PC Connectable Electronic Learning Aid Device With Replaceable Activity Worksheets
First Claim
1. An electronic learning aid apparatus comprising:
- a base unit including,a surface for accepting a printed activity worksheet,a sensor element positioned beneath the worksheet surface,a microprocessor;
a code-reading device;
a memory for storing digital speech data and digital control data;
a speech synthesizer and speaker for converting the digital speech data into audible human speech,an input device electrically connected to the base unit and in electrical communication with the microprocessor for permitting a user to provide input to the apparatus,a communication port capable of permitting the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer;
at least one printed activity worksheet including a code serving to identify the particular activity worksheet and associated digital speech data and digital control data, wherein the code is readable by the code-reading device;
wherein the digital speech data and digital control data serve to generate an output to the user in response to the user'"'"'s manipulation of the input device as detected by the sensor element when the child touches the stylus to the activity worksheet.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An embodiment includes an electronic learning aid apparatus including a base unit. The base unit includes a surface for accepting a printed activity worksheet, a sensor positioned beneath the worksheet surface, a microprocessor, a code-reading device, a memory for storing digital speech data and digital control data, a speech synthesizer and speaker, an input device, and a communication port capable of permitting the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer. The apparatus further includes at least one printed activity worksheet having a code thereon that is readable by the code-reading device and serves to identify activity worksheets and associated digital speech data and digital control data. The digital speech data and digital control data serve to generate an output to the user in response to the user'"'"'s manipulation of the input device as detected by the sensor when the child touches the stylus to the activity worksheet.
60 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An electronic learning aid apparatus comprising:
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a base unit including, a surface for accepting a printed activity worksheet, a sensor element positioned beneath the worksheet surface, a microprocessor; a code-reading device; a memory for storing digital speech data and digital control data; a speech synthesizer and speaker for converting the digital speech data into audible human speech, an input device electrically connected to the base unit and in electrical communication with the microprocessor for permitting a user to provide input to the apparatus, a communication port capable of permitting the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer; at least one printed activity worksheet including a code serving to identify the particular activity worksheet and associated digital speech data and digital control data, wherein the code is readable by the code-reading device; wherein the digital speech data and digital control data serve to generate an output to the user in response to the user'"'"'s manipulation of the input device as detected by the sensor element when the child touches the stylus to the activity worksheet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of utilizing a portable electronic learning aid apparatus connectable to a personal computer having a source of digital speech data and digital control data and associated printable activity worksheets, the method comprising:
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establishing a connection between the portable electronic learning aid apparatus and the personal computer; downloading performance data from the portable electronic learning aid apparatus to the personal computer indicative of the user'"'"'s performance in engaging in activities presented by an activity worksheet; presenting a performance report to the user; presenting a library of activity worksheets to enable selection of additional activity worksheets based upon the user'"'"'s past performance; printing a selected activity worksheet; uploading digital speech data and digital control data associated with the selected activity worksheets from the personal computer to the portable electronic learning aid apparatus; and disconnecting the portable electronic learning aid apparatus from the personal computer toward permitting the user to interact with the portable electronic learning aid apparatus on a stand-alone mode. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method of utilizing a portable electronic learning aid apparatus connected to a personal computer having memory storing digital speech data and digital control data associated with a printed activity worksheet, the method comprising:
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establishing a connection between the portable electronic learning aid apparatus and a personal computer including at least a base unit, video monitor and input device; executing a program on the personal computer associated with a printed activity worksheet present on the portable learning aid apparatus; presenting on the video monitor a still image corresponding to the printed activity worksheet present on the portable learning aid apparatus; accepting at the personal computer input from the user provided using a stylus associated with the portable learning aid apparatus; and providing a response to the user in response to the user'"'"'s input. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification