Patent Application
20080009220
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
Turning to the Figures, wherein like numerals denote like components throughout the several views, in
A liquid container, depicted as a transparent plastic test tube 22, of the toy assembly 10 is sized to receive the chrysalis 20 and subsequently the mature alien toy 12″ having the mature body portion 18″. The head portion 14 is maintained in an upright position by the test tube 22. Sensors monitor ambient conditions that are maintained by a child who interacts with the alien toy 12. In an illustrative version, light and water depth serve as environmental inputs for the active electronic circuitry 16. In particular, a right antenna 24 contains a light sensor 26 responsive to an ambient light threshold to respond with either a “LIGHT” or “DARK” signal to a controller 28 of the active electronic circuitry 16. Placement of the light sensor 26 in the right antenna 24 advantageously allows detection of ambient light levels in situations in which the toy 12 is immersed in a less than transparent liquid; however, it should be appreciated that the light sensor 26 may be attached to a lower portion of the toy 12. A left antenna 30 has an upper liquid sensor (“ULS”) 32 and a lower liquid sensor (“LLS”) 34 that sense the presence or absence of liquid, depicted as water 35, defining three water levels 36, 36′, 36″ that are respectively a low level exposing both liquid sensors 32, 34 (“underfed”), a medium level covering only the lower liquid sensor 34 (“correctly fed”), and a high level covering both liquid sensors 32, 34 (“over fed”).
It should be appreciated that the liquid depicted as water 35 as a convenient and safe option. However, applications consistent with the present invention may employ various liquids, mixtures, or solutions. To enhance the entertainment potential, various bubbling, foaming, color changing, or other effects may be selected for the interaction between the liquid and the chrysalis structure 20.
It should be further appreciated that the liquid container may be opaque rather than transparent, with the toy 12 viewed from the opening. Alternatively, a view window (not depicted) may be incorporated. In addition, although the test tube 22 advantageously orients an elongate shaped toy keeping certain sensors at or near the top level of the water 35, liquid containers consistent with aspects of the present invention may be of other shapes, such as much larger than the toy 12, such as those provided by the end user and not supplied with the interactive alien toy assembly 10. Weighting a lower portion of the toy 12 and allowing a top portion to be buoyant would thus accomplish the orienting of the toy 12 for liquid level detection.
Alternatively, flexible portions of an alien toy may further adapt to various water levels, especially when placed in a liquid container that may greatly vary in water depth. For example, weighted legs may stretch toward the bottom of the container and have sensors that detect when the toy is fully floating, when the legs are touching the bottom and when the body of the toy is touching the bottom. Similarly, elongate antennas or snorkels may float with the rest of the body being non-buoyant.
The active electronic circuitry 16 is powered by a power supply 38, which in the illustrative version is a battery. Alternatively, the power supply 38 may comprise dissimilar metal electrodes activated by filling the test tube 22 with electrolyte solution, an ultracapacitor or similar storage device charged inductively or by photovoltaic effect, etc. To extend useful life, visual and/or audio outputs are intermittently provided by low power consuming devices and the controller 28 is configured to go into a low power consumption mode under certain conditions described below. In illustrative versions, the controller 28 performs a status mode by activating a light assembly 39 composed of a translucent light panel 40 illuminated by a selected light emitting diode (LED), in particular a green LED 42, an orange LED 44, or a red LED 46. In the illustrative version, a bi-color LED may be activated in (1) green or (2) red mode or in (3) both modes that appear orange.
Alternatively or in addition to a visual cue, the active control circuitry 16 may include an audio device 48 to enhance the mimicry or mimic sounds of a living organism and/or to provide similar status information described herein as timed and sequenced color data displayed by the translucent light panel 40.
In
To generate a system clock, pin 26 (XOUT) of the microcontroller (U2) is connected to GND node via an 18 pF fixed nonpolarized capacitor (C9) and pin 27 (XOUU) is connected to GND node via an 18 pF fixed nonpolarized capacitor (C1). An oscillator (Y1) having a resonant frequency of 32.768 kHz is connected across pin 26 (XOUT) and pin 27 (XOUU).
A test apparatus (SOCKET1) allows interacting with a Writer to confirm operation of the circuitry 16′ during fabrication. To that end, A first pin of SOCKET1 is connected to pin 4 (
The upper and lower liquid sensors 32, 34 are provided in the exemplary version by a probe common conductor (PROBE COM) connected to pin 11 (RB0) of the microcontroller (U2) and physically proximate to a High Electrode (H) and physically proximate to a Low Electrode (L) for being electrically shorted in the presence of a conductive liquid. Alternatively, these High and Low Electrodes (H, L) may represent pressure switches triggered by the fluid pressure of the liquid. The High Electrode (H) is also connected to a base of an NPN silicon transistor (Q4) model 9014D whose collector is connected to pin 18 (RC2) of the microcontroller (U2) and whose emitter is connected to GND node. Biasing of the transistor (Q4) is provided with a 10 MΩ resistor (R11) connected between the base and emitter. Filtering is provided for this high liquid level signal with a fixed nonpolarized capacitor (C8) connected between pin 18 (RC2) of the microcontroller (U2) and the emitter of the transistor (Q4). The Low Electrode (L) is connected to a base of an NPN silicon transistor (Q3) model 9014D whose collector is connected to pin 17 (RC1) of the microcontroller (U2) and whose emitter is connected to GND node. Biasing of the transistor (Q3) is provided with a 10 MΩ resistor (R10) connected between the base and emitter. Filtering is provided for this low liquid level signal with a fixed nonpolarized capacitor (C7) connected between pin 17 (RC1) of the microcontroller (U2) and the emitter of the transistor (Q3).
The light sensor 26 in the exemplary version is provided an NPN silicon photo transistor (Q5) model WPTS-332D whose emitter is connected via a short point (S2) to the GND node and whose collector is connected via a 56 kΩ resistor (R1) to a base of an NPN silicon transistor (Q6) whose collector is connected to pin 16 (RC0) of the microcontroller (U2). Filter of the transistor (Q6) are provided by a fixed nonpolarized 47 nF capacitor (C6) between the base and GND node and by a fixed nonpolarized 47 nF capacitor (C2) between the collector and the GND node. The emitter of the transistor (Q6) is connected via a short point (S3) to both GND node and to pin 12 (RB1) of the microcontroller (U2). Biasing of the photo transistor (Q5) is provided by a series combination of resistors (R2, R14) between VCC node and the collector, the resistance selected for a desired darkness threshold. The switched transistor (Q6) is biased by VCC node being connected to the collector via a 330 k resistor (R13). The collector is also connected to a test node (T1).
The light assembly 39 in the illustrative version is provided by a Red LED (LED1) and a Green LED (LED2) each having a negative terminal connected to GND node, with both being turned on to create Orange. Power is selectively provided to Red LED (LED1) by a base of a PNP silicon transistor (Q1) model 9015D being connected via a 10 kΩ resistor (R5) to pin 6 (RE0) of the microcontroller (U2). A collector of the transistor (Q1) is connected to VCC node and an emitter is connected to a positive terminal of the Red LED (LED1) via an 820Ω resistor (R6). Power is selectively provided to Green LED (LED2) by a base of a PNP silicon transistor (Q2) model 9015D being connected via a 10 kΩ resistor (R12) to pin 7 (RE1) of the microcontroller (U2). A collector of the transistor (Q2) is connected to VCC node and an emitter is connected to a positive terminal of the Green LED (LED2) via a 390Ω resistor (R9).
For a given inner diameter of a test tube 22, various shapes of an alien toy 12 may be formed that increase the likelihood of additional purchases to complete a set. Each version, depicted in a fully grown state, may share the same electronic circuitry 16 or be programmed for different light responses tailored to a specific model. In
While an alien is depicted in the illustrative version, other aesthetic shapes may be employed consistent with aspects of the invention, such as fantastic sea creates such as mermaids, extinct ancient sea creatures such as trilobites, or realistic or caricatured animals such as a frog.
In
Alternatively, a physical disconnect of a power supply may further extend shelf life, such as a switch, pull tab or other device.
If the test mode is sensed in block 60, a test mode indication is output (e.g., 1 second illuminations of each LED 42, 44, 46 in turn) (block 62). Then the controller watches for any of the three sensors 26, 32, 34 to be triggered within a 10 second test mode period to test a specific LED 42, 44, 46. In particular, if a determination is made in block 64 that the lower liquid sensor 34 is triggered, the red LED 46 is toggled on (block 66). Then if the upper liquid sensor 32 is triggered (block 68), the green LED 42 is toggled on (block 70). Then if the photo sensor 26 is triggered (block 72), the orange LED 44 is toggled on. These processing/lights tests occur in whatever order until a determination is made in block 76 that a 10 second time-out has occurred, after which the controller 28 goes back to block 56 and returns to sleep mode.
At some point during fabrication, in block 78 the alien toy 12 is encased in a chrysalis that disables the sensors 26, 32, 34 and the assembly is packaged and shipped to an end user (block 80). The end user then begins play by placing the chrysalis into the test tube and adding water to dissolve the chrysalis (block 82). Next the antenna sensors 32, 34 are exposed to liquid and are activated (block 84). The controller makes a determination whether normal mode has been indicated (block 86) (e.g., simultaneous activation of both liquid sensors 32, 34 for two seconds). If not, the controller returns to sleep mode in block 88. If normal mode is detected in block 86 with both antenna liquid sensors 32, 34 activated by exposure to water for two seconds, the controller 28 blocks out test mode as an option and initiates processing as a “born” alien and begins tracking time since being born and other light exposure factors (block 90).
In
Returning to
If the alien is in states A, B or C and placed in the dark, it moves directly to state D.
If the alien is in states D, E, F, G, H or I and placed in the light, it moves directly to state A.
When the alien device 12 has been in the dark state 108 for 30 minutes to 10 hours or has been in the light state 106 for 30 minutes to 10 hours and transitions to the other state 106, 108, the alien device enters one of six “surprised” transition states. If 0.5 to 3 hours in dark, then a first surprised state occurs (block 110) before moving to the normal light state (block 106). As graphically depicted in
If 3 to 7 hours in dark, then a second surprised state occurs (block 112) before moving to the normal light state (block 110). As graphically depicted in
If 7 to 10 hours in light, then a third surprised state occurs (block 114) before moving to the normal light state. As graphically depicted in
Similarly, if in light in block 106 for 30 minutes to 3 hours, a fourth surprised state occurs (block 116) before moving to the normal dark state (block 108). As graphically depicted in
If in light in block 106 for 3 to 7 hours, a fifth surprised state occurs (block 118) before moving to the normal dark state (block 108). As graphically depicted in
If in light in block 106 for 7 to 10 hours, a sixth surprised state occurs (block 120) before moving to the normal dark state (block 108). As graphically depicted in
If the duration is not 30 minutes to 10 hours that results in a surprised state, 110-120, the transition between light 106 to dark 108 or dark 108 to light 106 may be direct without a transition state if less than 30 minutes or 10 to 12 hours as depicted. If more than twelve hours, then a neglected transition state occurs.
If in light in block 106 for 12 to 14 hours, a first neglected state occurs (block 122) before moving to the normal dark state (block 108). As graphically depicted in
If in light in block 106 for over 14 hours, a second neglected state occurs (block 124) before moving to the normal dark state (block 108). As graphically depicted in
Similarly, if in dark in block 108 for 12 to 16 hours, a third neglected state occurs (block 126) before moving to the normal light state (block 106). As graphically depicted in
If in dark in block 108 for over 16 hours, a fourth neglected state occurs (block 128) before moving to the normal light state (block 106). As graphically depicted in
Returning to
For instances in which the user chooses to exit the excited state (block 136) and/or the coma state (block 138) or to otherwise correct a malfunction or inadvertent state of the control circuitry 16, a reset button or other similar device may be incorporated into the alien toy 12 to return the control circuitry 16 to another state. For example, an internal gravity switch may interrupt power to the control circuitry 16 when the alien toy 12 is upside down, preventing operation if inserted upside down in the test tube 22 or serving as a reset if momentarily inverted.
In
In response to the age interrogation code, the alien toy 12 enters the age check state 132. Once the three second delay elapses to give the end user child time to be prompted to look at the light assembly 39 of the alien toy 12, a visual age code is displayed that may be input into an interactive computer graphical user interface to translate an 8-bit binary number into a base ten number. For example, in
In
In
In
In use, in
The interactive alien toy assembly 10 may be placed next to web browser graphical user interface (GUI) 150 of a computer display 152 to provide further interactive possibilities other than varying the light and water depth. Once launched, the web browser GUI 150 instructs the end user child to turn off the lights in the room in which the computer display 152 resides to initiate web mode selection state 130. The approximately 15 seconds necessary in darkness (state 108) then elapses. Active spots on the web browser GUI 150 are provided to select one of four web modes. In particular, an age check icon 154 may be selected to enter age check mode 132. A neglect check icon 156 may be selected to enter neglect check mode 134. An excite mode icon 158 may be selected to enter the excite mode state 136. A coma mode icon 160 may be selected to enter the coma state 138. Once one of the icons 154-160 is selected, which in the illustrative version is the neglect check icon 156, a display portion 162 on the web browser GUI 150 proximate to the alien toy 12—“hypnotizes” the alien toy 12 prior to interrogation for 15 seconds that ends with the one second dark screen that signals the alien toy 12 that the unique 3-bit code is to follow. The display portion at 162a has gone black as the first bit. The display portion at 162b has gone white as the second bit. The display portion at 162c has gone black as the third bit. After the web browser GUI 150 instructs the child to memorize the light pattern exhibited by the alien toy 12, the web browser GUI 150 provides a color sequence entry screen 164, if in the age check mode 132 or neglect check mode 134, that accepts entry of the displayed pattern. The web browser GUI 150 then converts the input binary code into a base ten number in an output display 166.
It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art.
For example, the web browser GUI may be an Internet supplied JAVA applet, or locally installed computer program, a game console-based program, or a dedicated interface device that becomes part of the interactive alien toy assembly 10.
For example, alternatively or in addition to a flashed interrogation pattern on a computer monitor, a microphone or other audio transducer may monitor a sound pattern emanated by the computer monitor to control the toy. In addition, while an interactive web browser GUI has various advantages, applications consistent with the present invention may include a broadcast program that includes the interrogation patterns with instructions for the viewers to place their toy in proximity to the screen.
As another example, while the “growth” of the alien toy 12 enhances the mimicry of a living creature, it should be appreciated that applications consistent with the present invention may not have an expansive portion. For example, a “meteorite transported aquatic robotic soldier” may require a period of time in an ocean environment after reentry for activation.
As an additional example, instead of swelling in the presence of water, a toy consistent with aspects of the invention may change over time by having resilient portions that are freed after release from the chrysalis structure or that are otherwise mechanized for actuation.
As yet a further example, while incorporation of a chrysalis structure enhances the entertainment potential, applications consistent with the present invention may omit such a structure.
As yet an additional example, applications consistent with the present invention may include a body formed entirely from a rigid material, formed entirely from a resilient but nonabsorbent material, formed entirely from a super absorbent, swelling material, or from some combination of these materials.
While a particular sequence of interrogation light signals and colored, timed light responses are illustrated herein, applications consistent with the present invention may employ various combinations of light and/or audio responses to various combinations of light and/or audio interrogation or ambient conditions. For example, the web page interface may include color codes that are detectable by a light sensor to make additional unique interrogation codes and/or to avoid inadvertent activation of a web mode. Certain sound triggers could also “wake” or “excite” or “surprise” the alien toy. Further, for clarity, a single color signal at a time is depicted, whereas multiple colors may be displayed at the same time. Moreover, instead of LED type lights, light panels (e.g., LCD, OLED, etc.) may be incorporated into the alien toy.
