Toy

Abstract

The invention relates to a toy for playing back music or a narrated story, comprising a loudspeaker or a loudspeaker terminal, a sensor that can detect, within an area of the surroundings of the sensor, a property or a change in a property of said surroundings, and a control unit that can trigger the loudspeaker or the loudspeaker terminal to play back the music or the narrated story, which takes at least 10s to play, when the sensor detects, within the area of the surroundings of the sensor, a certain property or a certain change in a property of the surroundings or when the control unit detects a certain change in the property detected by the sensor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system with a toy for reproducing music or a spoken story.

[0002] CD players specially developed for children are known from practice. These are particularly designed for operation by children in terms of stability, but also with regard to the design of the controls. The players are designed to be particularly break-resistant because they are to be expected to fall from considerable heights. The controls are often large enough so that children can recognize them as such and can also operate them even with smaller children who may not yet have fully developed fine motor skills. One disadvantage of these players known from practice is the use of CDs. It has been shown that CDs are regularly scratched when handled by children. This means that the CDs can often no longer be played fully after a short time.

[0003] MP3 players are also known in practice that can play a piece of music based on information stored in the MP3 player and without the use of CDs or the like. However, it has been shown that MP3 players are not specifically designed to be child-friendly. Due to the associated risk of damage, children are rarely allowed to play these MP3 players alone. Furthermore, it has been shown that playing a piece of music on an MP3 player requires a sequence of operating elements, in particular for selecting the piece of music from the memory containing a large number of pieces. It has been shown that such a sequence of operating steps cannot be carried out by young children alone, especially if they cannot yet read.

[0004] DE 10 2011 056420 A1 discloses a method for managing, securing, and reproducing digital media, as well as a device for carrying out the same. The method uses a playback object and a playback device. The playback object comprises an RFID identification tag containing information for identifying a media file. The playback device comprises an RFID-enabled reading unit for receiving and reading the information contained on the identification tag, a memory for storing the media file, and a playback unit for reproducing the media file. The method comprises the steps of retrieving the information contained on the identification tag using the reading unit, identifying the media file, transmitting the identified media file from a data server that provides the stored media file, storing the media file in the memory of the playback device, and playing the media file using the playback unit.The media file can only be played back by the playback unit if the identification tag is within the reception range of the reading unit. The invention is characterized in that the media file is transmitted in encrypted form and stored in the memory of the playback object.

[0005] Against this background, the invention was based on the object of proposing a toy for reproducing music or a spoken story that is particularly easy to operate. Furthermore, a method for reproducing audio information that is particularly easy to operate is to be proposed. This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 10.

[0006] The invention is based on the basic idea of ​​using a sensor as part of the toy or device, which can detect a property or a change in a property of this environment within a region of its surroundings, and of providing a control unit that can carry out the desired control when the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the region of its surroundings. A device comprising this sensor and this control unit, as well as a method using such a sensor and such a control unit, lead to particularly simple operation. In order to reproduce the desired information or to execute the software, it may be sufficient according to the invention to give the environment a specific property that can be detected by the sensor.to carry out a change in the property of this environment that can be detected by the sensor and thus - in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention - to directly effect the reproduction of the desired information or the execution of the software.

[0007] The simplified operating concept provided by the invention is particularly well-suited to implementation in a toy for reproducing music or a spoken story. However, it has been shown that the simplified operating concept also offers advantages in general for devices for reproducing audio information, and even for devices for reproducing image, video, or 3D information, or for devices for executing software.In the following description, the invention is described as representative of the further fields of application of use as a toy, the reproduction of image, video, or 3D information, or the execution of software, based on the preferred field of application of audio information, unless the special features of reproducing image, video, or 3D information or the execution of software are explicitly described, or unless special features that are only relevant for the reproduction of audio information are explicitly described. For the field of application of reproducing image, video, or 3D information, where the control of the loudspeaker or the loudspeaker connection is described in the following description, this also includes controlling the display or the connection for the display for reproducing image, video, or 3D information.In the context of the application of executing software, where the following description refers to controlling the speaker or speaker connection, this also includes controlling the processor to execute the software. The toy represents a preferred embodiment of a device for reproducing audio information, which is particularly specific in that the audio information to be reproduced is music or a spoken story.

[0008] The device and method according to the invention can be used - comparable to a conventional MP3 player - to reproduce audio information stored on the MP3 player. This eliminates the need for CDs. At the same time, the invention simplifies the operating concept of conventional MP3 players. Simply setting a specific property or changing a specific property of the sensor's surroundings can, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, lead to immediate playback of the audio information. This eliminates the often cumbersome operating concept of conventional MP3 players, particularly for children. This makes the device and method according to the invention particularly well suited for use with children's toys.However, the simplified operating concept also offers the possibility of playing audio information for adults particularly easily.

[0009] One field of application of the invention is the reproduction of audio information, in particular pieces of music, spoken texts or a combination of pieces of music and spoken texts. This audio information particularly preferably has a reproduction duration of at least 10 seconds, preferably of more than 15 seconds, particularly preferably of more than 20 seconds and especially preferably of more than 25 seconds. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is even provided that the reproduction duration of the audio information can be at least 30 seconds and particularly preferably more than 1 minute. For example, radio plays, which are particularly preferably intended to be reproduced using the invention, often have a length of more than 5 minutes, sometimes up to 30 minutes or even more. The audio information to be reproduced according to the invention is in particular not a confirmation signal.In particular, the audio information to be reproduced according to the invention is not an acknowledgment tone, which can be output, for example, when a first object has been correctly aligned relative to a second object. Likewise, the audio information is particularly preferably not a jingle that is played when a first object is brought close to a second object or is brought into a predetermined, specific position relative to the second object. The invention relates to audio information whose playback duration is longer, as is the case with pieces of music or spoken texts. The audio information is particularly preferably one in which a non-periodic sequence of different tones is reproduced during playback.

[0010] The loudspeaker of the device according to the invention is particularly preferably a transducer that can convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations (sound).

[0011] Instead of a loudspeaker, the device according to the invention can also have a loudspeaker connection, for example a Speakon or XLR connection, or a 6.35 mm jack socket. By controlling the loudspeaker connection, the control unit can also control this loudspeaker if a loudspeaker is connected to the loudspeaker connection. The loudspeaker connection can also be a transmitting unit that can communicate with a loudspeaker wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth or a WLAN wireless network. However, it is particularly preferred that the transmitting unit communicate with the loudspeaker not via a WLAN wireless network, but rather via Bluetooth, for example. Likewise, the device can have a connection compatible with a smartphone docking station as a loudspeaker connection or as a connection for the display for playing back image, video, or 3D information.Docking stations for smartphones can be used to control a loudspeaker or a display for displaying image, video, or 3D information based on control commands from the smartphone. By having a connection compatible with such a docking station and connecting the device according to the invention to the docking station instead of the smartphone, the control unit of the device according to the invention is able to control the loudspeaker connected to the docking station or the display connected to the docking station for displaying image, video, or 3D information. The docking station can be connected to the loudspeaker or display via a cable for displaying image, video, or 3D information. However, the docking station can also be connected to the loudspeaker or display wirelessly, for example via a radio network, for displaying image, video, or 3D information.In the following description - unless the special features of controlling a loudspeaker connection or a connection for a display for reproducing image, video or 3D information are explicitly described - the invention is described as representative of the further possibilities of controlling a loudspeaker connection or a connection for a display for reproducing image, video or 3D information based on the preferred field of application of controlling a loudspeaker.For the application of controlling a loudspeaker connection or a connection for a display for reproducing image, video or 3D information, where the following description describes controlling the loudspeaker or a display for reproducing image, video or 3D information, this also means controlling a loudspeaker connection or a connection for a display for reproducing image, video or 3D information.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention has at least two loudspeakers, so that reproduction of the audio information in stereo is possible.

[0013] The device according to the invention can utilize a sensor that can detect a property within a region of its surroundings. Likewise, a sensor can detect a change in a property of that environment within a region of its surroundings. Likewise, a sensor can detect both a property within a region of its surroundings and a change in a property of that environment within a region of its surroundings.

[0014] According to the invention, a property of a region of its surroundings that can be detected by the sensor is also understood to be the presence of an electromagnetic wave in the region surrounding the sensor, preferably one that is temporally invariant with regard to its properties, or the presence of, for example, a metallic structure that influences an existing electromagnetic wave. Embodiments are conceivable in which the sensor is designed such that it can detect the presence of a specific electromagnetic wave, for example, an electromagnetic wave with a specific speed, specific intensity, specific wave impedance, specific wavelength, and / or specific frequency.The sensor can also be designed in such a way that it can detect a structure that can influence a specific electromagnetic wave, for example an electromagnetic wave with a specific speed, specific intensity, specific wave impedance, specific wavelength and / or a specific frequency. If the sensor detects such an electromagnetic wave or such a structure, it can communicate this to the control unit via a signal. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor can be designed in such a way that it can measure the speed, intensity, wave impedance, wavelength and / or frequency and can communicate the respective value of the detected quantity and / or the change in the respective detected quantity to the control unit via a signal. The electromagnetic wave detected by the sensor is not an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength orFrequency in the spectrum visible to the human eye and / or in the infrared spectrum. The influence of a structure detected by the sensor does not concern an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength or frequency in the spectrum visible to the human eye and / or in the infrared spectrum. The electromagnetic wave detected by the sensor is not an electromagnetic wave of a WLAN radio network, in particular not a wave of a radio network according to a standard of the IEEE 802.11 family. The influence of a structure detected by the sensor does not concern an electromagnetic wave of a WLAN radio network, in particular not a wave of a radio network according to a standard of the IEEE 802.11 family.

[0015] A change in a property of an area of ​​its surroundings that can be detected by the sensor is particularly preferably understood to mean a change in a property of an electromagnetic wave. While the previous section described the presence of a specific electromagnetic wave, preferably one that is temporally invariant with regard to its properties, as a property of the area of ​​its surroundings that can be detected by the sensor, the following describes the possibility of adapting an existing electromagnetic wave, thereby generating a change in a property of an area of ​​its surroundings that can be detected by the sensor, on the basis of which change the property of an area of ​​its surroundings that can be controlled by the sensor, is described.An electromagnetic wave can, for example, be generated by a reader for communicating with a passive RFID transponder and can be modified by bringing the passive RFID transponder into an area of ​​the reader's environment where its presence changes the electromagnetic wave. The change in the electromagnetic wave brought about by introducing the RFID transponder can be detected by the sensor as a change in a property of an area of ​​its environment. The ability to detect changes in an electromagnetic wave enables the invention to bring about the specific change in a property of the area of ​​the sensor's environment, necessary for controlling the loudspeaker, via a radio signal or a modulated wave.The electromagnetic wave whose change is detected is not an electromagnetic wave of a WLAN radio network, in particular not a wave of a radio network according to a standard of the IEEE 802.11 family.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor detects a property within a region of its surroundings or a change in a property within a region of its surroundings without direct electrical contact with a component that brings about the property or the change. In a supplementary or alternative embodiment, the sensor detects a property within a region of its surroundings or a change in a property within a region of its surroundings without direct mechanical contact with a component that brings about the property or the change. This offers the advantage for the device according to the invention that the audio information can be played back if the operator only sets the property in the immediate vicinity of the device in a predetermined manner or changes it in a predetermined manner.This eliminates the need to bring an object into contact with the device according to the invention for reproducing the audio information in a specific manner in order to reproduce the audio information, for example by inserting a key element into a receptacle provided in the device or, for example, by inserting a USB memory stick into a USB receptacle in a manner known from practice.

[0017] The operating concept of the device and method according to the invention can be based on the sensor detecting a specific, concrete property or a specific change in this property, or on the control unit detecting from the measurement signal supplied to it by the sensor that a specific property is present within the sensor's surroundings, or that a specific change in a property is present. A property of the environment or a change in the property of the environment is understood to be a modulated wave, in particular an electromagnetic wave, in particular an electromagnetic wave in the radio frequency range.

[0018] This makes it possible for the device according to the invention to detect the presence of a passive RFID transponder in a specific area of ​​the sensor's surroundings and to play back the audio information, for example, if an RFID transponder is present in the sensor's surroundings at all, or to play back the audio information if a specific RFID transponder is detected in the sensor's surroundings. Likewise, a preferred embodiment provides for the property to be detected by the sensor in its surroundings, or the change in the property of the sensor's surroundings to be detected by the sensor, to be brought about by an active RFID transponder.

[0019] Particularly preferably, an identifier is transmitted via the electromagnetic wave, which the control unit can use to identify a data set stored in a memory of the device according to the invention or on a server and, based on the data set, can control the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information. In the preferred embodiment, the goal is for the electromagnetic wave to make a data set identifiable, for example, by transmitting an identifier, but not to transmit the data set itself.

[0020] The sensor is thus a reader for communicating with a passive RFID transponder and / or for communicating with an active RFID transponder. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor has an antenna that can emit and / or receive a modulated wave.

[0021] The device can have a support on which an object can be permanently placed, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this area at least in an area above the support, and / or a fastening to which an object can be permanently attached, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this area at least in an area adjacent to the fastening. An object can thus be placed such that it is located in the detection area of ​​the sensor, in which the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this area. This has the advantage that the object can remain in the detection area without the object or the device having to be permanently held by a user.The fastening can be carried out, for example, by a hanging, click, magnet, rotating mechanism or in another way.

[0022] The control unit of the device according to the invention can control the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings, or if the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor generates a signal with a value that can be detected by the control unit if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property within the area of ​​its surroundings. It is also conceivable, for example, for the sensor to only generate a signal that is fed to the control unit if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings.Such embodiments result in the sensor already performing the evaluation and either only feeding a signal to the control unit when it detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of the environment, or feeding the control unit a permanent signal with a specific value, which is changed to a specific other value detectable by the control unit when the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the range of its environment. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for the control unit to perform the evaluation. In such an embodiment, the sensor continuously feeds a measurement signal to the control unit.The control unit is designed to detect, for example by storing a value table, from the measurement signal supplied to it by the sensor whether a specific property or a specific change in a property exists within the sensor's surroundings. A change in the property of the sensor's surroundings is understood not only to mean the one-time occurrence of a specific change, for example, the one-time occurrence of a change in the field direction of the magnetic field in the sensor's surroundings in a specific direction, but also a temporal sequence of properties in the sensor's surroundings, or a specific sequence of changes in the properties of the sensor's surroundings, for example, as is the case when reading modulated waves or evaluating electromagnetic waves.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit only controls the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information when the sensor detects a specific change in a property of the environment in the form of a specific sequence of changes in the properties, or when the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor in the form of a specific sequence of changes in the properties. This sequence of changes can be designed in the form of a character string. This character string can, for example, contain the information about the audio information to be reproduced at a specific location and a password at another specific location, which can function as copy protection or for authentication.If the sequence of changes, similar to a character string, contains the information about the audio to be played but not the password, the control unit will not control the loudspeaker. As an alternative to the password, the character string can also be a sequence of commands from a program (software) that can be executed by the control device for verification.

[0024] In one embodiment, in addition to controlling the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information, the control unit can also change the type of reproduction of the audio information, for example, the volume of the reproduction if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of that environment within the area of ​​its surroundings, or if the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor. Thus, the control unit can control the loudspeaker depending on the angle at which an identifier carrier is positioned relative to the sensor. For example, the reproduction volume can be adjusted by changing the angle.

[0025] The device has a memory in which data is stored, based on which the control unit can control the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information. The data preferably contains the audio information in a specific data format, for example, an MP3 format or a WAV format. Data of various audio information is stored in the memory.The control unit is designed in such a way that, if the sensor detects a specific first property or a specific first change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings or the control unit detects a specific first change in the property detected by the sensor, it controls the loudspeaker to play back a first piece of audio information, the playback of which lasts at least 10 seconds, while the control unit controls the loudspeaker to play back a second piece of audio information, the playback of which lasts at least 10 seconds, if the sensor detects a specific second property or a specific second change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings or the control unit detects a specific second change in the property detected by the sensor.This makes it possible to determine which of a plurality of audio information items the device reproduces by specifically influencing the property of the sensor's surroundings or by specifically influencing the change in the property of this sensor's surroundings. For example, the device can reproduce a specific first piece of audio information if the presence of a first RFID transponder is detected in the sensor's surroundings, while the device can reproduce a second piece of audio information if the presence of a second RFID transponder is detected in the sensor's surroundings.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the data of an audio information item is stored as a data set with separately readable data sequences, for example, to play an audio book in the form of individual chapters or to make the individual chapters of an audio book controllable. Each data sequence of a data set can be read separately in a preferred embodiment and used to control the loudspeaker.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a unit for receiving data from the Internet and / or for sending data to the Internet, particularly preferably an antenna for a wireless local area network (WLAN), a mobile data radio technology such as LTE, UMTS or their predecessors or successors, or a connection socket for connecting a cable of a local network that also has Internet access, for example a connection socket for an Ethernet cable. The presence of a unit for receiving data from the Internet makes it possible for the control unit to download the data containing the audio information to be reproduced in a specific data format from the Internet.In this way, the device can play audio information that was not stored in the device before the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings, or before the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor. The control unit can be designed such that it receives the data from the Internet and stores it permanently in a memory, and the loudspeaker is controlled to play back the audio information on the basis of the data stored in the memory. In addition, it is conceivable that the control unit uses the data received from the Internet directly to control the loudspeaker to play back audio information (so-calledStreaming), whereby this embodiment may also include the temporary caching of the data received from the Internet in a buffer.

[0028] In embodiments that receive the data containing the audio information in a specific data format from the Internet, it is conceivable, for example, for the control unit to keep a specific server address of a server connected to the Internet in a memory and to keep a table in a memory in which a specific property or a specific change to a property is assigned to a specific identification number. In such an embodiment, the control unit is then designed to communicate with the specific server upon recognition of the specific property or the specific change to the property and, by recourse to the information associated with the specific property orto download a specific data set from the server using the identification number assigned to the specific change in the property and to use this data to control the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information resulting from this data. For example, music tracks can be stored on the server as data in a specific data format, with the respective music track or the data containing this music track being stored on the server under a specific identification code. In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention already contains an assignment table which assigns certain properties or changes in the properties of the area surrounding the sensor to some, a plurality, or in a preferred embodiment even all, of the identification numbers that are also used in the server's database.This enables the control unit to download targeted data records from the server. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the control unit is designed to transmit information containing the determined specific property or the determined specific change in the property to a specific server that is connected to the Internet. The assignment of the recognized specific property or the recognized specific change in the property to a specific piece of audio information can then take place on the server. The control unit is then designed to receive data from the server containing the audio information to be played back. The server transmits the data to the device according to the invention that it has assigned to the specific property or the specific change in the property transmitted to it by the control unit.This embodiment avoids the need to maintain an assignment table in the device according to the invention and thus increases the flexibility of receiving specific data containing the audio information based on a specific detected property or a specific detected change in a property of the area surrounding the sensor. Such an embodiment allows, for example, the number of data records provided on the server to be increased without having to adapt an assignment table in the control unit of the device according to the invention.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is designed to directly control the loudspeaker for playback of the audio information. Particularly preferably, no additional start signals need to be supplied to the control unit for controlling the loudspeaker for playback of the audio information. However, it is conceivable for the control unit to delay the control of the loudspeaker for playback of the audio information using a delay element.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention does not have an operating element with which an operator could influence the control unit's activation of the loudspeaker for reproducing the audio information if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of that environment within the area of ​​its surroundings, or if the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor. In this embodiment, it is conceivable that operating elements are provided to send the control unit commands other than those for initially controlling the loudspeaker for reproducing the audio information, for example operating elements for adjusting the volume of the audio information reproduced via the loudspeaker.

[0031] According to the invention, operating elements are provided in order to jump from a first chapter to the next chapter during the reproduction of audio information which is based on data from a data set with a separately readable data sequence. It is also conceivable in this embodiment to provide an operating element with which an operator can interrupt reproduction after the control unit has initially controlled the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information. In a preferred embodiment, an operating element is therefore provided. In this embodiment, however, the control unit can control the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information solely by the sensor detecting a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings, and without an operator operating the operating element.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the device has an operating element and the control unit is designed such that the control unit only controls the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information when the control unit receives a predetermined signal from this operating element. For example, this operating element can issue the start command to control the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information. In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, this start command is the only start command required to start controlling the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information. In particular, it is preferably not provided in this embodiment that this or a further operating element is used to generate further command signals that must be fed to the control unit before it controls the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information.Particularly preferably, no operating elements are provided with which a data set for playback is selected from a plurality of data for audio information stored in a memory of the device. Particularly preferably, in this embodiment, the data set to be played back is selected solely on the basis of the specific property detected by the sensor, or the specific change in the property of the area surrounding the sensor detected by the sensor, or on the basis of the specific change in the property detected by the sensor detected by the control unit. Such an embodiment simplifies operation, particularly in comparison to MP3 players known from the prior art, in which the audio information must first be selected from a list in order to play back specific audio information.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit can be designed such that it interrupts the control of the loudspeaker for reproducing the audio information as soon as the sensor no longer detects the specific property or the specific change in the property within the area of ​​its surroundings, or the control unit no longer detects the specific change in the property detected by the sensor. The interruption can particularly preferably be effected immediately, with a time delay, or by a gradual reduction in volume. This can, for example, cause the playback of the audio information to be interrupted if an RFID transponder used in a preferred embodiment is removed from the area of ​​the sensor's surroundings.Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the control unit in such a way that the reproduction of the audio information is continued even if the sensor no longer detects the specific property or the specific change in the property within the area of ​​its surroundings, or the control unit no longer detects the specific change in the property detected by the sensor.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the device has an antenna for a wireless local area network (WLAN), which can be switched off. Particularly if the device according to the invention is to be used to reproduce audio information for children, there may be an interest in reducing the electromagnetic waves generated in the child's environment. For this purpose, it may be expedient to switch off the WLAN antenna.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is cube-shaped. The device according to the invention can also have other shapes, for example, spherical or can take the shape of larger objects particularly popular with children, such as a ship, a locomotive, a house, or an animal, such as an elephant.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a receptacle for an identification carrier, which is identified visually, haptically and / or by a recess in the surface, for example a depression or elevation. The device provides for the identification carrier to be magnetically releasably fixed. As described in more detail below in connection with the system according to the invention, the device according to the invention is particularly preferably used as part of a system in which the device interacts with an identification carrier, in which the identification carrier has a property that the sensor can detect when the identification carrier is located within the area of ​​the sensor's surroundings, or the identification carrier changes a property of the sensor's surroundings and the sensor can detect this change.If the device according to the invention is designed with a marked receptacle, it is possible to position the identification carrier in this receptacle. By providing a receptacle, an area can also be defined within which the sensor is designed to detect a specific property or a specific change in a property in this area of ​​its surroundings. The provision of a receptacle makes it possible, in a preferred embodiment, to design the device according to the invention such that the sensor can only detect the property of its surroundings in the area of ​​the receptacle, or can only detect the change in a property of this environment in the area of ​​the receptacle. This prevents unwanted incorrect operation.In the system according to the invention described in more detail below, the sensor can even be designed in such a way that the control unit only controls the loudspeaker to reproduce audio information when the identification carrier is positioned in the receptacle.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a control element in the form of a rocker switch, with which the volume of the audio information playback can be influenced. The rocker switch, in a first position, sends a first signal to the control unit, for example, a signal to increase the volume of the audio information playback. The rocker switch, in a second position, sends a second signal to the control unit, for example, a signal to reduce the volume of the audio information playback. Furthermore, such a rocker switch can have a neutral center position, in which no signal influencing the volume is sent to the control unit.Alternatively, it is conceivable for the device to have a first operating element with which signals for increasing the volume of the audio information playback can be transmitted to the control unit, and for the device to have a second operating element with which signals for reducing the volume of the audio information playback can be sent to the control unit. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the operating element that influences the increase in volume is larger than the operating element that influences the reduction in volume of the audio information playback. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two operating elements have the shape of ears that are attached to a housing of a base body of the device, for example, protrude from the housing.The ear-shaped controls can emit the signal they generate to influence the volume of the audio information playback when a pressing or bending motion is performed. This has the advantage that the user can recognize the function of the controls without having to rely on language skills.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a display. This display can, in particular, be an E-Ink display. The display can also be a touch-sensitive display. Additionally or alternatively, the device can comprise an LED or a sequence of LEDs.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a proximity sensor, a motion sensor (acceleration sensor), an ambient light sensor, a humidity sensor, an inclination sensor, a GPS sensor, and / or a gyroscopic sensor. Such sensors allow further operating commands to be generated for the control unit. For example, a device configured in this way can detect shaking and generate an operating signal for the control unit from this. For example, shaking the device can be used to play back various audio information in a random order. Likewise, a device configured in this way can detect whether a light tap is applied to the device from the left or right. This can be used, for example, to jump to the next chapter or a previous chapter within a data set.A device designed in this way can also detect whether it is being thrown. This can also generate operating signals.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a sensor that can generate a signal dependent on the distance between an object placed in the area of ​​the recording and the recording, for example an ultrasonic sensor. This makes it possible, in a preferred embodiment of the device, to make the control of the loudspeaker dependent on this signal, for example on the object touching or almost touching the recording. Furthermore, in a supplementary or alternative embodiment, this makes it possible to generate further operating commands in response to a change in the distance. For example, briefly removing the object and then placing it back down again can be used to jump to the next chapter within a data set.

[0041] A device oriented in this way can detect whether it is being tilted vertically or horizontally. These signals can also be used to generate control signals for the control unit. For example, a vertical tilt can be used to navigate within a playlist, while a horizontal tilt allows switching between applications.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention has a data port, for example, a USB port. Such a port can be used, for example, to load a memory provided as part of the device in a preferred embodiment with data containing audio information. It is also possible to connect the device according to the invention to a computer via such a port, for example, to configure the device's software.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the device is encased in foam or another elastic material. Particularly preferably, the device according to the invention is completely encased in foam or another elastic material, or, in an embodiment with a display, only the area of ​​the display is not encased in foam or an elastic material. The encasement protects the other components of the device. Furthermore, the encasement protects children from injury.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises an energy storage device, in particular a battery, particularly preferably a rechargeable battery. In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is designed such that the battery can be charged wirelessly, for example, by means of inductive energy transfer. This offers the advantage that the charging station can be designed to be child-friendly, for example in the form of a charging cradle into which the device according to the invention must be placed alone for charging. This avoids children having to handle electrical cables to charge the battery of the device according to the invention.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention can generate light, for example to function as a night light.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention has a housing in which the sensor is arranged such that the area of ​​the environment of the sensor in which the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this environment extends no further than 1 m, particularly preferably no further than 150 mm, particularly preferably no further than 100 mm, particularly preferably no further than 50 mm, particularly preferably no further than 10 mm, particularly preferably no further than 5 mm beyond a surface of the housing. This offers the advantage that the property or the change in the property that the sensor is intended to detect so that the control unit controls the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio information is only detected in a narrow area around the housing of the device. This avoids incorrect operation.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of non-combustible or flame-resistant material.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a microphone or a connection option for incoming audio signals, for example from a microphone. This allows the device to be controlled by voice or to make recordings.

[0049] Particularly preferably, the device can be integrated into a wireless local area network via a WLAN antenna and can receive control commands via the WLAN antenna, for example, via a smartphone or a PC. In a preferred embodiment, these control commands are not control commands with which the user can influence the start of playback of the audio information. Likewise, the device according to the invention can be designed to be operated via a remote control.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a camera. If the device according to the invention is designed, for example, as a night light, the camera can assume a monitoring function for the child lying next to the device. The camera can be controlled, for example, from a smartphone, and the image recorded by the camera can be played back on a display such as a television, a smartphone, or other mobile display. Additionally or alternatively, the audio information recorded by a microphone or fed in via a connection option can be played back on a loudspeaker or smartphone in this way.

[0051] It is also possible for a device integrated into a wireless local area network via a WLAN antenna to transmit the audio information to be played back to other participants in the network, for example by streaming it to a television or another loudspeaker.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the operating system of the control unit is Firefox OS. In a preferred embodiment, the operating system of the control unit can be updated via updates.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine and document information about the control of the loudspeaker, for example, the frequency with which certain audio information was played or the order in which certain audio information was played. Particularly preferably, the device is configured to communicate such information to a server.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises means for supplying an identification carrier described below with power, preferably without electrical contact, for example by induction.

[0055] The system according to the invention comprises a device according to the invention and an identification carrier, wherein the identification carrier has a property that the sensor can detect when the identification carrier is located within the area of ​​the sensor's surroundings, or when the identification carrier changes a property of the sensor's surroundings. The basic idea of ​​the system according to the invention is that the control unit controls the loudspeaker to play back audio information when a specific identification carrier is brought into the area of ​​the sensor's surroundings in which the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property. In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, the mere bringing of the identification carrier into this area should trigger the control of the loudspeaker to play back the audio information, without the need to generate further operating commands.

[0056] This basic concept of the system according to the invention significantly simplifies the operation of devices for reproducing audio information. It is no longer necessary to handle scratchable CDs, as is necessary with conventional CD players, or to learn the complex operating sequences of control elements required with conventional MP3 players to control the loudspeakers for reproducing audio information. In the simplest embodiment of the invention, it is sufficient to place the identification carrier in the area surrounding the sensor, in which the sensor can detect the property or a change in the property, and thus automatically trigger the control unit to control the loudspeaker for reproducing the audio information.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier comprises an RFID transponder or an antenna with which a modulated wave can be emitted and / or received. This allows the identification carrier according to the invention to be configured, for example, so that it can communicate with the device according to the invention via the Bluetooth standard or the NFC standard. The use of these technologies, in particular, allows a variety of communication options between the identification carrier and the device. In particular, the use of these technologies allows the recognition of a large number of identifiers.This makes it possible for the device according to the invention to select the audio information to be reproduced from a large number of audio information items, for example if each piece of audio information to be reproduced is assigned its own identifier, for example in an assignment table stored in the device according to the invention or on a server.

[0058] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the identifier carrier, for example, has a magnet that generates a magnetic field of a specific strength when the identifier carrier is brought into the vicinity of the sensor. A magnet can also be used to generate a magnetic field with a field direction that deviates from a preferred direction.

[0059] According to the invention, the identification carrier has a magnet, and the device has a surface to which the magnet can adhere. Alternatively, the device has a magnet, and the identification carrier has a surface to which the identification carrier can adhere to the magnet. This allows the device and the identification carrier to be releasably connected to one another. This allows the device to be moved without the identification carrier losing a specific position relative to the device.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier has the shape of a figure, in particular the shape of a human figure, an animal figure, or a fantasy figure. Particularly preferably, the identification carrier has the shape of a figure with feet. Particularly preferably, in an identification carrier with the shape of a figure with feet, the magnet is arranged in the feet of the figure, so that the figure can stand on the device according to the invention.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed in the manner of a figure, but does not have a base on which the figure stands.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier cannot be mechanically fixed to the device. Particularly preferably, the device and the identification carrier do not have a plug-and-socket system with which the identification carrier could be connected to the device.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed such that the user can associate it with specific audio information based on its shape, color, surface structure and / or material, and that when brought into the area of ​​the sensor's surroundings, in which the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this environment, the loudspeaker is activated to play audio information whose content is related to the user's association. For example, it can be designed in the style of a figure and trigger the playback of audio information that is related to the shape of the figure. For example, the figure can have the shape of Benjamin Blümchen ®< and the audio information played back can be an audio story with Benjamin Blümchen as the protagonist. It is also conceivable that the identification carrier can be individually adapted.For example, the identifier can be designed as a figure resembling a person in another person's immediate environment, and the reproduced audio information can be audio information previously recorded by that person. It is also conceivable for the identifier to be in the form of a figure resembling a scientist, and for the audio information to contain the content of the scientist's discoveries. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the figure to resemble a composer or performer, and for the audio information to contain content from that composer or performer. It is conceivable for an identifier to trigger the audio information for a piece of music, a collection of music pieces (album), or a playlist.

[0064] In a supplementary or alternative embodiment, the identification carrier is designed as a sticker or module that can be attached to other objects.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed such that the data stored on it can be changed. In another preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed such that the data stored on it cannot be changed. In a further preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed such that the data stored on it can only be changed once and not again thereafter. In a preferred embodiment, an initially changeable identification carrier is designed such that it can be converted into an unchangeable identification carrier through specific processing, preferably in such a way that it cannot be converted back into a changeable identification carrier. The processing can preferably be of a mechanical nature, for example severing or connecting certain electrical lines.In supplementary or alternative embodiments, the processing can be carried out by visible light, by invisible electromagnetic waves (such as radio signals, ultraviolet light), by a magnetic, electrical and / or thermal pulse. In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed such that it can be attached to or in other objects, such as a figurine, using a click mechanism. After this process, the object as a whole can be regarded as an identification carrier. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed such that it can be made unalterable by mechanical processing, which can be combined with the movement for actuating the click mechanism for connecting the identification carrier to an object, for example such that the processing can take place simultaneously with the clicking into the object.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed to be supplied with current via induction to operate active electronic components. In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed to contain active electronic components that provide a data memory. This data memory is preferably non-volatile. In a preferred embodiment, the data memory is designed to provide an identifier and / or audio information that can be used to modify environmental properties.By transmitting audio information stored on the identification carrier to the device, the device can play audio information that was not stored in the device before the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings, or before the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier has active electronic components that are suitable for changing properties of the environment, which can be converted back into data by a sensor and a control unit. In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier has a processor. In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier also has a data receiving unit.

[0067] An identification carrier can also be advantageous independent of the purpose of reproducing audio information. For storage and transmission of data in general, an embodiment can be designed such that it an antenna for electromagnetic waves, an active electrical component containing a non-volatile data memory with a storage capacity of at least 1 megabyte, a transmitting unit configured to transmit data from the non-volatile data memory via the antenna, a power receiving unit configured to receive energy and convert it into sufficient current to power the data memory and the transmitting unit, so that no permanent power storage is required for the data transmission process, wherein the power receiving unit is different from the antenna, a control unit configured to read data from the data memory and transmit the data via the transmitting unit Particularly preferably, the control unit indicates readiness to read data contactlessly as soon as the energy receiving unit provides sufficient energy for this purpose, and transmits data from the data memory in whole or in part via the transmitting unit upon contactless request. The aspects of individual embodiments of an identification carrier described above and below can also be applied to such a generally usable identification carrier, wherein the control of a loudspeaker is followed by the processing or display of the data stored on the identification carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the data memory has a storage capacity of at least 500 megabytes, 1 gigabyte, or 4 gigabytes.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier is designed such that it can only generate a specific property or only a specific change in a property of this environment within a region of the sensor's environment and can thus only cause the control unit to control the loudspeaker to reproduce specific audio information. In such an embodiment of the system, it is provided that additional identification carriers must be procured or kept in stock in order to play additional audio information. In this embodiment, the invention thus breaks away from the principle frequently found in prior art MP3 players of combining as many functions or as much audio information as possible in one device in such a way that they can each be called up using specific operating sequences but without the need for additional devices.Compared to such MP3 players, the system according to the invention in the embodiment described here is more complex, since a large number of identification carriers must be provided in order to play different audio information. However, it has become apparent that there is a need for a simple operating concept in which the number of identification carriers to be provided is increased in favor of simply playing the one piece of audio information assigned to the identification carrier.For example, this embodiment makes it possible to construct a toy system in which figure-like identification carriers are each only suitable for identifying a specific piece of music or a specific spoken story assigned to them, which is played by controlling the toy's loudspeaker, but the children can themselves choose which piece of music or which spoken story is to be played back by selecting the figure and due to the simplified operating concept, which in a preferred embodiment allows the immediate playing of the piece of music or the spoken story as soon as the identification carrier has generated the corresponding property or the corresponding change in a property of this environment within an area of ​​the sensor's environment.By generating a corresponding property or changing a property of this environment, a data set with separately readable data sequences can be identified for the reproduction of the audio information, for example to identify an audio book in the form of individual chapters using the one identifier and to make the individual chapters of an audio book controllable, or to identify the individual episodes of a serialized story or a series.

[0069] Particularly preferably, the identification carrier does not have a control element that can influence the manner in which the identification carrier can generate a property within a region of the sensor's environment, or only a change in a property of that environment. This embodiment is particularly well-suited for applications in which the identification carrier is designed such that it can generate only a specific property or only a specific change in a property of that environment within a region of the sensor's environment, and thus can only cause the control unit to control the loudspeaker to reproduce specific audio information.Additionally or alternatively, the identification carrier can have a control element with which, within the range of the sensor's environment, not just one but several specific properties or a specific change in a property of this environment can be generated, which are detected by the sensor and with which the control unit can change the type of playback of the audio information, for example, the playback volume or control commands for selecting the next or previous chapter or piece of music. Thus, by operating the control element of the identification carrier, for example, by rotating an arm or head of an identification carrier designed as a figure, the type of playback of the audio information can be changed, for example, the playback volume.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the identification carrier has no energy storage devices, particularly preferably no permanent energy storage devices such as a battery, particularly preferably no energy storage devices with the exception of a capacitor.

[0071] A method for reproducing audio information is provided with a device having a loudspeaker or a loudspeaker connection, a sensor that can detect a property or a change in a property of this environment within an area of ​​its surroundings, a support on which an object can be permanently placed, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this area at least in an area above the support, and / or a fastening to which an object can be permanently fastened, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this area at least in an area adjacent to the fastening, a control unit, wherein in which the control unit controls the loudspeaker or the loudspeaker connection to reproduce audio information, the reproduction of which particularly preferably lasts at least 10 seconds, when the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings or when the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor.

[0072] A method for reproducing image, video or 3D information is provided with a device having a display for image, video or 3D information or a connection for such a display, a sensor that can detect a property or a change in a property of this environment within an area of ​​its surroundings, a support on which an object can be permanently placed, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this area at least in an area above the support, and / or a fixture to which an object can be permanently attached, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this area at least in an area adjacent to the fixture, a control unit, in which the control unit controls the display or the connection for the display to reproduce image, video or 3D information when the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of that environment within the area of ​​its environment or when the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor.

[0073] A method for executing software is provided with a device having a processor that can execute the software, a sensor that can detect a property or a change in a property of that environment within an area of ​​its environment, a control unit, in which the control unit controls the processor to execute the software when the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of that environment within the area of ​​its environment or when the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor.

[0074] The identification carrier is suitable for use with a device according to the invention in a system according to the invention or in a method according to the invention.

[0075] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates embodiments of the invention.

[0076] Showing: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention for reproducing audio information and Fig. 2 is a front view of a device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 and an identification carrier according to the invention.

[0077] The Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention for reproducing audio information. The device 1 has a perspective view of the Fig. 1 a loudspeaker (not shown in detail). Furthermore, the device 1 has a recess 3 on its upper side 2. Inside the device 1, below the recess 3, a sensor (not shown in detail) is arranged, which can detect a property or a change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​the recess 3, namely a passive RFID transponder (cf. Fig. 2 ). Furthermore, the device has a control unit (not shown in detail) which can control the loudspeaker to reproduce audio information if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of this environment within the area of ​​its surroundings or if the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor.

[0078] The sensor is arranged within the housing of the device 1 in such a way that the area of ​​the environment of the sensor in which the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of this environment does not extend more than 100 mm upwards above the base area 4 of the trough 3.

[0079] The device according to the invention comprises a first, ear-shaped operating element 5 and a second, also ear-shaped operating element 6. The operating element 5 is larger than the operating element 6. Both the operating element 5 and the operating element 6 can perform a tilting movement relative to the remaining housing of the device 1 and can be tilted into the Fig. 1 Swing back to the basic position shown.

[0080] Furthermore, the device 1 has a display 7.

[0081] The Fig. 2 The system shown has, in addition to the Fig. 1 The device shown has an identification carrier 8 in the form of a figure. The identification carrier 8, designed as a figure, has legs 9 and feet and no base to which the feet 9 would be firmly connected. Magnets (not shown in detail) are provided in the feet of the identification carrier 8, designed as a figure. These magnets can interact with magnets or metal objects arranged directly beneath the bottom surface 4 of the trough 3, so that the identification carrier 8 can be releasably held on the bottom plate 4 of the trough 3.

[0082] The operation of the system according to the invention is as follows: The Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention in a basic state, in which, in the embodiment shown here, it does not reproduce any audio information. The sensor permanently or periodically monitors the area of ​​the trough 3 to determine whether this area has a specific property or a specific change in a property. In the embodiment shown here, the sensor monitors the area of ​​the trough 3 to determine whether a specific RFID transponder is brought into the area of ​​the trough. In the embodiment shown in the Fig. 1 In the operating situation shown, this is not the case, so that the device 1 does not reproduce any audio information.

[0083] The Fig. 2shows the operating situation in which the system according to the invention has been completed by adding the identification carrier 8. The identification carrier 8 is placed on the base plate 4 of the trough 3 and adheres there by means of the magnets provided in the feet of the identification carrier 8. The identification carrier 8 has an RFID transponder (not shown in detail). Because the identification carrier 8 has now been brought into the area of ​​the sensor's surroundings monitored by the sensor, it now has a specific property that can be detected by the sensor. The sensor detects the presence of the RFID transponder in the identification carrier 8 and communicates this to the control unit (not shown in detail) by means of a signal. The control unit then controls the loudspeaker to play back audio information without the need to operate any additional control element.

[0084] The sensor reads an identifier from the RFID transponder of the identification carrier 8 and communicates this identifier to the control unit. Based on an assignment table stored in the control unit, the control unit assigns the identifier read by the sensor to a specific data set containing specific audio information in a memory (not shown in detail) of the device 1. The control unit then controls the loudspeaker to play the audio information contained in the specific data read from the memory by the control unit. This audio information is a piece of music whose playback lasts at least 10 seconds.

Claims

1. A system with an identification carrier and a toy for playing back music or a narrated story, wherein the toy comprises - a loudspeaker or a loudspeaker terminal, - a sensor that can detect, within an area of the surroundings of the sensor, a property or a change in a property of said surroundings, wherein the sensor is a reader for communicating with a passive RFID transponder and / or for communicating with an active RFID transponder, and - a control unit that can trigger the loudspeaker or the loudspeaker terminal to play back music or a narrated story when the sensor detects, within the area of the surroundings of the sensor, a specific property or a specific change in a property of said surroundings or when the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor, wherein the identification carrier has a property which the sensor is able to detect when the identification carrier is located within the area of the surroundings of said sensor, or the identification carrier modifies a property of the surroundings of the sensor, which said sensor can detect in the area of the surroundings of said sensor, with the identification carrier having an RFID transponder or an antenna and being able to emit and / or receive a modulated wave, characterized in that the toy comprises a memory in which data is stored, on the basis of which data the control unit can drive the loudspeaker to play back the music or a narrated story, with the data for different music or different narrated stories being stored in the memory, wherein the control unit is designed in such a manner that, when the sensor detects a specific first property or a specific first change to a property of the surroundings within the area of the surroundings of said sensor or the control unit detects a specific first change of the property detected by the sensor, the control unit drives the loudspeaker to play back a first piece of music or a first narrated story, the playback of which lasts for at least 10 seconds, while the control unit drives the loudspeaker to play back a second piece of music or a second narrated story, the playback of which lasts at least 10 seconds, if the sensor detects a specific second property or a specific second change of a property of the surroundings within the area of the surroundings of said sensor or the control unit detects a specific second change of the property detected by the sensor, wherein control elements are provided to jump from a first section to a next section during the playback of a piece of music or a narrated story on the basis of data of a data set with separately readable data sequences, and a) the identification carrier comprises a magnet and the toy comprises a surface to which the magnet can adhere, or b) the toy comprises a magnet and the identification carrier a surface with which the identification carrier can adhere to the magnet.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized by a support surface on which an object can be permanently placed, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change of a property at least in an area above said support surface, and / or a fastening, to which an object can be permanently fastened, wherein the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property at least in an area adjacent to the fastening.

3. System in accordance with one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor has an antenna and is able to emit and / or receive a modulated wave.

4. System in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit can drive the loudspeaker or the loudspeaker terminal directly.

5. System in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized by a housing in which the sensor is accommodated, wherein the area of the surroundings of said sensor, in which the sensor can detect a property or a change in a property of said surroundings, extends no further than 100 mm above the surface of the housing.

6. System in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that no control element is provided with which an operator could influence the control of the loudspeaker or of the loudspeaker terminal at the start of playback of the piece of music or the narrated story by the control unit, if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of the surroundings within the area of the surroundings of said sensor.

7. System in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized by a control element and in that the control unit can drive the loudspeaker or the loudspeaker terminal solely in that the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property of the surroundings within the area of the surroundings of the sensor and without an operator operating the control element.

8. System in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the toy has a control element in the form of a rocker switch with which the volume of the playback of the piece of music or of the narrated story can be influenced by the rocker switch sending a first signal to the control unit in a first position and the rocker switch sending a second signal to the control unit in a second position or the toy has a first control element with which signals to increase the volume of the playback of the piece of music or the narrated story can be transmitted to the control unit, and the toy has a second control element with which signals to lower the volume of the playback of the piece of music or the narrated story can be sent to the control unit.

9. System in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating system of the control unit can be updated by updates.

10. Method for playing back audio information with a system in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 9 in which the control unit controls the loudspeaker or the loudspeaker terminal to playback music or a narrated story if the sensor detects a specific property or a specific change in a property in the surroundings or if the control unit detects a specific change in the property detected by the sensor within the area of the surroundings of said sensor.

11. Method in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the audio information playback lasts for at least 10 seconds.

Images