U.S. patent application number 11/340289 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-27 for electronic drawing toy.
Invention is credited to Christopher P. Dooley, Paul S. Nielsen, Loren Taylor.
Application Number | 20060166592 11/340289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36697476 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060166592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nielsen; Paul S. ; et
al. |
July 27, 2006 |
Electronic drawing toy
Abstract
An electronic drawing toy is disclosed for drawing and gaming
applications used with a video monitor, wherein a complexity of the
toy is minimized to facilitate use by young children.
Inventors: |
Nielsen; Paul S.; (Saratoga
Springs, NY) ; Dooley; Christopher P.; (Stamford,
CT) ; Taylor; Loren; (Chatham, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRASER MARTIN & MILLER LLC
28366 KENSINGTON LANE
PERRYSBURG
OH
43551
US
|
Family ID: |
36697476 |
Appl. No.: |
11/340289 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60647039 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/0661 20130101;
A63F 2009/0643 20130101; A63F 2300/301 20130101; G09B 11/00
20130101; A63F 2300/204 20130101; A63F 2300/205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/146 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/22 20060101
A63H033/22 |
Claims
1. An electronic drawing toy comprising: a main body adapted to be
connected to a video monitor; a processor disposed in said main
body for generating video signals, audio signals, and application
data to produce an image on the monitor; a first input device
disposed on said main body for controlling movement of a cursor on
the video monitor; and a second input device disposed on said main
body and positionable in a first position and a second
position.
2. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising means disposed
in said main body for causing the image on the monitor to be erased
upon shaking of the toy by a user.
3. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising means disposed
in said main body for causing the image on the monitor to be erased
upon inverting and shaking of the toy by a user.
4. The toy according to claim 3, wherein said means for causing the
image on the monitor to be erased upon shaking of the toy by the
user is a switch.
5. The toy according to claim 4, wherein the switch is a ball
switch.
6. The toy of claim 1, wherein said first input device is a
four-way operater positioned over a switch pad.
7. The toy of claim 1, wherein said second input device is a
two-position switch pad.
8. The toy in claim 1, wherein said processor generates the video
signal, the video signal causing a menu area and an active window
to be displayed on the monitor.
9. The toy in claim 7, wherein the menu area includes a first
plurality of icons generally aligned on the video display for
accessing respective imaging functions to be carried out in an
active window.
10. The toy in claim 9, wherein the imaging functions comprise at
least one of an Objects and Backgrounds mode, a Connect the Dots
mode, a Trace a Picture mode, and a Free Draw mode.
11. The toy in claim 10, wherein the cursor is a crosshair for the
at least one of the Connect the Dots, the Trace a Picture, and the
Free Draw modes and the cursor becomes a game object as selected by
the user from the Objects and Backgrounds submenu area for the
Objects and Backgrounds mode.
12. The toy in claim 11, wherein the game object is one of a snow
shovel, a lawn mower, an airplane, a sand tool, a ice scraper, a
piece of chalk, or a leaf blower.
13. The toy in claim 12, wherein said first input device is
utilized to maneuver the cursor over one of a plurality of icons
and said second input device is manipulated to select one of the
plurality of icons.
14. The toy in claim 13, wherein when the cursor is positioned over
one of the plurality of icons on the menu area, one of the
plurality of icons is highlighted.
15. The toy in claim 14, wherein selection of one of the plurality
of icons in the menu area generates a submenu area having a second
plurality of icons.
16. The toy in claim 15, wherein said first input device is
utilized to maneuver the cursor over a desired icon from the second
plurality of icons and the second input device is manipulated to
select the desired icon.
17. The toy in claim 1, wherein said first input device and said
second input device are positioned for manipulation by a
corresponding thumb of the user.
18. An electronic drawing toy comprising: a main body adapted to be
connected to a video monitor; a processor disposed in said main
body for generating video signals, audio signals, and application
data to produce an image on the monitor; a first input device
disposed on said main body for controlling movement of a cursor on
the video monitor; a second input device disposed on said main body
and positionable in a first position and a second position; and a
switch disposed in said main body for causing the image on the
monitor to be erased upon inverting and shaking of the toy by a
user.
19. The toy of claim 18, wherein said first input device is a
four-way operater positioned over a switch pad and said second
input device is a two-position switch pad.
20. An electronic toy comprising: a main body adapted to be
connected to a video monitor; a processor disposed in said main
body for generating video signals, audio signals, and application
data to produce an image on the monitor; a first input device
disposed on said main body for controlling movement of a cursor on
the video monitor, wherein said first input device comprising a
four-way operator positioned over a switch pad; a second input
device disposed on said main body and positionable in a first
position and a second position, wherein said second input device
comprising a two-position switch pad; and a switch disposed in said
main body for causing the image on the monitor to be erased upon
shaking of the toy by a user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application 60/647,039, filed Jan. 26, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an electronic device and more
particularly to an electronic drawing toy for drawing and gaming
applications for use with a video monitor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional electronic toys are typically not appropriate
for young children. Often, many different switches, buttons, knobs,
and joysticks have been utilized to provide a user interface for
controlling game actions. Thus, the use of the toy is overly
complex and difficult for young children.
[0004] Games or activities may require a large number of actions
alone or in combinations, and the user may manipulate a number of
types of input devices to achieve the actions. Some control actions
may require simultaneous manipulation of separate input devices
using multiple fingers or both hands of the user. Because of the
variety of potential hand and finger motions and the large number
of combinations of input device actuations, it may be difficult for
the user to remember or correctly utilize them all. An older user
has the dexterity and eye-hand coordination necessary to manipulate
and control such complex devices. It is typically difficult for
young children to operate these complex devices.
[0005] However, young children do possess the intellect and ability
necessary for meaningful interaction. The limitations that young
children face in respect of these electronic toys are not inherent,
but rather imposed by the presently available devices.
[0006] It would be desirable to produce an electronic toy wherein a
complexity of the toy is minimized to facilitate use by young
children. It would be further desirable to achieve the foregoing in
a device that is easy to hold and manipulate and where a cost of
producing the device is minimized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Concordant and congruous with the present invention, an
electronic toy wherein a complexity of the toy is minimized to
facilitate use by young children, has surprisingly been
discovered.
[0008] In one embodiment, the electronic drawing toy comprises a
main body adapted to be connected to a video monitor; a processor
disposed in said main body for generating video signals, audio
signals, and application data to produce an image on the monitor; a
first input device disposed on said main body for controlling
movement of a cursor on the video monitor; and a second input
device disposed on said main body and positionable in a first
position and a second position.
[0009] In another embodiment, the electronic drawing toy comprises
a main body adapted to be connected to a video monitor; a processor
disposed in said main body for generating video signals, audio
signals, and application data to produce an image on the monitor;a
first input device disposed on said main body for controlling
movement of a cursor on the video monitor; a second input device
disposed on said main body and positionable in a first position and
a second position; and a switch disposed in said main body for
causing the image on the monitor to be erased upon inverting and
shaking of the toy by a user.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the electronic toy comprises a
main body adapted to be connected to a video monitor; a processor
disposed in said main body for generating video signals, audio
signals, and application data to produce an image on the monitor; a
first input device disposed on said main body for controlling
movement of a cursor on the video monitor, wherein said first input
device comprising a four-way operator positioned over a switch pad;
a second input device disposed on said main body and positionable
in a first position and a second position, wherein said second
input device comprising a two-position switch pad; and a switch
disposed in said main body for causing the image on the monitor to
be erased upon shaking of the toy by a user.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The above, as well as other advantages of the present
invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment
when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic toy
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic toy
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the electronic toy illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing audio and video
electronic components of the electronic toy illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 5a is a schematic drawing of a power switch component
of the electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5b is a schematic drawing of a switch pad component of
the electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5c is a schematic drawing of a ball switch of the
electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5d is a perspective view of the ball switch of the
electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 5c;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a main processor of
the electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing showing memory components of
the electronic toy illustrated FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8a is a first page of a quick start guide showing
various play modes for the electronic toy illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 8b is a page of a second page of a quick start guide
showing various play modes for the electronic toy illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a main game screen of the electronic toy
illustrated FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 10a is a menu screen for an Connect the Dots Menu of
the electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 10b is a menu screen for an Objects and Backgrounds
Menu of the electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 10c is a menu screen for a Trace a Picture Menu of the
electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 10d is a menu screen for a Free Draw Menu of the
electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 11 is an illustration of cursor movement for the
Objects and Backgrounds mode illustrated in FIG. 10b of the
electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 12 is an illustration of operation of an option from
the Objects and Backgrounds mode of the electronic toy illustrated
in FIG. 1; and
[0031] FIG. 13 is an illustration of operation of the trace
function from the Trace a Picture mode during the drawing phase of
the electronic toy illustrated in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] The following detailed description and appended drawings
describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled
in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It is understood
that materials other than those described can be used without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Commonly
owned U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/055,393 is hereby incorporated herein
by reference for the purpose of showing and describing operation of
a drawing and gaming device.
[0033] FIGS. 1-3 show an electronic drawing toy 10 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The toy 10 includes a main body 12
having a front main body portion 14 and a rear main body portion
16. Disposed in the main body 12 of the toy 10 are a first input
device 15 for controlling movement of a cursor (not shown) and a
second input device 17 positionable in a first and a second
position. The cursor may be a crosshair, arrow, or other cursor
configuration, as desired. Furthermore, disposed within the main
body is a printed circuit board or PCB 28. Disposed on the PCB 28
is a main processor 34 as well as other electronic components
schematically shown in FIGS. 4-7.
[0034] The rear portion 16 of the toy 10 has a removable battery
cover 38. The battery cover 38 covers and protects batteries (not
shown) which provide a source of electricity for the toy 10. It is
understood that any conventional source of electricity can be used
as desired.
[0035] In the embodiment shown, the front portion 14 and rear
portion 16 of the main body 12 are produced from plastic.
[0036] However, it is understood that other conventional materials
can be used as desired. Additionally, the front portion 14 and the
rear portion 16 are shown as connected by threaded fasteners.
However, other joining methods can be used such as gluing, press
fitting, and other conventional methods, as desired.
[0037] The first input device 15 provides directional control of
the cursor or game object (as shown in FIG. 11) and includes a
four-way switch pad 18 which is in communication with contact areas
included in the main processor 34 of the toy 10 as illustrated in
FIG. 1. The first input device 15 includes a four-way operator 20
that overlays the switch pad 18. A first cap 22 is disposed on the
four-way operator 20 and switch pad 18. The first cap 22 is adapted
to extend through a first aperture 23 formed in the front portion
14 of the main body 12 for manipulation by the user. FIG. 5b shows
a schematic drawing of the first input device 15.
[0038] The second input device 17 provides a selection feature and
a draw feature. The second input device 17 includes a two-position
switch pad 24 which is in communication with contact areas included
in the electronic components of the toy 10 as illustrated in FIG.
1. A second cap 26 is disposed on the switch pad 24. The second cap
26 is adapted to extend through a second aperture 27 formed in the
front portion 14 of the main body 12 for manipulation by the
user.
[0039] Numerous electronic components as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
4-7 are disposed on the PCB 28 that is disposed in the main body 12
of the toy 10. The electronic components include an audio component
29 and a video component 31 shown in FIG. 4; a power switch 30
shown in FIG. 5a, the first input device 15 switch pad 18, the
second input device 17 two-position switch pad 24 shown in FIG. 5b,
and a ball switch 32 shown in FIGS. 5c and 5d; a main processor 34
as illustrated in FIG. 6; and memory components 36 illustrated in
FIG. 7.
[0040] It is understood that the electronic components can be
disposed on additional PCB's disposed within the main body 12, such
as the first input device 15 components and second input device 17
components, for example.
[0041] In the embodiment shown, the main processor 34 is an EMG0802
manufactured by ELAN Microelectronics Corporation.
[0042] The main processor 34, alone or in combination with the
other electronic components listed above, performs many of the toy
10 functions such as processing video signals, audio signals, and
application data to produce an image on a monitor 40 (shown
schematically in FIG. 2), providing memory for storing games, and
the like. It is understood that other main processors can be used
as desired.
[0043] In operation, the toy 10 is connected to the video monitor
40. The toy 10 can be connected to the monitor 40 by any
conventional method such as composite video connectors, an S-video
connection, or component video connectors, for example. When the
power switch 30 is placed in the on position, a game screen 41
illustrated in FIG. 9 is displayed on the monitor 40.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, an activity or
game is selected from the menu 42 represented by a plurality of
first icons 43 at the left side of main screen. It is understood
that the menu 42 can be positioned elsewhere on the main screen 41
as desired. To select an activity, the first input device 15 is
used to position a cursor (not shown) over an icon 43 representing
the desired activity to highlight the activity icon 43. The second
input device 17 is then pressed to select the desired activity icon
43. In the embodiment shown, the activities include Objects and
Backgrounds, Connect the Dots, Trace a Picture, and Free Draw. It
is understood that other activities can be added as desired.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, once the activity
is selected a submenu 44 is caused to appear. A sub-activity may
then be selected from the respective submenu 44 using the method
described above for selection of the activity.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 10a, selection of the Objects and
Backgrounds activity generates a submenu 44 and second plurality of
icons 45 that allows the user to select a game object 46 (also
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12) from the group of a snow shovel, a
lawn mower, an airplane, a sand tool, a ice scraper, a piece of
chalk, and a leaf blower.
[0047] It is understood that other game objects can be used as
desired. A particular screen is then generated to permit the user
to draw with the selected game object 46. The cursor then takes the
shape of game object 46 selected. For example, in FIG. 12, the user
manipulates the game object 46, a snow scraper 48, to draw on the
screen, an iced surface 50, on the monitor 40. As the ice scraper
48 is caused to move on the monitor 40 ice scraper 48 draws on the
iced surface 50. Where the ice scraper 48 has used to draw, the
iced surface 50 appears to be scraped away, while the area not
drawn on appears to remain an iced surface 50.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 10b, selection of the Connect the
Dots activity generates a submenu 44 that allows the user to select
an image composed of an array of numbered dots to be connected
sequentially to form the image from the group of a dinosaur, a cool
cat, a fish, a farmer, and a train. It is understood that other
images can be used as desired.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 10c, selection of the Trace a Picture
activity generates a submenu 44 that allows the user to select an
image to trace from the group of a horse, a castle, a race car, and
a ship. For example, in FIG. 13, the user manipulates the cursor to
trace over the image, a horse, in attempt to accurately trace over
the existing lines of the image to duplicate it. It is understood
that other images can be provided to be traced as desired.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 10d, selection of the Free Draw
activity does not generate a submenu. The Free Draw activity allows
the user to draw any desired image on a blank screen.
[0051] It is understood that other sub-activities and images can be
added to the submenus 44 as desired.
[0052] Once an activity, and sub-activity if necessary, is
selected, the user can proceed to performing the selected activity.
For example, in FIG. 12, the user manipulates the snow scraper 48
to draw on the iced surface 50 on the monitor 40. The first input
device 15 is used to position the ice scraper 48 as desired. The
second input device 17 is then pressed to enter the drawing mode.
Then, as the ice scraper 48 is caused to move on the monitor 40,
the ice scraper 48 is caused to draw on the iced surface 50. To
stop drawing, the user simply releases the second input device 17.
The user can then reposition the ice scraper 48 as desired, and
begin drawing again by pressing the second input device 17. The
user can navigate from one activity to another using the menu 42
and the submenus 44 as previously described. As illustrated in
FIGS. 8a and 8b, an exemplary "Quick Start Guide" including sample
screen shots and directions of the activities.
[0053] To completely erase an image produced on the video monitor
40, the user shakes the toy 10 in a back and forth motion to
activate the ball switch 32. When activated, the ball switch causes
images displayed on the monitor 40 to be erased. In the embodiment
shown, this is accomplished in the programming for the toy 10. The
user can position the toy 10 as desired, such as inverting the toy
10, for example, prior to and during shaking. The lone act of
shaking the toy 10 back and forth to activate the ball switch 32
can erase the image on the video monitor 40. However, alternative
programming for the toy 10 may require the toy 10 to be inverted
prior to shaking back and forth before the ball switch 32 is
activated to erase the image on the video monitor. The additional
act of inverting the toy 10 is a tribute to the traditional method
of erasing an image from the screen of an Etch-a-Sketch drawing
toy.
[0054] From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in
the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this
invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof,
can make various changes and modifications to the invention to
adapt it to various usages and conditions.
* * * * *