Patent Publication Number: US-6905391-B2

Title: Scanning toy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claim priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/346,456, filed on Jan. 5, 2002, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children enjoy emulating common adult activities. Role-play toys allow children to pretend to engage in adult activities. One common adult activity often emulated by children is shopping. Many role-play toys resemble items that adults encounter when shopping. For example, non-interactive toy shopping carts and fake food items are popular toys for young children. These toys offer children open-ended, imaginative play experiences. However, the non-interactive nature of shopping role-play toys allows few opportunities for educational enrichment. Additionally, children quickly become bored with non-interactive toys. 
     It is desirable to improve traditional shopping toys with interactive audio and/or visual output to provide educational enrichment and a superior play experience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention include toys including a scanner, as well as kits that include scannable toy items. 
     One embodiment of the invention is directed to a toy, comprising: (a) a scannable toy item; (b) an electronic scanner configured to identify the scannable toy item when the electronic scanner is brought within physical proximity to the scannable toy item; and (c) an audio playback device electronically coupled to the electronic scanner, wherein the audio playback device is configured to play an audio output that is uniquely associated with the scannable toy item. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a toy, comprising: (a) a container; (b) a plurality of toy items, each toy item of the first plurality replicating a shopping item; (c) an input device adapted to uniquely identify each of the toy items; and (d) an audio playback device adapted to play an audio output associated with the identified toy item. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a kit comprising: (a) a plurality of scannable toy items; and (b) a plurality of RF (radio frequency) identification tags respectively associated with the plurality of scannable toy items, wherein the RF identification tags are capable of being read by a scanner comprising an RF identification tag reader. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a kit comprising: (a) a plurality of scannable toy-items; (b) a plurality of identification tags respectively associated with the plurality of scannable toy items; and (c) a transferable information storage medium comprising code for audio corresponding to the plurality of scannable toy items. 
     These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an interactive shopping role-play toy having a scanner; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a control console for a shopping role-play toy; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a scanner used by an interactive shopping role-play toy; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate toy shopping items used in conjunction with an embodiment of an interactive shopping role-play toy; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a schematic diagrams of an embodiment of an interactive shopping role-play toy; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a flowchart of a first mode of operation for an embodiment of an interactive shopping role-play toy; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart of a second mode of operation for an embodiment of an interactive shopping role-play toy; and 
         FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C illustrate flowcharts of a third mode of operation for an embodiment of an interactive shopping role-play toy. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As noted above, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a toy comprising a scannable toy item and an electronic scanner configured to identify the scannable toy item when the electronic scanner is brought within physical proximity to the scannable toy item. An audio playback device is electronically coupled to the electronic scanner, and is configured to play an audio output that is uniquely associated with the scannable toy item. 
     In some embodiments, the toy comprises a toy shopping cart equipped with an electronic scanner. The electronic scanner can resemble a handheld bar code scanner commonly used by cashiers in stores. The electronic scanner can be configured to identify a toy shopping item, much as a real hand-held bar code scanner identifies real shopping items. The interactive shopping role-play toy generates one or more audio outputs in response to the identification of the toy shopping item. 
     In embodiments of the invention where a scanner is used, a “scannable toy item” can refer to an item that can be electronically scanned by a scanner (i.e., the toy item can be electronically identified without physically contacting the scanner). A “non-scannable toy item” can be an item that cannot be scanned (i.e., the scanner cannot electronically identify the scanned item). In preferred embodiments, the scannable and non-scannable toy items are role-play toy items. Role-play toy items are toy representations of other real life items such as food items. In other embodiments, the scannable and non-scannable toy items could be non-role play toy items such as blocks with numbers, letters, and/shapes on them. 
     To scan a scannable toy item, the scanner can be brought into close physical proximity to the scannable toy item (e.g., less than 1 inch). The scanner can electronically identify the scannable toy item even though the scanner does not come into contact with the scannable toy item. As with an ordinary scanner, the scanner could come into contact with the scannable toy item, and can still electronically identify the scannable toy item. 
     Once the scannable toy item has been scanned, an audio playback device plays back audio outputs that correspond to the scannable toy item. For example, if the scannable toy item is a molded plastic representation of two chicken legs, then upon scanning the two chicken legs, the audio playback device may produce the output “two chicken legs”. 
     A scanner is one example of a suitable input device that can be used with the toy to produce unique audio outputs. In other embodiments, a suitable input device may be a keyboard that is on, for example, a shopping cart. In this example, a toy food item may have a number on the toy item and the child may input the number of the toy into the keyboard and subsequently receive a unique audio output corresponding to the toy food item. 
     As shown by the examples below, the audio playback device can also prompt the user before the user scans a scannable toy item. For example, the audio playback device can prompt the user in a game mode by providing the output “Can you find two chicken legs?” Specific examples of audio playback devices are provided below. In some embodiments, an audio playback device may include (i) a memory comprising code for pre-recorded audio segments and/or pre-recorded audio outputs, and code for any operating instructions for playing back audio after receiving the identity of a scanned toy item, (ii) a processor, (iii) an amplifier, and (iv) a speaker. 
     Thus, embodiments of the invention can provide audio outputs that are “uniquely” associated with the scannable toy items. For example, the unique audio output “You found one carton of milk!” may be unique to a scannable toy item in the form of one carton of milk. A unique audio output may be comprised of a specific combination of pre-recorded audio segments (as shown below), where the segments would be recombined in other ways to produce other unique audio outputs. Alternatively, the unique audio output could be a pre-recorded audio output without combinable audio segments. 
     Unique audio outputs are contrasted with non-unique audio outputs such as “beeping” that might occur when scanning food items in a regular grocery store. Of course, as shown in the examples below, non-unique audio outputs such as beeping sounds or generic audio outputs (e.g., “super!”) could be used in conjunction with unique audio outputs. A generic audio output can be an audio output that would be appropriate for any scannable toy item, and not for just one particular scannable toy item. 
     The unique audio outputs can describe various attributes of the scannable toy items. For example, the attribute may include the scannable toy item&#39;s color, shape, name, texture, size, etc. The attribute could also relate to the number of objects that are represented by the scannable toy item. For example, a single scannable toy item may include a molded plastic representation of seven molded cherries. In this example, a unique audio output may be “You found seven cherries!” 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an interactive shopping toy  99 . In this embodiment, the interactive shopping toy  99  includes a shopping cart  100  and an electronic scanner  98  coupled to the shopping cart  100 . 
     The shopping cart  100  has a size, weight, and construction so that it can be used by children. For example, the shopping cart  100  can have dimensions that are less than 3 ft 3 . While the children may be of any suitable age, the children can be less than about 10 years of age in some embodiments (e.g., 3-8 years of age). Shopping cart  100  includes a handle  105  to allow children to push the cart. Wheels  108  allow children to easily move the shopping cart  100 . A container  110  in the form of a basket is adapted to hold scannable or non-scannable shopping items, or other toys selected by the child. Scannable toy items  95  are in the container  110 . A control console  120  is near the handle  105  and provides access to the interactive features of shopping cart  100 . 
     While the illustrated shopping toy  99  embodiment is illustrated as having a shopping cart, it is understood that other embodiments are also possible. The shopping toy  99  according to embodiments of the invention may include any suitable container. For example, in other embodiments, instead of a shopping cart, the shopping toy can include a shopping basket without wheels that a person could carry with the person&#39;s hands. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a control console  120 . Control console  120  includes a speaker  200  for providing audio output. While any suitable audio outputs can be produced, the audio outputs provided by this specific embodiment include sound effects, music, and speech. The audio output can be generated by a digital (or analog) audio device that either produces sound or plays one or more pre-recorded audio phrases. The use of digital audio devices to play pre-recorded audio phrases or to generate sound is well known in the art. Additionally, volume switch  205  allows a child (or parent) to select an audio output volume from the speaker  200 . 
     Character switch  210  is configured to receive input from a child during interactive play. To facilitate interaction with children, character switch  210  can be a durable figurine designed to attract a child&#39;s attention, such as an anthropomorphic tadpole (“Tad”) or other cartoon-like character. To activate the character switch  210 , a child can toggle the character switch  210 . 
     Mode switch  215  allows a child or parent to select one of a plurality of operating modes for the shopping cart  100 . The shopping cart  100  provides different educational activities depending upon the interactive operating mode selected by mode switch  215 . Exemplary modes include a game mode, a learn mode, and an explore mode. Operating code for any of these modes and for any other function described herein can be created by those of skill in the art and can be stored in a memory associated with the toy. 
     In an example game mode, a child can shop for food items on a predetermined food list. The toy may ask a child to find food items. For example, the toy may say, “Let&#39;s make a fruit shake! My list says we need strawberries and bananas.” If a correct item is scanned, the toy congratulates the child and encourages him/her to find a second item. If an incorrect item is scanned, the toy helps the child find the correct item by offering a clue about the color of the food. For example, the toy may say “the bananas are yellow”. A button or other device may be pressed to receive a clue. 
     In an exemplary learn mode, a child can scan any food item to hear the quantity of food objects in the food item (e.g., 3 bananas in a molded representation of 3 bananas). If the food item is scanned a second time, the toy can compare its quantity to the previous food item scanned. For example, if the child scans the bananas first, and then scans eggs (e.g., a plastic representation of five eggs in a single body) a second time, the toy will say “we have more eggs than bananas.” 
     In an exemplary explore mode, a child can scan any food item to hear the name of the food item and its quantity. If the food item is scanned again, the color, food group, and nutritional benefit and a fun fact about the food item can be played. 
     Scanner  220  resembles a handheld bar code scanner. Scanner  220  includes a hand grip  220 ( a ) and a scanning head  220 ( b ), and is configured to operate in conjunction with shopping items, as discussed below. In some embodiments, scanner  220  can be stored in receptacle  225 . An electrical cord  230  electrically and mechanically couples the scanner  220  to the shopping cart  100 . Alternate embodiments may use wireless communications in place of the electrical cord  230 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a scanner  220 . Scanner  220  includes pressure sensitive switch  310  located at the tip of scanner  220 . Pressure sensitive switch  310  can signal to the shopping cart  100  when a child attempts to scan either a scannable toy item such as a scannable shopping item or a non-scannable toy item. Whether or not the pressure sensitive switch  310  is depressed, RF identification unit  305  emits a radio frequency (RF) scanning signal. RF identification unit  305  receives a response signal to the scanning signal when a scannable toy item containing a RF identification tag is brought within close physical proximity (e.g., less than one inch away from each other) to the RF identification unit  305 . Physical contact between the scanner  220  and the scannable toy item is not necessary to scan the scannable toy item. The response signal is used by the RF identification unit  305  to identify the item scanned. In some embodiments, the RF identification tag is a passive device that generates a response signal from the energy of the scanning signal. The design and use of RF identification tags to identify objects is well known in arts such as the art of electronic devices (e.g., as used in electronic identification badges). In an alternate embodiments, scanner  220  can identify objects using an optical scanner, such as bar code readers, or other active or passive identification devices. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a scannable toy item in the form of a shopping item  400 . The shopping item  400  can be used with the shopping cart  100 . Any suitable scannable toy item can be used in embodiments of the invention. Exemplary shopping items may be role-play toy items such as play food items, play household items (e.g., mops, sponges, brooms), and play tools (e.g., hammers, screwdrivers, drills, etc.). In other embodiments, scannable toy items need not be role-play toy items. For example, the scannable toy items could be blocks with letters, numbers, or colors on them. In these embodiments, a child may use these non-role play scannable toy items, and then can receive audio outputs in response to scanning. 
     Shopping item  400  includes an RF identification tag (not shown) or other identification device embedded just below its surface at location  410 . When shopping item  400  is brought within close physical proximity of scanner  220 , RF identification unit  305  or other equivalent identification device identifies the shopping item  400 . The shopping cart  100  then outputs an audio response to the identification of the shopping item  400 . To help the user scan the shopping item  400 , location  410  is marked with distinctive logo. The logo serves as a target for the scanner  220 . The child may be prompted to scan the logo on the shopping item  400 . 
     The appearance of shopping item  400  and location  410  facilitates educational enrichment. In one embodiment, shopping item  400  resembles a food item. Each food item may have one or more food objects. When a shopping item is scanned, the shopping cart  100  outputs audio that identifies the food item or attributes of the food item, such as nutritional information, or the shape or color of the food item. This embodiment introduces children to food names, nutritional information, shapes, and colors. 
     Alternatively or additionally, shopping item  400  resembles a specific quantity of objects. For example, shopping item  400  is in the form of a single, unitary body, but includes a set of five objects  415 . Set  415  may resemble five food objects, for example five cupcakes. When a shopping item is scanned, the shopping cart  100  outputs audio identifying the quantity of objects. In further embodiment, each shopping item is associated with a number. This number may be written on the shopping item. The number is incorporated into the scanning logo at location  410 . These embodiments help children teach children to count and to associate the quantities of objects with the corresponding numbers. 
     In some embodiments, a group of scannable toy items may form a “play pack” that may or may not correspond to a particular theme. If the play pack does correspond to a particular theme, then various non-scannable toy items can be included in the play pack along with scannable toy items. 
     The play packs can have any suitable theme. For example, a barbeque play pack may include scannable toy items such as ketchup, mustard, hot dog, bun, and chips. In a health and safety play pack, scannable toy items may include a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc. In a tea party play pack, scannable toy items may include a tea pot, cups, cookies, finger sandwiches, etc. Other examples of play packs with examples of scannable and non-scannable toy items are included in Tables 1-3. Table 1 lists items in a basic grocery “packout” play pack that can come with a base shopping cart. Table 2 lists scannable and non-scannable toy items in a picnic play pack. Table 3 lists scannable and non-scannable toy items in a birthday play pack. 
     Expansion packs of scannable toy items can be sold separately. In one embodiment, the audio outputs for the expansion sets are preprogrammed into a memory in the toy. If a parent purchases an expansion set, the phrases associated with the expansion set are automatically activated upon scanning an expansion set shopping item. In other embodiments, the audio outputs that correspond to the scannable toy items in each of these play packs may be included in a separate transferable information storage medium, instead of being in a memory in the shopping cart. Such play packs can be sold with the transferable information storage medium to form a kit. Examples of transferable information storage media include data cartridges. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SCANNABLE TOY ITEMS INCLUDED WITH BASE SHOPPING 
               
               
                 CART 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 1 
                 white carton of milk 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 pink pork chops 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 yellow bananas 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 orange carrots 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 blue boxes of cereal 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 white eggs 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 red cherries 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                 brown muffins 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 green peas 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 red strawberries 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 SCANNABLE TOY ITEMS 
                 NON-SCANNABLE TOY ITEMS 
               
               
                 INCLUDED WITH PICNIC 
                 INCLUDED WITH PICNIC 
               
               
                 ACCESSORY PACK 
                 ACCESSORY PACK 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 red slice of watermelon with seeds 
                 checkered picnic cloth 
               
               
                 2 yellow ears of corn 
                 picnic basket 
               
               
                 3 green apple juice boxes 
               
               
                 4 ink cookies 
               
               
                 5 brown chicken legs 
               
               
                 6 purple grapes 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 SCANNABLE TOY ITEMS 
                   
               
               
                 INCLUDED WITH 
                 NON-SCANNABLE TOY ITEMS 
               
               
                 BIRTHDAY 
                 INCLUDED WITH BIRTHDAY 
               
               
                 ACCESSORY PACK 
                 ACCESSORY PACK 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 white birthday cake with holes for 
                 2 party noise makers (blowers) 
               
               
                 candles and Happy Birthday written 
               
               
                 on top (e.g. shaped like a star) 
               
               
                 a package of 5 green candles 
                 5 non-scannable green candles 
               
               
                 a birthday present with a 
               
               
                 yellow bow on top 
               
               
                 a package of red party hats 
                 2 non-scannable party hats 
               
               
                 a birthday banner 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a set of ten shopping items  430  (corresponding to those listed in Table 1) configured for use in conjunction with the shopping cart  100 . The shopping items of set  430  are arranged similarly to shopping item  400 . Each shopping item of set  430  contains an RF identification tag or other identification device. In an embodiment, the shopping items of set  430  each contain a unique identification tag such that scanner  220  can differentiate between the shopping items of the set. Shopping cart  100  uses the unique identification associated with each shopping item of set  430  to output a specific audio response for each shopping item of set  430 . 
     Each shopping item of set  430  is associated with a different food. In a further embodiment, each shopping item of set  430  represents a specific quantity of a food. In this embodiment, set  430  contains shopping items representing quantities of food objects between one and ten. Further, each shopping item of set  430  is marked with a corresponding number as discussed above. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate schematic electrical diagrams of circuits that can be used with the shopping toy. In schematic  500 , a control device  510  and an input data port  520  are coupled together, and they receive input signals from scanner  220 , or other identification devices. In this embodiment, a serial data interface is used. However, other embodiments may use other types of data interfaces. Additional input devices  530 ,  540 , and  550  including mode, volume and character switches are connected as shown. Control device  510  can be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any other type of electronic control circuit. In another embodiment, the control device  510  is a microcontroller including ROM memory for storing program and compressed audio data, as well as an audio processor for decompressing and outputting audio data. In response to input signals and its control program, control device  560  produces audio outputs through amplifier and speaker  540 . In this example, the audio playback device may include the microcontroller, ROM memory, amplifier, and speaker. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a schematic  570  of an electrical circuit to be used with a scanner  220  according to an embodiment of the invention. Schematic  570  includes a controller  570  connected with a output data port  580  for communicating with control device  510 , a pressure switch  585 , and an RF identification circuit  590 . In one embodiment, the control device  575  is a microcontroller including ROM memory for storing program data. Control device  575  operates RF identification circuit  590  and communicates scanned identifications through the output data port  580 . 
     Table 4 lists various audio responses that can be used with the shopping items listed in Table 1 and shown in FIG.  4 ( b ), and with the shopping cart shown in  FIG. 1. A  figurine named “Tad” is sitting in the shopping cart. Lines  1  to  81  of the script describe the audio responses played in different operating modes according to the input received. The Appendices in Table 4, located at lines  95  to the end, provides details of the specific audio phrases associated with each of the shopping items in each operating mode. In the script of Table 4, a “/” character is used to subdivide audio phrases into segments. Segments can be reused by many different phrases. Segmenting phrases into reusable segments minimizes the amount of redundant audio information and, consequently, the memory storage required for the audio data. 
     As mentioned above, various play packs can be used with the shopping cart. After scanning something from an accessory pack, the toy will expand its data to include items from that pack. In Table 4, audio scripts for grocery food item play pack (i.e., a packout play pack) are described in detail. Audio scripts for other items including picnic and birthday theme packs are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/346,456, filed on Jan. 5, 2002, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Line 
                 Action/Prompt 
                 Audio/Response 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 IN ANY MODE: 
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 Turn the unit on 
                 Hi! / It&#39;s Tad! (then go to appropriate mode script) 
               
               
                 3 
                 Scanner reads code or hits 
                 See LED blinking. Hear beep (as written in script below) 
               
               
                   
                 something 
               
               
                 4 
               
               
                 5 
                 EXPLORE MODE: 
               
               
                 6 
                 Switch to this mode or press Tad to 
                 (Explore Intro Jingle) / Let&#39;s go shopping! 
               
               
                   
                 wake up 
               
               
                 7 
                 Press scanner to wake up 
                 Go to appropriate line for scanning (either scannable toy item or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 not). Cycles through different facts, then starts at 
               
               
                   
                   
                 beginning again. 
               
               
                 8 
                 After first 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Let&#39;s go shopping! Scan a tag! 
               
               
                 9 
                 After second 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Scan a tag! 
               
               
                 10 
                 After third 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Thanks for learning! / Bye bye! 
               
               
                 11 
               
               
                 12 
                 Scan scannable toy item first time 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                 13 
                 Scan scannable toy item second time 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                 14 
                 Scan scannable toy item third time 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                 15 
                 First scan of a non-scannable toy 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                   
                 item 
               
               
                 16 
                 Subsequent scans of non-scannable 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                   
                 items 
               
               
                 17 
                 Press Tad 
                 Play Shopping Song. 
               
               
                 18 
               
               
                 19 
               
               
                 20 
                 LEARN MODE: 
               
               
                 21 
                 Switch to this mode or press Tad to 
                 (Intro Jingle) / Let&#39;s shop and learn! 
               
               
                   
                 wake up 
               
               
                 22 
                 Press scanner to wake up 
                 Go to appropriate line for scanning (either 
               
               
                   
                   
                 scannable toy item or not) 
               
               
                 23 
                 After first 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Let&#39;s shop and learn! Scan a tag! 
               
               
                 24 
                 After second 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Scan a tag! 
               
               
                 25 
                 After third 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Thanks for learning! / Bye bye! 
               
               
                 26 
               
               
                 27 
                 Scan a Packout Item 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                 28 
                 Scan a Birthday Item 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                 29 
                 Scan a Picnic item 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                 30 
                 First scan of anon-scannable toy 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                   
                 item 
               
               
                 31 
                 Subsequent scans of non-scannable 
                 See Appendix. 
               
               
                   
                 items 
               
               
                 32 
                 Press Tad 
                 Play shopping song. 
               
               
                 33 
               
               
                 34 
                 GAME MODE: 
               
               
                 35 
                 Switch to this mode or press Tad to 
                 (Game Intro jingle) (go to Prompt Line) 
               
               
                   
                 wake up 
               
               
                 36 
                 Prompt Line 
                 Game prompt. See Appendix. Randomly select a prompt and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 randomly fill in items 
               
               
                 37 
                 Press scanner to wake up 
                 (beep!) /Then go to Prompt Line 
               
               
                 38 
               
               
                 39 
                 If LIST PROMPT given: 
               
               
                 40 
                 After first 10 seconds of inactivity in 
                 We need (item name) / and / (item name)! (or whatever has not 
               
               
                   
                 List Prompt Game 
                 been correctly scanned in) 
               
               
                 41 
                 After second 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Scan a tag! 
               
               
                 42 
                 After third 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Thanks for learning ! / Bye bye! 
               
               
                 43 
               
               
                 44 
                 Scan correct item 
                 (beep!) / item name / (correct sfx) / (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 45 
                 If scanned item completes list, then 
                 (Completion Phrase) / Press me when you&#39;re ready to shop some 
               
               
                   
                 says 
                 more! / (GO TO “GAME OVER” STATUS) 
               
               
                 46 
                 Scan wrong scannable toy item first 
                 (beep!) (item name) / Oops! (giggle) / We need / 
               
               
                   
                 and second times in List 
                 (item name)/ and /(item name). (Toy lists items not yet 
               
               
                   
                 Prompt Game (count starts over after 
                 scanned correctly.) (A clue given for one or more of the 
               
               
                   
                 each correct scan) 
                 incorrectly scanned items.) 
               
               
                 47 
                 Scan wrong scannable toy item third 
                 (beep!) (item name) / Want to shop some more? / 
               
               
                   
                 time 
                 Press me!/ (GO TO “GAME OVER” STATUS) 
               
               
                 48 
                 Scan a non-scannable toy item first 
                 (beep!) We&#39;re buying lots of things! / We need / 
               
               
                   
                 and second times in List 
                 (item name)/  and /(item name). (Toy lists items not yet 
               
               
                   
                 Prompt Game (count starts over after each 
                 scanned correctly.) (A clue given for one or more of the items 
               
               
                   
                 correct scan) 
                 incorrectly scanned items.) 
               
               
                 49 
                 Scan a non-scannable toy item third 
                 (beep!) We&#39;re buying lots of things! /Press me when you&#39;re ready 
               
               
                   
                 time 
                 to shop some more! (GO TO “GAME OVER” STATUS) 
               
               
                 50 
                 Press Tad first or second time 
                 My list says/ we need / (item name)/ and /item 
               
               
                   
                 before scanning all correct items in 
                 name). (Toy lists items not yet scanned correctly.) (A clue is given 
               
               
                   
                 List Prompt Game (count starts over 
                 for one of the items not yet scanned correctly). 
               
               
                   
                 after each correct scan) 
               
               
                 51 
                 Press Tad third time before scanning 
                 Press me when you&#39;re ready to shop some more! 
               
               
                   
                 all correct items 
               
               
                 52 
                 “GAME OVER” STATUS - functions 
               
               
                   
                 as in Explore Mode, except if Tad 
               
               
                   
                 pressed, which starts a new game. 
               
               
                 53 
                 Press Tad in “GAME OVER” 
                 go to Prompt Line 
               
               
                   
                 STATUS 
               
               
                 54 
                 Reminder Prompt: after first 10 
                 Want to shop some more? Press me! 
               
               
                   
                 seconds with Tad not being pressed 
               
               
                   
                 in GAME OVER STATUS (this is not 
               
               
                   
                 an inactivity prompt - this is a 
               
               
                   
                 reminder prompt to play the game. 
               
               
                   
                 So only refers to TAD not being 
               
               
                   
                 pressed) 
               
               
                 55 
                 Reminder Prompt #2: after second 
                 Press me when you&#39;re read to shop some more! 
               
               
                   
                 10 seconds with Tad not being 
               
               
                   
                 pressed GAME OVER STATUS 
               
               
                 56 
                 STATUS: Inactivity Prompt in GAME 
               
               
                   
                 OVER 
               
               
                 57 
                 After first 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Want to shop some more? Press me 
               
               
                 58 
                 After second 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Press me when you&#39;re ready to shop some more! 
               
               
                 59 
                 After third 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Thanks for learning! / Bye bye! 
               
               
                 60 
               
               
                 61 
                 If MYSTERY PROMPT given: 
               
               
                 62 
                 After first 10 seconds of inactivity in 
                 Repeats Prompt 
               
               
                   
                 Mystery Prompt Game 
               
               
                 63 
                 After second 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Scan a tag! 
               
               
                 64 
                 After third 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Thanks for learning! / Bye bye! 
               
               
                 65 
               
               
                 66 
                 Scan correct item 
                 (beep!) /(item name) /(correct sfx) / (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 67 
                 If scanned item completes list, then 
                 (Completion Phrase) / Press me when you&#39;re ready 
               
               
                   
                 says: 
                 to shop some more! (GO TO “GAME OVER” 
               
               
                   
                   
                 STATUS) 
               
               
                 68 
                 Scan wrong scannable toy item first 
                 (beep!) (item name) /Oops! (giggle) / (appropriate 
               
               
                   
                 and second times in Mystery 
                 clue for the item) 
               
               
                   
                 Prompt Game 
               
               
                 69 
                 Scan wrong scannable toy item third 
                 (beep!) (item name) / Want to shop some more? / 
               
               
                   
                 time 
                 Press me!/ (GO TO “GAME OVER” STATUS) 
               
               
                 70 
                 Scan a non-scannable toy item first 
                 (beep!) We&#39;re buying lots of things! / (appropriate 
               
               
                   
                 and second times in Mystery Prompt 
                 clue for the item) 
               
               
                   
                 Game 
               
               
                 71 
                 Scan a non-scannable toy item third 
                 (beep!) We&#39;re buying lots of things! /Press me when 
               
               
                   
                 time 
                 you&#39;re ready to shop some more! (GO TO “GAME 
               
               
                   
                   
                 OVER” STATUS) 
               
               
                 72 
                 Press Tad first or second time before 
                 (appropriate clue for the item) 
               
               
                   
                 scanning all correct items in Mystery 
               
               
                   
                 Prompt Game 
               
               
                 73 
                 Press Tad third time before scanning 
                 Press me when you&#39;re ready to shop some more! 
               
               
                   
                 all correct items 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 74 
                 “GAME OVER” STATUS - functions as in Explore Mode, except if Tad pressed, which starts a new 
               
               
                   
                 game. 
               
               
                 75 
                 Press Tad in “GAME OVER” STATUS go to Prompt Line 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 76 
                 Reminder Prompt: after first 10 
                 Want to shop some more? Press me! 
               
               
                   
                 seconds with Tad not being pressed 
               
               
                   
                 in GAME OVER STATUS (this is not 
               
               
                   
                 an Inactivity prompt - this is a 
               
               
                   
                 reminder prompt to play the game. 
               
               
                   
                 So only refers to Tad not being 
               
               
                   
                 pressed ) 
               
               
                 77 
                 Reminder Prompt #2: after second 
                 Press me when you&#39;re ready to shop some more! 
               
               
                   
                 10 seconds with Tad not being 
               
               
                   
                 pressed in GAME OVER STATUS 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 78 
                 Inactivity Prompt in GAME OVER STATUS: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 79 
                 After first 10 seconds of inactivity. 
                 Want to shop some more? Press me! 
               
               
                 80 
                 After second 10 seconds of Inactivity 
                 Press me when you&#39;re ready to shop some more! 
               
               
                 81 
                 After third 10 seconds of inactivity 
                 Thanks for learning! / Bye bye! 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 82-94 
                 Reserved for music and sound effects 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 95 
                 PACKOUT APPENDIX 
                   
               
               
                 96 
                 APPENDIX PACKOUT-A 
               
               
                 97 
                 EXPLORE MODE SCANNING 
               
               
                 98 
                 Item Name/ scan number Audio Response 
               
               
                 99 
                 Milk - first scan 
                 (beep) One / carton of / white | milk! / (Tad expression) 
               
               
                 100 
                 Milk - second scan 
                 (beep) Milk! / This / milk / comes from a / cowl / Did you know 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that/ milk/ from a yak is / pink! (Giggle) 
               
               
                 101 
                 Milk - third scan 
                 (beep) Milk! Milk /has lots of / calcium! 
               
               
                 102 
                 Milk - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Milk! / You build strong / bones/ by drinking/ milk! 
               
               
                 103 
                 Pork Chops - first scan 
                 (beep) two / pink / pork chops! / (Tad Expression) 
               
               
                 104 
                 Pork Chops - second scan 
                 (beep) pork chops! / Pork chops / ham, and bacon all come from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 a/ pig! 
               
               
                 105 
                 Pork Chops - third scan 
                 (beep) pork chops! / Pork chops / have lots of / protein! 
               
               
                 106 
                 Pork Chops - fourth scan 
                 (beep) pork chops! / You build strong / muscles / by eating /Pork 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Chops! 
               
               
                 107 
                 Bananas - first scan 
                 (beep) Three / yellow / bananas! (Tad Expression) 
               
               
                 108 
                 Bananas - second scan 
                 (beep) Bananas! / Bananas / grow on plants / that can be as tall 
               
               
                   
                   
                 as a two story house! 
               
               
                 109 
                 Bananas - third scan 
                 (beep) Bananas! / Bananas / are / fruit! / and there fun to eat! 
               
               
                 110 
                 Bananas - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Bananas / are good for your / muscles! / Especially / when 
               
               
                   
                   
                 you&#39;re exercising! 
               
               
                 111 
                 Carrots - first scan 
                 (beep) Four / orange / carrots!/ ad expression) 
               
               
                 112 
                 Carrots - second scan 
                 (beep) carrots! / Carrots | make good noses for snowmen! 
               
               
                 113 
                 Carrots - third scan 
                 (beep carrots! / carrots / are / a vegetable) 
               
               
                 114 
                 Carrots - fourth scan 
                 (bee) carrots / help you see / especially / at night 
               
               
                 115 
                 Cereal - first scan 
                 (beep) Five / blue/ boxes of / cereal! (Tad expression) 
               
               
                 116 
                 Cereal - second scan 
                 (beep) Cereal! | Sometimes I like to eat my | cereal / with / milk: / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Sometimes I like to eat my | cereal / plain. /How about you? 
               
               
                 117 
                 Cereal - third scan 
                 (beep) Cereal! / Cereal / is / a grain! 
               
               
                 118 
                 Cereal - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Cereal / gives you energy! 
               
               
                 119 
                 Eggs - first scan 
                 (beep) Six / white / eggs! (Tad expression) 
               
               
                 120 
                 Eggs - second scan 
                 (beep) Eggs! / Most / eggs / are / white!/ But some/ are / brown / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 or / blue / or / green! / Wow! 
               
               
                 121 
                 Eggs - third scan 
                 (beep) Eggs! / Eggs /have lots of / protein! 
               
               
                 122 
                 Eggs - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Eggs /You build strong / muscles / by eating 
               
               
                   
                   
                 / eggs! 
               
               
                 123 
                 cherries - first scan 
                 (beep) Seven / red / cherries! (Tad expression) 
               
               
                 124 
                 cherries - second scan 
                 (beep) Cherries! /Cherries / have pits inside. / Pits 
               
               
                   
                   
                 are big seeds. / Wow! 
               
               
                 125 
                 cherries - third scan 
                 (beep) Cherries! /Cherries / are / fruit! 
               
               
                 126 
                 cherries - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Cherries /help owees and cuts get better fast! 
               
               
                 127 
                 muffins - first scan 
                 (beep) Eight / brown /muffins! (Tad expression) 
               
               
                 128 
                 muffins - second scan 
                 (beep) Muffins! / Bran / muffins / are my favorite! / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 yummy ! 
               
               
                 129 
                 muffins - third scan 
                 (beep) Muffins! /Muffins / are / a grain! 
               
               
                 130 
                 muffins - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Muffins / give you energy! 
               
               
                 131 
                 peas - first scan 
                 (beep)Nine / green / peas! (Tad expression) 
               
               
                 132 
                 peas - second scan 
                 (beep) Peas. / Peas / grow / in a pod. / There are usually / 3 / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 peas/ in a pod. 
               
               
                 133 
                 peas - third scan 
                 (beep) Peas | /Peas / are / a vegetable! 
               
               
                 134 
                 peas - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Peas /help owees and cuts get better fast! 
               
               
                 135 
                 strawberries - -first scan 
                 (beep) Ten / red / strawberries! (Tad expression) 
               
               
                 136 
                 strawberries - second scan 
                 (beep) Strawberries / Strawberries/ have 200 seeds on the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 outside! Wow! 
               
               
                 137 
                 strawberries - third scan 
                 (beep) Strawberries! /Strawberries / are / fruit! 
               
               
                 138 
                 strawberries - fourth scan 
                 (beep) Strawberries /help owees and cuts get better 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fast! 
               
               
                 139 
               
               
                 140 
                 APPENDIX PACKOUT-B 
               
               
                 141 
                 TAD EXPRESSIONS FOR 
               
               
                   
                 EXPLORE MODE 
               
               
                 142 
                 “I like /(item name)!” 
               
               
                 143 
                 “I&#39;m glad we&#39;re buying | (item name)!” 
               
               
                 144 
                 “Yumm!” 
               
               
                 145 
                 giggle 
               
               
                 146 
               
               
                 147 
               
               
                 148 
                 APPENDIX PACKOUT-C 
               
               
                 149 
                 EXPLORE AND LEARN MODE 
               
               
                   
                 NON-SCANNABLE TOY ITEMS 
               
               
                 150 
                 Plays one of the following randomly: 
                 (beep) Good choice! 
               
               
                 151 
                   
                 (beep) Will it fit in the cart? 
               
               
                 152 
                   
                 (beep) Let&#39;s get it! 
               
               
                 153 
                   
                 (beep All right! 
               
               
                 154 
                   
                 (beep) Super! 
               
               
                 155 
               
               
                 156 
               
               
                 157 
                 APPENDIX PACKOUT-D 
               
               
                 158 
                 LEARN MODE SCANS 
               
               
                 159 
                 Item Name/scan number 
                 Audio Response (counting will be done to background tune) 
               
               
                 160 
                 Cartons of / milk - first scan 
                 (beep) One / carton of / milk! / (pause) / one! / (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 161 
                 Cartons of / milk - second scan 
                 (beep) milk! / We only have / one/  carton of / milk. 
               
               
                 162 
                 pork chops - first scan 
                 (beep) Two / pork chops! / Let&#39;s count to /two! / (pause) | one! / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 two / (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 163 
                 pork chops second scan (if greater 
                 (beep) Two | pork chops! / we have / fewer / pork chops/ than / 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 164 
                 pork chops second scan (if smaller 
                 (beep) Two / pork chops! / we have / more / pork chops/ than / 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 165 
                 pork chops second scan 
                 (beep) Two / pork chops! one / for you and /one / for me! 
               
               
                 166 
                 Bananas - first scan 
                 (beep) Three / bananas! / Let&#39;s count to / three! / (pause) | one / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 two / three/  (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 167 
                 Bananas - second scan (if greater 
                 (beep) Three / bananas! / we have / fewer / bananas / than / (item 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 168 
                 Bananas - second scan (if smaller 
                 (beep) Three / bananas! / we have | more / bananas / than / (item 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 169 
                 Bananas - second scan 
                 (beep) Three / bananas! / we have / fewer / bananas / than / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (higher quantity item name) 
               
               
                 170 
                 Carrots - first scan 
                 (beep) Four/ carrots! / Let&#39;s count to / four! / (pause) / one / two | 
               
               
                   
                   
                 three / four/ (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 171 
                 Carrots - second scan (!f greater 
                 (beep) Four / carrots! / we have / fewer / carrots / than / (item 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 172 
                 Carrots - second scan (if smaller 
                 (beep) Four / carrots! / we have / more / carrots / than / (item 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 173 
                 carrots - second scan 
                 (beep) Four / carrots! / Two/ for you and /Two / for me! 
               
               
                 174 
                 Boxes of cereal - first scan 
                 (beep) Five / boxes of / cereal! / Let&#39;s count to / five! / (pause) / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 one / two / three / four/ five /(positive phrase) 
               
               
                 175 
                 Boxes of cereal - second scan (if 
                 (beep) five / boxes of / cereal! / we have / fewer / boxes of / cereal 
               
               
                   
                 greater quantity has been scanned 
                 / than / (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 just before 
               
               
                 176 
                 Boxes of cereal - second scan (if 
                 (beep) five / boxes of / cereal! / we have / more / boxes of / cereal 
               
               
                   
                 smaller quantity has been scanned 
                 / than / (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 just before) 
               
               
                 177 
                 Boxes of cereal - second scan 
                 (beep) five | boxes of /cereal! / we have / more / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 boxes of / cereal | than | (lesser quantity item name) 
               
               
                 178 
                 Eggs 
                 (beep) Six / eggs! / Let&#39;s count to / six! / (pause) / one / two / three 
               
               
                   
                   
                 / four/ five / six / (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 179 
                 eggs - second scan (if greater 
                 (beep) six | eggs! / we have / fewer / eggs / than / (item name 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 180 
                 eggs - second scan (if smaller 
                 (beep) six eggs! / we have / more / eggs / than / (item name 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 181 
                 eggs - second scan 
                 (beep) six / eggs! / Three / for you and / three / for me! 
               
               
                 182 
                 cherries 
                 (beep) Seven / cherries! / Let&#39;s count to / seven!  / (pause) / one / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 two / three / four/ five / six / seven /(positive phrase) 
               
               
                 183 
                 cherries - second scan (if greater 
                 (beep) seven / cherries! /we have / fewer / cherries 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 than / (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 184 
                 cherries - second scan (if smaller 
                 (beep) seven / cherries! / we have / more / cherries / 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 than / (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 185 
                 cherries - second scan (if nothing or 
                 (beep) seven / cherries! / we have / more / cherries / 
               
               
                   
                 Birthday Pack item has been 
                 than / (lesser quantity item name) 
               
               
                   
                 scanned just before) 
               
               
                 186 
                 muffins 
                 (beep) Eight / muffins! / Let&#39;s count to / eight! / (pause) / one / two 
               
               
                   
                   
                 / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / (positive phrase). 
               
               
                 187 
                 muffins - second scan (if greater 
                 (beep) eight / muffins! / we have / fewer / muffins / 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 than / (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 188 
                 muffins - second scan (if smaller 
                 (beep) eight | muffins! / we have / more / muffins / 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 than / (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 189 
                 muffins - second scan (if nothing or 
                 (beep) eight / muffins! / Four / for you and / four / for me! 
               
               
                   
                 Birthday Pack Item has been 
               
               
                   
                 scanned just before) 
               
               
                 190 
                 peas 
                 (beep) Nine / peas! Let&#39;s count to / nine! / (pause) / one / two / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 three / four/ five / six / seven / eight / nine / (positive phrase) 
               
               
                 191 
                 peas - second scan (if greater 
                 (beep) nine / peas! / we have / fewer / peas / than / (item name 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 192 
                 peas - second scan (if smaller 
                 (beep) nine / peas! / we have / more / peas / than / (item name 
               
               
                   
                 quantity has been scanned just 
                 scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 before) 
               
               
                 193 
                 peas - second scan 
                 (beep) nine / peas! / we have / more / peas / than / (lesser 
               
               
                   
                   
                 quantity item name) 
               
               
                 194 
                 strawberries 
                 (beep) Ten / strawberries! / Let&#39;s count to / ten! / (pause) / one / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 two / three / four/ five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / (positive 
               
               
                   
                   
                 phrase) 
               
               
                 195 
                 strawberries - second scan (if 
                 (beep) ten / strawberries! / we have / fewer / strawberries / than / 
               
               
                   
                 greater quantity has been scanned 
                 (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 just before) 
               
               
                 196 
                 strawberries - second scan (if 
                 (beep) ten / strawberries! / we have / more / strawberries / than / 
               
               
                   
                 smaller quantity has been scanned 
                 (item name scanned just before) 
               
               
                   
                 just before) 
               
               
                 197 
                 strawberries - second scan 
                 (beep) ten / strawberries! / Five / for you and /five / 
               
               
                   
                   
                 for me! 
               
               
                 198 
               
               
                 199 
               
               
                 200 
                 Appendix PACKOUT-E 
               
               
                 201 
                 Learn Mode Positive Phrases 
               
               
                 202 
                 Yeah! 
               
               
                 203 
                 all right! 
               
               
                 204 
                 great! 
               
               
                 205 
                 super! 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 206 
                 I like / counting to / (quantity of last item scanned)! 
               
               
                 207 
               
               
                 208 
               
               
                 209 
                 Appendix PACKOUT-F 
               
               
                 210 
                 Game Mode Prompts and 
               
               
                   
                 Completion Phrases 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 211 
                 Random selected prompts. 
                 Randomly selects items to insert into 
                 Completion Phrases 
               
               
                   
                   
                 prompt: 
               
               
                 212 
                 LIST PROMPTS: 
               
               
                 213 
                 Let&#39;s make | a fruit shake! / My list 
                 bananas, cherries, strawberries 
                 Now we have everything 
               
               
                   
                 says / we need / (item name) / and 
                   
                 to make /a fruit shake! / 
               
               
                   
                 /(item name) 
                   
                 It&#39;s going to be delicious! 
               
               
                 214 
                 Let&#39;s make breakfast, I need / (item 
                 milk, bananas, cereal, eggs, muffins, 
                 Now we have everything 
               
               
                   
                 name) and / (item name) 
                 strawberries 
                 to make breakfast! / I 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 can hardly wait to eat! 
               
               
                 215 
                 Let&#39;s make /dinner! / My list says we 
                 milk, pork chops, carrots, cherries, 
                 Now we have everything 
               
               
                   
                 need (item name) and (item name) 
                 peas, and strawberries 
                 to make dinner! / It&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 going to be delicious! 
               
               
                 216 
                 Let&#39;s make /a snack! / My list says we 
                 milk, bananas, carrots, cherries, peas, 
                 Now we have everything 
               
               
                   
                 need (item name) and (item name) 
                 and strawberries 
                 to make a snack! / I can 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 hardly wait to eat! 
               
               
                 217 
                 Let&#39;s buy / vegetables! / My list says 
                 carrots, peas 
                 We bought a lot of 
               
               
                   
                 we need (item name) and (item 
                   
                 vegetables! 
               
               
                   
                 name) 
               
               
                 218 
                 Let&#39;s buy / fruit! | My list says | we 
                 bananas, cherries, strawberries 
                 We bought a lot of fruit! 
               
               
                   
                 need / (item name) /and /(item name) 
               
               
                 219 
                 Let&#39;s buy / white/ things!” 
                 milk, eggs 
                 We bought a lot of / 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 white / things! 
               
               
                 220 
                 Lets buy / red/ things !” 
                 cherries, strawberries 
                 We bought a lot of / red / 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 things! 
               
               
                 221 
                 MYSTERY PROMPTS and CLUES: 
               
               
                 222 
                 Milk: 
               
               
                 223 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer - milk 
                 Thank you! / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? It / comes from a / cow 
                   
                 what I forgot! / milk! 
               
               
                 224 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 / white! 
               
               
                 225 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy / milk! 
               
               
                 226 
                 Pork Chops: 
               
               
                 227 
                 1 forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer - pork chops 
                 Thank you! / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? It / comes from a pig! 
                   
                 what I forgot! /pork 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 chops 
               
               
                 228 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 / pink! 
               
               
                 229 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy / pork 
               
               
                   
                 chops! 
               
               
                 230 
                 Bananas: 
               
               
                 231 
                 1 forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer - bananas 
                 Thank you! / 
               
               
                   
                 help me? They / grow on plants! 
                   
                 That&#39;s what I 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 forgot! / bananas 
               
               
                 232 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something / 
               
               
                   
                 yellow 
               
               
                 233 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy / 
               
               
                   
                 bananas 
               
               
                 234 
                 Carrots: 
               
               
                 235 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer - carrots 
                 Thank you! / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? They / make good noses 
                   
                 what I forgot! / carrots 
               
               
                   
                 for snowmen! 
               
               
                 236 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 / orange 
               
               
                 237 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy / carrots 
               
               
                 238 
                 Cereal: 
               
               
                 239 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer - cereal 
                 Thank you! / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? It / is / a grain! 
                   
                 what I forgot!/ cereal 
               
               
                 240 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 / blue 
               
               
                 241 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy / cereal 
               
               
                 242 
                 Eggs: 
               
               
                 243 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer-eggs 
                 Thank you! /That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? They / have lots of / 
                   
                 what I forgot! /eggs 
               
               
                   
                 protein! 
               
               
                 244 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 / white! 
               
               
                 245 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy /eggs 
               
               
                 246 
                 Cherries: 
               
               
                 247 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer - cherries 
                 Thank you! / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? They / have pits inside! 
                   
                 what I forgot! / cherries 
               
               
                 248 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 /red 
               
               
                 249 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy /cherries 
               
               
                 250 
                 Muffins: 
               
               
                 251 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer-muffins 
                 Thank you! / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? They / give you energy ! 
                   
                 what I forgot /muffins 
               
               
                 252 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 /brown 
               
               
                 253 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy /muffins 
               
               
                 254 
                 Peas: 
               
               
                 255 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer -peas 
                 Thank you! / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? The / grow in a pod! 
                   
                 what I forgot! / peas 
               
               
                 256 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something 
               
               
                   
                 /green 
               
               
                 257 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy /peas 
               
               
                 258 
                 Strawberries: 
               
               
                 259 
                 I forgot to buy / something. Can you 
                 answer-strawberries 
                 Thank you / That&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 help me? They / have 200 seeds on 
                   
                 what I forgot / 
               
               
                   
                 the outside! 
                   
                 strawberries 
               
               
                 260 
                 first clue: I forgot to buy / something / 
               
               
                   
                 red 
               
               
                 261 
                 second clue: I forgot to buy / 
               
               
                   
                 strawberries 
               
               
                 262 
               
               
                 263 
               
               
                 264 
                 APPENDIX PACKOUT-G 
               
               
                 265 
                 GAME MODE POSITIVE PHRASES 
               
               
                 266 
                 yeah 
               
               
                 267 
                 alright 
               
               
                 268 
                 great 
               
               
                 269 
                 super 
               
               
                 270 
               
               
                 271 
                 APPENDIX PACKOUT-H 
               
               
                 272 
                 GAME MODE. ITEM NAMES AND 
               
               
                   
                 LIST PROMPT CLUES 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 273 
                 Item Name 
                 Clue 
               
               
                 274 
                 milk 
                 The / milk/ carton is / white 
               
               
                 275 
                 pork chops 
                 The / pork chops / are / pink 
               
               
                 276 
                 bananas 
                 The / bananas / are / yellow 
               
               
                 277 
                 carrots 
                 The / carrots / are /orange 
               
               
                 278 
                 cereal 
                 The | boxes of / cereal / are / blue 
               
               
                 279 
                 eggs 
                 The / eggs / are / white 
               
               
                 280 
                 cherries 
                 the / cherries / are / red 
               
               
                 281 
                 muffins 
                 The / muffins / are / brown 
               
               
                 282 
                 peas 
                 The / peas / are / green 
               
               
                 283 
                 strawberries 
                 The / strawberries / are / red 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 6  illustrates a flowchart  600  of an exploration mode of operation for the shopping cart  100 . In exploration mode, a child can learn facts about shopping items. The shopping cart  100  recites the name of a shopping item the first time it is scanned. The shopping cart  100  recites additional information about a shopping item upon subsequent scans. Table 4 contains an example script specifying the audio output in response to input. Lines  5  to  17  of the script in Table 4 further specify the audio responses for the exploration mode illustrated by flowchart  600 . 
     At step  610 , the shopping cart  100  waits for an object to be scanned by scanner  220 . Once an item has been scanned, at step  620  the shopping cart  100  determines whether the scanned item is shopping item containing an electronic identification, or a non-scannable toy item. A non-scannable toy item is any object not containing an RF identification tag configured for scanner  220 . In step  620 , a non-scannable toy item is detected when the pressure switch  310  on scanner  220  is activated without simultaneous reception of a response signal by RF identification unit  305 . Shopping items are detected when RF identification unit  305  receives a response signal from an RF identification tag. 
     After scanning a scannable toy item, step  650  identifies the scanned shopping item. In one embodiment, the shopping item is identified by the unique response signal emitted by the identification tag embedded in a shopping item. Step  660  selects one of a plurality of phrases to be played for the shopping item. Lines  97  to  138  of the script in Table 4 list example audio responses for each shopping item. In this embodiment, there are four unique audio phrases associated with each shopping item. In a further embodiment, step  660  selects each of the audio phrases associated with a shopping item sequentially. Following the selection of the final audio phrase associated with a shopping item, a subsequent scan of the same item will result in the selection of the first audio phrase. Step  670  outputs the selected audio response. Following completion of step  670 , step  610  waits for the next scan. 
     In response to a non-scannable toy item, step  630  selects a phrase to be played for non-scannable toy items. A plurality of example phrases associated with non-scannable toy items is listed at lines  149  to  154  of the script in Table 4. In this example, the audio response for non-scannable toy items is designed to be appropriate for an unknown object and encourage further play with the shopping cart  100 . Phrases are selected randomly at step  630 . Step  640  outputs the selected audio response. After completing step  640 , step  610  waits for the next scan. 
     The interactive responses for non-scannable toy items allow a child to incorporate other objects, such as a favorite toy or a pet dog, into their use of shopping cart  100 . Additionally functionality in exploration mode includes the playing of a shopping song when the character switch  210  is activated. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart  700  of a learning mode of operation for the shopping cart  100 . An embodiment of the learning mode teaches counting, numbers, and the relationships between numbers and quantities. In this embodiment, each shopping item is associated with a quantity and a number. Lines  20  to  32  of the script in Table 1 further specify the audio responses for the learning mode illustrated by flowchart  700 . 
     At step  710 , the shopping cart  100  waits for an object to be scanned by scanner  220 . Once an item has been scanned, at step  720  the shopping cart  100  determines whether the scanned item is a shopping item containing an electronic identification, or a non-scannable toy item. A non-scannable toy item is any object not containing an RF identification tag configured for scanner  220 . In step  720 , a non-scannable toy item is detected when the pressure switch  310  on scanner  220  is activated without simultaneous reception of a response signal by RF identification unit  305 . Shopping items are detected when RF identification unit  305  receives a response signal from an RF identification tag. 
     In response to a scannable toy item, step  750  identifies the scanned shopping item. In some embodiments, the shopping item is identified by the unique response signal emitted by the identification tag embedded in a shopping item. Step  760  selects one of a plurality of phrases to be played for the shopping item. Lines  158  to  197  of the script in Table 4 list example audio responses for each shopping item. In this embodiment, there are four unique audio phrases associated with each shopping item. The first phrase associated with each shopping item identifies the scanned item and the numeric quantity associated with the item. The phrase also counts up to the number associated with the shopping item to reinforce the numerical relationships and to teach counting skills. The second phrase associated with a scanned item relates the quantity of the shopping item to the quantity of the previous shopping item. One of a set of alternate phrases is selected based on whether the scanned shopping item is greater than or less than the previously scanned shopping item. 
     Step  760  selects each of the audio phrases associated with a shopping item sequentially. Following the selection of the final audio phrase associated with a shopping item, a subsequent scan of the same item will result in the selection of the first audio phrase. Step  770  outputs the selected audio response. Following completion of step  770 , step  710  waits for the next scan. 
     In response to a non-scannable toy item, step  730  selects a phrase to be played for non-scannable toy items. A plurality of example phrases associated with non-scannable toy items is listed at lines  149  to  154  of the script in Table 4. In this example, the audio response for non-scannable toy items is designed to be appropriate for an unknown object and encourage further play with the shopping cart  100 . Phrases are selected randomly at step  730 . Step  740  outputs the selected audio response. Following completion of step  740 , step  710  waits for the next scan. 
       FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C illustrate flowcharts of a game mode of operation for an embodiment of an interactive shopping role-play toy. An embodiment of the game mode presents two different shopping theme games designed to reinforce the information learned from the other two modes. A first shopping game of an embodiment of the game mode is a “mystery” game in which the child is asked to scan an item identified by one or more clues. The clues can be based on information taught in the other operating modes. A second shopping game of an embodiment of the game mode is a “shopping list” game in which a child is asked to scan several items as part of a “shopping list.” Lines  34  to  81  of the script in Table 4 further specify the audio responses for the game mode. 
     In  FIG. 8A , at step  805 , the game mode is started. The game mode is started either by initially moving the mode switch  215  into the game mode position, or by activating character switch  210  when mode switch  215  is already in the game mode position. At step  810 , one of the games of the game mode is selected. This selection can be random. Step  815  identifies the game selection and in response, the mystery game or the shopping list game is started at step  820  or  825 , respectively. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates a flowchart of the mystery game. Lines  221  to  271  of the script in Table 4 further specify the audio responses for the mystery game mode. At step  830 , a mystery item is selected. This selection can be random. Based on the mystery item selected, step  835  plays a clue associated with the mystery item. Step  840  waits for an item to be scanned. If nothing is scanned after a predetermined amount of time, one or more phrases may be played to prompt the user. Further periods of inactivity may result in returning the start mode  805 . 
     Once an item has been scanned, step  845  identifies the scanned shopping item and determines if it matches the selected mystery item. If the correct item has been scanned, a completion phrase is played at step  850  and the game returns to start mode  805 . If the incorrect item is scanned, step  855  determines whether this is the third incorrect scan of the game. If three incorrect scans are made, step  860  returns to start mode  805 . If this is the first or second incorrect scan, step  865  selects and plays a hint as indicated in Table 4, and returns to step  840  to wait for the next scanned item. 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates a flowchart of the shopping list game. Lines  210  to  261  of the script in Table 4 further specify the audio responses for the shopping list game mode. At step  870 , a pair of shopping list items are selected and added to a shopping list. This selection can be random. Based on the shopping list items selected, step  875  plays a phrase requesting the selected shopping items. Step  880  waits for an item to be scanned. If nothing, is scanned after a predetermined amount of time, one or more phrases may be played to prompt the user. Further periods of inactivity may result in returning the start mode  805 . 
     Once an item has been scanned, step  890  identifies the scanned shopping item and determines if it matches one of the items on the items on the shopping list. If a correct item has been scanned, step  900  determines whether all of the items on the shopping list have been scanned. If the shopping list is not complete, step  885  removes the scanned item from the shopping list and returns to step  880  to await a subsequent scan. If all of the items on the shopping list have been scanned, a completion phrase is played at step  905  and step  915  returns the game to start mode  805 . 
     If the incorrect item is scanned, step  910  determines whether this is the third incorrect scan of the game. If three incorrect scans are made, step  915  returns to start mode  805 . If this is the first or second incorrect scan, step  90  plays the remaining shopping items on the list as a hint, and returns to step  880  to wait for the next scanned item. 
     As noted above, The interactive shopping role-play toy can optionally be expanded through the use of separately purchased expansion sets of additional shopping items. Each expansion set of shopping items has a unique set of RF identification tags that distinguish the expansion set from the shopping items included with the interactive shopping role-play toy. A set of unique phrases can be associated with the expansion set. The phrases can be preprogrammed into the interactive shopping role-play toy. Alternatively, additional phrases may be added through the use of a slot (which may be associated with a data input device) for an information storage medium, as discussed below. 
     The interactive toy can optionally include a slot (not shown) for a transferable information storage medium (not shown) that is operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit. The slot can be cooperatively structured to receive the transferable storage medium in a removable manner. Any suitable transferable storage medium can be employed in the toy including, but not limited to, a data cartridge (e.g., a flash memory cartridge), a disk, a tape or a memory stick. The transferable information storage medium can be used to provide code for new operating modes or new audio data (e.g., new phrases or songs) to the toy. The transferable information storage medium may be purchased at a store, or may be created at the user&#39;s site by downloading new content from a personal computer or from the Internet. 
     The toy can also form part of a system that provides the toy with new content if desired. For example, in some embodiments, a linker device can be used to transfer data (e.g., new audio data or code for new operating modes) between the toy and a computer (e.g., an Internet-enabled personal computer or server computer). The linker device can be any suitable linker device known to one skilled in the art, such as a wireless transceiver (e.g., a radio frequency [RF] transceiver or an infra-red [IR] transceiver) or a data port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus [USB] data port). Such a data port enables a user to transfer data to, and from, the toy through a physical connection (e.g., a data cable) between the toy and a client PC or the Internet. The inclusion of a linker device in the system results in an Internet-enabled toy. Additional details regarding such Internet-enabled embodiments can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/632,424, filed on Aug. 4, 2000. This U.S. patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages. First, embodiments of the invention are more interactive than, for example, ordinary non-electronic play shopping cart toys. Second, embodiments of the invention can teach a child in various ways and about multiple subjects. For example, the audio script above indicates that the shopping toys according to embodiments of the invention can be used to teach about numbers, food (e.g., food facts, food recognition), and colors substantially simultaneously. These and other subjects can be taught to a child while the child uses the child&#39;s kinesthetic ability, and auditory and visual senses. Using these three modes of interaction enhances and reinforces learning. Third, using embodiments of the invention, children can be introduced to or develop: language development (children are introduced to food names, food groups, number names, and the connection between numbers and quantities); reasoning skills (basic number skills are important building blocks for more complex mathematical concepts); exploration and creativity (children are encouraged to explore numbers, quantities, and counting as they engage in shopping role-play, and shopping role-play and character interaction encourages imaginative and creating play); cognitive development (following simple directions helps children develop cognitive skills and games help develop memory and reasoning skills and encourage learning play); and motor skills (scanning food items helps develop gross motor skills). 
     The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described, or portions thereof, it being recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of invention the claimed. For example, although audio playback devices are described in detail herein, it is understood that embodiments of the invention could use display devices (e.g., an LCD screen) as well. Moreover, one or more features of embodiments of the invention may be combined any one of more features of other embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.