WO2023067524A1 - Developmental training tool for improving communication skills - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for assisting people with communication and/or language deficits. A method for constructing a developmental training tool may include extruding a thermoplastic material to form a base portion and a cover attached to the base portion. The method may also include engraving at least one geometric shape on at least one side of the cover. The method may further include disposing the inner structure within the base portion and the cover. In addition, the method may include attaching at least one electrical circuit to at least one sidewall of the inner structure. Further, the method may include activating a button to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

Description

DEVELOPMENTAL TRAINING TOOL FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLIATION:

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application no. 63/257,487 filed on October 19, 2021. The contents of this earlier filed application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD:

[0002] Some embodiments may generally relate to developmental training tools. More specifically, certain embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for assisting people with communication and/or language deficits.

BACKGROUND:

[0003] Children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may have difficulties expressing their needs due to language deficits. Language can be crucial to build and develop social communication and interaction among peer children. The inability of children to express their needs through verbal communication is a significant impairment that many studies and psychology specialists have been trying to resolve. Training sessions have been conducted for children with ASD to develop their requesting skills and improve their capabilities in requesting their needs either through verbally calling out, or non-verbally by pointing toward the desired object/tool or need. Thus, there is a need for a tool to assist in the development and improvement of autistic children’s requesting skills.

SUMMARY:

[0004] Certain embodiments may be directed to a method for constructing a developmental training tool. The method may include extruding a thermoplastic material to form a base portion and a cover attached to the base portion. The method may also include engraving at least one geometric shape on at least one side of the cover. The method may further include disposing the inner structure within the base portion and the cover. In addition, the method may include attaching at least one electrical circuit to at least one sidewall of the inner structure. Further, the method may include activating a button to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

[0005] Other embodiments may be directed to a developmental training tool. The developmental training tool may include a base portion. The developmental training tool may also include a cover attached to the base portion, wherein at least one side of the cover comprises a geometric shape engraved thereon. The developmental training tool may further include at least one electrical circuit attached to at least one sidewall of the inner structure. According to certain example embodiments, each of the at least one electrical circuit may include at least one light-emitting diode. In addition, the developmental training tool may include an activation button attached to the cover configured to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: [0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an example model of a training toy, according to certain example embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates the interior of the example model of the training toy of FIG. 1, according to certain example embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an example constructed training toy of the model training toy of FIGs. 1 and 2, according to certain example embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates another example model of the training toy, according to certain example embodiments. [0011] FIG. 5 illustrates the interior of the example model training toy of FIG. 4, according to certain example embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 6(a) illustrates an example constructed training toy of the model training toy of FIGs. 4 and 5, according to certain example embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 6(b) illustrates the example constructed training toy of FIG. 6(a) with a light on, according to certain example embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an example circuit diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for printed polylactic acid (PLA), according to certain example embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates example thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis curves, according to certain example embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an example stress-strain behavior curve, according to certain example embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an exterior of another example training toy, according to certain example embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a graphical distribution of requests by participants, according to certain example embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates another graphical distribution of requests by participants, according to certain example embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a further graphical distribution of requests by participants, according to certain example embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0023] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some embodiments for assisting people with visual impairments.

[0024] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain example embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some example embodiments,” “in other example embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0025] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or steps discussed below may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or steps may be optional or may be combined. As such, the following description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof.

[0026] According to certain example embodiments, a training toy, such as, for example, an “auti-light”, may be provided as an educational toy built from various colors and shapes that are preferable by children with ASD. Thus, in some example embodiments, auti-light may be used as a tool in training sessions to develop and improve requesting skills of autistic children.

[0027] In certain example embodiments, the auti-light may serve as a reinforcement tool for children with ASD. For example, auti-light may be used in training sessions conducted by specialists to help improve the requesting skills of children with ASD. Auti-light may also be used by children independently, and may be constructed from flexible plastic, and all electrical circuits of the auti-light may be contained within a box of the toy, out of reach from children. [0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example model of a training toy 100, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, the model training toy 100 of FIG. 1 may correspond to an example of the auti-light training and educational toy described herein. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the training toy 100 may formed as a rigid cylindrical box with dimensions of 115x115 mm. However, in other example embodiments, the training toy 100 may not be limited to the dimensions of 115x115 mm, and the dimensions and/or overall size of the training toy 100 may be configurable based upon a child’s needs. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the training toy 100 may have a star shape engraved on one or more sides of the cylindrical box, and on top of the cylindrical box. Although only one star 105 is shown on the top, and one star 105 is shown on a side of the training toy 100, in other example embodiments, more stars may be engraved on the top and sides of the training toy 100. Additionally, in other example embodiments, other geometric shapes may be engraved on the training toy, and the training toy may be constructed in other geometric shapes including, for example, a hexagonal shape.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the interior of training toy 100 of FIG. 1, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner structure of the training toy 100 may include a hollow cube 200. In certain example embodiments, the dimension of the hollow cube 200 may be 70x70x80 mm. Additionally, the hollow cube 200 may be glued to a base 205. According to some example embodiments, the base 205 may have dimensions of 115x115x20 mm, and the hollow cube 200 may include four circuits 210 attached to the outsides of the sides of the hollow cube 200.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an example constructed training toy 300 of the model training toy 100 of FIGs. 1 and 2, according to certain example embodiments. According to certain example embodiments, the constructed training toy 300 may have a cylindrical box shape with dimensions of 115x115x100 mm. In other example embodiments, the constructed training toy 300 may have shapes other than a cylindrical box shape. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the constructed training toy 300 may have a star shape 305 engraved on a top surface 310 of the constructed training toy 300. In other example embodiments, the star shape 305 may be engraved on any other surface of the constructed training toy 300. Additionally, with the circuits 210, when the constructed training toy is switched on, the constructed training toy 300 may emit a light of various colors through the star shape 305. For instance, in some example embodiments, the constructed training toy 300 may emit solid or flashing blue and green lights through the star shape 305.

[0031] According to certain example embodiments, the constructed training toy 300 may be constructed from a thermoplastic flexible material such as, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Additionally, in some example embodiments, the constructed training toy 300 may be made by implementing an online software Tinker cad, in combination with 3D printing using high precision using a high precision 3D printer. According to some example embodiments, the TPU filament may have a diameter of 1.75 mm, and may be heated at 230°C through a printer extruder, and layer-by-layer printing may be performed on a 60°C heated bed. In some example embodiments, the overall dimensions may still be the same as that described above (e.g., 115x115x100 mm); however, the shape may be shifted from a cylindrical shape to a cub-shape for improved light emission through the stars on the side of the of the constructed training toy 300.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates another example model of a training toy 400, according to certain example embodiments. In some example embodiments, training toy 400 (e.g., auti-light) may be made of a soft, flexible material, and may have dimensions of 110x110x90 mm. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the auti-light 400 may include a star shape 405 engraved on each side of the cube such as, for example, on sides 410, 415, and other sides of the auti-light that are not shown in FIG. 400.

[0033] FIG.5 illustrates the interior of the training toy 400 of FIG. 4, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the training toy 400 may include a hollow or inner cube 500, which may have dimensions of 70x70x80 mm. In some example embodiments, the hollow cube 500 may be glued to a base 505 with dimensions of 110x110x20 mm. Furthermore, the training toy 400 may include a plurality of circuits 510 attached to the sides 515 of the inner cube 500. For instance, in some example embodiments, the inner cube 500 may have four circuits attached to it, where each side 515 of the inner cube 500 may have one circuit attached thereon.

[0034] FIG. 6(a) illustrates an example constructed training toy 600 of the model training toy of FIGs. 4 and 5, according to certain example embodiments. Further, FIG. 6(b) illustrates the example constructed training toy 600 of FIG. 6(b) with a light on, according to certain example embodiments. In some example embodiments, the constructed training toy 600 may be made of a flexible material, and made to form a flexible cube box with dimensions of 110x110x110 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 6(b), the constructed training toy 600 may emit flashing light such as, for example, blue and green lights, through the engraved stars 605 that may be engraved on one or all the sides 610 of the constructed training toy 600. In other example embodiments, the constructed training toy 600 may emit other colors of light, and the lights of the constructed training toy 600 may be turned on/activated by pushing a button 615 located at a side of the constructed training toy 600.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates an example circuit diagram, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the circuit diagram may be the two flashing LEDs (Li, L2) circuit of green and blue colors. The two flashing LEDs circuit may provide about 3 seconds of switching ON and OFF time. In certain example embodiments, the switching time of the LEDs may depend on the charging and discharging cycles of transistors Ti and T2, which may be controlled by two resisters R2, R3, and capacitors Cl, C2. In certain example embodiments, biasing resistance R1 and R4 may be used to control the current across the LEDs. Additionally, the full circuit in FIG. 7 may be powered by a 9V battery, and operated through a mechanical switch (not shown).

[0036] According to certain example embodiments, the switch may be switched ON and OFF for Tl or T2 (R2, R3, and Cl, C2 may be the same value; thus, switching ON and OFF time for both transistors may be the same) may be configured/set to a specific amount of time. For example, the switch ON and OFF time for Tl or T2 may be determined by 0.69 x (R2C2), 0.69 x (100k x 47 p), which equals 3.2 seconds. [0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for printed polylactic acid (PLA), according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the auti-light may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. According to some example embodiments, a DSC measurement may be performed for a temperature range of 20 °C to 250 °C under a pure nitrogen environment with a heating rate of 10 °C/minute on 40 pl aluminum crucibles using a Perkin Elmer DSC 8500 instrument. The heating-cooling cycle of FIG. 8 shows the relationship between heat flux with temperature for a 3D printed TPU. As illustrated in FIG. 8, during the first heating, three distinctive features of the thermoplastics, which may be glass transition peaks (Tg), cold crystallization (Tc), and melting endotherm (Tm) has been observed. Additionally, the glass transition and melting occurred at 40.4 °C and 225 °C, respectively during the first heating cycle only. However, cold crystallization behavior may be observed during heating as well as cooling at around 90 °C. During the cooling, Tc shows a broad peak that begins at 105 °C, and ends at 80.5 °C, with a peak at 90 °C. Such results have shown low amplitude small range peaks and, thus, show semi -crystallinity behavior of TPU whose thermal characteristics may depend upon copolymers and additives. Additionally, the TPU may have undergone a heating-cooling cycle during a 3D printing process. For instance, TPU has shown that repeated heating of TPU decreases its crystallinity behavior. Thus, a second heating of TPU may show a more amorphous behavior, with a melting point peak of about 180 °C.

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates example thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis curves, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates TG and DTG analysis curves for the printed TPU of the auti-light training toy from 0 °C to 700 °C, which shows two degradation periods. The first degradation period came across 300 - 450 °C due to scission of large chains of TPU molecules, and the second degradation period came across at around 550 - 700 °C due to breakage of C-C and 0=0 bonds.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the 3D printed TPU may be investigated using Perkin Elmer TGA 4000 equipment from 0 °C to 700 °C. Based on this investigation, a weight change has been shown in the TG curve, and the DTG curve shows the derivative of weight change as a function of increasing temperature. The temperature when 10% weight loss has been observed is known as onset degradation (T10%), and occurred around 300 °C. However, a 100% sample has been exhausted at 345 °C maximum temperature (Tmax). In FIG. 9, both TG and DTG curves show two important degradation periods, first across 300 - 450 °C, and the next at around 550 - 700 °C. The lower temperature degradation occurred due to the breakage of long polymeric chains in the main TPU molecules formed during polymerization, while higher temperature degradation occurred due to further destruction among C-C and C=O bonds. However, higher temperatures of both T10% and Tmax have shown to exhibit a good thermal stability of TPU.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates an example stress-strain behavior curve, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 10 illustrates a stress-strain behavior of TPU with a 33.5 MPa tensile strength, and a 10.5 MPa young’s modulus. The stress-strain curve of FIG. 10 is a representation of a 25x3.31 mm PTU specimen containing a thickness of 0.91 mm, which has been cut in a dumbbell shape with a hydraulic cutter for tensile testing. FIG. 10 represents a linear stress-strain behavior of the TPU for 100 N maximum load at 50 mm/min loading speed. The TPU used may have a high elastomeric properties with a 33.5 MPa tensile strength and 909.5 total percentage elongation at the fracture time, showing that bonding between TPU molecules has been very high even after 3D printing. However, TPU with very high elasticity has not suffered a fracture, which has not been the case here. Additionally, in certain example embodiments, samples of TPU with 1.27 N/mm stiffness have elasticity with strength.

[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates an exterior of another example training toy 1100, according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the auti-light training toy may be modified to include a sound generation device that generates sounds to attract the interest of users of the toy, and to further enhance their requesting skills. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the external appearance of the auti-light training toy may be constructed to have various shapes such as, for example, a hexagonal shape to allow the addition of more circuits. According to certain example embodiments, in this case the hexagonal shape, the inner hollow structure may be hexagonal as well, and circuits may be attached in the outer side(s) of the inner hallow section. This type of configuration may help to increase the visibility of the star shapes in the multi -dimensions.

[0042] FIGs. 12-14 illustrate graphical distributions of requests by participants during a trial study, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates a distribution of requests made by participants for the auti-light irrespective of any specific shape and color of the toy when presented with other toys. Further, FIG. 13 illustrates a distribution of requests made by participants for the auti-light with respect to the specific shape of the engraving and color of the auti- light in the presence of other toys, and FIG. 14 illustrates a distribution of requests made by participants for the auti-light with respect to the capability of emitting light in the presence of other toys that emit light. As shown in FIGs. 12-14, the settings of the trial included introducing children to auti-light, along with three other distractor toys. A tally of how many times the children selected auti-light over the other distractor toys over a time interval of 10 minutes were recorded.

[0043] The tests with respect to FIGs. 12-14 were repeated twice for each participating ASD child. In the second time, auti-light was presented to the child, along with two of the old distractor toys and one new distractor toy that the child sees simultaneously. As shown in FIGs. 12-14, a total of 34 of the 38 participating students requested auti-light more times over the other distractor toys.

[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 15 may be performed by a 3D printing device in combination with mechanical and electrical instruments/tools. In some example embodiments, the method of FIG. 15 may be performed in an automated manner or a manual manner, or a combination of both an automated manner or a manual manner with the 3D printing device, and the mechanical and/or electrical instruments/tools.

[0045] According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 15 may include, at 1500, extruding a thermoplastic material to form a base portion and a cover attached to the base portion. The method may also include, at 1505, engraving at least one geometric shape on at least one side of the cover. The method may further include, at 1510, disposing the inner structure within the base portion and the cover. In addition, the method may include, at 1515, attaching at least one electrical circuit to at least one sidewall of the inner structure. Further, the method may include, at 1520, activating a button to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

[0046] According to certain example embodiments, the thermoplastic flexible material may include thermoplastic polyurethane. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include controlling, via the at least one electrical circuit, the at least one light-emitting dido to turn on or off at predetermined time intervals. According to other example embodiments, the geometric shape may be a star shape.

[0047] In certain example embodiments, the at least one light-emitting diode may emit a green color light or a blue color light. In some example embodiments, the cover may include dimensions of 115x115x20 mm, 110x110x90 mm, or 110x110x20 mm. In other example embodiments, the method may also include installing a sound generation device configured to generate one or more sounds.

[0048] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatuses described herein) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, electronic devices (e.g., printers, electrical circuits, etc.), and/or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0049] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for extruding a thermoplastic material to form a base portion and a cover attached to the base portion. The apparatus may also include means for engraving at least one geometric shape on at least one side of the cover. The apparatus may further include means for disposing the inner structure within the base portion and the cover. In addition, the apparatus may include means for attaching at least one electrical circuit to at least one sidewall of the inner structure. Further, the apparatus may include means for activating a button to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

[0050] Certain embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and/or advantages. For instance, according to certain example embodiments, it may be possible to provide a developmental/educational learning tool to use in a training session to develop and improve autistic children’s requesting skills. Further, certain example embodiments may be implemented for exercising the requesting skills of autistic children during their training session, developed by therapists in development centers. If the toy exhibited to them is an item that could stimulate them positively, they will request (verbal) or attempt to point towards/for the toy regardless of the trainer prompting them to do so. Additionally, according to certain example embodiments, the auti-light may be safe for children when used independently or in the absence of a guardian. Additionally, the auti-light may be soft with non-sharp edges, and all the electric content of the circuit(s) may be secured out of the reach of the intended user.

[0051] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A developmental training tool, comprising: a base portion; a cover attached to the base portion, wherein at least one side of the cover comprises a geometric shape engraved thereon; an inner structure disposed within the base portion and the cover; at least one electrical circuit attached to at least one sidewall of the inner structure, wherein each of the at least one electrical circuit comprises at least one light-emitting diode; and an activation button attached to the cover configured to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

2. The developmental training tool according to claim 1, wherein the base portion, the cover, and the inner structure are composed of a thermoplastic flexible material.

3. The developmental training tool according to claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic flexible material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

4. The developmental training tool according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one electrical circuit is configured to control the at least one light-emitting diode to turn on or off at predetermined time intervals.

5. The developmental training tool according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the geometric shape is a star shape.

6. The developmental training tool according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode emits a green color light or a blue color light.

7. The developmental training tool according to claims 1-6, wherein the cover comprises dimensions of 115x115x20 mm, 110x110x90 mm, or 110x110x20 mm.

8. The developmental training tool according to any of claims 1-7, further comprising: a sound generation device configured to generate one or more sounds.

9. A method for constructing a developmental training tool, comprising: extruding a thermoplastic material to form a base portion and a cover attached to the base portion; engraving at least one geometric shape on at least one side of the cover; disposing the inner structure within the base portion and the cover; attaching at least one electrical circuit to at least one sidewall of the inner structure; and activating a button to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

10. The method for constructing the developmental training tool according to claim 9, wherein the thermoplastic flexible material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

11. The method for constructing the developmental training tool according to claims 9 or 10, further comprising: controlling, via the at least one electrical circuit, the at least one lightemitting dido to turn on or off at predetermined time intervals.

12. The method for constructing the developmental training tool according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the geometric shape is a star shape.

13. The method for constructing the developmental training tool according to any of claims 9-12, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode emits a green color light or a blue color light.

14. The method for constructing the developmental training tool according to 15 any of claims 9-13, wherein the cover comprises dimensions of 115x115x20 mm, 110x110x90 mm, or 110x110x20 mm.

15. The method for constructing the developmental training tool according to any of claims 9-14, further comprising: installing a sound generation device configured to generate one or more sounds.

16. An apparatus, comprising: means for extruding a thermoplastic material to form a base portion and a cover attached to the base portion; means for engraving at least one geometric shape on at least one side of the cover; means for disposing the inner structure within the base portion and the cover; means for attaching at least one electrical circuit to at least one sidewall of the inner structure; and means for activating a button to turn on the at least one light-emitting diode to illuminate the geometric shape.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the thermoplastic flexible material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

18. The apparatus according to claims 16 or 17, further comprising: means for controlling, via the at least one electrical circuit, the at least one light-emitting dido to turn on or off at predetermined time intervals.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 16-18, wherein the geometric shape is a star shape.

20. The apparatus according to any of claims 16-19, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode emits a green color light or a blue color light. 16

21. The apparatus according to any of claims 16-20, wherein the cover comprises dimensions of 115x115x20 mm, 110x110x90 mm, or 110x110x20 mm.

22. The apparatus according to any of claims 16-21, further comprising: means for installing a sound generation device configured to generate one or more sounds.