WO2024047141A1

WO2024047141A1 - Book apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2024047141A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/073859
Authority: WO
Inventors: Varinder Kullar
Original assignee: Varinder Kullar
Priority date: 2022-08-30
Filing date: 2023-08-30
Publication date: 2024-03-07
Also published as: GB202212523D0

Abstract

Book apparatus (10) comprises a physical book (12), which comprises a plurality of pages (14) with content (16) printed thereon. The apparatus (10) further comprises audio apparatus (18) for storing and playing digital audio files (24). The audio apparatus (18) includes an audio player (20) and user input devices (34) for inputting control signals (70) to the audio player (20). The user input devices (34) include one or more generic user input devices (38) for inputting generic control signals (48) to operate the audio player (20) and one or more content-specific user input devices (40) for inputting content-specific control signals (42) to the audio player (20); wherein operation of the or each content-specific user input device (40) causes playback of one audio file (24) relating to a specific portion (50) of the book content (16).

Description

Book Apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to book apparatus.

Background

Conventionally, it is known to provide audio books, which are listened to through a speaker or ear phones. The audio books are simply a recording of the text of a book being narrated or performed. The recording can be provided on any suitable media for playback through any suitable corresponding media device. It is also known to provide books, usually for children, which include simple buttons which, when pressed, generate noises relevant to the text. For example, a book could have a picture of a cow alongside a button with the same picture which, if pressed, makes the noise of a cow. However, such books are limited in functionality.

In this specification, the term “physical book” is used to denote a traditional book comprising a plurality of pages (formed of, for example, paper) with text or images printed thereon, as opposed to an electronic book device in which text or images are displayed on an electronic screen.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided book apparatus, the book apparatus comprising a physical book, the book comprising a plurality of pages with content printed thereon, the apparatus further comprising audio apparatus for storing and playing digital audio files.

Possibly, the audio apparatus is integrated with the book.

The content may comprise text and/or images. Possibly, the audio apparatus includes an audio player. Possibly, the audio player includes storage for storing one or more audio files. Possibly, the or each audio file comprises an MP3 audio file.

Possibly, the audio player includes an operating program for playing the or each audio file.

Possibly, the audio apparatus includes an audio output device, which may comprise a headphone socket, a speaker or a wireless transmitter (for example, Bluetooth®). Possibly, the operating program provides an output signal to the audio output device.

Possibly, the audio apparatus includes one or more user input devices for inputting control signals to the audio player. The input devices may include one or more buttons, sliders, dials, or a touch sensitive pad.

The input devices may be arranged to form a control panel.

The user input devices may include generic user input devices for inputting generic control signals to the audio player. The generic control signals may include “Play”, “Stop”, “Pause”, “Forward Wind”, “Rewind”, “Forward One Track”, “Back One Track”, “Autoplay”.

The user input devices may include content-specific user input devices for inputting content-specific control signals to the audio player. The audio files may comprise sound tracks. Each audio file may comprise one sound track. Each content-specific user input device may cause playback of one sound track. Each sound track may produce sound relating to a specific portion of the book content. The sound may include narration, translation, performance, background sound, sound effects, special effects and/or music.

In some embodiments, the sound comprises narration of the specific portion of the book text. Possibly, the content includes one or more markers. Possibly, the or each marker marks or indicates one specific portion of the content and is located at, within or alongside the specific portion. Possibly, the or each marker comprises a specific portion sign which is unique to the specific portion of the content.

Possibly, the sign comprises a colour or colours; a numeral; a letter; and/or an image. Possibly, the content comprises subject matter relating to the purpose of the book, which may comprise subject matter to tell a story and/or impart information. Possibly, the or each marker does not comprise part of the subject matter relating to the purpose of the book.

Possibly, the apparatus includes one different content-specific user input device for each of the markers. Possibly, each of the content-specific user input devices comprises a sign which is the same as or similar to the specific portion sign of the respective marker. Possibly, the sign comprises a link between the respective one different content-specific user input device (and therefore the respective sound track) and the respective marker (and therefore the respective specific portion of the content).

Possibly, when one of the content-specific user input devices is operated, the audio player plays the sound track relating to the specific portion of the content marked by the respective linked marker.

The book may include front and rear covers, and the control panel may be located on an inside surface of the front and/or the rear cover.

Alternatively, the book may include a fold out flap and the control panel may be located on the fold out flap. The apparatus may include a hinge which connects the fold out flap one of the covers.

The pages may be located between the covers. Possibly, one or both of the covers is enlarged relative to the pages so that the control panel is visible when the book is open and one of the pages lies adjacent the front or the rear cover on which the control panel is located.

Possibly, the book includes a spine between the two covers. Possibly, the audio player is located on the spine, possibly between the spine and the pages. Possibly, the headphone socket is located on the spine, and may be located at or towards one end of the spine.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a power source. Possibly, the power source comprises a battery, which may be rechargeable. Possibly, the power source is located on the spine.

Possibly, the apparatus includes circuitry which electrically connects the power source, the control panel, the audio player and the audio output device.

The book may include binding, which binds the covers and the pages together. Possibly, the circuitry is hidden by the binding.

Possibly, the book apparatus includes a charge indicator, which may comprise one or more lights.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a transfer device, possibly for transferring audio files to the storage. The transfer device may include a card reader or slot, a USB socket or a wireless transceiver (for example, Bluetooth®).

Possibly, the storage is located on a removable memory device.

Possibly, the storage can be accessed via the transfer device by another electronic device, such as a computer or a mobile phone. Possibly, in some embodiments, the pages and the audio files comprise a linked content set, which may be replaceable so that the book apparatus can be used for different linked content sets.

Possibly, the covers and the audio apparatus comprise a book apparatus case, to which the pages are removably mounted.

Possibly, components of the audio apparatus are provided in virtual form on a mobile phone (or other electronic device) by an app (software). The app may comprise the operating program and the control panel with user input devices, possibly with the user input devices displayed as virtual buttons on a touch screen of the mobile phone.

Possibly, the app is provided to the mobile phone by download. Possibly, the app uses components of the mobile phone and these could therefore by utilised by the app, for example, the storage, the transfer device and the audio output device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reading a book, the method including providing book apparatus, the book apparatus comprising a physical book, the book comprising a plurality of pages with content printed thereon, the apparatus further comprising audio apparatus for storing and playing digital audio files.

Possibly, the method includes any of the steps shown or described in any of the preceding statements, following description or accompanying drawings.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided book apparatus comprising a physical book, the book comprising a plurality of pages with content printed thereon, the apparatus further comprising audio apparatus for storing and playing digital audio files; the audio apparatus includes an audio player and user input devices for inputting control signals to the audio player; the user input devices include one or more generic user input devices for inputting generic control signals to operate the audio player and one or more content-specific user input devices for inputting content-specific control signals to the audio player; wherein operation of the or each content-specific user input device causes playback of one audio file relating to a specific portion of the book content.

Possibly, the apparatus includes any of the features shown or described in any of the preceding statements, following description or accompanying drawings.

Figures

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a book apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a detail view of a control panel of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the covers and audio apparatus of the book apparatus of Fig. 1 , in which a binding has been removed to permit components to be viewed;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second book apparatus, with some hidden components shown in dotted line;

Fig. 5 is s perspective view of a third book apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of components of the book apparatus of Fig. 1 in use; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a fourth book apparatus. In the drawings, where multiple instances of the same or similar features exist, only a representative one or some of the instances of the features have been provided with numeric references for clarity.

Description

Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 6 show book apparatus 10, the book apparatus 10 comprising a physical book 12, the book 12 comprising a plurality of pages 14 with content 16 printed thereon. The apparatus 10 further comprises audio apparatus 18 for storing and playing digital audio files 24. The audio apparatus 18 is integrated with the book 12.

The content 16 could comprise text 74 and/or images 84.

The audio apparatus 18 includes an audio player 20. The audio player 20 includes storage 22 for storing one or more audio files 24. The or each audio file 24 comprises an MP3 audio file.

The audio player 20 includes an operating program 26 for playing the or each audio file 24.

The audio apparatus 18 includes an audio output device 28, which could comprise a headphone socket 30, a speaker or a wireless transmitter (for example, Bluetooth®). The operating program 26 provides an output signal 32 to the audio output device 28.

In the example shown, the audio output device 28 comprises a headphone (or earphone) socket 30 for receiving a pin 92 of headphones (or earphones) 80.

The audio apparatus 18 includes one or more user input devices 34 for inputting control signals 70 to the audio player 20. The input devices 34 could include one or more buttons 72, sliders, dials, or a touch sensitive pad. In the example shown each of the input devices comprises a button 72.

The input devices 34 are arranged to form a control panel 36.

The user input devices 34 include generic user input devices 38 for inputting generic control signals 48 to the audio player 20. The generic control signals 48 could include “Play”, “Stop”, “Pause”, “Forward Wind”, “Rewind”, “Forward One Track”, “Back One Track”, “Autoplay”.

The user input devices 34 could include content-specific user input devices 40 for inputting content-specific control signals 42 to the audio player 20. The audio files 24 comprise sound tracks 44. Each audio file 24 comprises one sound track 44. Each content-specific user input device 40 causes playback of one sound track 44. Each sound track 44 produces sound relating to a specific portion 50 of the book content 16. The sound could include narration, translation, performance, background sound, sound effects, special effects and/or music.

In some embodiments, the sound comprises narration of the specific portion 50 of the book text 74.

The content 16 includes one or more markers 46. The or each marker 46 marks or indicates one specific portion 50 of the content 16 and is located at, within or alongside the specific portion 50. The or each marker 46 comprises a specific portion sign 52 which is unique to the specific portion 50 of the content 16.

The sign 52 could include a colour or colours; a numeral; a letter; and/or an image. The content 16 comprises subject matter relating to the purpose of the book 12, which could comprise subject matter to tell a story and/or impart information. The or each marker 46 does not comprise part of the subject matter relating to the purpose of the book 12. The apparatus 10 includes one different content-specific user input device 40 for each of the markers 46. Each of the content-specific user input devices 40 comprises a sign 76 which is the same as or similar to the specific portion sign 52 of the respective marker 46. The signs 52, 76 thus comprise a link between the respective one different content-specific user input device 40 (and therefore the respective sound track 44) and the respective marker 46 (and therefore the respective specific portion 50 of the content 16).

When one of the content-specific user input devices 40 is operated, the audio player 20 plays the sound track 44 relating to the specific portion 50 of the content 16 marked by the respective linked marker 46.

The book 12 includes front and rear covers 54. The control panel 36 is located on an inside surface of the front and/or the rear cover 54.

The pages 14 are located between the covers 54.

One or both of the covers 54 could be enlarged relative to the pages 14 so that the control panel 36 is visible when the book 12 is open and one of the pages 54 lies adjacent the cover 54 on which the control panel 36 is located.

The book 12 includes a spine 60 which extends between the two covers 54. In one example, the audio player 20 could be located on the spine 60, between the spine 60 and the pages 14. The headphone socket 30 could also be located on the spine 60 and could be located at or towards one end of the spine 60.

The apparatus 10 includes a power source 62. The power source 62 comprises a battery, which could be rechargeable. The power source 62 could be located on the spine 60. The apparatus 10 includes circuitry 64 which electrically connects the power source 62, the control panel 36, the audio player 20 and the audio output device 28.

The book 12 includes binding 66, which binds the covers 54 and the pages 14 together. The circuitry 64 is hidden by the binding 66.

The book apparatus 10 includes a battery charge indicator 82, which could comprise one or more lights such as LEDs.

In use

The idea is to create an interactive audio experience for book readers.

Essentially in one aspect the idea is to integrate an audio player with a physical paper book. The audio player could have on its files, sound tracks of music, background sounds etc which enhance the mental imagery which the reader creates in their mind as the story line unfolds.

As described, the audio player 20 is embedded in (or attached to) the spine 60 of the book 12. The audio player 20 is connected to the small touch buttons 72 (the user input devices 34) on the control panel 36. In one example, the reader could be wearing ear phones 80 connected to the audio apparatus 18.

The book apparatus 10 could have three modes of operation:

Mode 1 : Operation using the generic user input devices 38.

In this mode, the user controls the audio player 20 via the generic user input devices 38 eg, play, stop, forward, back etc. The audio player 20 could be arranged to play all of the audio files 24 continuously in sequence and the reader can follow along in the book, or simply listen to the sounds. The user can use the generic user input devices 38 to navigate through the audio files 24.

Mode 2: Operation using the content-specific user input devices 40.

In this mode, the user controls the audio player 20 via the contentspecific user input devices 40 (buttons 72), which correspond to the markers 46 in the content 16.

When the reader reaches one of the markers 46 while reading, they press the appropriate corresponding button 72, and continue reading. When the button 72 is pressed, the reader will now begin to hear whatever is on the corresponding sound file (track) in the audio player mp3, which is related to the text being read.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, and taking a specific example, the reader reaches marker 46A in the content 16. In this example, the marker 46A marks the specific portion of text 50A and comprises specific portion sign 52A which is numeral 1 . The reader presses the content-specific user input device 40A which has the content-specific user input device sign 76A, which is the corresponding numeral 1 . This provides a content-specific user control signal 42 to the operating program which causes playback of linked sound track 44A. In one example, the sound track 44A could comprise a recorded narration of the specific portion of text 50A. In another example it could comprise a recorded performance of the specific portion of text 50A; or recorded music relating to the specific portion of text 50A; or a translation in a foreign language of the specific portion of text 50A; or background sounds or other noises relating to the specific portion of text 50A.

The sound track will begin to play for:

1. either a set time,

2. on a loop for a set time 3. continually until stopped by the reader. This will happen when the reader reaches the appropriate circled O STOP position in the books narrative, and presses the STOP button on the control panel.

Example 1

At some point in the book a character in the book walks into a train station. The audio player now begins to play background noises which would be the sort of sounds you would expect to hear at a train station.

Example 2

In a horror novel the book character enters a house where there have been some strange sightings of people at the windows of the house. As the character enters the house the touch button is activated, and the reader is now not subject only to his own imagination but creepy sounds can be heard as the story unfolds inside the scary house.

It is expected that this type of integration of sound/music etc at appropriate times during the reading of the novel will enhance a person’s experience of reading a book.

In another embodiment, the audio could be a reader reading the text, to aid language learners, or to add interest if the reader is a well-known personality, eg David Attenborough reading a nature book.

Instead of, or as well as, the headphone jack, the audio player could include wireless connection (eg Bluetooth®) to a speaker or audio system.

In another embodiment, the sound tracks could comprise a translation of the text 74 to aid language learning. Mode 3 - Reading book

The functionality of the book is not affected by the mp3 player or the markers 46 and can be read as a conventional book.

Other Embodiments

Figs. 4 and 5 show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of Figs 1 to 3. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiment already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.

Fig. 4 shows book apparatus 210. The apparatus 210 includes a transfer device 68 for transferring audio files 24 to the storage 22. In the example shown, the transfer device 68 includes a card reader or slot for receiving a memory device 86 such as a memory card. The storage 22 with the audio files 24 are located on the removable memory device 86.

In the example shown, the covers 54, the spine 60 and the audio apparatus 18 comprise a book apparatus case 88, to which the pages 14 are removably mounted.

In this embodiment, the pages 14 and the audio files 24 comprise a linked content set 78, which is replaceable (exchangeable) by replacing the memory card (or replacing the audio files on the memory card) and replacing the pages 14. Advantageously, this permits the same book apparatus case 88 to be used for different linked content sets 78.

Alternatively, the transfer device 68 could include a USB socket or a wireless transceiver (for example, Bluetooth®). The storage 22 could be accessed via the transfer device 68 by another electronic device, such as a computer or a mobile phone. Fig. 5 shows book apparatus 310. In this embodiment, the book 12 includes a fold out flap 56 and the control panel 36 is located on the fold out flap 56. The apparatus 310 includes a hinge 58 which connects the fold out flap 56 to one of the covers 54.

In the example shown, the content 16 includes an image 84 which is marked by marker 46D with specific portion sign 52D. The sound track relating to this specific portion could comprise appropriate sound such as music, landscape sounds, etc.

Fig. 7 shows book apparatus 410. In this embodiment, components of the audio apparatus 18 are provided in virtual form on a mobile phone (or other electronic device) by an app (software) 90. Thus the app 90 could comprise the operating program 26 and the control panel 36 with user input devices 34, with the user input devices 34 displayed as virtual buttons on a touch screen of the mobile phone. The app 90 could be provided to the mobile phone by download. The app 90 can use components of the mobile phone and these could therefore by utilised by the app, for example, the storage 22, the transfer device 68, and the audio output device 28.

In this embodiment, the linked content set 78 comprises the audio files 24 and the physical pages 14 with the marked content 16.

Conceptually, the book apparatus 410 is operated in the same way as previous embodiments, with the user pressing the virtual user input devices 34 to operate the audio player 20.

Other Modifications

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The apparatus and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material (within the scope of the specific definitions herein).

The playing of the audio could be related to the turning of pages, so that playing of the relevant audio file is automatic. In this example, the apparatus includes a page turning detection sensor (not shown), which could be linked to the playback of the sound tracks.

Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

Final Remarks

There is thus provided book apparatus with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. In particular, the integration of the audio player with the book enhances the reader’s experience and provides the options of reading to oneself, or following the text being read, or simply listening. Other audio options such as listening to appropriate music or sounds are enabled. The reader has enhanced options for playback over the prior art, but the apparatus remains relatively simple and economical.

Claims

1 . Book apparatus comprising a physical book, the book comprising a plurality of pages with content printed thereon, the apparatus further comprising audio apparatus for storing and playing digital audio files; the audio apparatus includes an audio player and user input devices for inputting control signals to the audio player; the user input devices include one or more generic user input devices for inputting generic control signals to operate the audio player and one or more content-specific user input devices for inputting content-specific control signals to the audio player; wherein operation of the or each content-specific user input device causes playback of one audio file relating to a specific portion of the book content.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , in which the audio apparatus is integrated with the book.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the content comprises text and/or images.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the audio player includes storage for storing one or more audio files; and an operating program for playing the or each audio file.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the audio files comprise sound tracks; each audio file comprises one sound track and each content-specific user input device causes playback of one sound track.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which each sound track produces sound relating to a specific portion of the book content, which sound may include narration, translation, performance, background sound, sound effects, special effects and/or music. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the content includes one or more markers; the or each marker marks or indicates one specific portion of the content and is located at, within or alongside the specific portion. Apparatus according to claim 7, in which the or each marker comprises a specific portion sign which is unique to the specific portion of the content. Apparatus according to claims 7 or 8, in which the content comprises subject matter relating to the purpose of the book, which may comprise subject matter to tell a story and/or impart information; and in which the or each marker does not comprise part of the subject matter relating to the purpose of the book. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, in which the apparatus includes one different content-specific user input device for each of the markers. Apparatus according to claim 8 or any claim dependent thereon, in which each of the content-specific user input devices comprises a sign which is the same as or similar to the specific portion sign of the respective marker. Apparatus according to claim 11 , in which the sign comprises a link between the respective one different content-specific user input device (and therefore the respective sound track) and the respective marker (and therefore the respective specific portion of the content). Apparatus according to claim 12, in which, when one of the content-specific user input devices is operated, the audio player plays the sound track relating to the specific portion of the content marked by the respective linked marker. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which user input devices are arranged to form a control panel. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the book includes front and rear covers and the pages are located between the covers. Apparatus according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 14, in which the control panel is located on an inside surface of the front and/or the rear cover. Apparatus according to claim 16, in which one or both of the covers are enlarged relative to the pages so that the control panel is visible when the book is open and one of the pages lies adjacent the front or the rear cover on which the control panel is located. Apparatus according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 14, in which the book includes a fold-out flap and the control panel is located on the fold out flap. Apparatus according to claim 15 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the book includes a spine between the two covers and the audio player is located on the spine, or between the spine and the pages. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the pages and the audio files comprise a linked content set, which are replaceable so that the book apparatus can be used for different linked content sets. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the covers and the audio apparatus comprise a book apparatus case, to which the pages are removably mounted. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which components of the audio apparatus are provided in virtual form on a mobile phone (or other electronic device) by an app (software). Apparatus according to claim 22 when dependent on claims 4 and 14, in which the app comprises the operating program and the control panel with user input devices, and the user input devices may be displayed as virtual buttons on a touch screen of the mobile phone. Apparatus according to claims 22 or 23, in which the app is provided to the mobile phone by download. Apparatus according to any of claims 22 to 24, in which the app uses components of the mobile phone and these could therefore by utilised by the app, for example, the storage, a transfer device and an audio output device. A method of reading a book, the method including providing book apparatus, the book apparatus comprising a physical book, the book comprising a plurality of pages with content printed thereon, the apparatus further comprising audio apparatus for storing and playing digital audio files; the audio apparatus includes an audio player and user input devices for inputting control signals to the audio player; the user input devices include one or more generic user input devices for inputting generic control signals to operate the audio player and one or more content-specific user input devices for inputting content-specific control signals to the audio player; wherein operation of the or each content-specific user input device causes playback of one audio file relating to a specific portion of the book content. A method according to claim 26, in which the apparatus includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 25.