US4549867A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic learning aid with random number modes
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1982-05-25
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Granted: 1985-10-29
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Expires: 2002-05-25
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is an electronic learning aid which employs a scanning device for reading printed coded indicia which includes random number modes. A first random number mode provides a flat distribution random number in accordance to a range command. This mode is actuated by scanning coded indicia, firstly, a random number generation command and secondly, a range command. The apparatus then generates a random number from a set of numbers, this set of numbers being determined by the range command. This random number is then employed to select a response which is provided to the user by a speech synthesizer speaking one or more words of human language. In a second embodiment, the random number command enables generation of a random number from among a set in which the probability of selecting one member of the set is different from the probability of selecting other members of the set. This mode could be employed to simulate the number of spots turned upon tossing of two or more dice. As in the first embodiment, the result is communicated to the user via one or more words of human language spoken by a speech synthesizer.
Inventors
- 👤 Ashok Dittakavi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:49
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10881; G09; G09B; G09B5/00; G09B5/06; G09B5/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
An electronic learning aid comprising: (a) a scanning means for selectively reading coded indicia, said coded indicia including first coded indicia corresponding to a random number generation command and a second coded indicia corresponding to a range command; (b) a random number generating means connected to said scanning means for randomly selecting one of a specified set of numbers upon reading said coded indicia, the size of said set of numbers corresponding said range command; (c) a response means connected to said random number generating means for selecting speech synthesis data corresponding to said selected number; and (d) speech synthesis means connected to said response means for speaking one or more words of human language corresponding to said selected speech synthesis data.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
An electronic learning aid comprising: (a) a scanning means for selectively reading coded indicia, said coded indicia including first coded indicia corresponding to a random number generation command and a second coded indicia corresponding to a range command; (b) a random number generating means connected to said scanning means for randomly selecting one of a specified set of numbers upon reading said coded indicia, the size of said set of numbers corresponding said range command; (c) a response means connected to said random number generating means for selecting speech synthesis data corresponding to said selected number; and (d) speech synthesis means connected to said response means for speaking one or more words of human language corresponding to said selected speech synthesis data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An electronic learning aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein said speech synthesis data selected by said response means includes at least speech synthesis data corresponding to said selected number in human language.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic learning aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scanning means includes optical reading means for reading a printed bar code.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
135 words
An electronic learning aid comprising: (a) a scanning means for selectively reading coded indicia, said coded indicia including first coded indicia corresponding to a random number command; (b) a random number generating means connected to said scanning means for randomly selecting one of a pedetermined set of numbers upon reading of said first coded indicia corresponding to a random number command, the probability of selecting at least one of said numbers of said predetermined set different than the probability of selecting other numbers of said predetermined set; (c) a response means connected to said random number generating means for selecting speech synthesis data corresponding to said selected number; and (d) a speech synthesis means connected to said response means for speaking one or more words of human language corresponding to said selected speech synthesis data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
135 words
An electronic learning aid comprising: (a) a scanning means for selectively reading coded indicia, said coded indicia including first coded indicia corresponding to a random number command; (b) a random number generating means connected to said scanning means for randomly selecting one of a pedetermined set of numbers upon reading of said first coded indicia corresponding to a random number command, the probability of selecting at least one of said numbers of said predetermined set different than the probability of selecting other numbers of said predetermined set; (c) a response means connected to said random number generating means for selecting speech synthesis data corresponding to said selected number; and (d) a speech synthesis means connected to said response means for speaking one or more words of human language corresponding to said selected speech synthesis data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electronic learning aid as claimed in claim 4, wherein said scanning means includes optical reading means for reading printed bar code.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
An electronic learning aid as claimed in claim 4, wherein said response means further includes means for selecting numbers from said predetermined set having a probability distribution approximating the total number of spots in a throw of a predetermined plurality of dice.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
An electronic learning aid as claimed in claim 6, wherein said response means further includes means for selecting numbers from said predetermined set having numbers 2 to 12 in a probability distribution approximating the total number spots in a throw of two dice.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-10-28 | 1989-04-29 | 1989-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-10-28 | 1993-04-29 | 1993-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-10-28 | 1997-04-29 | 1997-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |