JP2008185994A - Sound reproduction system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To voluntarily and efficiently provide linguistic learning for use in improving object recognition capability to a child in the infancy. <P>SOLUTION: An RFID tag 200 transmits a unique ID signal for specifying an object. A sound generator 300 includes: an antenna 311 for receiving the unique ID signal transmitted from the RFID tag 200; a signal reading unit 312 for identifying an object by the received unique ID signal; an audio information storage unit 320 for storing audio information with respect to the object; a sound information reading unit 314 for reading the information with respect to the object identified by the signal reading unit 312 from the audio information storage unit 320; and a sound output unit 330 for outputting the information, which is read by the sound information reading unit 314, as sound. The RFID tag 200 transmits the unique ID signal by using an excitation signal from the sound generator 300. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sound reproduction system, and more particularly, to a sound reproduction system used for an educational toy used for language education for children in early childhood.

  In general, various toys are used as toys for children at home, particularly children in early childhood who start learning languages. For example, a variety of toys with different types and purposes have been developed and sold, ranging from toys for simple games to educational toys for improving the ability to recognize and speak various things ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

  It is well known that children in early childhood have excellent learning skills, including language learning skills. Language learning education is popular.

As a toy for language learning education, for example, a photograph or a card in which features of animals and things are depicted is used. When educating with such toys, for example, an educator (generally a parent or teacher) sits with a child to show a photo or card and then the language function or meaning of the features depicted on them Explain etc.
JP-A-8-098960

  However, in the conventional educational toy described above, the child learns passively only for the photo or card selected by the educator, and tends to be educator-led learning. On the other hand, it is known that learning education for children is highly efficient when established spontaneously due to the characteristics of early childhood with a high degree of curiosity about things.

  In this regard, the passive education method using the conventional educational toy cannot necessarily be said to be a learning education that is established spontaneously. On the contrary, the child sometimes feels forced to study by the educator, and even feels refusal (disgust) and even loses the willingness to learn. In such a case, the effect of learning education for the child is reduced.

  This invention is made in view of this point, and provides the audio | voice reproduction | regeneration system which can make the child of the childhood spontaneous and efficient the language learning for improving the thing recognition ability. With the goal.

  The audio reproduction system of the present invention identifies an object by an RFID tag that transmits a unique signal that identifies the object, a receiving unit that receives the unique signal transmitted from the RFID tag, and the received unique signal. A sound generation unit including: a reading unit; a storage unit that stores information about the object; and an output unit that reads information about the object identified by the reading unit from the storage unit and outputs the information as a sound. The RFID tag is configured to transmit the specific signal by an excitation signal from the sound generation unit.

  In the audio reproduction system of the present invention, a content message is displayed, a plurality of cards having an RFID tag that transmits a unique signal that identifies the displayed content information, and a problem message that requests presentation of any of the plurality of cards Whether the content information specified by the unique signal transmitted from the RFID tag of the card to be presented matches the content information displayed on the card requested to be presented Thus, an RFID module having an answer correct / incorrect output unit for outputting an answer correct / incorrect message for notifying correct / incorrect of the card to be presented is adopted.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the language learning for improving the thing recognition ability can be made spontaneously and efficiently to the child of the childhood.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a case where the sound reproduction system of the present invention is applied to an educational toy will be described.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a configuration of an educational toy 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the educational toy 100 includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag 200 and a sound generator 300.

  The RFID tag 200 transmits a unique signal (hereinafter referred to as “unique ID signal”) that identifies an object. The RFID tag 200 transmits a unique ID signal in response to an excitation signal from the sound generator 300. That is, the RFID tag 200 includes an antenna (not shown) for communicating with the sound generator 300, and is activated when the antenna receives an excitation signal from the sound generator 300 (power supply). In response, the unique ID signal is transmitted.

  “Object” is an object for learning and recognizing things in children, such as items inside and outside the home (for example, refrigerators, TVs, telephones, etc.) or places (for example, living room, kitchen, entrance, etc.). Is. In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 20 is taken as an example of the “object”.

  The RFID tag 200 has a mounting portion that can be attached to and detached from an object. In the example of FIG. 1, the RFID tag 200 is configured by a small chip that can be inserted into a character card 210 having a specific pattern, and is easily placed on the surface of the refrigerator 20 while being inserted into the character card 210. Is attached to.

  “RFID” is an automatic recognition technology using radio waves or electromagnetic waves in a radio frequency band, and is a wireless communication technology for discriminating or recording information stored in a tag by non-contact power transmission through an antenna. The RFID tag is classified into an active type and a passive type according to a method for obtaining energy. The active type is configured to obtain energy using its own battery, and the passive type is configured to acquire energy using a received signal. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use a passive RFID tag as the RFID tag 200.

  The sound generation unit 300 is an RFID module that is attached to a toy body for children to play inside and outside the home, such as a doll, a stuffed toy, a radio controlled car, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the sound generator 300 is inserted into the stuffed bear 30. The sound generator 300 can be configured as an integrated form such as a printed circuit board so that it can be easily inserted into the toy body.

  The configuration of the sound generation unit 300 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the sound generation unit 300.

  In FIG. 2, the sound generation unit 300 includes an RFID reader 310, a sound information storage unit 320, a sound output unit 330, an interface unit 340, and an operation unit 350.

  The RFID reader 310 includes an antenna 311, a signal reading unit 312, a main control unit (MCU) 313, an audio information reading unit 314, and a codex 315.

  The antenna 311 transmits an excitation signal for activating the RFID tag 200 using an RF (Radio Frequency) channel in the non-contact wireless transmission method. The antenna 311 receives the unique ID signal from the RFID tag 200 activated by this excitation signal. The antenna 311 outputs the received unique ID signal to the signal interpretation unit 312. The frequency band of the RF channel used for transmission is, for example, 2.45 GHZ. In this case, when the antenna 311 and the RFID tag 200 come within about 0.5 meters, communication between them (excitation signal or inherent) ID signal can be transmitted and received). The frequency band of the RF channel to be used can be changed as appropriate within a range from several tens of MHz to several GHz, and the predetermined distance for enabling communication can be arbitrarily changed. However, this predetermined distance is preferably set within 1 meter.

  The signal interpretation unit 312 analyzes the unique ID signal input from the antenna 311 and identifies an object specified by the unique ID signal. More specifically, the signal interpretation unit 312 includes a database (not shown) that holds the correspondence between the unique ID signal and the object (which unique ID signal indicates which object). With reference to this database, the object specified by the unique ID signal is identified.

  The MCU 313 is a control unit configured with middleware for comprehensively controlling each component of the RFID reader 310. For example, the MCU 313 confirms the object identified by the signal interpretation unit 312 and controls the voice information reading process by the voice information reading unit 314. Also, the MCU 313 controls the audio information conversion process by the codex 315.

  The voice information reading unit 314 reads the voice information related to the object identified by the signal reading unit 312 from the voice information storage unit 320. Note that the reading of the voice information by the voice information reading unit 314 is controlled by the MCU 313.

  The codex 315 converts the audio information read by the audio information reading unit 314 into a signal that can be output as audio. The codex 315 outputs the converted signal to the audio output unit 330.

  The audio information storage unit 320 stores audio information related to the object. The audio information storage unit 320 can store audio information respectively corresponding to a plurality of different objects.

  The “information about the object” means sound information that improves the ability to recognize things and the ability to learn languages for the object of the child in infancy. For example, if the object is “refrigerator”, the “information about the object” includes the name of the object “refrigerator” and the function of the refrigerator that “the refrigerator keeps the food cool so as not to damage the food” Or a description of the action. Further, “information on the object” can be output in a plurality of languages (for example, Japanese and English). For example, when the object is “refrigerator”, the “information about the object” includes a Japanese name “refrigerator” and an English name “Refrigerator”.

  In addition to the above, “information on the object” includes information for specifying the object in more detail, for example, information included in an encyclopedia. Further, the “information on the target object” may be information such as the contents of the instruction manual of the home electric appliance or the contact information in case of an emergency (for example, failure) when the target object is a home electric appliance. That is, the “information regarding the object” can be a wide variety of information regarding the object. Thereby, flexible language education can be performed according to age and a learning level.

  The audio output unit 330 outputs the signal converted into a signal that can be output by audio by the codex 315 as audio. The number of times of audio output by the audio output unit 330 can be freely changed by setting. For example, the sound output unit 330 may output a certain sound repeatedly over a plurality of times.

  The audio information reading unit 314, the codex 315, and the audio output unit 330 function as an output unit that reads information about the object identified by the signal interpretation unit 312 from the audio information storage unit 320 and outputs the information as audio.

  The interface unit 340 is an interface between an external device that changes information about the object stored in the audio information storage unit 320 or a unique ID signal that is a reference for interpretation in the signal interpretation unit 312 and the object. It is. The interface unit 340 has a function of connecting (connecting) to an external hardware device in order to control and manage various signals generated by the RFID reader 310. The middle unit of the MCU 313 allows a unique ID signal from the RFID tag 200, In addition, the content of the information related to the object stored in the voice information storage unit 320 can be changed.

  In short, the sound generator 300 changes the interface unit 340 to an external computer (not shown) when changing the object to which the RFID tag 200 is attached or when changing the contents of the sound information stored by the sound information storage unit 320. It is configured so that these processes can be realized through this hardware device. In this case, the audio information is stored through a program built in the hardware device. The stored audio information is preferably recorded by an educator, particularly parents, so that the child has a sense of familiarity. Recording of audio information can be performed using, for example, a microphone.

  The operation unit 350 includes various operation keys for operating the educational toy 100. The operation unit 350 can cause the audio output unit 330 to re-output the audio information already output by the audio output unit 330. Note that the audio information to be re-output may be output last by the audio output unit 330 or may be output retroactively.

  As described above, the RFID reader 310 operates in conjunction with the audio information storage unit 320 and the audio output unit 330 in order to read the unique ID signal transmitted from the RFID tag 200 and output information on the target object as audio. It is configured as follows. In addition, an interface unit 340 for connecting the RFID reader 310 to external hardware and an operation unit 350 for re-operating the RFID reader 310 are connected to the RFID reader 310.

  In the present embodiment, the audio information storage unit 320, the audio output unit 330, the interface unit 340, and the operation unit 350 have been described as components outside the RFID reader 310, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some or all of these components may be provided inside the RFID reader 310.

  Hereinafter, operation | movement of the educational toy 100 comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated in detail using FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the educational toy 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Here, a child with a toy body (bear toy) moves and an educator (for example, parents) receives a unique ID signal from the RFID tag 200 attached to each of a plurality of objects (refrigerator, TV, telephone). The case where the thing recognition education and the language learning education are performed through the voice information generated by the voice generation unit 300 will be described as an example. In addition, operation | movement of the educational toy 100 demonstrated here is an example, The process included in this operation | movement, its order, etc. can be variously changed.

  When the child moves and any of the sound generator 300 and the RFID tag 200 attached to the object approaches within a predetermined distance, the RFID tag 200 is activated by the excitation signal from the sound generator 300 ( When the power is supplied, a unique ID signal that identifies the object is transmitted. This unique ID signal is received by the antenna 311 in the RFID reader 310 of the sound generator 300 (S1).

  Next, the RFID reader 310 performs an operation of reading the unique ID signal received by the antenna 311 (S2). More specifically, the signal interpretation unit 312 analyzes the received unique ID signal and identifies an object specified by the unique ID signal (S3). Here, the “object identified by the unique ID signal” is any object to which the RFID tag 200 is attached.

  As a result of the identification, when the target specified by the unique ID signal is “refrigerator” (S4: YES), the voice information reading unit 314 reads voice information related to “refrigerator” from the voice information storage unit 320 ( S5). When the object identified by the unique ID signal is “television” as a result of identification (S4: NO, S6: YES), the audio information reading unit 314 stores audio information related to “TV” as audio information. Reading from the unit 320 (S7). If the object identified by the unique ID signal is “telephone” as a result of identification (S6: NO, S8: YES), the audio information reading unit 314 stores audio information related to “phone” as audio information. Reading from the unit 320 (S9).

  On the other hand, as a result of the identification, if any object cannot be specified by the received unique ID signal (S4: NO, S6: NO, S8: NO), the process returns to step S1 to return the unique ID signal. Wait for re-reception.

  Next, the codex 315 converts the audio information read by the audio information reading unit 314 into a signal that can be output as audio (S10).

  And the audio | voice output part 330 outputs the signal converted by the codex 315 as an audio | voice (S11). For example, if audio information related to “refrigerator” is output, the Japanese name “refrigerator”, the English name “Refrigerator”, and the refrigerator “refrigerator keeps food cool so as not to damage” Is output as audio. When the audio output is finished, the process for the unique ID signal is once finished, and the process returns to step S1 to wait for reception of a new unique ID signal from the RFID tag 200 attached to the object.

  In step S11, the audio output unit 330 may output the audio information repeatedly over a plurality of times. Thereby, the child can improve the learning efficiency by repeating the output voice.

  Furthermore, after the audio information related to the object is output, for example, when a reset key is input using the operation unit 350 within a predetermined time (S12: YES), the process returns to step S10, and the audio information related to the object is Re-output. Thereby, when a child desires, the audio | voice information regarding a target object can be output again (reset function). On the other hand, when the reset key is not input (S12: NO), the process for the unique ID signal is temporarily ended, and the process returns to step S1 to receive a new unique ID signal from the RFID tag 200 attached to the object. stand by.

  In addition, when the target object to which the RFID tag is attached is approaching, it is assumed that a plurality of different unique ID signals are received simultaneously. In such a case, information regarding an object specified by a plurality of unique ID signals may be sequentially output by voice, or one of the objects may be preferentially recognized based on a predetermined priority. This priority can be set based on, for example, the distance between the RFID tag and the sound generation unit, or the history of identification results.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the RFID tag that transmits the unique ID signal that identifies the object, the receiving unit that receives the unique ID signal transmitted from the RFID tag, and the received unique signal A speech generation unit having an interpretation unit for identifying an object, a storage unit for storing information about the object, and an output unit for reading out information about the object identified by the interpretation unit from the storage unit and outputting the information as speech; The RFID tag transmits a unique ID signal by an excitation signal from the sound generator. As a result, language learning can be performed to improve the ability to recognize things through voice without setting a special educational environment for children who play spontaneously with a toy body with a voice generation unit attached. .

  In other words, by attaching a sound generation unit to a toy body that a child will play spontaneously even if left unattended, and attaching RFID tags to a plurality of objects in the home, the child approached by chance. Information relating to the object can be absorbed through sound generated in response to the unique ID signal from the RFID tag attached to the object, and object recognition and language learning can be performed efficiently.

  The information about the object includes the name of the object and an explanation for recognizing the object, and can be output in a foreign language. Therefore, a wider range of object recognition and language learning can be realized.

  In short, according to the present embodiment, an infant or a child can naturally recognize things or learn a language without enjoying disgust while enjoying play. In addition, RFID tags can be easily attached to objects such as refrigerators and televisions inside and outside the home, and tag signals and information on objects can be easily changed. Can learn the information.

(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a plurality of cards on which these pieces of content information are displayed are used as objects instead of items or places in and outside the home. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of overlapping portions is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is an overall view showing the configuration of the educational toy 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, the educational toy 400 includes a card kit 500 and an RFID module 600.

  The card kit 500 includes a plurality of cards, here, four cards 510, 520, 530, and 540. Each of these cards 510 to 540 is provided with an RFID tag that displays content information and transmits a unique ID signal that specifies the displayed content information.

  The “content information” is information related to an object that is a target of object recognition and language learning for a child in an early childhood. “Content information” includes information (appearance information) for recognizing an object through appearance such as photographs and pictures, and information (language information) for recognizing the object through language (characters) such as the name of the object and its description. including. The latter “language information” is content information that can be output as audio.

  The configuration of each card included in the card kit 500 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a card according to the present embodiment. Here, the card 510 will be described as an example.

The size of the card 510 is, for example, 90 mm × 50 mm. The card 510 has a backing paper 511 (1 ^st paper) for maintaining the strength of the card, an intermediate paper 512 (2 ^nd paper) adhered (attached) to the backing paper 511 with a double-sided tape, and the intermediate paper 512. The RFID tag 513 (3 ^rd RFID Tag) attached to the card and the word card 514 (4 ^th paper) pasted to cover the intermediate paper 512 and the RFID tag 513 and displaying the content information. In this example, as the content information, a picture of “apple”, a character “apple” whose name is written in Japanese, and a character “APPLE” whose name is written in English are displayed on the word card 514. .

  The RFID tag 513 transmits a unique ID signal in response to an excitation signal from the RFID module 600. That is, the RFID tag 513 is provided with an antenna (not shown) for communicating with the RFID module 600, and is activated when the antenna receives an excitation signal from the RFID module 600 (the power is supplied). And a unique ID signal is transmitted.

  The RFID module 600 is inserted into a toy main body for children to play inside and outside the home, which is the inside of a bear stuffed animal 60 in the example of FIG.

  The configuration of the RFID module 600 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the RFID module 600 and the toy main body 60.

  The size of the RFID module 600 is, for example, 80 mm × 100 mm × 17 mm, and is equipped with an infant education service application. The RFID module 600 is a program module that controls the operation of RFID and content according to a scenario.

  The RFID module 600 includes a battery pack 601, a push-type switch 602, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 603. The battery pack 601 supplies power to an electromagnetic circuit (not shown) of the RFID module 600. The push-type switch 602 is embedded in a part of the main body of the toy, for example, the tip of one leg of the stuffed toy 60, and is switched between power supply and interruption from the battery pack 601 when pressed. The LED 603 is built in a part of the toy main body, for example, the nose of the stuffed toy 60 and emits light only while the power from the battery pack 601 is supplied. The push-type switch 602 and the LED 603 are connected to the RFID module 600 by a cable.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the RFID module 600.

  In FIG. 7, the RFID module 600 includes a transmission / reception unit 610, a signal interpretation unit 620, an audio information storage unit 630, a control unit 640, a decoding unit 650, a speaker 660, and an operation unit 670. .

  The control unit 640 includes a problem reading unit 641, an answer reading unit 642, and a content information reading unit 643. The control unit 640 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and comprehensively controls each device unit of the RFID module 600.

  The transmission / reception unit 610 transmits an excitation signal for activating the RFID tag using the RF channel in the non-contact wireless transmission method. The transmission / reception unit 610 receives the unique ID signal transmitted by the RFID tag of the card that is brought close to the RFID module 600 and receives the excitation signal. The transmission / reception unit 610 outputs the received unique ID signal to the signal interpretation unit 620.

  The signal interpretation unit 620 analyzes the unique ID signal input from the transmission / reception unit 610 and outputs data of a predetermined bit (for example, 4 bits or 8 bits) corresponding to the unique ID signal to the voice information storage unit 630. . The data of the predetermined bit is used as an index for referring to the audio information storage unit 630. That is, the signal interpretation unit 620 derives data of a predetermined bit that can identify content information specified by the unique ID signal from the received unique ID signal, and outputs the data to the audio information storage unit 630.

  The audio information storage unit 630 has three areas, content information displayed on a plurality of cards 510 to 540, a problem message requesting presentation of any of the cards on which these content information is displayed, and a problem The answer correct / incorrect message for notifying the correctness / incorrectness of the card (approached to the RFID module 600) presented in response to the message is stored in each area. Note that the information stored by the voice information storage unit 630 can be appropriately changed by the operation unit 670.

  Information stored in the voice information storage unit 630 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating an example of information stored by the audio information storage unit 630.

  Content information displayed on the card is stored in the area shown in FIG. In this example, proper nouns such as “Apple, Apple (1A)”, “TV, Television (2A)”, and “Refrigerator, Refrigerator (3A)” are stored as content information.

  In the area shown in FIG. 8B, a problem message requesting presentation of any of the cards on which the content information shown in FIG. 8A is displayed is stored. In this example, the question messages are: “Which apple is ?, Who is an apple? (1B)”, “Which is a card ?, Which is a card of television? (2B)”, and “Fridge is "Where is a refrigerator? (3B)" is stored.

  As described above, the area shown in FIG. 8A and the area shown in FIG. 8B are a pair of content information displayed on the card and a problem message requesting presentation of the card on which the content information is displayed. It functions as a two-dimensional storage area that stores data in correspondence with each other.

  In the area shown in FIG. 8C, an answer correct / incorrect message for notifying correct / incorrect of the card presented to the problem message, that is, the card brought close to the RFID module 600 is stored. In this example, the answer correct / incorrect messages are stored as “Oh! It's clever! Congratulation! Right Answer.” And “You're wrong! Look again! Sorry. Wrong Answer.” .

  Note that the audio information storage unit 630 has an area for storing audio information in addition to the areas shown in FIGS. In these areas, various messages such as a message attached to information stored in the areas shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C and a message notifying on / off of power are stored.

  The problem reading unit 641 randomly reads one of the problem messages (problem message shown in FIG. 8B) stored by the voice information storage unit 630. The problem reading unit 641 outputs the read problem message to the decoding unit 650.

  The answer reading unit 642 corrects whether the answer correct / incorrect message stored in the voice information storage unit 630 (the answer correct / incorrect message shown in FIG. 8C) is correct (approached to the RFID tag 600). Read based on the determination result. The answer reading unit 642 outputs the read answer correct / incorrect message to the decoding unit 650.

  More specifically, the answer reading unit 642 refers to the two-dimensional storage area of the voice information storage unit 630 and the predetermined bit data input from the signal reading unit 620 and the question message read by the question reading unit 641. It is determined whether or not the data of a predetermined bit corresponding to. The answer reading unit 642 reads a correct answer message when the determination results match, and reads an incorrect answer message when the determination results do not match.

  The content information reading unit 643 reads the content information (content information shown in FIG. 8A) stored by the audio information storage unit 630. More specifically, the content information reading unit 643 reads content information specified by data of a predetermined bit input from the signal interpretation unit 620 to the audio information storage unit 630 from the audio information storage unit 630. In particular, the content information reading unit 643 reads the content information following the reading of the correct answer message after the answer reading unit 642 reads the correct answer message. The content information reading unit 643 outputs the read content information to the decryption unit 650.

  Decoding unit 650 decodes the question message input from question reading unit 641, the answer correct / incorrect message input from answer reading unit 642, or the content information input from content information reading unit 643, and outputs it as a sound externally. Convert to a possible signal. Decoding section 650 outputs the converted signal to speaker 660.

  The speaker 660 outputs the signal converted into a signal that can be output by voice by the decoding unit 650 as voice.

  The voice information storage unit 630, the problem reading unit 641, the decoding unit 650, and the speaker 660 function as a problem output unit that outputs a problem message requesting presentation of any of a plurality of cards.

  The voice information storage unit 630, the answer reading unit 642, the decryption unit 650, and the speaker 660 apply the content information specified by the unique ID signal transmitted from the RFID tag of the presented card and the card requested to be presented by the above problem message. By determining whether or not the displayed content information matches, it functions as an answer correct / incorrect output unit that outputs an answer correct / incorrect message that notifies the correctness of the presented card.

  The operation unit 670 includes various operation keys for operating the RFID module 600. The operation unit 670 is embedded in, for example, a part of the toy main body, and causes the problem reading unit 641 to start reading the problem message when pressed. The operation unit 670 can add, delete, or change information stored in the audio information storage unit 630.

  As described above, in the educational toy 400 of the present embodiment, the RFID module 600 promptly presents the card by outputting the content information of the target object in the form of problem presentation, and the child answers and presents the problem. The correctness / incorrectness of the card (close to the RFID module 600) is output as a sound (game mode). On the other hand, the educational toy 400 waits for the reception of the unique ID signal from the RFID tag as in the first embodiment, and outputs the content information corresponding to the case where the unique ID signal is received (scenario mode). You can also The educational toy 400 has a changeover switch (not shown) for switching the game form between the game mode and the scenario mode.

  Hereinafter, operation | movement of the educational toy 400 comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated in detail using FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the educational toy 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Here, a case where the educational toy 400 is used in the game mode will be described as an example. In addition, operation | movement of the educational toy 400 demonstrated here is an example, The process included in this operation | movement, its order, etc. can be variously changed.

  When the push-type switch 602 built in the toy main body (stuffed animal) 60 is pressed, power supply from the battery pack 601 is started, and a start melody flows. Then, the game mode playing method is read from the voice information storage unit 630 by any of the question reading unit 641, the answer reading unit 642, and the content information reading unit 643, and is output by voice (S1). For example, a voice message is output saying “Look for the card I say and bring it closer to me!”.

  When the game mode is started, the problem reading unit 641 randomly reads one of the problem messages stored by the voice information storage unit 630. For example, the question reading unit 641 may request a card showing content information “Apple, Apple” as “Who is an apple?”, “Which is an apple?”, Or “Red and round” A question message such as “Which fruit is sweet and sour?” Is read. The read problem message is output as audio from the speaker 660 via the decoding unit 650 (S2). As a result, the child is required to present a card on which the content information “Apple, Apple” is displayed, that is, a card with an RFID tag that transmits a unique ID signal identifying the content information “Apple, Apple”. The

  When there is no response within a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) after the problem message is output as a voice (S3: NO), the problem reading unit 641 displays a message prompting the continuation of study, for example, “Is it a friend? "!" Or a message requesting to turn off the power, for example, "Children are sleepy!" Then, the process returns to step S2 and the problem message is output again by voice. At this time, the problem message to be output by voice may be changed, and the card requesting presentation may be changed.

  When a plurality of unique ID signals from a plurality of cards are recognized within a predetermined time (S3: YES, S5: NO), the problem reading unit 641 selects a card to be presented as an answer (a card approaching the RFID module 600). A request message for making one is read, for example, “Too many! Give me one!” From the voice information storage unit 630, and a warning is issued by outputting the voice (S6). Then, the process returns to step S2 and the problem message is output again by voice.

  At this time, when a mode changeover switch (not shown) is operated (S7: YES), for example, a mode transition to the Japanese scenario mode or the English scenario mode is performed. The mode changeover switch can be operated not only at this timing but also at any timing as long as power is supplied to the educational toy 400.

  When the mode switch is not operated and one unique ID signal is recognized from the RFID tag of one card within a predetermined time (S3: YES, S5: YES, S7: NO), the answer reading unit 642 Referring to the two-dimensional storage area of the voice information storage unit 630, predetermined bit data obtained from the recognized unique ID signal and predetermined bit data corresponding to the problem message output in voice in step S2 By determining whether or not they match, it is determined whether or not the answer to the question message is correct (S8).

  When the determination result is incorrect (S8: NO), the answer reading unit 642 displays a message notifying that the answer is an incorrect answer, for example, “You are wrong! Look again!” Or “Sorry. "Wrong Answer." Is read from the voice information storage unit 630. The answer correct / incorrect message is output from the speaker 660 via the decoding unit 650 (S9). In this way, the process for one question presentation is once completed, and the process returns to step S2 to again output the problem message by voice.

  On the other hand, when the determination result is correct (S8: YES), the answer reading unit 642 sends a message notifying that the answer is a correct answer, for example, “Oh! It's clever!” Or “Congratulation! Right Answer.” , Read from the voice information storage unit 630. The answer correct / incorrect message is output from the speaker 660 via the decoding unit 650 (S10). In this way, the process for one question presentation is once completed, and the process returns to step S2 to again output the problem message by voice. At this time, the answer reading unit 642 may read a message for prompting further play in the game mode, for example, “Let's look for a little more!” From the voice information storage unit 630 and output the message.

  In the present embodiment, content information including both appearance information such as photographs and pictures and language information such as Japanese and English is displayed on the card, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by using a card on which content information of only appearance information or only language information is displayed, efficient learning specialized in these can be promoted.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, content information is displayed, and a plurality of cards having RFID tags that transmit a unique signal that identifies the displayed content information and any one of the plurality of cards are presented. Whether the problem output unit that outputs the requested problem message by voice matches the content information specified by the unique signal transmitted from the RFID tag of the card to be presented and the content information displayed on the card requested to be presented The RFID module has an answer correct / incorrect output unit that outputs an answer correct / incorrect message for notifying whether the presented card is correct. Thereby, the child can perform language learning for improving the thing recognition ability in an interactive manner with the RFID module attached to the toy body. That is, language learning can be performed while playing in a game system in which children can actively participate.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, language learning is provided to a child using both a plurality of cards on which content information about the object is displayed and an actual object corresponding to the content information displayed on the plurality of cards. The case where it does is demonstrated.

  FIG. 10 is an overall view showing a configuration of an educational toy 700 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of overlapping portions is omitted.

  In FIG. 10, an educational toy 700 includes a plurality of cards 811 to 814 to which RFID tags 811A to 814A (first RFID tags) are attached, RFID tags 821A to 824A (second RFID tags), and an RFID module. 900.

  Content information is displayed on the cards 811 to 814, and the RFID tags 811A to 814A attached to each of the cards transmit unique ID signals that specify the displayed content information. In this example, content information about the refrigerator (for example, a photograph of the refrigerator) is displayed on the card 811, and the RFID tag 811A attached to the card 811 transmits a unique ID signal that identifies the refrigerator.

  The RFID tags 821A to 824A have a one-to-one correspondence with the RFID tags 811A to 814A, and transmit the same unique ID signal as the unique ID signal transmitted by the RFID tags 811A to 814A. For example, the RFID tag 821A corresponds to the RFID tag 811A and, like the RFID tag 811A, transmits a unique ID signal that identifies the refrigerator. When the educational toy 700 is used, the RFID tags 821A-824A are attached to the corresponding actual object by the educator (eg, parents or teacher). In this example, an RFID tag 821A that transmits a unique ID signal for specifying a refrigerator is attached to an actual refrigerator. For attaching the RFID tag to the object, a dedicated mounting portion may be provided, or it may be attached by a magnet method.

  The RFID tags 811A to 814A and 821A to 824A transmit a unique ID signal by an excitation signal from the RFID module 900. That is, the RFID tags 811A to 814A and 821A to 824A have an antenna (not shown) for communicating with the RFID module 900, and are activated when an excitation signal from the RFID module 900 is received by the antenna. And receiving a power supply to transmit a unique ID signal.

  Accordingly, when the two RFID tags are close to each other and both are located in a region where the excitation signal from the RFID module 900 can be received, the two RFID tags transmit the unique ID signal continuously or simultaneously. When these two RFID tags are compatible (for example, RFID tag 811A and RFID tag 821A), the two unique ID signals transmitted continuously or simultaneously are the same. Conversely, when these two RFID tags do not correspond (for example, RFID tag 812A and RFID tag 823A), the two unique ID signals transmitted continuously or simultaneously are different from each other.

  The RFID module 900 is attached to a toy body such as a doll or a stuffed toy for children to play inside and outside the home. In the example of FIG. 10, the RFID module 900 is inserted inside the stuffed bear 90.

  The configuration of the RFID module 900 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the RFID module 900. The same components as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of overlapping portions is omitted.

  In FIG. 11, the RFID module 900 includes a transmission / reception unit 910 instead of the transmission / reception unit 610, a signal interpretation unit 920 instead of the signal interpretation unit 620, and a control unit 930 instead of the control unit 640. The control unit 930 includes an answer reading unit 931 and a content information reading unit 932.

  The transmission / reception unit 910 transmits an excitation signal for activating the RFID tag using the RF channel in the non-contact wireless transmission method. The transmission / reception unit 910 receives the unique ID signal transmitted by the RFID tag of the card that is brought close to the RFID module 900 and receives the excitation signal. In particular, when there are two RFID tags in the receivable range of the excitation signal, the transmission / reception unit 910 receives the unique ID signals from these two RFID tags continuously or simultaneously. The transmission / reception unit 910 outputs two unique ID signals received continuously or simultaneously to the signal interpretation unit 920.

  When two unique ID signals are input from the transmission / reception unit 910, the signal interpretation unit 920 analyzes these two unique ID signals separately and converts two predetermined bits of data corresponding to the respective unique ID signals into audio. The information is output to the information storage unit 630. The signal interpretation unit 920 outputs the same predetermined bit data when two identical unique ID signals are input, and outputs different predetermined bit data when two different unique ID signals are input.

  The answer reading unit 931 refers to the bit data input to the voice information storage unit 630 and determines whether the data of two predetermined bits input from the signal reading unit 920 to the voice information storage unit 630 match. To do. The answer reading unit 931 reads the correct answer message from the answer correct / incorrect message stored by the voice information storage unit 630 when the determination results match. The answer reading unit 931 reads an error message from the answer correct / incorrect message stored by the voice information storage unit 630 when the determination results do not match.

  The content information reading unit 932 reads the content information stored by the audio information storage unit 630. After the answer reading unit 931 reads the correct answer message, the content information reading unit 932 reads the content information following the reading of the correct answer message. The content information read by the content information reading unit 932 is content information specified by two identical predetermined bit data input from the signal interpretation unit 920 to the audio information storage unit 630.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the educational toy configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the educational toy 700 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Here, a case where the educational toy 700 is used in the game mode will be described as an example. Further, it is assumed that the RFID tags 821A to 824A are attached in advance to an actual target object corresponding to the educator. For example, an RFID tag 821A that transmits a unique ID signal for specifying a refrigerator is attached in advance to an actual refrigerator by an educator.

  First, power supply to the RFID module 900 is started by pressing a push-type switch built in the toy body (S1). As a result, the game can be played with the educational toy 700 and the game mode is started.

  When the game mode is started, the child brings each of the plurality of cards 811 to 814 closer to one of the actual objects 821 to 824. At this time, the child considers which card should be close to which card by comparing the content information displayed on the card with the appearance of the actual object. When the card and the object are brought close to each other, the RFID tag attached to the card and the RFID tag attached to the object come close to each other, and when the RFID module 900 is approached, it can be activated simultaneously by the excitation signal ( S2). That is, the two close RFID tags can transmit the unique ID signal to the RFID module 900 continuously or simultaneously.

  Then, the child brings the toy body to which the RFID module 900 is attached close to the two RFID tags that are close to each other (S3). Accordingly, the two RFID tags are activated by the excitation signal from the transmission / reception unit of the RFID module 900, and transmit the unique ID signal continuously or simultaneously (S4).

  These two unique ID signals are received by the transmission / reception unit 910 of the RFID module 900 and input to the signal interpretation unit 920. The signal interpretation unit 920 analyzes the two input unique ID signals and outputs data of two predetermined bits corresponding to these to the audio information storage unit 630 (S5).

  When the data of these two predetermined bits match (S6: YES), the answer reading unit 931 reads the correct answer message from the answer correct / incorrect message stored by the voice information storage unit 630. The read correct answer message is output as voice via the decoding unit 650 and the speaker 660 (S7).

  After the correct answer message is output as audio, the content information reading unit 932 reads out the content information specified by the two identical data of the predetermined bits from the content information stored by the audio information storage unit 630. The read content information is output as audio through the decoding unit 650 and the speaker 660 (S8).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), when a unique ID signal is transmitted continuously or simultaneously from two corresponding RFID tags (811A and 821A), after a voice output “That! , "The refrigerator keeps it cool so that the food is not damaged" is output.

  On the other hand, when the data of the two predetermined bits do not match (S6: NO), the answer reading unit 931 reads the error message from the answer correct / incorrect message stored by the voice information storage unit 630. The read error message is output as voice through the decoding unit 650 and the speaker 660 (S9).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, when a unique ID signal is transmitted continuously or simultaneously from two RFID tags (812A and 823A) that do not correspond to each other, “Look out!” Or “Look again!”. Audio is output.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, two sets of two corresponding RFID tags that transmit the same unique ID signal are provided, and two of the RFID tags are brought close to the RFID module 900. Audio information corresponding to the unique ID signal transmitted from the RFID tag is output. Thereby, the child can perform language learning for improving the object recognition ability by both the operation of making the two RFID tags correspond (approach) and the operation of listening to the output audio information.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, the self-participation type spontaneous learning can be promoted with respect to the child. In particular, when this embodiment is adopted in the game mode, things are recognized while playing while exercising by competing with friends or siblings for the speed of obtaining the correct answer, that is, the speed of combining the corresponding card and target object. Language learning can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, an RFID tag may be provided in a card mounting part to which a card can be attached and detached, and the two RFID tags may be brought close to each other by mounting the card in this card mounting part. In this case, it is preferable to display information reminiscent of content information displayed on the card on the card mounting portion.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the sound reproduction system of the present invention is applied to an educational toy has been described as an example. However, the idea of the present invention can naturally be applied to any apparatus that involves sound output. it can.

  It should be noted that the above embodiments can be implemented in combination as appropriate. For example, a game-type game can be performed using an item or place inside or outside the home in Embodiment 1 instead of the card kit in Embodiment 2.

  The present invention has been described in detail above through specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and is within the scope of the technical idea, and is usually within the technical field to which the invention belongs. Various modifications can be made by those who have knowledge of the above.

  The voice reproduction system according to the present invention has an effect that language learning for improving the ability to recognize things can be spontaneously and efficiently performed in early childhood, and is used for language education for early childhood children. It is useful as an audio playback system used for educational toys.

Overall view showing a configuration of an educational toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention The block diagram which shows the structure of the audio | voice generation part which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the educational toy concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. Overall view showing configuration of educational toy according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention The figure which shows the structure of the card | curd which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the RFID module and toy main body which concern on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the RFID module which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. (A) The figure which shows an example of the audio | voice information preserve | saved by the audio | voice information storage part which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, (B) The audio | voice information preserve | saved by the audio | voice information storage part which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention The figure which shows the other example of (C) The figure which shows the further another example of the audio | voice information preserve | saved by the audio | voice information preservation | save part which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the educational toy concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. Overall view showing configuration of educational toy according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the RFID module which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the educational toy concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. (A) The figure for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the educational toy concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention, (B) The other example of operation | movement of the educational toy concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention is demonstrated. Illustration for

Explanation of symbols

100, 400, 700 Educational toy 200, 513 RFID tag 210 Character card 300 Audio generation unit 310, 610 RFID reader 311 Antenna 312 Signal interpretation unit 313 Main control unit 314 Audio information readout unit 315 Codex 320 Audio information storage unit 330 Audio output Unit 340 interface unit 350, 670 operation unit 500 card kit 510, 520, 530, 540, 811, 812, 813, 814 card 600, 900 RFID module 610, 910 transmission / reception unit 620, 920 signal interpretation unit 630 audio information storage unit 640 , 930 Control unit 641 Problem reading unit 642, 931 Answer reading unit 643, 932 Content information reading unit 650 Decoding unit 660 Speaker 670 Operation unit

Claims (12)

An RFID tag that transmits a unique signal identifying the object; and
The receiver is identified by a receiver that receives a unique signal transmitted from the RFID tag, a reading unit that identifies the object by the received unique signal, a storage unit that stores information about the object, and the reader. An audio generator having an output unit that reads out information about the target object from the storage unit and outputs the information as audio,
The RFID tag transmits the specific signal by an excitation signal from the sound generator,
An audio reproduction system characterized by that. The RFID tag includes a mounting portion that can be attached to and detached from the object.
The sound reproduction system according to claim 1. The information includes a name of the object and a description regarding the object.
The sound reproduction system according to claim 1. The information can be output in a plurality of languages.
The sound reproduction system according to claim 1. The sound generation unit further includes an interface unit between the information or an external device that changes the correspondence between the specific signal and the target object.
The sound reproduction system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The voice generation unit further includes an operation unit that re-outputs information output last by the output unit,
The sound reproduction system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The object is a plurality of cards on which content information is displayed.
The sound reproduction system according to claim 1, wherein the sound reproduction system is a sound reproduction system. A plurality of cards having RFID tags on which content information is displayed and transmitting unique signals identifying the displayed content information;
Displayed on a problem output unit for outputting a problem message requesting presentation of any of the plurality of cards, content information specified by a unique signal transmitted from an RFID tag of the card to be presented, and a card requested to be presented An RFID module having an answer correct / incorrect output unit that outputs an answer correct / incorrect message that notifies the correctness / incorrectness of the presented card by determining whether or not the content information matches.
An audio reproduction system comprising: The card comprises a plurality of layers, and the RFID tag is attached to any one of the plurality of layers.
9. The audio reproduction system according to claim 8. The problem output unit, when a predetermined time has passed without any card being presented after its own voice output, voice output the problem message again,
9. The audio reproduction system according to claim 8. An operation unit that causes the problem output unit to output the problem message by voice;
9. The audio reproduction system according to claim 8. The question message and / or the answer correct / incorrect message can be output in a plurality of languages.
9. The audio reproduction system according to claim 8.

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