EP3055042A1 - A bouncing toy - Google Patents
A bouncing toyInfo
- Publication number
- EP3055042A1 EP3055042A1 EP14852705.4A EP14852705A EP3055042A1 EP 3055042 A1 EP3055042 A1 EP 3055042A1 EP 14852705 A EP14852705 A EP 14852705A EP 3055042 A1 EP3055042 A1 EP 3055042A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bouncing
- housing
- accordance
- toy
- ball
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010365 information processing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/18—Throwing or slinging toys, e.g. flying disc toys
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B39/00—Hollow non-inflatable balls, i.e. having no valves
- A63B39/06—Special coverings
- A63B39/08—Special coverings made of two halves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
- A63B43/06—Balls with special arrangements with illuminating devices ; with reflective surfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B39/00—Hollow non-inflatable balls, i.e. having no valves
- A63B2039/003—Hollow non-inflatable balls, i.e. having no valves substantially hollow and pressureless
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
- A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/10—Positions
- A63B2220/16—Angular positions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/17—Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/18—Inclination, slope or curvature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/40—Acceleration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/62—Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/803—Motion sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
- A63B2220/833—Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/74—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a bouncing toy and particularly, although not exclusively, to a bouncing toy in the shape of a ball having an electronic interface.
- Bouncing toys are one of the most popular toy items among others as it requires effort to manipulate and control whilst also allowing a number of players to operate against each other or in a team to achieve a common goal. In addition to these benefits, a bouncing ball may also assist in training a person’s agility and strength. Bouncing toys of various configurations are available in the market, such as ball shape, animal shape. In general, they are configured with simple designs and of few colours.
- a bouncing ball comprising: a housing configured as a hollow sphere with elasticity, the housing is provided with a window; a display device mounted inside the housing, the display device is visible from the outside of the housing through the window; a detection device mounted inside the housing for detecting inclination and vibration of the bouncing ball so as to generate detection signals; a control device mounted inside the housing for controlling the display device to display corresponding information in accordance with the detection signals; a power source mounted inside the housing for supplying power to the bouncing ball.
- an edge of the control device is provided with a plurality of recesses which curves towards the centre of the control device, a plurality of latches are provided correspondingly on an inner wall of the housing, the plurality of the latches inserts into the plurality of recesses respectively.
- the detection device is integrated on the control device, the display device is mounted above the control device and the power source is mounted below the control device.
- a slot is provided on the control device, a plugin member being arranged on a side surface of the power source passes through the slot, and a lower end of the plugin member abuts on an inner wall of a lower portion of the housing, an upper end of the plugin member abuts an inner wall of an upper portion of the housing.
- the bouncing ball comprises a magnifier, the magnifier is mounted between the display device and the window.
- the bouncing ball further comprises an indicator, a back light, the indicator light is arranged adjacent to the display device, the indicator light is visible from the outside of the housing.
- the power source is a rechargeable power source
- a charging socket is provided on the housing and is connected to the rechargeable power source.
- control device comprises a timer and/or a counter.
- the bouncing ball comprises a speaker, the speaker is connected to the control device and is positioned inside the housing.
- the detecting device comprises a gravity sensor for detecting inclination and a vibration switch for detecting vibration.
- a bouncing toy comprising: a housing having a window for accessing an internal chamber of the bouncing toy; a display device mounted adjacent to the window to display information detected by one or more sensors arranged to detect a motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy; and a processing device for processing information received from the one or more sensors and transmitting the information to the display device.
- the senor is selected from the group consisting of a position sensor, a tilt sensor, and a vibration sensor.
- the bouncing toy comprises a gyroscope to measure and/or detect an orientation of the bouncing toy and transmit information to the processing device.
- the bouncing toy is activated from a rest state once the motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy is detected by the sensor.
- the processing device comprises a timer and/or a counter.
- the power source is a rechargeable power source
- the rechargeable power source can be recharged by connecting with an external power source.
- the housing comprises at least one elastic layer.
- the bouncing toy provides instant information about the motion, status or the manipulation of the bouncing toy.
- the processing device records information inputted by a user.
- the senor detects different types of manipulation of the bouncing toy and transmits corresponding detection signals to the processing device.
- Figure 1 is an exploded diagram of a bouncing ball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bouncing ball of Figure 1.
- a bouncing toy comprising a housing having a window for accessing an internal chamber of the bouncing ball; a display device mounted adjacent to the window arranged to display information collected from one or more sensors arranged to detect a motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy; and a processing device arranged to process information received from the one or more sensors and to transmit the information to the display device.
- the bouncing toy is configured as a bouncing ball 100 although as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, the toy need not be a ball but can be of any shape, configuration or form.
- the bouncing ball 100 includes a housing 110 forming an internal chamber for storing a display device 120, a detection device (not shown) , such as one or more sensors, a processing device 130 and a power source 140.
- the housing 110 is formed by two hemi-spheres joined together to form a hollow sphere having an external spherical body and an internal hollow chamber.
- various configurations of the housing 110 can be used.
- the housing 110 possess elasticity so as to allow the ball to bounce whilst preventing the display device 120, the detection device, the processing device 130, and the power source 140 received within the housing from being damaged by the movements of the ball 100.
- the housing 110 comprises at least one layer of elastic material such as rubber, elastomer or the like.
- the housing 110 is configured as a two-layered structure having an elastic outer layer and a rigid inner layer so as to allow the ball to bounce and at the same time protect the components received in the internal chamber.
- a window 111 is provided on the housing 110 for providing access to the internal chamber of the bouncing ball 100 such that the display device 120 received inside the housing 110 is visible from the outside of the housing 110.
- the window 111 is a transparent element provided on the housing 110 although the window may also be an aperture on the housing 110.
- a display device 120 arranged to display information is mounted adjacent to the window 111.
- the display device which may be a LCD or LED panel, or another type of display is arranged to display information transmitted from the processing device 130.
- the processing device 130 is arranged below the display device 120 on a printed circuit board (PCB) for processing information received from the detection device arranged adjacent to the processing device 130.
- the detection device may include at least one sensor arranged to detect a motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing ball, and in turn transmits the detection signals to the processing device 130. Once the signal is detected and transmitted to the processing device, the processing device 130 then processes the detection signals and transmits the processed information to the display device 120 for display.
- the display device 120 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.
- the display device 120 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT) display screen, light-emitting diode (LED) display screen or the like to display corresponding information with respect to the detection signals received by the processing device 130.
- CTR cathode ray tube
- LED light-emitting diode
- the detection device may be arranged so as to detect the motion of the bouncing ball such as inclination, vibration and to generate detection signals to the processing device 130.
- a user may use various ways to manipulate the bouncing ball 100 such as through patting, striking, shaking and tilting while these manipulations will be detected by the detection device and converted to different corresponding detection signals in accordance with the manipulation made.
- the detection device comprises a position sensor, a gravity sensor, a tilt sensor, a vibration sensor, or a gyroscope to detect the position changing, motion, status or orientation of the bouncing ball 100 and the manipulation made to the bouncing ball 100.
- the vibration senor including at least one vibration switch operating with a tilt sensor arranged to detect the orientation of the bouncing ball 100.
- the bouncing ball 100 may also have a two-way roll ball sensor for detecting motion or acceleration of the bouncing ball 100. This two-way roll ball sensor may be a solid state electronic device or a mechanical/electrical sensor which have a physical ball bearing within a housing urged to detect physical movement or vibration when the ball bearing is moved or bounced within the housing.
- the bouncing ball may comprise two vibration switches to enhance accuracy of detecting movement or acceleration. The detected information is then transmitted to the processing device 130 for further processing, storage, accumulation or transmission to another device or to the display.
- the bouncing ball 100 has a plurality of operation modes with each different operation modes corresponding to different manipulations of the ball 100.
- a user may tilt the bouncing ball 100 to select the desired operation mode from the plurality of operation modes and then pat the bouncing ball 100 to confirm the choice.
- the bouncing ball 100 is activated from a rest state through a slight movement such as a shake, whereas the bouncing ball 100 is also allowed to enter the rest state by another shake.
- information may be inputted into the bouncing ball 100 through different modes of manipulation.
- name of the user and /or name of the bouncing ball 100 may be entered through shaking and patting the ball.
- the different mode of manipulations are detected by the detection device and processed by the processing device 130.
- Information entered is then saved in the processing device 130 for recording. This is advantageous in that a user can trace his/her previous records.
- the detection device is integrated with the processing device 130 so as to allow an immediate transmission of detected signal and to fasten the information processing time.
- the processing device 130 comprises a control circuit to control the entire operation of the bouncing ball 100 by connecting with the display device 120, the detection device and the power source 140.
- the processing device 130 comprises a control device for controlling the operation of the other components arranged in the internal chamber.
- the processing device 130 processes the detection signals given by the detection device and sends instruction to the display device 120 to display corresponding information.
- the displayed information may comprise mode of operation, status of the bouncing ball 100 such as rest state or activated state, name of the bouncing ball 100, name of the user, animations, etc.
- the processing device 130 further comprises a timer and/or a counter.
- the counter counts a number of bounce and the timer measures time intervals between each bounce, the time when the bounce occurs, and /or acts as a countdown clock for a game.
- the counted number of bounce, the measured time intervals between each bounce will be displayed on the display device 120, as well as the countdown.
- the final number of bounce, time used and the measured time intervals between each bounce will be displayed on the display device 120.
- the results may be recorded in the processing device 130.
- the processing device 130 is connected with the power source 140 arranged in the housing 110 to power the operation of the entire bouncing ball 100.
- the power source 140 is a rechargeable power source that can be recharged with an external power source through an electrical socket 142 provided on the housing 110. This is advantageous to use a rechargeable power source because it can be used repeatedly and avoid the use of batteries. The use of batteries may incur a substantial cost and increase environmental burden.
- the power source 140 is located below the processing device 130.
- the processing device 130 comprises a slot 131 to receive a plugin member 141 extending perpendicular along a side of the power source 140.
- the plugin member 141 comprises an electric circuit board.
- ends of the plugin member 141 abut to the inner wall of the housing 110 to fix the position of the processing device 130 and the power source 140.
- a lower end of the plugin member 141 abuts a lower portion of the inner wall of the housing 110, while an upper end of the plugin member 141 abuts an upper portion of the inner wall of the housing 110.
- other arrangements for the attachment or connection between the processing device 130 and the power source 140 may also be applied to the invention.
- the processing device 130 further comprises a plurality of recesses 132 curving towards the centre of the processing device 130 for providing access to a plurality of latches 112 provided on the housing 110 such that the processing device 130 can be held in a fixed position within the internal chamber no matter how the bouncing ball 110 is manipulated.
- the processing device 130 comprises three recesses 132 on its edge to respectively receive three corresponding latches 112 arranged on the housing 110. Accordingly, once the processing device 130 and the power source 140 are securely fixed in the internal chamber of the bouncing ball 100, other components within the internal chamber are thus held tightly in the internal chamber.
- the bouncing ball 100 may further comprises an indicator light 170.
- the indicator light 170 is arranged adjacent to a side of the display device 120.
- the indicator light provides signal light on the housing 110 as such it indicates the status of the bouncing ball 100. For an instance, when the light is on, it indicates that the bouncing ball 100 is activated and /or a game is started; when the light is off, it indicates that the bouncing ball 100 is at a rest state and /or a game is over.
- the indicator light 170 may indicate a recharging process of the power source, i.e. it offs when the recharging process is completed.
- the bouncing ball may further comprise a backlight (not shown) .
- the backlight may be arranged adjacent to the display device 120 to illuminate the display device from the side or back so as to increase the readability of the content on the display device in low light conditions. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the display device is configured without an internal light source. It would also be appreciated that the backlight is capable to indicate the status of the bouncing ball and function as an indicator light.
- the bouncing ball may be arranged to comprise both indicator light and/or backlight.
- a magnifier 150 may also be provided between the display device 120 and the window 111. This is advantageous in that the magnifier 150 can magnify and show the content displayed by the display device 120 clearly when the size of display device 120 is limited by the small size of the bouncing ball 100.
- the bouncing ball 100 may further comprise a speaker.
- a speaker 160 is arranged in the internal chamber and is connected to the processing device 130.
- the processing device 130 controls the operation of the speaker 160 so as to play corresponding sound or music when in use. This is advantageous in that the bouncing ball 100 not only displays animations, images and words on the display device 120, but also plays music or sound from the speaker 160. The bouncing ball 100 is thus more entertaining.
- any spatial arrangement for the display device, the processing device, the detection device, the power source and other elements within the internal chamber of the bouncing ball are applicable as long as the devices are able to work effectively.
- the spatial arrangement according to Figure 1 is implemented to make sure all the components are being held in a fix position with tight packing such that no components will be shifted away from the original position during any movement of the bouncing ball.
- this arrangement is also advantageous in that the cost will be minimized with fewer fixing elements involved.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
- Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a bouncing toy and particularly, although not exclusively, to a bouncing toy in the shape of a ball having an electronic interface.
- Playing with toys is an enjoyment for children or adults. In many instances, the recreation of such an activity is not only to entertainment, but may also boost players’ creativity whilst training them to discover their agility, ability and strength. There are various toys available on the market including puzzles, dolls, car models, construction pieces, board games or card games.
- Bouncing toys are one of the most popular toy items among others as it requires effort to manipulate and control whilst also allowing a number of players to operate against each other or in a team to achieve a common goal. In addition to these benefits, a bouncing ball may also assist in training a person’s agility and strength. Bouncing toys of various configurations are available in the market, such as ball shape, animal shape. In general, they are configured with simple designs and of few colours.
- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
- In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bouncing ball comprising: a housing configured as a hollow sphere with elasticity, the housing is provided with a window; a display device mounted inside the housing, the display device is visible from the outside of the housing through the window; a detection device mounted inside the housing for detecting inclination and vibration of the bouncing ball so as to generate detection signals; a control device mounted inside the housing for controlling the display device to display corresponding information in accordance with the detection signals; a power source mounted inside the housing for supplying power to the bouncing ball.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, an edge of the control device is provided with a plurality of recesses which curves towards the centre of the control device, a plurality of latches are provided correspondingly on an inner wall of the housing, the plurality of the latches inserts into the plurality of recesses respectively.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detection device is integrated on the control device, the display device is mounted above the control device and the power source is mounted below the control device.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, a slot is provided on the control device, a plugin member being arranged on a side surface of the power source passes through the slot, and a lower end of the plugin member abuts on an inner wall of a lower portion of the housing, an upper end of the plugin member abuts an inner wall of an upper portion of the housing.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, the bouncing ball comprises a magnifier, the magnifier is mounted between the display device and the window.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, the bouncing ball further comprises an indicator, a back light, the indicator light is arranged adjacent to the display device, the indicator light is visible from the outside of the housing.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, the power source is a rechargeable power source, a charging socket is provided on the housing and is connected to the rechargeable power source.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, the control device comprises a timer and/or a counter.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, the bouncing ball comprises a speaker, the speaker is connected to the control device and is positioned inside the housing.
- In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detecting device comprises a gravity sensor for detecting inclination and a vibration switch for detecting vibration.
- In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bouncing toy comprising: a housing having a window for accessing an internal chamber of the bouncing toy; a display device mounted adjacent to the window to display information detected by one or more sensors arranged to detect a motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy; and a processing device for processing information received from the one or more sensors and transmitting the information to the display device.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a position sensor, a tilt sensor, and a vibration sensor.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the bouncing toy comprises a gyroscope to measure and/or detect an orientation of the bouncing toy and transmit information to the processing device.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the bouncing toy is activated from a rest state once the motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy is detected by the sensor.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the processing device comprises a timer and/or a counter.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the power source is a rechargeable power source, the rechargeable power source can be recharged by connecting with an external power source.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the housing comprises at least one elastic layer.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the bouncing toy provides instant information about the motion, status or the manipulation of the bouncing toy.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the processing device records information inputted by a user.
- In an embodiment of the second aspect, the sensor detects different types of manipulation of the bouncing toy and transmits corresponding detection signals to the processing device.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is an exploded diagram of a bouncing ball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and,
- Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bouncing ball of Figure 1.
- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
- Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of a bouncing toy comprising a housing having a window for accessing an internal chamber of the bouncing ball; a display device mounted adjacent to the window arranged to display information collected from one or more sensors arranged to detect a motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy; and a processing device arranged to process information received from the one or more sensors and to transmit the information to the display device.
- As shown in Figure 1, the bouncing toy is configured as a bouncing ball 100 although as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, the toy need not be a ball but can be of any shape, configuration or form. In this embodiment, the bouncing ball 100 includes a housing 110 forming an internal chamber for storing a display device 120, a detection device (not shown) , such as one or more sensors, a processing device 130 and a power source 140. In the present embodiment, the housing 110 is formed by two hemi-spheres joined together to form a hollow sphere having an external spherical body and an internal hollow chamber. However, in some other embodiments, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that various configurations of the housing 110 can be used.
- In the present embodiment, the housing 110 possess elasticity so as to allow the ball to bounce whilst preventing the display device 120, the detection device, the processing device 130, and the power source 140 received within the housing from being damaged by the movements of the ball 100. Preferably, the housing 110 comprises at least one layer of elastic material such as rubber, elastomer or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 110 is configured as a two-layered structure having an elastic outer layer and a rigid inner layer so as to allow the ball to bounce and at the same time protect the components received in the internal chamber.
- As shown in this example embodiment, a window 111 is provided on the housing 110 for providing access to the internal chamber of the bouncing ball 100 such that the display device 120 received inside the housing 110 is visible from the outside of the housing 110. In the present embodiment, the window 111 is a transparent element provided on the housing 110 although the window may also be an aperture on the housing 110.
- A display device 120 arranged to display information is mounted adjacent to the window 111. In this example, the display device, which may be a LCD or LED panel, or another type of display is arranged to display information transmitted from the processing device 130. In this embodiment, the processing device 130 is arranged below the display device 120 on a printed circuit board (PCB) for processing information received from the detection device arranged adjacent to the processing device 130. The detection device may include at least one sensor arranged to detect a motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing ball, and in turn transmits the detection signals to the processing device 130. Once the signal is detected and transmitted to the processing device, the processing device 130 then processes the detection signals and transmits the processed information to the display device 120 for display.
- In the present embodiment, the display device 120 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. However, in some other embodiments, the display device 120 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT) display screen, light-emitting diode (LED) display screen or the like to display corresponding information with respect to the detection signals received by the processing device 130.
- The detection device according to the present embodiment may be arranged so as to detect the motion of the bouncing ball such as inclination, vibration and to generate detection signals to the processing device 130. A user may use various ways to manipulate the bouncing ball 100 such as through patting, striking, shaking and tilting while these manipulations will be detected by the detection device and converted to different corresponding detection signals in accordance with the manipulation made.
- Preferably, the detection device comprises a position sensor, a gravity sensor, a tilt sensor, a vibration sensor, or a gyroscope to detect the position changing, motion, status or orientation of the bouncing ball 100 and the manipulation made to the bouncing ball 100. Preferably, the vibration senor including at least one vibration switch operating with a tilt sensor arranged to detect the orientation of the bouncing ball 100. The bouncing ball 100 may also have a two-way roll ball sensor for detecting motion or acceleration of the bouncing ball 100. This two-way roll ball sensor may be a solid state electronic device or a mechanical/electrical sensor which have a physical ball bearing within a housing urged to detect physical movement or vibration when the ball bearing is moved or bounced within the housing. In one embodiment, the bouncing ball may comprise two vibration switches to enhance accuracy of detecting movement or acceleration. The detected information is then transmitted to the processing device 130 for further processing, storage, accumulation or transmission to another device or to the display.
- In one embodiment, the bouncing ball 100 has a plurality of operation modes with each different operation modes corresponding to different manipulations of the ball 100. As an example, a user may tilt the bouncing ball 100 to select the desired operation mode from the plurality of operation modes and then pat the bouncing ball 100 to confirm the choice. In an alternative embodiment, the bouncing ball 100 is activated from a rest state through a slight movement such as a shake, whereas the bouncing ball 100 is also allowed to enter the rest state by another shake.
- In a further embodiment, information may be inputted into the bouncing ball 100 through different modes of manipulation. For example, name of the user and /or name of the bouncing ball 100 may be entered through shaking and patting the ball. The different mode of manipulations are detected by the detection device and processed by the processing device 130. Information entered is then saved in the processing device 130 for recording. This is advantageous in that a user can trace his/her previous records.
- The detection device according to the present embodiment is integrated with the processing device 130 so as to allow an immediate transmission of detected signal and to fasten the information processing time. The processing device 130 comprises a control circuit to control the entire operation of the bouncing ball 100 by connecting with the display device 120, the detection device and the power source 140. Preferably, the processing device 130 comprises a control device for controlling the operation of the other components arranged in the internal chamber. The processing device 130 processes the detection signals given by the detection device and sends instruction to the display device 120 to display corresponding information. The displayed information may comprise mode of operation, status of the bouncing ball 100 such as rest state or activated state, name of the bouncing ball 100, name of the user, animations, etc.
- In one embodiment, the processing device 130 further comprises a timer and/or a counter. The counter counts a number of bounce and the timer measures time intervals between each bounce, the time when the bounce occurs, and /or acts as a countdown clock for a game. The counted number of bounce, the measured time intervals between each bounce will be displayed on the display device 120, as well as the countdown. This is advantageous that a user can receive instant information about the manipulation he/she has done to the bouncing ball 100. This piece of instant information makes the game more fun and exciting, for example catching up the number/scores of bounce when competing with others. At the end of the game, the final number of bounce, time used and the measured time intervals between each bounce will be displayed on the display device 120. Preferably, the results may be recorded in the processing device 130.
- Referring to the Figure 1, in this example embodiment, the processing device 130 is connected with the power source 140 arranged in the housing 110 to power the operation of the entire bouncing ball 100. In the present embodiment, the power source 140 is a rechargeable power source that can be recharged with an external power source through an electrical socket 142 provided on the housing 110. This is advantageous to use a rechargeable power source because it can be used repeatedly and avoid the use of batteries. The use of batteries may incur a substantial cost and increase environmental burden.
- According to the present embodiment, the power source 140 is located below the processing device 130. With reference to the Figure 1, the processing device 130 comprises a slot 131 to receive a plugin member 141 extending perpendicular along a side of the power source 140. This is advantageous in that the power source 140 is securely attached to the processing device 130 such that any movement of the bouncing ball 100 would not affect the attachment between the processing device 130 and the power source 140. Optionally, the plugin member 141 comprises an electric circuit board. Preferably, ends of the plugin member 141 abut to the inner wall of the housing 110 to fix the position of the processing device 130 and the power source 140. In particular, a lower end of the plugin member 141 abuts a lower portion of the inner wall of the housing 110, while an upper end of the plugin member 141 abuts an upper portion of the inner wall of the housing 110. However, it would be appreciated that other arrangements for the attachment or connection between the processing device 130 and the power source 140 may also be applied to the invention.
- In the present embodiment, the processing device 130 further comprises a plurality of recesses 132 curving towards the centre of the processing device 130 for providing access to a plurality of latches 112 provided on the housing 110 such that the processing device 130 can be held in a fixed position within the internal chamber no matter how the bouncing ball 110 is manipulated. In particular, the processing device 130 comprises three recesses 132 on its edge to respectively receive three corresponding latches 112 arranged on the housing 110. Accordingly, once the processing device 130 and the power source 140 are securely fixed in the internal chamber of the bouncing ball 100, other components within the internal chamber are thus held tightly in the internal chamber.
- Preferably, the bouncing ball 100 may further comprises an indicator light 170. With reference to the Figures 1 and 2, the indicator light 170 is arranged adjacent to a side of the display device 120. The indicator light provides signal light on the housing 110 as such it indicates the status of the bouncing ball 100. For an instance, when the light is on, it indicates that the bouncing ball 100 is activated and /or a game is started; when the light is off, it indicates that the bouncing ball 100 is at a rest state and /or a game is over. In another embodiment provided that the power source 140 is a rechargeable power source, the indicator light 170 may indicate a recharging process of the power source, i.e. it offs when the recharging process is completed.
- In an alternative embodiment, the bouncing ball may further comprise a backlight (not shown) . The backlight may be arranged adjacent to the display device 120 to illuminate the display device from the side or back so as to increase the readability of the content on the display device in low light conditions. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the display device is configured without an internal light source. It would also be appreciated that the backlight is capable to indicate the status of the bouncing ball and function as an indicator light. Optionally, the bouncing ball may be arranged to comprise both indicator light and/or backlight.
- Preferably, a magnifier 150 may also be provided between the display device 120 and the window 111. This is advantageous in that the magnifier 150 can magnify and show the content displayed by the display device 120 clearly when the size of display device 120 is limited by the small size of the bouncing ball 100.
- Preferably, the bouncing ball 100 may further comprise a speaker. With reference to the Figure 1, a speaker 160 is arranged in the internal chamber and is connected to the processing device 130. The processing device 130 controls the operation of the speaker 160 so as to play corresponding sound or music when in use. This is advantageous in that the bouncing ball 100 not only displays animations, images and words on the display device 120, but also plays music or sound from the speaker 160. The bouncing ball 100 is thus more entertaining.
- It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any spatial arrangement for the display device, the processing device, the detection device, the power source and other elements within the internal chamber of the bouncing ball are applicable as long as the devices are able to work effectively. In this embodiment, the spatial arrangement according to Figure 1 is implemented to make sure all the components are being held in a fix position with tight packing such that no components will be shifted away from the original position during any movement of the bouncing ball. Moreover, this arrangement is also advantageous in that the cost will be minimized with fewer fixing elements involved.
- It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
- Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.
Claims (20)
- A bouncing ball comprising:a housing configured as a hollow sphere with elasticity, the housing is provided with a window;a display device mounted inside the housing, the display device is visible from the outside of the housing through the window;a detection device mounted inside the housing for detecting inclination and vibration of the bouncing ball so as to generate detection signals;a control device mounted inside the housing for controlling the display device to display corresponding information in accordance with the detection signals;a power source mounted inside the housing for supplying power to the bouncing ball.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein an edge of the control device is provided with a plurality of recesses which curving towards the centre of the control device, a plurality of latches are provided correspondingly on an inner wall of the housing, the plurality of the latches inserts into the plurality of recesses respectively.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 2, wherein the detection device is integrated on the control device, the display device is mounted above the control device and the power source is mounted below the control device.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein a slot is provided on the control device, a plugin member being arranged on a side surface of the power source passes through the slot, and a lower end of the plugin member abuts on an inner wall of a lower portion of the housing, an upper end of the plugin member abuts an inner wall of an upper portion of the housing.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein the bouncing ball comprises a magnifier, the magnifier is mounted between the display device and the window.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein the bouncing ball further comprises an indicator light, the indicator backlight is arranged adjacent to the display device, the indicator light is visible from the outside of the housing.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, a charging socket is provided on the housing and is connected to the rechargeable power source.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a timer and/or a counter.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein the bouncing ball comprises a speaker, the speaker is connected to the control device and is positioned inside the housing.
- A bouncing ball in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detecting device comprises a gravity sensor for detecting inclination and a vibration switch for detecting vibration.
- A bouncing toy comprising:a housing having a window for accessing an internal chamber of the bouncing toy;a display device mounted adjacent to the window to display information detected by one or more sensors arranged to detect a motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy; anda processing device for processing information received from the one or more sensors and transmitting the information to the display device.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a position sensor, a tilt sensor, and a vibration sensor.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the bouncing toy comprises a gyroscope to measure and/or detect an orientation of the bouncing toy and transmit information to the processing device.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the bouncing toy is activated from a rest state once the motion, status or manipulation of the bouncing toy is detected by the sensor.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the processing device comprises a timer and/or a counter.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, the rechargeable power source can be recharged by connecting with an external power source.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the housing comprises at least one elastic layer.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the bouncing toy provides instant information about the motion, status or the manipulation of the bouncing toy.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the processing device records information inputted by a user.
- A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 11, wherein the sensor detects different types of manipulation of the bouncing toy and transmits corresponding detection signals to the processing device.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN201320627938.7U CN203525325U (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2013-10-11 | Bouncy ball |
PCT/CN2014/088260 WO2015051753A1 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2014-10-10 | A bouncing toy |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3055042A1 true EP3055042A1 (en) | 2016-08-17 |
EP3055042A4 EP3055042A4 (en) | 2017-10-04 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP14852705.4A Withdrawn EP3055042A4 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2014-10-10 | A bouncing toy |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3055042A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN203525325U (en) |
HK (1) | HK1188902A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015051753A1 (en) |
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CN203525325U (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2014-04-09 | Bot-I环球有限公司 | Bouncy ball |
WO2019147694A1 (en) * | 2018-01-23 | 2019-08-01 | Company 5, Llc | Bouncing ball with bounce counter |
IT201800006309A1 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2019-12-14 | INTERACTIVE PERCUSSION DEVICE FOR ACOUSTIC APPLICATIONS | |
CN109675330A (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2019-04-26 | 杜正文 | A kind of novel acousto-optic intelligent voice bounder |
MX2023007654A (en) * | 2020-12-28 | 2023-07-07 | Nader Omidi | Multi-layer toy. |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20130210562A1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2013-08-15 | Tangle, Inc. | Segmented ball with lighted elements |
CN2706766Y (en) * | 2003-12-26 | 2005-06-29 | 童文炫 | Speedometer for sports apparatus |
US8152323B2 (en) * | 2007-03-28 | 2012-04-10 | Glenn Bushee | Tactical lighting system |
CN201760047U (en) * | 2010-08-09 | 2011-03-16 | 童文炫 | Ball with speed measuring function |
US8910734B2 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2014-12-16 | 7312903 Canada, Inc. | Robotic ball device with improved robustness and a multitude of interactive and sensing capabilities |
CN102091423A (en) * | 2010-11-26 | 2011-06-15 | 无锡爱迪信光电科技有限公司 | LED (light-emitting diode) luminous pinball |
US20120244969A1 (en) | 2011-03-25 | 2012-09-27 | May Patents Ltd. | System and Method for a Motion Sensing Device |
CN203525325U (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2014-04-09 | Bot-I环球有限公司 | Bouncy ball |
-
2013
- 2013-10-11 CN CN201320627938.7U patent/CN203525325U/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-12 HK HK13113854A patent/HK1188902A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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2014
- 2014-10-10 EP EP14852705.4A patent/EP3055042A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-10-10 WO PCT/CN2014/088260 patent/WO2015051753A1/en active Application Filing
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WO2015051753A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
CN203525325U (en) | 2014-04-09 |
HK1188902A2 (en) | 2014-05-16 |
EP3055042A4 (en) | 2017-10-04 |
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