Amphibious Mobile Classroom System

Abstract

The present invention provides an amphibious mobile system adapted to provide a comprehensive digital learning facility in a remote location. The system further comprises a touch screen display on the amphibious vehicle. The system further comprises a processor in communication with the display and configured to receive user input on the display. Data collected via the user input is compared to metrics of emotional expression of interest collected by the camera. The system further comprises a position sensor on the amphibious vehicle configured to determine a geographic location of the vehicle and configured to communicate the location to the processor. The processor is configured to communicate with the database prior to determining the type of information associated with a particular location of the amphibious vehicle. The network communication module is configured to enable the processor to wirelessly communicate with a network device located remotely from the amphibious vehicle.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] [background] In recent years, temporary school buildings have been adopted in developing countries due to a lack of funds to build permanent structures, but the shortage of classrooms and learning facilities remains prominent in remote communities.

[0002] [overview] The present invention comprises a mobile classroom system comprising an amphibious vehicle, one or more touchscreen displays (preferably a plurality of touchscreen displays, more preferably at least four touchscreen displays), a digital whiteboard, a camera on each touchscreen display configured to assess an individual user's emotional response to user-defined events in a presentation or video, a processor configured to communicate with each touchscreen display, and a position sensor on the amphibious vehicle configured to determine a geographic location of the vehicle and to communicate the location to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with a database to determine information and content associated with the determined location of the amphibious vehicle and to display the information using the touchscreen displays.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an amphibious mobile classroom system adapted to rapidly provide comprehensive digital learning facilities and learning opportunities to relatively large numbers of people in rural and remote areas where schools or learning facilities are not available.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above is achieved by providing a mobile classroom system comprising an amphibious vehicle having a container wagon adapted to operate functionally as part of a school and to be suitably moved by the amphibious vehicle's own transport means on land and water.

[0005] The present invention provides a mobile classroom platform for rural communities, particularly those separated by bodies of water or lacking road infrastructure. The system comprises an amphibious vehicle, a touchscreen display, and a digital whiteboard configured to communicate with a monitoring screen.

[0006] After a period of time, when the temporary school is no longer needed, all temporary school learning screens and supporting waterproof sound systems can be easily self-stored before relocating to a new area.

[0007] Each touchscreen display is configured with a camera to determine and measure user satisfaction with content displayed on the display screen, and a processor is configured to communicate with the database to determine information relevant to the audience at the determined location of the amphibious vehicle and display the most relevant content on the touchscreen display.

[0008] The present invention aims to advance the prior art to provide a measure of user satisfaction based on customized information displayed on a mobile classroom system, preferably having dedicated instruction equipment consisting of a touchscreen display and a whiteboard supporting audio and visual content.

[0009] Thus, the present invention provides a mobile interactive classroom that facilitates remote teaching and learning, the mobile interactive classroom including a touch screen display operable to display visual and audio lessons and thereafter generate data associated with at least one selected metric for at least one selected individual of interest in the audience.

[0010] Preferably, the lesson content on the touchscreen display is viewable from outside the vehicle (without having to open one side of the vehicle) and is equipped with a camera to receive at least one metric of emotional expression of interest from the audience.

[0011] The present invention provides a classroom-like facility mounted on an amphibious vehicle, so that lesson content can be provided directly to community groups within any geographic area.

[0012] The present invention supports the delivery of audio and visual information, making education accessible and more interactive for low literacy groups. Preferably, the display comprises a fully responsive touchscreen in communication with the processor. The touchscreen is preferably configured to detect user input and communicate the user input to the processor.

[0013] The interactive mobile classroom system encourages audience members to engage in experiential learning, for example, by clicking through a list of possible answers to a case scenario before the correct explanation is revealed. Such interactive features allow data to be collected to measure the effectiveness of the information delivered. Data collected via user input is compared to metrics of emotional expression of interest collected by the camera.

[0014] Each touchscreen display preferably comprises a fully interactive touch-sensitive screen, the touchscreen display configured to detect user input and communicate the user input to the processor.

[0015] The processor is preferably configured to receive from the user a selection of at least one individual of interest in the audience and a selection of at least one metric of emotional expression of interest.

[0016] The processor is preferably configured to identify frames for extracting emotional expression data and to extract the emotional expression data using the identified frames. Using the identified frames to extract the emotional expression data preferably includes extracting, from the database, emotional expression data associated with at least one selected emotion metric for at least one selected user and / or individual of interest.

[0017] The digital whiteboard portion of the mobile classroom display system is equipped to display location-specific information supported by a camera and capture long-range mass gesture recognition via either head or hand gestures, allowing passerby viewers or audience members to interact with the information displayed on the digital whiteboard. Head or hand gestures may be captured while the amphibious vehicle is stationary or in motion, and preferably the captured head or hand gestures are calculated and encoded to indicate an overall evaluation of specific information displayed on the digital whiteboard.

[0018] Preferably, the amphibious vehicle is optimized to display location-specific information as it drives to its destination. The location-specific information displayed on the digital whiteboard requires a positive or negative gesture input response from the viewer.

[0019] Preferably, the captured gestures and calculated responses form an overall positive or negative rating of understanding and / or audience reaction, and each overall rating is then coded to benchmark the effectiveness of different types of information displayed on the digital whiteboard over a period of time.

[0020] Preferably, the mobile classroom system further comprises a power source connected to the processor, the display means, and / or the position sensor. The power source may consist of solar panels mounted on the roof of the mobile classroom system to power the processor, the display screen, and / or the position sensor. This enables the mobile interactive classroom to operate without the aid of conventional batteries powered by mains electricity.

[0021] Therefore, the system can advantageously run longer in remote locations without having to shut down and recharge the battery.

[0022] Preferably, the power supply further comprises a battery electrically connected to the solar panel for providing power when the solar panel is not providing power (e.g., in dark conditions), thereby enabling the amphibious vehicle to operate even when the solar panel is unable to provide sufficient power to the system.

[0023] Preferably, the trailer frame of the amphibious vehicle includes a wheel assembly, and the trailer frame is removably coupleable to a powered vehicle, a non-powered vehicle, or a boat for transportation.

[0024] Preferably, the system includes a small motor that allows for short distance travel (eg, from land to water).

[0025] Preferably, the system further comprises a network communication module in communication with the processor on the vehicle, the network communication module being configured to enable the processor to wirelessly communicate with a network device located remotely from the vehicle, in other words, the vehicle has a connection to the Internet and a location positioning device.

[0026] The network communication module Satellite communication channels, packet-switched cellular telecommunications networks The communication device may be configured to communicate wirelessly using one or more of the following:

[0027] Preferably, the processor is configured to store user inputs from the touch screen and to communicate the user inputs to the network device. In other words, the system collects data from users of the system and then uploads it to an analytics server.

[0028] Preferably, the processor is configured to communicate the location of the amphibious mobile classroom system and to detect points of contact with water. Preferably, the predetermined data includes at least one of data indicative of when the mobile classroom system is immersed in water or when it is traveling through water.

[0029] In one embodiment, the database queried by the processor to determine the content associated with a particular location is a remote database queried via a network communications module, allowing information to be updated centrally so that when multiple systems are in operation, only a central database needs to be updated.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the system further comprises a database that is queried by the processor to determine content associated with a particular location. In this embodiment, the content and location information are stored locally. This allows the system to display content even when an internet connection is unavailable.

[0031] Additionally, the location information may be used to determine in what language the information should be presented.

[0032] The system preferably further comprises a waterproof speaker, the processor being configured to communicate with the waterproof speaker. Thus, preferably, information can also be provided to members of the community who are blind, partially sighted, or suffer from a condition that affects their vision. Preferably, the waterproof speaker system can be easily self-stored when the mobile classroom system is in transit.

[0033] The display screen is mounted on a trailer that may be towed by a motorized vehicle, a non-motorized vehicle, or a boat.

[0034] The present invention also provides a system as described with reference to any of the figures.

[0035] The following numbered paragraphs provide further illustrative examples only.

[0036] 1. A mobile classroom system, comprising: Amphibious vehicles and one or more touchscreen displays; Digital whiteboard and a camera on each touch screen display, a camera configured to assess an emotional response of an individual user to a user-defined event in a presentation or video; a processor configured to communicate with each touchscreen display; a position sensor on the amphibious vehicle configured to determine the geographic position of the vehicle and configured to communicate the position to a processor; Equipped with The processor: communicating with the database to determine information and content related to the determined location of the amphibious vehicle; and configured to display information using a touchscreen display; Mobile classroom system.

[0037] 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each touchscreen display comprises a fully interactive touch-sensitive screen, and the touchscreen display is configured to detect user input and communicate the user input to the processor.

[0038] 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor is configured to receive from the user a selection of at least one individual of interest in the audience and a selection of at least one metric of emotional expression of interest.

[0039] 4. The processor is configured to identify frames for extracting emotional expression data, and to extract the emotional expression data using the identified frames, and extracting the emotional expression data using the identified frames comprises: extracting, from the database, emotional expression data associated with at least one selected emotional metric for at least one selected user and / or individual of interest; 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

[0040] 5. The digital whiteboard portion of the mobile classroom display system is equipped to display location-specific information supported by a camera to capture long-range mass gesture recognition via either head gestures or hand gestures, preferably head gestures and hand gestures. 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, including gestures captured and responses calculated to assess an audience's overall positive or negative understanding and / or reaction.

[0041] 6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power supply assembly comprising a solar panel coupled to a roof of the amphibious vehicle.

[0042] 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the power source further comprises a battery electrically connected to the solar panel to power the processor, display, and / or position sensor when solar power is not providing power.

[0043] 8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer frame of the amphibious vehicle includes a wheel assembly, and wherein the trailer frame is removably coupleable to a powered vehicle, a non-powered vehicle, or a boat for transportation.

[0044] 9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a small, self-propelled motor allows short distance travel from land to water.

[0045] 10. The system further comprises a network communication module in communication with the processor, the network communication module comprising: Satellite and packet-switched cellular telecommunications networks 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, configured for wireless communication using one or more of:

[0046] 11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is configured to communicate the location of the amphibious mobile classroom system and to detect points of contact with water.

[0047] 12. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a database that is queried by the processor to determine information associated with a particular location.

[0048] 13. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a waterproof speaker, the processor configured to communicate with the waterproof speaker.

[0049] 14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each touchscreen display is configured to obtain a detection result of the effectiveness of the presentation or educational content in response to an emotional response of an individual user.

[0050] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 shows a simplified diagram of a first embodiment of a mobile classroom system having a minimum of four touchscreen displays on the side of an amphibious vehicle. [Figure 2] 1 shows a simplified diagram of a second embodiment of a mobile classroom system with one monitor touchscreen display and one large digital whiteboard on the side of an amphibious vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of how touchscreen displays and digital whiteboards are mounted on a trailer with an integrated camera on top of each screen. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of how touchscreen displays are mounted on a trailer with an integrated camera, USB input port, and microphone on top of each screen, and several additional storage compartments below. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic view of the back of a particular embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic front view of a particular embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic view of the top of a particular embodiment.

[0052] Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments Figure 1 shows a simplified diagram of a first embodiment of a mobile classroom with a minimum of four touchscreen displays on the sides of an amphibious vehicle. In this embodiment, the touchscreen displays are mounted on the body of the amphibious vehicle with wireless transceivers and positioning devices for connecting to the Internet.

[0053] The system is therefore suitable for use as a mobile classroom display. The computer processor can determine display content based on the vehicle's current location. The system is therefore operable to generate educational content relevant to a particular community. This content is presented on an interactive display on the vehicle's body.

[0054] Additionally, all touchscreen displays will be equipped with a storage compartment below each display screen for collecting plant samples. After information has been delivered (e.g., in the form of an announcement or interactive lesson), the audience will preferably be prompted to provide further information to the system. For example, each participant may deposit a plant sample in the storage compartment below the screen to record the plant used to treat a particular disease.

[0055] These herbal samples may be placed in a database for further research purposes and to help medical researchers manage and distribute herbal sample resources more effectively. Preferably, microdot or paint spray technology is used within each compartment to reproduce the identification of the plant sample.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a projection means of a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the monitoring screen is connected to one or more remote databases, each connected to a computer that determines the relevant information to display on the touch screen of the amphibious vehicle. A location module is also provided for determining the location of the vehicle. This may be a GPS device. There may be one location module per computer, or the computers may share a location module.

[0057] The interactive system may further be used to provide internet access for other educational uses. Additionally, the system may simply be used to provide access to internet search engines and web browsers. This may be useful in areas where such facilities are not typically available or are not available to all people.

[0058] The digital whiteboard can be used as a teaching screen, allowing online course content to be wirelessly broadcast to the digital whiteboard, and students to interact with the digital whiteboard using video camera capabilities to provide answers and questions. The system's processor is preferably provided by a computer with wireless Internet access. Internet connectivity can be provided, for example, by a cellular network (e.g., via a 3G data connection) or a satellite link.

[0059] The system is preferably powered by solar panels on the rooftop and may optionally have a backup solar panel battery for when the solar panels are unable to provide sufficient power for the equipment. The system is therefore more environmentally friendly than systems that require mains power. One additional advantage offered by solar panels is that the system can be operated in areas where mains power is not available.

[0060] Alternatively, the system may run from a conventional battery that requires recharging from a mains outlet or a battery that is charged from the vehicle's engine.

[0061] 7 illustrates the preferred scratch resistance feature of the system, which protects the touchscreen from harsh weather conditions and water contact. The body of the amphibious vehicle is preferably made of metal, and the display screen is preferably covered with acrylic to protect the screen and other elements of the system from harsh weather conditions and water contact (e.g., when the vehicle is in traffic).

[0062] Additionally, when the amphibious vehicle is in traffic and there is no location-specific content to display, all sides of the amphibious vehicle are covered with protective storage covers. These scratch-resistant features also preferably allow for use of the screen in harsh weather conditions and road damage. Alternatively, the amphibious vehicle may open the protective covers to set up a temporary classroom.

[0063] In certain embodiments, a cooling system may also be provided. This system may ensure that electronic and power components in and on the vehicle do not overheat. The system may also be used to control humidity levels inside the vehicle. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be usefully combined.

[0064] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

Claims

1. 1. A mobile classroom system, comprising: Amphibious vehicles and one or more touchscreen displays; Digital whiteboard and a camera on each touchscreen display configured to assess an emotional response of an individual user to a user-defined event in educational content, the touchscreen display configured to obtain a detection of effectiveness of the educational content in response to the emotional response of the individual user; a processor configured to communicate with the touchscreen display; a position sensor on the amphibious vehicle configured to determine a geographic position of the amphibious vehicle and configured to communicate the position to the processor; Equipped with the processor: communicating with a database to determine information and content associated with the determined location of the amphibious vehicle; and configured to display the information using the touchscreen display; Mobile classroom system.

2. 10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, wherein each touchscreen display comprises a fully interactive touch-sensitive screen, the touchscreen display configured to detect user input and communicate the user input to the processor.

3. 10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to receive from a user a selection of at least one individual of interest in an audience and a selection of at least one metric of emotional expression of interest.

4. The processor is configured to identify frames for extracting emotional expression data, and to extract the emotional expression data using the identified frames, and extracting the emotional expression data using the identified frames comprises:

10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, further comprising extracting from said database emotional expression data associated with at least one selected emotional metric for at least one selected user and / or individual of interest.

5. a digital whiteboard portion of the mobile classroom display system is equipped to display location-specific information supported by a camera to capture long-range mass gesture recognition via either head gestures or hand gestures; 10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, wherein the head and hand gestures include gestures and calculated responses captured to assess an audience's overall positive or negative understanding and / or reaction.

6. 6. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, further comprising a power supply assembly comprising a solar panel coupled to the roof of the amphibious vehicle.

7. 7. The mobile classroom system of claim 6, wherein the power source further comprises a battery electrically connected to the solar panel for powering the processor, the display, and / or the position sensor when solar power is not providing power.

8. 10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, wherein the amphibious vehicle trailer frame includes a wheel assembly, and the trailer frame is removably coupled to a powered vehicle, a non-powered vehicle, or a boat for transportation.

9. 10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, wherein a small self-propelled motor allows short distance travel from land to water.

10. further comprising a network communication module in communication with the processor; The network communication module 10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, configured to communicate wirelessly using one or more of a satellite channel and a packet-switched cellular telecommunications network.

11. 10. The mobile classroom system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to communicate the location of the amphibious mobile classroom system and to detect points of contact with water.

12. The mobile classroom system of claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a database that is queried by the processor to determine information associated with a particular location.

13. The mobile classroom system of claim 1 , further comprising a waterproof speaker, the processor configured to communicate with the waterproof speaker.

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