Learning machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a learning machine, the learning machine comprises a housing and a control element, the housing is provided with a card slot for inserting a card, an infrared emission element and an infrared receiving element, the infrared emission element is configured to emit infrared light into the card slot, and the infrared receiving element is configured to receive infrared light from the card slot. The infrared receiving element is configured to receive infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting element and reflected by the card slot or the card; and the control element is in communication connection with the infrared emission element and the infrared receiving element and is configured to generate a correspondingly changed electric signal based on the light intensity change of the infrared light received by the infrared receiving element before and after the card is inserted into the card slot, and when the change of the electric signal reaches a preset value, the control element controls the identification element to start identifying card information. Compared with a traditional mechanical detection structure, the learning machine has no mechanical contact with the card in the detection process, so that the durability problem of the mechanical detection structure is solved, and the service life of the learning machine is greatly prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of learning tools, and more particularly to a learning machine. Background Technology

[0002] A learning machine is an electronic device specifically designed to assist learning, typically used by primary and secondary school students or for early childhood education. Currently, most learning machines use a card-based design, where learning cards containing different information are inserted into the machine. The machine's recognition module identifies the cards and then plays corresponding sounds to help children or students learn.

[0003] Currently, learning machines mainly use mechanical detection switches to detect whether a card is inserted. When a card is inserted, it pushes the mechanical detection switch open, thus connecting the circuit, and the learning machine's recognition module begins to recognize the card information. When the card is removed from the learning machine, the mechanical detection switch closes due to its own elastic force, thus disconnecting the circuit. However, mechanical detection switches are prone to deformation, leading to poor contact, and have a lifespan of approximately 20,000 cycles. The overall lifespan of the machine is limited by the mechanical detection switch, typically only about one year. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a learning machine.

[0005] This disclosure provides a learning machine, the learning machine comprising:

[0006] A housing having a card slot for inserting a card, an infrared emitting element, and an infrared receiving element. The infrared emitting element is configured to emit infrared light into the card slot, and the infrared receiving element is configured to receive the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting element and reflected by the card slot or the card.

[0007] A control element is communicatively connected to the infrared emitting element and the infrared receiving element, and is configured to generate a corresponding electrical signal based on the change in the intensity of the infrared light received by the infrared receiving element before and after the card is inserted into the card slot. When the change in the electrical signal reaches a preset value, the control element controls the recognition element to start recognizing the card information.

[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing includes an upper frame and a base. The upper frame is provided with a hollow area adapted to the shape of the card and is detachably fixedly connected to the base.

[0009] The housing also includes a carrier, which is fixedly disposed between the upper frame and the base. The carrier is configured to have a light-transmitting hole for infrared light to pass through, or the carrier is a light-transmitting carrier for infrared light to pass through. One side of the upper frame is bent inward and fixed to the carrier to form the slot. A mounting cavity is formed between the base and the carrier. The mounting cavity is configured to mount the infrared emitting element and the infrared receiving element.

[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing is provided with a plurality of pairs of infrared emitting elements and infrared receiving elements, and the plurality of pairs of infrared emitting elements and infrared receiving elements are arranged sequentially at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the card insertion direction.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of pairs of infrared emitting elements and infrared receiving elements are disposed at the bottom of the card slot.

[0012] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing further includes a light-transmitting protective cover disposed on the base and configured to cover the infrared emitting element and the infrared receiving element.

[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the shape of the light-transmitting protective cover is adapted to the shape of the light-transmitting hole.

[0014] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper border is a square border, and the hollow area is a square area.

[0015] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control element is further configured to detect an electrical signal change that reaches a preset value and is maintained for a preset time, and then control the recognition element to begin recognizing card information.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the identification element includes an optical sensor and is configured such that when an electrical signal change reaches a preset value, the identification element, under the control of the control element, begins to identify the identification code on the card.

[0017] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the learning machine further includes a touch element fixedly disposed at the bottom of the carrier and communicatively connected to the control element, and configured to cause the control element to generate touch information based on the position of the card subjected to external force.

[0018] One beneficial effect of the learning machine disclosed herein is that it incorporates an infrared emitting element and an infrared receiving element. Infrared light is emitted into the card slot, and the intensity of the reflected infrared light changes before and after the card is inserted. A control element generates a corresponding electrical signal based on this change in intensity. When the electrical signal reaches a preset value, card insertion is detected, and the control element then controls the recognition element to begin recognizing the card information. Compared to traditional mechanical detection structures, there is no mechanical contact with the card during the detection process, thus eliminating the durability issues associated with mechanical detection structures and significantly extending the lifespan of the learning machine. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the learning machine provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of a learning machine provided in one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a learning machine provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figures 1-3 The one-to-one correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals in the figures is as follows:

[0024] Housing: 11-Top frame; 12-Base; 13-Carrier; 131-Light-transmitting hole; 14-Slot; 15-Infrared emitting element; 16-Infrared receiving element; 17-Light-transmitting protective cover;

[0025] 2-Control element; 3-Identification element; 4-Touch element. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0028] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0029] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0031] In this article, terms such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate the relative positional relationship between related parts, rather than to define the absolute position of these related parts.

[0032] In this article, "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish one another, and not to indicate degree of importance, order, or prerequisite for each other.

[0033] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0034] For ease of understanding, it should be noted that in this disclosure, the direction in which the card is inserted into the card slot is considered back, the direction in which the card is removed from the card slot is considered front, the observer faces forward, the left side of the observer is considered left, the right side of the observer is considered right, the top of the observer is considered up or top, and the bottom of the observer is considered down or bottom.

[0035] PLC controller: Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a digital electronic device with a microprocessor. It is used for automation control and can load control instructions into memory for storage and execution at any time. A programmable controller is modularly composed of an internal CPU, instruction and data memory, input / output units, power supply module, digital and analog units, etc., and is widely used in the field of industrial control.

[0036] Existing learning machines often use mechanical detection switches to check if a card is inserted. These switches are prone to deformation, leading to poor contact, and have a lifespan of approximately 20,000 uses. The overall lifespan of the machine is limited by the mechanical detection switch, typically only about one year. Therefore, this disclosure provides a learning machine. For ease of understanding, please refer to the following... Figures 1-3 The specific structure and working principle of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0037] The learning device disclosed herein includes a housing and a control element 2. The housing is provided with a card slot 14 for inserting a card, an infrared emitting element 15, and an infrared receiving element 16. The infrared emitting element 15 is configured to emit infrared light into the card slot 14, and the infrared receiving element 16 is configured to receive the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting element 15 and reflected by the card slot 14 or the card. The control element 2 is communicatively connected to the infrared emitting element 15 and the infrared receiving element 16, and is configured to generate a corresponding electrical signal based on the change in the intensity of the infrared light received by the infrared receiving element 16 before and after inserting a card into the card slot 14. When the change in the electrical signal reaches a preset value, the control element 2 controls the recognition element 3 to start recognizing the card information.

[0038] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 An infrared emitting element 15 and an infrared receiving element 16 are provided inside the housing, with the emitting end of the infrared emitting element 15 and the receiving end of the infrared receiving element 16 facing the card slot 14. The control element 2 is fixedly installed inside the housing and is communicatively connected to the infrared emitting element 15 and the infrared receiving element 16. It detects whether the card is inserted based on the light intensity change information received by the infrared receiving element 16.

[0039] Before the card is inserted, the infrared emitting element 15 emits infrared light, which is reflected by the card slot 14 and received by the infrared receiving element 16. At this time, the control element 2 obtains the first light intensity received by the infrared receiving element 16. After the card is inserted, the infrared emitting element 15 emits infrared light, which is reflected by the card and received by the infrared receiving element 16. At this time, the control element 2 obtains the second light intensity received by the infrared receiving element 16. The light intensity changes because the path of infrared light reflection is different before and after the card is inserted, or because the card has a special coating that absorbs infrared light. The change between the first and second light intensities is reflected by the control element 2, which generates a corresponding change in electrical signal. When the change in electrical signal reaches a preset value, the insertion of the card is detected, and the control element 2 controls the recognition element 3 to recognize the card.

[0040] The learning machine disclosed herein uses an infrared emitting element 15 and an infrared receiving element 16. The intensity of the reflected infrared light changes before and after a card is inserted into the card slot 14. The control element 2 generates a corresponding electrical signal based on this change in intensity. When the electrical signal reaches a preset value, it indicates that a card has been inserted into the card slot 14, and the control element 2 controls the recognition element 3 to begin recognizing the card information. Compared to traditional mechanical detection structures, there is no mechanical contact with the card during the detection process, thus eliminating the durability issues associated with mechanical detection structures and significantly improving the lifespan of the learning machine.

[0041] In one embodiment, the housing includes an upper frame 11 and a base 12. The upper frame 11 has a hollow area adapted to the shape of a card and is detachably fixedly connected to the base 12. The housing also includes a carrier 13, which is fixedly disposed between the upper frame 11 and the base 12. The carrier 13 is configured to have a light-transmitting hole 131 for infrared light to pass through, or the carrier 13 is a light-transmitting carrier for infrared light to pass through. One side of the upper frame 11 is bent inward and fixedly formed with the carrier 13 to form a slot 14. A mounting cavity is formed between the base 12 and the carrier 13. The mounting cavity is configured to mount an infrared emitting element 15 and an infrared receiving element 16.

[0042] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The upper frame 11 and the base 12 are shaped to match each other and are secured with set screws after being fastened together. One end of the upper frame 11 is equipped with a power button, volume buttons, and several speaker holes, while the other end has a hollow area for inserting the card into the card slot 14. The shape of the hollow area matches the shape of the card. More specifically, the card is divided into a display area and an identification code area. The shape of the hollow area matches the shape of the display area, and the shape of the identification code area matches the shape of the card slot 14. After the card is inserted into the card slot 14 through the hollow area of ​​the upper frame 11, the identification code is located within the card slot 14, which is more conducive to optical recognition. Furthermore, the graphic information on the card is fully displayed in the hollow area for the user to see.

[0043] The base 12 is equipped with corresponding power switch buttons, volume buttons, pressure sensors with several speaker holes, and a voice module.

[0044] The support member 13 has mounting holes on its edge and is fixed between the upper frame 11 and the base 12 by set screws. The hollow area of ​​the upper frame 11, away from the button, is bent inward to form a slot 14 with the support member 13. After the card is inserted into the slot 14, it is placed on the support member 13. A mounting cavity is formed between the support member 13 and the base 12, and an infrared emitting element 15 and an infrared receiving element 16 are located in the mounting cavity. The infrared emitting element 15 and the infrared receiving element are fixedly mounted on the base 12. The surface of the support member 13 also has a backward arrow indicating the direction in which the card is inserted into the slot 14.

[0045] The carrier 13 is a light-transmitting carrier that allows infrared light to pass through. The infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting element 15 directly enters the card slot 14 through the light-transmitting carrier, is reflected by the card slot 14 or the inserted card, and is received by the infrared receiving element 16 through the light-transmitting carrier.

[0046] In another embodiment, the carrier 13 is provided with a light-transmitting hole 131 located within the card slot 14. Infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting element 15 enters the card slot 14 through the light-transmitting hole 131, is reflected by the top of the card slot 14 or the inserted card, and returns to the mounting cavity through the light-transmitting hole 131, where it is received by the infrared receiving element 16. This method makes the infrared light more concentrated, reduces refraction loss, and makes the detection of light intensity changes more accurate.

[0047] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a plurality of pairs of infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the card insertion direction.

[0048] Specifically, the housing has several pairs of infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16. When one pair of infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16 fails, the other infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16 can continue to work without affecting the detection of whether the card is inserted.

[0049] Because the card is affected by gravity, it will be placed horizontally on the support 13 without any vertical angular offset. However, the insertion direction may be horizontally offset during the insertion process, especially for children. Therefore, several pairs of infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16 are arranged at intervals along the direction perpendicular to the card insertion. When some infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16 detect the card insertion and some do not, that is, when the card is detected to be offset, the control element 2 can control the voice module or light module of the learning machine to guide the user.

[0050] In one embodiment, several pairs of infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16 are disposed at the bottom of the slot 14.

[0051] Specifically, the light-transmitting hole 131 is located at the bottom of the card slot 14, and several pairs of infrared emitting elements 15 and infrared receiving elements 16 pass through the light-transmitting hole 131 and are also located at the bottom of the card slot 14 and are fixedly connected to the base 12, so that the infrared light is concentrated and emitted into the card slot 14 from bottom to top.

[0052] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a light-transmitting protective cover 17 disposed on the base 12 and configured to cover the infrared emitting element 15 and the infrared receiving element 16.

[0053] Specifically, a light-transmitting protective cover 17 is mounted on the base 12, completely covering and protecting the infrared emitting element 15 and the infrared receiving element 16. The light-transmitting protective cover 17 uses high-quality light-transmitting material and achieves an IPX4 (Ingress Protection Rating X4) waterproof rating. It not only has excellent light transmission performance, ensuring efficient infrared light penetration, but also prevents splashing water from entering. This prevents the internal infrared emitting element 15 and infrared receiving element 16 from malfunctioning or being damaged by splashes of milk or juice during everyday household use, making it suitable for playful children. Therefore, the design of the light-transmitting protective cover 17 effectively extends the lifespan of the learning machine and enhances the user experience.

[0054] In one embodiment, the shape of the light-transmitting protective cover 17 is adapted to the shape of the light-transmitting hole 131.

[0055] Specifically, viewed from the top of the light-transmitting protective cover 17, the horizontal shape of the light-transmitting protective cover 17 matches the shape of the light-transmitting hole 131. For example, if the light-transmitting hole 131 is circular, the shape of the light-transmitting protective cover 17 is also circular; or if the light-transmitting hole 131 is rectangular, the shape of the light-transmitting protective cover 17 is also rectangular. The light-transmitting protective cover 17 is inserted into the light-transmitting hole 131, and the tight fit with the light-transmitting hole 131 without gaps completely isolates the slot 14 from the mounting cavity. The mounting cavity does not come into contact with the external environment, reducing the damage of dust or liquid to the infrared emitting element 15, infrared receiving element 16, control element 2, etc. inside the mounting cavity. Compared with the traditional mechanical detection structure, the sealing performance is better, protecting the internal circuit components and improving the service life of the learning machine.

[0056] In one embodiment, the top border 11 is a square border, and the hollow area is a square area.

[0057] Specifically, the upper frame 11 is square in shape with rounded corners to prevent children from getting hurt. The square upper frame 11 helps children hold the grip, and the hollow area is also square, which better matches human visual perception.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control element 2 is further configured to detect that the change in the electrical signal reaches a preset value and is maintained for a preset time, and then control the recognition element 3 to start recognizing the card information.

[0059] Specifically, control element 2 is a PLC controller. To prevent the card from being inserted and then ejected, control element 2 starts timing after detecting a change in the electrical signal that reaches a preset value. When the electrical signal reaches the preset value and is maintained for a preset time, it indicates that the card is stably inserted and has not been pulled out by external force. Control element 2 then controls recognition element 3 to perform recognition.

[0060] In one embodiment, the identification element 3 includes an optical sensor and is configured such that when the change in the electrical signal reaches a preset value, the identification element 3, under the control of the control element 2, begins to identify the identification code on the card.

[0061] Specifically, the optical sensor of the identification element 3 has the same structure as the infrared emitting element 15 and infrared receiving element 16 inserted into the detection card. Under the control of the control element 2, the identification element 3 emits infrared light to the identification code on the card. After reflection from the card, it receives specific infrared light, and the control element 2 controls the voice module and light module to output specific information.

[0062] In one embodiment, the learning machine further includes a touch element 4, which is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the carrier 13 and communicatively connected to the control element 2, and is configured to enable the control element 2 to generate touch information based on the position of the card subjected to external force.

[0063] Specifically, the touch element 4 is a pressure sensor. When the user touches the pattern on the card, the pressure of the touch point is obtained by the touch element 4 through the carrier 13. The control element 2 generates corresponding touch information based on the force position of the touch element 4, that is, the position where the card is subjected to external force, and controls the voice module and light module to output the corresponding information.

[0064] Furthermore, to facilitate better understanding, the following section will explain in detail the usage process of the learning machine disclosed herein, using the actual application scenario of inserting math teaching cards into the learning machine.

[0065] 1. Press the power button on the learning machine to turn it on;

[0066] 2. The infrared emitting element 15 emits infrared light into the card slot 14. The infrared light is reflected by the card slot 14 and received by the infrared receiving element 16. The control element 2 obtains the first light intensity received by the infrared receiving element 16.

[0067] 3. Insert the card, the infrared emitting element 15 emits infrared light, the infrared light is reflected by the card and received by the infrared receiving element 16, at this time the control element 2 obtains the second light intensity received by the infrared receiving element 16;

[0068] 4. The change between the first light intensity and the second light intensity is generated by the control element 2 to generate a corresponding change in electrical signal. When the change in electrical signal reaches a preset value, timing begins. After the change in electrical signal reaches the preset value and is maintained for a preset time, the control element 2 controls the recognition element 3 to start recognizing the card information.

[0069] 5. Based on the information recognized by the recognition element 3, the control element 2 controls the voice module to output a mathematical problem;

[0070] 6. When a child presses the picture on the card that represents an incorrect answer, the touch element 4 detects the pressure position, and the control element 2 controls the voice module to output the incorrect voice information based on the position.

[0071] 7. When the child presses the picture on the card that represents the correct answer again, the touch element 4 obtains the pressure position, and the control element 2 controls the voice module to output the correct voice information based on the position;

[0072] 8. Take out the card and replace it with a new card to learn;

[0073] 9. After completing the learning process, press the power button on the learning machine to turn it off.

[0074] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A learning machine characterized by comprising: The learning machine comprises: a shell, which is provided with a card slot (14) for inserting a card and an infrared emitting element (15) and an infrared receiving element (16), the infrared emitting element (15) is configured to emit infrared light into the card slot (14), and the infrared receiving element (16) is configured to receive the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting element (15) and reflected by the card slot (14) or the card; a control element (2) in communication connection with the infrared emitting element (15) and the infrared receiving element (16), and configured to generate a corresponding change in the electrical signal based on the change in the light intensity of the infrared light received by the infrared receiving element (16) before and after the card slot (14) is inserted into the card, and when the change in the electrical signal reaches a preset value, the control element (2) controls the identification element (3) to start identifying the card information.

2. The learning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell comprises an upper frame (11) and a base (12), the upper frame (11) is provided with a hollow area matched with the shape of the card, and is fixedly connected with the base (12) in a detachable manner; The shell further comprises a carrier (13) fixedly arranged between the upper frame (11) and the base (12), the carrier (13) is configured to be provided with a light transmission hole (131) allowing infrared light to pass through, or the carrier (13) is a light transmission carrier allowing infrared light to pass through, one side of the upper frame (11) is inwardly bent and fixed with the carrier (13) to form the card slot (14), and the base (12) and the carrier (13) form a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity is configured to mount the infrared emitting element (15) and the infrared receiving element (16).

3. The learning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The shell is provided with a plurality of pairs of the infrared emitting element (15) and the infrared receiving element (16), and the plurality of pairs of the infrared emitting element (15) and the infrared receiving element (16) are arranged in sequence and spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the card insertion direction.

4. The learning machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The plurality of pairs of the infrared emitting element (15) and the infrared receiving element (16) are arranged at the bottom of the card slot (14).

5. The learning machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The shell further comprises a light transmission protective cover (17) arranged on the base (12) and configured to cover the infrared emitting element (15) and the infrared receiving element (16).

6. The learning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that The shape of the light transmission protective cover (17) is matched with the shape of the light transmission hole (131).

7. The learning machine according to claim 2, wherein The upper frame (11) is a square frame, and the hollow area is a square area.

8. The learning machine of claim 1, wherein The control element (2) is further configured to control the identification element (3) to start identifying the card information after detecting that the change in the electrical signal reaches the preset value and maintaining the preset time.

9. The learning machine of claim 1, wherein The identification element (3) comprises an optical sensor and is configured to start identifying the identification code on the card under the control of the control element (2) when the change in the electrical signal reaches the preset value.

10. The learning machine of claim 2, wherein, The learning machine further comprises a touch element (4) fixedly arranged at the bottom of the bearing element (13) and in communication connection with the control element (2), and configured to generate touch information according to the position of the card under external force.

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