초록 ▼

The present invention is an interactive system for reading cards. The system comprises a card bearing an image and encoded information and a talking hand-held card reader for reading the encoded information on the card and playing back an audible message associated with the image or encoded informat

The present invention is an interactive system for reading cards. The system comprises a card bearing an image and encoded information and a talking hand-held card reader for reading the encoded information on the card and playing back an audible message associated with the image or encoded information. In one aspect, the invention is also a talking hand-held card reader having a housing which is shaped to resemble a person, place, aspect or thing associated with the image or encoded information on the card being read.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An interactive card reading system comprising, in combination:a card bearing an image and encoded information; anda separate talking, single component card reader comprising:a housing having a surface defining a slot for receiving said card;a sound chip comprising a non-v

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An interactive card reading system comprising, in combination:a card bearing an image and encoded information; anda separate talking, single component card reader comprising:a housing having a surface defining a slot for receiving said card;a sound chip comprising a non-volatile memory for storing a prerecorded message associated with the image or encoded information borne by said card;a sound generating unit disposed within the housing for audible play-back of the prerecorded message associated with the image or encoded information borne by said card;an electro-optical reading unit disposed within said housing adjacent the surface defining a slot in said housing for reading the encoded information on said card;a control unit disposed within the housing and operably connected to said sound generating unit, said electro-optical reading unit, and said sound chip for decoding encoded information read by said electro-optical reading unit, for retrieving from said non-volatile memory the prerecorded message associated with the image or encoded information borne by said card and read by said electro-optical reading unit, and for initiating play-back of the prerecorded message by said sound generating unit; andan activating switch associated with said housing and operably connected to said control unit: and said housing having a permanent or removable portion which shape or appearance is associated with some aspect of the card being read.