Audio point reading device

Abstract

The utility model discloses audio point reading equipment, which relates to the technical field of audio point reading and comprises a pressure sensing plate serving as an upper body, a first book fixing device is arranged on the left side of the pressure sensing plate, and a second book fixing device is arranged on the upper portion of the left side of the pressure sensing plate. And a bar code scanning module is arranged on the right side of the pressure sensing plate. The book is confirmed by scanning the globally unique ISBN serial number bar code of the book, the book reader can be suitable for almost all books, picture books and other reading materials in the existing market, and the book reader does not need additional peripheral equipment such as a touch-and-talk pen and the like, can randomly touch and read on the book by fingers, is more suitable for young babies who are not easy to grasp, and is convenient to use. In addition, expensive intelligent hardware equipment is not needed, the hardware cost is low, a screen is not needed for assistance, a reader is enabled to concentrate on a paper book or a picture book, and the influence of an electronic screen on the vision of children is also reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of audio reading technology, specifically an audio reading device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are two main types of audio reading technology for printed books on the market:

[0003] 1. The first technical solution uses a reading pen combined with OID (Optical ID) invisible code technology. The reading pen's optical image recognition technology scans the OID invisible code printed on the book to identify the corresponding link and play the audio stored on the reading pen's memory card. The disadvantages of this solution are: it cannot be directly applied to ordinary paper books; the invisible code needs to be printed separately on the reading area, increasing printing costs and hindering large-scale adoption. There are also OID invisible code stickers on the market that require manual application to the corresponding location in the book and creation of audio associations, which is also inconvenient.

[0004] 2. The second technical solution is AI-powered finger-reading technology. This involves using a smart device's camera and a reflector to capture images of the book, text, and the location of the finger's touch. Then, cloud-based image recognition (OCR) and other computing power identify the text segment the finger is pointing to. Finally, it retrieves and plays the audio file for that text segment from the corresponding page number in the cloud-stored book data. The smart device's screen is also used for functions such as pausing. The disadvantages of this solution are: each finger-reading recognition requires cloud computing power, causing delays and recognition errors; it also requires an internet connection, reliance on smart hardware, and relatively high costs; and it demands precise adjustment of the camera and reflector's distortion angles.

[0005] The above two solutions have the following problems in practical implementation:

[0006] 1. The books using the reading pen technology require specially printed OID invisible codes, which increases printing costs and necessitates reprinting existing books, making it difficult to promote quickly and on a large scale.

[0007] 2. It requires additional smart peripherals such as reading pens and tablets, which is not suitable for young children who are not yet good at grasping. The electronic screen can also distract the reader and increase the impact on the child's eyesight.

[0008] 3. Requires intelligent hardware devices with certain performance, resulting in higher hardware costs.

[0009] 4. AI finger reading technology has a slow response speed, and errors in recognition will occur if the content of the book is covered by fingers or arms.

[0010] 5. AI finger reading technology does not support offline use; it requires an internet connection and cloud services and computing power to function.

[0011] Therefore, a voice-activated reading device is proposed here. Utility Model Content

[0012] Technical problems to be solved

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a voice-activated reading device.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an audio reading device, comprising a pressure-sensing plate as the upper main body, a book fixing device one disposed on the left side of the pressure-sensing plate, a book fixing device two disposed on the upper left side of the pressure-sensing plate, a barcode scanning module disposed on the right side of the pressure-sensing plate, a page number input area disposed on the book fixing device two, and a speaker unit and a microphone unit disposed on the right side of the pressure-sensing plate.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes a USB port and a TF card slot located at the bottom of the device, the USB port being used for data transfer and charging.

[0017] Preferably, the device also includes a control module located inside the device. The control module contains a chip and control circuitry. The control module is used to process input / output requests and provide extended functions such as recording.

[0018] Preferably, the device also includes a storage module installed inside the device. The storage module contains an internal storage unit that pre-stores the book ISBN data, book page number data, coordinate data of the reading box area within the page number, and audio data or text data files of the audiobook. The stored book ISBN data is used for book ISBN encoding comparison and identification to locate the book; the stored page number data and its reading coordinate data are used to compare and locate the reading box area of ​​the specified book page number; the stored audio data files are used to play audio; in addition, the storage module also stores the user's recording data for playback. Users can download and update book data after connecting to the internet. Updating the new data of the same book will overwrite the old data of the original book in the storage module. Repeated recordings of text in a certain reading box area by the user will also overwrite the original recordings with the same file name to save storage space.

[0019] Preferably, the device also includes a built-in network module containing a WiFi chip for online downloading, acquisition, and updating of book data, including downloading and updating book audio; it can also be used for requests for online services such as voice evaluation.

[0020] Preferably, the pressure sensing plate is a resistance sensing panel.

[0021] Preferably, the pressure sensing plate has multiple conductive adhesive modules forming a conductive adhesive array.

[0022] Preferably, the page number input area is a button type.

[0023] Beneficial effects:

[0024] Compared with existing technologies, this audio-enabled reading device has the following advantages:

[0025] This invention is highly adaptable. By scanning the book's globally unique ISBN barcode, it can be used to identify the book and is applicable to almost all books, picture books, and other reading materials currently on the market. Furthermore, this application does not require additional peripherals such as a reading pen; readers can simply point and read on the book with their fingers, making it more suitable for young children who are not yet good at grasping. In addition, it does not require expensive smart hardware devices, resulting in low hardware costs. Moreover, it does not require a screen as an aid, allowing readers to focus on the paper book or picture book itself and reducing the impact of electronic screens on children's eyesight. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention in use;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 1. Pressure sensing plate; 2. Barcode scanning module; 3. Left side fixing device; 4. Upper left fixing device; 5. Page number input area; 6. Speaker unit; 7. Microphone unit; 8. USB interface; 9. TF card slot. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0035] Please see Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: a voice-activated reading device, including a pressure-sensing plate 1 as the upper main body. The pressure-sensing plate 1 adopts a resistive sensing surface. The pressure-sensing plate 1 can also be composed of multiple conductive adhesive modules forming a conductive adhesive array. A book fixing device 1 is provided on the left side of the pressure-sensing plate 1, and a second book fixing device 3 is provided on the upper left side of the pressure-sensing plate 1. A barcode scanning module 4 is provided on the right side of the pressure-sensing plate 1. A page number input area 5 is provided on the second book fixing device 3. The page number input area 5 can be a button type, or a low-cost method that transmits pressure to the lower pressure-sensing plate to input the corresponding number keys. The area only needs to be printed with... The pressure sensor 1 corresponds to a number, eliminating the need for physical buttons and unnecessary circuitry. The fixed coordinates of this area directly correspond to the numbers 0-9. A speaker unit 6 is located on the right side of the pressure sensor 1, used to play audio after the text is read aloud. A microphone unit 7 is also located on the right side of the pressure sensor 1. Clicking this pressure sensor activates the recording function. The specific steps are: the user first clicks on a section of text in the book, plays the audio, and then clicks the microphone button. The pressure sensor 7, as a fixed functional area, activates the microphone unit's recording function. After recording, the user can play back the recording and receive feedback on pronunciation accuracy through built-in or online speech evaluation software.

[0036] The device also includes a USB port 8 and a TF card slot 9 located on the bottom of the device. The USB port 8 is used for data transfer and charging. An internal control module, containing a chip and control circuitry, handles input / output requests and provides extended functions such as recording. An internal storage module contains pre-stored data including the book's ISBN, page numbers, coordinates of the reading area within the page numbers, and audio or text data files. The stored book ISBN data is used for ISBN encoding comparison and book location; the stored page numbers and their coordinates are used to locate the reading area of ​​a specified page; the stored audio files are used for playback; and the storage module also stores user recordings for playback. Users can connect to the internet to download and update book data. New data for the same book will overwrite the old data in the storage module. Repeated recordings of text within a specific reading area will also be overwritten with the same filename to save storage space.

[0037] The device has a built-in network module containing a WiFi chip, which is used to download and update book data online, including downloading and updating book audio; it can also be used to request online services such as voice evaluation.

[0038] Working principle:

[0039] 1. Verify the book by scanning its globally unique ISBN barcode;

[0040] 2. Fix the book to a pressure-sensitive plate using a fixing device, ensuring that the upper left corner of the book is aligned with the upper left corner of the pressure-sensitive plate.

[0041] 3. After turning to any page in the book, enter the page number on the device;

[0042] 4. After selecting a specific page of a book, the user taps the paper book with their finger, transmitting pressure to the pressure sensor plate, which then obtains the coordinates of the tapped location.

[0043] 5. Compare the obtained coordinates with the reading area location data of the book and page that were previously stored in the device (or online cloud data) to determine which reading box was hit;

[0044] 6. Play the audio segment corresponding to the area of ​​the reading box. The audio segment can be stored in the local storage unit of the device or online cloud data. The audio segment can be an MP3 or other audio file, or it can store smaller text data for conversion into TTS audio playback.

[0045] This embodiment will explain the entire implementation process starting with the pre-processing of data:

[0046] 1. In order for the point-reading device of the present invention to be usable, the main data and digital content of the book need to be stored in the storage unit of the device or the cloud service, including: the book ISBN data, the book page number data, the coordinate data of the point-reading box area within the page number, and the audio data or text data file of the audio book.

[0047] 2. The technology for creating coordinate data of the reading frame area and the corresponding audio time period and text data of the reading frame area based on the original PDF of the book and audio data file is described in another invention patent of the inventor, "A method, device, electronic device and storage medium for making electronic reading materials" (patent publication number: CN113065318B), and will not be repeated here.

[0048] 3. When using the device, the user first scans the ISBN barcode on the back cover of the book against the barcode scanning module. After obtaining the ISBN number corresponding to the barcode, the device searches for it in its storage unit or in the book database in the cloud service. Once the ISBN number of the book is found, the speaker can give a voice prompt: "Book found, please place the book on the reading board". If it is not found, it can give a voice prompt: "Book not found".

[0049] 4. Next, the user secures the book to a pressure-sensitive plate using the fixing device. The device must ensure that the top left corner of the book aligns with the top left corner of the pressure-sensitive plate. The fixing device consists of two parts: a left side and a top left side (a right side fixing device could be added to secure the back cover, ensuring the entire book lies flat). The left side fixing device can be a foldable strip that presses the book down, allowing the book to be turned without obstructing the view. The protrusion on the top left side aligns with the top edge of the book. This two-part fixing device ensures both book stability and alignment of the top left corner with the pressure-sensitive plate, maintaining consistency between the book's coordinate system and the pressure-sensitive plate's coordinate system.

[0050] 5. Then, when the user turns to any page, they need to enter the page number. The device can have a page number input area on a fixed device in the upper left corner. This area can have two hardware design options: one is a high-cost button type, and the other is a low-cost type that uses pressure to transmit the corresponding number keys to a pressure sensor plate below. The area only needs to have the corresponding numbers printed on it; there's no need to design and install physical buttons or extra circuitry. The area directly corresponds to the numbers 0-9 through fixed coordinates. For example, if the current page number is 35, and the user clicks the numbers 3 and 5, the pressure sensor plate directly below these two numbers will receive the signals 3 and 5 and send them back to the control module to record that the current page number is 35.

[0051] 6. After selecting a specific page in a book, the user taps the physical book with their finger, transmitting pressure to a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor then determines the coordinates of the book at that tapped location based on the pressure's position on the screen and sends this information back to the control module. This pressure sensor can employ two hardware design schemes: one uses a resistive sensing panel, which consists of two thin films, both made of resistive material. When the two layers are in contact, the position on the screen can be determined by measuring the voltage at the contact point. Specifically, by applying voltage along the X and Y axes and measuring the voltage change at the contact point, the coordinates can be calculated. This scheme offers high accuracy but requires a certain amount of pressure, which can lead to insensitivity, and the cost may be slightly higher. Another approach is to use multiple button modules to form a button sensing array, such as 10*18 modules forming 180 sensing areas. Each button module can be designed as a small square button block, using inexpensive conductive button materials, such as conductive adhesive modules. When the button area is compressed, the conductive adhesive is triggered to close, forming a conductive path. In this way, each module represents a coordinate area. The coordinate range of the contact point is calculated based on which module circuit is triggered. Its accuracy is limited by the number of areas formed by the conductive adhesive modules. The advantage of this approach is that it is sensitive to low pressure and has a relatively low cost.

[0052] 7. After receiving the input page number and coordinates, the control module compares them with the pre-stored data of the corresponding reading area positions for that page of the book in the device or online cloud data to determine which reading box has been hit. For example, if the clicked coordinates are (45, 60) and the input page number is page 10, the control module will retrieve four reading box area objects for page 10 of the book from the storage module. Based on the coordinate range of each reading box area, it will determine which reading box object A has been hit. One of these reading box objects, A, has a coordinate range from the top left corner (40, 50) to the bottom right corner (56, 71). The clicked coordinates (45, 60) are within this reading box area, so the control module determines that reading box object A has been hit. If no reading box object is hit, no action is taken.

[0053] 8. After the control module detects a specific reading frame object, it notifies the audio output module to play the audio segment corresponding to that reading frame area. This audio segment can be stored in the local device's storage unit or as online cloud data. The audio segment can be an MP3 or other audio file format, or it can store smaller text data or LRC format data with a timeline for conversion to TTS audio playback. The reading frame object can be directly linked to audio file segments or text segments pre-cut according to start and end times. The reading frame object can also store start and end time data containing the start and end times of the text playback corresponding to the reading frame area, then locate a specific time segment of an MP3 file to start playback, or locate a specific timeline segment of an LRC format file to convert into TTS audio playback. Text-to-TTS audio playback is not within the scope of this patent technology; it can be generated by local offline speech synthesis software or through a cloud-based speech synthesis service.

[0054] The pressure plate design used in the above schemes and devices has certain requirements for pressure sensing sensitivity. Pressure transmission will become insensitive when there are too many pages of paper. It works well for books with few pages, such as picture books and children's books, but it will have problems for thicker books.

[0055] Appendix Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 An alternative device design is provided, in which the pressure-sensing plate of the main body can be embedded under any page of a book. The other implementation methods and steps are basically similar to the original design. Several differences exist: First, the left-side fixing device is eliminated, as the device's left or right edge is aligned with the book's center fold by embedding it within the book. Second, the origin of the coordinate reference system is not fixed at the upper left corner of the pressure-sensing plate. Instead, it is determined based on whether the page number being read is on the left or right side of the book. If it's a left page, the origin is the upper right corner of the pressure-sensing plate; if it's a right page, the origin is the upper left corner. Subsequent coordinate systems are differentiated based on this origin.

[0056] To avoid Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 Each time the device switches between left and right pages, the reading tablet needs to be re-embedded at the bottom of the book page. Consideration could be given to adding an appendix... Figure 1The device is designed with a detachable (e.g., magnetically attached) pressure-sensing plate in two parts. The control and storage modules can be installed on the right half, while the left half only contains the pressure-sensing module and page number input module. Input data such as pressure coordinates and page numbers can be transmitted to the right half via Bluetooth. For thicker books, the pressure-sensing plate can be separated into two parts: the left side is embedded in the cover page, and the right side is embedded in the middle page. Reading and page turning are unaffected until the middle right page is reached. Then, the left pressure-sensing plate is placed on that page, and the right pressure-sensing plate is embedded into the following page. This solution can basically meet the audio reading needs of all books.

[0057] Compared with existing technical solutions, the effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0058] 1. Highly adaptable, compatible with almost all books, picture books, and other reading materials currently on the market. It can also be used with old books at home (the publisher needs to provide the corresponding audio data for the books), without increasing additional printing costs.

[0059] 2. No additional peripherals such as a reading pen are needed; you can simply point and read on the book with your finger, making it more suitable for younger babies who are not yet good at grasping.

[0060] 3. No expensive smart hardware devices are required; hardware costs are low.

[0061] 4. Fast response speed, high recognition accuracy, no delay issues, and immediate sound after finger tap.

[0062] 5. Supports offline use; it can be used without internet access, cloud services, or computing power, saving data traffic and computing power costs and reducing energy consumption.

[0063] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A voice-activated reading device, characterized in that: The pressure sensing plate (1) is the upper main body. A book fixing device 1 (2) is provided on the left side of the pressure sensing plate (1). A book fixing device 2 (3) is provided on the upper left side of the pressure sensing plate (1). A barcode scanning module (4) is provided on the right side of the pressure sensing plate (1). A page number input area (5) is provided on the book fixing device 2 (3). A speaker unit (6) and a microphone unit (7) are also provided on the right side of the pressure sensing plate (1).

2. The audio-enabled reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a USB port (8) and a TF card slot (9) located on the bottom of the device.

3. The audio-enabled reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control module installed inside the device, which contains a chip and control circuitry.

4. The audio-enabled reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a storage module inside the device, which contains an internal storage unit that pre-stores the ISBN data of the book providing the finger-reading service, the page number data of the book, the coordinate data of the reading box area within the page number, and the audio data or text data file of the audiobook. In addition, the storage module also stores the user's recording data for playing the user's recording.

5. The audio-enabled reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a built-in network module equipped inside the device, which contains a WiFi network chip.

6. The audio-enabled reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensing plate (1) is a resistance sensing panel.

7. The audio-enabled reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensing plate (1) is composed of multiple conductive adhesive modules forming a conductive adhesive array.

8. The audio-enabled reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The page number input area (5) is a button type.

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