U.S. patent application number 14/877058 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-25 for interactive toy.
The applicant listed for this patent is Digisense Ltd., Expro3, LLC. Invention is credited to Eyall Abir.
Application Number | 20160051904 14/877058 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51689026 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160051904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abir; Eyall |
February 25, 2016 |
INTERACTIVE TOY
Abstract
A system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking
pieces of an interactive toy, the system comprising: a sensor
configured to sense proximity between two or more interlocking
pieces, and an electronic circuit configured to detect an
interlocking status of said pieces according to the proximity
sensed by said sensor, wherein said electronic circuit is further
configured to transmit an acoustic communication signal from an
acoustic transmitter upon detection of a change in the interlocking
status of said pieces, said acoustic communication signal being
indicative of the pieces interlocking status; and a receiving
device configured to receive said acoustic communication signal and
issue an alert indicative of the pieces interlocking status.
Inventors: |
Abir; Eyall; (Petach Tikva,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Digisense Ltd.
Expro3, LLC |
Petach Tikva
Coral Gables |
FL |
IL
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51689026 |
Appl. No.: |
14/877058 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
April 7, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2014/050336 |
371 Date: |
October 7, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61809583 |
Apr 8, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/2485 20130101;
A63F 9/0612 20130101; A63H 33/26 20130101; A63F 2009/2458 20130101;
A63F 2009/247 20130101; A63F 2009/1066 20130101; A63H 33/042
20130101; A63F 9/10 20130101; A63H 2200/00 20130101; A63F 9/12
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/26 20060101
A63H033/26; A63H 33/04 20060101 A63H033/04; A63F 9/06 20060101
A63F009/06 |
Claims
1. An interactive toy proximity detector comprising: a sensor
configured to sense proximity between two or more pieces of an
interactive toy; and an electronic circuit configured to detect an
interlocking status of said pieces according to proximity sensed by
said sensor.
2. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises
a LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) configured to sense light amount
between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a
resistance to voltage converter.
3.-5. (canceled)
6. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said sensor
comprises: an inductive proximity circuit comprising a LC
oscillating component, a signal evaluator and a switching amplifier
embedded in a first interlocking piece; and a ferromagnetic metal
plate embedded in a second interlocking piece; said sensor
configured to sense electromagnetic field frequency depending on
distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity;
and a voltage conditioner.
7.-8. (canceled)
9. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises
a Hall Effect detector comprising a magnet embedded in a first
interlocking piece, and a Hall Effect sensor embedded in a second
interlocking piece, configured to sense magnetic field flux density
depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine
proximity, and a voltage conditioner.
10.-11. (canceled)
12. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said sensor
comprises: an acoustic detector comprising a acoustic signal source
embedded in a first interlocking piece; and an acoustic sensor
embedded in a second interlocking piece; said sensor configured to
sense acoustic signal frequency depending on distance between said
interlocking pieces to determine proximity; and a voltage
conditioner.
13.-14. (canceled)
15. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said sensor
comprises a magnetic detector comprising a switch configured to
change state under the presence of magnetic field embedded in a
first interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded
in a second interlocking piece, configured to change state
depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine
proximity.
16. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said sensor
comprises: a color detector comprising one or more filtered
photodiodes, A/D converter and control function embedded in a first
interlocking piece; and one or more color signs embedded in a
second interlocking piece; said sensor configured to sense light
wavelength depending on said interlocking piece color coding to
identify said interlocking piece.
17. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said electronic
circuit comprises an A/D (Analog to Digital) converter configured
to convert analog output voltage of said sensor to digital
data.
18. The detector according to claim 1, wherein said electronic
circuit comprises a microcontroller configured to process the
proximity data received from sensor and to perform computations
determining the interlocking status of said pieces.
19. A system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking
pieces of an interactive toy, the system comprising: a sensor
configured to sense proximity between two or more pieces of an
interactive toy, and an electronic circuit configured to detect an
interlocking status of said pieces according to the proximity
sensed by said sensor, wherein said electronic circuit is further
configured to transmit an acoustic communication signal from an
acoustic transmitter upon detection of a change in the interlocking
status of said pieces, said acoustic communication signal being
indicative of the pieces interlocking status; and a receiving
device configured to receive said acoustic communication signal and
issue an alert indicative of the pieces interlocking status.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein said system is
further configured to transmit said acoustic communication signal
with varying parameters such as frequency, periodicity, amplitude,
duration, and duty cycle, according to interlocking pieces
proximity detected by the sensor.
21. (canceled)
22. The system according to claim 20, wherein said acoustic
communication signal is in frequency range of above 22 KHz.
23. (canceled)
24. The system according to claim 19, wherein said receiving device
utilizes an acoustic sensor, such as a microphone.
25. The system according to claim 19, wherein said receiving device
utilizes a display module, such as a screen.
26. The system according to claim 19, wherein said receiving device
utilizes a sound producing module, such as a speaker.
27. The system according to claim 19, wherein said receiving device
converts the pieces interlocking status to a visual signal, an
audio signal, and/or any combination thereof.
28. The system according to claim 19, wherein said receiving device
is further configured to provide feedbacks, hints and/or
instructions to the user, regarding the pieces interlocking
status.
29. The system according to claim 19, wherein said receiving device
is portable, within the acoustic signal range from said
transmitter.
30. The system according to claim 19, wherein said receiving device
is further configured to communicate with one or more remote
devices, utilizing a technology selected from the group consisting
of: USB, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication
and push notification protocol.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of interactive toys.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The ability of infants and very young children to learn
through interaction with properly designed toys is widely
recognized. The normal toys for this age group have included
busy-boxes, musical toys, stuffed animals and the like. Computer
toys for infants and very young children, however, are generally
not common. While computer games for older children (i.e. over two
years of age) are widely marketed, they are generally not
appropriate for infants or very young children. In action-type
computer games, for example, the player must perform quick,
dexterous actions in response to sudden events occurring on-screen.
These events occur at times and in a manner determined by the
computer, with the tempo and the character of the events
intensifying to the point that a very young child would become
overwhelmed. In computer puzzle and word games the player must
match wits with the computer or another player to such a degree
that the educational background of a very young child would be
insufficient.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,339 to Cohen discloses an educational
computer toy for an infant or very young child, in which the
computer toy provides audiovisual stimuli simulating the creation
of a picture (e.g., painting a picture, fitting together the pieces
of a picture puzzle, connecting a prearranged pattern of dots to
form a picture, etc.) in response to input by an infant or very
young child. The computer toy of the present invention requires the
use of a computer (or processor), a display screen, and a keyboard
(or input wand or other input device). During play, the user
provides an input signal by banging on the keyboard (or shaking the
input wand or activating other input devices). The computer
processor in turn, responds to each input signal by presenting on
the display screen another portion of the picture properly
positioned, whereby an audiovisual simulation of creating a picture
automatically progresses. According to a computer toy of this type,
an infant or very young child can easily interact with a computer
controlling the progression of the creation of a picture.
[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0070204A1 to
McEachen et al. discloses a toy comprising a host structure, a
plurality of attachable items which can be selectively attached to
the host structure, and a radio frequency identification device.
The radio frequency identification device comprises at least one
reader and a plurality of tags which, when read by a reader,
provide identification information particular to that tag. Each
reader is housed by the host structure and the tags are each housed
by one of the plurality of attachable items. The reader reads the
identification information from a particular tag when the
corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure and
a different output is generated depending upon which item has been
attached.
[0005] EP Patent Application Publication No. 2369563A2 to Owen
discloses a manually manipulable device adapted to present a
changeable individual characterization to a user comprises a
processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response
generator and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close
proximity and relative position of a similar device. One of the
figures in the application illustrates how a user manipulating the
device can generate a sensory response in the response generator or
otherwise in a response generator of another, at least similar,
device based on proximity and relative position of said other
device and the individual characterization presented on and by that
other similar device at the time of interaction.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,963 to Atsmon et al. discloses a
plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which
generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which
receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic
signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating
a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of
the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys
which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a
plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.
[0007] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations
related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not
exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become
apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the
specification and a study of the figures.
SUMMARY
[0008] There is provided, in accordance with some embodiments, an
interactive toy interlocking pieces proximity detector, comprising:
a sensor configured to sense proximity between said pieces, and an
electronic circuit configured to detect interlocking status of said
pieces according to proximity sensed by said sensor.
[0009] In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a LDR (Light
Dependent Resistor) configured to sense light amount between said
interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a resistance to
voltage converter.
[0010] In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter
comprises an operational amplifier configured to output voltage
linear to said LDR resistance.
[0011] In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter
comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage
levels depending on said LDR resistance.
[0012] In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter
comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage
levels depending on said LDR resistance.
[0013] In some embodiments, said sensor comprises an inductive
proximity circuit comprising a LC oscillating component, a signal
evaluator and a switching amplifier embedded in one interlocking
piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in second
interlocking piece, configured to sense electromagnetic field
frequency depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to
determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.
[0014] In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a
transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending
on said electromagnetic field frequency.
[0015] In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a
comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending
on said electromagnetic field frequency.
[0016] In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a Hall Effect
detector comprising a magnet embedded in one interlocking piece,
and a Hall Effect sensor embedded in second interlocking piece,
configured to sense magnetic field flux density depending on
distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity,
and a voltage conditioner.
[0017] In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a
transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending
on said magnetic field flux density.
[0018] In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a
comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending
on said magnetic field flux density.
[0019] In some embodiments, said sensor comprises an acoustic
detector comprising a acoustic signal source embedded in one
interlocking piece, and a acoustic sensor embedded in second
interlocking piece, configured to sense acoustic signal frequency
depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine
proximity, and a voltage conditioner.
[0020] In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a
transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending
on said acoustic signal frequency.
[0021] In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a
comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending
on said acoustic signal frequency.
[0022] In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a magnetic
detector comprising a switch configured to change state under the
presence of magnetic field embedded in one interlocking piece, and
a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in second interlocking piece,
configured to change state depending on distance between said
interlocking pieces to determine proximity.
[0023] In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a color detector
comprising one or more filtered photodiodes, A/D converter and
control function embedded in one interlocking piece, and one or
more color signs embedded in second interlocking piece, configured
to sense light wavelength depending on said interlocking piece
color coding to identify said interlocking piece.
[0024] In some embodiments, said electronic circuit comprises an
A/D (Analog to Digital) converter configured to convert analog
output voltage of said sensor to digital data.
[0025] In some embodiments, said electronic circuit comprises a
microcontroller configured to process the proximity data received
from sensor and to perform computations determining the
interlocking status of said pieces.
[0026] There is further provided, in accordance with some
embodiments, a system for detecting proximity of two or more
interlocking pieces of an interactive toy, the system comprising:
(a) interactive toy interlocking pieces proximity detector,
comprising: a sensor configured to sense proximity between two or
more pieces of an interactive toy, and an electronic circuit
configured to detect interlocking status of said pieces according
to the proximity sensed by said sensor, wherein said electronic
circuit is further configured to transmit an acoustic communication
signal from said acoustic transmitter upon detection of the pieces
interlocking status change, said acoustic communication signal
being indicative of the pieces interlocking status; and (b) a
receiving device configured to receive said acoustic communication
signal and issue an alert indicative of the pieces interlocking
status.
[0027] In some embodiments, said system is further configured to
transmit said acoustic communication signal with varying parameters
such as frequency, periodicity, amplitude, duration, and duty
cycle, according to interlocking pieces proximity detected by the
sensor.
[0028] In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal is
in frequency range of 1 Hz to 22 KHz.
[0029] In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal is
in frequency range of above 22 KHz (ultrasonic range).
[0030] In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal
utilizes a communication protocol in which data packets (similar to
IP protocols) are produced.
[0031] In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes an
acoustic sensor, such as a microphone.
[0032] In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes a
display module, such as a screen.
[0033] In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes a sound
producing module, such as a speaker.
[0034] In some embodiments, said receiving device converts the
pieces interlocking status to a visual signal, an audio signal,
and/or any combination thereof.
[0035] In some embodiments, said receiving device is further
configured to provide feedbacks, hints and/or instructions to the
user, regarding the pieces interlocking status.
[0036] In some embodiments, said receiving device is portable,
within the acoustic signal range from said transmitter.
[0037] In some embodiments, said receiving device is further
configured to communicate with one or more remote devices,
utilizing a technology selected from the group consisting of: USB,
HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication and push
notification protocol.
[0038] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments
described above, further aspects and embodiments will become
apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0039] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures.
Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are
generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and
are not necessarily shown to scale. The figures are listed
below.
[0040] FIG. 1 shows an illustration of exemplary puzzle
interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0041] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of exemplary Lego bricks
interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0042] FIG. 3 shows an illustration of other exemplary Lego bricks
interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the system, in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to
operational amplifier converter/conditioner option, in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to
transistor converter/conditioner, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to
comparator converter/conditioner, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a schematic inductive sensor, in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0048] FIG. 9 shows a schematic Hall Effect sensor, in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0049] FIG. 10 shows a schematic acoustic sensor, in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0050] FIG. 11 shows a schematic magnetic sensor, in accordance
with some embodiments; and
[0051] FIG. 12 shows a schematic color sensor, in accordance with
some embodiments;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] Disclosed herein is a system for detecting proximity of two
or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy.
[0053] Children generally enjoy toys which allow them to manipulate
different parts to produce a certain result and/or changing
characteristics. For example, children enjoy catching items,
dressing up stuffed animals and/or putting together puzzles. These
activities typically help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye
coordination. However, a parent usually needs to be participating
to correct the child for placement errors, to congratulate the
child for placement successes, to encourage the child to try new
things, and/or to provide any other type of educational feedback.
Thus, versatile and affordable interactive toys, reducing the need
of parent involvement, may be highly advantageous.
[0054] The present system may be better understood with reference
to the accompanying figures. Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which
shows an illustration of an exemplary system, demonstrated by way
of puzzle interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors.
However, those of skill in the art will recognize that the present
system relates to any type of toy which includes multiple pieces
which need to be assembled together. A puzzle 100 may be assembled
of multiple interlocking pieces. Each of the interlocking pieces
may be equipped with one or more proximity sensors embedded in each
piece's physical interface to one or more other pieces, enabling
detection of interlocking status of the pieces. For simplicity of
discussion, three interlocking pieces and their corresponding
proximity detectors are depicted in detail. A piece 102 may
interlock with a piece 104 and a piece 106. When piece 102 may be
assembled to interlock with piece 104, proximity detector 108
and/or proximity detector 112 may detect it and report of positive
interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 102 may be assembled to
interlock with piece 106, proximity detector 110 and/or proximity
detector 114 may detect it and report of positive interlocking
status. Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching piece
in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong
placing.
[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows an illustration
of an exemplary system, demonstrated by way of Lego bricks
interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. These Lego
bricks are given as a representative example of bricks games, which
are intended to be in the scope of the present disclosure. Each of
the Lego bricks interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or
more proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface
to one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking
status of the pieces. In the depicted example, a piece 200 may
interlock with a piece 202, which in turn may interlock with a
piece 204, which in turn may interlock with a piece 206. When piece
200 may be assembled to interlock with piece 202, proximity
detector 208 and/or proximity detector 210 may detect it and report
of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 202 may be
assembled to interlock with piece 204, proximity detector 210
and/or proximity detector 212 may detect it and report of positive
interlocking status (since piece 204 may be symmetric and may be
assembled bilaterally, proximity detector 214 may be also utilized
to determine proximity between piece 202 and piece 204). Similarly,
when piece 204 may be assembled to interlock with piece 206,
proximity detector 214 and/or proximity detector 216 may detect it
and report of positive interlocking status (since piece 204 may be
symmetric and may be assembled bilaterally, proximity detector 210
may be also utilized to determine proximity between piece 204 and
piece 206). Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching
piece in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong
placing.
[0056] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows an illustration
of another exemplary system, demonstrated by way of Lego bricks
interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. Each of the
Lego bricks interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or more
proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface to
one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking status
of the pieces. In the depicted example, a piece 300 may interlock
with a piece 302, which in turn may interlock with a piece 306,
which in turn may interlock with a piece 310, which in turn may
interlock with a piece 312. Piece 300 may also interlock with a
piece 304, which in turn may interlock with a piece 308. When piece
300 may be assembled to interlock with piece 302, proximity
detector 314 and/or proximity detector 318 may detect it and report
of positive interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 302 may be
assembled to interlock with piece 306, proximity detector 318
and/or proximity detector 322 may detect it and report of positive
interlocking status. Similarly, when piece 306 may be assembled to
interlock with piece 310, proximity detector 322 and/or proximity
detector 328 may detect it and report of positive interlocking
status. Similarly, when piece 310 may be assembled to interlock
with piece 312, proximity detector 328 and/or proximity detector
330 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status.
Similarly, when piece 300 may be assembled to interlock with piece
304, proximity detector 316 and/or proximity detector 320 may
detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly,
when piece 304 may be assembled to interlock with piece 308,
proximity detector 320 and/or proximity detector 324 may detect it
and report of positive interlocking status. Proximity detectors may
also recognize the matching piece in a univalent manner, for
implying the user of piece wrong placing.
[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows a schematic
block diagram of the system. The system may include one or more of
multiple sensors: an LDR (Light Dependant Resistor) sensor 400, an
inductive sensor 402, a Hall Effect sensor 404, an acoustic sensor
406, a magnetic sensor 408, and a color sensor 410. These sensors
will be described in further detail below. Due to the fact that the
sensors might measure physical phenomena, there might be a need to
convert the measured physical value to voltage, and condition this
voltage for processing. Thus, a physical value to voltage
converter/conditioner may be utilized. The converter/conditioner
may include multiple options: an operational amplifier 412 which
outputs voltage level which is linear to the measured physical
phenomena, a transistor 414 which outputs two logic voltage levels
(high or low), and/or a comparator 416 which outputs two logic
voltage levels (high or low). These options are described in
further detail below.
[0058] The LDR sensor option will be now described in detail: the
LDR may be based on the principle of a decreasing resistance when
light incidence increases. A LDR and electronic circuit may be
mounted on one interlocking piece. When the pieces are far one from
another, the LDR may have a steady state resistance. As the pieces
are assembled, the amount of light reaching the LDR may decrease,
since a greater portion of the light may now be blocked by the
opposing piece. Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which shows a
schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to operational amplifier
converter/conditioner. The operational amplifier 500 may have high
input impedance and unity gain, and the principle may be based on a
voltage divider between a fixed resistor 502, referred also as
R.sub.m, and LDR 504, referred also as R.sub.photo. The output
voltage V.sub.out may be given by
V out = V cc ( 1 + R m / R photo ) , ##EQU00001##
i.e. output voltage is rather linear to LDR resistance. Reference
is now made to FIG. 6 which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor
connected to transistor converter/conditioner. An LDR 600 and a
2M.OMEGA. resistor 602 may serve as a voltage divider. When light
level is low (in our case, when pieces are interlocked), the
resistance of LDR 600 may be high. This may prevent current from
flowing to the base of the transistor 604. Consequently, the output
voltage may be low, commonly close to 0 volts. However, when light
illuminates the LDR without much interference (in our case, when
pieces are not interlocked) the resistance may fall and current may
flow into the base of transistor 604, increasing the output voltage
to high level (about 5 volts). Reference is now made to FIG. 7
which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to
comparator converter/conditioner. Resistor 700, referred also as
R.sub.1, and Resistor 702, referred also as R.sub.2, may serve as
voltage divider with a known preset level. The LDR 704 and resistor
706, also referred as R.sub.3, may also serve as voltage divider.
When the voltage of the negative pole (-) of the operational
amplifier 708 may be smaller than the positive pole input voltage
(+), then V.sub.out may be set to high level. When the voltage of
the negative pole (-) may be greater than the positive pole input
voltage (+), then V.sub.out may be set to low level.
[0059] The inductive sensor option will be now described in detail:
Reference is now made to FIG. 8 which shows a schematic inductive
sensor. The inductive sensor may include an LC (coil-capacitor)
oscillating circuit 800, a signal evaluator 802, and/or a switching
amplifier 804. The coil of oscillating circuit 800 may generate a
high frequency electromagnetic alternating field. This field may be
emitted at the sensing face of the sensor. If attenuating material
may near the sensing face, eddy currents may be generated in the
case of non-ferrite metals. In the case of ferromagnetic metals,
hysteresis and eddy current loss may also occur. These losses may
draw energy from oscillating circuit 800 and reduce oscillation
frequency. Signal evaluator 802 may detect this reduction and may
convert it into an analog voltage, which may be approximately
linear to the oscillation change, and switching amplifier 804 may
amplify the output voltage. The inductive sensor may be implemented
as follows: the electronic circuit containing LC oscillating
circuit 700, signal evaluator 802, and switching amplifier 804 may
be mounted on one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal
plate 806 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. Since the
inductive sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to the
oscillation change, operational amplifier converter/conditioner
might not be needed. The inductive sensor output may be connected
to a transistor or comparator converter/conditioner, if discrete
voltage level may be required.
[0060] The Hall Effect sensor option will be now described in
detail: The Hall Effect sensor output voltage may be a function of
magnetic field density around it. When the magnetic flux density
around the sensor may exceed a certain preset threshold, the sensor
may detect it and may generate an output voltage called Hall
Voltage, or V.sub.H, which may be approximately linear to the
magnetic flux density. Reference is now made to FIG. 9 which shows
a schematic Hall Effect sensor. A Hall Effect sensor 900 and
electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece and a
magnet 902 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. Since the
Hall Effect sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to
the magnetic flux change, operational amplifier
converter/conditioner might not be needed. The Hall Effect output
may be connected to a transistor or comparator
converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be
required.
[0061] The acoustic sensor option will be now described in detail:
Reference is now made to FIG. 10 which shows a schematic acoustic
sensor. The acoustic sensor may be a piezoelectric crystal 1000
configured to convert air vibrations (i.e. acoustic signal) to
output voltage which may be approximately linear to the frequency
of the vibrations. A microphone 1002 which relies on this principal
may be utilized. A piezoelectric crystal 1004 configured to do the
opposite (i.e. convert output voltage to air vibrations) may be
used as an acoustic source. A speaker 1006 which relies on this
principal may be utilized. The acoustic sensor may be implemented
as follows: acoustic source 1002 may be mounted on one interlocking
piece and acoustic sensor 1000 may be mounted on second
interlocking piece. The puzzle interlocking pieces may be
acoustically coded in a way that may ensure univalent recognition
of each piece (e.g. each piece might transmit acoustic signal with
unique frequency). Since the acoustic sensor output voltage may be
approximately linear to the acoustic signal frequency, operational
amplifier converter/conditioner might not be needed. The acoustic
sensor output may be connected to a transistor or comparator
converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be
required.
[0062] The magnetic sensor option will be now described in detail:
the magnetic sensor may be a switch configured to change state
under the presence of magnetic field (i.e. Reed switch). Reference
is now made to FIG. 11 which shows a schematic magnetic sensor. The
switch may comprise two thin wires in a sealed glass tube. When no
magnetic field is applied, the switch may be open 1100. When a
magnetic field source 1102 may near the switch, its two magnetized
wire ends may be attracted one to each other 1104, until finally
they may touch one another, and the switch may be closed 1106. The
magnetic sensor may be implemented as follows: switch and
electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece, and a
ferromagnetic metal plate may be mounted on second interlocking
piece. When the interlocking pieces may be close enough, the switch
may close. Since the magnetic sensor output may be binary (on or
off), converter/conditioner of any kind may not be needed.
[0063] The color sensor option will be now described in detail:
Reference is now made to FIG. 12 which shows a schematic color
sensor. The color sensor may include one or more photodiodes
filtered to sense red light 1200, one or more photodiodes filtered
to sense green light 1202, one or more photodiodes filtered to
sense blue light 1204, one or more photodiodes configured to sense
clear light 1206 (i.e. with no filters), and/or one or more A/D
(Analog to Digital) converters 1208 for each photodiodes color
channel. When a color object may be in front of the sensor, the
combination of light intensity received by photodiodes may reflect
the object color, and may be converted to digital value by the A/D
converters. The color sensor may be implemented as follows: the
sensor and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking
piece and one or more color signs (e.g dots) may be drawn and/or
placed on second interlocking piece. The puzzle interlocking pieces
may be color coded in a way that may ensure univalent recognition
of each piece. Since the color sensor output may be digital,
converter/conditioner of any kind might not be needed.
[0064] Reference is now made back to FIG. 2. After process-able
voltage has been achieved, an A/D (Analog to Digital) converter 418
may be needed in order to convert the analog voltage to a quantized
digital value, to allow further processing by a micro controller
420. Micro controller 420 may include software that may perform
computations on input data and may output data in a form of a
communication protocol to an acoustic transmitter 422 that may
broadcast the data through a speaker 424. The acoustic signal may
then be received by a device 426 equipped with a microphone, such
as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, gaming console, TV screen, video
streamer, etc. Device 426 may include display and sound modules,
and dedicated software application that may display to the user the
puzzle status (which pieces are interlocked or not, wrong placed
pieces), and supply user with hints and/or directions for correct
assembling. The data may be supplied by visual and/or vocal manner.
Device 426 may also further distribute the data to other device 428
equipped with display and sound modules (e.g. TV, laptop, computer,
etc.), by wired or wireless communication technologies such as USB,
HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication, push
notification protocol, etc. In another embodiment, device 426 may
be embedded in device 428, or may be in a form of a dongle attached
to device 428, similar to cellular transceiver (i.e "netstick"),
for example.
[0065] In the description and claims of the application, each of
the words "comprise" "include" and "have", and forms thereof, are
not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words
may be associated. In addition, where there are inconsistencies
between this application and any document incorporated by
reference, it is hereby intended that the present application
controls.
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