US 5,511,980 AGranted

Talking phonics interactive learning device

AssigneeLeapfrog RBT

InventorMichael C. Wood

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Abstract

An interactive learning device in the form of an open book for toddlers and preschoolers, having a plurality of embodiments. In one embodiment the book has three-dimensional letters of the alphabet received by a card that spells a word. The card is adapted to be placed in the book and a speech processor circuit recites the word written therein and sounds the phonic associated with each phoneme in the word when the child places the correct alphabet letters in the card, and repeats the entire word. In a second embodiment the book acts as a simple translator. In a third embodiment the book is in the form of a talking math calculator that teaches elementary mathematical operations. In a fourth embodiment the child may learn the sounds and names associated with various animals, and may also translate the animal names. A plurality of shapes and colors may also be represented by cards and indica bearing units.

Claims38

Dependent claims

An interactive learning device comprising:

a plurality of indicia bearing units, each unit having a three-dimensional configuration;
an indicia bearing housing for housing said plurality of indicia bearing units, and a plurality of switches;
a sound synthesizer processor housed in said indicia bearing housing and electrically coupled to said plurality of switches, said processor having a memory for storing a plurality of sounds each associated with a different one of said plurality of indicia bearing units;
a sound transducer driven by said processor;
and
a card having a series of indicia outlines cutouts formed therein, each said outline cutouts being shaped to receive a corresponding one of said indicia bearing units, said card sized to fit in said indicia bearing housing with said outlines cutouts overlying said plurality of switches and having means for identifying the card to said processor;
said processor having means for recognizing said card identifying means and means for associating said indicia outlines cutouts with said plurality of switches based on the card identity;
wherein each of said switches, when activated, causes said processor to drive said speaker to produce an associated sound whenever an indicia bearing unit is fit into the corresponding indicia outline cutouts.

5 more elements

An educational apparatus comprising:

A housing shaped to open into a book, said housing having two sides when laid open;
a processor housed by the housing, the processor capable of synthesizing sounds and electrically coupled to a sound transducer;
a first set of indicia located on one side of the book, each of these indicia overlying a first plurality of switches that are electrically coupled to the procesor, the processor being capable of associating each switch with a particular indicia and a corresponding sound;
and
a card having a second set of indicia cutouts depicted thereon, the card received by the other side of the book and having means recognizable by the processor for identifying the card,
said processor being capable of recognizing said card identifying means,
wherein a user may depress at least some of the switches underlying the first set of indicia to cause the processor to drive the transducer to emit a sound associated with the second set of indicia cutouts.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/200,609Filed 23 Feb 1994
Granted: 30 Apr 1996
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

G09B 17/006
Electrically operated apparatus or devices: with audible presentation of the material to be studied
G09B 1/04
And having a support carrying or adapted to carry the elements: the elements each bearing a single symbol or a single combination of symbols
G09B 5/062
With both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied: combinations of audio and printed presentations, e.g. magnetically…
G09B 19/04
Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass: speaking