U.S. patent application number 14/164388 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-28 for autonomous toy capable of tracking and interacting with a source.
This patent application is currently assigned to CEPIA LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CEPIA LLC. Invention is credited to James Russell Hornsby, Joseph L. McGowan, Michael C. Reynolds.
Application Number | 20150147936 14/164388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53180377 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150147936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hornsby; James Russell ; et
al. |
May 28, 2015 |
Autonomous Toy Capable of Tracking and Interacting With a
Source
Abstract
A mechanized, movable toy with the ability to interact with and
explore its environment, while performing actions and creating
noises at specific intervals. The toy has at least two receivers
and a control unit capable of detecting wireless signals from a
source and capable of reacting to move towards the source of the
wireless signals. Once the toy enters within an area of the source,
the toy performs a new action. The source may be a stationary
device, handheld device, movable device, or another mobile toy. The
toy may contain switches thereupon to switch the toy on or off. The
receivers may be arranged in and around the toy to detect the
wireless signals from one side of the toy or another.
Inventors: |
Hornsby; James Russell;
(Winter Park, FL) ; McGowan; Joseph L.; (St.
Charles, MO) ; Reynolds; Michael C.; (Ballwin,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CEPIA LLC |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CEPIA LLC
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
53180377 |
Appl. No.: |
14/164388 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61907635 |
Nov 22, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/456 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/36 20130101;
A63H 29/22 20130101; A63H 11/00 20130101; A63H 17/395 20130101;
A63H 2200/00 20130101; A63H 30/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/456 |
International
Class: |
A63H 29/22 20060101
A63H029/22; A63H 3/36 20060101 A63H003/36 |
Claims
1. An interactive toy and a source, comprising: a toy being capable
of moving autonomously in its environment through movements
controlled by control circuitry of the toy; a source of a wireless
signal which is physically separate from the toy; two or more
sensors of the toy capable of detecting the at least one wireless
signal; a control circuitry of the toy capable of analyzing the
wireless signal detected by the sensors and able to direct the toy
towards the source of the wireless signal; wherein the control
circuitry of the toy causes the toy to perform a trick once the toy
is within a predetermined distance of the source of the wireless
signal; wherein the trick involves a specific set of movements by
the toy around or near the source; wherein there may be multiple
different sources of the wireless signal each capable of emitting a
different wireless signal; wherein different wireless signals cause
the toy to perform a different trick.
2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the source of the wireless signal
emits an infrared signal and the sensors are capable of detecting
infrared signals.
3. The toy of claim 2, wherein there are at least two motors on the
toy capable of moving the toy.
4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the toy has at least four sensors,
with at least two sensors at the front of the toy and at least two
sensors at the rear of the toy.
5. The toy of claim 2, wherein the toy has three wheels, with its
center of gravity over two wheels of the toy.
6. The toy of claim 5, wherein a trick performed by the toy
includes moving in reverse, then moving forward allowing the front
of the toy to rise up and ride on only two wheels.
7. The toy of claim 2, wherein the tricks comprise moving from one
side to another while sitting on its rear wheels, spinning around
in a circle, charging at the source, or moving from side to
side.
8. The toy of claim 7, wherein the toy is capable of physically
interacting with the toy and causing the ball to move, with the toy
moving correspondingly to continue to interact with the toy.
9. The toy of claim 8, wherein there may be multiple toys capable
of pursuing the source at the same time.
10. The toy of claim 2, wherein the source comprises a handheld
device, a stationary device, or a ball.
11. The toy of claim 10, wherein the ball consists of four wireless
emitters.
12. The toy of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry of the toy
recognizes it is within the predetermined distance from the source
of the wireless signal because of a coded signal sent in sequence
within the wireless signal from the source of the wireless
signal.
13. The toy of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry of the toy
recognizes it is within the predetermined distance from the source
of the wireless signal because the toy recognizes a second signal
delivered to the toy within the predetermined distance.
14. The toy of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry of the toy
recognizes it is within the predetermined distance from the source
of the wireless signal because the control circuitry of the toy
analyzes the signal strength of the detected wireless signal.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/907,635 filed Nov. 22, 2013, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to toy entertainment devices,
and more particularly to motorized, movable toys.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Motorized toy vehicles are popular among children because
they allow the children to imitate a real life action, such as
driving a car or the movement of a pet. Normally, these toys are
controlled remotely through a hand held control and the child
inputs physical commands directing the toy to move a specific
direction by pressing a button or using a joystick. Children enjoy
controlling remote cars, and enjoy playing with toys that operate
autonomously. Children also enjoy autonomous vehicles that mimic
real-life play of animals or real-life driving actions of vehicles.
However, there is a need for a toy that can interact with its
environment and perform an action in response to stimuli while
being able to track an object in a playful manner, similar to a
real pet or a real vehicle interacting with an object.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to an autonomous toy that
is capable of exploring its environment. In an exemplary
embodiment, an interactive toy and a wireless signal source are
provided. The interactive toy is capable of moving autonomously in
its environment through movements controlled by control circuitry
of the toy. The exemplary embodiment further includes a source of a
wireless signal which is physically separate from the toy. The
interactive toy includes two or more sensors capable of detecting
the at least one wireless signal, and control circuitry that is
capable of analyzing the wireless signal detected by the sensors
and directing the toy towards a source of the wireless signal. The
toy performs a trick once the toy is within a predetermined
distance of the source of the wireless signal, wherein the toy is
capable of performing more than one trick when within the
predetermined distance of the source, and the trick performed is
determined by the wireless signal emitted by the source of the
wireless signal.
DRAWINGS
[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 1 is an angled font perspective view of the toy
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the toy according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the toy according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an angled front perspective view of the handheld
source according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 5 is an angled front perspective view of the stationary
source according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 6 is an angled front perspective view of the movable
source according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the handheld source
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the handheld source
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the stationary source
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the movable source
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a pattern of movement of a toy and
source in operation with each other;
[0017] FIG. 12 is an angled front view of a toy performing a trick
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 13 is an angled front view of a toy performing a trick
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 14 is an angled front view of a toy performing a trick
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 15 is an angled front view of a toy performing a trick
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present disclosure describes various embodiments in
detail herein below with reference to the embodiments. It should be
understood that the invention is not limited to the specific
configurations shown and described in these embodiments, rather,
one of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of
configurations may be implemented in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, an interactive toy and a
wireless signal source are provided, where the interactive toy
includes a cover. The cover of the toy is in the shape of a dog or
kitten; however, the shape may be in any form such as a car, robot,
or spaceship. Construction of the toy may be from a wide variety of
materials such as, but not limited to, plastic or plush fabric. The
toy contains at least one motor capable of turning wheels forward
and backward. The toy's exploratory movements are based on a
predetermined path providing sounds and movements in timed
sequences. Additionally, the toy is capable of receiving a wireless
signal or signals from a source and interrupting its predetermined
path by performing new actions, such as moving towards the source
of the signals. Further, when the wireless signal or signals reach
a certain strength or density, or the toy moves within an area to
receive a second signal or signals, a new reaction or behavior is
performed such as a dog performing a trick. The wireless signal may
be a light source, such as infrared light. The receivers may be
arranged to detect a signal from different sides of the toy, such
as being arranged on the front, back, or sides of the toy.
[0024] As the toy is in active use, the toy explores its
environment, moving in straight or curved lines in multiple
directions, while performing actions and sounds in predetermined
time intervals and in response to stimuli or obstacles in the
environment. Once the toy detects a wireless signal, the toy reacts
by moving towards the wireless signal. Then, once it reaches a
predetermined distance from the source of the wireless signal, the
toy performs a new action, such as a trick. The toy may interact
directly with the source in a new way extending the play such as a
dog chasing a ball, finding the ball, rising up on its rear wheels
and engaging the ball by pushing it away, then chasing the ball
again to repeat the play. All without user input. This creates the
impression that the toy, such as a dog or car, is self-aware and
acting like a real life item, such as a pet or car with a driver.
The wireless signals may be detected by a receiver on one side of
the pet, causing the pet to turn towards the signal, and then turn
again if the signal is detected on another side of the pet, this
turning and movement will continue until either the signal strength
of the wireless signal reaches a certain strength denoting a
distance from the source; or the toy moves within an area where a
second signal is received by the toy. The action upon reaching a
specific distance from the source may include a trick, such as
spinning, rising up on its rear wheels (popping a wheelie), or
another action. Additionally, a sound may be made at this
predetermined distance. However, a trick involves something more
than simply a sound. The source of the wireless signal may be a
handheld device, a stationary device, a device with the ability to
move (such as a ball), or another vehicle, such as another pet.
[0025] The toy comprises: (1) a motive component having a drive
mechanism, receivers, and circuitry, with the circuitry configured
to control the drive mechanism, respond to user inputs, perform
tricks or generate predetermined sounds at specific times, and
respond to detected wireless signals directing the drive mechanism
to move the toy towards the source of the wireless signals; (2) a
source of wireless signals having the ability to output a first
wireless signal that can be detected by the toy causing it to move
toward the source of the wireless signal, as well as the ability to
provide a second signal to cause a reaction by the toy 100 at a
certain distance from the source.
[0026] 1. Cover
[0027] The cover 101, shown in FIG. 1, is configured to resemble a
puppy dog or kitten with fur, eyes, ears, nose, whiskers, and tail.
It should be noted that this cover could depict any object, such as
any other animal, an alien, a ground transportation vehicle or a
flying vehicle. The cover may be made of any material, including
plush fabric, plastic, any polymer, any textile material, or metal.
At least one switch 102 is positioned on the cover 101 such that
the switch may be activated through pressure applied to the
corresponding area of the cover. The switch may be embedded in the
cover or raised above the cover. Operation of the control switch
provides a signal to the control circuitry of the toy to perform a
specific action.
[0028] At least one switch 102, located on the top or back 103 of
the toy 100, is able to take the toy 100 from "sleep mode" to
"explore mode", wherein the toy 100 begins to move about and make
noises. There may also be other switches embedded or raised above
the cover, on the front 104, head 105, or rear 106 of the toy 100.
These additional switches might be capable of causing the toy to
activate, create noises, or otherwise perform an action.
[0029] The cover 101 has at least one receiver 107 embedded in the
front 104 therein to receive wireless signals. The front 104 of the
toy cover could consist of two receivers 107 in the shape of eyes
capable of receiving wireless signals. These receivers would
preferably be able to detect light signals and particularly,
infrared signals. Additionally, the cover 101 may have two areas in
the rear 106 of the toy capable of permitting a wireless signal,
such as infrared light, to pass through the cover to a receiver,
such as an infrared receiver.
[0030] 2. Chassis
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the chassis 108 is generally made of a
plastic, though it may be made of metal or another material. Two
wheels 109 sit in the back of the chassis. The front of the chassis
108 may consist of one wheel 110, a third wheel, with the ability
to articulate around a pin. It should be understood that there may
be more or less than three wheels. For example, this same invention
may be used with an 18 wheel truck, or a bicycle, as well as a four
wheel vehicle.
[0032] The rear wheels 109 may be larger than the front wheel 110
or other wheels on the chassis 108. Further, the center of gravity
of the toy may be placed over the back wheels 109, or near the back
wheels, to assist in causing the toy to ride only on the back
wheels in certain instances. It should be understood that the
center of gravity may be placed in several areas of the vehicle to
provide the ability to lift the vehicle onto two wheels at a given
instance. For example, the center of gravity could be placed on one
side of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to ride on its side.
[0033] 3. Drive Mechanism
[0034] The drive mechanism 111, as shown in FIG. 3, is located in
the rear of the chassis 108, though it could be located at any part
of the toy 100. It includes at least one motor in mechanical
communication with the rear wheels 109 capable of turning the
wheels forwards or backwards. There may also be two motors 112 each
capable of turning one wheel forwards or backwards. The motor is
controlled by the control circuitry of the toy which provides power
to the motor. This control circuitry is able to change the command
signal thereby driving the motor in a forwards or backwards
direction.
[0035] The drive mechanism may include the motors 112 and the motor
controllers 112A. The motor controllers 112A communicate with the
integrated circuit 113 of the toy and control the motor 112 in its
movements. It should be noted that a motor controller is not
necessary for the invention and such movements may be controlled by
an integrated circuit alone. An example of a motor controller is
the AMMD2A by Alpha Microelectronics Corp.
[0036] The drive mechanism 111 of the toy with two motors 112 is
capable of spinning the motors at different rates and in different
directions to allow the toy to turn or spin. The drive mechanism is
capable of turning both wheels at a fast pace or a slow pace.
Further, the wheels may be turned such to cause the toy to ride
only on two rear wheels (pop a wheelie) or perform other tricks as
shown below.
[0037] 4. Control Circuitry of the Toy
[0038] The control circuitry of the toy includes an integrated
circuit 113 on which may sit a microcontroller. The integrated
circuit 113 of the toy has input connections to at least one
receiver 114 and at least one switch 115 (shown in FIG. 1 as 102).
The integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 has output connections to
a speaker 116 and at least one motor 112.
[0039] The integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 has programming
written thereon which allows the toy to move about and explore its
environment. This programming is located on the memory of the
integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 and sets forth a specific set
of instructions the toy follows when in "explore mode." This may
include a list of movements driving the motors 112 forward and
backward at different rates causing the toy to move in straight and
curved lines around an area. This may also include a list of sounds
to be output from the speakers 116, in conjunction with the
movements or separate from the movements.
[0040] The integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 has inputs from
receivers 114 (shown in FIG. 1 as 107 and 107.1) and at least one
switch 115. In a preferred embodiment, there would be at least four
receivers 114. The receivers 114 are capable of providing input to
the integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 such that each receiver
114 is read separately by the integrated circuit of the toy. The
switch can place the toy in "explore mode" or "sleep mode". When in
"explore mode" the toy moves under a predetermined set of commands
which are directed by the integrated circuit. When the receivers
114 detect a signal, they send inputs to the integrated circuit 113
of the toy 100. The integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 reads the
inputs and then directs the motors 112 to move the toy 100 towards
the source 117 of the wireless signals. When the toy 100 is within
a predetermined distance 133 from the source 117, the receivers 114
are able to receive a second wireless signal, which the receivers
114 input to the integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 and direct
the motors 112 to perform a trick 134. The software of the
integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 is able to provide the
specific actions the toy 100 will perform.
[0041] The integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 controls motor or
motors 112 and controls the voltage and current output to the
motor. The integrated circuit 113 of the toy 100 is able to switch
signals provided to drive the motors 112 in either the forward or
reverse directions to control the movement of the motive
component.
[0042] A switch 115 or switches act as inputs to the control
circuit of the toy providing input by the user. If additional
switches are used, these switches may also act as inputs from
obstacles or other components depending on their placement. For
example, where another switch is on the front of the toy it may be
depressed when hitting an obstacle at the front of the toy.
Pressing the switch 115 on the back 103 of the toy inputs to the
integrated circuit 113 of the toy that the toy 100 is either in
"sleep mode" or "explore mode". Pressing the switch and placing the
toy in "explore mode" causes the toy 100 to enact a script of
movements and noises which mimic the actions of a toy exploring its
surroundings.
[0043] 5. Receivers
[0044] The receivers 114 are capable of receiving wirelessly
emitted signals and transmitting those signals as inputs to the
control circuitry of the toy 100. The receivers 114 may be capable
of receiving multiple different signals including, but not limited
to, electromagnetic radiation signals (radio waves, microwaves,
infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays
and gamma rays) or audio signals. These receivers 114 may be
sensors capable of detecting analog or digital signals. Preferably,
the receivers 114 are capable of detecting infrared signals. These
sensors may detect infrared signals through a band-pass filter,
such that they are able to detect infrared light from a particular
frequency range.
[0045] The invention is not limited in the number of receivers that
could be placed on the toy 100 or the location of receivers 114
that may be placed on the toy 100. Preferably, at least two
receivers 107 will be placed on the front 104 of the toy 100. These
receivers may be in the form or appearance of eyes at the front of
a vehicle. Further, preferably, at least two receivers 107.1 may
sit at the rear 106 of the toy. The rear receivers may sit under
the cover, with the infrared signal capable of reaching the
receivers through the cover. An additional receiver or receivers
may be placed on the top or back of the toy to note wireless
signals directed to the top of the toy.
[0046] The receivers 114 would be understood by the control circuit
of the toy and would provide an input to the integrated circuit 113
of the toy 100 such that the motors 112 would be driven to drive
the toy in different directions. Preferably, the receiver (one of
those at 114) detecting a wireless signal, such as an infrared
signal, would then provide information to the control circuitry of
the toy to drive one of the motors 112 slightly more than the other
to turn the toy in the direction of the wirelessly emitted
signal.
[0047] Preferably, the receivers 114 are capable of receiving
modulated wireless signals with different instructions encoded
therein, or capable of reading wireless signals at different
frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the receivers are capable
of receiving multiple frequencies or modulations of infrared
signals and able to transmit those signals to the control circuitry
of the toy 100. The control circuitry of the toy 100 is then
capable of distinguishing between the different modulated infrared
signals and can control the motors 112 of the toy to perform
actions, such as moving towards the source 117 or performing tricks
134.
[0048] 6. Source
[0049] The source 117 of the wirelessly emitted signal, as shown in
FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, may be of any shape or any size. Preferably, it
would be in the form of a hand held source 118, a stationary source
119, or a moveable source 120, such as a ball. The source would
have at least one emitter 121 that emits the wireless signal, but
may have many emitters 121 therein. Preferably, the source would
have a switch or button 122 that would allow the source 117 to be
turned on or off. Further, this source 117 could have an indicator
light 123 to indicate that it is on and sending out a wireless
signal.
[0050] Preferably, the handheld source 118 of FIG. 4, could be in
the form of something the toy would be attracted to, such as, but
not limited to, a treat. The handheld source 118 could have any
number of emitters 121. Preferably, the handheld source 118 would
have a single emitter 121 placed at the front of the device. This
would permit the signal, such as an infrared signal, to exit the
source in a single direction so one could lead the toy 100 in a
direction without the toy 100 being drawn in another direction.
[0051] The stationary source 119 of FIG. 5, could be in the form
of, but not limited to, a stand with a sign or flag. The stationary
source 119 could have any number of emitters 121. The stationary
source 119 preferably has four emitters 121, one facing out in each
direction for the middle height of the stationary source. Further,
the stationary source 119 is capable of changing the signal it is
sending to the toy through a switch or button 124. This change
would cause the toy 100 to perform a different trick 134 when the
toy 100 comes within a predetermined distance 133 of the source
117. The stationary source switch 122 is not explicitly shown, but
could be on the underside of the stationary source.
[0052] The movable source 120 of FIG. 6, could be in the form of
something the toy would normally play with, such as, but not
limited to, a ball or a roll of yarn. The movable source 120
preferably has emitters 121 arranged around the ball at different
locations such that the wireless signal, such as an infrared
signal, is capable of being transmitted in different directions
regardless of the position of the ball. In one embodiment, there
could be four emitters 121 placed on each outward side of the ball
in a single plane from its stationary position. Additionally, the
ball could have five emitters with four emitters along a plane and
an emitter on top of the ball. Further, the ball could have six or
more emitters spread around the ball.
[0053] 7. Control Circuitry of the Source
[0054] The source 117 of the wireless signal may contain a wireless
signal emitter 121 and an integrated circuit 125 connected to a
power source 126. The integrated circuit 125 of the source 117 may
provide the programming necessary to control the emitter 121.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the control circuitry of the
handheld source 118, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the stationary
source 119, as shown in FIG. 10, and the movable source 120, as
shown in FIG. 9, may include an infrared LED emitter 121 connected
to an integrated circuit 125. The infrared LED emitter 121 may be
connected with two different resistors 127 so that the infrared LED
121 is capable of emitting at two different strengths, allowing a
signal to reach a farther distance, such as the radius 132 where
the toy detects the emitter to track to the source 117, preferably
at six feet, while another signal is only capable of reaching a
predetermined distance 133 of preferably one and a half feet. The
shorter distance would be one where, once the toy 100 reaches this
distance, the toy performs a trick 134. These examples should not
be considered limiting, this emitter may be capable of emitting to
any distance, such as 20, 15, 10, or less feet. Examples of the
different resistance that can provide different distances include
lower resistances of 200 Ohms or 390 Ohms as compared to higher
resistances of 2,000 Ohms, 3,000 Ohms, or 3,900 Ohms. Further, by
connecting different components, listed as different options 128,
the source 117 is capable of having the toy 100 perform different
tricks 134.
[0056] The trick 134 may be caused by an emitted signal operating
simultaneously with the original signal, such as through a separate
emitter, or in sequence with the original signal from a single
emitter. These different signals which cause the toy 100 to move
towards the source or cause the toy to perform a trick 134 may be
created by the software of the emitter allowing a different
wireless signal to be sent at a different frequency or modulation.
Further, the different distances reached by the emitted signal may
be caused by hardware, such as resistors shown above, or also by a
separate emitter with a different emitting distance. Similarly, the
different frequency or modulated signal may be caused by a separate
emitter emitting a separate frequency or modulated signal which is
read at a different distance from the source than the primary
frequency or modulated signal.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the source may have software
capable of driving an infrared LED 121 at two particular
frequencies. When the frequency to cause the toy 100 to track to
the source 117 is used, the integrated circuit 125 of the source
inputs to a different location or can direct a switch 129 to cause
the infrared LED 121 to emit at a longer distance through a
resistor 127. When the frequency to cause the toy to perform a
trick is used, the integrated circuit 125 of the source inputs to a
different location or can direct another switch 129 to cause the
infrared LED 121 to emit at a shorter distance through a different
resistor 127 (see two resistors at 127, wherein the higher
resistance should relate to a shorter distance, such as the
predetermined distance).
[0058] 8. Operation of the Toy
[0059] The toy is a capable of interacting with its environment
once the switch is set in "explore mode" 130, as shown in FIG. 11.
This causes the toy 100 to move forward and backward while turning
to move about an area. These movements are predetermined and may be
arranged in a variety of ways. These movements should not to be
limited to one specific form or description.
[0060] The interaction with the environment could include a
preprogrammed chain of events. The length and amount of the
preprogrammed steps is not limited to a certain amount or time
frame.
[0061] An example of a preferred embodiment could start with the
toy being placed in "explore mode", then the toy makes a noise,
then moves forward in a straight line and then moves forward while
curving to one direction, then moves forward while curving in
another direction, and then begins to spin. After spinning, the toy
could proceed in a large curve. The toy then could reverse while
turning in a direction. All of this may occur while the toy makes
periodic noises. This sort of programming could be repeated, or
continue with many different preprogrammed steps.
[0062] Further, the toy may have a list of the types of movements
it can make, and the ability to randomly choose which movement the
toy will make. This may also involve the ability to randomly make
noises and sounds.
[0063] Once the toy enters the radius 132 to detect a wireless
signal, the toy reacts by moving towards 131 the wireless signal
and once it reaches a predetermined distance from the source 117 of
the wireless signal, the toy performs a trick 134. This reaction is
caused by the receivers 114 on the toy 100 receiving the wireless
signal, transmitting this signal to the control circuitry of the
toy, which then transmits a signal to the motors 112 to drive the
toy in the direction of the signal. Signals received from the left
front receiver 114 would cause the toy 100 to drive the motors 112
towards the left front and the toy would then continuously process
and move towards these signals until the toy 100 is a predetermined
distance 133 from the source. At this distance, the toy 100 would
perform a trick 134.
[0064] The tricks 134 a toy 100 may perform, as shown in FIGS.
12-15, include moving from one side to another while sitting on its
rear wheels (resembling a dog begging for a treat) 135, spinning
around in a circle (resembling a dog chasing its tail) 136,
charging at the source (such as a dog pouncing on an object) 137,
or moving from side to side (resembling a dog wiggling with
excitement) 138. Particularly, where a toy 100 is made to charge
forward or beg, the motor 112 drives the toy 100 in reverse and
then drives the motor 100 forward allowing the front of the toy to
rise up due to the location of the center of gravity of the toy
being on the rear wheels. Further, the toy 100 may make noises
throughout its movements or tricks. These tricks should not be
considered limiting as the toy could be of any shape or
character.
[0065] The distance from the source may be determined by the
strength of the wireless signal or from a specific code in the
signal that is read at a specific distance from the source. With
regard to the strength of the signal, the toy may be able to
process an analog signal and measure the increase in strength due
to the analog signal increase. Also, the source may be capable of
sending a second signal that is capable of being detected at a
range that is closer to the source than the first wireless signal.
These examples, of finding the distance between the toy and the
source, should not be considered limiting.
[0066] Multiple toys may be used with the same source and the toys
will both move towards the wireless signal. Further, the toy may
interact with a moveable source, such as a ball, and engage the
ball causing it to move, and then continue to push the ball. The
toy is also capable of interacting with another device placed
around the source, such as wobbly toys 139.
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