Interactive phonics learning mat
First Claim
1. A teaching device, comprising:
- (a) an arrangement of indicia, each defining a language symbol and representing at least one phoneme;
(b) an output; and
(c) a processor, configured to operate in at least one mode selected from the group consisting of;
in a first mode, the processor is configured to cause the output to produce a prompting signal representative of a sequence of language symbols, and in response to each sequentially correct selection of an indicium corresponding to one of the language symbols, to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with the language symbol, wherein the signal produced is determined by the position of the language symbol in the sequence of language symbols; and
in a second mode, the processor is configured to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a language symbol in response to a selection of one of the indicia, and when a predetermined number of language symbols has been selected in sequence, to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with each language symbol in the sequence.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention relates to a phonics and reading teaching device which depicts an arrangement of indicia representing letters of the alphabet and their associated phonemes. Selection of individual indicia causes the device to generate an audio signal or other response. The audio signal is generated by an output in the form of a speaker, and a processor is provided for controlling the operation of the device. In one mode of operation, the processor causes the speaker to produce a prompting signal indicating a word, and in response to each sequentially correct selection of a letter in the word, to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with the letter. The phoneme produced is dependent on the position of the letter in the word. When all of the letters in the word have been selected in correct order, the processor causes the speaker to produce a signal representing a pronunciation of the word or other affirmative acknowledgement. In another mode of operation, the processor operates in a "Make a word" mode. The processor responds to a selection of a letter by causing the speaker to produce a signal representative of the name or phoneme of the letter, and waits for another letter to be selected. After a predetermined number of letters have been selected, the processor causes the speaker to produce a signal representative of phonemes associated with each of the letters and a signal representative of a pronunciation of the sequence of letters.
59 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A teaching device, comprising:
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(a) an arrangement of indicia, each defining a language symbol and representing at least one phoneme; (b) an output; and (c) a processor, configured to operate in at least one mode selected from the group consisting of; in a first mode, the processor is configured to cause the output to produce a prompting signal representative of a sequence of language symbols, and in response to each sequentially correct selection of an indicium corresponding to one of the language symbols, to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with the language symbol, wherein the signal produced is determined by the position of the language symbol in the sequence of language symbols; and in a second mode, the processor is configured to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a language symbol in response to a selection of one of the indicia, and when a predetermined number of language symbols has been selected in sequence, to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with each language symbol in the sequence. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An interactive learning device, comprising:
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(a) a housing defining a plurality of indicia; (b) a plurality of selectors configured to be selectable by at least one of the group consisting of a hand, a foot, and a finger; (c) an output; and (d) a processor, configured (i) in a first mode, to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a name of a language symbol in response to a selection of one of the indicia. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A teaching device, comprising:
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(a) a mat including an arrangement of indicia, each defining a language symbol and representing at least one phoneme; (b) an output; and (c) a processor, configured in a first mode, to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a language symbol in response to a selection of one of the indicia, and if a predetermined number of language symbols has been selected in a sequence forming a word, to cause the output to produce a signal representative of a phoneme associated with each language symbol in the word-forming sequence. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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Specification