Patent Grant
7037169
The present invention relates to the fields of toys, and specifically to a rotating toy equipped with a means to measure rotation data. The rate of rotation and/or other data related to rotation of the rotating toy measured are used to implement many entertaining games. Playing with a toy of the present inventions supplies hours of fun for friends and family alike.
Rotating toys are popular in many cultures. Well known rotating toys including such favorites as tops (tsa-lin, koma), yo-yos, boomerangs, flying disks (such as Frisbees®), flying rings, ko-en-gen (diabolo), balls and roulette wheels. Spinning toys are used, for example, for playing catch, acrobatics, studying of holy scriptures (e.g. the Dreidel), gambling (roulette, teetotum tops), or even weapons (the yo-yo, boomerang, Oddjob's hat from the film Goldfinger (MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.)). Although there are many variations of rotating toys, it is likely that the general popularity of these toys arises from the inherently fascinating motion together with the magical stability which the gyroscopic motion gives a rotating toy.
Persons of skill in the art have devoted much effort in the improvement of spinning toys, see for example U.S. D31,654, U.S. RE8,708 or U.S. Pat. No. 63,891. More recently, advances in materials technology and electronics have lead to the integration of special features into rotating toys, especially illuminated rotating toys (U.S. Pat. No. 1,503,006) or toys that play music when rotating.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,966 teaches a very exciting improvement to rotating toys, specifically for tops and yo-yos, based on utilizing the persistence of vision effect. According to U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,966 a display mechanism comprising an array of lights rotating with a toy and a processor for differentially actuating the individual lights according to a stored pattern. When the toy rotates at a rate that matches the clocking speed of the stored pattern, a two-dimensional image (such as a message or figure) becomes apparent due to the effect of persistence of vision.
The inventors of U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,966 discuss at length the fact that the image is apparent only for brief periods when the rate of rotation of the toy and the pattern clocking speed match. To overcome this shortcoming, U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,966 suggests the use of a synchronization mechanism so that the image is apparent over a wide range of rates of rotation. Seemingly synchronization is simple and obvious to one skilled in the art. Few things are further from the truth as is evidenced by the failure of the inventors of U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,966 to provide an implementable solution for this problem.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,966 is suggested a mechanism to provide an external non-rotating reference to which the display timing is synchronized. It is stated that such a mechanism can be optical, magnetic or involve other means. The only magnetic mechanism taught is the use of a static magnetic to activate a metal switch that is fixed to a rotating hubcap. Such a mechanism is susceptible to dirt, vibrations and minor misalignments. For such a metal switch to be effective it would need to be quite massive, in which case the switch would close during rotation due to centrifugal force. Worse, the reaction of such a switch will not keep up with the rotation speed. The only optical mechanism taught involves the use of a rotating optical sensor (e.g. a LED/photoresistor pair) to optically detect a non-rotating external reference point.
The solutions for gaining data associated with rotation of a spinning toy require that the spinning toy be associated with a non-rotating reference. This significantly limits the fun from a synchronized rotating toy according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,966. These ineffective solutions demonstrate that a method for measuring data associated with the rotation of a toy is not obvious even to one skilled in the art.
It would be highly advantageous to have a rotating toy that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior-art rotating toys.
The above and other objectives are achieved by the present invention.
There is provided according to the teachings of the present invention a rotating device (preferably a toy or part of a toy) comprising: a) a rotatable body, b) inside the rotatable body, a rotation data measuring means; and c) a control unit, the control unit configured to receive data relating to rotation of the body from the rotation data measuring means. Such data can include, for example, acceleration, velocity, rate of rotation and the like.
The body of the device is substantially a toy or part of a toy and includes but is not limited to such toys as tops, flying disks (such as Frisbees®), flying rings, boomerangs, roulette wheels, yo-yos, balls and ko-en-gen.
According to a feature of the present invention all components of the rotation data measuring means are associated with the rotatable body. In such a way no external reference is necessary for the device to operate.
According to a feature of the present invention, the device further comprises at least one switch, the at least one switch configured to transfer commands to the control unit. Using such a switch or switches a user can select modes and functions of the device.
According to another feature of the present invention, a device of the present invention is not equipped with a mechanical switch. Rather, the control unit is generally in a low-energy use “stand-by” mode. The control unit exits the “stand-by” mode upon receiving a signal from the rotation data measuring means and functions further as described herein.
According to a feature of the present invention the rotation data measuring means is configured to produce a substantially sinusoidal output signal having a frequency related to rotation of the body.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation data measuring means comprises a means for detecting a magnetic field, for example the Earth's magentic field. In some such embodiments, the control unit is then configured to determine a true direction (e.g. North) from the data received from the rotation measuring means.
According to a feature of the present invention, the rotation data measuring means comprise an induction coil.
According to a further feature of the present invention, the device of the present invention further comprises a signal-amplifying means configured to input the sinusoidal signal from the rotation data measuring mean, to amplify the sinusiodal signal so as to convert the signal to a substantially rectangular wave signal having a frequency substantially identical to the frequency of the sinusoidal signal, and to output the substantially rectangular wave signal to the control unit.
According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention the device further comprises: d) a display means disposed along at least a portion of the body; e) a display control means for controlling the display of images on the display means; and f) a clock means coupled to the display control means for refreshing the display of images on the display means at a clocking rate, wherein the clocking rate is dependent on the rotation data. According to a feature of the present invention, the display mechanism comprises a plurality of independently activatable and deactivatable light sources.
According to a feature of the present invention, the control unit is configured to calculate a number of revolutions that the rotatable body has performed and display the number of revolutions using the display mechanism.
According to further feature of the present invention, the control unit is configured to calculate a rate of rotation of the rotatable body and display the rate of rotation using the display mechanism.
According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a wireless data receiver, the receiver configured to receive data from a remote location and pass the data to the control unit.
According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a wireless data transceiver, the transceiver configured to receive rotation data from the control unit and transmit the rotation data to a remote location and the transceiver is further configured to receive data from a remote location and pass the data to the control unit.
According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, the device is configured to “walk” that is to move generally in a prescribed direction. According to a feature of the present invention, such a walking device comprises a perturbation generating means, the perturbation generating means configured to receive rotation data from the control unit and to generate periodic perturbations synchronized with the rotation of the device so as to cause the rotatable body to move in a prescribed direction. According to a feature of the present invention, the device further comprises a wireless data receiving means, configured to receive data from a remote location and pass the data to the control unit, for example to allow choosing by a user of the control unit to choose a direction towards which the device moves.
According to a feature of the present invention, a walking embodiment of the present invention is also configured with a display means, substantially as described hereinabove, the display means synchronized with the rotation of the device.
According to one embodiment of the walking embodiment of the present invention, the perturbation generating means comprises a mass-moving means configured to periodically move the center of mass of the rotatable body.
According to another embodiment of the walking embodiment of the present invention, the perturbation generating means comprise a air-resistance varying means configured to periodically change the air resistance of the rotatable body.
It is important to note that certain features of the present invention have been depicted or described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity. Such features are also provided, according to the teachings of the present invention in a single embodiment. Conversely, some features that have been described, for brevity, in the context of a single embodiment, amy also be provided separately or in some subcombination.
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The present invention is of a rotating toy having a means to measure data associated with rotation of the toy, such as the rate of rotation of the toy. The measured data is used to implement a number of hitherto unavailable yet enjoyable games. Such games include viewing of an image synchronized with the rate of rotation, transmitting the data related to the rotation of the toy for the purposes of competition, or letting the rotating toy “walk”, that is to move in a prescribed direction. The present invention is characterized by the fact that substantially the entire rotation data measuring means is associated with the toy itself. The principle and, uses of the method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the examples, description and the figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout all of the figures. It is understood that the descriptions herein are illustrative and not intended to restrict the present invention to the specific details set forth below.
In
A display 22 comprising seven light emitting diodes 24 (LEDs) are arrayed in a row on crown 16. Contained within body 14 for controlling and activating display 22 are a power supply 26 (a battery), a control unit 28 and a centrifugal switch 30.
When top 10 is rotated at a sufficient rate, centrifugal switch 30 closes, powering control unit 28. Control unit 28 activates and deactivates each individual LED 24 of display 22 according to a predetermined pattern at a predetermined clocking speed. The clocking speed is chosen so that when the top is rotating at a certain rate the blinking of LEDs 24 resolves into an apparent image as a result of the effect of persistence of vision. The image is not apparent when top 10 rotates significantly faster or significantly slower than the predetermined rate of rotation for which the clocking speed was determined.
First Embodiment: Top with Synchronized Display and Centrifugal Switch
In
Specifically, the rotation data measuring means of top 32 includes an induction coil 34 placed perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of top 32. When top 32 rotates, induction coil 34 also rotates. In
It is clear to one skilled in the art that although the use of a Fourier transform algorithm is one option, there exist other implementable methods of calculating data relating to rotation of top 32 by analysis of the signals measured at outputs 34a and 34b. For instance, one alternative method is measuring the peak-to-peak time of the signal measured at induction coil outputs 34a and 34b and from that number, calculating the desired rotational data.
A variation of top 32 is depicted in
Top 32 or 33 is activated by spinning. Centrifugal switch 30 closes, activating control unit 28 to read a sequence of activation and deactivation of light elements 24 from a memory and to receive data to calculate the proper display rate. Control unit 28 activates and deactivates light elements 24 at the proper display rate (determined by control unit 28 based on date from the respective rotation data measuring means) so that the prestored image is apparent while top 32 or 33 rotates.
It is important to note that the memory where the image to be displayed is stored is usually an integral part of control unit 28. In some embodiments it can be chosen to have a separate memory unit, vide infra.
Second Embodiment: Top with Synchronized Display and Mode Selection
In
Unlike prior-art top 10 and top 32, top 42 is not provided with a centrifugal switch 28. Instead, top 42 is provided with a first microswitch 46. First microswitch 46 is configured to toggle control unit 44 to an “on” state. Once activated by first microswitch 46, control unit 44 detects a rate of rotation of top 42. If the rate of rotation is substantially zero for longer than a predetermined time, e.g. 2 minutes, control unit 28 automatically toggles to an “off” state.
Top 42 is also provided with a second microswitch 48 coupled to control unit 44. Second microswitch 48 acts as a mode selector buttons optionally in conjunction with first microswitch 46. The use of microswitches coupled to multimode control units, such as 44, is well known in the art, for example in the field of digital wristwatches. Top 42 is also provided with an amplifier 50. Amplifier 50 receives a sinusoidal signal from outputs 34a and 34b, and both amplifies and filters the signal before sending the signal to analogue-to-digital converter 36.
For use, first microswitch 46 is pressed, activating control unit 44. Second microswitch 48 and first microswitch 46 are then pressed in a proper order so as to select one of a plurality of possible modes. Once a specific mode is selected and top 42 is rotated, control unit 44 detects the rate of rotation and displays an image appropriate to the selected mode. With appropriate modification to the control unit 44, top 42 is used to play a variety of exciting and entertaining games.
It is important to note that it is possible and often advantageous to provide a single top both with a plurality of microswitches (such as 46 and 48) for activating the top and selecting modes and also a centrifugal switch (such as 28).
It is important to note that it is possible and often advantageous to provide a toy of the present invention with neither microswitches (e.g. 46 and 48) nor a centrifugal switch (e.g. 30). Rather, the respective control unit is, when the toy is not in use, in a low-energy use “stand-by” mode. The respect control unit exits the “stand-by” mode upon receiving a signal from the respective rotation data measuring means and functions further as described herein.
Some modes that can be chosen are discussed hereinbelow. The modes discussed hereinbelow are exemplary: one skilled in the art is aware that a control unit such as 44 can be configured to have many other modes.
There are innumerable potential games and modes that can be implemented using the present invention. A few non-limiting examples are listed hereinbelow. It is important to note that a top 32 can generally be configured to include but one mode, whereas a top such as 42 can be configured to include a plurality of modes.
A first mode involves adding a memory accessible to a respective control unit of a toy to act as a rotation counter. The memory is configured to increment a value corresponding to the number of rotations every time the control unit detects a full rotation. The control unit uses a respective display to display the number of times the toy has rotated. A person can compete solitaire or against others to see what maximum number of rotations can be attained. In an exceptional entertaining version of this mode, depicted in
A second mode involves knowing the rate of rotation of the toy. The respective control unit is configured to use a diplay of the present invention to display the rate of rotation. In an exceptional entertaining version of this game the toy is provided with a first memory acting as a current rate of rotation counter and a second “high-score” memory as a maximum rate of rotation memory. The control unit uses the display to display both the maximal rate of rotation achieved as well as the current rate of rotation. The winner is a player who spins the toy the fastest.
A third mode involves adding a random number generator, a random number memory, a spin memory, a comparing means, a reset button and a rotation counter. The random number generator is activated and stores a random number in the random number memory. The control unit displays the random number as well as the number of rotations currently achieved. Each player in succession attempts to rotate the toy a number of times equal to the number stored in the memory and the number of rotations actualy achieved is stored in the spin memory. After all players have made an attempt, the control unit uses the comparing mean to determine is the winner, that which player rotated the toy in a number closest to the randomly determined number. The closest player is the winner and the display is used to indicate the winner.
A fourth mode involves adding a random number generator so that the toy of the present invention is used as a die. For example, a selector button is used to input the maximum number that can be generated (i.e. the number of faces of the die). During rotation of the toy, the random number generator generates a random number within the selected range and displays the random number.
A fifth mode uses a toy of the present invention to indicate directions, such as North and South, as depicted in
In principle any light source can be used in implementing a synchronized display embodiment of the device of the present invention. LEDs, as depicted in
The number of light sources, such as LEDs 24, used in implementing a synchronized display embodiment of the device of the present invention varies and generally determines the detail with which a figure depicted is observed. It is important to note that although LEDs 24 are depicted in
Third Embodiment: Plunger Top with Animated Display
As is clear to one skilled in the art, the teachings of the present invention allow for a display synchronized so as to be insensitive to the rate of rotation. Consequently, an image can be displayed for much longer periods of time then heretofore possible. Using the teachings of the present invention, it becomes practical to display complex images, for example images that include animation.
A third embodiment of the present invention that is useful for the display of animated images is a plunger top having a rotation data measuring means and a synchronized display. Plunger tops are extremely popular amongst small children because, due to the plunger mechanism, even small children can rotate a plunger top quickly and for extended periods of time. However, small children do not usually have the ability to rotate a plunger top at a selected speed. When a plunger top is manufactured in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, children of all ages can rotate the plunger top at any speed and enjoy an animated story.
In
It is important to note that in an animated display it is generally desired to have a high resolution. Thus, display 22 of plunger top 58 is provided with fifty individual multicolored LEDs. When upper body cover 60 is in place, display 22 emerges through slot 70 in upper body cover 60.
Induction coil 34 is a two-part induction coil so that plunger 72 can pass through the rotation axis of plunger top 58. In other, non-depicted, embodiments of the present invention, an induction coil is not split, but rather not found in the center of a respective top.
Memory unit 66 is preferably compact in size. Further, it is preferable that the story stored on memory unit 66 can be changed, for example by writing a new story on an existing memory unit or by physically replacing a first memory unit storing a first story with a second memory unit storing a second story. A suitable technology for implementing a memory unit 66 is a rewritable memory unit such as flash-based data storage (for example, as manufactured by M-Systems Ltd. Kfar Saba, Israel). Such memory units can be configured to be physically installed and removed in a socket. Thus, a person interested in an additional animated film can purchase a new memory unit 66 and replace an old one. Such memory units can also be easily rewritten. For example, using suitable adapters and software, a new animated story can be downloaded, for example through the Internet or using a cellular telephone service, and stored on a memory unit 66.
It is clear to one skilled in the art that some or all of the entertaining modes or games listed above can be integrated in one toy of the present invention, and which specific game to play can be chosen, for example, by a switch or selector button.
Fourth Embodiment: Rotating Top with Transmitter
In
Remote device 78 can be any one of many different devices configured to receive rotation data from top 74 and then do some action with the rotation data, preferably an entertaining action. For example, remote device 78 may be configured to display the rotation data. Games involving comparing or tallying rotation data are easily developed and implemented. Preferred remote devices include dedicated display units, mobile phones, personal computers and personal digital assistances.
Transmitter 76 is implementable by any of the wireless transmission technologies known in the art. Such transmission technologies include, but are not limited, to sound waves (e.g. ultrasound), regular radio transmission, infrared transmission and Bluetooth® technology.
Although top 74 is depicted in
Fifth Embodiment: Rotating Toy with Transceiver
In an exceptionally entertaining embodiment of the present invention, depicted in
Other competitive games based on using a plurality of mutually communicating rotating toys, such as tops 80a and 80b, can be conceived by one skilled in the art upon perusal of the description herein.
Sixth Embodiment: Walking Rotating Toy
A sixth embodiment of the present invention making use of rotation data measured according to the teachings of the present invention is a walking toy.
In
In
In
It is important to note that the location of the components of upper level 88 and described hereinabove are situated so that in the rest position (
As is known to one skilled in the art, in a prior-art top, since the imbalance also rotates, the imbalance leads to precession of the prior-art top but no net translational motion of the top itself. However, according to the teachings of the present invention, the positioning of magnet 96 in the translated position is synchronized with the rotation of top 84. As is clear to one skilled in the art, the resulting perpendicular gyroscopic force is substantially only in one direction and as a result top 84 will walk, that is move substantially in one direction.
For use, top 84 is rotated. As top 84 rotates, induction coil 34 sends data relating to the rotation of top 84 to control unit 44. Control unit synchronizes activation of switch 94 so that magnet 96 is found in the translated position only at a certain absolute position or limited ranges of position, e.g. a quadrant. The imbalance of top 84 that occurs only at one specific absolute position causes top 84 to walk in a designated direction. Selection of which direction can be made using switches 46 and 48 and is preferably implementable relative to a magnetic direction, easily detectable using an induction coil 34, as described hereinabove.
In a frictionless environment, the conservation of momentum will cause top 84 to tilt in a direction that is opposite to that of magnet 96. Thus, in a frictionless environment, top 84 will not walk. The inventor has found, however, that there is sufficient friction between a tip 20 of a top 84 with a surface on which top 84 rotates so as to allow significant walking. Further, once top 84 tilts, the angle with which the tip of top 84 touches the surface on which top 84 rests is changed. The resulting change in the friction force vector contributes to the “walking” of top 84.
It is important to note that the activation of electrical coil 92 generates a magnetic field that is detected by induction coil 38 and thus adds noise to the signal that induction coil 38 provides to control unit 44. One method of overcoming problems caused by the magnetic field generated by electrical coil 92 is by configuring control unit 44 to provide a feedback current into induction coil 38 simultaneously with the powering of electrical coil 92. The intensity of the feedback current neccesary can easily be found by calculation or by empirical measurement. An alternative method of overcoming any problems caused by the magnetic field generated by electrical coil 92 is by ignoring the intermittent high intensity yet narrow signals produced by electrical coil 92. Ignoring such signals and yet retaining the ability to accurately measure the rotation of top 84 is a simple matter when the method of calculation of rotation is based on analyzing a sinusoidal signal, as is done in a preferred embodiment of the present invention
An additional embodiment of a walking top 96 is depicted in
Whereas walking top 84 “walks” as a result of forces exerted by gravity, friction and periodic imbalance of top 84 the periodicity of the imbalance synchronized with the rotation of top 84, top 96 “walks” as a result of force of air on top 96 that is varied by periodically changing the air resistance of top 96, the periodicity being synchronized with the rotation of top 96.
Seventh Embodiment: Walking Talking Rotating Toy
As is clear to one skilled in the art, it is possible to integrate, into one rotating toy, the features of the second, fifth and the sixth embodiment of the present invention to yield a walking talking toy.
In such an embodiment it is most preferable that a toy has a transceiver 82, such as depicted for tops 80 in
When playing a game, with a walking talking top, first the top is spun. An arrow is depicted using display 22 so as to give an operator a reference as to the direction of movement of top. An operator uses a remote unit 78 to transmit signals that correspond to commands to the top to turn left, right, move forward, move back or stop. The signals transmitted are received by transceiver 82 and directed to control unit 44. Control unit 44 adjusts the image displayed by display unit 22 to display the new direction of motion of top. Control unit 44 synchronizes activation of switch 94 so as to direct the top to walk in the direction commanded by the operator using remote unit 78.
A person using a seventh embodiment of the present invention is in fact steering the top. Such a game combines the fun of a spinning toy with that of a remote-controlled vehicle. A related game adds a twist of dueling between a plurality of walking talking tops.
The examples in the description hereinabove have depicted only a top or a plunger top. One skilled in the art, upon study of the disclosure herein, can apply the teachings of the present invention to other rotating toys including but not limited to string tops, flyings disks, yo-yos, roulette wheels, ko-en-gen, balls and boomerangs, depending in the exact embodiment desired. Clearly the walking option is only implementable for toys that are in contact with a surface and having sufficient friction therewith.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein but also relates to all kinds of modifications thereof, insofar as they are within the scope of the claims.
This appln claims the benefit of 60/437,176 filed on Jan. 2, 2003.
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| Number | Date | Country |
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| 2388329 | Nov 2003 | GB |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20050277360 A1 | Dec 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60437176 | Jan 2003 | US |
