U.S. patent application number 13/093046 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for system for automatically tracking a moving toy vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spin Master Ltd.. Invention is credited to Grant MCKEE.
Application Number | 20120270466 13/093046 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47021682 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120270466 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCKEE; Grant |
October 25, 2012 |
System for automatically tracking a moving toy vehicle
Abstract
A system is provided comprising an automatic toy tracking system
adapted to track an infrared signal emitted by a remotely
controlled toy vehicle. The tracking system has a series of
infrared receivers and is adapted to pivot and rotate in response
to the relative intensity of the infrared signal received by each
receiver. When the tracking system has positively ascertained the
location of the infrared emitter, the tracking system can be
adapted to fire at least one projectile at the toy vehicle.
Inventors: |
MCKEE; Grant; (Hong Kong,
CN) |
Assignee: |
Spin Master Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
47021682 |
Appl. No.: |
13/093046 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/006 20130101;
A63H 27/004 20130101; A63H 30/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/175 |
International
Class: |
A63H 30/00 20060101
A63H030/00 |
Claims
1. A toy motion tracking kit, the kit comprising: a movable toy,
the toy being adapted to emit a signal pulse; and a movable
tracking system separate from the movable toy, said movable
tracking system comprising: at least one pair of signal receivers,
wherein each of the at least one pair of signal receivers comprises
a first directional receiver and a second directional receiver, and
wherein each of the at least one pair of signal receivers defines a
first direction pointing from the second directional receiver to
the first directional receiver and a second direction pointing from
the first directional receiver to the second directional receiver;
and a microprocessor programmed to direct the motion of the movable
tracking system; wherein, for each of the at least one pair of
signal receivers, the signal pulse is adapted to activate the first
directional receiver for a first length of time and to activate the
second directional receiver for a second length of time, and the
microprocessor is adapted to record the first length of time and
the second length of time; and wherein, for each of the at least
one pair of signal receivers: when the first length of time is
greater than the second length of time by an amount greater than a
predetermined amount, the microprocessor is programmed to direct
the movable tracking system to move in the first direction; when
the first length of time is less than the second length of time by
an amount greater than the predetermined amount, the microprocessor
is programmed to direct the movable tracking system to move in the
second direction; and when the first length of time is about equal
to the second length of time, the microprocessor is programmed to
direct the movable tracking system to be motionless in the first
direction and in the second direction.
2. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 1 wherein the signal pulse
is an infrared signal pulse.
3. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 2 wherein the infrared
signal pulse is emitted at a modulation frequency of 38 kHz.
4. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 1 wherein the signal pulse
comprises a period of analog decay.
5. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 1 further comprising a
projectile launch system, wherein the microprocessor is programmed
to direct the projectile launch system to launch a projectile when
the first length of time is about equal to the second length of
time for each of the at least one pair of signal receivers.
6. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 1 wherein each of the at
least one pair of signal receivers is oriented in a plane of
alignment comprising a first line of sight normal to the first
directional receiver and a second line of sight normal to the
second directional receiver, such that the first line of sight and
the second line of sight describe a dihedral angle of about 0
degrees.
7. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 6 wherein, for each of the
at least one pair of signal receivers, the first directional
receiver is oriented at an angle of between 60 degrees and 120
degrees to the second directional receiver within the plane of
alignment.
8. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 7 wherein, for each of the
at least one pair of signal receivers, the first directional
receiver is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees to the second
directional receiver within the plane of alignment.
9. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 6 wherein said movable
tracking system comprises a first pair of signal receivers defining
a first plane of alignment and a second pair of signal receivers
defining a second plane of alignment.
10. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 9 wherein the first plane
of alignment is oriented orthogonally to the second plane of
alignment.
11. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 1 wherein said movable toy
is a toy vehicle.
12. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 11 wherein said toy
vehicle is a toy helicopter.
13. A movable tracking system for tracking the motion of a movable
toy, the movable toy being adapted to emit a signal pulse, the
movable tracking system comprising: at least one pair of signal
receivers, wherein each of the at least one pair of signal
receivers comprises a first directional receiver and a second
directional receiver, and wherein each of the at least one pair of
signal receivers defines a first direction pointing from the second
directional receiver to the first directional receiver and a second
direction pointing from the first directional receiver to the
second directional receiver; and a microprocessor programmed to
direct the motion of the movable tracking system; wherein, for each
of the at least one pair of signal receivers, the first directional
receiver is adapted to be activated by the signal pulse for a first
length of time and the second directional receiver is adapted to be
activated by the signal pulse for a second length of time, and the
microprocessor is adapted to record the first length of time and
the second length of time; and wherein, for each of the at least
one pair of signal receivers: when the first length of time is
greater than the second length of time by an amount greater than a
predetermined amount, the microprocessor is programmed to direct
the movable tracking system to move in the first direction; when
the first length of time is less than the second length of time by
an amount greater than the predetermined amount, the microprocessor
is programmed to direct the movable tracking system to move in the
second direction; and when the first length of time is about equal
to the second length of time, the microprocessor is programmed to
direct the movable tracking system to be motionless in the first
direction and in the second direction.
14. A movable toy capable of motion trackable by a movable tracking
system having at least one pair of signal receivers, each of the at
least one pair of signal receivers comprising a first directional
receiver and a second directional receiver, wherein the movable toy
is adapted to emit a signal pulse adapted to activate the first
directional receiver for a first length of time and to activate the
second directional receiver for a second length of time.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of toys; more
specifically, the present invention is directed to a tracking
system that is adapted to track the motion of and fire toy
projectiles at a remotely controlled toy vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Remotely controlled toys are popular among children and can
take a wide variety of forms. Toys that can be remotely moved about
a play area are well known in the prior art and include toy cars,
trucks, tanks, trains and helicopters, among other types of toy
vehicles.
[0003] Moreover, toys are often equipped to fire a projectile in
order to simulate warfare and increase the enjoyment of playing
with the toy. Toys equipped in such a manner typically require the
user to actively position and fire the projectile in the direction
of an intended target.
[0004] However, there has been a distinct lack of a toy projectile
launcher that is adapted to automatically track a remotely
controlled vehicle and, once the location of the target vehicle is
positively established, fire a projectile at the vehicle with the
goal of disabling it.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a toy that can track and
fire a projectile at a moving target.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a system for automatically
tracking the motion of and firing a toy projectile at a moving
target.
[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a toy motion
tracking kit, the kit including a movable toy which emits a signal
pulse, and a movable tracking system separate from the movable toy.
The movable tracking system includes at least one pair of signal
receivers, each of which includes a first directional receiver and
a second directional receiver. Each pair of signal receivers
defines a first direction pointing from the second directional
receiver to the first directional receiver and a second direction
pointing from the first directional receiver to the second
directional receiver. The movable tracking system also includes a
microprocessor programmed to direct the motion of the movable
tracking system. For each pair of signal receivers, the signal
pulse is adapted to activate the first directional receiver for a
first length of time and to activate the second directional
receiver for a second length of time, and the microprocessor is
adapted to record the first length of time and the second length of
time. When the first length of time is greater than the second
length of time by an amount greater than a predetermined amount,
the microprocessor is programmed to direct the movable tracking
system to move in the first direction. When the first length of
time is less than the second length of time by an amount greater
than the predetermined amount, the microprocessor is programmed to
direct the movable tracking system to move in the second direction.
When the first length of time is about equal to the second length
of time, the microprocessor is programmed to direct the movable
tracking system to be motionless in the first direction and in the
second direction.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a movable
tracking system for tracking the motion of a movable toy as
described herein.
[0009] A further aspect of the present invention provides a movable
toy adapted to emit a signal pulse as described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in greater detail and will be better understood when read
in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of an infrared signal
being received by infrared receivers in accordance with at least
one embodiment of the present tracking system;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an analog infrared emitter
circuit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
tracking system;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an assembled front perspective view of one
embodiment of the present tracking system;
[0014] FIG. 4A is a partially disassembled front perspective view
of the embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 4B is a partially disassembled rear perspective view of
the embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rotation mechanism and a
pivot mechanism in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a piston system in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the piston system of
FIG. 6A;
[0019] FIG. 6C is a partially disassembled front view of the piston
system of FIG. 6A;
[0020] FIG. 6D is a partially disassembled perspective view of the
piston system of FIG. 6A;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a valve seat in accordance
with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 8A is a front, partially disassembled perspective view
of a projectile system in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.
3;
[0023] FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of the projectile system
of FIG. 8A including a pawl yoke;
[0024] FIG. 8C is a rear, partially disassembled perspective view
of the projectile system of FIG. 8A;
[0025] FIG. 8D is a rear perspective view of the projectile system
of FIG. 8A;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support plate in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a projectile system in accordance with the embodiment
of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of the projectile system
of FIG. 10A; and
[0029] FIG. 10C is a partial enlarged view of the projectile system
of FIG. 10A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention provides a tracking system that is
adapted to track an infrared signal emitted by a toy vehicle,
thereby tracking the motion of and locating the toy vehicle. In at
least one embodiment, the tracking system is adapted to fire a
projectile at the toy vehicle, once the toy vehicle has been
tracked and located.
[0031] The toy vehicle can take a wide variety of forms including
but not limited to a helicopter, airplane, jeep, car, tank and
truck among other forms that will be readily appreciated. The toy
vehicle is provided with an infrared emitter for emitting an
infrared signal. In at least one embodiment the infrared signal is
emitted at a modulation frequency of 38 kHz. The infrared signal
includes a digital infrared pulse followed by a period of analog
decay. The analog decay feature of the infrared signal emitted can
result in more accurate and precise tracking of the signal by the
tracking system. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that
when the signal includes the added analog decay, the angle at which
the signal impinges the various infrared receivers can be more
accurately taken into account. Accordingly, including this analog
decay function in the infrared signal emitted by the toy vehicle
can result in better tracking performance by the tracking
system.
[0032] In at least one embodiment, the present tracking system can
take the form of a toy turret including a lower base that supports
an upper projectile launch mechanism. The turret is provided with a
rotation mechanism adapted to rotate the launch mechanism about a
vertical axis relative to the base, which remains stationary and
supports the launch mechanism on a flat surface. Further, a pivot
mechanism is provided to pivot the launch mechanism about a
horizontal axis orthogonal to the vertical axis. The pivot
mechanism and the rotation mechanism are controlled by way of
motors that are actuated in response to the change in location of
the infrared emitter. In this way, the turret is configured such
that it can be automatically rotated about the vertical axis and
pivoted about the horizontal axis so as to track the source of the
infrared signal (i.e.: the toy vehicle).
[0033] The present tracking system includes a signal processing
system for receiving and processing the infrared signal emitted by
the toy vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the signal processing
system includes a plurality of infrared receivers that are adapted
to receive the infrared signal emitted by the toy vehicle. In at
least one embodiment, the plurality of infrared receivers includes
one or more pairs of infrared receivers, each pair including a
first directional receiver and a second directional receiver. Each
pair of receivers defines a first direction pointing from the
second directional receiver to the first directional receiver and a
second direction pointing from the first directional receiver to
the second directional receiver. Furthermore, each receiver defines
a line of sight normal to the receiver, such that the first
receiver in each pair defines a first line of sight and the second
receiver in the pair defines a second line of sight. In at least
one embodiment, for each pair of receivers, the dihedral angle
between the first line of sight and the second line of sight is
about 0 degrees, such that the first line of sight and the second
line of sight define a plane of alignment. In at least one
embodiment, the first and second infrared receivers in each pair
are oriented such that the first line of sight is oriented at an
angle of from about 60 to about 120 degrees to the second line of
sight within the plane of alignment. In at least one embodiment,
the first and second infrared receivers in each pair are oriented
such that the first line of sight is oriented at an angle of about
90 degrees to the second line of sight within the plane of
alignment.
[0034] In at least one embodiment, the signal processing system
includes four infrared receivers: a first pair of infrared
receivers oriented in a first plane of alignment and a second pair
of infrared receivers oriented in a second plane of alignment
orthogonal to the first plane of alignment. However, it will be
apparent to the skilled person that the number and placement of
infrared receivers can be varied, as long as the sensors have an
unobstructed line of sight towards the toy vehicle, such that an
infrared signal from the toy vehicle being tracked can be received
and processed as described herein.
[0035] In at least one embodiment, the signal processing system is
adapted to actuate the rotation mechanism and the pivot mechanism
in response to the intensity of the infrared signal received from
the toy vehicle's emitter by each of the plurality of infrared
receivers. The skilled person will appreciate that the intensity of
the infrared signal is related to the angle of incidence of the
infrared signal on the infrared receiver and the distance between
the infrared receiver and the infrared emitter. Specifically, the
closer to zero the angle of incidence is of the signal on the
receiver, and the closer the receiver is to the emitter, the higher
is the intensity of the infrared signal received by the receiver.
Therefore, the intensity of the infrared signal received can be
used to measure the position of the emitter relative to each
receiver, and so to track the motion of the toy vehicle, as
explained in further detail below.
[0036] In at least one embodiment, the intensity of the signal
received by each infrared receiver can be determined by measuring
the length of time the receiver is actively receiving the signal.
As the initial pulse of the received infrared signal ends and the
signal begins to decay, the intensity of the signal gradually
decreases to a threshold level where the receiver is no longer
active. The more intense the signal, the longer the period of decay
required to reach the threshold level at which the receiver is no
longer active. Thus, a more intense received infrared signal will
activate the receiver for a longer time.
[0037] In at least one embodiment, the signal processing system
includes a plurality of timers, each adapted to receive a digital
signal from an infrared receiver while the receiver is actively
receiving the infrared signal from the toy vehicle. The timer count
is determined by the length of the digital signal sent from the
receiver, which in turn corresponds to the intensity of the
received infrared signal. Thus, a more intense received infrared
signal will activate the receiver for a longer time, generating a
longer digital signal from the infrared receiver to the timer and
thus a higher timer count.
[0038] Timers are well known in the art and will be readily
selected by a skilled person. For example, a microprocessor may be
adapted for use as a timer, among other selections that will be
readily apparent to the skilled person. In at least one embodiment,
an example of suitable software code used to program a
microprocessor to function as a timer is provided below:
TABLE-US-00001 while((((PINA & _BV(0)) == 0) || ((PINA &
_BV(1)) == 0)) && (TCNT1 < 1000)) //wait maximum ~8ms {
if((PINA & _BV(0)) == 0) {right_var++;} if((PINA & _BV(1))
== 0) {left_var++;} }
where BV is bit value; and TCNT is a register in the microprocessor
used as a timer.
[0039] This software code instructs the microprocessor to record
the times that a first infrared receiver, connected to pinAO, and a
second infrared receiver, connected to pinA1, are active, and to
output corresponding timer counts. The skilled person will
understand that the timer count will depend not only on the length
of time the receiver is active but also on the clock frequency of
the microprocessor, and that the higher the clock frequency, the
greater the resolution of the output timer count will be. In this
embodiment, the infrared receivers are `active low` as will be
understood by the skilled person. The software code can be readily
adapted by the skilled artisan to apply to more than two infrared
receivers.
[0040] In at least one embodiment, the microprocessor compares the
intensity of the infrared signal received by each of a pair of
infrared receivers by comparing the timer counts generated from
each receiver as described above. When the difference between the
timer count of the first receiver and the timer count of the second
receiver is higher than a predetermined threshold, a microprocessor
is programmed to move the tracking system in a direction toward the
infrared receiver which has received the stronger infrared signal,
thereby generating the higher timer count. As mentioned above, each
pair of receivers defines a first direction pointing from the
second directional receiver to the first directional receiver and a
second direction pointing from the first directional receiver to
the second directional receiver. Therefore, if the first
directional receiver has received the stronger infrared signal so
as to generate the higher timer count, the microprocessor will
direct the tracking system to move in the first direction.
Likewise, if the second directional receiver generates the higher
timer count, the microprocessor will direct the tracking system to
move in the second direction. For example, if the plane of
alignment of the pair of infrared receivers is oriented in a
horizontal plane, such that the tracking mechanism is directed to
move within the horizontal plane, the signal will be sent so as to
control the rotation mechanism to rotate the launch mechanism about
its vertical axis. Furthermore, if the plane of alignment of the
pair of infrared receivers is oriented in a vertical plane, such
that the tracking mechanism is directed to move within the vertical
plane, the signal will be sent so as to control the pivot mechanism
to pivot the launch mechanism about its horizontal axis. When the
tracking system has more than one pair of infrared receivers, it
will be clear to the skilled person that signals may be sent to
both rotation and pivot mechanisms so as to move the tracking
system in both horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously
and to quickly follow the motion of the toy vehicle emitting the
infrared signal.
[0041] As will be understood by the skilled person, when the
difference between the signal intensities received by the two
infrared receivers in each pair of receivers falls below the
predetermined threshold, the emitter on the toy vehicle will be
approximately centred between the receivers. At this point the
tracking system has located, or "locked" on, the toy vehicle and,
in at least one embodiment, the tracking system can be directed by
the microprocessor to stop its motion and to fire a projectile at
the toy vehicle, as described below. It will be apparent that other
responses to such a "signal lock" are possible, including but not
limited to recording information about the toy vehicle's location,
or sending a signal, including but not limited to an infrared
signal or a radio signal, back to the toy vehicle.
[0042] In at least one embodiment, a rough gauge of the distance
between the tracking device and the target can also be determined
by taking the average measurement of the time counts generated by
each of the infrared receivers. As will be understood by the
skilled person, the larger the average time count, the closer the
infrared emitter is to the infrared receivers. In this embodiment,
the launch mechanism of the tracking system can be programmed to
compensate for the distance of the toy vehicle by aiming the
projectile at a point above the location of the emitter to account
for the drop of the projectile over a longer distance, as will be
understood by the skilled person.
[0043] It is also contemplated that the tracking system may include
predictive targeting means, wherein the projectile is aimed at a
point slightly ahead of where the toy vehicle is located. In this
embodiment, software is provided that determines the vector in
which the infrared emitter is travelling (i.e.: left, right, up or
down) and moves the tracking system in that direction before firing
the projectile. Appropriate software commands to achieve this goal
will be readily prepared by the skilled person.
[0044] In at least one embodiment, the launch mechanism is adapted
to fire at least one projectile. Projectiles can take a wide
variety of forms including cylinders, missile or torpedo-shapes,
bullet-shapes and spheres among other shapes of projectile. In at
least one embodiment the projectile is made of a soft material such
as foam rubber, however other materials such as plastic are also
contemplated. The projectile may be launched by way of a spring or
a piston system using compressed air, as will be discussed in
greater detail below.
[0045] Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the tracking
system can send an infrared signal or a radio signal to the toy
vehicle. According to at least one such embodiment, the toy vehicle
is adapted to recognize the infrared signal as a hit and to respond
appropriately, such as, for example, by stopping its motion. In at
least one such embodiment, the toy vehicle can be equipped with an
infrared or radio frequency detector which detects the signal sent
by the tracking system, as will be apparent to one skilled in the
art.
[0046] It is envisioned that the toy vehicle can also be adapted to
fire projectiles at the tracking system, so as to increase the
interest in play. In at least one embodiment a piezoelectric hit
detector is included on the tracking system. In standard
applications, a piezoelectric speaker membrane is deformed when a
voltage is applied to a piezoelectric crystal, creating a
compression wave that in turn generates sound. However, the inverse
is also true: deforming the speaker membrane (by way of an applied
physical force) generates a voltage in the piezoelectric crystal.
Therefore, a piezoelectric speaker can be mounted on the tracking
system such that when the tracking system is struck by a
projectile, the resulting vibrations deform the piezoelectric
speaker membrane and cause the piezoelectric speaker to generate a
voltage. This voltage is monitored by a microprocessor provided in
the tracking system. Once this voltage passes a predetermined
voltage threshold, a hit on the tracking system is registered. As
will be apparent to the skilled person, the tracking system can be
programmed to respond to detecting one or more hits by shutting
down or by firing a projectile back at the toy vehicle, for
example.
[0047] All components listed herein may be manufactured from any
suitable material and by any suitable process, provided that the
resulting components are durable and functional when incorporated
in the present invention as will be understood by the skilled
person. In at least one embodiment, components of the present
invention are injection molded from a durable plastic, although
other materials and processes are readily contemplated.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment the
present toy vehicle emits an infrared signal 10 that comprises a
pulse of length t.sub.1 followed by a period of decay of length
t.sub.2. For example, in at least one embodiment, t.sub.1 can be 3
ms and t.sub.2 can be 3 ms. The decay of the signal is provided by
way of an analog circuit, such as analog circuit 20 illustrated in
FIG. 2. In operation, when a pulse 21 of length t.sub.1 is
introduced into analog circuit 20, capacitor 23 is charged. As
capacitor 23 discharges, transistor 25 regulates the voltage of the
circuit such that a hybrid wave 27 is created, containing the
digital pulse of length t.sub.1 and the subsequent gradual decay of
length t.sub.2, arising from the discharge of capacitor 23. This
hybrid signal is then emitted from infrared light emitting diode 29
on a 38 kHz carrier wave.
[0049] The conversion of the intensity of the signal received from
the infrared emitter of the toy vehicle into a digital signal which
can be sent to a timer is illustrated in FIG. 1. Signal 10 is
received by first receiver 32 at a higher intensity than the
intensity at which second receiver 34 receives the signal, as
signal 10 is directly within the range of first receiver 32 yet
only peripherally in the range of second receiver 34. Therefore,
first receiver 32 receives the analog decay portion of the signal
for a longer time than does second receiver 34. Consequently, as
explained in detail above, the length of time that first receiver
32 is active (t.sub.3) is longer than the time that second receiver
34 is active (t.sub.4). First receiver 32 therefore sends a longer
digital signal of length t.sub.3 to a microprocessor (not shown),
while second receiver 34 sends a shorter digital signal of length
t.sub.4 to the microprocessor. In at least one embodiment, infrared
receivers 32, 34 are oriented orthogonally to each other, as seen
in FIG. 1, such that the line of sight 31 normal to receiver 32 is
oriented at about 90 degrees to the line of sight 33 normal to
receiver 34. In this way, the intensity of the infrared signal
received by the first receiver is better distinguished from the
intensity of the infrared signal received by the second receiver,
to provide better precision of tracking. However, other
orientations are also contemplated.
[0050] With reference to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, at least one
embodiment of a tracking system 30 in the form of a turret is
illustrated. Tracking system 30 has four infrared receivers 32, 34,
36, 38, a base 35 and a launch mechanism 40. In at least one
embodiment, launch mechanism 40 includes a piston system 100 and a
projectile system 200 having a plurality of projectiles 45.
Movement of launch mechanism 40 relative to base 35 can occur by
means of rotation mechanism 50 and pivot mechanism 60, so as to
track the motion of the toy vehicle.
[0051] Launch mechanism 40 has a lower pedestal 42 that can be
rotated about its vertical axis relative to base 35 by means of
rotation mechanism 50, as can be seen in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5.
Rotation mechanism 50 consists of a motor 51 driving a spur gear 52
that rotatably communicates with a reduction gear train 53.
Reduction gear train 53 is rotatably connected to an internal spur
gear 59 that is fixedly mounted within base 35. In at least one
embodiment reduction gear train 53 has a first large diameter spur
gear 54 coaxially fixed to a first small diameter spur gear (not
shown) that in turn rotatably communicates with a second large
diameter spur gear 56. Spur gear 56 is coaxially fixed with a
second small diameter spur gear 57 that in turn rotatably
communicates with a third large diameter spur gear 58 which then
rotatably communicates with internal spur gear 59. In this way and
as will be understood by the skilled person, when motor 51 is
actuated, spur gear 52 is rotated which in turn rotates reduction
gear train 53. As internal spur gear 59 is fixed within base 35,
lower pedestal 42, which is fixedly attached to launch mechanism
40, will rotate relative to base 35, causing launch mechanism 40 to
rotate about its vertical axis.
[0052] Lower pedestal 42 of launch mechanism 40 can also be pivoted
about pivot point 47 relative to base 35 by means of pivot
mechanism 60, as seen in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B and 5. Pivot mechanism 60
includes a motor 61 having a spur gear 62 that rotatably
communicates with a reduction gear train 63. Reduction gear train
63 is rotatably connected to a fixed spur gear 70 that is
operatively connected to launch mechanism 40.
[0053] In at least one embodiment, reduction gear train 63 has a
first large diameter spur gear 64 coaxially fixed to a first small
diameter spur gear 65 that in turn rotatably communicates with a
second large diameter spur gear 66. Spur gear 66 is coaxially fixed
with a second small diameter spur gear 67 that in turn rotatably
communicates with a third large diameter spur gear 68 coaxially
fixed with a third small diameter spur gear 69 that in turn
rotatably communicates with fixed spur gear 70. In this way and as
will be understood by the skilled person, when motor 61 is
actuated, spur gear 62 is rotated which in turn rotates reduction
gear train 63 so as to rotate fixed spur gear 70. Fixed spur gear
70 is operatively connected to launch mechanism 40, by any of a
variety of means well known to the skilled person, so that rotation
of fixed spur gear 70 actuates pivotal movement of launch mechanism
40 about pivot point 47, best seen in FIG. 3.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, in at least one embodiment motors 51 and
61 are electrically powered by a series of batteries 49; however it
is contemplated that motors 51 and 61 could also be powered by
other means, such as AC power. Motors 51 and 61 are controlled by
the microprocessor of tracking system 30, so as to actuate rotation
system 50 and pivot system 60 in response to infrared signal 10, as
described above.
[0055] In at least one embodiment, projectiles can be launched from
the present tracking system by means of compressed air delivered by
a piston system. With reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D, one embodiment
of a piston system 100 is illustrated. Piston system 100 has a
motor 102 driving a spur gear 104. In at least one embodiment,
motor 102 is electrically powered by batteries 49. Spur gear 104 is
rotatably connected to a reduction gear train 110. In at least one
embodiment, the reduction gear train 110 has a first large diameter
spur gear 111 coaxially connected to a first small diameter spur
gear 112 which in turn rotatably engages a second large diameter
spur gear 113 coaxially fixed to a second small diameter spur gear
114 (best seen in FIG. 6B) which in turn rotatably engages a third
large diameter spur gear 115 which is coaxially fixed to a third
small diameter spur gear 116. As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the
individual gear elements of reduction gear train 110 are rotatably
mounted on fixed axles 138 that protrude from cylinder 130.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D, in at least one
embodiment, cylinder 130 has a first outlet orifice 134, a second
outlet orifice 136, a piston 120 and a valve seat 150. A
longitudinal slot 144 is provided that is adapted to receive a
protruding guide 119 that protrudes from piston 120. Piston 120 and
valve seat 150 each translate vertically within the internal
cylindrical space of cylinder 130.
[0057] Valve seat 150 is adapted to move between a first position
wherein first outlet orifice 134 is blocked and a second position
wherein second outlet orifice 136 is blocked (as shown in FIG. 6C).
With reference to FIG. 7, at least one embodiment of a valve seat
assembly is illustrated wherein valve seat 150 has a plurality of
flow channels 152 that allow second outlet orifice 136 to fluidly
communicate with the internal cylindrical space of cylinder 130
when valve seat 150 is in a first position (i.e. blocking first
outlet orifice 134). In this way, air compressed within cylinder
130 as described below can be directed to either first outlet
orifice 134 or second outlet orifice 136 depending on the position
of valve seat 150.
[0058] As seen in FIGS. 6A to 7, in at least one embodiment valve
seat assembly has an angled push rod 154. Push rod 154 is
operatively connected to a yoke 160. Yoke 160 is a vertically
projecting element having a horizontal channel 162 that is adapted
to receive a pin 164. Pin 164 is fixed to a spur gear 166 at a
position outwardly and radially removed from the rotational centre
of spur gear 166. Spur gear 166 is in rotational communication with
third small diameter spur gear 116 and is coaxially aligned with,
but not fixed to, second small diameter spur gear 114 and second
large diameter spur gear 113, as seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0059] In this way and as will be understood by the skilled person,
when spur gear 166 is rotated, pin 164 is similarly translated in a
circular pattern and yoke 160 is translated in a vertical
direction. As yoke 160 is connected to push rod 154, the vertical
translation of yoke 160 causes a corresponding vertical translation
of push rod 154, so as to translate valve seat 150 between its
first position and its second position as described above. In this
way, compressed air can be alternately diverted between first
outlet orifice 134 and second outlet orifice 136 depending on the
rotational speed of spur gear 166.
[0060] Turning back to FIGS. 6A to 6D, air can be compressed within
cylinder 130 as follows. Piston 120 is biased towards the bottom
end of cylinder 130 by a coil spring 132. Piston 120 has a
protruding guide 119 that is adapted to translate vertically within
slot 144 of cylinder 130 as discussed above.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D, third large diameter spur gear
115 is coaxially fixed to an eccentric cam 118. Cam 118 is adapted
to engage guide 119. As will be understood by the skilled person,
when third large diameter spur gear 115 rotated, cam 118 is also
rotated, which engages guide 119, causing guide 119 (and piston
120) to be translated upwards, against the biasing force of spring
132.
[0062] As will be understood by the skilled person, as cam 118 is
rotated, guide 119 will eventually be translated to the top of slot
144. At the same time, piston 120 will be translated upwards to a
point where spring 132 is fully compressed. Eventually, as cam 118
is rotated slightly further to a point were the extreme point 133
of cam 118 passes past guide 119, guide 119 will no longer contact
cam 118 and spring 132 will be released to drive piston 120
downwards in cylinder 130. This downward movement of cylinder 130
will drive the air contained in the internal chamber of cylinder
130 out of either first outlet orifice 134 or second outlet orifice
136 depending on the position of valve seat 150 as described in
detail above.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 8A to 8D, at least one embodiment of
a projectile system 200 is illustrated. Projectile system 200
includes at least one projectile magazine 300, 400, a support plate
210, a pawl yoke 220 and a large diameter spur gear 202. Large
diameter spur gear 202 is in rotatable communication with third
small diameter spur gear 116 (as seen in FIG. 4A) and is coaxially
aligned with, but not fixed to, spur gear 166.
[0064] Support plate 210 provides a surface to mount the elements
of projectile system 200 and fix them within the structure of the
tracking system 30. Support plate 210 has a first orifice 211 and a
second orifice 212 as seen in FIG. 9. First orifice 211 and second
orifice 212 are respectively connected in fluid communication with
first outlet orifice 134 and second outlet orifice 136. Flexible
tubing (not shown) can be used to connect first orifice 211 and
second orifice 212 with first outlet orifice 134 and second outlet
orifice 136, among other selections that will be readily apparent
to the skilled person. In this way compressed air can be directed
from cylinder 130, through the action of piston 120, to first
orifice 211 and second orifice 212.
[0065] With reference to FIG. 8C, projectile magazine 300 has a
central axle 302, a ratchet mechanism 304, an orifice ridge 306, a
radially protruding flange 308 and at least one hollow projectile
nozzle 310. Projectile magazine 400 is constructed similarly and
has a central axle 402, a ratchet mechanism 404, an orifice ridge
406, a radially protruding flange 408 and at least one hollow
projectile nozzle 410, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In at least one
embodiment, the individual parts of projectile magazine 300, 400
can be integrally formed. In practice, projectile magazines 300,
400 will generally have projectiles 45 mounted on one or more of
the provided projectile nozzles 310, 410, as seen in FIG. 4A.
Central axle 302 rotatably mates with a corresponding hole 216
provided in plate 210 and the corresponding central axle 402 of
projectile magazine 400 rotatably mates with corresponding hole 218
provided in plate 210, as shown in FIG. 9. Projectile nozzles 310,
410 each have an axially extending central duct 312, 412 (shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B). Orifice ridge 306 has at least one orifice 320,
each of which fluidly communicates with the central duct 312 of a
projectile nozzle 310. In this way, a fluid such as compressed air
injected into orifice 320 will be transmitted through central duct
312 and out projectile nozzle 310. As can be seen in FIG. 8D, first
orifice 211 of support plate 210 can align with the at least one
orifice 320, such that compressed air can be directed by way of
first orifice 211 through orifice 320 and central duct 312 of
projectile nozzle 310. Similarly, second orifice 212 of support
plate 210 can align with a corresponding orifice 420 in projectile
magazine 400, which is in fluid communication with central duct 412
in projectile nozzle 410. It will be appreciated that as valve seat
150 is moved so as to direct compressed air alternately through
first outlet orifice 134 and second outlet orifice 136, the
compressed air will be alternately directed through either first
orifice 211 and central duct 312, or through second orifice 212 and
central duct 412, respectively.
[0066] Spur gear 202 is coaxially fixed to a pawl crank 204 as can
be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8D. Pawl crank 204 has an outwardly and
radially extending arm 206 having a pin 208. Pawl crank 204
projects through a hole 214 provided in support plate 210 as seen
in FIGS. 8A and 9.
[0067] As seen in FIGS. 8B and 8C, a pawl yoke 220 having a slot
222 aligns with plate 210. Pin 208 is adapted to engage slot 222
such that as pawl crank 204 is rotated by spur gear 202, pawl yoke
220 is alternately translated back and forth along the longitudinal
axis of support plate 210, in the direction of arrows A and B (FIG.
8C).
[0068] As seen in FIG. 8C, pawl yoke 220 has a first pawl 224 and a
second pawl 225 that are pivotably connected to pawl yoke 220.
First pawl 224 is adapted to engage ratchet mechanism 304 in
projectile magazine 300 and second pawl 225 is adapted to engage a
corresponding ratchet mechanism 404 in projectile magazine 400. As
will be understood by the skilled person, when pawl yoke 220 is
translated to a first position (in the direction of arrow A as seen
in FIG. 8C), first pawl 224 engages tooth 305 and pushes ratchet
mechanism 304 so as to rotate projectile magazine 300 by a
predetermined amount. Alternatively, when pawl yoke 220 is
translated to a second position (in the direction of arrow B in
FIG. 8C), first pawl 224 moves back so as to engage the next tooth
305 of ratchet mechanism 304. As the projectile magazine 300 is
rotated by first pawl 224, each orifice 320 of projectile magazine
300 aligns in turn with first orifice 211 provided in support plate
210, as seen in FIG. 8D. It will be appreciated that second pawl
225 is adapted to engage a corresponding ratchet mechanism 404 in
projectile magazine 400, and operates in a similar fashion.
[0069] An alternative embodiment of projectile mechanism 200 is
illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10C. In at least this embodiment,
projectile mechanism 200 includes support plate 502 and projectile
magazines 510, 520, bearing projectile nozzles 512, 522 with
central ducts 514, 524, which are in fluid communication with
orifices 516, 526 (best seen in FIG. 10B). As projectile magazines
510, 520 are rotated, as described in further detail below, each
orifice 516, 526 is in turn brought into alignment with orifices
504, 506 in support plate 502. Orifices 504 and 506 are in turn in
fluid communication with first outlet orifice 134 and second outlet
orifice 136 respectively of piston system 100. Flexible tubing (not
shown), among other selections that will be readily apparent to the
skilled person, can be used to connect orifices 504 and 506 with
first outlet orifice 134 and second outlet orifice 136, such that
compressed air can be directed from cylinder 130, through the
action of piston 120, to orifices 504 and 506 as described
above.
[0070] Each projectile magazine 510, 520 also bears a plurality of
notches 518, 528, that are adapted to engage tip 531 of pawl arm
530. As best seen in FIG. 10C, pawl arm 530 has shoulder 532 biased
to slidingly engage elliptical ridge 533 by the action of spring
534. Pawl arm 530 also includes slot 535 adapted to slidingly
receive pin 536, which is coaxially fixed to spur gear 202. As pin
536 rotates, pawl arm 530 is rotated and shoulder 532 travels along
elliptical ridge 533, such that pawl arm 530 is translated radially
as slot 535 slides along pin 536. When pawl arm 530 approaches
approximate alignment with the major axis of the ellipse defined by
elliptical ridge 533, tip 531 is extended due to the bias of spring
534, such that tip 531 engages notch 518. As pawl arm 530 is
further rotated, projectile magazine 510 is rotated by an amount
sufficient to advance an orifice 516 into alignment with orifice
504. As pin 534 rotates further such that pawl arm 530 is moved out
of approximate alignment with the major axis of the ellipse defined
by elliptical ridge 533, shoulder 532 slides along elliptical ridge
533, translating pawl arm radially against the bias of spring 534
and disengaging tip 531 from notch 518. Further rotation eventually
brings tip 531 into engagement with notch 528, such that orifices
526 of projectile magazine 520 can be advanced into alignment with
orifice 506 in a similar fashion.
[0071] In operation, projectiles 45 may be fired as follows. Motor
102 of piston system 100 is actuated by the microprocessor when the
target vehicle has been tracked and located, and a projectile
should be fired. Spur gear 104 is rotated, in turn actuating
reduction gear train 110 so as to rotate third large diameter spur
gear 115 and third small diameter spur gear 116. Rotation of third
large diameter spur gear 115 in turn causes rotation of cam 118,
such that piston 120 is translated vertically against the biasing
force of spring 132. When cam 118 reaches the end of its rotational
travel, piston 120 is released, driving air from cylinder 130
through one of the provided outlet orifices 134 and 136.
[0072] In addition, rotation of third small diameter spur gear 116
causes rotation of spur gear 166, in turn causing the oscillation
of yoke 160, push rod 154 and valve seat 150, as described above.
In response, valve seat 150 oscillates between a first position
(wherein first outlet orifice 134 is blocked) and a second position
(wherein second outlet orifice 136 is blocked). In this way,
compressed air may be directed from cylinder 130 to either outlet
orifice 134 or 136.
[0073] Furthermore, as third small diameter spur gear 116 is
rotated, spur gear 202 is in turn rotated, thereby causing
projectile magazine 300, for example, to rotate by a predetermined
amount, as discussed above. At the same time, a corresponding
orifice 320 is brought into fluid communication with a first
orifice 211 provided in support plate 210. In this way, orifice 320
(and by extension, projectile nozzle 310) is brought in fluid
communication with cylinder 130 such that compressed air can be
directed from outlet orifice 134 or 136 of cylinder 130 to orifice
211 and ejected out projectile nozzle 310. As will be understood by
the skilled person, this ejected compressed air will be sufficient
to forcibly dislodge a lightweight projectile 45 that is mounted on
projectile nozzle 310 and fire the projectile 45 at the target toy
vehicle. Launch of a projectile 45 from projectile magazine 400,
510 or 520 can take place in an analogous manner.
[0074] It will be clear to the skilled person that when two
projectile magazines are present (for example, projectile magazines
300 and 400 or projectile magazines 510 and 520), projectiles will
be launched alternately and sequentially from each projectile
magazine. Launch of projectiles can continue until the
microprocessor directs the tracking system to cease operation. This
can happen, for example, when the target toy vehicle is hit by a
projectile, such that the infrared signal emitted by the toy
vehicle is no longer received by the infrared receivers of the
tracking system, or when the projectile magazines are exhausted of
projectiles.
[0075] The skilled person will select gear ratios for the
aforementioned reduction gear trains such that the timing of the
internal mechanisms and systems of the turret are coordinated. For
example, reduction gear train 110, cam 118, spur gear 166, spur
gear 202 will be selected such that compressed air is directed to
the first projectile magazine when the central duct of a projectile
nozzle is aligned so as to receive the compressed air, and
compressed air will be directed to the second projectile magazine
when the second projectile magazine is similarly aligned.
[0076] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are
meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present
invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent
to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of
the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the
present invention are set out in the following appended claims.
* * * * *