U.S. patent application number 10/529572 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for communication device.
Invention is credited to Shahood Ahmed.
Application Number | 20060154560 10/529572 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36653876 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060154560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ahmed; Shahood |
July 13, 2006 |
Communication device
Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatus and method for
providing two-way communication between two users. In particular,
but not exclusively, the invention relates to a way in which
communication between two users can occur whereby one of the users
is given the impression that the communication they are having is
with an everyday object such as teddy bear or child's doll.
Inventors: |
Ahmed; Shahood; (Bradford,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
36653876 |
Appl. No.: |
10/529572 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
September 26, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB03/04221 |
371 Date: |
September 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 30/04 20130101;
A63H 2200/00 20130101; A63H 3/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/297 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/28 20060101
A63H003/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2002 |
GB |
0222665.8 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for providing two-way communication between a first
user and a further user comprising: a master communication device;
and a slave communication device, disguised as an everyday object,
and including circuitry means for enabling said two-way
communication via said master communication device said circuitry
means comprising voice alteration means for disguising said further
user's voice; wherein said slave communication device and said
further user's voice is disguised so that when said two-way
communication is in progress, said first user will believe that
said communication is between said first user and said everyday
object.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: each communication
device includes speaker means for providing an audible voice
signal; microphone means for converting voice patterns of a user
into a format for transmittal over a communication link as a
communication signal; and communication signal transmitting and
receiving means for respectively transmitting and receiving at
least one communication signal.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the disguise of said
slave communication device comprises an outer body portion
surrounding substantially all of the circuitry of said slave
communication device.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said disguise
includes at least one movable portion arranged to move
independently with respect of said body portion of the disguise and
includes means for moving said movable portion responsive to a
movement control signal received from said master communication
device.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said master
communication device includes control means for generating and
transmitting a movement control signal to said slave communication
device.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said slave
communication device includes a power switch accessible without the
need to remove said body portion.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is
disguised as a teddy bear.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is
disguised as a child's doll.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first user
comprises a child and said further user comprises a parent or
teacher.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first user
comprises a user with learning difficulties.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said slave
communication device comprises a computer including a user
interface, said user interface including a screen for displaying an
image of a character.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said user
interface further comprises at least one speaker member for
producing audible sounds to said first user.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 111 wherein said user
interface further comprises at least one microphone for receiving
audible sounds generated by said first user.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the computer is
arranged to display images which conceal the fact that a
conversation is between said first user and said further user.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said computer is
optionally (i) a PC (ii) a laptop computer or (iii) a personal data
assistant.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said master
communication device comprises a computer and said slave
communication device comprises a screen for displaying an image of
a character responsive to signals received from said computer.
17. A method for providing two-way communication between a first
user and a further user comprising the steps of: providing a slave
communication device, disguised as an everyday object and including
voice alteration means for disguising said further user's voice,
and a master communication device arranged for two-way
communication therebetween; providing said further user with access
to only said master communication device and said first user with
access to only said slave device; and transmitting and receiving at
least one communication signal over a wireless communication link
between said master and slave devices; whereby by virtue of the
disguise of said slave communication device and said further user's
voice the two-way communication will appear, to said first user, to
be between said first user and said everyday object.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17 further comprising disguising
said slave communication device by the steps of surrounding
substantially all of the circuitry of said slave communication
device with a preformed body portion formed to look like said
everyday object.
19. The method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 further
comprising, prior to said step of providing said further user with
access to only said master communication device, providing said
further user with access to said slave communication device during
a period of time in which said further user may switch on power to
the slave communication device.
20. The method as claimed in claim 19 wherein said step of
switching power on comprises pressing a button disguised on said
slave communication device.
21. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said steps of
transmitting and receiving a communication signal comprises
providing a two-channel radio service between said slave and master
devices.
22. The method as claimed in claim 17 further comprising:
transmitting, from said master communication device, a movement
control signal; receiving said movement control signal at said
slave communication device; and moving at least one movable portion
of said disguise independently with respect to said body portion on
said disguise of said slave communication device responsive to said
movement control signal.
23. The method as claimed in claim 22 further comprising selecting
a one from a plurality of movable portions of said disguise via
said master communication device.
24. A method for promoting learning in a learner user comprising
the steps of: providing a slave communication device disguised as
an everyday object and including voice alteration means for
disguising a tutor's voice and a master communication device;
transmitting and receiving at least one communication signal over a
wireless communication link between said master device and said
slave device; whereby a further user having access to only said
master device can communicate, via said communication link, with
said learner user having access to only said slave device thereby
promoting learning in said learner user.
25. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said learner user
comprises a child and said further user comprises a parent or
teacher.
26. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said learner user
comprises a user with learning difficulties.
27. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said everyday object
comprises a toy.
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein voice alteration
means disguises said further user's voice to sound like a
predetermined character.
31. The method as claimed in claim 17 further comprising disguising
said further user's voice to sound like a predetermined
character.
32. The method as claimed in claim 24 further comprising disguising
said tutor's voice to sound like a predetermined character.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and method for
providing two-way communication between two users. In particular,
but not exclusively, the invention relates to a way in which
communication between two users can occur whereby one of the users
is given the impression that the communication they are having is
with an everyday object such as a teddy bear or childs doll.
[0002] It is well known that toys provide a great learning tool for
teaching young children or those with learning disabilities.
However, most toys such as teddy bears, dolls or action figures
rely upon the users imagination for many of the games played and
thus the lessons which can be learnt. Education, discipline and
development of children in early years is thus often limited by
their own limitations.
[0003] Some toys are known which provide for some interaction
between the child and the toy. For example radio controlled cars
which use a master transmitter and a slave receiver allow a child
to control the motion of a toy. Alternatively some toys provide a
way in which a child can interact with a toy which will respond
with a number of predetermined responses such as beeps or flashing
lights. The responses from such interactive toys are limited as
will be known by those skilled in the art.
[0004] Learning in a child or person with learning difficulties
such as a disabled person may be restricted as a result of a
problem with the relationship between the learner and the teacher.
For example there are occasions when children will not listen to
their parents. As a result teaching of manners and discipline such
as doing homework, tidying up, stopping children crying and
encouraging them to eat food can be restricted.
[0005] Another problem is that on some occasions a parent or
guardian may need to leave a child or learner unaccompanied in a
room whilst the guardian attends to some other matter. Under such
circumstances it is known that a child may be in danger as they may
interact with household objects which may cause them harm. In
addition if such a guardian is forced to leave a child alone any
learning in which the child is involved must be terminated until
the guardian returns.
[0006] It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to
mitigate at least partially the above-referenced problems.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided apparatus for providing two-way communication between a
first user and a further user comprising:
[0008] a master communication device; and
[0009] a slave communication device, disguised as an everyday
object, and including circuitry means for enabling said two-way
communication via said master communication device; wherein
[0010] said slave communication device is disguised so that when
said two-way communication is in progress, said first user will
believe that said communication is between said first user and said
everyday object.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method for providing two-way communication between a
first user and a further user comprising the steps of:
[0012] providing a slave communication device, disguised as an
everyday object, and a master communication device arranged for
two-way communication therebetween;
[0013] providing said further user with access to only said master
communication device and said first user with access to only said
slave device; and
[0014] transmitting and receiving at least one communication signal
over a wireless communication link between said master and slave
devices; whereby
[0015] by virtue of the disguise of said slave communication device
the two-way communication will appear, to said first user, to be
between said first user and said everyday object.
[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method for promoting learning in a learner user
comprising the steps of:
[0017] providing a slave communication device disguised as an
everyday object and a master communication device;
[0018] transmitting and receiving at least one communication signal
over a wireless communication link between said master device and
said slave device; whereby
[0019] a further user having access to only said master device can
communicate, via said communication link, with said learner user
having access to only said slave device thereby promoting learning
in said learner user.
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage
that a guardian or parent can speak from a master unit through a
toy or other everyday object giving the child the impression that
the toy is talking and that that child (or other person with
learning difficulties) is having a one to one conversation with the
everyday object. This can be a very powerful tool for the
education, discipline and development of children in their
important years because if children will not listen to their
parents they may listen to their favourite character such as their
teddy bear.
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage
that the slave communication device through which a child
communicates is a computer having a monitor or other screen which
enables a wide range of selectable characters to be chosen with
which a child may interact. In this way the communication device is
disguised so that the child thinks communication is occurring with
the displayed character.
[0022] Embodiments of the present invention provide the
possibilities for children to be taught manners, discipline such as
doing homework, tidying up, stopping children crying and
encouraging them to eat food. This may be done whilst the child is
alone in a room whilst their parent or guardian may be elsewhere
carrying out another function and will only listen to their child
or may observe them on a video unit.
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention enable parents to have
an unlimited, natural and spontaneous dialogue with their child
through their childs favourite toy. Since the parent or guardian or
other teacher communicates through the toy via a two-way
communication link the toy is inherently allowed to speak in any
language. Embodiments of the present invention include, in a slave
communication device located inside the everyday object, a voice
alteration mechanism so that the parent or guardian's voice is
disguised so that the child will not recognise it.
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage
that the master and slave communication devices may be used as baby
alarms or, when a child has outgrown the system it may be used as a
useful way for users to communication between rooms in a house.
[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates use of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a master communication device;
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an everyday object in which is located a
slave communication device;
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a control panel on the master
communication device;
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates components of the circuitry in the slave
communication device;
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the master communication
device;
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the everyday object
disguising the slave communication device;
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates two-way communication between a child and
a parent; and
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates parts of a PC.
[0035] In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like
parts.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an imaginary location in a house and is
meant to illustrate two rooms 10 and 11 separated by a wall 12. It
will be understood that embodiments of the present invention are
not limited to use in such an environment. A first user 13 such as
a child or person suffering from a learning disability is placed in
room 11 whilst a further user 14, such as a parent or guardian is
located away from the child 13. An everyday object 15 such as a
childs teddy bear or doll is located with the child. A video camera
16 is arranged to provide a view of the room where the child is
located. The view is displayed on the monitor 17 which may be
observed by the parent. It will be understood that embodiments of
the present invention may be used without the video and monitor
link in which situation the parent may either discreetly observe a
child through a window or by being located in the same room as the
child in a hidden way. Alternatively a parent may not have a view
of the child but will only communicate with the child through a
master communication device 18.
[0037] The master communication device 18 may be seen in more
detail in FIG. 2 and includes a microphone 20 into which a parent
can speak. A speaker 21 which enables a voice of a child speaking
to the everyday object 15 to be relayed to the parent. An on/off
switch 22 and a user interface/control panel 23. The control panel
23 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4 below. The
master communication device 18 also includes an antenna 24 and
communication signal transmitting and receiving means to enable a
voice of the parent to be transmitted via the microphone 20 and
antenna 24 to a receiver and circuitry in the slave device located
in the everyday object 15 which can translate the received
communication signal into an audible voice via a speaker. It will
be understood that the master communication device could be
provided in any form or unit and may include a headset which a
parent or guardian 14 could wear for prolonged use. Embodiments of
the present invention may include an LED to indicate whether the
master communication device is on or off.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a childs teddy bear as an example of a
typical toy which maybe used to house a slave communication device.
A teddy bear is selected as being a toy common to both sexes.
Alternatively a toy soldier or childs doll may be used. It will be
understood that the present invention is not limited to disguising
the slave communication device as a toy. Rather a broad range of
everyday objects maybe utilised so that a child would be under the
impression that they were having a conversation with that everyday
object when a parent was speaking to them via the master
communication device. The teddy bear 15 includes a body portion
which disguises the circuitry required by the slave communication
device to enable two-way communication with the master
communication device. The disguise may be formed from a plastic or
fur covering or other material and may include an internal
framework to provide a predetermined shape to the everyday object.
The body portion of the disguise covers substantially all of the
slave communication device so that it will not be obvious to a
learner user that such components exist. The teddy bear 15 includes
movable eyes 30, a movable mouth piece 31 and a movable limb such
as a paw 32. In order to move these movable portions mechanical
drive units may be provided in the toy as will be known by those
skilled in the art. The movable portions of the disguise can be
synchronised to move in time with the voice of the parent or
guardian as they talk. Alternatively movement may be specifically
provided for by providing movement control buttons on the user
interface 23 of the master communication device.
[0039] A charging connection 33, which is shown in more detail in
FIG. 7, is provided so that power to the slave communication device
may be recharged at a convenient moment. An LED 34 may be provided
to indicate whether the slave communication device is on or off.
This will be discreetly placed, such as for example within a fold
of the teddy bears skin or may be omitted completely.
[0040] An on/off control 35 is also provided as a button disguised
as a part of the body of the toy 15. A parent or guardian may
discreetly turn the slave communication device on or off by
pressing this button without the child being aware of the
subterfuge.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates the user interface 23 of the master
communication device 18 in more detail. The user interface includes
a system on/off control 40 which controls whether the master
communication device is on or off. A movement control selection
switch 41 is also provided which can disable or enable movement of
the various moving parts of the teddy bear. A volume control 42 is
also provided which can control the volume of the speaker 21 of the
master communication unit. Other synchronisation switches 43 and 44
may be provided to disable lip synchronisation or arm
synchronisation respectively to the parents voice.
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates internal parts of the teddy bear
comprising the slave communication device 50.
[0043] The communication unit 50 is housed within the body of the
teddy bear which thus acts as a disguise so that a child would be
unaware of the units presence. In this way a parents voice, or
parents disguised voice, emitted from the speaker 51 of the slave
communication device will appear to come from the teddy bear rather
than from the parent. The slave communication device 50 includes an
antenna 52 from which a communication signal can be transmitted to
the antenna 24 of the master communication device or signals from
that master communication device can be received at the slave
communication device. An on/off switch 53 is controlled by a user
pressing button 35 on the teddy bear. A volume control 54 permits
the volume emitted by the speaker 51 to be controlled thus
selecting the volume which the child hears coming from the toy. A
microphone 55 detects the voice of a child talking to the teddy
bear which can then be transmitted to the master communication unit
so that the parent can hear what the child is saying.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a charger connection point 60 on the
master communication device which enables a battery in that device
to be recharged. A headset connection point 61 may also be provided
on the master communication device which enables a headset to be
plugged in to facilitate easy use by a parent over a prolonged
period. As noted above FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the teddy
bear 15, such as a paw, which includes a charging connection to
enable a battery, not shown, in the slave communication device 50
to be recharged.
[0045] The master communication device 18 includes all the
electronic circuitry and controls for operation by a parent. It
includes a transmitter which may be used to communicate with the
toy 15 to control movement of one or more movable parts of the toy.
In addition the master communication device includes a two channel
transmitter/receiver which is used for voice communication between
itself and the slave communication device 50. In like manner the
slave communication device 50 includes circuitry housed in the body
of an everyday object such as a teddy bear and includes circuitry
for a two channel voice transmitter/receiver which enables two-way
conversation between a child talking into or at the teddy bear and
a parent using the master communication device. The circuitry which
may be housed in a housing of the slave communication unit 50 may
include voice synchronisation circuitry.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the present
invention in which the slave communication device is a personal
computer (PC) 80 which includes a monitor or TV screen 81 connected
to a processing unit 82 via a connecting wire 83. The monitor
displays images to a child according to signals generated by the
computer processing unit 82. The displayed images are of a
character which the child will believe it is talking to. The
processing unit 82 includes a transceiver 84 which can be used to
send and receive signals via a wireless interface to a parent or
further user 14 via a master communication device 18. The further
user 14 may be in an adjacent room or other zone from the child 13
as indicated by sectional line 85. In this way the PC and monitor
are disguised to the extent that a child or other person with
learning disabilities can be made to think they are having a
conversation with a character displayed on the user interface
screen. It will be understood that a broad range of characters may
be displayed on a screen in this way. In particular if a child or
other user has a favourite character then the PC may be provided
with an application to be run on the PC generating images of this
character on the screen.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates the processing unit 82 of the PC 80 in
more detail. The PC includes a processing unit 90 which receives
input signals from a transceiver control unit 91 via connection 92.
The transceiver control circuit is connected to the transceiver 84,
which may be an antenna, via connection 93. When a parent or
secondary user using the master communication device 18 speaks the
speech patterns are encoded in the master communication device and
transmitted over the wireless communication link to the antenna 84.
The signals are decoded in the circuitry 91 and the signals
supplied to the processing unit 90. The processing unit accesses
various applications 94 as will be understood by those skilled in
the art. One of these applications 95 provides software for
generating the image signals to be displayed on the screen of
monitor 81. The processor 90 is connected to a data store 96 and to
a speaker 97 which can output sounds such as a voice of the
displayed character. A microphone 98 is used to detect sounds such
as the childs voice in the environment around the PC. Output
signals from the processing unit 90 to drive the images on the
screen of the monitor 81 are transferred to output 99 which may be
connected to the monitor 81 via cable 83 or via any other
connection such as a blue tooth connection.
[0048] During use an image which will typically be a moving image
of a character is displayed on the monitor and a child 13 can
notionally speak to the image. The voice of the child is received
by microphone 98 and is transferred via the processing unit 90 and
controller 91 to antenna 84 and thus to the master communication
device with the parent 14. The parent hears the voice of the child
speaking to the image. In response or indeed to initiate a child's
reaction, the parent speaks into the master communication device 18
and these signals are transmitted to the PC antenna 84. Voice
recognition software in the PC determines the words spoken by the
parent and generates signals to make the character react
accordingly. These signals may control lip or eye movements on a
face of the character or other expressions and/or words or noises
output by the speaker 97 which may be a copy of the parents voice
(in which case voice recognition software is not required) or via a
computer generated voice pattern. In this way the PC is disguised
in such a way that the child believes that communication is between
themselves and the character displayed on the PC monitor.
[0049] It will be understood that in accordance with a further
embodiment of the present invention the parent or further user 14
may be provided with a computer as the master communication device.
The computer includes a user interface including a screen for
displaying images, a microphone for receiving voice signals from a
user and at least one speaker for generating noises. The computer
may be linked via a fixed connected or wireless connection to a
further display screen in a region where a child or other person
with learning disability is located. A still further embodiment may
be provided by the parent or further user being provided with a
walkie talkie as a master communication device and a further walkie
talkie or two channel radio communicator being located in the
region where the child is located. The second walkie talkie or
slave communication device may be itself disguised so that a child
does not identify it as a communication device. A two-way
communication between the slave and master communication device may
take place as above-described. A computer having a monitor or
screen may be made reactive to voice output from the slave
communication device. Voice recognition software in the computer
may be programmed to be reactive to the parent or other authorised
users voice patterns and an image of a character on the screen may
be generated so that it appears to the child that it is the
character with which it is having a communication. In this way the
character mimics the voice input of the parent as well as movement
of the character which may occur in accordance with commands or
words spoken by the parent.
[0050] Embodiments of the present invention provide a way in which
a parent or guardian may talk to a child or a person with learning
difficulties through an everyday object such as a toy. By virtue of
disguising a slave communication device the child will believe that
they are having a conversation with the toy. The parent may monitor
the child during a conversation using a video camera and monitor
arrangement or may simply listen to the child.
[0051] Embodiments of the present invention provide a means for
reading a bedtime story to a child without the presence of the
parent in the room. This may get the child used to falling asleep
without a parent being present. It will be understood that in such
a case the everyday object may be disguised as a book or any other
night time related object.
[0052] It will also be understood that according to embodiments of
the present invention a multitude of different body portions (or
suits) may be provided to selectively disguise the slave
communication unit. A parent or guardian would need only to
discreetly remove the communication unit 50 from one disguise and
place it in another selected disguise.
[0053] It will be understood that embodiments of the present
invention can provide an efficient learning aid. By virtue of a
child being focussed on an everyday object seemingly talking and
listening to the child the childs attention can be maintained and
learning promoted.
[0054] It will be understood that embodiments of the present
invention may be made of materials conforming to the Kite standards
of safety for children's toys.
[0055] Whilst specific preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been above described it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the
specifics described. Rather variations and modifications may be
envisaged without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *