U.S. patent application number 09/836492 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for interactive interface for infant activated toys.
Invention is credited to Sagi-Dolev, Alysia M..
Application Number | 20010031602 09/836492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26893324 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010031602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sagi-Dolev, Alysia M. |
October 18, 2001 |
Interactive interface for infant activated toys
Abstract
An interface for an infant toy includes a processor coupled to
an activity parameter sensor removably attached to a body portion
of the infant as by a wrist cuff. Signals from the sensor are
employed to detect an infant's arousal state and activity level.
The processor registers a baseline and determines threshold values
with respect to the sensed activity parameter and also establishes
a threshold value for the sensed parameter with reference to stored
values and patterns of the detected parameter for specific age
groups. Thereafter, the sensed parameter is compared with the
calculated threshold value and if the sensed parameter value
exceeds the threshold value, a wireless activation signal is
transmitted to actuate a toy. The interface includes both motion
and audio sensors and infrared, light or RF transmitters.
Inventors: |
Sagi-Dolev, Alysia M.;
(Matan, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NATTER & NATTER
25 WEST 43 STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
26893324 |
Appl. No.: |
09/836492 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60197947 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/227 ;
446/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/28 20130101; A63H
2200/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/227 ;
446/484 |
International
Class: |
A63H 033/00 |
Claims
Having thus described the invention there is claimed as new and
desired to be secured by Letters Patent:
1. An interactive interface for an infant toy, the interface
comprising a processor, at least one sensor removably attached to a
body portion of the infant, the sensor generating a signal
representative of an infant activity parameter level, the processor
receiving the signal and determining whether the sensed parameter
level exceeds a threshold level associated with such parameter, the
processor generating an output signal if the sensed parameter level
exceeds the threshold level, the interactive interface further
including at least one transmitter, the transmitter receiving the
output signal and in response thereto wirelessly transmitting a
corresponding signal to the toy.
2. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 1 wherein the infant activity parameter level
comprises limb motion, the sensor being removably attached to a
portion of the infant's limb.
3. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 2 wherein the processor and the transmitter
are removably attached to a portion of the infant's limb.
4. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 3 wherein the sensor, the processor and the
transmitter are carried on a band, the band being secured about a
portion of the infant's limb.
5. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 1 wherein the infant activity parameter level
comprises infant generated sounds, the sensor comprising a sound
detector.
6. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 1 wherein the processor carries stored
parameter levels categorized by infant age groupings, the processor
determining the threshold level as a function of the stored
parameter levels and the sensed activity parameter level.
7. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 2 further including another sensor for
generating a signal representative of a different infant activity
parameter level, the different infant activity parameter level
comprising sounds generated by the infant, the processor
determining when the sensed sound parameter level exceeds a
threshold level associated with the sound parameter level and if
so, generating an output signal to the transmitter, the transmitter
receiving the output signal and wirelessly transmitting a
corresponding signal to the toy.
8. An interactive interface for an infant toys as constructed in
accordance with claim 3 wherein the sensor, the processor and the
transmitter are carried on a garment.
9. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 4 further including a plurality of
transmitters carried on the band, whereby wireless transmission of
the corresponding signal to the toy is assured, regardless of the
position of the infant.
10. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 1 further including a toy control unit
module, the module being positioned remote from the interface, the
module comprising at least one receiver, a controller and at least
one output device, the receiver being operatively connected to the
controller and the controller being operatively connected to the
output device, the receiver receiving the wirelessly transmitted
signal and in response thereto generating a signal to the
controller, the controller, in response to such signal, actuating
the output device.
11. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 10 wherein the output device comprises an
illumination device.
12. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 10 wherein the output device comprises a
sound generator.
13. An interactive interface for an infant toy as constructed in
accordance with claim 10 wherein the output device comprises a
motor.
14. A method of actuating an infant toy as a function of infant
activity levels and arousal states, the method comprising the steps
of: (a) attaching to a body part of an infant an activity sensor
which generates a signal representative of an infant activity
parameter, (b) processing an activity level parameter signal
generated by the sensor to determine a baseline value, (c)
comparing the baseline value with a threshold value, and (d)
wirelessly transmitting an actuation signal to control a toy in the
event the baseline value exceeds the threshold value.
15. A method of actuating an infant toy as a function of infant
activity levels and arousal states in accordance with claim 14
further including the step of storing typical infant activity
parameter values for specific infant age groups and determining the
threshold value as a function of the stored age group specific
values and the baseline value.
16. A method of actuating an infant toy as a function of infant
activity levels and arousal states in accordance with claim 14
wherein the infant activity parameter comprises limb movement and
the sensor comprises a motion detector, the step of attaching
including attaching the sensor to a part of a limb.
17. A method of actuating an infant toy as a function of infant
activity levels and arousal states in accordance with claim 14
wherein the parameter comprises infant generated sounds and the
sensor comprises an audio sensor.
18. A method of actuating an infant toy as a function of infant
activity levels and arousal states in accordance with claim 14
wherein the step of attaching comprises attaching the sensor to a
band and placing the band around the infant body part.
19. A method of actuating an infant toy as a function of infant
activity levels and arousal states in accordance with claim 14
wherein the step of attaching includes attaching the sensor to a
garment and dressing the infant in the garment.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/197,947, filed Apr. 17, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to early childhood
development toys and more specifically to an activation system for
actuating amusement and pedagogic toys such as mobiles, sound,
light and image toys, vehicles and software based toys.
[0004] 2. Antecedents of the Invention
[0005] Crib toys, such as mobiles and crib activity panel toys with
lights and sounds, provided amusement and promoted mental and
physical development of children. These toys were usually mounted
on or above a crib or placed near an infant seat and provided a
wide variety of visual and audio stimulation including music,
flashing light patterns, sounds and animation. They were either
mechanically or electrically driven and conventionally required
someone to activate the toy.
[0006] When the infant directly activated the toy, interactive play
and learning were promoted. Prior approaches in connection with
infant actuation included sound, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,207,696 to
Hyman et al. and 4,640,034 to Zisholtz. Using this type of
interaction, the activation of the toy was not responsive directly
to the activity level and arousal state of the infant, and was
subject to inadvertent actuation by sounds other than those
emanating from the infant.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,380 to Anderson disclosed a motion
activated mobile based on the use of a passive infrared sensor such
as that used in security systems. The sensor could not distinguish
between types and degree of infant movements, however. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,083,968 to Hart disclosed a motion based interactive toy that
was capable of detecting and tracking a heat source such as the
human body, based on passive infrared sensors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An interactive interface includes a processor coupled to a
limb movement sensor such as an accelerometer and/or pressure
sensor as well as audio sensors. The processor detects an infant's
arousal state, e.g. differences in limb movement and sounds
associated with various age groups. Smaller infants exhibit
reflexive limb behavior and have little motor control. During the
ages of 2-6 months, actions such as swiping constitute more direct
movement, indicative of the will to activate and to touch.
[0009] Each of the age groups have different types of limb
movements and sounds that are associated with various wants and
arousal states that are detected using an interface placed in an
anklet, sock or wrist cuff. An activation signal is transmitted by
wireless communication through either light, RF or acoustically, to
activate a toy and increase or decrease toy activity and response
mode in accordance with sensed arousal level.
[0010] From the foregoing compendium, it should be appreciated that
it is an aspect of the present invention to provide an interactive
interface for infant activated toys of the general character
described which is not subject to the disadvantages of the
antecedents of the invention aforementioned.
[0011] A feature of the present invention is to provide an
interactive interface for infant activated toys of the general
character described which is well suited for early developmental
age infants.
[0012] A consideration of the present invention is to provide an
interactive interface for infant activated toys of the general
character described which is simple to use.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
interactive interface for infant activated toys of the general
character described which is well-suited for unsupervised child
play.
[0014] A further feature of the present invention is to provide an
interactive interface for infant activated toys of the general
character described which fosters association of infant arousal
levels and auditory senses of children.
[0015] A further consideration of the present invention is to
provide an interactive interface for infant activated toys of the
general character described which fosters association between
infant arousal levels and visual perception of toy movement.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
interactive interface for infant activated toys of the general
character described which remotely activates an infant toy as a
function of limb movement.
[0017] A still further feature of the present invention is to
provide an interactive interface for infant activated toys of the
general character described which associates infant arousal levels
coordinated to infant age groupings.
[0018] Yet a further consideration of the present invention is to
provide an interactive interface for infant activated toys of the
general character described which modulates toy activation in
response to variations in infant arousal levels.
[0019] To provide an interactive interface for infant activated
toys of the general character described which is suited for
economical low cost mass production fabrication is a further aspect
of the present invention.
[0020] Other aspects, features and considerations of the present
invention in part will be obvious and in part will be pointed out
hereinafter.
[0021] With these ends in view, the invention finds embodiment in
various combinations of elements, arrangements of parts and series
of steps by which the said aspects, features and considerations and
certain other aspects features and consideration are attained, all
with reference to the accompanying drawings and the scope of which
will be more particularly pointed out and indicated in the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the accompanying drawings in which are shown some of the
various possible exemplary embodiments of the invention:
[0023] FIG. 1 comprises a simplified plan view of an interactive
interface constructed in accordance with and embodying the
invention and illustrating the interface carried within an infant
wrist cuff and also depicting, in simplified block format, the
activation components of a toy whose operation is controlled by the
interface,
[0024] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the wrist cuff with an inner
covering removed so as to reveal, in schematized block format, the
components of the interactive interface, and
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematized block diagram illustrating the
various illustrating the various steps undertaken by a
microprocessor of the interactive interface to control a toy in
response to an infant's arousal state and activity level.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Referring now in detail to the drawings, the reference
numeral 10 denotes generally an interactive interface for infant
activated toys constructed in accordance with and embodying the
invention. In accordance with the invention, the interface 10
senses an infant's activity level and arousal state and in response
thereto, actuates a remote infant toy by controlling various modes
and level states of sensory perception responses generated by the
toy through sound, motion and/or light or combinations thereof.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1, it will be noted that the
interactive interface 10 may be carried within a soft,
appropriately padded infant wrist cuff 12 which comprises a band
fastened about the infant's wrist by a conventional fastener such
as a hook and loop type fastener 14 positioned at the ends of the
band. Alternately, the interactive interface may be carried in a
garment sleeve, an anklet band, a pant leg or a sock or may be
carried in a band or other mode affixed to a different portion of
the infant's limb such as an adhesive patch, it being an objective
of the interface to detect and evaluate limb motion.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 2, it should be noted that the
interactive interface 10 includes a printed circuit board 16 to
which is mounted a processor 18. The processor 18 receives infant
activity level and arousal state signals through a plurality of
sensors such as a motion sensor 20, e.g. an accelerometer, a
pressure sensor 22 such as a piezo crystal, double layer conductive
material, etc. and an audio sensor, such as a microphone, 24.
[0029] In accordance with the invention, the processor processes
signals received from the sensors and generates an output signal
for control of a remote toy. The output signal is transmitted
through a plurality of output devices 26. The output devices 26 may
comprise any visible or infrared light source such as a light
emitting diode, or may comprise an RF transmitter. If a visible
light source is utilized, scattering lenses should be employed.
[0030] In FIG. 1 there is also depicted a toy control module 28
which includes a plurality of signal receivers 30 which may
comprise infrared detectors, visible light detectors, such as
silicone detectors, or RF receivers. The receivers 30 are coupled
to a controller 32 which, in response to the particular signals
received from the interactive interface 10, will generate output
signals to control output devices such as colored lights 34, a
micromotor 36 and a sound generator 38, for generating voice,
music, animal sounds, etc.
[0031] In FIG. 3 there is depicted a typical routine of the
processor 18 for interactive control of a toy. The processor 18
enters the routine as indicated in a block 40. Upon entering the
routine, the processor 18 receives input signals from the sensors
20, 22 and 24 as indicated in a block 42.
[0032] Thereafter, the processor filters and processes the received
motion parameter data by motion equations to extract meaningful
signals which are then processed in time and frequency domain. A
baseline in connection with motion parameters such as acceleration,
deceleration, pressure, etc. and low frequency changes is
calculated, all as indicated in a block 44. In a further block 46,
the processor determines the baseline and calculates parameters in
connection with the audible parameter data.
[0033] Thereafter, the processor calculates activation and
excitation thresholds with reference to stored values and patterns
of the detected parameters for specific age groups as indicated in
a block 48.
[0034] In calculating the motion parameters, the processor 18
renders a determination as to whether or not the detected motion
constitutes a purposeful command as opposed to motion detected from
limb movement of an infant without willful motor control utilizing
swipe force parameters and movement frequency changes. Such
determination is made when assessing and calculating activation and
excitation thresholds by comparison with the stored age specific
parameters. With respect to audible parameter data, crying levels
are distinguished.
[0035] After the activation and excitation thresholds have been
determined, the processor routine enters an inquiry block 50
wherein it is determined whether or not the sensed calculated
parameters exceed the threshold values for both audible and motion
parameters. If the sensed parameters do not exceed the threshold
values, the routine returns to block 42 and awaits further input
signals.
[0036] If the sensed and calculated motion and/or voice parameters
exceed the excitation thresholds, appropriate activation output
signals are generated by the processor and are fed to the output
devices 26 for wireless transmission to the toy control module
28.
[0037] It should also be noted that in accordance with the
invention, the output signals define specific modes, e.g. light,
motion, sound, of toy operation in both function and intensity
levels, for example, the output signal of the processor may be
coded such that the toy generates a low volume soft lullaby sound
upon sensing that the infant is about to sleep without generating
light patterns or motion.
[0038] It is also significant that infant feedback in response to
the toy activation mode is resampled after a specified time period
as indicated in a block 54 such that a new baseline is established
and a new or modified toy activation level and mode will result in
the event the infant's excitation level or activity level has
changed upon resampling. For example, if the infant falls asleep,
on resampling, the processor may deactivate all outputs of the toy
and, should the processor sense the infant crying, appropriate
soothing responses will be generated by the toy. The processor 18
thus adapts toy activation level and mode in response to changes in
infant activity levels.
[0039] Thus it will be seen that there is provided an interactive
interface for infant activated toys which achieves the various
aspects, features and considerations of the present invention and
which is well-suited to meet the conditions of practical usage.
[0040] Since various possible embodiments might be made of the
present invention and since various changes might be mentioned in
the exemplary embodiment as shown herein without departing from the
spirit of the invention, it should be understood that all matter
herein described or shown in the accompanying drawings should be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *