A device for providing interactive education through the application of artificial intelligence in a smart toy

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of interactive children's toys, specifically to smart toys equipped with artificial intelligence. The essence of the invention is that the device, used in a smart toy consisting of a toy, component case located inside the toy, electronic components, a sound-emitting element, a power supply, and hardware components which enables interactive education through the application of artificial intelligence. According to the invention, a removable SoulBox module containing the hardware components is used. The hardware is divided into three parts: the main configuration, an alternative and optional configuration, or an integrated configuration with optional additions. The main configuration includes a microprocessor—Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W—which serves as the primary processing unit for the toy, responsible for cloud connectivity and managing audio streaming input and output. A Lithium-ion 18650 battery / LiPo battery is installed in the toy for power supply. Additionally, the system includes a battery management system with TP4056 Type-C USB / IP5328P 22.5W, a Step Up / Step Down Converter, an Audio Hat module—WM8960 Audio HAT / KEYESTUDIO ReSpeaker 2-Mic, a 40-52mm, 4 Ohm, 5-10W speaker, along with volume control buttons.

Description

[0001] A Device for Providing Interactive Education through the Application of Artificial Intelligence in a Smart Toy

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] The invention is relevant to the technical field of interactive children's toys, specifically those integrated with artificial intelligence capabilities.

[0004] Background:

[0005] Existing smart toys are generally limited in functionality. They often can only repeat words or play pre-recorded sounds, lacking the capability to engage in meaningful, dynamic interactions. Due to the absence of artificial intelligence, these toys cannot simulate human-like conversations or adapt their behavior based on the child’s development, thus playing a minimal role in educational growth.

[0006] Summary of the Invention:

[0007] This invention overcomes the limitations of existing smart toys by incorporating advanced artificial intelligence within a modular device called the SoulBox. The SoulBox, which contains the necessary hardware components, is easily removable from the toy for cleaning and maintenance purposes. The Al-powered toy can conduct human-like conversations, personalize educational content to the child’s developmental stage, and keep the child’s natural curiosity engaged. The toy is regularly updated with new content and capabilities through a cloud-based Al system, ensuring that it remains an effective educational tool over time.

[0008] Detailed Description:

[0009] The smart toy comprises a structure with integrated hardware components, software elements, and a defined operation flow. The core of the invention is the SoulBox, a removable module that houses the toy’s critical hardware, including a microprocessor, power supply, and audio components. The SoulBox enables easy maintenance and modular upgrades.

[0010] Hardware Components:

[0011] 1. Main Configuration: o Microprocessor (Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W): Serves as the primary processing unit, responsible for cloud connectivity, and managing audio streaming input and output. o Power Supply: The toy is powered by a Lithium-ion 18650 battery or a LiPo battery, ensuring long usage time and safety. o Battery Management System (TP4056 Type-C USB / IP5328P 22.5W): Manages charging and power distribution. o Step Up / Step Down Converter: Adjusts the power supply as needed. o Audio Module (WM8960 Audio HAT / KEYESTUDIO ReSpeaker 2-Mic): Facilitates audio input and output, connecting the microprocessor and the speaker. o Speaker: A speaker with variable parameters of 40-52mm, 4 Ohm, 5-10 Watt that provides clear audio output. o Buttons: Includes power on, volume up, and volume down functions.

[0012] 2. Alternative and Optional Configuration: o ESP-based PCB: Provides similar functionality to the main configuration with improved boot time and reduced latency. This configuration is optional and includes the same components: Battery Management System, Microphone, Audio Amplifier, Buttons, etc. o Power Supply: Remains a Lithium-ion 18650 or LiPo battery. o Speaker: Maintains a 4 Ohm, 5-10-Watt specification.

[0013] 3. Optional Additions: o Accelerometer: Integrates with the SoulBox for enhanced interactive play, detecting physical movements of the toy. o Wireless Battery Charging: The toy can be equipped with a wireless charging module, allowing it to be charged by placing it on a special charging station designed to resemble a small bed.

[0014] Software Components:

[0015] Speech Recognition: Operates mechanisms for interruption, sleep, and shutdown. Internet Protocol Connection: Facilitates communication with the cloud, where Speech-to-Text, Response Generation, and Text-to-Speech processes are handled.

[0016] • Companion Parent Mobile App: Acts as a conversation personalization tool and user-toy synchronizer. Displays needs and moods of the toy.

[0017] Operation Flow:

[0018] 1 . Powering On and Initialization: o The toy is activated by pressing the power button, initiating a boot sequence that starts all systems. During initial setup, the toy can sync with a registered user via a mobile app, enabling Wi-Fi connectivity and personalized response settings. o The toy greets the user with a pre-programmed message, indicating it is ready for interaction.

[0019] 2. Activating Listening Mode: o The toy enters listening mode after the greeting. The microphone array captures surrounding sounds, specifically listening for user commands. The audio input is transmitted to the cloud for processing, where speech recognition algorithms convert the audio into text.

[0020] 3. Generating a Response: o The text input is processed by a Large Language Model to generate a contextually appropriate response. This text response is then converted into audio by a Text-to-Speech engine.

[0021] 4. Playing the Audio Response: o The generated audio response is transmitted back to the toy and played through the speaker inside the SoulBox.

[0022] 5. Reactivating Listening Mode: o After the response is played, the toy returns to listening mode, awaiting further user input. The toy can be interrupted during a response by using a keyword, which immediately puts it back into listening mode.

[0023] Other Features:

[0024] • Sleep Mode: The toy can enter sleep mode and be reawakened by detecting an activation word. Power Off: The toy can be powered off using the power button or a voice command.

[0025] • Battery Charging: The SoulBox can be charged using a USB-C cable connected to the battery port. In the extended configuration, the toy can be placed on a charging station for wireless charging.

[0026] Figures:

[0027] • Figure 1 : Exploded view showing the SoulBox removed from the toy.

[0028] • Figure 2: Schematic of hardware components inside the SoulBox (main configuration).

[0029] • Figure 3: Another view on the component layout

[0030] • Figure 4: Schematic of the custom-made PCB (integrated configuration).

[0031] • Figure 5: One of positioning options for the SoulBox inside of the custom-made toy

[0032] • Figure 6: Diagram of the toy in the charging station (optional wireless battery charging configuration).

[0033] Conclusion:

[0034] This invention addresses the limitations of existing smart toys by introducing a highly interactive, Al-powered toy system that adapts to the child's developmental stage and interests. The removable SoulBox module enhances the toy's functionality by allowing easy maintenance and modular upgrades. The combination of advanced hardware and software components, including cloud-based Al, ensures that the toy provides a unique, engaging, and continuously evolving educational experience for children.

[0035] References:

[0036] 1. CA2332582, 25.11.1999, A63H 3 / 33, A63F 13 / 00, A63H 3 / 28, G09F 23 / 14, H04B 7 / 00.

[0037] 2. US6149490, 21.11.2000, A63H 13 / 00, A63H 3 / 33, A63H 3 / 00, A63H 3 / 28, A63H 3 / 48, A63H 11 / 00.

[0038] 3. CN209967668, 21.01 .2020, A63H 3 / 36, A63H 3 / 46, A63H 3 / 28, A63H 13 / 00.

[0039] Inventors:

[0040] • Abdullayev Nihat Rauf

[0041] • Kanevskyi Ivan Vladislavovich

Claims

A Device for Providing Interactive Education through the Application of Artificial Intelligence in a Smart Toy1. A Device for Providing Interactive Education through the Application of ArtificialIntelligence in a Smart ToyThe device consists of a toy powered by artificial intelligence, including a mounting base inside the toy, electronic chips, a sound-emitting element, a power supply, and hardware components. It is characterized by the use of a removable SoulBox module that contains the hardware components. The hardware is divided into three parts: a main configuration, an alternative and optional configuration, or an integrated configuration with optional additions. The main configuration includes a microprocessor— Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, which serves as the primary processing unit responsible for cloud connectivity and managing audio streaming input and output. A Lithium-ion 18650 battery / LiPo battery is installed in the toy for power supply. Additionally, the system includes a battery management system with TP4056 Type-C USB / IP5328P 22.5W, a Step Up / Step Down Converter, an Audio Hat module— WM8960 Audio HAT / KEYESTUDIO ReSpeaker 2-Mic, a 40-52mm, 4 Ohm, 5-10 Watt speaker, and buttons for power on / off, volume up, and volume down functions.

2. The device according to Claim 1 is characterized by the alternative and optional configuration or the integrated configuration, which includes a PCB powered by ESP, a battery management system, a low battery detector, a microphone, an audio amplifier, and buttons.

3. The device according to Claim 1 is characterized by the optional additions, which include an accelerometer and wireless battery charging.

4. The device according to Claim 1 is characterized by software components that include speech recognition and a internet protocol connection. Device connects to the cloud server, where Speech-to-Text, Response Generation, and Text-to-Speech functions process the input. The system also includes a Companion Parent Mobile App, which serves as a tool for conversation personalization and user-toy synchronization.

5. The device according to Claim 1 is characterized by an operation flow that includes powering on and initialization, activating listening mode, receiving input, generating a response, playing the audio response, and reactivating listening mode.

6. The device according to Claim 5 is characterized by the powering on and initialization functions, which are initiated by a button. The toy can be synced with a registered user via a mobile app for Wi-Fi connectivity. The power on and initialization functions activatethe microprocessor, the SoulBox's microphone, the amplifier, the speaker, and other hardware components.

7. The device according to Claim 5 is characterized by the activation of listening mode, which occurs after the greeting and includes the microphone, internet protocol, and speech recognition algorithms.

8. The device according to Claim 5 is characterized by the response generation process, which involves text input being processed by a large language model. The generated text response is then sent to the Text-to-Speech (TTS) engine.

9. The device according to Claim 5 is characterized by the audio response playback, which includes the TTS engine, the audio response transmitted to the toy, and the speaker inside the SoulBox.

10. The device according to Claim 5 is characterized by the toy returning to listening mode after the audio response is played, waiting for the next query.

11. The device according to Claim 1 is characterized by the ability of the toy to enter sleep mode, be awakened by detecting an activation word, and, alternatively, be powered off using the power button or a voice command.

12. The device according to Claim 1 is characterized by the SoulBox being chargeable via a USB-C cable connected to the battery port or, in the extended optional configuration, wirelessly charged by placing the toy with the SoulBox inside on a charging station.

Images