U.S. patent application number 11/349991 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for usb desktop toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to M-SYSTEMS FLASH DISK PIONEERS LTD.. Invention is credited to Itzhak Pomerantz, Shuka Zernovizky.
Application Number | 20070072511 11/349991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37894710 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070072511 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zernovizky; Shuka ; et
al. |
March 29, 2007 |
USB desktop toy
Abstract
An amusing desktop toy, and methods of its use. The toy, in the
shape of a realistic or imaginary creature, is connected to a local
computer via a communication port, and is actuated by a local or
remote user to move so as to directly express gestures visually in
three dimensions. The remote user sends gesture instructions to
actuate the toy via a telecommunication mechanism from a remote
computer. The remote user can program the gesture instructions via
a graphical user interface. Optionally, the toy includes a speaker
and/or a UFD.
Inventors: |
Zernovizky; Shuka; (Tel
Aviv, IL) ; Pomerantz; Itzhak; (Kefar Saba,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DR. MARK FRIEDMAN LTD.;c/o Bill Polkinghorn
9003 Florin Way
Upper Marlboro
MD
20772
US
|
Assignee: |
M-SYSTEMS FLASH DISK PIONEERS
LTD.
|
Family ID: |
37894710 |
Appl. No.: |
11/349991 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60720056 |
Sep 26, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/330 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 13/02 20130101;
A63H 30/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/330 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/20 20060101
A63H003/20 |
Claims
1. A system for expressing a gesture in three dimensions, the
system comprising: (a) a mechanical device operative to
perceptively move at least three parts thereof in response to
gesture instructions; (b) a gesture instruction, for controlling
said mechanical device, embedded in a correspondence, said gesture
instruction originating from a remote computer; (c) a local
computer for supplying said gesture instruction to said mechanical
device during the course of said correspondence between said remote
computer and said local computer; and (d) a gesture instruction
interpreter operative to extract said gesture instruction from said
correspondence, and convey said gesture instruction to said
mechanical device, thereby directly expressing the gesture
visually.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: (e) a
telecommunication mechanism for sending said gesture instruction
from said remote computer.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said telecommunication mechanism
includes an internet.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein said remote computer includes a
graphical user interface (GUI) for programming said gesture
instruction via said telecommunication mechanism.
5. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising: (e) a
communication mechanism for sending at least one said gesture
instruction from said local computer to said mechanical device.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said communication mechanism is a
generic, wired serial port or a wireless port.
7. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising: (e) a UFD
housed in said mechanical device for storing and retrieving data to
and from said local computer.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said UFD is detachable.
9. An amusing physical model controlled by a computer, the model
comprising: (a) at least three movable parts; (b) at least one
mechanical actuator for moving said at least three movable parts,
number of said at least one mechanical actuator less than number of
said at least three movable parts; and (c) a communication port for
receiving a gesture instruction from the computer for controlling
said mechanical actuator to directly express a gesture
visually.
10. The model of claim 9, wherein the model is shaped as a
realistic creature.
11. The model of claim 9, wherein the model is shaped as a
fictitious creature.
12. The model of claim 9, wherein said movable parts represent
limbs.
13. The model of claim 9, the model further comprising: (d) a UFD
housed in the model for storing and retrieving data to and from
said local computer.
14. The model of claim 13, wherein said UFD is detachable.
15. The model of claim 9, the model further comprising: (d) a
speaker housed in the model for receiving signals from the computer
via said communication port for conveying sound.
16. The model of claim 9, wherein a single said mechanical actuator
is operative to move said at least three movable parts using at
least one flexible mechanical linkage for controlling the model to
express said gesture.
17. The model of claim 9, wherein said mechanical actuator is
pneumatically-controlled.
18. The model of claim 9, wherein said mechanical actuator is
hydraulically-controlled.
19. The model of claim 9, wherein said mechanical actuator
comprises at least one gear for moving said at least three movable
parts.
20. The model of claim 9, wherein said communication port is a
generic, wired serial port or a wireless port.
21. The model of claim 9, the model further comprising: (d) a
computer-readable storage medium that includes a data file of said
gesture instruction.
22. An amusing physical model controlled by a computer, the model
comprising: (a) at least three movable parts; (b) a mechanical
actuator for moving said at least three movable parts; (c) a
communication port for receiving a gesture instruction from the
computer for controlling said mechanical actuator to directly
express a gesture visually; and (d) a UFD housed in the model for
storing and retrieving data to and from the computer via said
communication port.
23. The model of claim 22, wherein the model is shaped as a
realistic creature.
24. The model of claim 22, wherein the model is shaped as a
fictitious creature.
25. The model of claim 22, wherein said movable parts represent
limbs.
26. The model of claim 22, wherein said UFD is detachable.
27. The model of claim 22, the model further comprising: (e) a
speaker housed in the model for receiving signals from the computer
via said communication port for conveying sound.
28. The model of claim 22, wherein a single said mechanical
actuator is operative to move said at least three movable parts
using at least one flexible mechanical linkage for controlling the
model to express said gesture.
29. The model of claim 22, wherein said mechanical actuator is
pneumatically-controlled.
30. The model of claim 22, wherein said mechanical actuator is
hydraulically-controlled.
31. The model of claim 22, wherein said mechanical actuator
comprises at least one gear for moving said at least three movable
parts.
32. The model of claim 22, wherein said communication port is a
generic, wired serial port or a wireless port.
33. The model of claim 22, wherein the model further comprising:
(e) a computer-readable storage medium that includes a data file of
said gesture instruction.
34. A method of directly expressing a gesture of a physical model
with at least three movable parts visually in three dimensions by a
remote user of a remote computer to a local user of a local
computer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing the
local user with a computer-controlled mechanical device
operationally connected to the local computer; and (b) remotely
activating said mechanical device to move in a manner that
expresses the gesture visually by the remote user to the local
user.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein said step of activating said
mechanical device is effected by an application running on the
remote computer.
36. A method of self-expression through a three-dimensional visual
gesture of a physical model with at least three movable parts, the
method comprising the steps of: (a) programming a computer with at
least one software module that activates the model to perform the
gesture by moving parts of the model; (b) operationally connecting
the model to said computer; and (c) activating at least one said
software module from said computer, thereby directly expressing the
gesture.
Description
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/720,056 filed Sep. 26,
2005.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for
connecting an amusing mechanical toy to a computer that can be
controlled by a computer user (either locally or remotely to the
computer) in order to convey various forms of expression.
[0003] Software programs used for textual communication between
computer users often provide users with graphical symbols known as
icons, emoticons, and winks. Users often embed these symbols in
their messages for additional modes of expression. In the prior
art, these symbols have been limited to two-dimensional drawings on
the screen.
[0004] In order to further enhance textual communication between
computer users, a device that could convey an intended emotion or
gesture by movement in physical space (as opposed to just a screen
depiction or animation) would be desirable. This type of
three-dimensional figurine (or toy) would extend the forms of
expression available to these types of users. This would expand the
variety of multimedia available to textual message software, and
its users, beyond just screen images and sounds. In addition, it
would provide an amusing experience like most other toys generally
do.
[0005] For the purpose of this disclosure and claims, the term
"amusing" is used in this application to describe the property of
stimulating at least one of an interest, an excitement, or an
arousal by a viewer. An amusing object or event is, under this
definition, distinguished from a functional object or event. A
robot is an automated mechanical device that is functional, in the
sense that it can work unobtrusively and may not create any
sentiment or interest by the viewer. A toy drummer is an automated
mechanical device that may not be functional or useful at all, but
its motion is funny, threatening, intriguing or arousing to a
viewer. Clearly, a device can be both amusing and functional, or be
neither amusing nor functional. This application is about amusing
devices, in the sense of the definition provided above.
[0006] The term "gesture" is used in this application as a name of
a predetermined collection of movements of the model (specifically,
a minimum of three movements), carried out through a set of
software instructions designed to represent a known motion, such as
nodding, kneeling, or waving hands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is the purpose of the present invention to provide an
amusing mechanical toy that is connected to the computer via a
communication port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port. This
toy responds with motion to instructions provided to it by either
its local user or a remote user who is in communication with the
local user. The toy is a mechanical model of a real or imaginary
creature, such as a person or an animal, preferably with an amusing
appearance, which is is connected to a computer via a serial port
or a USB port and is placed on or near a desk. The toy is equipped
with mechanical actuators, such as motors or electromagnets, that
cause perceptible motion in the model in response to commands sent
from the computer in order to convey a gesture.
[0008] The term perceptible motion is used in this application to
refer to motion that is appreciable enough to be observed by a
user, as opposed to slight variations in shape created e.g. by
tightening, loosening, vibrating, or heating an object.
[0009] A gesture is expressed directly by motion itself and not by
a consequence of the motion. Therefore, we are excluding a
three-dimensional motion that indirectly expresses a
two-dimensional gesture, such as the motion of a printer printing a
smiley face on paper.
[0010] This model can serve as a toy or as mechanism to support
communication between people by adding mechanized body language to
the verbal or textual discourse. In these latter applications, the
remote user has a vocabulary of gestures from which to choose. If
the local user has such a model connected to the local computer,
and if the remote user is made aware of this fact, then the remote
user can include, in his text, commands that will cause the local
toy to perform some of the motions to physically emphasize the
text.
[0011] Preferably, a variety of models of the toy are made
available that have a different set of gestures. Each toy is
supported by a file listing its set of gestures, and the host
computer is able to read the toy capabilities and configure the toy
software accordingly. This enables a remote computer to activate a
local toy by reading its possible gestures and presenting these to
the remote user, who can then send proper instructions to the local
computer to activate the local toy.
[0012] The system includes a telecommunication mechanism for
triggering a command from a computer, and a communication mechanism
for sending a command from a second computer to the device. The
telecommunication mechanism includes an "internet" which is a set
of interconnected computer networks. The most well-known internet
is the Internet.
[0013] Therefore, according to the present invention, there is
provided for the first time a system for expressing a gesture in
three dimensions, the system including: (a) a mechanical device
operative to perceptively move at least three parts thereof in
response to gesture instructions; (b) a gesture instruction, for
controlling said mechanical device, embedded in a correspondence,
the gesture instruction originating from a remote computer; (c) a
local computer for supplying the gesture instruction to the
mechanical device during the course of the correspondence between
the remote computer and the local computer; and (d) a gesture
instruction interpreter operative to extract the gesture
instruction from the correspondence, and convey the gesture
instruction to the mechanical device, thereby directly expressing
the gesture visually.
[0014] Preferably, the system also includes: (e) a
telecommunication mechanism for sending the gesture instruction
from a remote computer.
[0015] Most preferably, the telecommunication mechanism also
includes an internet.
[0016] Most preferably, the remote computer also includes a
graphical user interface (GUI) for programming the gesture
instruction via the telecommunication mechanism.
[0017] Preferably, the system also includes: (e) a communication
mechanism, such as a generic, wired serial port or a wireless port,
for sending at least one gesture instruction from a local computer
to the mechanical device.
[0018] Preferably, the system also includes: (e) a UFD housed in
the mechanical device for storing and retrieving data.
[0019] Most Preferably, the UFD is detachable.
[0020] According to the present invention, there is provided for
the first time an amusing physical model controlled by a computer,
the model including: (a) at least three movable parts; (b) at least
one mechanical actuator for moving at least three movable parts,
the number of mechanical actuators is less than the number of
movable parts; and (c) a communication port for receiving a gesture
instruction from the computer for controlling the mechanical
actuator to directly express a gesture visually.
[0021] Preferably, the remote computer also includes the model is
shaped as a realistic creature or as a fictitious creature.
[0022] Preferably, the movable parts represent limbs.
[0023] Preferably, the model also includes: (d) a UFD housed in the
model for storing and retrieving data to and from the local
computer.
[0024] Most preferably, the UFD is detachable.
[0025] Preferably, the model also includes: (d) a speaker housed in
the model for receiving signals from the computer via the
communication port for conveying sound.
[0026] Preferably, the model includes only one mechanical actuator
that is operative to move at least three movable parts using at
least one flexible mechanical linkage for controlling the model to
express the gesture.
[0027] Preferably, the mechanical actuator is
pneumatically-controlled.
[0028] Preferably, the mechanical actuator is
hydraulically-controlled.
[0029] Preferably, the mechanical actuator comprises at least one
gear for moving the movable parts.
[0030] Preferably, the communication port is a generic, wired
serial port or a wireless port.
[0031] Preferably, the model also includes: (d) a computer-readable
storage medium that includes a data file of the gesture
instruction.
[0032] According to the present invention, there is provided for
the first time an amusing physical model controlled by a computer,
the model including: (a) at least three movable parts; (b) a
mechanical actuator for moving at least three movable parts; (c) a
communication port for receiving gesture instructions from the
computer for controlling the mechanical actuator to directly
express a gesture visually; and (d) a UFD housed in the model for
storing and retrieving data to and from the computer via the
communication port.
[0033] Preferably, the model is shaped as a realistic creature or
as a fictitious creature.
[0034] Preferably, the movable parts represent limbs.
[0035] Preferably, the UFD is detachable.
[0036] Preferably, the model also includes: (e) a speaker housed in
the model for receiving signals from the computer via the
communication port for conveying sound.
[0037] Preferably, the model includes only one mechanical actuator
that is operative to move at least three movable parts using at
least one flexible mechanical linkage for controlling the model to
express the gesture.
[0038] Preferably, the mechanical actuator is
pneumatically-controlled.
[0039] Preferably, the mechanical actuator is
hydraulically-controlled.
[0040] Preferably, the mechanical actuator comprises at least one
gear for moving the movable parts.
[0041] Preferably, the communication port is a generic, wired
serial port or a wireless port.
[0042] Preferably, the model also includes: (e) a computer-readable
storage medium that includes a data file of the gesture
instructions.
[0043] According to the present invention, there is provided for
the first time a method of directly expressing a gesture of a
physical model with at least three movable parts visually in three
dimensions by a remote user of a remote computer to a local user of
a local computer, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing
the local user with a computer-controlled mechanical device
operationally connected to the local computer; and (b) remotely
activating the mechanical device to move in a manner that expresses
the gesture visually by the remote user to the local user.
[0044] Preferably, the step of activating the mechanical device is
effected by an application running on the remote computer.
[0045] According to the present invention, there is provided for
the first time a method of self-expression through a
three-dimensional visual gesture of a physical model with at least
three movable parts, the method includes the steps of: (a)
programming a computer with at least one software module that
activates the model to perform the gesture by moving parts of the
model; (b) operationally connecting the model to the computer; and
(c) activating at least one software module from the computer,
thereby directly expressing the gesture.
[0046] These and further embodiments will be apparent from the
detailed description and examples that follow.
[0047] Devices that resemble the present invention are known in the
art. One such device is the Doc Johnson High Joy Enabled.RTM. iVibe
Rabbit from High Joy Products, LLC which allows a user to be
stimulated physically by the device through a computer control
which can be operated by the user or a remote operator. In contrast
to the present invention, the user is required to be in physical
contact with the device in order to be stimulated. In addition, the
act of wearing the device creates a sense of anticipication of the
forthcoming stimulation in the user. Whereas, in the case of the
present invention, the user can be spontaneously surprised by the
device since its operation does not require active involvement by
the user (other than being in viewing range). Furthermore, the
stimulation, in and of itself, does not constitute a gesture as
defined above.
[0048] Another device that resembles the present invention is the
Nabaztag ("Wi-Fi Rabbit") from Violet, The Smart Object Company.
This device allows a user to be notified of various information
through a wireless link to the Internet. The information is
conveyed by the device's speaker via simulated voices. The
information is obtained from the services that the Nabaztag
provides (such as weather forecasts). In addition to talking, the
Nabaztag can flash lights, play music, and move its ears. In
contrast to the present invention, the expression of gestures as
defined in this application is not possible by the Nabaztag. The
limited rotational movement of the Nabaztag is inadequate to
express a gesture. Whereas, in the case of the present invention,
the device makes at least three movements to express a gesture.
This is considered, in this application, to be the minimum number
of motions necessary to express a gesture realistically, where the
moving parts represent limbs of a figure or creature (e.g. head,
arms, legs, tail, etc.).
[0049] Another example of a prior art device, developed by a
research team at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, is a
USB jacket that can simulate the act of hugging to the wearer
transmitted by a remote operator. In contrast to the present
invention, the expression of the gesture is created by physical
contact and creates no visual effect. Furthermore, the prior art
device does not move or change its shape perceptibly, as defined
above, in its operation. In the case of the present invention, the
device changes its shape perceptibly to convey the visual
expression of a gesture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0051] FIG. 1A shows a simplified block diagram of a system for
controlling a mechanical model via a local computer;
[0052] FIG. 1B shows a simplified block diagram of a system for
controlling a mechanical model via a UFD;
[0053] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of a toy robot with motors;
[0054] FIG. 3 shows illustrations of collapsible toy
characters;
[0055] FIG. 4A shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible
model with its control string spooled;
[0056] FIG. 4B shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible
model with its control string unspooled.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] The present invention is of a system for a USB desktop toy
and a method for expressing gestures via such a toy. Specifically,
the present invention can be used for amusement and expressing
emotion. The principles and operation of a USB desktop toy
according to the present invention may be better understood with
reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.
[0058] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A shows a simplified
block diagram of a system for controlling a mechanical model (or
toy) 20 of a human figure, made of a head 22, arms 24, 26, a torso
28 and legs 30, 32 via a local computer 34. A mechanical actuator
36, such as a high-torque motor used in robotic applications
(available, for example, from Hobby Engineering, 180 El Camino
Real, Millbrae, Calif. 94030, known as Boe-Bot Complete Robot Kit
v2), is mechanically engaged to some of the movable body parts of
the model. Local computer 34, connected to mechanical actuator 36
through a USB connection, sends gesture instructions to mechanical
actuator 36. In this embodiment, the gesture instructions are
motion commands. To clarify the distinction, we mean that any
motion is a part of a gesture, and any gesture is made of
motion.
[0059] The instructions to mechanical actuator 36 in FIG. 1A can be
relayed in a number of ways. As shown in FIG. 1A, the instructions
can be: (a) played from a file on local computer 34, (b) programmed
by the user on an I/O interface 38 (that represents user I/O
devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a display screen), or (c)
communicated via an internet 40 from a remote computer 42 in the
course of a correspondence session.
[0060] Clearly, the model can represent either real creatures, such
as humans or animals, or also imaginary creatures, such as Donald
Duck or Smurfs. As toy 20 is located near local computer 34, to
which toy 20 is connected via a communication port (such as a USB
port), toy 20 can also easily serve as a portable storage device
and contain a USB flash memory drive (UFD). As seen in FIG. 1A,
local computer 34 is connected via a communication port to a UFD 44
located within toy 20. Only one communication port is necessary to
control mechanical actuator 36 and interface to UFD 44. Optionally,
UFD 44 may be detached from toy 20 in order to allow greater
mobility to UFD 44 without disconnecting toy 20.
[0061] As toy 20 is computer-controlled, a batch of gesture
instructions contained in a data file can either be created on
local computer 34, or can be received from remote computer 42. This
batch of instructions can make the toy move according to predefined
choreography in order to perform predefined gestures. Remote
computer 42 contains a memory 46 and a database 48. Database 48
contains the data files representing the feasible gestures that toy
20 can make. Database 48 is either loaded into memory 46 or
transmitted to remote computer 42 via internet 40 at the start of a
correspondence session.
[0062] In one embodiment, remote computer 42 embeds the gesture
instruction in the correspondence with local computer 34. A gesture
instruction interpreter 49, residing on local computer 34, extracts
the gesture instruction from the correspondence, and conveys the
gesture instruction to toy 20.
[0063] FIG. 1B shows a simplified block diagram of a system for
controlling a mechanical model (or toy) 20 of a human figure, made
of a head 22, arms 24, 26, a torso 28 and legs 30, 32 via a UFD 44.
In this system, toy 20 is configured similar to FIG. 1A except for
the control of mechanical actuator 36. In this embodiment, local
computer 34 sends a gesture instruction to UFD 44. The internal
processor of UFD 44 then decodes the gesture instruction, and sends
the appropriate sequence of motion commands to mechanical actuator
36. This enables a user to choose gestures which are composed of
many motion commands in a single step (e.g. Hello, Goodbye, Deep
Bow gesture instructions).
[0064] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of a toy robot with motors. In
another preferred embodiment of this invention, the model is a
robot with motors moving the limbs and head as shown in FIG. 2
(available under the name "Elenco Robomech Mechanical Motorized
Wooden Kit" from Tower Hobbies, Tower Hobbies, Champaign,
Ill.).
[0065] FIG. 3 shows illustrations of collapsible toy characters. In
one embodiment of the present invention, the model includes
linkages and strings, like the plastic sports characters with
movable body parts as shown in FIG. 3. The linkages (which
represent the limbs) are moved by a control string.
[0066] FIG. 4A shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible
model with its control string spooled. A model base 50 houses a
mechanical actuator 52 which controls the rotation of a spool 54. A
control string 56 is attached to spool 54 and can wound onto spool
54 by actuator 52. Actuator 52 includes a communication port 58
such as a generic, wired serial port or a wireless port (such as a
Bluetooth port). A generic, wired serial port is a general-purpose
interface used for serial communication. A USB port is one type of
generic, wired serial port, and a wireless port may be a serial or
parallel port. Base 50 also houses an optional UFD 60 that
communicates with the computer via communication port 58. This
extends the functional use of the toy. Limbs, such as a torso 68,
and a head 74, can be constructed of multiple links for greater
definition of motion (e.g. a lower leg 62, an upper leg 64, a
forearm 70, and an upper arm 72). Control string 56 can connect to,
and control, the model independently or through an additional
string 66 attached to the model. The model also houses a speaker 76
for producing sounds via communication port 58.
[0067] FIG. 4B shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible
model with its control string unspooled. In this depiction, spool
54 is unwound allowing string to loosen thereby moving the linkages
in the model. The relative slack of string creates flexing at a
joint 78 between linkages and tipping of a limb at a fastening
point 80.
[0068] As there may be many models, with a variety of possible
movements, the set of possible movements can be saved in a file
which can be made available to remote computers. This will enable a
remote user to program instructions for the local toy, and use
these instructions to cause the local toy to move in response to
remote instructions. When this is done in the course of real-time
correspondence, the toy adds gestures and body language to
emphasize important ideas and feelings/moods within the
conversation.
[0069] As many of the potential users of this toy may not be
professional programmers, the toy preferably is schematically
represented on the screen of the computer so that the user can
program movements by using a mouse to click and drag control points
on the screen which represent real movements of the corresponding
points of the toy in space. Preferably, the system has a "record"
mode and a "play" mode; wherein, the record mode stores the
gestures as marked by the mouse on the screen, and the play mode
sends these gestures to the toy for execution.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
model also includes a speaker, and the instructions to the model
can include sound files to be played through that speaker.
[0071] It is noted that the toy does not need to be connected to
the computer through a USB port. It can equally be connected via a
serial port, a parallel port, or a wireless port such as
Bluetooth.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the toy can
have a USB socket, and serve as a UFD cradle on the desk on which
the toy rests.
[0073] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the
instructions to the toy can be triggered by software instructions
in running applications.
[0074] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
variations, modifications, and other applications of the invention
may be made.
* * * * *