KidBook: Portable device with Smart Social Application for Kids.”

Abstract

This invention introduces KidBook, a portable tablet device integrated with a smart social application specifically designed to provide a secure, educational, and engaging digital experience for children. Developed using ASP.NET and C#, KidBook combines durable, child-friendly hardware with a social platform tailored to young users, offering a safe space for interaction, learning, and creative expression. Key features include a secure registration and login system, customizable user profiles, a social feed, friend management, and safe messaging options—all monitored and controlled by parents to ensure safe interactions. KidBook also incorporates an educational component with interactive games, quizzes, and age-appropriate news updates to promote cognitive development and broaden children’s understanding of the world. Parental control options enable guardians to set screen time limits, monitor social interactions, and oversee content access, creating a balanced digital environment for children. By integrating these functionalities, KidBook stands out as a comprehensive solution that supports children’s social, educational, and entertainment needs within a safe, child-centric ecosystem, addressing the unique challenges of digital engagement for young users in a controlled and responsible way.

Specification

Description:
Field of the Invention:
[001] The present invention falls within the field of portable electronic devices and software applications tailored for children. Specifically, it introduces "KidBook," a portable tablet integrated with a smart social application designed to offer a secure and engaging digital environment for young users. Developed using ASP.NET with C#, the KidBook system combines robust hardware and child-friendly software to create a platform where children can interact, learn, and socialize safely. The device features durable, child-appropriate materials and an intuitive interface, while the application includes functionalities like secure messaging, content filtering, educational games, and parental controls. KidBook addresses the needs of children for safe, enjoyable digital experiences, while providing parents with tools to manage their children's digital activities effectively. By integrating educational content, social networking, and interactive features within a secure ecosystem, KidBook represents a significant advancement in digital technology designed to promote responsible digital interaction and enhance learning for children.
Background of the invention and related prior art:
[002] In today's digital era, children are introduced to technology at an increasingly early age. While there are numerous devices and applications available, most are not fully equipped to meet the unique needs of young users in terms of safety, educational value, and social engagement. Existing devices, such as the Amazon Fire Kids Edition and LeapFrog Epic, offer limited functionality, relying on general-purpose operating systems and content that may not fully support the development of social, educational, and digital skills in a child-friendly way. Standalone parental control apps, although helpful, lack the integration needed to create a holistic and engaging digital environment for kids. Recognizing this gap, KidBook was conceived as a comprehensive solution: a portable tablet combined with a dedicated smart social application that is safe, educational, and engaging for children. Built with ASP.NET and C#, KidBook is designed to provide young users with a secure platform to learn, interact, and explore responsibly, while also offering parents advanced control features to monitor and guide their children's digital experiences. This invention addresses a significant need by combining hardware durability, an intuitive interface, and a fully integrated child-centric ecosystem that supports balanced digital development in children.
[003] A patent document US20100164836A1 discloses a digital photo album that includes, in one embodiment, a digital viewing unit for viewing digital media and a storage location for housing digital media viewable on the digital viewing unit.
[004] Another patent document US4159417A relates to the contents of a book, magazine or the like are digitally encoded onto a memory, and the memory is removably insertable into a portable book-like apparatus whereby the encoded information can be displayed on a screen of the apparatus.
[005] A document US4855725A discloses a user interactive mass storage data access system includes a personal computer and a simulated book. A mass storage device, such as a compact disk (CD) read only memory (ROM), is connected to the personal computer, and the computer and the simulated book are connected by an infrared (IR) data communications link including IR transceivers. The simulated book includes a display screen and a microprocessor with memory. The microprocessor is programmed for storing data received and decoded by its IR transceiver in memory and responsive to user input for displaying a page of data on the display screen. In addition, the microprocessor is programmed to cause its IR transceiver to transmit to the IR transceiver connected to the personal computer a data request command, and the personal computer is in turn programmed to transmit data from the CD ROM to the simulated book. Data can be loaded in the simulated book and accessed at a later time when out of the proximity of the personal computer.
[006] Another document US5109354A discloses an electronic system pocketbook apparatus that includes a foldable and portable main body, an expansion card holder mounted on the main body, a necessary number of expansion cards held by the expansion card holder, and a communicating unit. The main body has a functions of right and left portions coupled by a cover, is folded upon carrying of the main body so that the right portion overlaps the left portion, a folded portion being fastened by a cover clip provided to the cover, and has basic functions of controlling arithmetic operations and display data processing by using an internal controller, data inputting means, and displaying data on a display unit. The communicating unit performs data transmission/reception between the held expansion cards and the main body via the expansion card holder.
[007] A patent document US5847698A discloses an electronic book device has an electronic display unit having a flat panel screen and a housing for containing the flat panel screen. A cover is provided, which is hingedly and electrically connected to the electronic display unit. The housing further has a means for accessing material on a PC card and forwarding the material to the electronic display unit. The housing also has navigation keys for cursering through the material. Activation and deactivation of the electronic display unit is responsive to opening, partially opening and closing of the electronic book device. The device features a means for orientating the material on the electronic display unit responsive to an opening position of the electronic book device. In another embodiment, a data entry mechanism is operatively connected to the electronic display unit. The data entry mechanism can be implemented by using a touchscreen for the electronic display unit. In still another embodiment, a second electronic display unit replaces the cover.
[008] None of these above patents, however alone or in combination, disclose the present invention. The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.
Summary of the invention:
[009] KidBook is a portable tablet device integrated with a smart social application specifically designed for children, aiming to provide a safe, educational, and engaging digital experience. Developed using ASP.NET with C#, the KidBook platform offers a unique environment where children can interact, learn, and play within a secure framework overseen by parental controls. Unlike existing devices and apps that provide limited or generalized child-friendly features, KidBook integrates child-safe hardware and software tailored to young users. Key features include a secure registration and login system, a personalized profile page, a friend management system, safe messaging, notifications, and an interactive quiz and competition page to promote learning through fun. Parents have access to robust control options, enabling them to monitor content and interactions. The device also delivers curated, age-appropriate news and educational content, supporting children's growth while ensuring safe social interaction. KidBook thus offers a comprehensive, child-centric ecosystem that bridges entertainment, education, and digital safety, addressing the needs of young users in a balanced, enjoyable, and responsible way.
Detailed description of the invention with accompanying drawings:
[010] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its preparation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
[011] The principal object of the invention is to develop KidBook: Portable device with smart social application for kids. The KidBook invention combines a specially designed portable tablet and a smart social application to create a safe, interactive, and educational digital experience for children. This solution is developed with both hardware and software considerations tailored specifically for young users, making it a versatile and reliable device for children's digital engagement.
Hardware Design:
The KidBook tablet is constructed from durable, child-friendly materials designed to withstand rough handling typical of young users. The device is compact and lightweight, with ergonomic edges to make it easy for children to hold and operate. It includes a responsive, high-resolution touch screen that is both protective and comfortable for young eyes. The battery life is optimized for extended use, reducing the frequency of recharging. Physical design elements, such as rounded corners and a protective case, enhance safety, while features like a kid-friendly stand allow for hands-free use.
Software and User Interface:
The core of KidBook is its software, a smart social application built with ASP.NET and C#. The application provides a secure, child-friendly social media experience where children can communicate, share content, and access educational materials. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and simple, with large icons and minimal text to support children of various reading levels. Bright colors and an engaging layout make the interface appealing and accessible, encouraging children to explore and use the app independently.
Key Functionalities:
1. Registration and Login: To ensure a secure environment, KidBook requires users to register, allowing only approved accounts for children to access the device. Parental oversight is incorporated during registration, requiring guardian approval to activate each account. The login process ensures user authentication, protecting children's data and interactions within the platform.
2. Profile Management: Each child has a personal profile page, where they can add information like their interests, profile photo, and background photo. Parents or guardians can manage privacy settings, choosing the level of information visible to other users. This profile page allows children to express themselves in a controlled and safe manner.
3. Social Interaction and Content Sharing: KidBook's core social features include the ability to share posts (text, images, audio, and video) and interact with friends by liking, sharing, and commenting, similar to traditional social platforms but with safety-focused modifications. Content filtering is embedded in these features, ensuring that any shared media is age-appropriate.
4. Home Page and Feed: The Home Page serves as the main feed, displaying posts from friends, educational updates, and curated content tailored for the child's age and interests. Parents can monitor the feed, allowing them to ensure their children are interacting safely.
5. Friends and Messaging: The "My Friends" page enables children to add or remove friends with parental approval. The secure messaging feature allows children to chat only with approved friends, and messages are monitored and filtered to prevent inappropriate language or content. Messaging supports text, audio, and video, adding flexibility while ensuring interactions remain safe.
6. Educational Games and Quiz Page: KidBook incorporates interactive learning through educational games and a dedicated Quiz and Competition page, designed to engage children in learning activities. Quizzes are customizable based on age and subject matter, fostering cognitive development and providing entertainment with educational value. Competitions and rewards encourage learning in a fun, interactive way.
7. Notifications and Alerts: Children receive notifications for new friend requests, messages, and other social interactions. Parental notifications are also integrated to keep guardians informed about their child's activities, allowing them to oversee interactions and content access.
8. Curated News and Updates: KidBook features a social news update function, offering children curated, age-appropriate news and updates on topics like science, technology, and world events. These news updates are child-friendly and intended to broaden young users' knowledge and awareness in a safe and accessible way.
Parental Control and Safety Features:
KidBook includes comprehensive parental control features that allow guardians to manage and monitor their children's activity. Parents can:
Control Content Access: Filter or block specific content, ensuring that children only access appropriate material.
Monitor Social Interactions: Oversee friend lists, message exchanges, and shared content to maintain a secure social environment.
Set Screen Time Limits: Control the amount of time the child can spend on the device each day.
Review Learning Progress: Access reports on the child's engagement with educational games, quizzes, and other learning activities.
Implementation and Technology Stack:
The KidBook application is developed using ASP.NET with C# for its backend functionality, allowing for robust, secure, and scalable applications. It also uses React Native to create a hybrid app, enabling the social application to be distributed through app stores and operate seamlessly on the KidBook tablet. This approach allows for smooth integration of the tablet's hardware with the software, ensuring a responsive and user-friendly experience. All data storage and processing are handled securely, with strong encryption and compliance with data protection standards, ensuring user privacy and safety.
KidBook is a novel invention that combines innovative hardware and advanced software to create a safe, interactive, and educational digital ecosystem for children. With its unique focus on security, parental oversight, and a tailored digital experience, KidBook represents a significant step forward in child-friendly technology, offering a holistic approach to children's social interaction, learning, and entertainment.
Figure 1. Registration page for new user according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2. Login page according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3. My profile page according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4. Home page according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5. My friend page according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6. Messaging page according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7. Notification page according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[012] Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention, that others may, by applying current of future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Advantages over the prior art
[013] KidBook: Portable device with smart social application for kids proposed by the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:
1. Comprehensive Child-Friendly Platform: KidBook provides a fully integrated solution that combines social interaction, educational content, and entertainment within a single device, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children. This holistic approach differentiates it from other devices that offer only limited child-focused features.
2. Enhanced Safety and Security: The KidBook application includes robust security features, such as secure registration, content filtering, and monitored messaging, all under parental oversight. These features ensure a controlled digital environment, protecting children from inappropriate content and unsafe interactions.
3. Parental Control and Monitoring: KidBook offers advanced parental control options, allowing parents to manage and monitor their child's activities. From setting screen time limits to approving friends and overseeing content, parents have comprehensive tools to ensure a safe and balanced digital experience for their child.
4. Intuitive, Child-Friendly Interface: The KidBook interface is designed with children in mind, featuring bright colors, large icons, and an easy-to-navigate layout. This design makes it accessible for young users, allowing them to explore the device confidently and independently.
5. Durable, Kid-Resistant Hardware: The tablet is built from sturdy, child-friendly materials designed to withstand frequent handling by young users. Its durability and ergonomic design make it a practical choice for children, reducing the risk of damage during everyday use.
6. Educational Focus with Engaging Content: KidBook incorporates a variety of educational games, quizzes, and curated news updates, promoting learning through engaging and interactive content. This feature supports cognitive development and helps children build knowledge in an enjoyable way.
7. Controlled Social Interaction: The social features of KidBook are designed to allow children to safely interact with friends. With secure messaging, friend management, and monitored posts, children can communicate and share safely, fostering social skills in a controlled environment.
8. Promotes Responsible Digital Usage: By integrating both entertainment and educational resources, KidBook encourages children to engage in balanced, meaningful digital activities. Features like screen time limits and parental guidance tools also support responsible use, helping children develop healthy digital habits.
9. Customizable Content and Notifications: Parents can customize content access based on age and preferences, ensuring that the device grows with the child. Additionally, notifications keep both parents and children updated on social interactions and learning progress, enhancing engagement and accountability.
10. Unique Market Offering: Unlike many generic tablets repurposed for children, KidBook is specifically designed to address children's social, educational, and safety needs comprehensively. This unique focus provides a valuable alternative to existing child-focused devices, which often lack fully integrated social and educational platforms.
11. Adaptable for Future Upgrades: Built on ASP.NET with C# and React Native, KidBook's platform is adaptable for future software updates, ensuring that the application can evolve with technological advances and continue to offer innovative, up-to-date features for young users.
[014] In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
, Claims:We claim:
1. KidBook: Portable device with smart social application for kids comprising of:
- a durable, child-friendly tablet device with an ergonomic design, optimized for prolonged use by children;
- an integrated child-safe social application developed with ASP.NET and C#;
- a hybrid app framework using React Native for seamless operation on the device;
- wherein the tablet is configured to support child-friendly digital activities, including secure messaging, educational games, content sharing, and social interaction, all under controlled parental supervision.
2. A secure registration and login system for KidBook as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- each child must register with parental approval to create an account;
- a multi-step authentication process ensures the child's identity and protects user data;
- the login system restricts access to the application and provides controlled access to the child's personal information, ensuring a secure environment.
3. A profile management feature for children as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- each user has a customizable profile that includes options to upload a profile photo, background photo, and select interests;
- parents will manage privacy settings on profile details to control what information is visible to others;
- the profile is designed to promote self-expression in a safe, moderated manner.
4. A home page with a personalized social feed for KidBook as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- the feed aggregates posts from approved friends, educational content, and curated news updates appropriate for the child's age;
- parental controls allow monitoring of the child's interactions within the feed;
- interactive features such as liking, sharing, and commenting are enabled within a filtered environment to maintain safe engagement.
5. A friend management and messaging system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- children will send and receive friend requests with parental oversight and approval;
- only approved friends are added to the child's friend list, ensuring controlled social interaction;
- a secure messaging feature allows children to communicate through text, audio, and video, with filters for inappropriate language or content, monitored by parental controls.
6. An educational content and interactive gaming module as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- the application includes an array of educational games, quizzes, and competition-based activities;
- the quiz and game content is customizable by age, subject, and difficulty level, promoting cognitive development through engaging activities;
- children will participate in quizzes and competitions to earn rewards, promoting a fun, learning-centered experience.
7. A notification and alert system for KidBook as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- notifications are sent to the child for new friend requests, messages, and quiz/competition updates;
- parental notifications provide updates on the child's activities and interactions, allowing guardians to remain informed and monitor usage effectively.
8. A parental control system integrated into the KidBook device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- parents can set content filters, control screen time, and monitor social interactions;
- a dashboard or parental portal provides visibility into the child's usage patterns, learning activities, and interactions;
- real-time control options allow parents to block or restrict certain content or social interactions as needed.
9. A news update feature as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- the device provides age-appropriate, curated news on topics such as science, technology, and world events;
- the news feed is refreshed periodically to include current events tailored to children's comprehension levels;
- parents can customize the content categories visible to the child, ensuring that all news updates are educational and suitable for young audiences.
10. A content-sharing feature for KidBook as claimed in Claim 1, wherein:
- children can share posts in text, audio, video, or image format, subject to content filtering;
- each shared post's visibility is controlled based on parental privacy settings, ensuring that only approved friends or contacts can view the content;
- content review tools enable parents to preview or restrict shared posts, maintaining the safety and appropriateness of all user-generated content.

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