US20060025036A1 - Interactive electronic toy - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive electronic device is disclosed, wherein the device includes a body, a controller disposed within the body, a touch-screen input coupled with the body, wherein the touch-screen input includes a transparent viewing field, a display output coupled with the body, wherein the display output includes a transparent portion positioned within the viewing field of the touch-screen input, and a background disposed behind the touch-screen input and the display output, the background including activity content, wherein the controller is configured to accept an input from the touch-screen input and to control the display of an output on the transparent portion of the display output.

Description

BACKGROUND
• Many types of interactive electronic games and toys are known. Generally, interactive electronic toys are toys that have the ability to receive an electronic input from a user, and to produce a specific output in response to the input. Interactive electronic toys may be used for entertainment or educational purposes. Some examples of common interactive electronic toys include video games and electronically interactive dolls.
• Another type of interactive electronic toy includes an output device, such as a display screen, on which various questions or puzzles may be presented to a child. This type of toy also typically includes an input device on which the child may select an answer to the question or puzzle. Furthermore, the toy may be configured to provide feedback related to the input, typically via the display screen.
• In the past, such interactive electronic toys generally included a keyboard or keypad as an input device. More recently, some such toys have utilized a touch-screen input device. The use of a touch-screen input device allows a child to interact directly with the screen, and thus helps to increase the degree of interactivity of the child with the display shown behind the touch screen. However, the output is typically provided in a separate location on the device from the input. Furthermore, the background of the input devices on such toys is typically fixed or electronically generated.
SUMMARY
• An interactive electronic device is provided. A first embodiment of the device includes a body, a controller disposed within the body, a touch-screen input coupled with the body, wherein the touch-screen input includes a transparent viewing field, a display output coupled with the body, wherein the display output includes a transparent portion positioned within the viewing field of the touch-screen input, and a background disposed behind the touch-screen input and the display output, the background including activity content, wherein the controller is configured to accept an input from the touch-screen input and to control the display of an output on the transparent portion of the display output.
• An alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic device including a body, a touch-screen input coupled with the body, wherein the touch-screen input includes a transparent portion, a display output coupled with the body, and a printed media receptacle disposed adjacent the touch-screen input. The printed media receptacle is configured to receive a printed medium and to position the printed medium relative to the touch-screen input such that an activity content portion of the printed medium is visible through the transparent portion of the touch-screen input.
• Another alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic toy including a body, a transparent touch-screen input coupled with the body, a printed media receptacle disposed adjacent the touch-screen input, wherein the printed media receptacle is configured to receive a printed medium, the printed medium including an identification code that identifies the printed medium, and a code detector associated with the printed media receptacle, wherein code detector is configured to read the identifying code on the printed medium when the printed medium is positioned in the printed media receptacle.
• Yet another alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic toy configured to provide an audio output, wherein the toy includes a volume control operable by a user to control a volume of the audio output, and an audio transducer positioned at least partially within an interior portion of the volume control, wherein the audio transducer is configured to output an audio signal through the volume control.
• Yet another alternative embodiment provides an interactive electronic toy configured to receive an input from a memory cartridge and to display an output to a user, the memory cartridge including an operative major surface and an opposed non-operative major surface, each major surface being bordered by and separated from the other major surface by at least one edge, each major surface having a larger surface area than the at least one edge. The interactive toy includes a body, and a memory cartridge receptacle associated with the body and configured to receive the memory cartridge in such a manner that the operative major surface of the memory cartridge is positioned against a bottom surface of the memory device receptacle and the non-operative face is positioned outwardly toward the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of an interactive electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the touch-screen input and display output of the embodiment ofFIG. 1, taken along line3-3 ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interactive electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a view of a first exemplary embodiment of an activity that may be played on the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 5.
• FIG. 7 is a view of a second exemplary embodiment of an activity that may be played on the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 5.
• FIG. 8 is a view of a third exemplary embodiment of an activity that may be played on the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DEPICTED EMBODIMENTS
• FIGS. 1-4 show, generally at10, a first exemplary embodiment of an interactive electronic device according to the present invention, in the form of a children's interactive toy. Interactiveelectronic device10 includes abody12 to which a touch-screen input14 and adisplay output16 are coupled.Display16 is positioned such that it at least partially overlaps the field of view of touch-screen input14. Both touch-screen input14 anddisplay16 are at least partially transparent to allow a user to view through the input and display abackground18, such as the depicted activity book, placed behind the touch-screen input and display.
• Body12 may include abackground receptacle20 to enable the insertion and removal ofbackground18 so that the background may be changed as desired.Body12 may also include acartridge receptacle22 for receiving amemory cartridge24 containing data corresponding to a selectedbackground18.Memory cartridge24 may be electrically connected to acontroller26 disposed withinbody12.Controller26 may be configured to read the data stored onmemory cartridge24 and to display information from the memory cartridge specific to the background in current use.Controller26 may also be configured to accept input from touch-screen input14, and to process the input in a manner specific to the background in current use.
• Interactiveelectronic device10 may include other outputs besidesdisplay16. For example,body12 may include one ormore lights28 configured to provide additional visual feedback to a user of interactiveelectronic device10. Likewise, interactiveelectronic device10 may also include anaudio transducer30 to provide aural feedback to a user.
• The combination of touch-screen input14,display16 andbackground18 allow interactiveelectronic device10 to be used as a platform on which a variety of different games, puzzles and/or other activities may be played. Furthermore, a user may change activities simply by changingbackground18 and/ormemory cartridge24. Interactiveelectronic device10 may be configured to automatically determine the identity of thebackground18 in current use, and to display ondisplay16 statements, questions, and/or other text and/or graphics specific to the background in current use. The user may respond to the questions, statements, puzzles or other information ondisplay16 by touching touch-screen input14 at a location generally over a part of the background that corresponds to an answer to the question, solution to the puzzle, etc. The use of atransparent display16 allows the display to be placed within the field of view of touch-screen input14 andbackground18. This allows text and/or graphics displayed ondisplay16 to be displayed over portions ofbackground18 having activity content, or even to interact with activity content on the background.
• Body12 may have any suitable configuration. In the depicted embodiment,body12 has a generally rectangular shape (with deviations to accommodatememory cartridge24,lights28, andaudio transducer30, as well as to give the body a more interesting appearance), and fully surrounds touch-screen input14.Body12 may include ahandle32 to provide a location at which a child may easily graspbody12 for carrying. Alternatively,body12 may include another carrying mechanism, such as a strap. The depicted body bears a resemblance to a briefcase, handbag, satchel, etc. However, the body may also take other forms intended to appear pleasing to a target audience. For example, where the interactive electronic device is configured to appeal to small children, the body may take the form of a representation of an animal, a popular character, etc.
• In addition tobackground receptacle20, which positions abackground18 currently in use correctly behind touch-screen input14 anddisplay16,body12 may include asecond background receptacle34 for holdingadditional backgrounds18′ other than thebackground18 currently in use.Second background receptacle34 may be configured to hold only a single background (or single set of backgrounds, where multiple backgrounds are bound together as a book), or may be configured to hold multiple backgrounds or sets of backgrounds. Second background receptacle37 thus provides a convenient place to store and transport anadditional background18′. The spatial relationship ofbackground18 andadditional background18′ is shown inFIG. 2.
• Body12 may be made of any suitable material or materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, materials that are lightweight, impact-resistant, and low-cost. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, many plastics.
• In the depicted embodiment, touch-screen input14 occupies a large majority of the front surface area of interactiveelectronic device10. Such a configuration may allow the use of alarger background18, and thus may permit the background to incorporate more graphics, text and/or other activity content related to a game or other activity. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the touch-screen input may occupy a smaller portion of the overall front surface of interactiveelectronic device10.
• Any suitable type of touch-screen input device may be used for touch-screen input14. Examples of suitable touch-screen input technologies include, but are not limited to, capacitive, resistive, projected capacitive, and surface-acoustic wave touch input devices. The touch-sensitive portion of touch-screen input14 may extend across the entire field of view that is framed bybody12, or may be located in a smaller sub-section of the field of view. Touch-screen input14 may be configured to accept input via the touch of a finger, or astylus35 may be provided with which a user may make an input.
• FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of touch-screen input14 anddisplay16. As shown inFIG. 3, touch-screen input14 anddisplay16 may be backed by a backing layer, indicated at36 inFIG. 3. Backinglayer36 may help to support touch-screen input14 anddisplay16, and also may help to protect those components from damage caused by pressing too hard against the touch screen, by insertion and/or removal ofbackground18, etc. Backinglayer36 may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include those that are lightweight, strong, impact resistant, and/or at least partially transparent so thatbackground layer18 is not obscured through the combination ofbackground layer18,display16 and touch-screen input14. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, various glass and plastic materials.
• Display16 may occupy any suitable portion of the field of view of touch-screen input14. For example,display16 may occupy the entire field of view of touch-screen input14, or, as in the depicted embodiment, may occupy only a portion of the field of view of the touch-screen input. Also, display16 may be positioned in any suitable location within the field of view of touch-screen input14. In the depicted embodiment,display16 is positioned along a lower edge of touch-screen input14, and is approximately centered along this edge. Alternatively,display16 may be positioned along an upper edge of touch-screen input14, along either side of the touch-screen input, or even centered approximately in the middle of the touch-screen input.
• Display16 may be positioned either in front of or behind touch-screen input14 from the perspective of a user, and the term “overlapping” may be used to refer to either of these arrangements. It may be advantageous to placedisplay16 behind touch-screen input14 in some circumstances, as shown inFIG. 3. For example, some touch-screen technologies, such as capacitive touch-screen devices, do not work well when positioned beneath other layers of material. Where these technologies are used,display16 may be placed behind touch-screen input14 from the perspective of a user so that the entire surface area of touch-screen input14 is available to accept input from the user. Where the touch-screen technology utilized for touch-screen input14 is less sensitive to whether a touch is direct or indirect,display16 may be positioned in front of touch-screen input.
• Any suitable type of display may be used fordisplay16. Suitable types of displays include those that are at least partially transparent so that a viewer can viewbackground18 throughdisplay16. Examples of suitable displays include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal displays and other transmissive light valve devices.
• Background18 is configured to display text, numbers, graphics, and other information related to or referenced by a game, puzzle or other activity played on interactiveelectronic device10.Background18 may also be configured to be changeable so that different backgrounds may be used for different activities.Background18 may take any suitable form. In the depicted embodiment,background18 takes the form of a plurality of printed media bound together as an activity book. Each printed medium forming the activity book may be printed only on a single side, or may be printed on both sides. Furthermore, it will be appreciated thatbackground18 may take the form of only a single page of printed medium, rather than a plurality of printed media bound together.
• Memory cartridge24 may contain data related to questions, statements, graphics, etc. configured to be displayed ondisplay16 that are related to activity content appearing onbackground18. Furthermore,memory cartridge24 may also contain data related to the regions of touch-screen input14 that correspond to correct and/or incorrect answers onbackground18. Where asingle memory cartridge24 is configured to be used with more than onedifferent background18, interactiveelectronic device10 may include a mechanism for detecting the identity (page number, etc.) of a background in current use. Any suitable mechanism may be used to permit interactiveelectronic device10 to determine the identity of thebackground18 in current use. In the depicted embodiment,background18 includes an identifyingcode38, and interactiveelectronic device10 includes acode reader40 electrically connected tocontroller26.Code reader40 is configured to read identifyingcode38 and to communicate the identifyingcode38 tocontroller26.Controller26 then may be configured to locate data onmemory cartridge24 corresponding to the identifyingcode38 so that text, graphics, etc. corresponding to the identifying code may be displayed ondisplay16, and so that the controller may determine which regions on touch-screen input14 correspond to right and wrong answers.
• Any suitable type of code and code reader may be used as identifyingcode38 andcode reader40. Examples of suitable types of codes (and associated code readers) include, but are not limited to, optical codes, such as bar codes, magnetic codes and electronic codes.
• Identifyingcode38 may be located in any suitable place onbackground18. For example, identifying code may be located at a place onbackground18 that is hidden behindbody12 when the background is inserted fully intobackground receptacle20. This may allow identifyingcode38 to be hidden from view whilebackground18 is in use. In the depicted embodiment, identifyingcode38 is located in a lower corner ofbackground18. Alternatively, identifying code may be located in an upper corner, along a side of, or even in a central position onbackground18.
• Likewise,code reader40 may be located at any suitable location onbody12 where it can read identifyingcode38. Where identifyingcode38 has the location onbackground18 shown in the depicted embodiment,code reader40 may be coupled tobody12 in a location withinbackground receptacle20 adjacent tocartridge receptacle22. Alternatively,code reader40 may be coupled tobody12 along a side ofbody12, as shown at40′, or along a top edge of the body, as shown at40″. It will be appreciated that the locations ofcode reader40 shown inFIG. 1 are merely exemplary, and thatcode reader40 may have any other suitable location in which it is capable of reading identifyingcode38 onbackground18.
• As described above,memory cartridge24 includes memory which may store data representing text, graphics, and/or other objects displayable ondisplay16 that correspond to one ormore backgrounds18.Memory cartridge24 may also include data representing sounds to be output byaudio transducer30. Examples of such sounds include, but are not limited to, questions or statements prompting a user to select an answer via touch-screen input14, and verbal, musical, or other feedback regarding the selection of correct or incorrect answers. Furthermore,memory cartridge24 may include any other data related to games and other activities playable on interactiveelectronic device10.
• Memory cartridge24 may have any suitable configuration. In the depicted embodiment, memory cartridge has a flattened, broad configuration configured to have a low profile when positioned inmemory cartridge receptacle22. In particular,memory cartridge24 includes an operativemajor surface42 configured to rest against the bottom surface ofmemory cartridge receptacle22, and an opposed non-operativemajor surface44 configured to face outwardly toward a user.Memory cartridge22 also includes aside46 separating operativemajor surface42 and non-operativemajor surface44. In the depicted embodiment, each major surface has a larger surface area thanside46. The depicted memory cartridge configuration allows memory cartridge to have a low profile that fits withinmemory cartridge receptacle22 such that non-operativemajor surface44 may stand only slightly above the surface ofbody12. If desired, a logo or other graphics (not shown) may be displayed on non-operativemajor surface44.
• Memory cartridge24 may have any suitable shape. In the depicted embodiment,memory cartridge24 has a generally round perimeter. The round perimeter ofmemory cartridge24 may have some degree of asymmetry, for example, a slightly ovalesque shape, so thatmemory cartridge24 only fits inmemory cartridge receptacle22 in a correct orientation. However,memory cartridge24 also may have a symmetric shape if desired. In this case,memory cartridge24 may include another alignment mechanism, such as tabs or other protrusions that are configured to fit into complementary receptacles withinmemory cartridge receptacle22 to help insure correct alignment.
• Operativemajor surface42 ofmemory cartridge24 may include electrical contacts (not shown) configured to connect to a set ofcontacts45 located on the bottom surface ofmemory cartridge receptacle22 when inserted into the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively or additionally,side46 ofmemory cartridge24 may include electrical contacts (not shown) configured to connect to a set ofcontacts45′ located on a side ofmemory cartridge receptacle45.Contacts45 and45′ allow data, power and ground connections to be made betweenmemory cartridge24 andcontroller26.
• While the depicted embodiment utilizes a memory cartridge to provide information related tobackground18 tocontroller26, it will be appreciated that any other suitable memory device may be used to provide data tocontroller26. For example, a dedicated on-board memory device, such as a hard drive, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc., may be used to store information related to one ormore backgrounds18. Likewise, other external memory devices besidesmemory cartridge24 may be used to provide information tocontroller26. Examples include, but are not limited to, many types of external disk drives and flash memory cards.
• As mentioned above, interactiveelectronic device10 may include one ormore lights28.Lights28 may be used to indicate a correct answer to a question or puzzle to provide positive feedback or reinforcement. Interactiveelectronic device10 may have asmany lights28 as desired. The depicted embodiment includes five lights that incrementally increase in size from smallest light28′ to largest light28″.
• Lights28 may be configured to light up in any desired pattern. For example, where interactiveelectronic device10 includes a plurality oflights28,controller26 may be configured to light up one light for each correct answer input by a user, for example, beginning with smallest light28′, and then illuminating the next-largest light with each correct answer. The illuminated lights may stay illuminated until the user answers all questions or completely solves a multi-step puzzle. Once the user completely finishes the activity correctly, the lights may be configured to flash on and off in a pleasing pattern to provide further positive reinforcement. As another example, alllights28 may flash in a pattern or in unison with each correct answer.
• Audio transducer30 may take the form of any suitable type of transducer. Examples include, but are not limited to, speakers and piezoelectric devices. Likewise,audio transducer30 may be configured to provide any suitable type of audio output (typically via controller26). For example,audio transducer30 may be configured to output spoken versions of questions or statements displayed ondisplay16 to reinforce reading skills. Furthermore,audio transducer30 may be configured to provide output in response to correct or incorrect answers to questions, statements, puzzles, and other activities posed to a user ondisplay16.
• Audio transducer30 may be positioned in any suitable location onbody12. For example, in the depicted embodiment,audio transducer30 is positioned within a hollow interior of avolume control50 used to control the volume of the output ofaudio transducer30.Positioning audio transducer30 withinvolume control50 may offer advantages over other locations. For example, where interactiveelectronic device10 is a young children's toy, a child playing with the toy may be drawn to play withvolume control50 by the sounds coming out ofaudio transducer30. The child may then notice that turningvolume control50 causes the volume of the audio output to vary in intensity, and thus may learn to use the volume control to intentionally adjust the volume of the audio output. Alternatively,audio transducer30 may be positioned withinbody12 at location directly belowvolume control50 rather than within the volume control, or even at a location remote from the volume control.
• FIG. 4 shows a rear view of interactiveelectronic device10.Body12 includes arear side51 having a cutout design such that a user can see completely through interactiveelectronic device10 whenbackground18 andadditional background18′ are not positioned in their respective receptacles. Alternatively,body12 may include a solid rear side. Also, where interactiveelectronic device10 is battery-powered, abattery compartment52 may be provided to accommodate one ormore batteries54. Whilebattery compartment52 of the depicted embodiment is located on the rear side of interactiveelectronic device10, it will be appreciated that the battery compartment may be located at any other suitable position on the device.
• The rear side of interactiveelectronic device10 may also include aspare cartridge receptacle56 for holding aspare memory cartridge58. Whilebody12 has a singlespare cartridge receptacle56 in the depicted embodiment, it will be appreciated thatbody12 may have more than one spare cartridge receptacle.
• FIG. 5 shows, generally at110, a second embodiment of an interactive electronic device according to the present invention. Interactiveelectronic device110 includes many of the same features as interactiveelectronic device10. For example, interactiveelectronic device110 includes abody112, a transparent touch-screen input114, atransparent display116 positioned within the field of view of the touch-screen input114, a background receptacle (not shown) configured to accept insertion of a background (not shown), an audio transducer contained within avolume control150, and a plurality oflights128 configured to be illuminated in a pre-selected pattern upon the receipt of pre-selected input from a user.
• However, interactiveelectronic device110 also has some different features than interactiveelectronic device10. For example, interactiveelectronic device110 includes amemory cartridge receptacle122 andmemory cartridge124 having asymmetric perimeters. The use of amemory cartridge receptacle122 andmemory cartridge124 with asymmetric perimeters may help to preventmemory cartridge124 from being inserted intomemory cartridge receptacle122 in an incorrect orientation. Thus, this may help a child insert the memory cartridge into the memory cartridge receptacle in a correct orientation with greater ease relative to a memory cartridge and memory cartridge receptacle having symmetric perimeters.
• Interactiveelectronic device110 has some other differences compared to interactiveelectronic device10. For example,lights128 of interactiveelectronic device110 are similar tolights28 of interactiveelectronic device10 in that lights128 are arranged in ascending order of size along a side ofbody112. However, largest light128′ has a brain-shaped configuration instead of a more ordinary geometric shape. Largest light128′ may be configured to illuminate only at the successful completion of a puzzle or other activity, wherein the illuminated brain-shaped light provides positive feedback to the child in the form of an indication of the “brain power” of the child. Alternatively, largest light128′ may be configured to illuminate with the input of any correct answer, or at any other desired time.
• Other differences between interactiveelectronic device110 andinteractive device10 are also apparent inFIG. 5. For example, interactiveelectronic device110 includes astrap130, instead of a handle, for carrying the device. Furthermore,body112 of interactive electronic device includes a diagonally cutawayrear panel132 to give the device an interesting and unique appearance. While the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5 have either a handle or a strap to facilitate carrying, it will be appreciated that an interactive electronic device according to the present invention may have any other suitable structure for facilitating carrying, or alternatively may not have such a structure.
• As described above, many different types of games, puzzles and other activities may be played on interactiveelectronic devices10 and110.FIGS. 6-8 illustrate three exemplary activities, in the form of games for children. While the activities are described below in the context of interactiveelectronic device10, it will be appreciated that the discussion also applies equally tointeractive device110.
• First referring toFIG. 6,background18 displays content in the form of a printed graphical representation of a plurality of geometric shapes, including circles, squares, hexagons, rectangles, triangles, etc.Display16 displays the question “[c]an you find5 triangles?”, prompting the user to locate five triangles on the background, and to select the five triangles using touch-screen input14.Display16 may also be used to display a hint, such as “[a] triangle has three sides”, and also to display a pictorial representation of a triangle to show a child what a triangle is. Where a pictorial representation is shown ondisplay16, animation may be used to help demonstrate the shape to the child. For example, each side of the triangle could flash in time with an audio line that states “one side, two sides, three sides.”
• Upon receipt of input from touch-screen input indicating that the child has correctly identified five triangles,display16,lights28 and/oraudio transducer30 may be configured to provide output that positively reinforces the lesson. Likewise, upon receipt of an input indicating an incorrect choice,display16,lights28 andaudio transducer30 may be configured to provide output that requests the child to keep trying, and also that may provide another hint to help the child. Because the content displayed ondisplay16 may be changed, asingle background18 may be used for many different activities.
• Next referring toFIG. 7,background18 displays a plurality of analog clocks of different types and each displaying different times.Display16 displays the question “[w]hich clock reads 10:30?”, requesting the child to identify the analog clock that displays the same time as the time shown in digital format on the display. Such an activity may help a child learn to convert times between analog and digital formats. This activity may include any of a number of variations. For example,display16 may display a question requesting a user to identify a clock showing a time one hour later than that shown in digital (or analog) format on the display. Furthermore, the user may be requested to adjust the hands of an analog clock ondisplay16 to match the time shown on another clock shown onbackground18.
• FIG. 8 shows a game suitable for older children.Background18 displays a map of the United States of America, anddisplay16 displays the question “Denver is the capitol of which state?”, prompting a user to touch touch-screen input14 over the state of Colorado.Display16,lights28 andaudio transducer30 may be configured to provide appropriate positive or negative feedback depending upon the answer selected by the user.
• It will be appreciated that interactiveelectronic device10 may be used for many more games, puzzles and activities other than those set forth in the examples above. For example, the portion ofbackground18 behinddisplay16 may be blank (or have a graphically framed blank center), and the region of touch-screen input14 that overlapsdisplay16 may be used to display text that changes independent ofbackground18. Furthermore, the text shown ondisplay16 may be touch-sensitive, and thus may be hyperlinked or otherwise associated with additional content. The region of touch-screen input14 that overlapsdisplay16 may also be used as an area in which to write and/or draw, and the words, characters and/or pictures drawn may appear indisplay16. Furthermore,display16 may display a representation of a gameboard, and a user may use touch-screen input14 to play a game on the gameboard.
• Although the present disclosure includes specific embodiments, specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims (44)

1. An interactive electronic device, comprising:

a body;

a controller disposed within the body;

a touch-screen input coupled with the body, wherein the touch-screen input includes a transparent viewing field;

a display output coupled with the body, wherein the display output includes a transparent portion positioned within the viewing field of the touch-screen input; and

a background disposed behind the touch-screen input and the display output, the background including activity content, wherein the controller is configured to accept an input from the touch-screen input and to control the display of an output on the transparent portion of the display output.

2. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the background is a printed medium, further comprising a printed media receptacle configured to receive the printed medium.

3. The electronic device ofclaim 2, wherein the printed medium includes an identification code, further comprising a code detector associated with the printed media receptacle, wherein code detector is configured to read the identifying code on the printed medium when the printed medium is positioned in the printed media receptacle.

4. The electronic device ofclaim 3, wherein the identification code is an optical code, and wherein the code detector is an optical code reader.

5. The electronic device ofclaim 3, wherein the background is a book having a plurality of pages, and wherein each page includes a unique identifying code.

6. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the display output is a transparent liquid crystal display.

7. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the transparent active portion of the display output is positioned adjacent a lower portion of the touch-screen input from a user's perspective.

8. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the transparent portion of the display output is disposed in front of the touch-screen input from a user's perspective.

9. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the transparent portion of the display output is disposed behind the touch-screen input from a user's perspective.

10. The electronic device ofclaim 1, further comprising a light coupled to the body, wherein the light is illuminated when the user makes a preselected input via the touch-screen input.

11. The electronic device ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of lights coupled to the body, wherein the plurality of lights are illuminated in a preselected pattern when the user makes a preselected input via the touch-screen input.

12. An interactive electronic device, comprising:

a body;

a touch-screen input coupled with the body, wherein the touch-screen input includes a transparent portion;

a display output coupled with the body; and

a printed media receptacle disposed adjacent the touch-screen input, wherein printed media receptacle is configured to receive a printed medium and to position the printed medium relative to the touch-screen input such that an activity content portion of the printed medium is visible through the transparent portion of the touch-screen input.

13. The electronic device ofclaim 12, wherein the display output is a liquid crystal display.

14. The electronic device ofclaim 12, wherein the display output includes a transparent portion that at least partially overlaps the touch-screen input.

15. The electronic device ofclaim 14, wherein the transparent portion of the display output overlaps a lower portion of the touch-screen input.

16. The electronic device ofclaim 14, wherein the transparent portion of the display output is disposed in front of the touch-screen input.

17. The electronic device ofclaim 14, wherein the transparent portion of the display output is disposed behind the touch-screen input.

18. The electronic device ofclaim 12, wherein the printed medium includes an identification code, further comprising a code detector associated with the printed media receptacle, wherein code detector is configured to read the identifying code on the printed medium when the printed medium is inserted in the printed media receptacle.

19. The electronic device ofclaim 18, wherein the identification code is an optical code, and wherein the code detector is an optical code reader.

20. The electronic toy ofclaim 12, wherein the printed medium is a book having a plurality of pages, and wherein each page includes an identifying code.

21. The electronic device ofclaim 12, further comprising a light coupled to the body, wherein the light is illuminated when the user makes a preselected input via the touch-screen input.

22. The electronic device ofclaim 12, further comprising a plurality of lights coupled to the body, wherein the plurality of lights are illuminated in a pattern when the user makes a preselected input via the touch-screen input.

23. The electronic device ofclaim 12, further comprising an audio transducer coupled to the body, wherein the audio transducer is configured to output an audio signal.

24. The electronic device ofclaim 23, wherein the audio transducer is selected from the group consisting of speakers and piezoelectric transducers.

25. The electronic device ofclaim 23, further comprising a volume control coupled to the body, wherein the volume control includes a hollow interior, and wherein the audio transducer is disposed within the hollow interior of the volume control.

26. The electronic device ofclaim 12, further comprising a memory cartridge receptacle disposed on the body.

27. The electronic device ofclaim 26, wherein the memory cartridge receptacle is formed in a front face of the body and is configured to accept a memory cartridge in such a manner that a major face of the memory cartridge faces outwardly toward a user.

28. The electronic device ofclaim 27, wherein the memory cartridge receptacle is configured to accept the memory cartridge in such a manner that the major face of the memory cartridge is positioned substantially flush with the front face of the body.

29. The electronic device ofclaim 27, wherein the memory cartridge receptacle has an asymmetrical perimeter.

30. An interactive electronic toy, comprising:

a body;

a transparent touch-screen input coupled with the body;

a printed media receptacle disposed adjacent the touch-screen input, wherein the printed media receptacle is configured to receive a printed medium, the printed medium including an identification code that identifies the printed medium; and

a code detector associated with the printed media receptacle, wherein code detector is configured to read the identifying code on the printed medium when the printed medium is positioned in the printed media receptacle.

31. The electronic toy ofclaim 30, wherein the identifying code is an optical code, and wherein the code detector is an optical code detector.

32. The electronic toy ofclaim 31, wherein the optical code is a bar code.

33. The electronic toy ofclaim 30, wherein the identifying code is a magnetic code, and wherein the code detector is a magnetic code detector.

34. The electronic toy ofclaim 30, wherein the identifying code is an electronic code, and wherein the code detector is an electronic code detector.

35. The electronic toy ofclaim 30, wherein the printed medium is a book having a plurality of pages, and wherein each page includes a unique identifying code.

36. An interactive electronic toy configured to provide an audio output, the toy comprising:

a volume control operable by a user to control a volume of the audio output, the volume control having a hollow interior portion; and

an audio transducer positioned at least partially within an interior portion of the volume control, wherein the audio transducer is configured to output an audio signal through the volume control.

37. The electronic device ofclaim 36, wherein the audio transducer is selected from the group consisting of speakers and piezoelectric transducers.

38. The electronic device ofclaim 36, wherein the volume control is a knob that is turnable to adjust the volume of the audio output.

39. An interactive electronic toy configured to receive an input from a memory cartridge and to display an output to a user, the memory cartridge including an operative major surface and an opposed non-operative major surface, each major surface being bordered by and separated from the other major surface by at least one edge, each major surface having a larger surface area than the at least one edge, the interactive toy comprising:

a body; and

a memory cartridge receptacle associated with the body and configured to receive the memory cartridge in such a manner that the operative major surface of the memory cartridge is positioned against a bottom surface of the memory device receptacle and the non-operative face is positioned outwardly toward the user.

40. The interactive electronic toy ofclaim 39, wherein the body includes a front surface, and wherein the memory cartridge receptacle is formed in the front surface of the body.

41. The interactive electronic toy ofclaim 39, wherein the memory cartridge receptacle includes an asymmetrical perimeter.

42. The interactive electronic toy ofclaim 39, wherein the memory cartridge receptacle includes an electrical contact configured to connect to a complementary electrical contact on the memory cartridge when the memory cartridge is positioned in the memory cartridge receptacle.

43. The interactive electronic toy ofclaim 42, wherein the memory cartridge receptacle includes a bottom surface, and wherein the electrical contact is disposed on the bottom surface of the memory cartridge receptacle.

44. The interactive electronic toy ofclaim 42, wherein the memory cartridge receptacle includes a side surface, and wherein the electrical contact is disposed on the side surface of the memory cartridge receptacle.

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