane to movable die plate substantially.In addition, this movable die plate can adopt any one suitable planar dimension or thickness.For example, the thickness of common movable die plate is less than 1.27 centimetres, and planar dimension is then greater than 21.59 * 27.94 square centimeters.

Each piece movable die plate all has a stationary part and a plurality of moving element that is independent of stationary part substantially.Each moving element all has a kind of structure and outward appearance that is different from stationary part.For example, in certain embodiments, moving element can be that some are arranged in the button in the hole of stationary part.Thereby this this button adopts to flexibly connect to be connected to and makes button can be independent of stationary part basically on the hole wall to move.In certain embodiments, these moving elements also can be arranged in the interior slotted hole of movable die plate (that is, the plane with respect to movable die plate is a slotted hole).Displaceable element can move in slotted hole, also can move along the direction that is parallel to movable die plate.

Each moving element all has a top and a bottom.The upper and lower all can be for vertical movement with respect to the plane of movable die plate.The routine moving element that push button comes to this.In other embodiments, each moving element can have a top that moves horizontally with respect to movable die plate.The top of moving element can in the plane of movable die plate, do rotation, about or move up and down.This class moving element can be simulated the proper motion of object, thereby can allow user's interaction with it.For example, the shape of wheel can be adopted in the top of one of them moving element.This wheel can be used as a part of means of transport on the movable die plate.Thereby this wheel can rotate the proper motion of simulation wheel in the plane of movable die plate.When user's swivel wheel, the user is afterburning in a downward direction, thereby makes the bottom of moving element move down and contact with main surface.In other embodiments, the bottom of moving element moves up and down (perpendicular to the plane of movable die plate) corresponding to this rotatablely moving.Available gear is changed the motion of moving element part.When the bottom of moving element moves down, thereby it can contact the electrical equipment that encourages main surface underneath suitable with main surface.In these cases, can be in response to the user to the rotation of wheel and send the sound of train wheel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, movable die plate can remove from pedestal easily.The user needn't use what special instrument or step to remove movable die plate and movable die plate is removed from pedestal.As preferably, can be without clip or glue and movable die plate is placed on the main surface.

For this reason, the movable die plate with dissimilar, pattern or size of moving element can exchange on the main surface that is installed to pedestal without difficulty.Show users' interfaces to change easily.When movable die plate changed, the outward appearance of interactive device, sensation and function all changed.Compare with many traditional electronic toys, child must use same group of button and same group of corresponding sound.Therefore compare with traditional electronic toy, children can not lose interest to embodiments of the invention easily.

This interactive apparatus can be used for many purposes.For example, it can be used to amusement and educates the user.In certain embodiments, movable die plate or lamellar body also can make the user play in design.For example, be fixed on the lamellar body on the pedestal and can stamp a labyrinth.The user can pass this labyrinth with pencil or other the writing implement track that draws.With pencil certain pressure is added on the main surface below the lamellar body.Electrical equipment below the pencil will be activated, and the interior processor of pedestal this moment just can be followed the trail of the track of pencil.

If the user has departed from correct track in the labyrinth, just to the user provide the output of audio frequency (as, " having gone to the wrong way ").In other embodiments, movable die plate can be used to the analog representation functional object.For example, these templates can be designed to children's various functional objects such as phone, computer keyboard, control panel (as, be used for spaceship or automobile) etc.Each functional object wherein all has the transportable moving element of user.In a single day moving element is moved, and will form sound in response.For example, movable die plate can be made the form of telephone key plate, the moving element in the movable die plate be made the ammonium button of key plate.When the user presses the button, the bottom of button can contact with main surface.Loudspeaker in the pedestal can send the sound of plain old telephone button then.

In other embodiments, movable die plate can be designed to educate specially the form of the predetermined theme of user learning.For example, designed interactive apparatus and movable die plate can be used to educate user learning color, character, shape, numeral, word pronunciation, pronunciation, practical work, song, arithmetic, algebraically, subtraction, multiplication, division, mark, decimal, how much, science, geography, history, spelling, grammer, musical instrument title and sound, the mankind, place, nature, music, motion, literal, numeral, counting, sociology, the expression of wound skill property, language such as English, Chinese etc.The technical ability that this interactive apparatus is instructed comprises identification technical ability (as the identification of numeral and character) and logic technical ability.

Therefore, in certain embodiments, this interactive apparatus can be used as educational toy.

Although this interactive apparatus can be used as educational toy, in other embodiments, it is not must be children's toy, and it also can be for becoming people to use.For example, in certain embodiments, can be the different people of languages and design various movable die plate and/or the lamellar body that uses with pedestal.Thereby can make the output that provided can be to this interactive apparatus reprogramming, and can be associated with dissimilar users specific to movable die plate or lamellar body.A pedestal can use different templates, and these templates can be used by inhomogeneous crowd simultaneously.

The user of this interactive apparatus can be any suitable age groups (as, adult or child).For example, this user can be the age less than 10 years old child (as preschool 3 to 5 years old children).In an embodiment of the present invention, this interactive apparatus child participated in read, listen to the music, in sound and the LEARNING SHOULD BE FUN activity.Therefore can many important technical ability (as, preceding technical ability) teach child, encourage their creativeness, self-expression power and power of imagination etc. simultaneously.

As displaying, in one embodiment of the invention, a pedestal is arranged, and it can use one first movable die plate and one second movable die plate.This first movable die plate character in the learn letters table that can educate one's children.At this moment, the moving element in first movable die plate can be the ammonium button of character A to Z.

Moving element in second movable die plate is different from the moving element in first movable die plate.Except the moving element with character style, the moving element in second movable die plate can adopt the form of numeral.For example, the moving element in second movable die plate can be a plurality of buttons from numeral 1 to 10.

First movable die plate can be placed on the pedestal.During moving element in the user moves first movable die plate, the one or more electrical equipments in moving element of Yi Donging and the electrical device array below it interact.These one or more electrical equipments start with response and this moving element reciprocation.In response to the moving of moving element, can provide an output then to the user.For example, after the user pressed the button of character A in first movable die plate, the bottom of button contacted with the main surface of pedestal.Therefore pressure can be added to the main surface of pedestal, a pressure sensitive switch under the added pressure-activated main surface in the switch arrays.After this switch was activated, the processor in the pedestal extracted and presses the button pairing voice data.This voice data is converted into by the loudspeaker in the interactive apparatus and sounds.For example, behind the button of pressing character A shape, the data of paragraph " A, A read and make ah " just extract from storer, and the loudspeaker in the pedestal sends the paragraph of " A, A read and make ah ".

After the user uses up first movable die plate, first movable die plate can be taken off from pedestal.Then second movable die plate is placed on the pedestal on the own position.When the user starts moving element in second movable die plate, formed output when using that the output that this interactive device forms is different from first movable die plate.For example, when the user pressed the button of the numeral 7 in second movable die plate, the bottom of button contacted with the main surface of pedestal.Therefore, pressure can be added on the main surface of pedestal below the button.A switch of button and main surface underneath is activated.This switch is used to provide the audio frequency output relevant with digital 7.For example, after the user pushed numeral 7 button, the audio frequency that offers the user was exactly " 7, one week had 7 days ".

After the user uses second movable die plate, also can on pedestal, use the 3rd movable die plate, the 3rd movable die plate etc.Available different movable die plate is formed one group of movable die plate.The outward appearance and the moving element of each movable die plate in this group are all inequality.

Different templates can form different output.By making pedestal adopt different movable die plates, the user just can change outward appearance, sensation and the function of interactive apparatus easily.Therefore, comparing with many traditional electronic toys, even the user can not lose interest to this interactive mode easily yet in use for some time, in face of the user can not be same group of button and same group of corresponding output because be illustrated in again and again.

Fig. 1 is the pedestal 12 of the interactive apparatus of one embodiment of the invention.Pedestal 12 comprises a fringe region 17, and it is holding main surperficial 29 of pedestal 12.The fringe region 17 and the other parts of pedestal 17 can be made by molded plastics.The following of pedestal 12 has a storage recess so that store no one or more movable die plate (not shown).

Handle 16 links to each other with fringe region 17.Handle 16 can be accepted or remove from the main body of pedestal.Use handle 16, the user can carry pedestal and movable die plate (not shown) easily.Therefore, this interactive apparatus can be portable and can be carried by child.Therefore, the planar dimension of this interactive apparatus is less than 91.44 * 91.44 square centimeters.

For example, the size of pedestal 12 is approximately 30.02 * 47.625 * 7.62 centimetres (wide * length * height).

The fringe region 17 of pedestal 12 can have other suitable structure.As, a storage space 11 that seal up or that do not seal up can be arranged in the fringe region 17.This storage space can be used to store user's personal belongings and writes tool such as pencil or crayon.

In addition, in the fringe region 17 of pedestal a loudspeaker 18 is arranged.That note in advance or synthetic sound can offer the user by loudspeaker 18.This sound can be music, synthetic literal, paragraph, field, audio etc.Also can there be (shown in the dotted line) groove 23 to use in the fringe region 17 for portable information storage medium (not shown).Groove 23 structurally can be used to receive portable information storage medium.For example when data capsule was inserted in the groove 23, the spring cup (not shown) can cover groove 23 and inwardly push.

Also has a selecting arrangement 20 in the fringe region 17 so that the user selects specific operator scheme.As shown in Figure 1, selecting arrangement 20 can adopt the form of feather key.The user can come the switch interactive apparatus with this selecting arrangement 20.When interactive apparatus was opened, the user also can further select mode of learning, game mode and music pattern.Under mode of learning, the main output that interactive apparatus provides all is the output that is used for instructing the predetermined theme of user learning.For example, when interactive device is in mode of learning, the moving element of removable particular color of user or shape, or exchange with the printing element of particular color or shape.In response, interactive apparatus can be the shape and the color of instruction manual moving element or printing element.In game mode, the user can play games, and interactive apparatus also can be putd question to the user.For example, can be character A with button be arranged on the pedestal to the movable die plate of Z.If the user has selected wrong letter, this interactive device can by the question " you can find character D? " form point out the user, simultaneously this interactive apparatus can tell the user by the title of letter and pronunciation (as, " B, B reads buh. ")

If the user has selected correct letter, this interactive apparatus can be rewarded the user.For example, as to selecting correct response, can provide the sound of a congratulation property to the user as " well-done " or other award.In music pattern, when different moving elements is moved, can produce different snatch of musics.For example, if be when having the lamellar body of printing element on the pedestal, different printed elements is being carried out different snatch of musics can be presented to the user when painted so.

In an embodiment of the present invention, can use a plurality of movable die plates, and each movable die plate can be operated under various modes all.This interactive apparatus has more function than other traditional electronic toy.Therefore the user can not lose interest to it easily.In addition, the notion of instruction can be strengthened the user in a different manner under the different mode.For example, can strengthen study alphabetical in the alphabet by the combination of statement, inquiry (as puing question to), recreation and music.Therefore, when device is presented to the user with different ways with a specific notion, more help this notion of user learning.

Main surface 29 can have various characteristics or size.Should can adopt polyvinyl acetate or adopt other suitable polyester material by main surperficial 29 upper surface.Main surface 29 is preferably made by a kind of material that easily lip-deep crayon seal is washed.In certain embodiments, the planar dimension on main surface 29 can be greater than the scraps of paper of a standard.

For example, the planar dimension on main surface 29 can be greater than or less than 21.59 * 35.56 square centimeters.So big size can be held movable die plate, and this movable die plate can be fixed to the scraps of paper of a normal size on the pedestal 12.

Referring to Fig. 2, a removable template 14 can be arranged in (not shown) on the main surface of pedestal 12.In this example, the pattern of a width of cloth motorbus is arranged in the removable template 14, and various characters are arranged in this pattern.Removable template 14 includes a plurality of moving meters 19, i.e. the button of letter (being that a is to z) form.Movable die plate 14 can be made by the plastics of molded and rigidity.Movable die plate 14 also can be a kind of slab construction basically.

When the user pressed moving meter 19, the bottom of moving meter 19 can be added to a power on the main surface of movable die plate 14 underlying foundation 12.Be added to main lip-deep pressure and can start one or more electrical equipments below the moving meter that presses down 19.After one or more electrical equipments were activated, the processor in the pedestal just extracted an output data relevant with letter from storer, wherein should be associated with moving element by letter.Then, this output is offered the user.For example, if the user presses is the button of letter " W ", in response, the loudspeaker in the interactive apparatus pedestal can send the paragraph of " W, W read and make wah ".

Fringe region 17 in present embodiment and other embodiment structurally can hold movable die plate 14.In this example, fringe region 17 can raise to some extent with respect to the main surface of pedestal 12, and main surface is held.When movable die plate 14 is placed on the main surface of pedestal 12, thereby fringe region 17 can guide movable die plate 14 to make on its main surface that correctly is positioned pedestal 12.Moving meter 19 also can be properly positioned on the electrical equipment of pedestal 12 main surface underneath.Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, movable die plate 14 can align automatically with respect to the main surface of pedestal 12, just can use this interactive apparatus at an easy rate such as the such user of child like this and movable die plate 14 is placed on the surface of pedestal 12.The user needn't worry whether movable die plate 14 aligns, and moving meter 19 just can be corresponding admirably with the electrical equipment of main surface underneath.

Fig. 3 is the skeleton view of another interactive apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.Interactive apparatus shown in Figure 3 and the pedestal shown in Fig. 1 and 2 12 adopt of a sort pedestal 12.Yet, in the embodiment of this interactive apparatus, be a different movable die plate 14 on the pedestal 12.One row train is arranged in the movable die plate 14 of present embodiment, and various characters are arranged on this train.Similar with movable die plate 14 shown in Figure 2, the movable die plate 14 among Fig. 3 also can be made by molded plastics.This template can be the plane template of rigidity simultaneously.

Movable die plate 14 shown in Figure 3 includes a plurality of moving elements.Moving element 37,38,39 in the movable die plate 14 can have one and can be parallel to the part that move on movable die plate 14 planes.For example, movable die plate 14 comprises the moving element 38 of train wheel form.The top of moving element 38 rotates in a plane that is parallel to movable die plate 14.When the user moved moving element 38, it looked and is moving just as the wheel of train.Moving element 38 can move in the circular elongated slot (not shown) in movable die plate.The bottom that the top of mobile moving element 38 just can make moving element 38 contacts with main surface below the movable die plate 14.Movable die plate 14 also includes the moving element 37 of a steam whistle form.The user can make this steam whistle move up and down in a slotted hole.Steam whistle mobile can make the bottom of moving element 37 move and contact with main surface below the movable die plate 14.At this moment, can be added with a power on the electrical equipment (not shown) below the movable die plate 14.As this response of exerting pressure, the loudspeaker in the pedestal 14 can provide the sound of train steam whistle to the user.In another example, moving element 39 adopts a kind of vehicle window form that can move up and down.This interactive apparatus can be sounded in response to this moving.Also can have the moving meter 19 that some adopt the push button form in the movable die plate 14, these buttons adopt digital form (as 1 to 10).The user presses these numerals, and pedestal 12 just can provide corresponding audio output.For example, when pressing numeral " 10 ", will send synthetic voice " ten " in the loudspeaker.

Figure 4 shows that the piece figure of used some element in the interactive apparatus of one embodiment of the invention.Each element shown in Fig. 4 all is enclosed in the pedestal.Some element wherein (as portable information storage medium 80) can separate with pedestal physically.

This interactive apparatus comprises a processor 86.This processor 86 can be one or more convenient interactive apparatus microprocessor operating that are used for.In an embodiment of the present invention, these one or more microprocessors can comprise an ASIC (special-purpose integrated circuit).

Processor 86 can link to each other with various suitable electronic components.In Fig. 4, processor 86 links to each other with the array of storer 90, input equipment 92 and electrical equipment 88.Voice operation demonstrator 82 and audio output apparatus 84 provide synthetic speech or the output of other audio frequency for the user.Portable information storage medium 80 detachably links to each other with processor 86.In certain embodiments, portable information storage medium 80 can be inserted in the interior slot of pedestal.Data can extract from pedestal by this movable type information storage medium, or offer this pedestal.

Voice operation demonstrator 82 can be a kind of chipspeech, and it is independent of this and is controlling the interactive microprocessor of various interelements in the interactive apparatus.As selection, voice operation demonstrator 82 can control that the interactive logical circuit of various elements is integrated on the computer chip in the interactive apparatus with this.

Audio output apparatus 84 provides audio frequency output for the user.This audio output apparatus comprises loudspeaker and earphone etc.Except audio output apparatus 84, perhaps, also can use other output device such as picture output device (not shown) as selecting.This class picture output device comprises LCD (LCD).

Storer 90 can be various suitable information storing devices temporarily or permanently.Storer 90 can comprise optical storage, magnetic storage or electric storage medium such as CD, disk, band or rod etc.Also can adopt any combination of information storing device to make the storer 90 of interactive apparatus.In certain embodiments, storer 90 can comprise one or more RAM (random access device), ROM (read-only memory access) and EPROM chips such as (erasable programmatic method storeies).For example, storer 90 can comprise that a memory capacity is about 2MB or more rom chip.

Storer 90 can be preserved various appropriate information.For example, storer 90 can be preserved the electronic chart of used movable die plate of pedestal or lamellar body.Each is opened electronic chart a specific output is associated with a specific electrical equipment in the electrical device array.This specific output can be relevant with specific printing element on the printing lamellar body, and is perhaps relevant with a specific moving element in the specific movable die plate.This storer 90 also can be preserved the code of user's name or be used for extracting the code of user's name from portable information storage medium for example.The name of this device available subscribers is greeted the user, and user's sensation can be personalized like this.The output code of interactive apparatus also can be kept in the storer 90.

In certain embodiments, some information such as problem, literal, picture, music, application etc. can be kept in code library, source file storehouse and the application library.These library files can be presented in the storer 90.In a single day this category information is kept in the storer 90, just can read according to the instruction group of processor 86.The instruction set of service data rather than data file itself can be sent to this interactive apparatus soon, and sends from interactive apparatus.Bigger data file such as sound and graphic file needn't be kept in the pedestal, also needn't transmit repeatedly with pedestal.Less command file can be used to transmit, thereby it is faster that data are transmitted, and storage capacity requirement is lower.Music data can be according to the agreement of MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) or MIDI one class and is sent to this interactive apparatus fast and sends from this interactive apparatus.For example, in certain embodiments, actual voice data needn't be sent to pedestal or send from pedestal, as long as move instruction just can be play this voice data.The tonic train of preserving in the pedestal is used repeatedly, but do not need more audio frequency shelf space.

The instruction of playing audio-fequency data comprises universal audio sequence (GASs).

GASs is a kind of also brief instruction of audio plays source code that is used for specifying.A GAS instruction sequence can be specified the tonic train of a complexity.As an example, this GAS instruction can comprise these following contents:

GAS?commands?forhGAS～Hello?There?Play?hCA～Hello

Wait?0.1second

PlayhCA?There

In this example, the actual audio data of literal " Hello " and " There " needn't be sent to pedestal and send from pedestal.These paragraphs can once be kept in the storer of pedestal, then according to being sent to the instruction of pedestal and extracting and play from the instruction that pedestal sends.Command file is less than actual audio file usually, therefore compares with the audio file of reality, and command file can be sent to pedestal quickly and send from pedestal.Therefore, the interactive apparatus of the embodiment of the invention upgrade more easy.

Universal audio sequence (GAS) can be transferred the various audio-source codes of preserving with CA, SYN and RAW audio-source code.Although can adopt various suitable signs, SYN can use with used chip compositors such as musical instrument, bugle, animal crys as the abbreviated form of speech " synthesized "." SYN " file can be obtained by musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) class file." RAW " can be the original audio sound file that did not compress.They normally just use when high quality sound." CA " can be expressed as " compressedaudio (audio compression) " file.

Each CA audio-source file all is a binary file that is used for representing speech, paragraph or sound of having compressed.Each SYN audio-source file is one group of instruction of representing musical instrument and explanation then.In certain embodiments, actual musical instrument sound file is not preserved with the form of SYN audio-source file, but preserves with the form of instruction.This just makes the instruction of music group specify complicated but high-quality music element with very little space.Instrumental music sound and explanation are kept in the RAW audio-source file, and this document can be not compressed, as to represent a sound binary file.It is used for high quality audio output.

This interactive apparatus can have one or more input equipments 92.

This input equipment can comprise recording pointer, knob, button and push rod.They can be arranged in the fringe region of pedestal.For example, the selection equipment described of front a kind of input equipment just.The input equipment such as the fader that also can have other in the pedestal.

Can adopt various suitable portable information storage mediums 80 in this interactive apparatus.For example, box, dish, band or memory stick etc.Preferably data capsule grasps and handles because they are easily children.In certain embodiments, portable information storage medium 80 includes a flash memory box.

Portable information storage medium 80 can be used to new computer code is offered interactive apparatus.Suitable computer code comprises the code that interactive apparatus upgrades, and it is used for making interactive apparatus to be applicable to new movable die plate.In addition, thus this code also can be used to upgrade interactive apparatus makes it be applicable to other lamellar body.Therefore, by portable information storage medium 80, thereby this interactive apparatus again coding make it be applicable to movable die plate and the lamellar body that is printed on the different printing element on new its.It also can be used to the play instruction of audio frequency or graph data and audio frequency or graph data is sent to interactive apparatus.

Portable information storage medium 80 also can be used to extract computer code from interactive apparatus, thereby uses for other purposes.For example, user's achievement information can be recorded in the user log files of preserving in the portable information storage medium 80.User's achievement information can register in user's the journal file, simultaneously with this achievement information uploading in computer server.By achievement information and personal information (optional), computer server can be user in selecting content.For example, have alphabetical A-Z (that is, shown in Figure 2 interactive apparatus) in the employed interactive apparatus of user on the movable die plate.In interactive mode, this interactive apparatus can be inquired the problem of subscriber-related letter identification and spelling.For instance, these problems can be " you can find alphabetical A? " and " you can risk CAT? " Deng.This interactive apparatus may find that this user is very skilled in letter identification, but haves much room for improvement on the spelling technical ability.This achievement information can be recorded in the user journal in the portable information storage medium 80, and uploads to computer server.In response, this server extracts more spelling problem, and the problem of relevant identification is then less.Thus, this interactive apparatus can be adapted to user's learning ability along with the variation of time, and provides different challenges to the user.Describe adaptability learning process and system in detail in the U.S. Patent application of submitting on August 4th, 2,000 09/632,424, this application is assigned to assignee of the present invention, and its form with reference is incorporated the application in full into here.

In certain embodiments, portable information storage medium will not be sent to pedestal by computer code, and transmits from pedestal.For example, this pedestal has or is connected with a transceiver (as, RF transceiver) so that computer code is received or send to a computing machine that separates with pedestal.In another example, this pedestal can have a data port such as USB (USB (universal serial bus)) mouth, so that the user is sent to pedestal by physical connection with data and transmits from pedestal.This physical connection can be a data cable that links to each other with computing machine.

Available battery or cable come to be the interactive apparatus power supply.

The preferred battery that adopts to be the power supply of the electron device in the pedestal 12.In addition, when interactive apparatus (as 1 or 3 minute or longer) not use in the given time, pedestal 12 can be cut off the electricity supply automatically.Do like this and can forget the electric power that turn-offs interactive apparatus preservation battery the user.Child particularly, they forget after using up possibly and close electronic toy.

One routine mode of operation of interactive apparatus is described referring to Fig. 4.During moving element in the user presses the last movable die plate in the main surface of bottom base, the power that the user is added on the moving element can pass on main surface and electrical equipment such as the pressure sensitive switch.This pressure sensitive switch be positioned at moving element and main surface below, and in the array of electrical equipment 88.Which electrical equipment had been activated when then, processor 86 was determined in the array of electrical equipment 88 on earth.After determining the electrical equipment that is activated, processor 86 extracts and is activated the corresponding speech data of electrical equipment from storer 90.The speech data that is extracted is associated with the moving element that the user presses down.For example, moving element is a kind of square red button.Corresponding to the speech data that this moving element extracted can be such as " diamonds " such paragraph.Determine to provide what sound for the user after, the speech data that processor 86 usefulness extract makes voice operation demonstrator 82 and audio output apparatus 84 form voice.

As mentioned above, the array of electrical equipment 88 can be positioned under the main surface of pedestal.Electrical equipment in this array can regularly arrangedly also can be arranged brokenly.For example, these electrical equipments can be arranged in the array of being made up of the data row and column.Each electrical equipment can be corresponding to a specific row and the specific row in electrical equipment 88 arrays.Figure 5 shows that the array electric diagram of a schematic routine electric switch.8 row, movable die plate 14 row totally 112 switches are arranged in the figure, and it is marking 1 to 112 respectively.Each switch is all corresponding to a specific row and specific row.In an array of electrical equipment, a part of electrical equipment in the array can be used to a template in moving element interact, simultaneously other electrical equipment in the array can be used to another template in moving element interact.For example, referring to Fig. 5, first movable die plate can be used to starting switch 47,60 and 69 in design, and provide with first movable die plate on the relevant output of pattern.Second movable die plate can be used to starting switch 71,74 and 80 in design, and provide with second movable die plate on the relevant output of pattern.

Switches different in the array is designated as and different movable die plates is collaborative uses, distributes again so that different movable die plates extracts different output in the pedestal with regard to the electrical equipment in will not electrical device array.

In certain embodiments, the one or more electrical equipments in electrical equipment 88 arrays are designated is used for discerning the used specific template of user (or a specific lamellar body that has one or more different printing elements).But all have a moving element in each moving platen to start a specific electrical equipment.This electrical equipment can be specified to be used for notifying pedestal in advance: be a different movable die plate on the pedestal.After the startup, the particular electrical component in electrical equipment 88 arrays can be specified to extract output once more, wherein should export corresponding to movable die plate new on the pedestal.

In order to clearly demonstrate, refer again to Fig. 5, the first movable die plate (not shown) is arranged on the switch arrays.Can press " going " button (or other indication) in the upper right corner with starting switch 14 this moment.The synthesized voice that sends in the pedestal loudspeaker can point out the user to press " going " button.Movable die plate 14 starts, and it is first movable die plate on pedestal that processor is just determined now.

When switch 85,87 and 89 was started by other moving element in first movable die plate, these switches can be used to extract the output specific to first movable die plate.After carrying out alternately, second movable die plate can be placed on the switch arrays with first movable die plate.This second movable die plate has " a going " button in the lower right corner." going " button in second movable die plate can be arranged on the switch 112.Other moving element in second movable die plate can be arranged on switch 85,87 and 89.In case press " going " button in second movable die plate, switch 112 just starts, and processor is just determined second movable die plate and is on the pedestal.At this moment, relevant with second movable die plate thereby processor is redistributed switch 85,87 with 89 outputs of when they are activated, extracting, rather than relevant with first movable die plate.

In addition, perhaps as selecting, which template pedestal can be not having to determine automatically under the condition of user prompt currently used.For example, in certain embodiments, each movable die plate all has an outshot, and this outshot extends downwards from the bottom surface of movable die plate, perhaps from the side projection of template.For each movable die plate, this outshot can be on the different positions, thus start when on pedestal, placing different movable die plates different pressure sensitive switch (as below, the template or the switch of side).This moment the processor in the pedestal which movable die plate can determine current according to the particular switch that movable die plate started be on pedestal.In another example, a plurality of electrical contacts are arranged on the diverse location on the base of movable die plate.Corresponding electrical contact can be positioned at the top on the main surface of pedestal.When a movable die plate was arranged on the pedestal, the base of displaceable element contacted with the top on main surface.One group of specific electrical contact on the movable die plate base forms with main surperficial top and electrically contacts.Then, which contact just determines what start on the main marginal surface be to the processor in the pedestal on earth.

Set out by this information, it is which movable die plate is on the pedestal that processor just can be determined current.

As mentioned above, electrical equipment can be a pressure sensitive switch.In certain embodiments, each switch all has one and goes up conductive region and a following conductive region, does not contact when not adding upward pressure between the two.Last conductive region can be lined up specific delegation, and conductive region can be lined up specific row (or conversely) at present together.When pressure was added to conductive region, last conductive region contacted with following conductive region, thereby makes the closing of circuit starting switch.Processor is determined down the row and column that compresses switch.From storer, extract the output of this starting switch then, then this output is offered the user.

Figure 6 shows that the planimetric map of a part of switch arrays in one embodiment of the invention.Following conductive region 42 (a), 42 (b) are corresponding to the row in the switch arrays.Following conductive region 42 (a), 42 (b) for example can be the conductive ink that is imprinted on the dielectric base.Each row is isolated by insulating regions 46 electricity between conductive region 42 (a), 42 (b) down.On following conductive region 42 (a), 42 (b) a plurality of insulation spacers 44 are arranged.

Insulation spacer 44 separates following conductive region 42 (a), 42 (b) of switch with the corresponding conductive region (not shown) that goes up.Last conductive region separates with following conductive region 42 (a), 42 (b) by air gap.Do not having under the situation of pressure, thereby this air gap separately makes switch be in open mode the conductive region up and down of switch.

When pressure is added on the switch, thereby the last conductive region of switch contacts the formation closed circuit with following conductive region.Referring to Fig. 7, pressure can be added to pedestal main surperficial 29 on.The user can be added to pressure on main surperficial 29 with the moving element in for example finger, recording pointer or the movable die plate.Recording pointer can comprise mark or non-marked apparatus.The mark apparatus comprises crayon, pen, concentrator marker and pencil etc.Other details of associated mark apparatus embodiment can referring to submit on the same day with the application, name is called " Interactive Apparatus Using Print Media the interactive apparatus of printed medium (adopt) " U.S. Patent application 02/19364 (Attorney-DocketNo.020824-001400US).The assignee of this patented claim is identical with the application, and the form of this application reference is here incorporated the application in full into.

Moving element comprises top that a user can contact with it and one and 29 bottoms that contact, the main surface of pedestal.Main surface 29 can be on the insulation course 52, is printed on conductive region 54 on the insulation course 52.Last insulation course 52 can be made by for example mylar or other suitable flexible insulating material.Insulation spacer 44 is used for preventing that the following conductive region 42 on conductive region 54 and the following insulation course 60 from contacting with each other.Yet, when pressure is added on main surperficial 29, last insulation course 52 and 54 distortion of last conductive region.Then, last conductive region 54 just contacts with following conductive region 42, and starts this switch.The conductive material that constitutes conductive region can be an also configuration material of solid material.Thereby conductive profile can reduce conductive material used in the interactive apparatus saves cost.

Can not start this switch thereby can regulate the palm that makes the user to the maximum sideshake between the adjacent insulation spacer 44, and the user can come starting switch with finger or recording pointer, insulation spacer 44 wherein separates the conductive region up and down of switch,

For example, in certain embodiments, the maximum sideshake of adjacent insulation spacer 44 approximately can be between 0.3175 centimetre to 1.27 centimetres (or still less).Thus, the user can be placed on palm on the main surface of pedestal, and needn't worry the unexpected switch that starts main surface underneath of meeting.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, movable die plate should be suitable for a lamellar body is fixed on the pedestal and with the main surface in alignment of this lamellar body and pedestal.This interactive apparatus can adopt various suitable lamellar bodies.This lamellar body can be colored, also can not be with color, and it can include the various suitable numbers or the printing element of type.

As an example, this printing element can comprise figure, picture (as photo), symbol, map, letter, numeral etc.The user can carry out with the printing element on the lamellar body alternately, and this interactive apparatus can provide an output with in response to this mutual simultaneously.For instance, this printing element is write or pushed to this enterprising rower of printing element that is included in alternately.For instance, this printing element for example can be can be by user painted letter or character, and is colored the output that letter or character be associated and can offers the user.The user can not write at the lamellar body subscript yet and selects this printing element.For example, a lamellar body can be arranged on the pedestal, the user does not write at the lamellar body subscript and selects to be printed on picture, literal or a letter on the lamellar body then.The output that is associated with selected picture, literal or letter just offers the user.

The position of contact can be corresponding to the pattern that marks or indicate on interactive lamellar body or the template on the main surface 29 between last conductive region 54 and the following conductive region 42.In the embodiment of this interactive apparatus, include pair of conductive zone 42 and last conductive region 54 in the pattern of expression block " A ".Below the block " A " of movable lamellar body, 10 pairs of contacts are for example arranged.When coming that with crayon the block on the movable lamellar body " A " is carried out when painted, 10 pairs of contacts start in order repeatedly, and interactive apparatus response simultaneously is with sound signal.For example, sound can be " this is alphabetical A, reads " aaeee " among " aeh " or apple apple or the April april ".This interactive apparatus can continue to play other sound as long as letter " A " still is being colored.For example, can continue played songs " flower in April " or bright ode speech " one day apple need not be seen the doctor ".If child is giving block " A " painted, so painted behavior may not can be finished continuously, and child may stop and take away from lamellar body for a moment and crayon.When child continues when painted, sound needn't start anew, and only is all the more so when temporarily stopping a few second child particularly.Because " knock-on " technology is symmetrical, therefore suspends the back and continue to adopt when painted also restarting of inhibit signal of affirmation action that traditional knock-on technology can inhibit signal child.(traditional knock-on technology truly count down to predetermined numeral as needing before the non-vacation with repeating to contact at confirmation signal, and will wait for the contact of missing predetermined number in the delegation before confirming this signal terminating.) when child begin picture when moving the startup of sound do not need to postpone, therefore known knock-on technology and not being suitable for addresses this problem, voice initiated problem when promptly each child suspends several seconds.Therefore interactive apparatus of the present invention has creatively adopted asymmetric knock-on technology in design.Begin to be called " negative edge " with what contact in the set of contact below, the termination that contacts in the set of contact is called " rising edge ".In this creationary asymmetric knock-on technology, for the electric signal of given sampling rate, negative edge only needs just can demonstrate electric signal and confirmation signal correct (or " well ") to this set of contact once sampling.In contrast, rising edge needs to miss in the delegation 39 samplings could confirm that action stops, and this situation is actually and appears at when not detecting electric signal.If before 39 samplings, detect any one electric signal, it just looks like not take place at all to interrupt that the same (when above-mentioned numerical value 1 and 39 selection only is in order to illustrate that sound recovers, asymmetric knock-on technology preferably adopts different numerical value usually, therefore can use various suitable numerical value.) like this, just can avoid sound unexpectedly to jump to head.Therefore in an embodiment of the present invention, if the user does not carry out alternately with lamellar body within the predetermined time, sound can start anew, rather than has played to user's place from the front.

Be used for lamellar body is fixed in the movable die plate on the pedestal and can have a plurality of moving elements.This moving element can be identical with above-mentioned moving element, also can be different.When the user was added to power moving element on the lamellar body or in the mobile movable die plate, device can provide an output.

When even a movable die plate is only arranged on the pedestal, the user at least also has two kinds of methods not to come to carry out alternately with this interactive apparatus.

Interactive apparatus among these embodiment can be write the output that provides suitable in response to the painted and mark on the lamellar body.This can improve user's creativeness, self-expression power and the power of imagination.Action outside the pressing button can form some to the user have moral, encouragement, amusement with and/or informational output.The user is in recreation, and interactive apparatus can be strengthened educational concept or teach the user.

Figure 8 shows that an interactive apparatus, it comprises a removable template, and this template can be fixed to a lamellar body on the pedestal.This movable die plate 14 comprises an articulated elements that first 22 and second portion (not shown) are coupled together.First and second parts can adopt the form of framework, and planar structure basically.Second portion is below first 22.Second portion can have a window (or flexible diaphragm), and its size is basic identical with the window of first, so just can pressure be added on the following main surface of movable die plate 14 by this window.

First and second portion form a clam shell design altogether.

First 22 has a frame that is used for forming window.The user can mention first 22 by catching the upper fin part in the first 22.Mentioning topworks's (not shown) that first can make movable die plate 14 bottoms is added to power on the electrical equipment (as switch) below the movable die plate 14.Can sound in the loudspeaker 18 then: " putting into a new color page ".At this moment, some electrical equipment can be lockable (promptly can not respond) up to pack into lamellar body and push an indicator (as, green circle " go ") notice pedestal and be placed with a lamellar body on it of user.The user is put into lamellar body 27 between first and second parts then.And with first 22 and second portion altogether with closed movable die plate.Just can watch lamellar body 27 thus by the window in the first 22.Simultaneously, can sound in the loudspeaker 18: " let us is learnt ABC and painted to them ".

The user can it go up to have lamellar body 27 with the notice pedestal by the circle " Go " 24 (perhaps other concentrator marker) of seal on the lower piece 27.This moment loudspeaker can sound the prompting user " press on the color page circle Go! ".The user presses circle " Go " with crayon or finger then.Pressing circle " Go " can make the electrical equipment of main surface underneath start.Start the following electrical equipment of circle " Go " and just can notify pedestal: lamellar body 27 shown in Figure 8 is on pedestal 12.If the user has pushed the error section on the lamellar body 27 and started the electrical equipment of another lamellar body or template, the user can depress reset button 15.After pressing, this interactive apparatus can reset and point out the user " to press green circle Go " to continue operation.

Lamellar body 27 in this example comprises a plurality of printing elements.Printed element on the lamellar body 27 shown in Figure 8 comprises: very big alphabetical P, a speech PIE and the frog that is eating pie.The user can or scribble device and come these printing elements painted with crayon.When the user carries out when painted printing element, pressure can be added on the main surface below lamellar body 27 and the lamellar body 27.The pressure-activated one or more electrical equipment (not shown)s that are colored below the printing element that add.After one or more electrical equipments start, just just offer the user by loudspeaker 18 at the corresponding sound of painted printing element with the user.For example, carry out when painted when the user is giving speech " PIE ", the synthetic speech that is come out by loudspeaker will send " pie, pie piece together be P-I-E ".In another example, if the user is painted to this frog that is eating pie, the sound that offers the user so is exactly the sound of eating the thing of pie.

This interactive apparatus can use a plurality of lamellar bodies, and this device also can have different operator schemes simultaneously.In operator scheme, this interactive apparatus can be inquired the user therein.For example, this interactive apparatus can ask the user " alphabetical P where? "As reaction, the user may carry out painted to P, and this moment, this interactive apparatus can send the sound of award as " correctly " in response to user's selection.In another kind of operator scheme, the user can be added to pressure on the different printing element, and present to the user this moment is exactly different melodies.For example, the user correctly can carry out painted to the picture of ant and alphabetical A.

In response to this shading operations, interactive apparatus can painted printing element not simultaneously, play corresponding different melody.This can increase the recreational of user, attracts the user to continue to participate in this interactive apparatus.

Figure 11 shows that the form of a routine word content relevant with lamellar body 27.As shown in figure 11, the printing element of selecting as the user not simultaneously, the voice output of device is also different.In Figure 11, " dt " expression " down by " is to printing element for example, and " drag " expression user was dragging an apparatus for example printing element, " sfx " expression " audio " simultaneously.

After user and lamellar body 27 mutual finishing, can change the different lamellar body of another printing element.For example, an available lamellar body that is printed on very big letter " A " and ant pattern replaces the lamellar body 27 shown in Fig. 8.It has been a different lamellar body on it that the user can notify pedestal, or the own notice of pedestal has been changed a different lamellar body.Then, thus the processor in the pedestal can distribute to make and produces output corresponding to the printing element on the new film electrical equipment.

For example, the user can carry out painted to the ant pattern on the new lamellar body, and this moment, loudspeaker can send synthetic sound: " it is A-N-T that ant is pieced together ".

Movable die plate 14 shown in Figure 8 has a plurality of moving meters 19, and wherein each moving meter 19 and passes hole in first's framework in the framed structure of second portion.Each moving meter 19 is the button that can be pressed by the user.In this example, the moving meter 19 in movable die plate 14 left sides is square, triangle or star.This moving meter 19 also can have bright color as green, red and yellow.The moving meter 19 on right side has different colors, adopts the shape of lily simultaneously.When the user presses one of them moving meter 19, loudspeaker 18 can send a synthetic sound with Lang Song go out the user by the CF of moving meter 19.

Some aspect of this class movable die plate shown in Figure 8 is described referring to Fig. 9 (a) and Fig. 9 (b).Movable die plate shown in Fig. 9 (a) has a first 14 (a) and a second portion 14 (b), is fixed together with a syndeton 29 between these two parts simultaneously.In certain embodiments, this syndeton can be a kind of " openable " syndeton, just can be at an easy rate altogether as long as the coupling part is pressed together.In common openable syndeton, thus in the prominent recess that can be assembled to the template second portion of a circle in the template first with two parts by solid together.Children can open this frame class template at an easy rate at the syndeton place.Therefore, if a kind of open and recoverable syndeton just can make children " open " connection, thereby and father and mother can with this template more altogether the repeated use.

First 14 (a) includes a plurality of holes 28 (a), 28 (b), and it can hold the top of the interior moving meter 19 of second portion 14 (b) (a), 19 (b) in the movable die plate 14.In certain embodiments, hole 28 (a), 28 (b) structurally can with moving meter 19 (a), 19 (b) cooperating.For example, each moving meter 19 (a), 19 (b) can be made circular, triangle or square.Hole 28 (a), 28 (b) that wherein can be placed with moving element can make bigger circle, triangle or square.When movable die plate was in the closed position, the top of moving meter 19 (a), 19 (b) will enter in the hole 28 (a), 28 (b) of first 14 (a).Therefore, when movable die plate 14 was in the closed position, the user can depress moving meter 19 (a), 19 (b).

When the user pushed moving meter 19 (a), 19 (a) can be to moving down.Then, the bottom of moving meter 19 (a) can contact (not shown) with main surperficial 35 of pedestal.As shown in the figure, the width of this bottom is less than the top of moving meter 19 (a).Electrical equipment P be in main surperficial 35 below.When power F is added to moving meter 19 (a) when going up, this power also can be added to pedestal main surperficial 35 on.Moving meter 19 (a) will contact with electrical equipment P thus.For example, electrical equipment P can be a pressure sensitive switch, and it starts when pressing.

The bottom of another moving meter that is not depressed 19 (b) does not contact with main surperficial 35 of pedestal 12.Like this, the electrical equipment below the main surface 35 of pedestal just can be afterburning and start selectively on main surface 35 by the user.It is that processor in the pedestal can be determined what started for which electrical equipment, and extracts suitable output according to this moving element that the user moved.

Appearance when Fig. 9 (b) is depicted as movable die plate among Fig. 9 (a) and is shown in an open position.In the figure, show first and second parts 14 (a), the formed windows 33 of 14 (b) (a), 33 (b) that shaped as frame in the movable die plate 14 is arranged.Stretch out two juts 7 (a), 7 (b) on first and second parts 14 (a), 14 (b).When movable die plate 14 was shown in an open position, jut 7 (b) can start the pressure sensitive switch (not shown) on the (not shown) inner edge of susceptor edges zone, thereby pedestal is known: shaped as frame template 14 was on the pedestal and is shown in an open position.Then, template 14 can be closed, and another jut 7 (a) thus another switch that can start on the same inner edge of fringe region indicates this template to be closed.

Thus, in an embodiment of the present invention, whether this pedestal can be determined the shaped as frame template automatically and be on the pedestal, and this template is shown in an open position or off-position.

In addition, can form a scrobicula 35 in the second portion 14 (b).The outside of this scrobicula 35 can be slightly larger than the size (as 20.32 * 27.94 square centimeters) of normal paper, thereby a piece of paper (not shown) is rested in the scrobicula 35, and correctly aligns with movable die plate 14.When movable die plate 14 is in the closed position, can watch lamellar body between first and second parts 14 (a), 14 (b) by the window 33 (a) in the first 14 (a).For this lamellar body further being fixed on the tram of movable die plate 14, on the inside surface of first 14 (a) a liner (not shown) can be arranged, it just reaches the edge of window 33 (a).This liner can be made by ameripol, and it can be fixed on lamellar body in recessed 35, thereby lamellar body can't be moved.As mentioned above, thus lamellar body preferably can correctly locate each printing element of making on the lamellar body all can with the electric element alignment of the main surface underneath of pedestal.

Fig. 9 (c) is depicted as the part of the shaped as frame template that has liner.First 14 (a) and 14 (b) have been showed among Fig. 9 (c).Liner 8 can be placed on first 14 (a) goes up and is fixed in the above.In this example, the inner face of first 14 (a) is the plane, and the inner face of second portion 14 (b) then has certain angle with respect to the inner face of first 14 (a).Liner 8 also can have a surface, and there are certain angle in this surface and its opposite surfaces.

This surface at angle of liner 8 and second portion 14 (b) can be used to lamellar body 5 is fixed on the upper surface of pedestal (not shown).Because lamellar body 5 upper surface of oblique pedestal gradually, so the lamellar body 5 on lamellar body 5 edges and template first and second parts 14 (a), 14 (b) next door is exposed in the unlikely meeting of user.

The movable die plate that lamellar body is fixed to pedestal can have other or different characteristic of some different above-mentioned features.For example, the movable die plate embodiment shown in Fig. 9 (a) and 9 (b) is a clamshell designs.In other embodiments, movable die plate can be a template, and it is fixed to a lamellar body that has printing element on the pedestal.For example, movable die plate can not have first 14 (a) and only has second portion 14 (b).In addition, can form closed slide in the opposite sides of shaped as frame first 14 (a) or second portion 14 (b), to replace scrobicula 35.The user can be inserted into the scraps of paper in the guide rail, thereby the scraps of paper is led on the appropriate location of movable die plate.In another embodiment, the diaphragm of an available flexibility replaces the window 33 (b) on the second portion 14 (b).

In certain embodiments, can send (as downloading) from the server of the far-end computer code that interactive apparatus is used to the user.This code is the output instruction of output (or be used for playing) of different movable die plates or lamellar body.For example, these codes can be the audio or video output that interactive apparatus will send.The code that also some can be used for processing lamellar body sends to the user, and lamellar body has different printing elements here.The user is printed these lamellar bodies in the place of using printer like this.The lamellar body that prints just can be used for this interactive apparatus.

Referring now to Figure 10, the wherein system of an embodiment of the present invention is described.This system comprises home site 109 and user site 120.User site 120 for example can family, school or work place.Home site 109 can link to each other by a communication media 107 with user site 120.

Home site 109 can comprise a server 105 by service provider's operation.In this example, home site 109 has a station server 105, and it can content data storehouse 103 and Profile database 101.

Server 105 is a powerful computing machine normally, and it is computer cluster also.For example, large scale computer, a microcomputer group or of this server as one group of server of a unit.In a kind of situation, this server can be a database server that links to each other with the webserver.This server can be treated as a computing machine that is used for handling one or more client requests.For example, one or more home site 109 of different user website can link to each other with this server by communication media 107 and one or more ISP (ISPs) (not shown).Usually, client computer is littler than the internal memory of server 105, and computing power is poor.As a rule, server 105 is arranged in the remote location of client computer 109.

Server 105 can have the computer code of various functions.For example, the code that is used for upgrading files on each of customers in the subscriber profile data storehouse be can have in the server 105, the code of data and the code that is used for sending the data to each personnel are used for extracting from any suitable data storehouse.Also can provide following these codes: be used for to the code of content bag chosen content, be used for gathering the code of content bag and be used for the content bag is sent to user's code.This content bag can comprise: audio frequency output code, figure output code, be used for audio plays or figure code instruction code, be used for printing the lamellar body printing element code, be used for the code of customized information etc.

Server 105 and client computer can by communication media such as internet particularly world wide web (www) carry out communication.Server 105 and client computer used communications protocol usually can comprise HTTP (HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)), TCP/IP (the terminal called agreement/net joins agreement mutually) or other agreement.

Server 105 can have the data of representing the website.Can have the suitable webpage of number in the website, it is preferably the user of amusement under-18s simultaneously.On the website, user (or other people such as user father and mother) for example can generate a files on each of customers, setting hobby, game replaying and be content bag chosen content.

Profile database 101 can comprise the data and the user profile of individual subscriber hobby.User Profile information can comprise user's essential information.This class essential information comprises age, hobby, address, phone, e-mail address, school, relatives, teacher, father and mother of user etc.User Profile information also can comprise the information of user preferences.User preferences can comprise Cup of tea thing, relatives, teacher, song, motion, food and cartoon.

Information in the Profile database 101 can download in the user site 120 and be sent to interactive apparatus 113.Thus, user's use feeling hommization more.For example, files on each of customers shows that the user likes motion.Can thus be the user and select some mathematical problem or sentences relevant, and be used for this interactive apparatus after downloading with motion.

Content data base 103 can comprise various suitable contents.Perhaps comprise information used in the interactive apparatus in being somebody's turn to do.This category information for example can comprise: problem (as, enquirement, a difficult problem, riddle, test) and song, recreation, hint, music, the fact, greeting and message (as, seek help, encourage, prompting or error message).Content data base 103 also can comprise the code of the electronic chart that is used for each movable die plate and lamellar body.The code that also can have in addition, the printing element lamellar body in the content data base 103.This code can download to user site 120, comes out with printer prints here in user site 120 then.This sheet can comprise various suitable printing elements such as character, letter, numeral, animal, recreation etc.

Content in the content data base 103 also can adopt various suitable forms to preserve.For example, this content can be preserved with compression or unpressed form, also can preserve, can also preserve with graphic file such as video file, image file (as the position as file) and the form of text with the form of audio files such as mp3 file, wav file and MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) file.

In user site 120 here, client computer 109 can link to each other with a connection device 111 in operation.Client computer 109 can be the common personal computer of a stylobate in Windows operating system.Connection device 111 can link to each other with client computer 109 in wireless or wired mode (as cable).This interactive apparatus 113 can and pass through client computer 109 from server 105 there receiving computer codes by means of connection device 111.

Connection device 111 can be various suitable device, as long as it can transmit data between client computer 109 and interactive apparatus 113.Connection device 111 for example can be a transceiver such as wireless RF (radio frequency) transceiver or an infrared transceiver.Yet in a preferred embodiment, connection device 111 can read information and information can be write the mobile message storage medium from portable information storage medium.In a typical embodiment, this movable type information storage medium can be a kind of storage box that can be inserted in connection device 111 and interactive apparatus 113 pedestals.Data can directly or indirectly be sent to interactive apparatus by connection device 111.

System shown in Figure 10 has many advantages.For example, adopt system shown in Figure 10, the different lamellar bodies that have the different printing element can be downloaded to user's website.Also can download some computer codes (as electronic chart) comes the interactive apparatus reprogramming to be adapted to new lamellar body.Therefore, the user is not limited to obtainable lamellar body in for example local shop.The user can read new different content easily, and this interactive apparatus can further absorb the user thus.

In certain embodiments, thus this interactive apparatus can use with the equipment of other type and forms the equipment that a cover can be grown up and for example to educate one's children along with child.Wherein each equipment (as educational toy) all can be designed to be used for educating the child of certain age level.For example, the interactive apparatus of one embodiment of the invention can be designed to be used for educating 3 to 6 years old child.

Available another equipment, as U.S. Pat 6,142, a described embodiment shown in 784 (this assignee is identical with assignee of the present invention, and its form with reference is incorporated the application in full into here) educates 7 to 12 years old child.Educate 12 to 16 and 1 to 3 years old etc. child with other equipment again.This group equipment can be used as the part of individualized education service and uses together, thereby makes children have different equipment, and these equipment can be complementary, can help child constantly to learn along with child's growth.

Terminology used here and expression-form only are used for illustration purpose rather than a kind of restriction, the equivalents of described feature shown in the use of this class term and expression-form is not got rid of or part.Within protection domain of the present invention, may also have various alter modes.In addition, under the condition that does not break away from inventive concept of the present invention, any one in one embodiment of the invention or a plurality of feature all can combine use with any one or a plurality of feature among other embodiment of the present invention.For example, under the condition that does not break away from protection domain of the present invention, the embodiment of each interactive apparatus of various features described in Fig. 1-9 all can use with system shown in Figure 10.

Claims (38)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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