Audio-player for children

Abstract

The invention relates to an audio player system (1) that comprises a first and a second body (10, 20) that are repeatedly connectable and detachable to and from each other. The first body (10) comprises all essential audio player components, wherein the second body (20) comprises one or more loudspeakers (22) as well as a battery (25) and a charging interface for supplying the first body (10) with power. The first body (10) alone is configured to provide an audio signal to a headphone jack assembly (13). The first body (10) further comprises a media interface (17), in which a token (30) with audio data may be inserted for playback.

Description

[0001] Audio-Player for Children

[0002] Specification

[0003] The invention relates to an audio player for children according to claim 1.

[0004] In the art, audio players for children are known. Audio players for children are characterized in that operability is facile and intuitive, e.g. by offering only a very limited amount of control, interfaces are sparse with comparably big icons.

[0005] Further physical handling needs to be easy, e.g. for example by means of robust and simple mechanisms.

[0006] It is an object of the current invention to provide an audio player for children that combines these requisites in an elegant and modular fashion.

[0007] This object is achieved by an audio player according to claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to claim 1 an audio player system, particularly an audio player system for children, comprises at least the following components:

[0010] - A first and a second body, wherein the first and the second body comprise complementary connection interfaces configured to repeatedly attach and electrically connect the first body to the second body, such as to form a single rigid body, and to repeatedly detach and electrically disconnect the first from the second body, such as to form two separate bodies, wherein the first body comprises o a headphone jack assembly comprising one or more headphone jacks, o electronic components comprising one or more processors, o a media interface formed as a slot in the first body configured to receive and connect a storage medium, o a first battery configured to power the electronic components,

[0011] - wherein the electronic components are configured to receive and read audio data via the media interface from a storage medium inserted in the slot, and to output an audio signal to the headphone jack assembly for playing back the information comprised by the audio data,

[0012] - wherein the second body comprises a second battery and one or more loudspeakers,

[0013] - wherein, when the first body is attached and connected to the second body via the connection interfaces, o the electronic components are configured to provide the audio signal to the second body via the connection interfaces for playing back the information comprised by the audio data with the one or more loudspeakers, o the first battery is chargeable via the second body and the connection interfaces.

[0014] The invention allows for a two respectively three-part audio player system, wherein the first body is repeatedly attachable and detachable from the second body and wherein a storage medium is interchangeable via the media interface of the first body.

[0015] Particularly, the term “audio player system” in the context of the current specification relates to a system that is configured to playback audio signals, particularly wherein the system is configured to only play back audio signals.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system is devoid of a video playback capacity, such as a display or a screen.

[0017] In the separated form, i.e. when the first body is detached from the second body, the audio player system allows for playing back audio data stored on an inserted storage medium on the headphone jack assembly of the first body, and particularly not via the one or more loudspeakers of the second body or any other external loudspeaker. For this, the first body comprises the first battery to provide sufficient energy to operate the electronic components and to output the audio signal on the headphone jack assembly.

[0018] A storage medium may be inserted in the slot of the media interface, where it is electronically contacted with the first body, such that the electronic components may read the data stored on the storage medium. When the storage medium is not in the slot, the electronic components may not read the data stored on the storage medium. In the assembled state, i.e. when the first body is attached and connected with the second body via the connection interfaces in addition or alternatively to the headphone jack assembly, the audio signal is provided for playback on the one or more loudspeakers to the second body.

[0019] In the assembled state, the audio player system therefore allows and provides two functions: Loading the first battery of the first body via the second body and playing back audio signals on the one or more loudspeakers.

[0020] Further, in the assembled state, the first and the second body form a single rigid body.

[0021] Particularly, the single rigid body has a cylindrical shape. The single rigid body minimizes risk of injury or harm due to any sharp corners, as a cylinder shape is devoid of corners.

[0022] In the disassembled state, the audio player system allows for playback on one or more headphones connected to the headphone jack assembly, while featuring a small built space, which allows for carrying around.

[0023] Further, with regard to child-friendly operability, the selection of the mode of playback (via loudspeaker or on the headphones) is simply done by disconnecting the first body from the second body, which may be intuitively understood by children. Furthermore, in case headphones are connected to the first body, playback may always be provided solely via the headphone jack assembly to the headphones and not to the one or more loudspeakers in the second body.

[0024] The storage medium is configured to store digital data, e.g. in form of audio files.

[0025] The term “data” in the context of the current specification refers to digital data and / or a digital signal.

[0026] The term “signal” in turn particularly refers to an analog signal.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the storage medium comprises a housing that is shaped such that it fits into the slot of the media interface with a portion of a housing. That is, the slot and the storage medium are form-fittingly shaped for a portion of the storage medium that is to be inserted into the slot.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing is shaped such that the storage medium is insertable into the slot in at least two orientations.

[0029] Particularly, a first orientation and a second orientation of the two orientations are adopted by a 180° rotation of the housing around a vertical axis of the housing. This allows a child-suitable insertion of the storage medium into the slot.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, the slot has a length of several centimeters and a width that is greater than one centimeter. A depth of the slot may be greater than one centimeter, such that inserting a storage medium is facile even if motor skills of the child are still developing.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing of the storage medium has a width and a depth of more than 3 cm. This prevents accidental swallowing of the storage medium by a child and facile handling due to its volume that in particular differs from conventional storage media such as USB sticks.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the complementary connection interfaces comprise electric contact elements, such electrically conductor pins and contact portions, such as conductor tracks, for the pins, that are brought into contact when the complementary interfaces are connected to each other.

[0033] Thus, electrical contacting and physical connection is facilitated by the complementary connection interfaces.

[0034] The electrical components may be configured to execute a computer program allowing reading and processing of the audio data.

[0035] The audio data may be stored in form of an audio file on the storage medium.

[0036] As the storage medium is interchangeable via the media interface, the system allows for separation of the audio data, the audio player capability that is comprised in the first body, and the loudspeaker capability that is comprised by the second body.

[0037] Particularly, the first body is not configured to store the audio files of the storage medium, at least not completely. It may be conceivable that the first body comprises a buffer memory to reduce a number of read processes from the storage medium.

[0038] Further, the first body may comprise a memory on which are stored audio snippets that may be played back for indicating a status of the battery, a detected storage medium being inserted in or removed from the slot, and the like. Such audio snippets are not considered audio data or an audio file in the context of the current specification.

[0039] The term “audio data” particularly refers to data whose playback length exceeds 30 seconds, which on conventional bit rates 320kbit / s to 1 ,500 kbit / s for audio playback may sum up to a file size of greater than about 10,000 kbit to 50,000 kbit. Therefore, the audio player system is configured to play back audio data from an audio file only when a storage medium is inserted into the slot. The first body itself does not store or comprise complete audio files. According to another embodiment of the invention, the first body is devoid of a loudspeaker. This embodiment allows to only listen to the content stored in the audio data via audio devices plugged into the headphone jack assembly.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second body is devoid of a headphone jack configured to output an audio signal.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, only in case a storage medium is inserted into the slot, i.e. a storage medium is connected to the media interface, the audio player system may play back an audio signal other than indicative audio snippets.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, a decoding of the audio data received via the media interface is facilitated by the electronic components comprised by the first body, wherein the generated audio signal is an analog signal.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention, the audio data stored on one storage medium comprises information on a single audio content only, such as a single audiobook, a single audio play, or a single song album.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the invention, each storage medium has stored thereon one or more audio file, particularly only one audio file. Particularly, the one or more audio files comprise information on the single audio content.

[0045] Particularly, the first battery is chargeable via the second body and the connection interfaces, if the second body is connected to an external power source, for example via a charging interface of the second body.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the invention, when the first body is attached to the second body, the audio player system provides power from the first and the second battery.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the invention, the media interface and the connection interface of the first body are located at different portions of the first body, wherein the media interface remains accessible for a storage medium, when the first body is attached to the second body via the connection interfaces and vice versa.

[0048] The media interface and the connection are located at different portions of the first body and are not merged into a single interface. According to another embodiment of the invention, the complementary interfaces are formed as a turn connection assembly, wherein the turn connection assembly is configured to form and to release a connection between the first and the second body with less than one turn of the turn connection assembly, particularly with less than a half turn, more particularly with a quarter turn or less than a quarter turn of the turn connection assembly.

[0049] This embodiment allows a secure attachment of the first and second body to each other, which is nonetheless easy to handle even with reduced motor skills. Further, a turn-based connection allows for a robust and repeatable connection, as compared to other connections.

[0050] It is noted that this connection may not be released by shock or shaking forces, which may be encountered when the audio player system is operated and played with by a child.

[0051] Furthermore, the turn connection assembly allows the first and second body and thus the audio player system to be carried around without falling apart. It renders the audio player system modular but portable.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, the turn connection assembly is configured to form and release the connection between the first and the second body with a quarter turn or less than a quarter turn, wherein the turn connection assembly is configured such that there are four or more relative rotational positions of the first and the second body at which the turn connection assembly engages and disengages, such that the first and the second body may be attached to each other in four or more relative rotational positions to each other.

[0053] Particularly, the relative rotational position refers to a relative angular orientation with respect to an axis of extension along which the first and the second body are connected to each other.

[0054] This embodiment provides a high degree of freedom due to a plurality of positions at which the turn connection assembly may engage such as to form the single body from the first and the second body, which in turn allows for children-friendly handling.

[0055] The turn connection assembly may be formed around an edge of the first and the second body or around a central portion of front surfaces of the first and the second body.

[0056] The turn connection assembly comprises a bayonet connector assembly.

[0057] The turn connection assembly may comprise a screw- and thread assembly. The turn connection assembly may comprise a half- or quarter-turn fastener assembly.

[0058] For example, the turn connection assembly may be formed around a cylindrical housing portion of the first body and correspondingly formed around a cylindrical edge portion of the second body.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and the second body are in essence cylindrical, wherein the first and the second body have a circular crosssection orthogonal to an axis of extension, particularly wherein the connection interfaces are arranged at one end of the respective cylinder.

[0060] This allows for facile handling for children, when connecting and disconnecting the first and the second body.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention, the media interface comprises a magnetic assembly that is configured to exert a magnetic force configured to fix and hold a storage medium in the slot, particularly wherein the storage medium comprises a housing susceptible to the magnetic force.

[0062] This embodiment allows for children-friendly handling of the audio system and allows facile placement and replacement.

[0063] Particularly, the first body comprises a magnet, and the storage medium comprises a magnetic counterpart that is configured to be attracted by the magnet. The counterpart may be a magnet or a magnetic metal.

[0064] According to another embodiment of the invention, the audio player system is devoid of wireless data interfaces configured to transmit the audio data.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the audio player system is devoid of data interfaces configured to wirelessly transmit data. Particularly, the audio player system is devoid of components that allow transmission of data to a data network, such as the internet or a mobile data network.

[0066] These embodiments allow for a system that is not configured to be connected to Bluetooth devices or the internet via wireless technology. In this regard the audio player system is not a smart device, rendering it less susceptible to security threats or data mining by third-party providers.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second body is configured to only execute the following functions of: charging the first battery - if the first body is connected to the second body, and particularly only if the second body is connected to a power source other than the second battery. playing a received audio signal on the one or more loudspeakers charging the second battery.

[0068] Charging of the second battery may be facilitated by means of a charging interface comprised by the second body.

[0069] Charging of the first body may be facilitated via electric connections of the connection interfaces and by means of power provided by an external power source connected to the charging interfaces of the second body.

[0070] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first body comprises a first charging interface configured to charge the first battery, particularly to charge only the first battery, more particularly wherein the first charging interface comprises a charging jack for receiving a charging plug.

[0071] This embodiment allows charging the first battery separately from the second battery and provides an alternative charging option for the first battery.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second body comprises a second charging interface configured to charge the second battery, and - if connected - the first battery, wherein the second charging interface is selected from the group consisting of a wireless charging module configured to receive power via a wireless charging station, a charging jack for receiving a charging plug.

[0073] The wireless charging module may necessitate a wireless communication circuit to operate the charging.

[0074] Wireless charging allows for a children-friendly handling of the device. It is noted that the wireless communication established by the wireless charging module is not suited for exchanging audio data or connecting to a data network, but solely to control the charging process, e.g. signaling to a wireless charging station that charging may begin or stop, and what charging currents are requested.

[0075] According to another embodiment of the invention, when the second body is not connected to an external power source and the first body is connected to the second body, the audio player system is configured to charge the first body with the power stored in the second battery.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the invention, when the second body is connected to an external power source and the first body is connected to the second body, the audio player system is configured to charge the first body with the power provided from the external power source.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic components are configured to receive and read lighting data via the media slot from an inserted storage medium, and to output a lighting signal to a lighting assembly of the system for lighting the lighting assembly according to the information comprised in the lighting data, particularly wherein the lighting assembly is comprised by the first body and / or the second body.

[0078] This embodiment allows for ambient lighting control by the storage media, and thus allows to adapt and synchronize the lighting to the content of the audio data.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic components are configured to receive and read video data via the media slot from an inserted storage medium and to output a video signal to a video display of the system for playing back the information comprised in the video data, particularly wherein the video display is comprised by the first or the second body or a separate display device.

[0080] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first body comprises a user interface comprising not more than six, particularly not more than four buttons, wherein the user interface is configured to control the playback of the audio data received from an inserted storage medium.

[0081] Particularly, the buttons are physical buttons, i.e. the user interface is not a display or a touch screen.

[0082] The buttons, particularly all buttons, may have distinct shapes and orientations for easier recognition and distinction.

[0083] This embodiment contributes to a children-friendly handling of the audio player system.

[0084] According to another embodiment of the invention, user interface comprises, particularly only comprises the buttons selected from the group consisting of:

[0085] A skip forward button

[0086] A skip backward button - An output volume up button

[0087] - An output volume down button

[0088] Particularly, the audio player system is devoid of a „play“-button or a “stop”-button. Playback may be started automatically, when the storage medium is inserted in the slot.

[0089] Playback may be stopped when the storage medium is removed from the slot.

[0090] According to another embodiment of the invention, the audio player is configured to play back an audio, lighting and / or video signal, when, particularly only if, the storage medium is inserted in the slot, wherein when, particularly only if, the storage medium is removed from the slot, the audio player stops the playback, particularly immediately.

[0091] This embodiment allows for a facile, children-friendly handling of the audio player system.

[0092] According to another embodiment of the invention, when the audio player plays back an audio, lighting and / or video signal and the storage media is removed from the slot, the audio player stops the playback, particularly immediately.

[0093] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system comprises one or more storage mediums, wherein each storage medium is configured to be inserted into the slot, only one at a time, wherein each storage medium comprises audio, lighting and / or video data.

[0094] Particularly, exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the Figures. The Figures are appended to the claims and are accompanied by text explaining individual features of the shown embodiments and aspects of the present invention. Each individual feature shown in the Figures and / or mentioned in said text of the Figures may be incorporated (also in an isolated fashion) into a claim relating to the device according to the present invention.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the audio player system according to the invention;

[0096] Fig. 2 shows an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of the audio player system according to the invention;

[0097] Fig. 3 shows two views of an exemplary embodiment of the first body of the audio player system; Fig. 4 shows two views of an exemplary embodiment of the second body of the audio player system;

[0098] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the audio player system;

[0099] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the audio player system;

[0100] With regard to the figures the same reference numerals are used for the same features of the audio player system 1.

[0101] Figs. 1 to 6 show various views of an exemplary embodiment of the audio player system 1. The description of the exemplary embodiment of the audio player system 1 is therefore made with respect to all figures. Where illustrative, the figures show a Cartesian coordinate system, x, y, z, for reference indicated as arrows labeled with the respective axis label. The exemplary embodiment of the audio player system 1 as depicted in Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6 shows a first body 10, a second body 20, and a digital storage medium 30, also referred to as token 30 in the context of the current specification. Figs. 3 and 4 depict various views of parts of the audio player system 1, namely the first body 10 (Fig. 3) and the second body 20 (Fig. 4).

[0102] Figs. 5 and 6 show respective cross-sections along the planes as indicated with “A- A” and “B-B” respectively.

[0103] It is explicitly noted that the token 30 may not be part of the audio player system 1, but an external component that may be interchanged and separately provided to the audio player system 1.

[0104] The audio player system

[0105] According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the audio player system 1 comprises a first body 10 and a second body 20 that are formed such that they can be repeatedly physically connected and disconnected, i.e. attached to each other and detached from each other. A situation, in which the first body 10 is not connected to the second body 20 is referred to as the disassembled state of the audio player system 1 in the context of the current specification. A situation, in which the first body 10 is connected to the second body 20 is referred to as the assembled state of the audio player system 1. In the assembled state, the first 10 and second body 20 are attached to each other and form a single piece. When the first body and the second body are attached via the complementary interfaces 11, 21 they form a single rigid body.

[0106] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the first and the second body 10, 20 each are essentially shaped cylindrical. The cylinder axis of the first and the second body 10, 20 as shown in the figures extends along a vertical axis, here the z-axis. In the assembled state, the cylinders of the first and the second body 10, 20 form a single cylindrically shaped rigid object extending along said vertical axis.

[0107] On a bottom side 10b of the first body 10 that corresponds to a front face of the cylinder formed by the first body 10, the first body 10 comprises a connection interface 11. Similarly, on a top side 20t of the second body 20 that corresponds to a front face of the cylinder formed by the second body 20, the second body 20 comprises a complementary connection interface 21 as well.

[0108] The two connection interfaces 11, 21 are configured to physically connect the first and the second body 10, 20 with each other and to release the first or the second body 10, 20 from each other.

[0109] The connection interfaces 11, 21 are further configured to provide an electric and electronic connection between the first and the second body 10, 20.

[0110] For attaching and detaching the first body 10 and the second body 20 to and from each other, the connection interfaces 11, 21 are formed as a turn connection assembly 11a, 21a.

[0111] For this purpose, the first and the second body 10, 20 each comprise a concentric portion on the front faces 10b, 20t with a screw-like feature 11a protruding as a guide from a protruding front face portion and a corresponding thread-like feature 21a providing a recess for the guide forming the turn connection assembly 11a, 21a. The turn connection assembly 11a, 21a is configured such that a connection is formed with less than one turn around the vertical axis z of the first and the second body 10, 20 with respect to each other. In the exemplary embodiment only a quarter turn is required to engage and disengage the turn connection assembly.

[0112] The connection interface 11 of the first body 10 further comprises circular and concentric conductor tracks 11b that are spaced apart in predefined distances centered around the vertical axis. Correspondingly, the connection interface 21 of the second body 20 comprises conductor pins 21b that protrude from the top side 20t of the second body 20. The conductor pins 21b extend radially from the vertical axis and are spaced apart with the same predefined distances as the conductor tracks 11b. Further, the conductor pins 21b are radially located correspondingly to the circular conductor tracks 11b. Therefore, when the first body 10 is attached to the second body 20 by a rotational motion, the conductor pins 21b are always in electrical contact with the conductor tracks 11b independently of the rotational position of the first body 10 with respect to the second body 20. This allows for secure electrical contacting of the first body 10 with the second body 20 and a facile handling, as a plurality of relative end (and thus start) positions are provided for engaging the connection interfaces.

[0113] The conductor pins 21b may be electronically switchable, such that power is provided from the second body 20 to the first body 10 only if the first body is attached to the second body 20. This may be sensed electronically via the conductor pins 21b.

[0114] Obviously, the conductor pins may be located on the first body and the conductor tracks may be arranged on the second body in the same fashion as laid in the preceding paragraphs.

[0115] Particularly, there are six conductor pins 21b. It may be that one conductor pin 21b is located exactly in the center of the front face 20t of the second body 20 and thus the corresponding conductor track 11b may be formed as a point contact.

[0116] The conductor pins 21b may be spring-loaded such that they can be pushed down while exerting a force that secures electrical contacting between the first and the second body 10, 20.

[0117] The audio player system 1 is designed to avoid any wireless technology, such as for connecting to the internet or to a mobile data network. Further, the only way for transmitting the audio signals from the first body 10 to the second body 20 is via the connection interfaces 11, 21.

[0118] The first body

[0119] The first body 10 may act as a standalone audio player, when the second body 20 is not connected to the first body 10. For this purpose, the first body 10 comprises a media interface 17 with a slot that is arranged on the top side 10t of the first body 10 forming a front face of the first body 10.

[0120] The slot is formed as a recess. In essence, the recess has a rectangular crosssection orthogonal to the vertical axis. The rectangular recess may have dimensions in the range of several centimeters, e.g. 4 cm along a first axis and about one centimeter along a second other axis of the rectangle. On a bottom surface of the recess 17, centered in the recess, there is a connector pin assembly 17-1 that is symmetric such that the token 30 may be inserted 180° rotated around the vertical axis while electrical and electronic contacting of the token is nonetheless facilitated. The recess is designed in a form-fitting fashion to the casing 31 of the token 30.

[0121] Correspondingly, the token 30 may comprise corresponding sockets for the pins 17-1. By way of connecting the token to the connector pins 17-1, information stored on the token 30 may be read out by electronic components 16 comprised by the first body 10.

[0122] This information may be stored in form of a digital file that might be encrypted or digitally signed, and that can be read out by the electronic components 16 of the first body 10. The stored information may comprise information on an audio signal to be generated by the electronic components 16 that is to be played back to a user of the audio player system 1.

[0123] The first body 10 may further comprise a magnetic assembly 17-2 that is configured to exert a magnetic force configured to fix and hold the token 30 in the slot, when the token 30 is connected to the media interface 17.

[0124] The first body 10 further comprises a headphone jack assembly 13 comprising one or more headphone jacks for receiving one or more headphone plugs.

[0125] The electronic components 16 may comprise one or more microchips, processors, memory or buffer components or the like for processing data from the tokens 30 and to generate an audio signal. Further the electronic components may be configured to generate a lighting and / or a video signal if stored on the token. The electronic components 16 may be arranged and connected on one or more printed-circuit boards.

[0126] The first body 10 is devoid of a loudspeaker, such that when the token 30 is inserted into the slot of the media interface 17, the information on the token 30 is read by the electronic components 16 and a corresponding analog audio signal is generated by the electronic components 16, said audio signal is provided to the headphone jack assembly 13 for playback.

[0127] Therefore, in the disassembled state of the audio player system 1, the audio signal may be played back only via the headphone jack assembly 13. For this purpose, the first body 10 comprises a first battery 15 (cf. Fig. 5B) that is configured to provide the electronic components with sufficient power to operate the audio player system 1. The first body 10 also comprises a user interface 12 comprising not more than six control buttons 12-1 , 12-2, 12-3, 12-4. In the exemplary embodiment shown, for example in Figs. 1 and 3, the user interface 12 comprises four control buttons 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4. Two control buttons 12-3, 12-4 are located on a side surface 10s of the first body 10 and allow for adjusting an output level of the audio signal at the headphone jack assembly 13 or one or more loudspeakers comprised in the second body 20 (the latter only, when the audio player system 1 is in its assembled state). Two more buttons 12-1, 12-2 are located on the top side 10t of the first body 10 for skipping forward or backward of the audio signal. It is noted that in this embodiment there are no play / stop / pause buttons provided, but starting playback and stopping playback is facilitated by inserting or removing the token 30 from the media slot 17. This allows for fewer buttons and thus a more children-friendly handling of the audio player system 1.

[0128] The buttons 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4 protrude from the respective surface of the first body 10 to provide a haptic feedback. Thus, the user interface 12 is particularly devoid of any touchscreen or touch sensors that are based on capacitive or inductive sensing. The buttons 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4 of the user interface 12 are mechanical push buttons.

[0129] The first body 10 may comprise a first charging interface 14 configured to charge the first battery 15. Said first charging interface 14 may be formed as a charging socket. The first charging interface 14 with a visual state of charge indicator 14-1 , e.g. the charging socket may be arranged on the bottom side 10b of the first body 10 and is thus only accessible in the disassembled state of the audio player system 1.

[0130] On the bottom side 10b of the first body 10 there may also be a digital interface socket 18, such as a USB, particularly a USB-C socket, that allows for updating software stored in the electronic components 16 and / or for writing data on an inserted token 30.

[0131] The digital interface socket 18 may be merged with the first charging interface 14, such that only one plug is needed to charge and / or to update.

[0132] The first body 10 may comprise a lighting assembly 19-1 for providing a sleep light around an edge of the first body.

[0133] Controlling color, brightness of the light emitted by the lighting assembly, may facilitated by lighting data stored on the token 30. The lighting data may be synchronous to the audio data such that lighting is provided in correspondence to the audio signal. Overall brightness may be adjusted via a small interface 19 located on the bottom side 10b of the first body 10.

[0134] The second body

[0135] The second body 20 comprises one or more loudspeakers 22, a second battery 25 and the second connection interface 21. The second body 20 further comprises a second charging interface 24 that is configured to charge the second battery 25, and if the audio player system 1 is in the assembled state, also the first battery 15 via the connection interfaces 11, 21.

[0136] The second charging interface 24 may comprise a charging socket 24-3 similar or identical to the first charging interface 14. The first and / or the second charging interface 24 may further comprise a visual state of charge indicator 14-1, 24-1 such as an LED indicator, that indicates a state of charge of the first and or the second battery 15, 25 respectively.

[0137] The second charging interface 24 may be arranged on a side surface 20s of the second body 20, particularly close to the bottom side 20b of the second body 20.

[0138] Alternatively, or additionally, the charging interface 24 of the second body 20 may be a wireless charging interface 24-2.

[0139] The casing of the second body 20 may extend around the side surface 20s of the second body 20 and may comprise a mesh or similar means such that sound produced by the one or more loudspeakers 22 comprised by the second body 20 may exit the second body 20 via said mesh.

[0140] The token

[0141] The token 30 may have a rugged cubic casing 31. The casing 31 is big enough for a user to easily handle by hand, e.g. 4 cm in width, 5 cm in height, and one centimeter in thickness. The token 30 may be inserted with the smallest side, into the media slot, 17 so that it is partially comprised by the media slot 17 and up to a height of about one centimeter. The inserted token 30 sticks out of the media slot 17 and can easily be removed from the media slot 17 by means of a mechanical force applied along the vertical axis z.

[0142] Further, the token 30 may comprise a magnetic counterpart 32 to the magnetic assembly comprised by the first body 10, such that the magnetic force of the magnetic assembly 17-2 act on the token 30 to fix it in the slot of the media interface 17 once inserted. The magnetic force is so strong that when the first body 10 is turned upside down, the token 30 does not fall out of the slot due to gravity.

[0143] The magnetic counterpart 32 may be a piece of metal or a magnet. The token 30 may comprise a re-writable data non-transitory storage medium.

[0144] The digital data may be stored in form of files and the token 30 may have a capacity of 1GB or more.

[0145] The digital data may comprise audio data, lighting data and even video data. The audio data comprises information on the audio signal to be generated and to be played back. The lighting data comprises information on a lighting signal to be generated by the electronic components 16 and to be provided to the lighting assembly 19-1 The lighting data may be synchronized to the audio data, such that audio signal is related to the lighting signal in a manner that is stored on the token 30.

[0146] The data on the token may be structured in form of a file, comprising a meta file with information on settings, e.g. sleep-light color, skip length (for the control buttons 12-1, 12-2). Further, the file may comprise a signature portion that allows to identify authorized files and tokens 30 from non-authorized tokens. This is of particular relevance as the audio player system 1 is not configured to connect to any data network, where an origin of the file could be determined.

[0147] Operating principle

[0148] The operating principle of the audio player system 1 is presented in the following, assuming that a token 30 is inserted into the slot of the media interface 17 of the first body 10.

[0149] In a first operation mode, that is automatically applied when the audio player system 1 is in the disassembled state, the electronic components 16 read the information stored on the token 30 and generate an audio signal from said information. This audio signal is then provided to the headphone jack assembly 13 such that the audio signal may be played back on one or more headphones (not shown) connected to the headphone jack assembly 13. An output volume on the headphone(s) may be adjusted with the control buttons 12-3, 12-4 on the first body 10.

[0150] As the second body 20 is neither physically nor electrically connected to the first body 10, there is no play back on the one or more loudspeakers 22 of the second body 20. In a second operation mode that is automatically applied when the audio player system 1 is in the assembled state, the electronic components 16 read the information stored on the token 30 and generate an analog audio signal from said information. In case, particularly only if no headphones are connected to the headphone assembly, this audio signal is then provided via the connection interfaces 11, 21, in particular via the conductor tracks 11b and conductor pins 21b to the one or more loudspeakers 22 comprised by the second body 20. The one or more loudspeakers 22 then playback the received audio signal. An output volume may be adjusted with the buttons 12-3, 12-4 on the first body 10.

[0151] In the first and the second operation mode the audio player system 1 is configured to stop playback the moment the token 30 is removed from the slot of the media interface 17. If the token 30 is inserted again into the slot, playback will continue where it stopped. If a different token is inserted, playback will start at the beginning of the stored content.

[0152] This allows omission of any play, stop and pause buttons on the audio player system 1 but instead allows for children-friendly handling by simply removing and / or inserting the token 30 into the slot of the media interface 17.

[0153] The overall design has only a very limited number of control buttons - in this exemplary case only four - that need to be operated by the user. As each control button is a symbol differing at least in terms of orientation and / or geometry it is comprehensible even if the user may not be able to read.

[0154] The two-body audio player system 1 according to the invention is designed in all aspects for children-friendly operation and handling.

[0155] Reference numerals

[0156] 1 audio player system 10 first body 10-b bottom side 10-t top side 10-s side surface

[0157] 11 connection interface 11a turn connection assembly 11b conductor tracks

[0158] 12 user interface

[0159] 12-1 - 12-4 control buttons 13 headphone jack assembly

[0160] 14 first charging interface 14-1 state of charge indicator

[0161] 15 first battery 16 electronic components

[0162] 17 media slot 17-1 connector pins 17-2 magnetic assembly

[0163] 18 USB socket 19 brightness interface

[0164] 19-1 lighting assembly

[0165] 20 second body

[0166] 20-b bottom side 20-t top side 20-s side surface 21 connection interface

[0167] 21a turn connection assembly 21b conductor pins 22 speaker

[0168] 24 second charging interface 24-1 state of charge indicator 24-2 wireless charging interface 24-3 charging jack 25 second battery

[0169] 30 token 31 casing of token 32 magnets x, y,z coordinate axes

[0170] *****

Claims

Claims1. An audio player system (1) comprising the following components:- A first and a second body (10, 20), wherein the first and the second body (10, 20) comprise complementary connection interfaces (11,21) configured to repeatedly attach and electrically connect the first body (10) to the second body (20), such as to form a single rigid body, and to repeatedly detach and electrically disconnect the first from the second body (10, 20), such as to form two separate bodies,- wherein the first body (10) comprises o a headphone jack assembly (13) comprising one or more headphone jacks, o electronic components (16), o a media interface (17) formed as a slot in the first body (10) configured to receive and connect a storage medium (30), o a first battery (15) configured to power the electronic components (16),- wherein the electronic components (16) are configured to receive and read audio data via the media interface (17) from an inserted storage medium (30), and to output an audio signal to the headphone jack assembly (13) for playing back the information comprised by the audio data,- wherein the second body (20) comprises a second battery (25) and one or more loudspeakers (22), wherein, when the first body (10) is attached and connected to the second body (20), o the electronic components (16) are configured to provide the audio signal to the second body (20) via the connection interfaces (11,21) for playing back the information comprised by the audio data with the one or more loudspeakers (22), o the first battery (15) is chargeable via the second body (25) and the connection interfaces (11, 21).

2. The audio player system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the complementary interfaces (11,21) are formed as a turn connection assembly (11a, 21a), wherein the turn connection assembly (11a, 21a) is configured to form and to release a connection between the first and the second body (10, 20) with less than one turn of the turn connection assembly (11a, 21a).

3. The audio player system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the turn connection assembly (11a, 21a) is configured to form and release the connection between the first and the second body (10, 20) with a quarter turn or less than a quarter turn, wherein the turn connection assembly (11a, 21a) is configured such that there are four or more relative rotational positions of the first and the second body (10, 20) at which the turn connection assembly (11a, 21a) engages and disengages, such that the first and the second body (10, 20) may be attached to each other in four or more relative rotational positions to each other.

4. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the media interface (17) comprises a magnetic assembly (17-2) that is configured to exert a magnetic force configured to fix and hold a storage medium (30) in the slot.

5. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the audio player system (1) is devoid of wireless data interfaces configured to transmit the audio data.

6. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body (20) is configured to only execute the following functions of: charging the first battery (15) - if the first body (10) is connected to the second body (20), playing a received audio signal on the one or more loudspeakers (22), charging the second battery (25).

7. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body (10) comprises a first charging interface (14) configured to charge the first battery (15).

8. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body (20) comprises a second charging interface (24) configured to charge the second battery (25), and - if connected - the first battery (15), wherein the second charging interface (24) is selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a wireless charging module (24-2) configured to receive power via a wireless charging station,a charging jack (24-3) for receiving a charging plug.

9. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic components (16) are configured to receive and to read lighting data via the media slot (17) from an inserted storage medium (30), and to output a lighting signal to a lighting assembly (19-1) of the system (1) for lighting the lighting assembly (19-1) according to the information comprised in the lighting data.

10. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body (10) comprises a user interface (12) comprising not more than six control buttons (12-1 ,12-2,12-3,12-4), wherein the user interface (12) is configured to control the playback of the audio data received from an inserted storage medium (30).

11. The audio player system (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the audio player system (1) is configured to play back an audio and / or lighting signal, when the storage medium (30) is inserted in the slot of the media interface (17), wherein when the storage medium (30) is removed from the slot, the audio player system stops the playback.

12. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (1) comprises one or more storage mediums (30), wherein each storage medium (30) is configured to be inserted and fit into the slot of the media interface (17), only one at a time, wherein each storage medium (30) comprises audio data and / or lighting data.

13. The audio player system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection interface (11) of the first body (10) comprises circular and concentric conductor tracks (11b) that are spaced apart in predefined distances centered around a vertical axis of the first body (10).

14. The audio player system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the connection interface (21) of the second body (20) comprises conductor pins (21b) that protrude from the second body (20), wherein the conductor pins (21b) extend radially from the vertical axis and are spaced apart with the same predefined distances as the conductor tracks (11 b).

15. The audio player system (1) according to claim 14, wherein the conductor pins (21 b) are radially located correspondingly to the circular conductor tracks (11 b).

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