GB2485155A

GB2485155A - Method of and apparatus for kinesthetic learning

Info

Publication number: GB2485155A
Application number: GB201018460A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tony Markey
Original assignee: MARKEY DEVELOPMENTS LLP
Current assignee: MARKEY DEVELOPMENTS LLP
Priority date: 2010-11-02
Filing date: 2010-11-02
Publication date: 2012-05-09
Also published as: GB201018460D0

Abstract

A method of kinesthetic learning comprises providing an embedded weight bearing electronic display 14 in a floor, displaying an image on the electronic display 14, and a user supported by the electronic display 14 moving in accordance with an instruction related to the displayed image. A kinesthetic learning apparatus 10 for use in such a method is also provided. The apparatus comprises a floor, a weight bearing electronic display 14 embedded flush within the floor, a display controller 16 for controlling the display 14, and an electronic data storage device 18 having a plurality of kinesthetic-based images or animations displayable on the electronic display via the display controller 16. The display may also comprise a plurality of weatherproof interconnecting display panels 24, preferably of a hard-wearing plastic material, and each panel being supported by a metal frame 32.

Description

Method of and Apparatus for Kinesthetic Learning The present invention relates to a method of kinesthetic learning using floor-based movement, and to apparatus for implementing such method.

Many learning aids are known to aid and stimulate both adults and children, with and without disabilities, whereby education and personal development are achieved.

However, although interactive learning tools have been provided, these only relate to physical items which are interacted with by hand touch, such touch-sensitive projector whiteboards.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem by providing greater interactivity for the user, preferably including the development of the lower limbs by movement but also preferably at least the majority of the body.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of kinesthetic learning comprising providing an embedded weight bearing electronic display in a floor, displaying an image on the electronic display, and a user supported by the electronic display moving in accordance with an instruction related to the displayed image.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 11, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided kinesthetic learning apparatus for use with a method in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprising a floor, a weight bearing electronic display embedded flush within the floor, a display controller for controlling the display, and an electronic data storage device having a plurality of kinesthetic-based images displayable on the electronic display via the display controller.

Preferable and/or optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 13 to 18, inclusive.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a generalised connection layout of one embodiment of kinesthetic learning apparatus, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention and for use in a method of kinesthetic learning in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown kinesthetic learning apparatus 10 which comprises a plurality of spaced apart floor supports, typically being elongate rectilinear joists 12, recessed within an opening in a floor, an electronic display 14 supportable by the joists 12, a display controller 16, and a data storage device 18.

The joists 12 in this case are preferably metal and include fastening means for, preferably releasably, fastening the electronic display 14 firmly in place. The fastening means may include a channel 20 provided on longitudinal sides of the joists 12 in which depending edges 22 of the electronic display 14 can be received.

The joists 12 may lie on a bottom surface of the floor opening, or may be suspended to extend thereacross. In any event, an upper surface of each joist 12 is preferably recessed relative to the surrounding floor surface, and each joist 12 extends fully across the floor opening.

The electronic display 14 in this case comprises a plurality of separate display panels 24. Each panel 24 is daisy-chained in series to the neighbouring panel 24 for data transfer, whereby a plurality of panels 24 which are joined end to end along a pair of joists 12 can intercommunicate, and sets of connected panels 24 on adjacent pairs of joists 12 can also intercommunicate. Although data communication may preferably be in series, power supply by a power distribution unit 26 may preferably be separately to each set of panels 24 on a pair of joists 12.

Each display panel 24 includes a weight-bearing hard-wearing resilient transparent plastics protective user-contact layer 28 on its upper surface 30. Furthermore, each panel 24 is preferably weatherproof being sealed to an 1P65 rating to not only be suitable for outdoor use, but also to accept accidental beverage and food spillage during use.

The interconnected display panels 24 are preferably removably connectable to the display controller 16. Beneficially, the display controller 16 is connected to one end of one set of the display panels 24, and due to the daisy-chained connection, series data communication between all of the panels 24 can occur.

Non-permanent connection of the display controller 16 enables the controller 16 to be upgraded or replaced should the need arise.

To promote robustness, longevity as well as excellent weight bearing capability, each display panel 24 includes a metal, in this case, alloy, support frame 32 attached to an underside of a display element 34. Although preferably metal, the support frame 32 could conceivably be plastics, carbon-fibre or other rigid material. Struts 36 of the support frame 32 are interconnected via cross-members or, for example, at ends of the joists 12 once the panels 24 are interconnected.

Each display panel 24 in the present embodiment includes 3 in 1 surface mounted display light emitting diodes, also known as SMD LEDs 38. By providing red, blue and green chips in each LED, a full and accurate colour range can be achieved which retains its clarity over prolonged and, in this case, rough treatment.

The display controller 16 also preferably includes a video processor 40 to enable hi-end graphical resolution of moving and static images outputted to the electronic display 14 by an LED controller 42. In the case where a dedicated said video processor 40 may not be required or available, then a remote computer terminal, such as a desktop or laptop 44, can be connected for data transfer, for example, either wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth RTM, or via a hard wired cable 46, such as an RS-232 cable, HDMI cable, or RGB I S-video cable.

The inclusion of the video processor 40 is beneficial, since it then allows multiple component connectivity options to its various input ports. For example, connection is possible of any one of a desktop 48, laptop 50, television 52, DYD player 54, and video camera 56 providing appropriate output ports are available on the peripheral device to enable output from the data storage device 18.

With the kinesthetic learning apparatus 10 constructed, the electronic display 14 preferably lies flush with the surrounding floor so as to be recessed and embedded.

Either static or moving kinesthetic-based image data provided on the electronic data storage device 18, such as a hard drive of the aforementioned computer terminal 44, 48, or a removable data storage device such as an SD card or flash drive connected to the peripheral device, is received by the LED controller 42 of the display controller 16, either via the video processor 40 or directly from the peripheral computer terminal, and this is outputted to the electronic display 14. A user, being for example a student or a patient, on the electronic display 14 then moves in accordance with an instruction relating to the displayed image.

The instruction may be displayed on the electronic display 14 as part of the image, thereby requiring the user to read and interpret the instruction prior to commencing the required movement. In this case, the instruction is thus stored on the said electronic data storage device 18. Additionally or alternatively, the instruction may be an audible instruction. This may be outputted by an audio processor element of the display controller 16 to peripheral speakers, or by the associated peripheral device, such as the laptop or desktop computer terminal 44, 48, 50. Again, in this instance, the audio data would thus preferably be stored on the or an electronic data storage device 18. As a further option, the audible instruction may be via a carer or teacher using, for example, a complementary written or printed guide or manual associated with the image or images.

The audio instruction would typically include a verbal or spoken element, but it may alternatively or additionally include specific noise associated with a required action.

In addition to or as an alternative, an audio accompaniment may be provided along with the outputting of the image.

Preferably, the image data will relate to a series of images, and more preferably to a moving or animated image with which the user on the electronic display 14 interacts.

The interaction of the user preferably involves the user moving to different parts of the electronic display 14 in accordance with the instructions, and may require the user to touch parts of the displayed image with different parts of their body. This aids and develops the user's cognitive ability relating to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as contrasted with emotional and volitional processes, whilst translating that cognitive process into physical action comprising an end goal or result.

Although the kinesthetic learning apparatus and the associated method described above are particularly suitable for aiding education of students, not only in primary and secondary schools, but also when attending formative, further and specialist educational establishments, such as kindergarten, university and special needs, along with the development of patients for example during rehabilitation, the apparatus and method can also be applied to other areas of the health service and the banking industry, for example, to aid in teaching and development. The apparatus and method can also beneficially be utilised during sports rehabilitation and sports development to improve reaction times, as well as multi-media marketing to improve advertising and brand awareness.

Although a plurality of separate display panels are utilised to form the electronic display, only one panel may be required.

In use, the user preferably stands on the electronic display. However, the wheelchair of a disabled person may be used on the electronic display, or a user may be seated or kneeling on the display, as necessity dictates.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of kinesthetic learning comprising providing an embedded weight bearing electronic display in a floor, displaying an image on the electronic display, and a user supported by the electronic display moving in accordance with an instruction related to the displayed image.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a series of images are displayable on the electronic display, the said instruction requiring the user to move to different parts of the electronic display through the series of images.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the displayable image has at least in part an interactive element.
4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the instruction is displayable on the electronic display.
5. A method as claimed in any one of claims I to 4, wherein the displayable image includes at least one moving portion.
6. A method as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the displayable image includes an animation.
7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an audio accompaniment to the or each image.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the said instruction is or includes an audio instruction which is included as at least part of the audio accompaniment.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the audio instruction includes at least a verbal element.
10. A method as claimed in any one of claims I to 9, wherein the said instruction is or includes a written element.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the written element is part of a printed manual.
12. Kinesthetic learning apparatus for use with a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising a floor, a weight bearing electronic display embedded flush within the floor, a display controller for controlling the display, and an electronic data storage device having a plurality of kinesthetic-based images displayable on the electronic display via the display controller.
13. Kinesthetic learning apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic display includes a plurality of interconnectable electronic display panels.
14. Kinesthetic learning apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the electronic data storage device is removably connectable to the display controller.
15. Kinesthetic learning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the electronic display includes a hard-wearing transparent plastics protective user-contact layer.
16. Kinesthetic learning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the electronic display is weatherproof.
17. Kinesthetic learning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the electronic display includes a metal support frame which supports an image display panel.
18. Kinesthetic learning apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the metal support frame is fastenable to a recess within the floor.