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US 6,142,784 AGranted
Mathematical learning game and method
AssigneeKnowledge Kids Enterprises, Inc.
InventorMichael C. Wood
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention comprises an electronic learning game that provides a plurality of pedagogical and instructional modalities which combine strong kinesthetic, auditory, and visual stimulation to assist a child to learn basic arithmetical concepts. The inventive game utilizes a combination of voice statements, rhythmic music, a visual display, and manual inputs from number dials and a response switch to achieve multi-modal learning or arithmetic concepts. The ergonometric size and structure of the present invention promotes a strong kinesthetic learning modality.
Claims35
A mathematical learning game comprising:
- a) a housing;
- b) a control and memory unit disposed in the interior of the housing;
- c) a matrix switch coupled to said housing, the matrix switch comprised of a first rotary multi-position electronic switch and a second rotary multi-position electronic switch, the matrix switch providing an input signal to the control and memory unit corresponding to a mathematical operation between a first number or indicia corresponding to a first position of the first rotary multi-position switch and a second number or indicia corresponding to a second position of the second rotary multi-position switch;
- d) an electronic visual display disposed on the surface of the housing and displaying a number or indicia as a function of numerical control signals received from the control unit;
- e) a speech synthesizer and speaker disposed in the interior of the housing and receiving voice control signals from the control unit and producing an audio output;
- and
- f) an activator switch coupled to the housing for inputting a response to the control and memory unit;
- wherein the control and memory unit implements a pedagogical modality related to the first number or indicia and the second number or indicia, said pedagogical modality comprising a plurality of instructional modalities.
5 more elements
A mathematical learning game comprising:
- a) a substantially cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, the housing dimensioned to be held by a child;
- b) a control and memory unit disposed in the interior of the housing;
- c) a matrix switch coupled to said housing, the matrix switch comprised of a first rotary multi-position electronic switch and a second rotary multi-position electronic switch, the matrix switch providing an input signal to the control and memory unit corresponding to a mathematical operation between a first number or indicia corresponding to a first position of the first rotary multi-position switch and a second number or indicia corresponding to a second position of the second rotary multi-position switch;
- d) an electronic visual display disposed on the surface of the housing and numbers or indicia as a function of numerical control signals received from the control and memory unit;
- e) a speech synthesizer disposed in the interior of the housing, the speech synthesizer receiving voice control signals from the control and memory unit and producing audio signal outputs;
- f) a sound transducer disposed generally in the first end of the housing, the sound transducer receiving audio signal inputs from the output of the speech synthesizer and producing an audio output;
- and
- g) an activator switch coupled to the second end of the housing for inputting a response to the control and memory unit;
- wherein the control and memory unit implements a pedagogical modality related to the first number or indicia and the second number or indicia, said pedagogical modality comprising a plurality of instructional modalities.
6 more elements
An ergonometric hand held mathematical learning game comprising:
- a) a substantially cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, the cylindrical housing having a diameter less than about four inches and a length less than about fourteen inches;
- b) finger grips disposed on the first end and the second end of the cylindrical housing;
- c) a control and memory unit disposed in the interior of the housing;
- d) a matrix switch coupled to the housing, the matrix switch comprised of a first rotary multi-position electronic switch and a second rotary multi-position electronic switch, the matrix switch providing an input signal to the control unit corresponding to a mathematical operation between a first number corresponding to a first position of the first rotary multi-position switch and a second number corresponding to a second position of the second rotary multi-position switch;
- e) an electronic visual display disposed on the surface of the housing and number or indicia as a function of numerical control signals from the control and memory unit;
- f) a speech synthesizer disposed in the interior of the housing, the speech synthesizer receiving voice control signals from the control and memory unit and producing audio signal outputs;
- g) a sound transducer disposed generally in the first end of the housing, the sound transducer receiving audio signal inputs from the output of the speech synthesizer and producing an audio output;
- and
- h) a pressure-sensitive response switch coupled to the second end of the housing for inputting a response to the control and memory unit, said response switch having a substantially palm-sized contact surface;
- whereby the control and memory unit implements a pedagogical modality related to the first number and the second number, said pedagogical modality comprising a plurality of instructional modalities.
7 more elements
A method to teach arithmetical relationships between two numbers comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a toy having a speech synthesizer, a visual display, a matrix switch comprised of a first rotary multi-position electronic switch and a second rotary multi-position electronic switch, and at least one user input response switch;
- b) stating a mathematical operation between two numbers in which the voice instructions of the speech synthesizer are accompanied by a rhythmic beat, the mathematical value of said two numbers being a function of a first position of said first rotary multi-position switch and a second position of said second rotary multi-position switch;
- c) providing synchronous visual symbols on the visual display which visually reinforce the mathematical operation described by the voice instructions;
- and
- d) requesting that the user provide an input to the response switch.
2 more elements
A mathematical learning game comprising:
- a) a housing;
- b) a control unit disposed in the interior of the housing;
- c) a matrix switch coupled to the housing, the matrix switch comprised of a first rotary multi-position electronic switch and a second rotary multi-position electronic switch, the matrix switch providing an input signal to the control unit;
- d) an electronic visual display disposed on the surface of the housing receiving numerical control signals from the control unit;
- e) a speech synthesizer disposed in the interior of the housing configured to produce an audio output as a function of voice control signals received from the control unit;
- and
- f) an activator switch coupled to the housing for inputting a response to the control unit;
- wherein the control unit implements at least one pedagogical modality related to a mathematical operation between a first number and a second number, the mathematical value of the first and the second numbers being a function of a first position of the first rotary multi-position switch and a second position of the second rotary multi-position switch.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.