Interactive learning and storytelling doll with sensors, app connectivity and location-based content

Abstract

System comprising an interactive rag doll and an electronic control unit, wherein the rag doll has at least one sensor arranged in the head for detecting location-based identification means and a loudspeaker for audio output, and wherein the electronic control unit is configured such that, depending on a detected identification means, an audio signal associated with a predefined story or learning content is played back via the loudspeaker of the doll.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of interactive learning and toys for children. In particular, it relates to the Invention: a system with a child-friendly fabric doll as a haptic play figure, equipped with sensors and a The app connection can output location-based stories and learning content. 2. State of the art

[0002] Classic rag dolls as well as electronic toys with pre-installed sounds or Light effects. Mobile applications that provide location-based information are also known. However There is often a lack of a child-friendly, haptic interface that connects real places with digital content. linked to the fact that children are guided, motivated and encouraged to explore without constant screen use. 3. Object of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the invention is to provide a system that enables children to interact intuitively, safely, and emotionally with stories and learning content in a way that is relevant to real-world locations (e.g., museums, Parks, leisure facilities) are linked with digital content. Furthermore, easy expandability through additional content or optional accessories should be enabled. 4. Solution to the task

[0004] The task is solved by a system comprising an interactive cloth doll and an electronic control unit, wherein the cloth doll has at least one sensor located in its head for detecting location-based identification means and an audio output. Depending on the detected identification means An audio signal associated with a story or learning content is played back. The control unit can be located in or on the puppet, or it can be provided by a mobile device with an application. Input sensors in the hands, as well as optional safety features and accessories, are also included. 5. Brief description of the drawings

[0005] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of the interactive rag doll. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic rear view with pocket-shaped housing. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic exploded view of essential electronic components. 6. Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the doll comprises a head (1) and a body (2) made of textile material. The head (1) has a sensor unit (7) configured to detect location-based identification means. Examples of identification means include Bluetooth beacons, NFC tags, QR codes, WLAN access points, or GPS-based location information. The doll also has input sensors (5, 6). in the child's hands, through which the child can trigger an interaction, e.g. start / stop, response confirmation or selection between options. Audio output is via a loudspeaker (23) located in the body (2) or can be arranged in a pocket-shaped case (8). The pocket-shaped case (8) can be designed as a backpack, shoulder bag, handbag, or other bag. In This housing (8) can contain an electronic module (20) comprising at least a radio / communication module (21), a memory module (22), and a power supply (24). A charging port (9), preferably USB-C, can be located within the pocket (8) for easy access. App connectivity allows for the downloading, updating, and location-based assignment of content. Partner institutions can create or update content via an editorial interface. A progression system can unlock additional stories, secret content, or digital badges. Optionally, additional, separately available accessories can be provided that unlock new content, such as a flashlight or handheld light (for camping / bedtime scenarios) or binoculars. which is used for mission or obstacle course programs in parks. Optionally, a GPS module (25) and / or an emergency / home button (26) can be provided to transmit a signal with location information to a parent's mobile device in case of emergency. Furthermore, a geofence can be defined in the app. 7. Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention combines a familiar, tactile toy with modern sensor and communication technology. Children experience content through a toy figure and don't have to constantly look at a screen. The location-based approach motivates exploration and learning; the app connection makes it easy to expand the content. 8. List of reference symbols

[0008] 1 Head 2 Body 3 Left arm 4 Right arm 5 Left hand input sensor 6 Right hand input sensor 7 Sensor unit in head 8 Pocket-shaped housing (e.g., backpack / handbag / shoulder bag) 9 Charging port (e.g., USB-C) 20 Electronic module 21 Wireless / communication module (e.g., Bluetooth / NFC) 22 Memory 23 Speaker 24 Power supply (battery / rechargeable battery) 25 GPS module (optional) 26 Home / emergency button (optional) Figure overview Fig. 1: Front view of the interactive learning and storytelling puppet with reference markers Fig. 2: Exploded view of the backpack module (electronic components) Fig. 3: Block diagram of the overall system (doll, electronics, app, location) Reference symbol list 1 doll's head 2. Doll's torso 3 left arm 4 right arm 5 Pressure sensor area in the left hand 6 Pressure sensor area in the right hand 7 Backpack module with electronics and battery 8 speakers 9 electronic control unit (microcontroller, memory, radio module) 10 rechargeable batteries 11 legs of the doll 12 Sensor unit in the head (BLE / NFC) for location-based detection 13 Charging and data port (USB-C) 14 mobile app (parents' smartphone / tablet) 15 external location / beacon (museum, park, exhibition)

Claims

[1] System comprising an interactive rag doll and an electronic control unit, wherein the rag doll has at least one sensor arranged in the head for the detection of location-based identification means and a loudspeaker for audio output, and wherein the electronic control unit is configured such that, depending on a detected identification means, an audio signal associated with a predefined story or learning content is played back via the loudspeaker of the doll. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the location-based identification means comprises at least one from the group consisting of radio transmitter, Bluetooth beacon, NFC tag, QR code, WLAN access point or GPS-based location signal. [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor arranged in the head is designed as a Bluetooth and / or NFC sensor. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input sensor is arranged in at least one hand of the doll to detect an interaction by pressing or touching. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pocket-shaped housing is provided for receiving electronic components, wherein the pocket-shaped housing can be designed as a backpack, handbag, shoulder bag or similar bag, and wherein a charging port is arranged on or in the pocket-shaped housing. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit is connected to a mobile device via a mobile application and content can be updated or supplemented via this application. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the doll, depending on a recognized location, retells a child-friendly story with questions and tasks. [8] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a progress system is provided by which additional stories, secret content or digital badges are unlocked upon reaching certain learning locations or upon successful completion of tasks. [9] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an editorial management interface is provided which enables external partner institutions such as museums or parks to create, update and assign their own content for the doll to specific locations. [10] Interactive rag doll for use in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a doll body, a doll head with a sensor designed to detect identification means, at least one input sensor arranged in a hand, a loudspeaker arranged in or on the body and a power supply. [11] Interactive fabric doll according to claim 10, wherein the doll's head and / or hands are made of a flexible plastic material and the rest of the body is made of fabric material. [12] Interactive rag doll according to claim 10 or 11, wherein an electronic unit with memory for recording audio content is arranged in the pocket-shaped housing. [13] System according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein separately available accessories are provided which, when paired with the app, unlock additional content and / or themed worlds. [14] System according to claim 13, wherein the accessory comprises at least one from the group consisting of flashlight / handheld light and binoculars and unlocks thematically appropriate stories or mission content when used. [15] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control element designed as an emergency or home button is arranged which, when activated, transmits an emergency signal with position information to a mobile terminal of a parent or guardian. [16] System according to claim 15, wherein a security area (geofence) is included in the mobile application is definable and the electronic control unit is designed in such a way that when leaving the defined area, A warning message is sent to the mobile device of the parent / guardian and / or an acoustic signal is triggered via the doll.

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