FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the field of interactive toys.
BACKGROUND
The ability of infants and very young children to learn through interaction with properly designed toys is widely recognized. The normal toys for this age group have included busy-boxes, musical toys, stuffed animals and the like. Computer toys for infants and very young children, however, are generally not common. While computer games for older children (i.e. over two years of age) are widely marketed, they are generally not appropriate for infants or very young children. In action-type computer games, for example, the player must perform quick, dexterous actions in response to sudden events occurring on-screen. These events occur at times and in a manner determined by the computer, with the tempo and the character of the events intensifying to the point that a very young child would become overwhelmed. In computer puzzle and word games the player must match wits with the computer or another player to such a degree that the educational background of a very young child would be insufficient.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,339 to Cohen discloses an educational computer toy for an infant or very young child, in which the computer toy provides audiovisual stimuli simulating the creation of a picture (e.g., painting a picture, fitting together the pieces of a picture puzzle, connecting a prearranged pattern of dots to form a picture, etc.) in response to input by an infant or very young child. The computer toy of the present invention requires the use of a computer (or processor), a display screen, and a keyboard (or input wand or other input device). During play, the user provides an input signal by banging on the keyboard (or shaking the input wand or activating other input devices). The computer processor in turn, responds to each input signal by presenting on the display screen another portion of the picture properly positioned, whereby an audiovisual simulation of creating a picture automatically progresses. According to a computer toy of this type, an infant or very young child can easily interact with a computer controlling the progression of the creation of a picture.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0070204A1 to McEachen et al. discloses a toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items which can be selectively attached to the host structure, and a radio frequency identification device. The radio frequency identification device comprises at least one reader and a plurality of tags which, when read by a reader, provide identification information particular to that tag. Each reader is housed by the host structure and the tags are each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items. The reader reads the identification information from a particular tag when the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure and a different output is generated depending upon which item has been attached.
EP Patent Application Publication No. 2369563A2 to Owen discloses a manually manipulable device adapted to present a changeable individual characterization to a user comprises a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity and relative position of a similar device. One of the figures in the application illustrates how a user manipulating the device can generate a sensory response in the response generator or otherwise in a response generator of another, at least similar, device based on proximity and relative position of said other device and the individual characterization presented on and by that other similar device at the time of interaction.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,963 to Atsmon et al. discloses a plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.
SUMMARY
There is provided, in accordance with some embodiments, an interactive toy interlocking pieces proximity detector, comprising: a sensor configured to sense proximity between said pieces, and an electronic circuit configured to detect interlocking status of said pieces according to proximity sensed by said sensor.
In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) configured to sense light amount between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a resistance to voltage converter.
In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter comprises an operational amplifier configured to output voltage linear to said LDR resistance.
In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said LDR resistance.
In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said LDR resistance.
In some embodiments, said sensor comprises an inductive proximity circuit comprising a LC oscillating component, a signal evaluator and a switching amplifier embedded in one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense electromagnetic field frequency depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.
In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said electromagnetic field frequency.
In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said electromagnetic field frequency.
In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a Hall Effect detector comprising a magnet embedded in one interlocking piece, and a Hall Effect sensor embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense magnetic field flux density depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.
In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said magnetic field flux density.
In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said magnetic field flux density.
In some embodiments, said sensor comprises an acoustic detector comprising a acoustic signal source embedded in one interlocking piece, and a acoustic sensor embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense acoustic signal frequency depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.
In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said acoustic signal frequency.
In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said acoustic signal frequency.
In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a magnetic detector comprising a switch configured to change state under the presence of magnetic field embedded in one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to change state depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity.
In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a color detector comprising one or more filtered photodiodes, A/D converter and control function embedded in one interlocking piece, and one or more color signs embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense light wavelength depending on said interlocking piece color coding to identify said interlocking piece.
In some embodiments, said electronic circuit comprises an A/D (Analog to Digital) converter configured to convert analog output voltage of said sensor to digital data.
In some embodiments, said electronic circuit comprises a microcontroller configured to process the proximity data received from sensor and to perform computations determining the interlocking status of said pieces.
There is further provided, in accordance with some embodiments, a system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy, the system comprising: (a) interactive toy interlocking pieces proximity detector, comprising: a sensor configured to sense proximity between two or more pieces of an interactive toy, and an electronic circuit configured to detect interlocking status of said pieces according to the proximity sensed by said sensor, wherein said electronic circuit is further configured to transmit an acoustic communication signal from said acoustic transmitter upon detection of the pieces interlocking status change, said acoustic communication signal being indicative of the pieces interlocking status; and (b) a receiving device configured to receive said acoustic communication signal and issue an alert indicative of the pieces interlocking status.
In some embodiments, said system is further configured to transmit said acoustic communication signal with varying parameters such as frequency, periodicity, amplitude, duration, and duty cycle, according to interlocking pieces proximity detected by the sensor.
In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal is in frequency range of 1 Hz to 22 KHz.
In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal is in frequency range of above 22 KHz (ultrasonic range).
In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal utilizes a communication protocol in which data packets (similar to IP protocols) are produced.
In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes an acoustic sensor, such as a microphone.
In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes a display module, such as a screen.
In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes a sound producing module, such as a speaker.
In some embodiments, said receiving device converts the pieces interlocking status to a visual signal, an audio signal, and/or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, said receiving device is further configured to provide feedbacks, hints and/or instructions to the user, regarding the pieces interlocking status.
In some embodiments, said receiving device is portable, within the acoustic signal range from said transmitter.
In some embodiments, said receiving device is further configured to communicate with one or more remote devices, utilizing a technology selected from the group consisting of: USB, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication and push notification protocol.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. The figures are listed below.
FIG. 1 shows an illustration of exemplary puzzle interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 2 shows an illustration of exemplary Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 3 shows an illustration of other exemplary Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the system, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 5 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to operational amplifier converter/conditioner option, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 6 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to transistor converter/conditioner, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to comparator converter/conditioner, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 8 shows a schematic inductive sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 9 shows a schematic Hall Effect sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 10 shows a schematic acoustic sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 11 shows a schematic magnetic sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; and
FIG. 12 shows a schematic color sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Disclosed herein is a system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy.
Children generally enjoy toys which allow them to manipulate different parts to produce a certain result and/or changing characteristics. For example, children enjoy catching items, dressing up stuffed animals and/or putting together puzzles. These activities typically help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, a parent usually needs to be participating to correct the child for placement errors, to congratulate the child for placement successes, to encourage the child to try new things, and/or to provide any other type of educational feedback. Thus, versatile and affordable interactive toys, reducing the need of parent involvement, may be highly advantageous.
The present system may be better understood with reference to the accompanying figures. Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows an illustration of an exemplary system, demonstrated by way of puzzle interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that the present system relates to any type of toy which includes multiple pieces which need to be assembled together. A puzzle 100 may be assembled of multiple interlocking pieces. Each of the interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or more proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface to one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking status of the pieces. For simplicity of discussion, three interlocking pieces and their corresponding proximity detectors are depicted in detail. A piece 102 may interlock with a piece 104 and a piece 106. When piece 102 may be assembled to interlock with piece 104, proximity detector 108 and/or proximity detector 112 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 102 may be assembled to interlock with piece 106, proximity detector 110 and/or proximity detector 114 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching piece in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong placing.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows an illustration of an exemplary system, demonstrated by way of Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. These Lego bricks are given as a representative example of bricks games, which are intended to be in the scope of the present disclosure. Each of the Lego bricks interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or more proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface to one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking status of the pieces. In the depicted example, a piece 200 may interlock with a piece 202, which in turn may interlock with a piece 204, which in turn may interlock with a piece 206. When piece 200 may be assembled to interlock with piece 202, proximity detector 208 and/or proximity detector 210 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 202 may be assembled to interlock with piece 204, proximity detector 210 and/or proximity detector 212 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status (since piece 204 may be symmetric and may be assembled bilaterally, proximity detector 214 may be also utilized to determine proximity between piece 202 and piece 204). Similarly, when piece 204 may be assembled to interlock with piece 206, proximity detector 214 and/or proximity detector 216 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status (since piece 204 may be symmetric and may be assembled bilaterally, proximity detector 210 may be also utilized to determine proximity between piece 204 and piece 206). Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching piece in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong placing.
Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows an illustration of another exemplary system, demonstrated by way of Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. Each of the Lego bricks interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or more proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface to one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking status of the pieces. In the depicted example, a piece 300 may interlock with a piece 302, which in turn may interlock with a piece 306, which in turn may interlock with a piece 310, which in turn may interlock with a piece 312. Piece 300 may also interlock with a piece 304, which in turn may interlock with a piece 308. When piece 300 may be assembled to interlock with piece 302, proximity detector 314 and/or proximity detector 318 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 302 may be assembled to interlock with piece 306, proximity detector 318 and/or proximity detector 322 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 306 may be assembled to interlock with piece 310, proximity detector 322 and/or proximity detector 328 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 310 may be assembled to interlock with piece 312, proximity detector 328 and/or proximity detector 330 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 300 may be assembled to interlock with piece 304, proximity detector 316 and/or proximity detector 320 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 304 may be assembled to interlock with piece 308, proximity detector 320 and/or proximity detector 324 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching piece in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong placing.
Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows a schematic block diagram of the system. The system may include one or more of multiple sensors: an LDR (Light Dependant Resistor) sensor 400, an inductive sensor 402, a Hall Effect sensor 404, an acoustic sensor 406, a magnetic sensor 408, and a color sensor 410. These sensors will be described in further detail below. Due to the fact that the sensors might measure physical phenomena, there might be a need to convert the measured physical value to voltage, and condition this voltage for processing. Thus, a physical value to voltage converter/conditioner may be utilized. The converter/conditioner may include multiple options: an operational amplifier 412 which outputs voltage level which is linear to the measured physical phenomena, a transistor 414 which outputs two logic voltage levels (high or low), and/or a comparator 416 which outputs two logic voltage levels (high or low). These options are described in further detail below.
The LDR sensor option will be now described in detail: the LDR may be based on the principle of a decreasing resistance when light incidence increases. A LDR and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece. When the pieces are far one from another, the LDR may have a steady state resistance. As the pieces are assembled, the amount of light reaching the LDR may decrease, since a greater portion of the light may now be blocked by the opposing piece. Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to operational amplifier converter/conditioner. The operational amplifier 500 may have high input impedance and unity gain, and the principle may be based on a voltage divider between a fixed resistor 502, referred also as Rm, and LDR 504, referred also as Rphoto. The output voltage Vout may be given by
i.e. output voltage is rather linear to LDR resistance. Reference is now made to FIG. 6 which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to transistor converter/conditioner. An LDR 600 and a 2MΩ resistor 602 may serve as a voltage divider. When light level is low (in our case, when pieces are interlocked), the resistance of LDR 600 may be high. This may prevent current from flowing to the base of the transistor 604. Consequently, the output voltage may be low, commonly close to 0 volts. However, when light illuminates the LDR without much interference (in our case, when pieces are not interlocked) the resistance may fall and current may flow into the base of transistor 604, increasing the output voltage to high level (about 5 volts). Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to comparator converter/conditioner. Resistor 700, referred also as R1, and Resistor 702, referred also as R2, may serve as voltage divider with a known preset level. The LDR 704 and resistor 706, also referred as R3, may also serve as voltage divider. When the voltage of the negative pole (−) of the operational amplifier 708 may be smaller than the positive pole input voltage (+), then Vout may be set to high level. When the voltage of the negative pole (−) may be greater than the positive pole input voltage (+), then Vout may be set to low level.
The inductive sensor option will be now described in detail: Reference is now made to FIG. 8 which shows a schematic inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include an LC (coil-capacitor) oscillating circuit 800, a signal evaluator 802, and/or a switching amplifier 804. The coil of oscillating circuit 800 may generate a high frequency electromagnetic alternating field. This field may be emitted at the sensing face of the sensor. If attenuating material may near the sensing face, eddy currents may be generated in the case of non-ferrite metals. In the case of ferromagnetic metals, hysteresis and eddy current loss may also occur. These losses may draw energy from oscillating circuit 800 and reduce oscillation frequency. Signal evaluator 802 may detect this reduction and may convert it into an analog voltage, which may be approximately linear to the oscillation change, and switching amplifier 804 may amplify the output voltage. The inductive sensor may be implemented as follows: the electronic circuit containing LC oscillating circuit 700, signal evaluator 802, and switching amplifier 804 may be mounted on one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate 806 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. Since the inductive sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to the oscillation change, operational amplifier converter/conditioner might not be needed. The inductive sensor output may be connected to a transistor or comparator converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be required.
The Hall Effect sensor option will be now described in detail: The Hall Effect sensor output voltage may be a function of magnetic field density around it. When the magnetic flux density around the sensor may exceed a certain preset threshold, the sensor may detect it and may generate an output voltage called Hall Voltage, or VH, which may be approximately linear to the magnetic flux density. Reference is now made to FIG. 9 which shows a schematic Hall Effect sensor. A Hall Effect sensor 900 and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece and a magnet 902 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. Since the Hall Effect sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to the magnetic flux change, operational amplifier converter/conditioner might not be needed. The Hall Effect output may be connected to a transistor or comparator converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be required.
The acoustic sensor option will be now described in detail: Reference is now made to FIG. 10 which shows a schematic acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor may be a piezoelectric crystal 1000 configured to convert air vibrations (i.e. acoustic signal) to output voltage which may be approximately linear to the frequency of the vibrations. A microphone 1002 which relies on this principal may be utilized. A piezoelectric crystal 1004 configured to do the opposite (i.e. convert output voltage to air vibrations) may be used as an acoustic source. A speaker 1006 which relies on this principal may be utilized. The acoustic sensor may be implemented as follows: acoustic source 1002 may be mounted on one interlocking piece and acoustic sensor 1000 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. The puzzle interlocking pieces may be acoustically coded in a way that may ensure univalent recognition of each piece (e.g. each piece might transmit acoustic signal with unique frequency). Since the acoustic sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to the acoustic signal frequency, operational amplifier converter/conditioner might not be needed. The acoustic sensor output may be connected to a transistor or comparator converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be required.
The magnetic sensor option will be now described in detail: the magnetic sensor may be a switch configured to change state under the presence of magnetic field (i.e. Reed switch). Reference is now made to FIG. 11 which shows a schematic magnetic sensor. The switch may comprise two thin wires in a sealed glass tube. When no magnetic field is applied, the switch may be open 1100. When a magnetic field source 1102 may near the switch, its two magnetized wire ends may be attracted one to each other 1104, until finally they may touch one another, and the switch may be closed 1106. The magnetic sensor may be implemented as follows: switch and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate may be mounted on second interlocking piece. When the interlocking pieces may be close enough, the switch may close. Since the magnetic sensor output may be binary (on or off), converter/conditioner of any kind may not be needed.
The color sensor option will be now described in detail: Reference is now made to FIG. 12 which shows a schematic color sensor. The color sensor may include one or more photodiodes filtered to sense red light 1200, one or more photodiodes filtered to sense green light 1202, one or more photodiodes filtered to sense blue light 1204, one or more photodiodes configured to sense clear light 1206 (i.e. with no filters), and/or one or more A/D (Analog to Digital) converters 1208 for each photodiodes color channel. When a color object may be in front of the sensor, the combination of light intensity received by photodiodes may reflect the object color, and may be converted to digital value by the A/D converters. The color sensor may be implemented as follows: the sensor and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece and one or more color signs (e.g dots) may be drawn and/or placed on second interlocking piece. The puzzle interlocking pieces may be color coded in a way that may ensure univalent recognition of each piece. Since the color sensor output may be digital, converter/conditioner of any kind might not be needed.
Reference is now made back to FIG. 2. After process-able voltage has been achieved, an A/D (Analog to Digital) converter 418 may be needed in order to convert the analog voltage to a quantized digital value, to allow further processing by a micro controller 420. Micro controller 420 may include software that may perform computations on input data and may output data in a form of a communication protocol to an acoustic transmitter 422 that may broadcast the data through a speaker 424. The acoustic signal may then be received by a device 426 equipped with a microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, gaming console, TV screen, video streamer, etc. Device 426 may include display and sound modules, and dedicated software application that may display to the user the puzzle status (which pieces are interlocked or not, wrong placed pieces), and supply user with hints and/or directions for correct assembling. The data may be supplied by visual and/or vocal manner. Device 426 may also further distribute the data to other device 428 equipped with display and sound modules (e.g. TV, laptop, computer, etc.), by wired or wireless communication technologies such as USB, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication, push notification protocol, etc. In another embodiment, device 426 may be embedded in device 428, or may be in a form of a dongle attached to device 428, similar to cellular transceiver (i.e “netstick”), for example.
In the description and claims of the application, each of the words “comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated. In addition, where there are inconsistencies between this application and any document incorporated by reference, it is hereby intended that the present application controls.
Patent Application
20160051904
