Extended Book

Abstract

An apparatus (1) is proposed which is configured to receive a book (2), the book comprising a book identifier and pages; the apparatus comprising: a user input detection device; a book identifier detection device configured to detect the book identifier of the book; an output device; a controller connected to the user input detection device, the book identifier detection device and the output device; and first fastening means configured to removably fasten the apparatus to the book; the controller being configured to determine a user input based on a signal from the user input detection device; and the controller being configured to determine which book is fastened to the apparatus based on a signal from the book identifier detection device. Also proposed is a book configured to be fastened to the apparatus according to the invention and an interactive book system comprising the apparatus according to the invention and the book.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of books. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus configured to receive a book, a book, and an interactive book system including the apparatus and the book. The present invention can be applied to educational books that increase the interest and interactivity during reading.

Background Art

[0002] Most of the commercially available interactive books are provided with embedded interactive devices such as speakers and vibrating devices.

[0003] Since there is an interactive device in each book, the production cost of the book is generally high, and the quality of the interactive device is low.

[0004] In addition, interactive books are restricted in terms of the mode of interaction. Usually, the user can press a finite number of buttons or touch a finite number of dedicated positions. The user input for the buttons or positions causes the same output signal each time, which is usually a sound or a vibration pattern. Also, it is known to use a stylus, which can be a wired stylus, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) stylus, etc.

[0005] Another problem with the interactive books commercially available today is that each book necessarily includes a complicated page identification device (for example, an optical system). Therefore, the book becomes complicated, difficult to implement, and requires frequent battery replacement.

[0006] Therefore, it is still desired to provide an interactive book without the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0007] The present invention is positioned in this context.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus configured to receive a book, the book comprising a book identifier and pages; the apparatus comprising: - a user input detection device; - a book identifier detection device configured to detect the book identifier of the book; - an output device; - a controller connected to the user input detection device, the book identifier detection device, and the output device; - a first fastening means configured to removably fasten the apparatus to the book; The controller is configured to determine the user input based on a signal from the user input detection device; The controller is configured to determine which book is fastened to the apparatus based on a signal from the book identifier detection device.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the proposed apparatus may also comprise at least one of the following additional features: - The book comprises a plurality of pages, each page of the book to be identified comprising a page identifier; the apparatus further comprises a page identifier detection device configured to detect the page identifier of the book; the controller is connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to determine the current page (i.e., which page of the book is open) based on a signal from the page identifier detection device. - The book comprises a plurality of pages, each page of the book comprising a page identifier; the apparatus further comprises a page identifier detection device configured to detect the page identifier of the book; the controller is connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to determine the current page (i.e., which page of the book is open) based on a signal from the page identifier detection device. - The page identifier detection device includes a plurality of sensors such as an induction sensor, and each sensor is configured to correspond to a page identifier of the book (preferably two page identifiers of the book). - The number of the sensors is equal to the number of page identifiers of the book. - The user input detection device includes a resistive touch panel or a capacitive touch panel, and the controller is configured to determine the user input based on a signal from the resistive touch panel or the capacitive touch panel. - The user input detection device includes a resistive finger touch panel or a capacitive finger touch panel, and the controller is configured to determine a finger gesture based on a signal from the resistive finger touch panel or the capacitive finger touch panel. - The device includes two book identifier detection devices. - The book identifier detection device includes a near field communication (NFC) tag reader or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, and the controller is configured to determine which book is fastened to the device based on a signal from the NFC tag reader or the RFID tag reader. - The first fastening means includes a magnetic or iron-based material and is configured to fasten the book to the device using magnetic force. - The output device includes a speaker, an illumination device, and / or a tactile device; - The device further includes a jack-type female connector connected to the controller and / or a USB female connector such as a mini USB or a USB-C connector. - The device further includes an on-off button, a volume button, and / or a button configured to make a language selection, which are connected to the controller.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a book configured to be fastened to the device according to the first aspect; the book includes: - a book identifier; - pages; - a second fastening means configured to removably fasten the book to the first fastening means of the device.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the proposed book can also comprise at least one of the following additional features: - The book further comprises a binding system and a plurality of pages connected to the binding system; each page to be identified comprises a page identifier. - The book further comprises a binding system and a plurality of pages connected to the binding system; each page comprises a page identifier. - The page identifier detection device of the device comprises a plurality of sensors such as induction sensors. - Each page identifier, such as a metal marker, is configured to correspond to sensors (preferably two sensors of the device). - For each page of the book, when the book is closed, the page identifier overlaps with the page identifier of a different page (preferably one different page). - For each page of the book, when the book is closed and viewed from above, the page identifier overlaps with the page identifier of a different page (preferably one different page). - The book identifier comprises a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag or a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. - The second fastening means comprises a magnetic or iron-based material and is configured to fasten the book to the device using magnetic force. - The second fastening means comprises or consists of a metal ring binding system such as a wire-o binding system.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an interactive book system comprising the device according to the first aspect of the invention and the book according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0013] The fourth aspect of the invention is directed to using an interactive book system as an educational book system that increases the interest and interactivity during reading.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] The invention will become more apparent from the following description, which is merely shown exemplarily with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the drawings are as follows:

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 1A

Figure 2

Figure 2A

Figure 3

Figure 3A

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 7A

Figure 8

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

[0016] FIGS. 1A1, 2A, 3A, 8A, 9A are mainly different from FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 in that the device does not have polarization stops 191, 192 and the book does not have polarization notches 261, 262.

[0017] FIG. 7A is mainly different from FIG. 7 in that the second fastening means are two magnets instead of a metal bar and the card does not have polarization notches 331, 332.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Device Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, an apparatus 1 configured to receive a book according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0019] The apparatus 1 is configured to receive removable books 2, 3.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the device is not foldable.

[0021] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, to ensure proper positioning on the device, the device further comprises polarization stops 191, 192. The polarization stops are configured to cooperate with the polarization notches in the book. According to an embodiment, the device comprises at least two polarization stops 191, 192 configured to cooperate with at least two polarization notches on the book (preferably two polarization notches arranged on different edges of the book).

[0022] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the device does not comprise any polarization stops.

[0023] The device comprises first fastening means 15 configured to fasten the device to the book. According to an embodiment, the first fastening means is configured to fasten the device to second fastening means 25, 35 of books 2, 3.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the device comprises active first fastening means, such as magnets, which are configured to be fastened, using magnetic force, to passive second fastening means of the book, such as a metal ring binding system, a metal wire-o, or a metal bar.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the device comprises active first fastening means, such as magnets, which are configured to be fastened to active second fastening means of the book, such as magnets.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the device comprises passive first fastening means, such as a metal bar or a metal disk, which are configured to be fastened, using magnetic force, to active second fastening means of the book, such as magnets.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a notch 18 configured to receive the binding system of the book.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the first fastening means is placed below the notch 18. According to an embodiment, the first fastening means is placed on each side of the notch 18. According to an embodiment, the first fastening means can be placed at another location of the device. According to an embodiment, the first fastening means is placed on each side and / or below the notch 18. In order to improve the fastening of the removable book 2 within the device 1, at least two fastening means (preferably four fastening means 15 (shown in FIG. 2)) can be spaced apart from each other and placed below the notch 18.

[0029] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, at least two fastening means (preferably four fastening means 15) are spaced apart from each other and placed below the notch 18, and at least two additional fastening means 15A are placed on each side of the notch 18.

[0030] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the polarization stop is aligned with the notch 18. According to this embodiment, two polarization stops 191, 192 are aligned with the notch 18, and one polarization stop is placed on each side of the notch 18.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the device includes a first side configured to receive the pages of a book at the first side and a second side configured to receive the pages of a book at the second side. According to an embodiment, the first side and the second side are placed on each side of the notch 18.

[0032] The device 1 further includes a controller 14, which will be described in detail later.

[0033] The device 1 further comprises a user input detection device 11, which is connected to the controller. The user input detection device is a touch panel such as a resistive film type or a capacitive finger touch panel. The touch panel increases the degree of interactivity of the prior art interactive system by enabling the detection of a plurality of user movements (e.g., click, drag, double click, two-finger pinch, etc.).

[0034] According to an embodiment, the touch panel can further enable the detection of movements such as triple click (e.g., surrounding one or more objects) and cycling click (e.g., the control system can bring about different interactions when the user presses at the same position for the second or more times).

[0035] According to an embodiment, the device comprises two user input detection devices, which are on each side of the device. According to a preferred embodiment, the user input detection device is a capacitive touch panel, such as a self-capacitance type touch panel or a mutual-capacitance type touch panel, more preferably a mutual-capacitance type touch panel. Such capacitive touch panels are known to those skilled in the art. According to an embodiment, a known capacitive touch panel is modified to improve the detection of user input through the pages of a book. According to an embodiment, the electrodes of the touch panel are in a diamond structure. According to an embodiment, the gap between the transmitting electrode (Tx) and the receiving electrode (Rx) (preferably the gap between the transmitting electrode (Tx) and the receiving electrode (Rx) in the diamond structure) is in the range of 1 mm to 1.4 mm, preferably 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm, more preferably 1.2 mm. According to an embodiment, the ground plane has a grid pattern (preferably a square grid pattern). According to an embodiment, the dimensions of the square of the square grid pattern are about 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm.

[0036] As additional user input devices, an on-off button 111, a volume button 112, and / or a button 113 configured to make a language selection, which are connected to the controller, may be included.

[0037] The device further includes a book identifier detection device 12 (preferably two book identifier detection devices) connected to the controller. The book identifier detection device is configured to identify a book corresponding to the book identifier of the book. The book identifier detection device 12 can be a near field communication (NFC) tag reader or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The device can include two book identifier detection devices and can identify books or detect books that are read from left to right and from right to left in at least two configurations. Thus, by using the two book identifier detection devices 12 of the device, the device can be used with books that are read from right to left. According to an embodiment, one book identifier detection device is placed on each side of the device, and preferably they are placed symmetrically in relation to the notch 18.

[0038] The apparatus 1 includes a page identifier detector 16 connected to a controller. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the page identifier detector 16 includes a plurality of sensors 161 such as induction sensors. According to the embodiment, each sensor is configured to correspond to a page identifier of a book. Therefore, when the page identifier is sufficiently close to the sensor, each sensor can detect the corresponding page identifier of the book. According to the embodiment, the number of sensors is equal to or greater than the number of page identifiers of the book, and preferably is equal to the number of page identifiers. According to the embodiment, half of the sensors are placed on each side of the apparatus. According to the embodiment, the same number of sensors are placed on each side of the apparatus. According to the embodiment, each sensor is configured to correspond to two page identifiers of a book. In other words, the two page identifiers are placed sufficiently close to the corresponding sensor and can be detected by the same sensor. According to the embodiment, the two page identifiers are placed sufficiently close to the corresponding sensor and can be detected by the same sensor on each side of the apparatus. By this embodiment, the number of different positions of the sensors placed on each side of the apparatus can be reduced. More page numbers can be identified, or a smaller number of sensors can be used, thereby reducing the mechatronics occupied area of the sensors on each side of the apparatus.

[0039] According to the embodiment, each sensor includes a helical coil. According to the embodiment, the helical coil has 20 to 40 turns, preferably 25 to 35 turns, and more preferably 29 turns. According to the embodiment, the winding interval is equal to the diameter of the wire. For example, the helical coil is made of a 0.1 mm wire, and the winding interval is equal to 0.1 mm. According to the embodiment, the inner diameter of the helical coil ranges from 1 to 5 mm, and preferably is about 2 mm. According to the embodiment, the outer diameter of the helical coil ranges from 10 to 15 mm, and preferably is about 13 mm.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the sensors are aligned, preferably near the outer edge of the device, such as the bottom edge of the device. According to an embodiment, the sensors are equally spaced on each side of the notch 18 of the device, preferably in the range of 10 to 25 mm, more preferably about 15 mm.

[0041] The device further includes an output device 13 connected to a controller, such as a speaker 131, a lighting device 132, a tactile device 133, etc.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the device further includes a jack-type female connector connected to the controller and / or a USB female connector such as a mini-USB or USB-C connector.

[0043] Book Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a book 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 4, the book includes a plurality of pages 22 connected to a binding system 24, such as a ring binding system or a wire-o binding system. The book is foldable.

[0044] The book is provided with a book identifier 21, preferably being one book identifier. The book identifier is preferably integrated within one page. For example, the page comprises two sheets forming the page (for example, two sheets integrated by adhesion), and the book identifier is embedded within the two sheets. According to an embodiment, the book identifier is invisible. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, particularly with respect to a book read from left to right, the book identifier is integrated within the last page. According to an embodiment, particularly with respect to a book read from right to left, the book identifier is integrated within the first page. The book identifier 21 is configured to correspond to the book identifier detection device 12 when the book is placed on the device, thereby enabling the controller to identify the book. The book identifier can be any passive tag readable by a book identifier detection device, for example, a near field communication (NFC) tag or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0045] The book comprises a second fastening means 25. The second fastening means 25 is configured to be fastened to the first fastening means. According to an embodiment, the second fastening means is a passive fastening means such as a metallic means and is configured to be fastened to the active first fastening means of a device such as a magnet. According to an embodiment, the second fastening means is a metal ring binding system or a metal wire-o or the like. This embodiment enables the combination of a binding system and a fastening means into a single system. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other fastening means such as an active fastening means (for example, a magnet) can be used. According to an embodiment, the second fastening means is configured to cooperate with the notch 18 of the device. According to an embodiment, the ring binding system or the wire-o is configured to be received within the notch 18 of the device.

[0046] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the book comprises polarization notches 261, 262 configured to cooperate with the polarization stops 191, 192 on the device, ensuring proper positioning and orientation of the book on the device. According to the embodiment, the polarization notches are placed on the outer edge of the book. According to one embodiment, the book comprises at least two polarization notches 261, 262 configured to cooperate with at least two polarization stops 191, 192 on the device, and preferably the polarization notches are placed on different outer edges of the book. According to the embodiment shown, the polarization notches are placed on each side of the binding system. According to the embodiment, the first polarization notch and the second polarization notch have different shapes.

[0047] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the book does not have any polarization notches configured to cooperate with the polarization stops.

[0048] According to the embodiment, the page comprises content on one side or each side of the page. Stories, pictures, and / or games can be printed on one side or each side of the page.

[0049] Each page that needs to be identifiable in the book comprises one page identifier. Referring to FIG. 6, an enlarged view of the book 2 with two page identifiers in different pages 22 is shown. According to the embodiment, the page identifier is integrated within each page. For example, each page comprises two sheets forming the page (e.g., two sheets integrated by adhesion), and each page identifier is embedded within the two sheets. According to the embodiment, the page identifier is invisible. According to the embodiment, the page identifier comprises a metal marker such as a metal disk. According to the embodiment, the diameter of the metal disk can be at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm. According to the embodiment, the thickness of the metal disk can be at least 50 μm. According to the embodiment, the thickness of the metal disk can be less than 100 μm.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the page identifier of a page overlaps with the page identifier of another page when the book is closed. According to an embodiment, the page identifier of a page overlaps with the page identifier of one other page when the book is closed. In other words, the two page identifiers are in the same position, and each is on its respective page. When referring to overlapping, it means that two elements overlap when looking down from above and the device and / or the book are placed flat on a horizontal plane and are in the same position. According to an embodiment, the page identifiers of two pages are placed in the same position as a pair.

[0051] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A shows eight different positions regarding the page identifiers that can be detected by the device for a book containing 16 pages.

[0052] According to an embodiment, when the separation between two pages is one less than half the number of pages, the two page identifiers on two different pages will share the same position. In this embodiment, the position of the page identifier of page 1 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 9; the position of the page identifier of page 2 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 10; the position of the page identifier of page 3 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 11; the position of the page identifier of page 4 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 12; the position of the page identifier of page 5 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 13; the position of the page identifier of page 6 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 14; the position of the page identifier of page 7 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 15; the position of the page identifier of page 8 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 16.

[0053] According to an embodiment, when considering a book having n pages, the position of the page identifier of page x (where x ranges from 1 to n / 2) is the same as that of the page identifier of page n / 2 + x. According to this embodiment, for books with the same number of pages, the number of different positions where page identifiers are placed within the book can be reduced. By accompanying this arrangement, more or fewer page numbers can be identified.

[0054] According to an embodiment, when the separation between two pages results in the same number of pages in relation to the center of the book, the two page identifiers on two different pages share the same position. In this embodiment, the position of the page identifier of page 1 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 16; the position of the page identifier of page 2 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 15; the position of the page identifier of page 3 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 14; the position of the page identifier of page 4 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 13; the position of the page identifier of page 5 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 12; the position of the page identifier of page 6 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 11; the position of the page identifier of page 7 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 10; the position of the page identifier of page 8 is the same as that of the page identifier of page 9.

[0055] According to an embodiment, when considering a book having n pages, the position of the page identifier of page x (where x ranges from 1 to n / 2) is the same as that of the page identifier of page n - x + 1. According to this embodiment, for books with the same number of pages, the number of different positions where page identifiers are placed within the book can be reduced. By accompanying this arrangement, more or fewer page numbers can be identified.

[0056] According to an embodiment, when considering a book having n pages, the position of the page identifier of page x (where x ranges from 1 to n / 2) is the same as that of the page identifier of page n - x + 1, the page identifiers are aligned along the lower edge of the book, and the page identifiers of page x (where x ranges from 1 to n / 2) are placed from distal to proximal with respect to the binding system. In other words, it means that the page identifiers of page 1 and page 16 are the farthest from the binding system, and the page identifiers of page n / 2 and page n / 2 + 1 are the closest to the binding system. The inventor has discovered that when the book is opened at the center, the page identifier that is the farthest from the binding system is the closest to the sensor of the book. This ensures effective detection of the page identifier even when the book is distorted (when the book is distorted, the maximum distortion occurs at a location far from the binding system).

[0057] According to an embodiment, each page identifier is configured to correspond to two sensors of the device (one provided on each side of the device). According to an embodiment, each page identifier is configured to correspond to two sensors of the device (one provided on each side of the notch 18 of the device). According to an embodiment, when considering a book having n pages, the device includes n sensors, and n / 2 sensors are placed on each side of the device. According to an embodiment, when considering a book having n pages, the device includes n sensors, and n / 2 sensors are placed on each side of the notch 18 of the device. According to an embodiment, when the page is in the first configuration, each page identifier is aligned with each sensor, and when the page is in the second configuration, it is aligned with each of one other sensor. The first configuration is different from the second configuration in that the page is placed on the other side of the device. In other words, the first configuration is different from the second configuration in that the page has been turned. In this embodiment, it is possible to detect that the book is open with respect to a given page and that the page has been turned later.

[0058] According to the embodiment, the page identifiers are aligned, and preferably are aligned along the outer edge of the book, such as the bottom edge of the book. According to the embodiment, the lower edge of the page identifier is within a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the page.

[0059] According to the embodiment, the book does not include any electronic device or battery. According to the embodiment, the book does not include any active electronic device or battery. By this embodiment, the manufacturing cost, the risk of loss, and the mechanical occupied area are reduced. Additionally, the book does not include any battery and does not require to be powered on.

[0060] Except for the second fastening means, the book identifier, and the page identifier, preferably the book is made of cardboard. According to the embodiment, the maximum number of pages of the book ranges from 6 to 30, and preferably ranges from 16 to 26. According to the embodiment, the book has an even number of pages, and may be, for example, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 pages, etc. According to the embodiment, the basis weight of the page ranges from 200 to 500 g / m 2 in the range.

[0061] Page Detection According to an embodiment, the page identifier detection device 16 includes a plurality of sensors used to detect the current page of a book. As described above, the sensor can be an inductive sensor such as an induction coil. The inductive sensor detects the proximity of a page-identifier, such as a metallic marker, through a magnetic field generated by the induction coil. When a metallic marker, such as a page-identifier, is sufficiently close to the excited coil, eddy currents are induced by the metallic marker, and the inductive sensor can detect the presence of the metallic marker. Inductive sensing does not require unique tag identification for each page. According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether a metallic marker is sufficiently close to the sensor. According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether one or more metallic markers are sufficiently close to the sensor (e.g., whether one or two metallic markers are so). According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects the number of metallic markers sufficiently close to the sensor.

[0062] As in the present invention, when the book is closed, since the metal markers overlap as a pair, even if one knows the sensor that detected the metal marker on one side of the device, it is insufficient to determine the current page. According to the embodiment, the controller determines the current page based on signals from the inductive sensors on two sides of the device. In this embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether the metal marker (regardless of the number of metal markers) is close enough to the sensor. To better understand this embodiment, reference is made to FIGS. 11 and 12, in which it is explained how to determine the current page using 16 sensors (8 sensors are placed on each side of the device) for a book with 16 pages. The same method can be applied to determine the current page for a book with n pages using at least n sensors (at least n / 2 sensors are placed on each side of the device). Considering a book with n pages, n / 2 inductive sensors on one side of the device will always detect the page identifier. And the page is determined based on the sensors placed on the other side of the device.

[0063] To consider a closed book with n pages placed on the second side of the device, n / 2 sensors on the second side of the device detect page identifiers. Based on the number of sensors detecting page identifiers on the first side, the current page is determined. If one sensor on the first side detects a page identifier, it means one page has been turned; if two sensors on the first side detect a page identifier, it means two pages have been turned, and so on. When n / 2 inductive sensors on the first side of the device detect a page identifier, it means n / 2 pages have been turned. Then, based on the number of sensors on the second side detecting page identifiers, the current page is determined. If n / 2 - 1 sensors on the second side detect a page identifier, it means n / 2 + 1 pages have been turned; if n / 2 - 2 sensors on the second side detect a page identifier, it means n / 2 + 1 pages have been turned, and so on. When none of the sensors on the second side detect a page identifier, it means all pages have been turned.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the inductive sensor detects whether one or two metal markers are sufficiently close to the sensor. Thus, the inductive sensor can detect whether zero, one, or two page identifiers are close to the sensor. Compared with the above-described embodiment, in this embodiment, defects (such as missing pages) in the book can be detected, and the reliability is improved.

[0065] FIG. 11 shows how to determine the current page in a book when the positions of the page identifiers of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) are the same as those of the page identifiers of page n / 2 + x.

[0066] FIG. 12 shows how to determine the current page in a book when the positions of the page identifiers of page x (ranging from 1 to n / 2) are the same as those of the page identifiers of page n - x + 1.

[0067] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other page detection methods may be found using the inductive sensors of the apparatus.

[0068] Card Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A, a book 3 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The book comprises a single page 32. The book 3 is also referred to as a card in this embodiment. The card comprises a card identifier 31 and a second fastening means 35. Since the card consists of a single page, it does not require a page identifier in addition to the card identifier 31. According to the embodiment, the page 32 covers the same plane as the open book 2.

[0069] According to the embodiment, the card comprises one card identifier 31. According to the embodiment, the card identifier is integrated within the card. For example, the card comprises two sheets forming the card (e.g., two sheets integrated by adhesion), and the card identifier is embedded within the two sheets. According to the embodiment, the card identifier is invisible. The card identifier 31 is configured to correspond to the book identifier detection device 12 when the card is placed on the apparatus, thereby enabling the controller to identify the card. According to the embodiment, the card comprises content on one side or each side. Stories, pictures, and / or games can be printed on one side or each side of the page. According to the embodiment, the controller can detect on which side of the card it is placed on the apparatus by using the two book identifier detection devices 12 of the apparatus. According to the embodiment, the card identifier is configured to correspond to the first book identifier detection device in a first configuration and to the second book identifier detection device in a second configuration. According to the embodiment, the first configuration of the card differs from the second configuration in that the card is returned along a smaller side.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the card comprises polarization notches 331, 332 and, as will be described later, is made unable to be placed on the apparatus after being turned along the longer side.

[0071] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the card does not have a polarization notch.

[0072] The second fastening means 35 is configured to be fastened to the first fastening means 15.

[0073] According to the embodiment, the second fastening means is a passive fastening means such as the metal bar 35 shown in FIG. 7, and is configured to be fastened to the active first fastening means such as a magnet.

[0074] According to the embodiment, the second fastening means is an active fastening means such as two magnets spaced apart from each other shown in FIG. 7A, and is preferably on each side of the card.

[0075] According to the embodiment, the second fastening means includes an active fastening means and a passive fastening means.

[0076] According to the embodiment, the second fastening means is invisible. According to the embodiment, the second fastening means is integrated within the card. For example, the card comprises two sheets forming the card (e.g., two sheets integrated by adhesion), and the second fastening means is embedded within the two sheets. According to the embodiment, the second fastening means is configured to cooperate with the notch 18 of the device. According to the embodiment, the second fastening means is configured to be received within the notch 18 of the device.

[0077] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the card comprises polarization notches 361, 362 configured to cooperate with polarization stops 191, 192 on the device, ensuring proper positioning and orientation of the card on the device. According to the embodiment, the polarization notches are placed on one side of the card. According to the embodiment, the card comprises at least two polarization notches 361, 362 configured to cooperate with at least two polarization stops 191, 192 on the device, and preferably the polarization notches are placed on different sides of the card. According to the embodiment shown, the first polarization notch 361 is placed on the upper side of the card, and the second polarization notch 362 is placed on the lower side of the card. According to the embodiment, the first polarization notch and the second polarization notch have different shapes.

[0078] According to the embodiment, except for the card identifier 31, the card does not comprise any electronic device or battery. According to the embodiment, the card does not comprise any active electronic device or battery. This embodiment reduces the manufacturing cost, the risk of loss, and the mechanical footprint. Additionally, the card does not contain any battery and does not need to be powered.

[0079] Except for the second fastening means and the card identifier, preferably the card is made of cardboard.

[0080] Interactive Book System Referring to FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B, 9, 9A, 9B, an interactive book system according to the invention is shown. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A, the interactive book system comprises a device 1 and a book 2. As shown in FIG. 8B, the interactive book system comprises a device 1 and a card 3.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, the first fastening means 15 of the device cooperate with the second fastening means 25 of the book to fasten the book to the device (using magnetic force in this case). FIG. 9 further shows the cooperation of the polarization stops 191, 192 with the book.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9B, the first fastening means 15A of the device cooperates with the second fastening means 35A of the card to fasten the card to the device (in this case using magnetic force).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 10, a schematic diagram of an interactive book system is shown.

[0084] The interactive book system includes a book 2; 3 according to an embodiment of the invention and a device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Each of the user input detection device 11, the book identifier detection device 12, and the page identifier detection device 16 is connected to the controller 14. The controller 14 includes a processor 14a that can be a microprocessor, and a random access memory (RAM) for storing executable code for implementing user input, page, and book detection according to an embodiment of the invention or a read-only memory (ROM) for storing a computer program for implementing user input, page, and book detection according to an embodiment of the invention; and a communication interface 14c typically connected to a communication network through which digital data is transmitted and received. The communication interface can be a single communication interface or can be composed of several different network interfaces (for example, a Bluetooth communication interface or a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication interface). The controller 14 is connected to the book identifier detection device and is configured to communicate with the book identifier detection device to obtain identification information about the book. The controller is further connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to communicate with the page identifier detection device to obtain identification information about the open page of the book. The controller is further connected to the user input detection device and is configured to communicate with the user input detection device to obtain user input. According to an embodiment, the controller is connected to a touch panel and is configured to communicate with the user input detection device to obtain user input about the open page of the book.

[0085] Memory 14b is configured to store content associated with a book identifier, a page identifier, and a predetermined user input signal. The apparatus 1 further includes an output device 13 connected to the controller 14. The controller 14 is configured to provide an output signal to the output device according to the content in the memory 14b associated with the book identifier, the page identifier, and the user input signal. According to an embodiment, the output device 13 can be a speaker 131, an illumination device 132, and / or a tactile device 133 and / or any other output device known to those skilled in the art. The apparatus is further connected to a power source. The apparatus can be powered by alternating current (AC) or a battery.

[0086] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in the drawings and the foregoing detailed description, such illustration and description should be considered as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments for the practice of the claimed invention can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art by considering the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0087] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. It cannot be stated that a combination of these features cannot be used advantageously merely because different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims. Reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) configured to receive a book (2; 3), the book comprising a book identifier (21; 31) and pages (22; 32); the apparatus comprising: - a user input detection device (11, 111, 112, 113); - a book identifier detection device (12) configured to detect the book identifier of the book; - an output device (13); - a controller (14) connected to the user input detection device, the book identifier detection device, and the output device; - a first fastening means (15) configured to removably fasten the apparatus to the book; The controller is configured to determine the user input based on a signal from the user input detection device; The controller is configured to determine which book is fastened to the apparatus based on a signal from the book identifier detection device. An apparatus.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the book (2) comprises a plurality of pages (22), and each page of the book to be identified comprises a page identifier (23); the apparatus further comprising: - a page identifier detection device (16) configured to detect the page identifier of the book; The controller is connected to the page identifier detection device and is configured to determine on which page of the book the book is opened based on a signal from the page identifier detection device. An apparatus.

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

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

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

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

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

8. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first fastening means comprises a magnetic or iron-based material and is configured to fasten the book to the apparatus using magnetic force.

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

10. A book (2; 3) configured to be fastened to the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the book comprising: - a book identifier (21; 31); - pages (22; 32); - a second fastening means (25; 35) configured to removably fasten the book to the first fastening means of the apparatus.

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

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

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

14. In the book (2; 3) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the book identifier comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

15. In the book (2; 3) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, the second fastening means comprises a magnetic or iron-based material and is configured to fasten the book to the device using magnetic force, preferably the second fastening means consists of a metal ring binding system.

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

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