PC connectable electronic learning aid device with replaceable activity worksheets
First Claim
1. An electronic learning aid apparatus having a stand alone mode and a PC mode, comprising:
- a base unit including a worksheet surface configured to accept a printed activity worksheet, a sensor element positioned beneath the worksheet surface, a microprocessor, a cover configured to overlay the at least one activity worksheet when in a closed position, a code-reading device, a memory configured to store digital speech data and digital control data, a speech synthesizer and speaker configured to convert the digital speech data into audible human speech, an input device in electrical communication with the microprocessor and configured to permit a user to provide input to the apparatus, and a communication port configured to permit the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer; and
at least one printed activity worksheet including a code configured to identify the particular activity worksheet and associated digital speech data and digital control data;
wherein the code reading device is configured to read the code from the at least one printed activity worksheet in response to the cover being placed in the closed position;
wherein, when in stand-alone mode, the microprocessor is configured to execute, based upon the digital speech data and digital control data, an activity associated with the at least one worksheet identified by the read code; and
wherein, when in PC mode, the microprocessor is configured to cause, via the communication port, the personal computer to execute the activity associated with the at least one activity worksheet identified by the read code.
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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.
50 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An electronic learning aid apparatus having a stand alone mode and a PC mode, comprising:
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a base unit including a worksheet surface configured to accept a printed activity worksheet, a sensor element positioned beneath the worksheet surface, a microprocessor, a cover configured to overlay the at least one activity worksheet when in a closed position, a code-reading device, a memory configured to store digital speech data and digital control data, a speech synthesizer and speaker configured to convert the digital speech data into audible human speech, an input device in electrical communication with the microprocessor and configured to permit a user to provide input to the apparatus, and a communication port configured to permit the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer; and at least one printed activity worksheet including a code configured to identify the particular activity worksheet and associated digital speech data and digital control data; wherein the code reading device is configured to read the code from the at least one printed activity worksheet in response to the cover being placed in the closed position; wherein, when in stand-alone mode, the microprocessor is configured to execute, based upon the digital speech data and digital control data, an activity associated with the at least one worksheet identified by the read code; and wherein, when in PC mode, the microprocessor is configured to cause, via the communication port, the personal computer to execute the activity associated with the at least one activity worksheet identified by the read code. - 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 having a stand-alone mode and a PC mode, the method comprising:
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placing on the portable learning aid apparatus, a printed activity worksheet having a pre-printed page code; reading the pre-printed page code with the portable learning aid apparatus in response to positioning a cover over the printed activity worksheet by closing the cover of the portable learning aid apparatus; executing an activity of the printed activity worksheet on the portable learning aid apparatus using the stand-alone mode of the portable learning aid apparatus; 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; presenting on the video monitor an image corresponding to the printed activity worksheet present on the portable learning aid apparatus in response to receiving an indication of the pre-printed page code from the portable learning aid apparatus; and executing the activity of the printed activity worksheet on the personal computer using the PC mode of the portable learning aid apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification