RU2851137C1 - Early childhood development system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electronic educational systems.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to early childhood development systems. The system includes a tag reader, such as an NFC reader, a set of programmable tags, such as NFC tags, a mobile application, a wireless or "smart" speaker, or a built-in speaker in the NFC reader. The mobile application includes an educational module, a module for automated collection and analysis of performance data, and a motor activity module. The tag reader contains a reader board with a controller, a colour indicator diode, a signal receiver-transmitter, a Bluetooth module, and a power source.

EFFECT: improving the effectiveness of children's learning and their mental and physical development by personalising the programme for each child and automatically collecting and analysing performance data, as well as stimulating physical activity through playful interaction with the surrounding space.

9 cl, 4 dwg, 4 ex

Description

The technical solution relates to the field of electronic educational systems, namely to early childhood development systems that provide adaptive learning through interaction with programmable tags (e.g. NFC) located in the space surrounding the child.

There are educational tablets with fixed content, interactive toys without adaptation, and testing systems without voice guidance, such as the LeapFrog Tag™ Reading System (https://edutoysplus.com/review/leapfrog-tag-pen-system-review-and-evaluation), which is designed primarily for children learning to read. Some features of the system: an infrared camera on the tip of the pen recognizes text in interactive books and launches voiceovers, games, and demonstrations; a built-in speaker and volume controls; an LED indicator shows battery and power status; a mini-USB port for charging or connecting to a computer; a dedicated button for playing audiobooks independently of the pen's interactive functions.

The Toniebox audio system (https://www.jasperbro.com/toniebox/) is also well-known. It's a children's audio player that allows children to listen to stories and songs without using a screen. The device is a portable cube with a built-in speaker and a platform on top. Place a Tonie figurine (there are over 100 to choose from, each sold separately) on the surface to listen to songs and stories.

These solutions use similar tag or RFID stylus technologies, but their content does not adapt in real time to the child's level.

A system for providing children's video using an NFC chip is known (patent KR1020160019603, IPC G06Q 50/10, G06K 17/00, G06K 19/07, published on 22.02.2016), which includes a children's terminal configured to provide various video or text information to a cloud server, the cloud server itself configured to transmit video or text information to a parent terminal, wherein the video and text information is entered using the ID of the children's terminal associated with the parent terminal, the parent terminal itself configured to receive and display video or text information of the corresponding children upon reading the NFC chip attached to the doll, and the doll including the NFC chip. Thus, the system ensures seamless communication between parents and children.

The disadvantage of this technical solution is that the educational component is not sufficiently developed; the system is intended primarily for communication between the child and parents.

The closest analogue is a system for reproducing audio content according to the method (RU Patent No. 2808727, IPC G10K 11/00, published on 04.12.2023), which includes the stages of entering parameters using a mobile device in an application, generating audio content using the entered parameters in the application on a mobile device using a neural network, sending the generated audio content from the mobile device to an audio speaker, receiving the sent generated audio content by the audio speaker using a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module and recording it in the memory unit of the audio speaker, placing a thematic card or a toy with an NFC tag on a speaker with an NFC reader of the audio speaker, reading data from the NFC tag with the NFC reader, and reproducing audio content on the audio speaker based on the read data. Specifically, the generated audio content is sent from a mobile device to the speaker directly via a Bluetooth module or by sending the audio content from the mobile device to a remote server, from which it is sent to the speaker via Wi-Fi over the internet. Adults enter parameters into the mobile device app, such as the child's personality, age, musical preferences, and information about which audio content should be played on a specific day, after which it is generated.

The disadvantage of this device is the complexity of the algorithms for filtering the selected content, as well as the narrow focus of its application.

The technical result of the proposed solution is to increase the effectiveness of children's learning, their mental and physical development, by personalizing the program for each child and automated collection and analysis of data on academic performance, as well as stimulating physical activity through playful interaction with the surrounding space.

The technical result is achieved due to the fact that in the early childhood development system, which includes a tag reader, at least one tag containing a unique identifier associated with specific audio content, a mobile application installed on a mobile device, and a sound reproduction device, the tag reader itself consists of a housing in which a board with a controller, a diode indicator, a signal receiver-transmitter, a wireless communication module, and a power source are installed, which are interconnected, wherein the board with the controller is installed with the possibility of communication through the wireless communication module with the mobile application, and the signal receiver-transmitter is installed with the possibility of both reading the tag and programming it using the mobile application, the sound reproduction devices are a speaker, also installed in the tag reader, a speaker of the mobile device and a wireless acoustic column, which are installed with the possibility of selecting a specific sound reproduction device using the mobile application, wherein the mobile application includes in its composition an educational module, a module for automated collection and analysis of data on academic performance and a motor activity module, wherein the educational module contains at least at least one educational program and is designed with the ability to generate an individual set of markers for each child, the motor activity module contains at least one program for increasing motor activity and is designed with the ability to generate and visualize a map of the location of markers in the surrounding space and, based on this map, issue instructions for finding these markers, the module for automated collection and analysis of data on academic performance is designed with the ability to record the results of program implementation, identify errors made and generate recommendations for improving the learning and motor processes.

In addition, the tags are made using NFC technology.

In addition, the tags are made based on QR codes.

In addition, the mobile application includes a statistical analysis module that creates a dynamic profile of the child's knowledge based on the speed and accuracy of their responses.

In addition, the educational module and the motor activity module are implemented as a game interface with tactile and audio feedback upon correct response.

In addition, the label contains a unique identifier associated with specific text content.

In addition, the tag is installed with the ability to be reprogrammed with new associated audio and text content by rewriting identifiers through a mobile application; the tag is installed with the ability to be reprogrammed with new associated audio and text content by rewriting identifiers through a mobile application without interacting with the tag.

In addition, the mobile application is implemented with the ability to create individual sets of tags for different children through the use of a neural network.

In addition, the tag reader also has a speaker installed, which serves as a sound playback device.

The use of a tag reader with a controller, a signal receiver/transmitter, and a wireless communication module linked to a mobile application containing an educational module, an automated performance data collection and analysis module, and a motor activity module allows for increased learning efficiency, mental and physical development for children through personalization of the program for each child, automated collection and analysis of performance data, and stimulation of motor activity through playful interaction with the surrounding environment.

The operation of the device is explained by the following drawings:

- Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the early childhood development system;

- Fig. 2 shows the NFC reader device;

- Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of the logic of the learning process;

- Fig. 4 shows a diagram of possible operating modes of the device.

The system includes a tag reader, for example, an NFC reader (1), a plurality of programmable tags, for example, NFC tags (2), which can be applied to any accessible surfaces of the surrounding space, a mobile application (3) for programming the tags via the tag reader (1), controlling the learning modes, as well as displaying a map of their location, an audio output via a mobile device, a wireless or "smart" speaker (4), or a built-in speaker (5) in the NFC reader. The mobile application (3) includes an educational module (6), a module for automated collection and analysis of academic performance data (7), and a motor activity module (8). The tag reader (1) contains a reader board (9) with a controller, a color-coded indicator diode (10), a signal receiver-transmitter (11), a wireless communication means, for example a Bluetooth module (12), and a power source (13).

The reader for reading NFC tags (1) is designed with the possibility of radio frequency interaction with tags, is equipped with a wireless communication module (Bluetooth module (12)) with a mobile application (3) and a built-in speaker (5).

NFC tags (2) are placed on floors, walls, furniture, toys, and other objects. Each tag contains a unique identifier and is programmed using a reader (1) or a mobile device with an app (3) to associate with specific audio or text content. This means that simply changing the content associated with a specific tag in the app is all that's required without reprogramming the tag itself.

The mobile application (3) provides: programming and reprogramming of tags; creation of individual sets of tags for different children, including through the use of a neural network; display of the location of tags in the surrounding space on a map, which is formed and visualized in the motor activity module (8); management of learning modes using the educational module (6); storage of the history of results and the formation of recommendations using the module for automated collection and analysis of academic performance data (7).

In the training mode of the educational module (6), pointing the device at a marker plays an associated sound (e.g., an animal, an object, a letter, or a number). The sound source is selected by the user. In the child's testing mode, after playing the audio message, the child points the reader at the marker to verify the correct answer. The system records the results.

The module for automated collection and analysis of academic performance data (7) processes information about the speed and accuracy of responses, identifies typical errors and offers additional exercises on problematic areas.

The motor activity module (8), based on a map of marker locations, offers tasks that require the child to move to markers that are far from each other.

Example 1: Teaching animal sounds. The app is programmed with 10 tags with pictures of animals. Scanning each tag plays a corresponding sound. After training, a test is conducted: the app randomly plays a sound, and the child must find the tag with the corresponding picture.

This can be implemented using a children's floor mat with animal images. Place a tag (front or back) in the area of each animal you want to study. Enable programming mode, read the tag with a reader or mobile device, and assign the desired animal sound using the mobile app. Save. Repeat the process for other animals. Switch the device to training mode. The child points the device at the tag, and a sound is played. Test mode: a sound is played, and the child points the device at the desired animal. The app allows you to view statistics on correct answers, as well as information on which animals need to be studied again.

Example 2: Learning colors and shapes. Labels are placed on toys of various colors and shapes. The system adapts the tasks, increasing the difficulty: first, the child is asked to find a label of a certain color, then a specific shape and color.

Similar to example 1, but instead of animal sounds, names of colors and shapes.

Example 3: Posting additional information in public places. The mobile app allows you to create both private and public markers, which can be placed in public places, such as zoos or museums. When pointing a device at a public marker, users can receive information that will be displayed through the mobile app or another external device.

Example 4: Motor activity and spatial orientation development. Objects in the room are labeled with their names. The motor activity module generates a map image and a route the child must follow, recording the labels using a reader. The reader, using a speaker, mobile device, or wireless speaker, plays objects along the route the child must follow and record the labels. The motor activity module then generates the child's route and transmits it to the automated data collection and analysis module, where the routes are compared and any errors or omissions are determined. The map with the route can also be printed and given to the child, who can navigate it, practicing their navigation skills along the map.

Possible operating modes of the device:

1. Interactive fairy tales and reading

Place markers on the pages of a book or on illustrations in the room. When you hover over them, the e-reader plays the text sound or an ambient sound. You can create "live pages" with the sound of rain, rustling leaves, or the voices of characters.

2. Teaching foreign languages

Associate each mark with a foreign word and a pronunciation example. Repeat the "word → image → mark" exercises: the child hears "apple" and looks for the apple mark on the rug or around the room.

3. Development of mathematical and logical skills

Mark numbers, operation symbols, or shapes: when you point the reader at the "3" and "4" marks, the device says "3 + 4 = 7." Build a "path" along the marks, solving problems and puzzles along the way.

4. Quest games and safety

Place cue markers around the room: the child completes a task at one checkpoint, then moves on to the next marker. Markers at the entrance/exit of the house can remind the child to "close the door" or "put on his shoes."

5. Social and group activities

Several children compete to see who can "scan" the correct tag the fastest in relay mode. Educational quizzes and team games: who can find the most objects of a certain color or shape.

6. Therapy and development of special skills

For children with speech delays, these markers feature phonemic exercises and clear prompts. Sensory stimulation: the sound markers can be combined with vibration or lighting to develop tactile perception.

7. Integration with augmented reality (AR)

When scanning NFC in a mobile app, 3D models of objects are launched, which the child can rotate and “examine” on the screen.

8. Use in preschool and school classes

Place markers on boards, tables, and cards to transform the classroom into a living environment where every corner speaks and teaches.

9. Culinary and household skills

Labels on kitchen utensils or products: the child scans the "cup" and receives instructions to "pour water, add powder" (learning how to prepare simple mixtures).

10. Home automation and reminders

A mark on the nightstand means "don't forget to brush your teeth." A mark on the rug means a nightlight or soft music automatically turns on before bed.

11. Interaction with parents

Teaching the names of objects and colors with the option to record parents' voices, which is more relatable to children. You can also leave messages for your child remotely by re-recording the message on the tag on your phone without interacting with the tag itself.

Thus, a universal NFC reader with flexibly programmable tags becomes a multifunctional interactive tool not only for early development, but also for a wide variety of gaming, educational, and everyday scenarios.

Claims (9)

1. A system for early childhood development that includes a tag reader, at least one tag containing a unique identifier associated with specific audio content, a mobile application installed on a mobile device, and a sound reproduction device, characterized in that the tag reader consists of a housing in which a board with a controller, a diode indicator, a signal receiver-transmitter, a wireless communication module, and a power source are installed in interconnected form, wherein the board with the controller is installed with the ability to communicate via the wireless communication module with the mobile application, and the signal receiver-transmitter is installed with the ability to both read the tag and program it using the mobile application, the sound reproduction devices are a speaker of the mobile device and a wireless acoustic column, which are installed with the ability to select a specific sound reproduction device using the mobile application, wherein the mobile application includes an educational module, a module for automated collection and analysis of data on academic performance, and a motor activity module, wherein the educational module contains at least one educational program and is configured to form an individual set of markers for each child, the motor activity module contains at least one program for increasing motor activity and is designed with the ability to form and visualize a map of the location of markers in the surrounding space and, based on this map, issue instructions for finding these markers, the module for automated collection and analysis of data on academic performance is designed with the ability to record the results of program execution, identify errors made and generate recommendations for improving the learning and motor processes. 2. The system according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the tags are made based on NFC technology. 3. The system according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the labels are made on the basis of QR codes. 4. The system according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the mobile application additionally includes a statistical analysis module that forms a dynamic profile of the child’s knowledge based on the speed and accuracy of responses. 5. The system according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the educational module and the motor activity module are implemented in the form of a game interface with tactile and sound feedback upon a correct answer. 6. The system according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the label contains a unique identifier associated with specific text content. 7. The system according to paragraphs 1 and 6, characterized in that the tag is installed with the ability to be reprogrammed with new associated audio and text content by rewriting identifiers through a mobile application without interacting with the tag. 8. The system according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the mobile application is implemented with the ability to create individual sets of tags for different children through the use of a neural network. 9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a speaker is also installed in the tag reader, which serves as a sound reproduction device.