U.S. patent application number 11/307432 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for voice-activated toy wand and method of play.
Invention is credited to John P. Bartlet, Scott Galbiati.
Application Number | 20070259594 11/307432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38661747 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070259594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Galbiati; Scott ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Voice-Activated Toy Wand and Method of Play
Abstract
A toy wand consisting of a cylindrical housing with a proximal
and distal end, power source, voice-activated functionality, a
plurality of LEDs, an input microphone, an output speaker, a
plurality of control mechanisms, a means of direct-contact data
communication port, and a variety of sensors. The LEDs and speaker
provide visual and audible output in response to the
voice-activated control unit recognition of user spoken commands.
The voice-activate toy wand may also interact with other toys of
similar construction employing infrared or other means of wireless
signal emission and wireless signal detection.
Inventors: |
Galbiati; Scott;
(Watervliet, NY) ; Bartlet; John P.; (Aurora,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCOTT GALBIATI
3350 DOVE CT.
VINELAND
NJ
08361
US
|
Family ID: |
38661747 |
Appl. No.: |
11/307432 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20130101;
A63H 5/00 20130101; A63H 33/22 20130101; A63H 2200/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/015 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/28 20060101
A63H033/28 |
Claims
1. A voice-activated toy wand, comprising: (a) an elongated hollow
cylindrical housing, and (b) a voice-activated control unit, and
(c) a means of audible input, and (d) an illumination source, and
(e) a means of producing a plurality of audible tones, whereby said
voice-activated toy wand provides a seemingly magical play
experience.
2. The voice-activated toy wand of claim 1, further comprising a
means of producing an illuminated output.
3. The voice-activated toy wand of claim 1, further comprising a
means of producing a plurality of audible tones.
4. The means of producing an illuminated output of claim 2 wherein
said illumination source comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes.
5. The voice-activated toy wand of claim 1 wherein said means of
audible input comprises a microphone.
6. The voice-activated toy wand of claim 1, further comprising a
means of wireless signal emission.
7. The voice-activated toy wand of claim 1, further comprising a
means of wireless signal detection.
8. The means of wireless signal emission of claim 6 wherein said
means of wireless signal emission comprises an infrared wavelength
emitter.
9. The means of wireless signal detection of claim 7 wherein said
means of wireless signal detection comprises an infrared wavelength
sensor.
10. An attachable component, comprising: (a) a plurality of LEDs,
and (b) a means of wireless signal emission, and (c) a means of
wireless signal detection, and (d) a means of direct contact data
communication, whereby said attachable component provides
additional functionality to enhance said magical play experience of
said voice-activated toy wand.
11. The attachable component of claim 10 wherein said means of
wireless signal emission comprises an infrared wavelength
emitter.
12. The attachable component of claim 10 wherein said means of
wireless signal detection comprises an infrared wavelength
sensor.
13. The voice-activated toy wand of claim 1 further comprising a
means of direct contact data communication.
14. The voice-activated toy wand of claim 1 further comprising a
means of detecting the attachment of said attachable component.
15. A method of interactive play incorporating said voice-activated
toy wand, comprising the steps of: (a) equipping a plurality of
participants each with said voice-activated toy wand, and (b)
providing a means of communication between said plurality of users
equipped with said voice-activated toy wand employing wireless
signal transmission, and (c) culminating said method of interactive
play when said voice-activated microcontroller attains the
predetermined quantity of event occurrences, whereby participants
of said interactive play compete to trigger an event on one of said
plurality of voice-activated toy wands.
16. The method of interactive play of claim 15 wherein said event
trigger comprises the detection of said infrared wavelength.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to voice-activated toys and
methods of play which accept spoken commands from a user to provide
a magical play experience.
DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND
[0002] Toys that include voice-recognition circuitry are currently
known and available. Primarily, such toys that exist in this domain
include dolls or other personified objects. The incorporation of
voice-activated technology to these devices has become an important
feature to their usability and market potential. Also currently
available are toys specifically designed to replicate a magical or
wizard-oriented play experience, many originating in association
with the Harry Potter.TM. book series created by J. K Rowling and
accompanying motion pictures, produced by Warner Bros. Studios.
Based on the success of both the books and movies, a substantial
market exists for toys relating to wizards and more specifically,
Harry Potter.TM..
[0003] However, current state of the art toy wands do not offer a
voice-activated interface, and are limited to perform basic output
of light and sound functions directly controlled though the manual
actuation of buttons or switches. These toys do not provide a
simulated "magical" play experience.
[0004] Some patents are issued relating to the goal of simulating a
magical play experience. Specifically, Weston, et al. (U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,761,637/2004, 6,967,566/2005) describe a wand used as a part
of a simulated ride or a part of a play environment. The wand
described in these patents is only used to interact and control the
surroundings and is not primarily voice-controlled. Weston's device
primarily uses RFID and interacts with the environment through a
central master control system. The present invention does not
require any exterior control system and will only interact with
like toys.
[0005] The present invention is not to be confused with common wand
lights as used in directing airport traffic and in other like
applications such as in Riblett U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,684/2001. The
present invention is also not to be confused with an LED flashlight
such as Neiser describes in U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,358/2005 because
the single purpose of these devices is to provide light and the
present invention will emit light as one part of a complex
combination of output signals.
[0006] A more similar invention is that of Holt U.S. Pat. No.
6,626,728/2003 that is a wand in which all input is received
through motion sensors and there is no voice-activated control.
This invention is only similar in that it represents a toy magic
wand used to simulate a magical play experience.
[0007] The goal of the present invention is to provide a simulated
magical play experience for a user that resembles the casting of
magical spells by popular literary and cinematic characters with
greater accuracy and usability than currently available devices.
These characters traditionally use a magical wand and spoken
incantation to channel their magical ability. Incorporation of the
voice-activated control unit allows the user to initiate functions
by speaking an otherwise vain incantation, thereby providing a more
accurate representation of a magical experience. The present
invention produces new and unexpected results where no other toy
wand is controlled via voice interface. This deviation in interface
provides the most accurate magical play experience compared to the
known prior art. Presently, no such invention exists which provides
such accurate replication of the magical adeptness possessed by the
aforementioned literary and cinematic characters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention describes a toy wand equipped with
speech-recognition circuitry to act as the sole interface between
device and user. This technology provides a more authentic magical
play experience to the user who may initiate functions of the toy
wand employing a known incantation.
[0009] Additional functionality may be incorporated to the toy wand
through the attachment of an accessory. A method of play, both
interactive and individual, is also disclosed incorporating the
aforementioned voice-activated toy wand. A toy wand that can be
turned on or off and also switched between operation modes,
including single user mode, herein referred to as "individual
mode", and multi-user mode, herein referred to as "interactive
mode". The interactive mode is initiated by the attachment of an
accessory herein referred to as the interactive accessory.
[0010] Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description, by illustrating a number of exemplary embodiments and
implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying
out the present invention. The present invention is also capable of
other and different embodiments, and several details of the
invention can be modified in various respects, all without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by
way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1-A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the proximal
end of the voice-activated toy wand;
[0013] FIG. 1-B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the distal
end of the voice-activated toy wand;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary detail of the distal end of
the voice-activated toy wand with emphasis on the system power
switch and control switch locations;
[0015] FIG. 3-A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the proximal
end of the voice-activated toy wand with interactive accessory
attached;
[0016] FIG. 3-B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the distal
end of the voice-activated toy wand with interactive accessory
attached;
[0017] FIG. 4-A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the distal
end of the interactive accessory;
[0018] FIG. 4-B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the proximal
end of the interactive accessory;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the
preferred embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating component interaction
of the voice-activated toy wand voice-activated control unit;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
voice-activated control unit;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
voice-activated toy wand's means of direct contact data
communications with the interactive accessory communication
bus;
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of
wands operating under interactive mode with interactive accessories
attached;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating logical system
operation;
[0025] FIG. 11 is pseudo code of the sub-function executed in
response to wireless signal detection by the wireless signal
sensors; and
[0026] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the voice-activated toy wand
input-interface switch, communication bus, and communication bus
contacts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] In the following detailed description of the present
invention, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
recognized by one skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents
thereof. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,
components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not
to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
[0028] Voice-Activated Wand Specification
[0029] The voice-activated toy wand 20 consists of a hollow housing
52, a voice-activated control unit 26, a means for accepting an
audible input 24, an input interface switch 36, a system power
switch 34, a means for producing an audible output 22, a plurality
of light emitting diodes 38 (LEDs), and a power source 32. The
hollow housing 52 comprises a translucent polymer tip 40, wherein
said tip 40 protects the plurality of LEDs 38 while permitting the
transmission of visible and non-visible wavelengths of light. The
voice-activated toy wand may further comprise a means of emitting a
wireless signal 48 and a means of detecting a wireless signal 50.
The voice-activated toy wand may further comprise a means of direct
contact data communication 28 whereby said means of direct contact
data communication provides a connection to the interactive
accessory internal components 84. The voice-activated control unit
is responsible for controlling all functions of the voice-activated
toy wand 20 and attachable accessory 30.
[0030] Voice-Activated Wand--Control Unit Specification
[0031] The preferred embodiment of the voice-activated control unit
26 shall comprise the Sensory RSC-4128 voice-activated
microcontroller 66 manufactured by Sensory, Inc. FIG. 7 provides a
block diagram of the Sensory RSC-4128 voice-activated
microcontroller 66, provided by Sensory Inc. (www.sensoryinc.com).
The preferred embodiment of the voice-activated control unit 26
features highly accurate voice recognition and system control
capability. The circuitry is capable of providing a
speaker-independent interface that may accept spoken commands from
a diverse variety of users, regardless of the age or gender of said
speaker. The voice-activated control unit 26 shall control the
components, functions, and features of the voice-activated toy wand
20. The general-purpose I/O 3.times.8 bit ports 54 provide a means
of communication between the means of direct contact data
communication 28 and the voice-activated control unit 26. Details
relating to specific circuit layout and assembly of the
voice-activated control unit system are readily appreciated by one
skilled in the art.
[0032] Voice-Activated Wand--Control Unit Operation Modes
[0033] Operating modes govern the system control capability of the
voice-activated control unit 26, wherein each operating mode is
responsible for executing system code dependent on the system
configuration. The user may adjust the system configuration through
activation of a switch 34 or button 36. Under a preferred
embodiment, the user shall adjust the system configuration per the
attachment of an accessory 30 to the voice-activated control unit
26 via the voice-activated toy wand communication bus 82 or
detachment of an accessory 30 from the voice-activated control unit
26 via the voice activated toy wand communication bus 82. The
preferred embodiment of available operating modes shall comprise
"individual mode" and "interactive mode". Under a preferred
embodiment, the default operating mode of the voice-activated
control unit is individual mode.
[0034] Under a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, the
voice-activated control unit 26 shall detect the attachment of the
attachable accessory 30 through the detection of conductivity among
a known plurality of conductive communication bus contacts 68.
Furthermore, the voice-activated control unit 26 shall detect
components within the attachable accessory 30 through the detection
of conductivity among a known plurality of conductive communication
bus contacts 68. Upon the attachment and detection of an attachable
accessory 30, the voice-activated control unit 26 may amend the
operating mode to one of a plurality of available operating modes.
The connection and detection of the interactive accessory 30 shall
amend the operating mode of the voice-activated control 26 unit to
interactive mode. Upon the removal of an attachable accessory 30
from the voice-activated toy wand 20, the operating mode of the
voice-activated control unit 26 shall return to the default
operating mode.
[0035] Voice-Activated Wand--Input Interface Switch
Specification
[0036] The disclosed invention shall comprise a minimum quantity of
switches or buttons visible from the exterior of voice-activated
toy wand 20, thereby limiting the quantity of non-magical features
providing a more magical play experience for the user.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates the input interface switch 36 and the
system power switch 34. The input interface switch 36 controls
connectivity between the microphone 24 and voice-activated control
unit 26. The system power switch 34 controls the flow of
electricity between the power source and the voice-activated
control unit 26. Additionally, the system power switch 34 or input
interface switch 36 may also control the operating mode of the
voice-activated control unit 26 by substituting SPST (single pole
single throw) switches with DPST (double pole single throw
switches) as appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0038] Voice-Activated Wand--Microphone Specification
[0039] The voice-activated control unit 26 shall receive spoken
commands by a user 64 via a microphone 24 connected to said
voice-activated control unit 26. The microphone 24 type may include
high-impedance or low-impedance. The pickup pattern of the
microphone may include omni-directional, bi-directional, cardioid,
hyper-cardioid, or shotgun. A preferred embodiment of the current
invention shall incorporate a low-impedance omni directional
microphone. A small bore 56 shall be present through the housing of
the voice-activated toy wand 20, whereby said bore 56 permits the
microphone 24 to more accurately receive the user spoken command
64.
[0040] Voice-Activated Wand--Communication Bus
[0041] The voice-activated control unit 26 may provide a means of
direct contact data communication 28 comprising a communication bus
82. Furthermore, the communication bus shall comprise a plurality
of conductive contacts 68. The voice-activated toy wand
communication bus conductive contacts 68 shall connect to a
corresponding plurality of attachable accessory communication bus
conductive contacts 70.
[0042] Voice-Activated Wand--LEDs, Infrared Emitters, Infrared
Sensors, & Speaker
[0043] A plurality of LEDs 38 may be located at the distal end of
the voice-activated toy wand 20 to provide illumination 60 in
response to a user spoken command 64 recognized by the
voice-activated control unit 26. The plurality of LEDs 38 located
at the distal end of the voice-activated toy wand 20 may comprise
one or a plurality of infrared (IR) emitters 48. Furthermore, the
plurality of LEDs 38 located at the distal end of the
voice-activated toy wand 26 may include one or a plurality of IR
sensors 50. An output speaker 22 located at the proximal end of the
voice-activated toy wand 20 may provide audible output 58 in
response to a user spoken command 64 recognized by the
voice-activated control unit 26.
[0044] Interactive Accessory--Specification
[0045] A preferred embodiment of the voice-activated toy wand 20
shall include the interactive accessory. The interactive accessory
may comprise, wireless signal emitters 72, wireless signal
detectors 74, a plurality of user-communication display LEDs 42,
and a means of direct contact data communication 44. Under a
preferred embodiment, the wireless signal emitters shall comprise
an IR emitter 72. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the
wireless signal detectors shall comprise an IR sensor 74. The means
of attachment 46 of the interactive accessory 30 to the
voice-activated toy wand housing 52 may comprise spring-loaded
clips, threaded holes, nuts and bolts, chemical adhesive, or
press/interference fit 46 as readily appreciated by one skilled in
the art.
[0046] Interactive Accessory--Wireless Signal Emission and
Detection
[0047] A preferred embodiment of the interactive accessory means of
wireless signal emission 76 shall comprise one or a plurality of IR
LEDs 72. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the interactive
accessory means of wireless signal detection 78 shall comprise one
or a plurality of IR sensors 74.
[0048] Interactive Accessory--LED Specification and Function
[0049] The interactive accessory 30 may further comprise a means
for displaying a quantity 96 to the user of the voice-activated toy
wand 20. Under a preferred embodiment, the quantity of illuminated
display LEDs 42 shall represent a score of remaining life points
relevant to the disclosed method of interactive play. The plurality
of display LEDs 42 shall align with the user to provide optimal
observation of said plurality of display LEDs 42 from the distal
end viewpoint of the voice-activated toy wand 20. The state of each
of the display LEDs 42 may comprise either illuminated or not
illuminated. The voice-activated control unit 26 shall control the
state of the plurality of interactive accessory display LEDs
42.
[0050] Wireless Signal Detection Sub-Function Pseudo Code
[0051] Upon detection of a wireless signal 62 by the
voice-activated toy wand wireless signal sensors 88 or the
attachable accessory wireless signal sensors 78, an event is
triggered 80. The result of a triggered event may comprise a
plurality of functions and sub-functions, including the Wireless
Signal Detection Sub Function 90, illustrated in FIG. 11. The
Wireless Signal Detection Sub-Function 90 may comprise actions
including emission of audible tones 58 and patterns of illuminated
LEDs 60. If the operating mode of the voice-activated control unit
26 is operating in interactive mode, the Wireless Signal Detection
Sub-Function 90 may further comprise actions including the
calculation of a number. The calculated number directs the quantity
of illuminated accessory display LEDs 42. Under a preferred
embodiment, a user will have an allowance of 5 event occurrences,
thus 5 illuminated accessory display LEDs 42 at the start of
interactive play. As wireless signals are detected, events are
triggered, resulting in execution of the Wireless Signal Detection
Sub-Function 90. The voice-activated control unit 26 will calculate
the quantity of remaining illuminated accessory display LEDs 42,
and display the corresponding quantity of illuminated accessory
display LEDs 42. If the voice-activated microcontroller 26 does not
detect that the interactive accessory is attached, the Wireless
Signal Detection Sub-Function will skip the illuminated accessory
display LED 42 calculation.
[0052] Toy Wand Operating Procedure--Method of Individual Play
[0053] The user initiates operation of the voice-activated toy wand
20 by switching the system power switch 34 to allow the flow of
electricity from the power source 32 to the voice-activated control
unit 26. The user shall speak a command 64 while depressing the
input interface switch 36. Depressing the input interface switch 36
activates the microphone 24 connected to the voice-activated
control unit 26, permitting said voice-activated control unit 26 to
receive and process the spoken command 64. Depressing the input
interface switch 36 ensures that the voice-activated control unit
26 receives only the intended spoken command 64, thereby reducing
the occurrence of unintended mistaken command recognition resulting
in unintended audio output 58 and visual output 60. If the
voice-activated control unit 26 recognizes the received spoken
command 64, an audible output 58 and visual output 60 unique to
said received spoken command 64, shall result.
[0054] If the operating mode of the voice-activated control 26 unit
has been amended to "individual mode", output generated in response
to a recognized spoken command 64 by the voice-activated control
unit 26 may comprise illumination 60 of a plurality of LEDS 38 and
output of audible output 58 from the output speaker 22.
[0055] Toy Wand Operating Procedure--Method of Interactive Play
[0056] The user initiates operation of the voice-activated toy wand
20 by switching the system power switch 34 to allow the flow of
electricity from the power source 32 to the voice-activated control
unit 26. Under a preferred embodiment, the user initiates
interactive play of the voice-activated toy wand 20 by attaching
the interactive accessory 30. Depressing the input interface switch
36 activates the microphone 24 connected to the voice-activated
control unit 26, thereby permitting said voice-activated control
unit 26 to receive and process the spoken command 64. Depressing
the input interface switch 36 ensures that the voice-activated
control unit 26 receives only the intended spoken command 64,
thereby reducing the occurrence of unintended mistaken command
recognition resulting in unintended audio output 58 and visual
output 60. If the voice-activated control unit 26 recognizes the
spoken command 64, an output unique to said spoken command 64 shall
result.
[0057] If the operating mode of the voice-activated control unit 26
is interactive mode, said voice-activated control unit 26 may
produce an output in response to a recognized spoken command 64
further comprising the emission of an IR signal 62 by the
interactive accessory IR emitter 72. If the operating mode of the
voice-activated control unit 26 is interactive mode, said
voice-activated control unit 26 may activate the interactive
accessory IR sensor 74. If the interactive accessory IR sensor 74
detects an IR signal 62, the voice-activated control unit 26 may
adjust the state of the plurality of interactive accessory display
LEDs 42 to display one fewer illuminated LED than was displayed
immediately before said IR sensor 74 detected said IR signal 62.
The interactive magical play experience continues until the state
of the plurality of interactive accessory display LEDs 42 is devoid
of illuminated LEDs.
[0058] While the present invention has been described in connection
with a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations, the
present invention is not so limited, but rather covers various
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the
purview of prospective claims.
* * * * *