U.S. patent application number 13/632236 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for child's activity toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to TECH 4 KIDS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Tech 4 Kids Inc.. Invention is credited to Kyle Jeffs, Bradley D. Pedersen.
Application Number | 20130052907 13/632236 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47744366 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130052907 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pedersen; Bradley D. ; et
al. |
February 28, 2013 |
Child's Activity Toy
Abstract
A method for enabling interaction between a virtual environment
and a physical object, which includes the steps of storing on an
interactive display device a computer-based programming running a
set of programming codes related to a virtual representation of a
physical object, providing a physical page with a representation of
the physical object thereon, scanning the page with the interactive
display device and identifying the physical object based upon a
characteristic on the page that is detectable by the interactive
display device when scanning, and displaying the virtual
representation of the physical object on a interactive display
surface defined by the interactive display device.
Inventors: |
Pedersen; Bradley D.;
(Mississauga, CA) ; Jeffs; Kyle; (Mississauga,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tech 4 Kids Inc.; |
Mississauga |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
TECH 4 KIDS INC.
Mississauga
CA
|
Family ID: |
47744366 |
Appl. No.: |
13/632236 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13253020 |
Oct 4, 2011 |
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13632236 |
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13253037 |
Oct 4, 2011 |
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13253020 |
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61389680 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
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61389680 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 11/00 20130101;
G09B 1/02 20130101; G09B 1/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/146 |
International
Class: |
A63H 13/15 20060101
A63H013/15 |
Claims
1. A method for enabling interaction between a virtual environment
and a physical object, comprising the steps of: storing on an
interactive display device a virtual representation of a physical
object; providing a physical page with a representation of the
physical object thereon; when the page is disposed adjacent to the
interactive display device, identifying the physical object based
upon a characteristic on the page that is detectable by the
interactive display device; and displaying the virtual
representation of the physical object on a interactive display
surface defined by the interactive display device.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: enabling an active
function, perceptible to a user, of the virtual representation of
the physical object for which an attribute of the virtual
representation of the physical object is controllable by a
user.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the active function includes but
is not limited to controlling movement, color, style, or
interaction between the virtual representation of the physical
object and the interactive display device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic on the page
that is detectable by the interactive display device is a glyph, QR
code, or other computer readable code.
5. The method of claim 1, where the characteristic of the page that
is detectable by the interactive display device is the
representation of the physical object.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: changing the display
of the virtual representation of the physical object on the
interactive display surface, when the characteristic of the page
that is detectable by the interactive display device is
changed.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the change to the characteristic
of the page is a difference in color.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the representation of the
physical object on the page is a plurality of colored discs
positioned on the page.
9. A method for enabling interaction between a virtual environment
and a physical object, comprising the steps of: storing on an
interactive display device a computer-based programming running a
set of programming codes related to a virtual representation of a
physical object; providing a physical page with a representation of
the physical object thereon; scanning the page with the interactive
display device and identifying the physical object based upon a
characteristic on the page that is detectable by the interactive
display device when scanning; and displaying the virtual
representation of the physical object on a interactive display
surface defined by the interactive display device.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: enabling an active
function on the interactive display device of the virtual
representation of the physical object for which an attribute of the
virtual representation of the physical object is controllable by a
user.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the active function includes
but is not limited to controlling movement, color, style, or
interaction between the virtual representation of the physical
object and the interactive display device.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the characteristic on the page
that is detectable by the interactive display device is a glyph, QR
code, or other computer readable code.
13. The method of claim 9, where the characteristic of the page
that is detectable by the interactive display device is the
representation of the physical object.
14. The method of claim 9 further comprising: selecting a display
of the virtual representation of the physical object based on a
characteristic of the page that is detectable by the interactive
display device, prior to the step of displaying the virtual
representation of the physical object on a interactive display
surface.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the selection of the display is
based on a color of the characteristic of the page.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein the representation of the
physical object on the page is a plurality of colored discs
positioned on the page.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. application
Ser. No. 13/253,020 filed Oct. 4, 2011 and U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/253,037 filed Oct. 4, 2011 both of which claim priority to
U.S. Application 61/389,680 filed Oct. 3, 2010, and all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a child's activity toy,
and in particular, an activity toy that allows the child to draw
pictures using specifically designed pieces, holders for the
pieces, and a system for sorting and reloading the pieces into the
holders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Children enjoy drawing, painting, and playing with bright
and multiple colored toys and other pieces. Numerous designs are
known for providing simple activity centers or drawing tools
comprising a flat board onto which paper, or the like can be
attached and onto which, a child can attached letters, shaped
designs, or the like, or draw free-hand to produce an image.
[0004] While these types of devices are generally well received by
most children, it would still be advantageous to provide an
activity toy that would allow the child to "paint" a picture using
brightly colored pieces, and then be able to collect, sort and
re-use those pieces to produce additional images.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the invention there is provided physical
pages with a representation of a physical object thereon. The pages
may be placed on a magnetic board and with the use of magnetic
discs the user can interactive with the page by coloring the page
with various colored discs. In another aspect of the invention
there is the ability to then take the physical page and augment the
reality of the page in a virtual environment. This can be done with
an interactive display device that can scan the page for a code the
invokes programming to run a virtual environment with a virtual
representation of the physical object. Once in the virtual
environment the user can actively function with the programming
such as controlling the movement, color, style, or other attribute
of the virtual representation of the physical object.
[0006] Various other aspects may be provided such as the virtual
representation of the physical object could be controlled by the
color of the discs.
[0007] Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will
become readily apparent from the following detailed description of
the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and
from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a image of six disc dispensers, and related
discs;
[0010] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show an activity toy support board
in various views including a front view, top view, side view and
perspective view, respectively;
[0011] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the back surface of the activity
toy, having a disc sorting system included therein;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a further image of the back surface of the
activity toy with included sorting system;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an overall view of the components which may be
packaged together in a commercial embodiment of the child's
activity toy according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a brief illustrated description of several actions
required to prepare the activity toy for use by a child;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a general view showing the manner of operation of
the child's activity toy;
[0016] FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating a user scanning a
code on the page to run an application on a smart phone; and
[0017] FIG. 8B illustrates the augmented reality feature once the
code is scanned.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be
described in detail herein the preferred embodiments of the present
invention. It should be understood, however, that the present
disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles
of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope
of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments illustrated.
[0019] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic
of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use
and method of operation, together with further objectives and
advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following
drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention
will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings,
like reference numerals depict like elements.
[0020] It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are
for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not
intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, six disc dispensers 100, are shown
having each having a plurality of colored discs 102. Discs 102 are
made of coated steel, and are different colors, so that each
dispenser 100 dispenses differently colored discs. Discs 102 are
preferably coated with colors containing fluorescent pigments.
[0022] In FIGS. 2A through 2D there is shown an activity toy 10
having a configuration similar to a computer monitor. Toy 10
includes a stand 12, and a display screen 14. Display screen 14
acts as a support board, and is coated with a thin magnetic pad,
and is black in color.
[0023] Screen 14 can be illuminated using an overhead UV light, a
UV light built into the activity toy, but in a preferred
embodiment, UV lights are included in the Chromadepth 3D imaging
glasses, and light from the glasses is projected onto the drawing
board.
[0024] In FIG. 2D, a pre-printed image of a fish is shown, which is
partially covered in discs 102. The rocks, also shown in FIG. 2D
are "colored" with discs 102 of a different color. When viewed
under UV light, using Chromadepth glasses, and using the
fluorescent pigmented colored discs, the fish will appear to be at
a different image "depth" than the rocks or the background, and
thereby, an enhanced 3D image will be viewed.
[0025] At the top of screen 14 is a cover section 16 which is open
to the screen 14. After the drawing is completed, the child pushes
the discs 102 under cover 16, using a plastic ruler, or the like,
so that the discs pass over the top of screen 14, and fall into an
enclosed catchment area 20, best seen in FIG. 3A.
[0026] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the rear view of activity toy 10 is
shown, including sorting system 17. The opening under cover 16 from
screen 14 can be seen. It will be noted that screen 14 can be
tilted forward on base 12, for this operation.
[0027] The discs fall towards sorting wheel 22, which contains 6
semi-circular openings 24 adapted to receive discs 102. Sorting
wheel 22 is turned using a handle 26, and the discs are moved
towards the discs exits 28 and 30. Three different sizes of discs
fall through exit 28, and the other three different sizes of discs
102 fall through exit 30. Once the discs exit the sorting wheel,
they roll down ramps 32 and 34, and fall into opening 36 which are
the same size as the appropriate discs 102. The discs fall through
tubes 38, shown in outline, and fall into dispensers 100. Only four
of the six dispensers 100 are shown in recesses 40, in the back of
activity toy 10,
[0028] A further image of the back side of toy 10, showing the
sorting system and 6 dispensers, is also shown in FIG. 4. Use of
the sorting system is as previously described herein.
[0029] Finally, it should be noted that even in situations where
use of the UV lamp and Chromadepth glasses is not desired, the
child still has a multiple activity toy 10 that can be used in a
manner similar to prior art multiple activity toys. The child
merely uses discs 102 to create a normally appearing image, and
then collects the discs 102 using the sorting system 17.
[0030] In use, therefore, the child has the option of simply using
the discs and board alone as a simple multiple activity toy.
However, the child also has the option of using the Chromadepth
glasses to provide an enhanced 3D effect when viewing the
fluorescent coloured discs, and in its most preferred option, the
child can use a combination of fluorescent coloured discs, with
Chromadepth glasses, when viewed under UV light, to achieve the
optimal visual effect
[0031] An exemplary implementation of the child's activity toy of
the present invention provides a "drawing" or support board which
is used in combination with a series of drawing pieces. The pieces
are preferably circular discs, and are preferably held to the
drawing board using magnetism. Either the discs or the board, can
be magnetic, but preferably, the board comprises at least one area
which acts as a magnetic, and the discs are made of steel or some
other magnetic material, or the like, so as to adhere to the
magnetic board.
[0032] Both the board and the discs are preferably coated, and in
respect of the discs, a variety of different coloured discs are
provided to the child.
[0033] In use, the child places the discs onto the board in order
to produce an image from the coloured discs. In a preferred
embodiment, the child is provided with a board, or a board cover
(such as a cover of paper, cloth, plastic film, or the like) on
which the outline of the drawing is printed. The child fills in the
open areas outlined on the drawing using the coloured discs
provided.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the coloured image is viewed by
the child using three dimensional (3D) imaging technology. In
particular, in the preferred embodiment, the child uses a type of
three dimensional imaging technology known as "Chromadepth" imaging
technology, which was developed by American Paper Optics. This
technique produces a 3D effect based upon differences in the
diffraction of color through a special prism-like holographic film
which is typically fitted into glasses worn by the viewer.
Chromadepth glasses purposely exacerbate chromatic aberration and
give the illusion of colors taking up different positions in space,
with red being in front, and blue being in back. In more detail,
the lenses of the Chromadepth glasses, are oriented sideways, so
that the overall bending effect creates an image wherein it appears
that parts of the scene have been shifted horizontally inwards (ie,
towards the center of the user's face). In its typical
configuration, the red hues are shifted more than the greens and
the greens are shifted more than the blues. Thus, red elements in
the 3D scene appear to converge closest to the viewer and the blue
elements appear to converge the farthest away. This technique works
particularly well with the sky, sea or grass as a background, and
redder objects in the foreground.
[0035] Any suitably colored material can be given a 3D effect as
long as the color spectrum is put into use with the foreground
being in red, and the background in blue. From front to back the
scheme therefore follows the visible light spectrum, from red to
orange, yellow, green and blue. As a result, ChromaDepth works best
with artificially produced or enhanced pictures, since the color of
the object indicates and controls the "depth" of the image.
[0036] However, unlike other 3D imaging techniques, such as
anaglyph images or polarization, creating real-life ChromaDepth
pictures without manual enhancement is practically impossible,
since the color of an actual picture may not correspond with the
Chromadepth color scheme.
[0037] However, the Chromadepth technique does provide some
distinct advantages over other 3D imaging techniques, since the
Chromadepth image contains its apparent depth information all in
one image. This eliminates the ghosting effect seen in other 3D
imaging technique when the user view the objects or images without
the appropriate 3D glasses. Thus, ChromaDepth images can be viewed
comfortably and clearly without using the 3D glasses, even though
the 3D effect will not be perceivable without them.
[0038] In the present invention, the discs are preferably colored
using different colors so that the result image has a 3D effect
when viewed through Chromadepth glasses.
[0039] More preferably, the inventors have discovered that the
Chromadepth technology is enhanced if the colors selected use
fluorescent pigments. As such, in a preferred embodiment, the image
is viewed with Chromadepth glasses wherein at least some of the
colored discs are colored using fluorescent pigments.
[0040] Still more preferably, the inventors have also discovered
that the Chromadepth technology is further enhanced if the image is
viewed under Ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light can be provided
by overhead lighting, but more preferably, is provided by the UV
light built into the activity toy, or, is provided by UV lamps
built into the Chromadepth glasses. In this option, UV lamps are
included in the glasses, and light from the glasses is projected
onto the drawing board.
[0041] As such, in a further aspect, the present invention also
provides Chromadepth 3D imaging glass comprising at least one UV
lamp, for projection of UV light on to the image observed, with the
Chromadepth glasses.
[0042] In a further feature, the activity toy of the present
invention includes a disc dispenser which holds the discs, with one
dispenser used for each separate colour. The dispenser has a
general pen shaped appearance including a hollow tube in which the
coloured discs can be stacked. When held next to the magnetic
drawing board, the coloured steel discs are attracted to the board,
and the disc can be individually released by releasing a
containment catch on the dispenser. Thus, in use, the child brings
the end of the dispenser near the board, releases the containment
catch, and a coloured disc exits the dispenser, and attaches itself
to the board. By releasing several discs, the child can essentially
cover the bulk of the area in the outline, in a manner similar to
colouring or painting.
[0043] The child can use different coloured discs to colour various
items, and by selecting these different colours can create a 3D
image when viewed through the Chromadepth glass. This 3D image is
enhanced when viewed under UV light, and is particularly enhanced
when fluorescent pigments are used.
[0044] The support board can be any suitable colour, but black is
preferred since it does not interfere with the Chromadepth 3D
image. The support board might also simply be a support for
overlays, including overlayments which are printed on paper,
cardboard, cloth, plastic film, or the like. The support board
might also include a clear plastic screen that can be edge-lit with
UV light.
[0045] Still further, the board includes a magnetic surface that
extends upwards to the top of the board, and then curls around the
top of the board before preferably partially extending down the
back of the support board. This assists in collection and sorting
of the disks, as will be described hereinbelow.
[0046] Most, if not all of the back of the board, however, is a
non-magnetic area.
[0047] When the child is finished with the activity centre, or
wishes to draw another image, the discs are slid up the board
(using any suitable means such as a ruler, plastic slider, or an
integral plastic slider built into the device, or the like), where
they proceed over the top of the curved magnetic board, down the
back of the activity toy, and then are released into a preferably
enclosed catchment area located on the back of the activity
board.
[0048] Once the discs fall into the catchment area, the discs can
be sorted using a sorting device, as herein described.
[0049] One suitable sorting device operates as follows.
[0050] The coloured discs are typically between 1 and 4 cm, and
more preferably between 2 and 3 cm in diameter. They also have a
thickness of between 0.1 and 2 cm, and more preferably, between 0.3
and 0.8 cm.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the present device, the discs
preferably have at least two different diameters, and preferably
each diameter setting includes 3 differently coloured disc. Thus,
the user has 6 differently coloured discs, each of which has its
own unique combination of diameter and thickness.
[0052] The first component of the sorting device preferably
comprises a sorting wheel being a generally circular wheel, with a
crank that can be used for spinning the wheel, in one direction.
The sorting wheel has a equally spaced collection of regularly
shaped openings on its perimeter, which are adapted to receive any
one of the colored discs.
[0053] The openings are sized and shaped so as to collect any of
the discs. For example, circular discs would be caught in a wheel
having semi-circular openings on its outer diameter. While circular
shapes are most convenient, other shapes, such as square discs, or
the like, might also be used.
[0054] Additionally, the catchment area is enclosed, preferably by
a clear plastic, so that the only mechanism for the discs to exit
the catchment area, is through the sorting wheel.
[0055] In one embodiment, the discs collected in the wheel pass by
at least one exit point which has an exit opening size which is
related to the disc size. When passing the first exit point, only
discs below a selected diameter are able to exit the sorting wheel,
while any larger discs must proceed to a second exit point, where
any remaining discs are removed from the sorting wheel. As such,
the six discs (of this example) are first sorted into two different
groups.
[0056] To exit the sorting wheel, additional exit openings, each
having (in order) a slightly larger exit opening size, might also
be used to further sort the discs of the invention using the
sorting wheel. In this case, an increased number of different disc
diameters can be used to provide additional sorting capability. As
such, the number of different disc diameters is preferably between
two and 10, and more preferably between 2 and 6. Most preferably,
however, there are only two different disc diameters.
[0057] The discs are also preferably provided with different
thicknesses. Once the discs have left the sorting wheel, they roll
(on end) down a "ramp" section located at each exit opening, which
ramp features slots of different widths. Once a disc reaches a slot
(or opening) with a width greater than its thickness, the disc
falls into the slot. If the disc is thicker than the slot, it will
continue over the slot, and eventually fall through the slot with a
larger opening.
[0058] The number of disc thickness and/or disc diameters used, is
preferably between 2 and 10, and more preferably, between 2 and 5.
Most preferably, there are 2 different disc diameters so that there
are two different sized openings, and preferably, there are three
different disc thicknesses, and thereby, three different sized
slots.
[0059] For example, for a two disc diameter, with three disc
thicknesses, a total of 6 different sized discs can be sorted. In
the present invention, the child therefore has a total of 6
different coloured discs that can be used on the magnetic board,
and then moved to the sorting system, once the drawing is
completed.
[0060] Other approaches might be taken. For example, six different
disc diameters might be used, with three of the discs having a
diameter so as to pass through the first exit from the sorting
wheel, and three will pass through to the second exit. On each
ramp, an opening can be provided that is matched to the disc size,
with the smallest diameter opening closest to the sorting wheel
exit. Larger discs will pass over the smaller opening and continue
down the ramp until they reach the correct sized opening. At this
point, they drop into the opening.
[0061] It will be noted that other combinations of these sorting
techniques can be envisioned by the skilled artisan.
[0062] At the bottom of each slot or opening, is a recess provided
to collect the sorted discs. Further, the recess is preferably
adapted to receive a disc dispenser. The end of the disc dispenser
is aligned within the slot recess, and discs falling through the
slot or opening, fall into the disc dispenser.
[0063] The end of the disc dispenser is held open when connected to
the recess, so as to allow the discs to fall into the
dispenser.
[0064] In this manner, the child is able to quickly and easily
return the discs to its correct dispenser, and each of the
dispensers is now ready for the next drawing. This disc collection
operation provides entertainment to the child, and reduces the
number of discs which will be lost during use since the discs
preferably remain either in the disc dispenser, or are magnetically
attached to the board,
[0065] When not in use, the disc dispensers themselves can also be
stored in their respective recesses in the activity toy, so as to
also minimize the potential loss of the disc dispensers.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 5, in an embodiment of the present
invention there is shown an overall view of the components which
are generally packaged together in a current embodiment of the
child's activity toy in keeping with the present invention shows a
tablet 210, a dispensing pen 202, a screen swiper 204, a plurality
of pre-printed stencils 206 that may be provided, a plurality of
coloured discs 208 (which are generally provided in several
colours, as described hereafter), and a pair of "Chromadepth"
glasses 290 to appreciate the three-dimensional imaging technology
as described above.
[0067] FIG. 6 shows, in five frames which are numbered 1 to 5,
several preliminary actions which may be required to set the
activity toy of the present invention into condition for use by a
child. The instructions originally in each frame described the
steps to be taken quite well, and were as follows: Frame 1: "To
start filling the pens with the 3-D Magic Dots, each pen into the
compartment with the latch that is the same colour as the pen cap.
Make sure the clear window is facing up." Frame 2: "Holding the
main body of the pen, insert the writing tip into the refill
position. When the pen is inserted correctly you will feel it click
into the slot. NOTE. Each Magic pen will only fit into the correct
slot. If the pen is not `clicking` into position check to make sure
the colour of the pen is the same as the latch." Frame 3: "Once all
the pens are in place, close the compartment spice sliding each
latch across to the left side." Frame 4: "You can draw right on the
screen or lift up the frame and insert a design stencil to color."
Frame 5: "for all the 3-D Magic Dots on the stencil. Use the screen
swiper to slide the 3-D Magic Dots to the top of the 3-D design
tablet. Make sure all 3-D Magic Dots go through the slot at the
top."
[0068] FIG. 7 shows the tablet 210 comprises a frame 222 which may
be hinged at the top edge thereof so as to permit placement of
differing stencils or blank pages into the frame, as seen in FIG.
6, Frame 4. On the upper side of the frame 222 there is a planar
surface 224, which is preferably made from a magnetic material. At
the top edge of the planar surface 224 there is a collector slot
226, through which the coloured discs 218 which have been placed on
the planar surface 224 may be pushed. At the under side of the
frame 222 there is a graduated sorter mechanism.
[0069] The colored discs 218 are distinguished by being made from a
material which is susceptible to magnetism, usually steel. They may
have a diameter ranging from 2 mm up to about 6 mm in a usual
embodiment of the present invention, and a thickness ranging from
about 0.5 mm up to about 2 mm. All of the colored discs 218 of any
specific diameter will be coloured under top and bottom surfaces by
having a specific color applied thereto, such as by painting,
coating, having a coloured paper or plastic disc adhered thereto.
The discs are typically colored before being punched from a sheet
of materials, but other methods are also possible.
[0070] In a typical commercial embodiment of a child's activity toy
in keeping with the present invention, four dispensers are provided
having four different colours; and typically, those colours are
red, orange, yellow, and green, ranging from the largest coloured
discs 218 to the smallest coloured discs 18 in four specific
diameters thereof, However, it will be clear that additional disc
sizes can be provided, and additional dispensers can be
provided.
[0071] In other aspects of the invention, the activity provided for
in the toy can be further developed with the use of augmented
reality software applications. Augmented reality is a live, direct
or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose
elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as
sound, video, graphics, or GPS data. It is related to a more
general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality
is modified by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by
enhancing one's current perception of reality. In one embodiment of
the present invention FIG. 8A, a page 216 with an image may have
embedded thereon a OR Code (quick response code), glyph, or other
type of symbol or code which can be scanned by a smart phone or
mobile device running a specified program. Once scanned the user
can have an interactive experience with the application running on
the smart phone in an augmented reality. The software application
can then augment the image from the page into a 3 dimensional
virtual world, or may with the use of the smart phone's
video/camera begin to move the image off of the page and into the
background imagery of the real world surroundings.
[0072] This experience brings to life the images and completely
enhances the user's enjoyment of the toy. The software application
can also allow the user to interact, color, or change the images
and even as developed play games FIG. 8B.
[0073] In other aspects, the code is only capable of being
recognized when scanned by the mobile device after the colored
discs are fully placed on the page. In other aspects, each page
would include a different code that unlocks other aspects in the
application coding. Furthermore, the different colored discs or the
different pends can include different codes that unlock other
aspects in the application. As such using all green discs on a page
may unlock a different application coding then if all blue discs
where used or if multiple colors where used. Lastly, when the
application is running, the user may unlock other colors in the
application by scanning different color pends.
[0074] Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the
word "comprise" and variations of the word such as "comprising" and
"comprises", when used in the description and claims of the present
specification, is not intended to exclude other additives,
components, integers or steps. Moreover, the words "substantially"
or "essentially", when used with an adjective or adverb is intended
to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g.,
substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar
and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.
Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features
described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in
any combination. Further, use of the terms "he", "him", "his", is
not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the
masculine gender, and could easily be read as "she", "her", or
"hers", respectively. Finally, while this discussion has addressed
prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all
art discussed is citable against the present application.
[0075] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in
accordance with the present invention, a child's activity toy,
which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth
hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of
the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives,
modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those
skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present
specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
[0076] From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it is observed
that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without
departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the
invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect
to the embodiments illustrated herein is intended or should be
inferred. It is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such
modifications within the scope of the appended claims.
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