Enhanced book

Abstract

It is proposed a device (1) configured for receiving a book (2), the book comprising a book identifier and a page; wherein the device comprises: a user input detection device; a book identifier detection device configured to detect a book identifier of the book; an output device; a controller connected to the user input detection device, the book identifier detection device, and the output device; and a first securing means for removably securing the device to the book; wherein the controller is configured to determine a user input based on a signal from the user input detection device; and wherein the controller is configured to determine which book is secured to the device based on a signal from the book identifier detection device. It is also proposed a book configured to be secured to a device according to the invention; the invention also relates to an interactive book system comprising the device and the book according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of books. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device configured to receive a book, a book, and an interactive book system including the device and the book. The present invention is applied to educational books to increase the interest and interactivity of reading. Background Art

[0002] Most interactive books on the market today are provided with embedded interactive devices, such as speakers or vibration devices.

[0003] Due to the presence of interactive devices in each book, the production cost of books is generally higher and the quality of the interactive devices is lower.

[0004] Furthermore, interactive books are limited in interactivity. Typically, a user can press a limited number of buttons or touch a limited number of dedicated locations. User input on a button or location always results in the same output signal, typically a sound or vibration pattern. It is also known to use a stylus, such as a wired stylus or a Bluetooth stylus.

[0005] Another problem with interactive books currently on the market is that each book must include a bulky active page identifier device (e.g., an optical system). As a result, the book is bulky and unwieldy, and requires frequent battery replacement.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need to provide an interactive book that does not suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0007] The present invention is produced in this context. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device configured to receive a book, the book comprising a book identifier and pages; wherein the device comprises:

[0009] User input detection device;

[0010] a book identifier detection device, the book identifier detection device being configured to detect a book identifier of the book;

[0011] Output devices;

[0012] a controller connected to the user input detection device, the book identifier detection device, and the output device; and

[0013] a first securing means configured to removably secure the device to the book;

[0014] wherein the controller is configured to determine user input based on a signal from the user input detection device; and

[0015] Wherein the controller is configured to determine which book is secured to the device based on a signal from the book identifier detection device.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the proposed device may also include at least one of the following additional features:

[0017] The book includes multiple pages, and each page of the book that needs to be identified includes a page identifier; the device further includes a page identifier detection device, which is configured to detect the page identifier of the book; and the controller is connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to determine the current page (i.e., which page the book is opened to) based on a signal from the page identifier detection device.

[0018] The book includes multiple pages, and each page of the book includes a page identifier; the device further includes a page identifier detection device, which is configured to detect the page identifier of the book; and the controller is connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to determine the current page (i.e., which page the book is opened to) based on a signal from the page identifier detection device.

[0019] The page identifier detection device comprises a plurality of sensors, such as inductive sensors, and each sensor is configured to correspond to a page identifier of the book, preferably to two page identifiers of the book.

[0020] The number of sensors is equal to the number of page identifiers of the book.

[0021] The user input detection device includes a resistive touch panel or a capacitive touch panel, and the controller is configured to determine the user input based on a signal from the resistive touch panel or the capacitive touch panel.

[0022] The user input detection device includes a finger resistive touch panel or a finger capacitive touch panel, and the controller is configured to determine a finger gesture based on a signal from the finger resistive touch panel or the finger capacitive touch panel.

[0023] The device comprises two book identifier detection devices.

[0024] The book identifier detection device includes a near field communication (NFC) tag reader or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, and the controller is configured to determine which book is fixed to the device based on a signal from the near field communication (NFC) tag reader or the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader.

[0025] The first securing means comprises a magnetic or ferrous material configured to secure the book to the device using magnetic attraction.

[0026] The output device includes a speaker, a lighting device, and / or a haptic device;

[0027] The device further comprises a jack female connector and / or a USB female connector, such as a mini USB connector or a USB-C connector, connected to the controller.

[0028] The device further includes an on / off button, a volume button, and / or a button configured to select a language connected to the controller.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a book configured to be fixed to the device according to the first aspect; wherein the book comprises:

[0030] Book identifier;

[0031] Pages; and

[0032] A second securing device is configured to removably secure the book to the first securing device of the device.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the proposed book may also include at least one of the following additional features:

[0034] The book further includes a binding system and a plurality of pages connected to the binding system; and each page that needs to be identified includes a page identifier.

[0035] The book further includes a binding system and a plurality of pages connected to the binding system; and each page includes a page identifier.

[0036] The page identifier detection device of the device includes a plurality of sensors, such as inductive sensors.

[0037] Each page identifier, such as a metal tag, is configured to correspond to a sensor, preferably two sensors of the device.

[0038] For each page of the book, when the book is closed, the page identifier overlaps with a page identifier of a different page, preferably a page identifier of a different page.

[0039] For each page of the book, the page identifier overlaps with a page identifier of a different page, preferably a page identifier of a different page, when the book is closed and viewed from above.

[0040] The book identifier includes a near field communication (NFC) tag or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0041] The second securing means comprises a magnetic or ferrous material configured to secure the book to the device using magnetic attraction.

[0042] The second fixing device includes or consists of a metal ring binding system (such as a double coil binding system).

[0043] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interactive book system, the interactive book system comprising a device according to the first aspect of the present invention and a book according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0044] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the interactive book system as an educational book system for increasing reading interest and interactivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention may be more clearly understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 A front view of a device according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 1A A front view of a device according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 2 A front view of a device according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is shown with the front cover removed.

[0049] Figure 2A A front view of a device according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is shown, with the front cover removed.

[0050] Figure 3 Shown is a front view of a book according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention.

[0051] Figure 3A A front view of a book according to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the book taken along line AA is indicated.

[0053] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the circle indicated by letter A.

[0054] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the circle indicated by letter B in FIG.

[0055] Figure 7 Shown is a front view of a book according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention.

[0056] Fig. 7A A front view of a book according to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0057] Figure 8 A front view of an interactive book system according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0058] Fig. 8A A front view of an interactive book system according to another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0059] Figure 8B A front view of an interactive book system according to another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention is shown, wherein the book is a card.

[0060] Fig. 9 Shown along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the interactive book system cut along the dotted line in FIG.

[0061] Fig. 9A Shown along Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of the interactive book system taken along line A in FIG.

[0062] Fig. 9B Shown along Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the interactive book system taken along line BB in FIG.

[0063] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of an interactive book system according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0064] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing detection of the current page of a book according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0065] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing detection of the current page of a book according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0066] Figure 1A , 2A , 3A, 8A and 9A and Figure 1 , 2 The main differences between , 3, 8 and 9 are that the device does not include limit positioners 191, 192 and the book does not include extreme notches 261, 262.

[0067] Fig. 7A and Figure 7The differences are mainly that the second fixing means comprise two magnets instead of a metal strip and that the card does not comprise the pole notches 331 , 332 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] equipment

[0069] refer to Figure 1 , 1A , 2 and 2A, depict a device 1 configured to receive a book according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The device 1 is configured for receiving removable books 2 , 3 .

[0071] According to an embodiment, the device is not foldable.

[0072] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment depicted in , to ensure the correct positioning of the book on the device, the device further comprises limit stoppers 191, 192. The limit stoppers are configured to cooperate with the pole notches in the book. According to an embodiment, the device comprises at least two limit stoppers 191, 192, which are configured to cooperate with at least two pole notches on the book, preferably two pole notches located on different edges of the book.

[0073] according to Figure 1A In the embodiment depicted in , the device does not include any limit stop.

[0074] The device comprises first fixing means 15 configured to fix the device to a book. According to an embodiment, the first fixing means are configured to fix the device to second fixing means 25, 35 of a book 2, 3.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the device comprises an active first fixing means, such as a magnet, which is configured to be fixed to a passive second fixing means of the book, such as a metal ring binding system, a metal double coil or a metal strip, using magnetic attraction.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the device comprises active first fixing means, such as a magnet, configured to be fixed to active second fixing means, such as a magnet, of the book.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a passive first fixing means, such as a metal bar or a metal disk, which is configured to be fixed to an active second fixing means of the book, such as a magnet, using magnetic attraction.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a recess 18 configured to receive a binding system of a book.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the first fixing means are positioned below the recess 18. According to an embodiment, the first fixing means are positioned on each side of the recess 18. According to an embodiment, the first fixing means may be positioned elsewhere in the device. According to an embodiment, the first fixing means are positioned on each side of the recess 18 and / or below the recess 18. In order to improve the fixing of the removable book 2 in the device 1, at least two fixing means, preferably as Figure 2 The four fixing devices 15 depicted in FIG. 1 can be arranged below the recess 18 at a distance from one another.

[0080] According to the embodiment, Figure 2A As depicted in FIG. 1 , at least two fixing devices, preferably four fixing devices 15 are arranged spaced apart from one another below the recess 18 , and at least two additional fixing devices 15A are arranged on each side of the recess 18 .

[0081] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment depicted in , the limit stopper is aligned with the notch 18. According to the embodiment described, two limit stops 191, 192 are aligned with the notch 18, one limit stopper being arranged on each side of the notch 18.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a first side configured to receive pages of a book at the first side and a second side configured to receive pages of a book at the second side. According to an embodiment, the first side and the second side are provided on each side of the recess 18 .

[0083] The device 1 further comprises a controller 14 which will be described in detail below.

[0084] The device 1 further comprises a user input detection device 11 connected to the controller. The user input detection device is a touch panel, such as a resistive or capacitive finger touch panel. The touch panel increases the interactivity of the interactive system in the prior art by allowing detection of multiple movements of the user: for example, click, drag, double click, two-finger pinch...

[0085] According to an embodiment, the touch panel further allows detection of movements such as triple taps, circles (e.g., around one or more objects), and cycle clicks (e.g., when the user presses on the same location a second or more times, the control system can initiate a different interaction).

[0086] According to an embodiment, the device includes two user input detection devices, which are respectively on each side of the device. According to a preferred embodiment, the user input detection device is a capacitive touch panel, such as, for example, a self-capacitive touch panel or a mutual capacitive touch panel, more preferably a mutual capacitive touch panel. Capacitive touch panels such as these are known to those skilled in the art. According to an embodiment, known capacitive touch panels have been modified to improve user input detection through book pages. According to an embodiment, the electrodes of the touch panel have a diamond-shaped structure. According to an embodiment, the gap between the transmitting electrode (Tx) and the receiving electrode (Rx), preferably the gap between the transmitting electrode (Tx) and the receiving electrode (Rx) in the diamond-shaped structure ranges from 1mm to 1.4mm, preferably from 1.1mm to 1.3mm, more preferably 1.2mm. According to an embodiment, the ground plane has a grid pattern, preferably a square grid pattern. According to an embodiment, the size of the squares of the square grid pattern is approximately 1.5mmx1.5mm.

[0087] Additional user input devices may include an on / off button 111, a volume button 112, and / or a button 113 configured to select a language connected to the controller.

[0088] The device further comprises a book identifier detection device 12, preferably two book identifier detection devices, connected to the controller. The book identifier detection device is configured to correspond to the book identifier of the book to identify the book. The book identifier detection device 12 may be a near field communication (NFC) tag reader or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The device may comprise two book identifier detection devices to identify books in at least two configurations, or to detect books read from left to right and from right to left. Thus, by using two book identifier detection devices 12 of the device, the device may be used with books read from right to left. According to an embodiment, a book identifier detection device is positioned on each side of the device, preferably symmetrically about the recess 18.

[0089] The device 1 comprises a page identifier detection device 16 connected to the controller. Figure 2 and 2AAs depicted, the page identifier detection device 16 includes a plurality of sensors 161, such as inductive sensors. According to an embodiment, each sensor is configured to correspond to a page identifier of a book. This means that when a page identifier is close enough to each sensor, the sensor can detect the corresponding page identifier of the book. According to an embodiment, the number of sensors is greater than or equal to the number of page identifiers of the book, preferably equal to the number of page identifiers of the book. According to an embodiment, half of the sensors are arranged on each side of the device. According to an embodiment, the same number of sensors are arranged on each side of the device. According to an embodiment, each sensor is configured to correspond to two page identifiers of the book. This means that two page identifiers can be close enough to the corresponding sensors to be detected by the same sensor. According to an embodiment, two page identifiers can be close enough to the corresponding sensors to be detected by the same sensor on each side of the device. The embodiment can reduce the number of different positions at which the sensor is positioned on each side of the device. A greater number of pages can be identified or a smaller number of sensors can be used, thereby reducing the electromechanical footprint of the sensors on each side of the device.

[0090] According to an embodiment, each sensor comprises a spiral coil. According to an embodiment, the spiral coil comprises 20 to 40 turns, preferably 25 to 35 turns, more preferably 29 turns. According to an embodiment, the distance between the turns is equal to the diameter of the wire. For example, the spiral coil is made of a 0.1 mm wire and the distance between the turns is equal to 0.1 mm. According to an embodiment, the inner diameter of the spiral coil is in the range of 1 to 5 mm, preferably about 2 mm. According to an embodiment, the outer diameter of the spiral coil is in the range of 10 to 15 mm, preferably about 13 mm.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the sensors are aligned, preferably aligned close to the outer edge of the device (such as the bottom side of the device). According to an embodiment, on each side of the notch 18 of the device, the sensors are spaced apart by the same distance, preferably in the range of 10mm to 25mm, more preferably about 15mm.

[0092] The device further comprises an output device 13 , such as a speaker 131 , a lighting device 132 or a haptic device 133 , connected to the controller.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a jack female connector and / or a USB female connector, such as a mini USB connector or a USB-C connector, connected to the controller.

[0094] books

[0095] refer to Figures 3 to 6 , depicts a book 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4, the book includes a plurality of pages 22 connected to a binding system 24, such as a ring binding system or a double coil binding system. The book is foldable.

[0096] The book comprises a book identifier 21, preferably a book identifier. The book identifier is preferably integrated in a page. For example, the page comprises a page consisting of two sheets of paper (e.g. two sheets of paper glued together) and the book identifier is embedded in the two sheets of paper. According to an embodiment, the book identifier is not visible. According to Figure 5 In the embodiment depicted in , the book identifier is integrated in the last page (particularly for books that are read from left to right). According to an embodiment, the book identifier is integrated in the first page (particularly for books that are read from right to left). The book identifier 21 is configured to correspond to the book identifier detection device 12 when the book is positioned on the device so that the controller can identify the book. The book identifier can be any passive tag that can be read by the book identifier detection device, such as, for example, a near field communication (NFC) tag or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0097] The book includes a second fixing device 25. The second fixing device 25 is configured to be fixed to the first fixing device. According to an embodiment, the second fixing device is a passive fixing device, such as a metal device, which is configured to be fixed to an active first fixing device of the device, such as a magnet. According to an embodiment, the second fixing device is a metal ring binding system or a metal double coil. The embodiment is capable of combining the binding system and the fixing device into a single system. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that other fixing devices, such as active fixing devices (e.g., magnets) can be used. According to an embodiment, the second fixing device is configured to cooperate with the recess 18 of the device. According to an embodiment, the ring binding system or the double coil is configured to be received in the recess 18 of the device.

[0098] according to Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the book includes pole notches 261, 262, which are configured to cooperate with limit stoppers 191, 192 on the device to ensure the correct positioning and orientation of the book on the device. According to an embodiment, the pole notches are positioned at the outer edge of the book. According to one embodiment, the book includes at least two pole notches 261, 262, which are configured to cooperate with at least two limit stoppers 191, 192 on the device, preferably the pole notches are positioned on different outer edges of the book. According to the depicted embodiment, the pole notches are positioned on each side of the binding system. According to an embodiment, the first pole notch and the second pole notch have different shapes.

[0099] according to Figure 3A In the embodiment shown in the book, the book does not include any pole recesses configured to cooperate with the limit stop.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the page contains content on one or each side of the page.Stories, pictures and / or games may be printed on one or each side of the page.

[0101] The book contains a page identifier for each page that needs to be identified. Figure 6 , shows an enlarged view of a book 2 with two page identifiers 23 on two different pages 22. According to an embodiment, the page identifiers are integrated into each page. For example, each page comprises a page consisting of two sheets of paper (e.g., two sheets of paper glued together) and each page identifier is embedded in the two sheets of paper. According to an embodiment, the page identifiers are not visible. According to an embodiment, the page identifiers comprise a metal mark, such as a metal disk. According to an embodiment, the metal disk has a diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 10 m, at least 15 mm. According to an embodiment, the metal disk has a thickness of at least 50 μm. According to an embodiment, the metal disk has a thickness of less than 100 μm.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the page identifier of a page overlaps with the page identifier of another page when the book is closed. According to an embodiment, the page identifier of a page overlaps with the page identifier of one other page when the book is closed. This means that the two page identifiers each have the same position on their pages. Overlapping means that two elements overlap when they are positioned at the same position when viewed from above and when the device and / or the book is placed on a flat horizontal surface. According to an embodiment, the page identifiers of two pages are positioned at the same position in pairs.

[0103] Figure 3 and 3A The depicted embodiment shows eight different locations for page identifiers for a book that includes sixteen pages that can be detected by the device.

[0104] According to an embodiment, if the number of pages between two different pages is the total number of pages divided by 2 minus 1, then the two page identifiers on the two pages share the same position. In the embodiment, the position of the page identifier of page 1 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 9; the position of the page identifier of page 2 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 10; the position of the page identifier of page 3 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 11; the position of the page identifier of page 4 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 12; the position of the page identifier of page 5 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 13; the position of the page identifier of page 6 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 14; the position of the page identifier of page 7 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 15; the position of the page identifier of page 8 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 16.

[0105] According to an embodiment, considering that a book includes n pages, the position of the page identifier of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) is the same as the position of the page identifier of page n / 2+x. The embodiment can reduce the number of different positions where the page identifier is located in the book with the same number of pages. With this arrangement, a greater or lesser number of pages can be identified.

[0106] According to an embodiment, if the two pages are separated from the center of the book by the same number of pages, then two page identifiers on two different pages share the same position. In the above embodiment, the position of the page identifier of page 1 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 16; the position of the page identifier of page 2 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 15; the position of the page identifier of page 3 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 14; the position of the page identifier of page 4 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 13; the position of the page identifier of page 5 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 12; the position of the page identifier of page 6 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 11; the position of the page identifier of page 7 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 10; the position of the page identifier of page 8 is the same as the position of the page identifier of page 9.

[0107] According to an embodiment, considering that a book includes n pages, the position of the page identifier of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) is the same as the position of the page identifier of page n-x+1. The above embodiment can reduce the number of different positions of the page identifier in the book in the case of the same number of pages. With this arrangement, a greater or lesser number of pages can be identified.

[0108] According to an embodiment, considering that a book includes n pages, the position of the page identifier of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) is the same as the position of the page identifier of page n-x+1, the page identifiers are aligned along the bottom edge of the book, and the page identifiers of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) are set from far to near toward the binding system. This means that the page identifiers of pages 1 and 16 are the farthest from the binding system, and the page identifiers of pages n / 2 and n / 2+1 are the closest to the binding system. The inventors have found that the embodiment allows the page identifiers farthest from the binding system to be closest to the sensor of the book when the book is opened from the middle. This ensures that the page identifiers can be effectively detected even if the book is deformed (when the book is deformed, the greatest deformation occurs far away from the binding system).

[0109] According to an embodiment, each page identifier is configured to correspond to two sensors of the device, one on each side of the device. According to an embodiment, each page identifier is configured to correspond to two sensors of the device, one on each side of the device recess 18. According to an embodiment, considering that the book comprises n pages, the device comprises n sensors, of which n / 2 sensors are positioned on each side of the device. According to an embodiment, considering that the book comprises n pages, the device comprises n sensors, of which n / 2 sensors are positioned on each side of the recess 18 of the device. According to an embodiment, each page identifier is aligned with a corresponding sensor when the page is in a first configuration, and each page identifier is aligned with one other corresponding sensor when the page is in a second configuration. The first configuration differs from the second configuration in that the page is located on the other side of the device. This means that the first configuration differs from the second configuration in that the page is turned. The embodiment implements detection when the book is opened at a given page and then the page is turned.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the page identifier is aligned, preferably aligned along the outer edge of the book (such as the bottom side of the book). According to an embodiment, the lower edge of the page identifier is located within a certain distance from the outer edge of the page.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the book does not include any electronic devices or batteries. According to an embodiment, the book does not include any active electronic devices or batteries. The embodiment reduces manufacturing costs, risk of damage and mechanical space occupied. In addition, the book does not include any batteries and does not need to be powered.

[0112] The book is preferably made of cardboard except for the second fixing device, the book identifier and the page identifier. According to an embodiment, the maximum number of pages of the book ranges from 6 to 30 pages, preferably from 16 to 26 pages. According to an embodiment, the book contains an even number of pages, such as for example 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 pages. According to an embodiment, the grammage of the pages ranges from 200 to 500 g / m 2 .

[0113] Page detection

[0114] According to an embodiment, the page identifier detection device 16 includes a plurality of sensors for detecting a current page of a book. As described above, the sensor may be an inductive sensor, such as an inductive coil. The inductive sensor detects the proximity of a page identifier (such as a metal tag) via a magnetic field generated by the inductive coil. If a metal tag (such as a page identifier) ​​is close enough to the energized coil, an eddy current is induced by the metal tag and the inductive sensor can detect the presence of the metal tag. Inductive sensing does not require a unique label identification for each page. According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether the metal tag is close enough to the sensor. According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether more than one metal tag (for example, one or two metal tags) is close enough to the sensor. According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects the number of metal tags that are close enough to the sensor.

[0115] In the present invention, since the metal marks overlap in pairs when the book is closed, knowing which sensors detect the metal marks on one side of the device is not sufficient to determine the current page. According to an embodiment, the controller determines the current page based on signals from inductive sensors on both sides of the device. In the described embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether the metal mark (regardless of the number of metal marks) is close enough to the sensor. Fig.11 and 12 The embodiment will be better understood describing how to determine the current page from a book comprising 16 pages using 16 sensors, 8 sensors positioned on each side of the device. The same method can be applied to determine the current page from a book comprising n pages using at least n sensors, at least n / 2 sensors positioned on each side of the device. Considering a book having n pages, at any time n / 2 inductive sensors on one side of the device detect a page identifier. The page is then determined based on the sensors positioned on the other side of the device.

[0116] Considering a closed book with n pages positioned on the second side of the device, n / 2 sensors on the second side of the device detect page identifiers. The current page is determined based on the number of sensors on the first side that detect the page identifier. If one sensor on the first side detects the page identifier, one page has been turned, if two sensors on the first side detect the page identifier, two pages have been turned, and so on until n / 2 inductive sensors on the first side of the device detect the page identifier, which means that n / 2 pages have been turned. Then, the current page is determined based on the number of sensors on the second side that detect the page identifier. If n / 2-1 sensors on the second side detect the page identifier, this means that n / 2+1 pages have been turned, if n / 2-2 sensors on the second side detect the page identifier, this means that n / 2+1 pages have been turned, and so on until no sensors on the second side detect the page identifier, which means that all pages have been turned.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether one or two metal marks are close enough to the sensor. Therefore, the inductive sensor can detect whether zero, one or two page identifiers are close enough to the sensor. Compared with the previous embodiment, the embodiment can detect errors in the book (missing pages, etc.) and increase reliability.

[0118] Fig.11 It shows how to determine the current page of the book when the position of the page identifier of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) is the same as the page identifier of page n / 2+x.

[0119] Fig.12 It shows how to determine the current page of the book when the position of the page identifier of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) is the same as the page identifier of page n-x+1.

[0120] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other methods of page detection using the device's inductive sensors are also contemplated.

[0121] card

[0122] refer to Figures 7 to 7A , depicts a book 3 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The book comprises a single page 32. In this embodiment, the book 3 is also referred to as a card. The card comprises a card identifier 31 and a second fixing device 35. Since the card comprises a single page, no page identifier is required in addition to the card identifier 31. According to an embodiment, the page 32 covers the same area as the opened book 2.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the card comprises a card identifier 31. According to an embodiment, the card identifier is integrated in the card. For example, the card comprises a card consisting of two sheets of paper (e.g., two sheets of paper glued together) and the card identifier is embedded in the two sheets of paper. According to an embodiment, the card identifier is invisible. The card identifier 31 is configured to correspond to the book identifier detection device 12 when the card is positioned on the device so that the controller can identify the card. According to an embodiment, the card contains content on one side or each side. Stories, pictures and / or games can be printed on one side or each side of the page. According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to detect on which side of the device the card is positioned by using two book identifier detection devices 12 of the device. According to an embodiment, the card identifier is configured to correspond to the first book identifier detection device in a first configuration and to correspond to the second book identifier detection device in a second configuration. According to an embodiment, the first configuration of the card differs from the second configuration in that the card is flipped again along its shorter side.

[0124] according to Figure 7 In the embodiment depicted in , the card includes polar notches 331 , 332 so that the card cannot be positioned on the device after being turned over along the longer side, as described in detail below.

[0125] according to Fig. 7A In the embodiment depicted in , the card does not include a pole notch.

[0126] The second fixing device 35 is configured to be fixed to the first fixing device 15 .

[0127] According to an embodiment, the second fixing means is a passive fixing means, such as Figure 7 The metal strip 35 depicted in FIG. 1 is configured to be fixed to an active first fixing device, such as a magnet.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the second fixing means is an active fixing means, such as Fig. 7A 3. As depicted in FIG. 3, two magnets 35A are positioned away from each other, preferably on each side of the card.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the second fixing device comprises an active fixing device and a passive fixing device.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the second fixing means is not visible. According to an embodiment, the second fixing means is integrated in the card. For example, the card comprises a card consisting of two sheets of paper (e.g., two sheets of paper glued together) and the second fixing means is embedded in the two sheets of paper. According to an embodiment, the second fixing means is configured to cooperate with the notch 18 of the device. According to an embodiment, the second fixing means is configured to be received inside the notch 18 of the device.

[0131] according to Figure 7 In the embodiment depicted in , the card includes pole notches 361, 362, which are configured to cooperate with limit stoppers 191, 192 on the device to ensure the correct positioning and orientation of the card on the device. According to an embodiment, the pole notches are positioned on one side of the card. According to an embodiment, the card includes at least two pole notches 361, 362, which are configured to cooperate with at least two limit stoppers 191, 192 on the device, preferably the pole notches are positioned on different sides of the card. According to the depicted embodiment, the first pole notch 361 is positioned on the upper side of the card, and the second pole notch 362 is positioned on the lower side of the card. According to an embodiment, the first pole notch and the second pole notch have different shapes.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the card does not include any electronic devices or batteries other than the card identifier 31. According to an embodiment, the card does not include any active electronic devices or batteries. Said embodiment reduces manufacturing costs, damage risks and mechanical footprint. Furthermore, the card does not include any batteries and does not need to be powered.

[0133] The card is preferably made of cardboard, except for the second fixing means and the card identifier.

[0134] Interactive book system

[0135] refer to Figure 8 , 8A , 8B, 9, 9A and 9B, depict an interactive book system according to the present invention. Figure 8 and 8A As depicted, the interactive book system includes a device 1 and a book 2. Figure 8B As depicted, the interactive book system comprises a device 1 and a card 3 .

[0136] like Fig. 9 and 9A As shown, first securing means 15 of the device cooperate with second securing means 25 of the book to secure the book to the device (here using magnetic attraction). Fig. 9 The cooperation between the limit stoppers 191, 192 and the book is further shown.

[0137] like Fig. 9B As shown, the first fixing means 15A of the device cooperate with the second fixing means 35A of the card to fix the card to the device (here using magnetic attraction).

[0138] refer to Fig.10 , showing a schematic diagram of an interactive book system.

[0139] The interactive book system includes a book 2 according to various embodiments of the present invention; 3, and a device 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Each of the user input detection device 11, the book identifier detection device 12, and the page identifier detection device 16 is connected to a controller 14. The controller 14 includes: a processor 14a, which may be a microprocessor; a memory 14b, which may be a random access memory (RAM) for storing executable code to implement user input, page and book detection according to various embodiments of the present invention; or a read-only memory (ROM) for storing computer programs to implement user input, page and book detection according to various embodiments of the present invention; and a communication interface 14c, which is typically connected to a communication network on which digital data is transmitted or received. The communication interface may be a single communication interface or composed of a group of different network interfaces (e.g., a Bluetooth communication interface or a Wi-Fi communication interface). The controller 14 is connected to the book identifier detection device and is configured to communicate with the book identifier detection device to retrieve the identification of the book. The controller is further connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to communicate with the page identifier detection device to retrieve the identification of the open page of the book. The controller is further connected to the user input detection device and is configured to communicate with the user input detection device to retrieve the user input. According to an embodiment, the controller is connected to the touch panel and is configured to communicate with the user input detection device to retrieve user input on the open page of the book.

[0140] The memory 14b is configured to store content associated with the book identifier, the page identifier and the predefined user input signal. The device 1 further includes an output device 13 connected to the controller 14. The controller 14 is configured to generate an output signal on the output device depending on the content associated with the book identifier, the page identifier and the user input signal in the memory 14b. According to an embodiment, the output device 13 can be a speaker 131, a lighting device 132 and / or a tactile device 133 and / or any other output device known to those skilled in the art. The device is further connected to a power source. The device can be powered by AC or a battery.

[0141] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary, rather than restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the present disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0142] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device (1) configured to receive a book (2; 3), the book comprising a book identifier (21; 31) and pages (22; 32); wherein the device comprises: User input detection device (11, 111, 112, 113); a book identifier detection device (12), the book identifier detection device being configured to detect the book identifier of the book; Output devices (13); a controller (14) connected to the user input detection device, the book identifier detection device and the output device; as well as a first fixing means (15) configured to removably fix the device to the book; wherein the controller is configured to determine the user input based on a signal from the user input detection device; and Wherein the controller is configured to determine which book is secured to the device based on a signal from the book identifier detection device.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the book (2) comprises a plurality of pages (22), and wherein: Each page of the book that needs to be identified includes a page identifier (23); The device further comprises: a page identifier detection device (16), the page identifier detection device being configured to detect the page identifier of the book; as well as The controller is connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to determine the page at which the book is opened based on a signal from the page identifier detection device.

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the page identifier detection device comprises a plurality of sensors (161), such as inductive sensors, and wherein, Each sensor is configured to correspond to a page identifier of the book, preferably to two page identifiers of the book.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the number of sensors is equal to the number of page identifiers of the book.

5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the user input detection device (11) comprises a resistive touch panel or a capacitive touch panel, and wherein the controller is configured to determine the user input based on a signal from the resistive touch panel or the capacitive touch panel.

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises two book identifier detection devices.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the book identifier detection device comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag reader or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, and wherein the controller is configured to determine which book is fixed to the device based on a signal from the near field communication (NFC) tag reader or the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader.

8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first fixing means comprises a magnetic or ferrous material configured to fix the book to the device using magnetic attraction.

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output device comprises a speaker (131), a lighting device (132) and / or a tactile device (133); wherein the output device is connected to the controller; and wherein the device further comprises an on / off button (111), a volume button (112) and / or a button (113) configured to select a language.

10. A book (2; 3) configured to be fixed to a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; wherein the book comprises: Book identifier (21; 31); Page(22;32); as well as Second fixing means (25; 35) configured to removably fix the book to the first fixing means of the device.

11. The book (2) according to claim 10, wherein the book further comprises a binding system (24) and a plurality of pages (22) connected to the binding system (24); and wherein each page to be identified comprises a page identifier (23).

12. A book (2) according to claim 11, wherein the page identifier detection device of the device comprises a plurality of sensors, such as inductive sensors, and wherein each page identifier, such as a metal mark, is configured to correspond to a sensor, preferably to two sensors of the device.

13. The book (2) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein for each page of the book, when the book is closed, the page identifier overlaps with a page identifier of a different page.

14. The book (2; 3) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the book identifier comprises a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag or a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.

15. A book (2; 3) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the second fixing means comprises a magnetic or ferrous material configured to fix the book to the device using magnetic attraction, preferably the second fixing means consists of a metal ring binding system.

16. An interactive book system, comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the book according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

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