GB2360469A - Control system for multi-part construction toy. - Google Patents

Abstract

A control system for a multi-part construction toy is characterised by having a processor-controller 10 contained within a housing 25 provided with elements for structurally integrating the unit with elements of the construction toy. A program reader receptor socket 19, physically separate from but associated with the processor-controller 10, is likewise provided with integral elements enabling structural integration into the assembly, at a location remote from the processor-controller and convenient for receiving a program key 21. A variety of pre-programmed and programmable keys 21 are provided, for selective insertion in the receptor socket 19, to enable different outputs from the processor-controller 10 depending upon the form and character of the structural assembly. One or a plurality of motor devices 11, 12, 13, operated by the processor-controller 10, can be incorporated into the multi-part structural assembly to provide controllable motions, sounds, lights, etc., in accordance with the program of the inserted key 21 and inputs such as sound, infrared light, or the like. Where desired, keys 21 can be programmed by the user, via keyboard entry from a PC, download from the Internet, or by operating the system in a "learn" mode.

Description

2360469 REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MULTI-PART CONSTRUCTION TOY

Background and Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed -to the field of multi-part construction toys, such as those sold under the trademark KINEX, by KINEX Industries, Inc. Construction toy sets of this type comprise a large number of relatively elemental parts, such as rods, connectors, panels etc. which can be joined by snap-in connection to form rigid skeletal structures. One of the features of construction toy sets of this type is that a variety of structures may be assembled from a given set of parts, to have different forms and functions.

Among the structures that can be built from these construction toy sets are devices with moving parts that can be controlled to perform a function, and/or driven wheels to permit movement of the constructed unit. In such cases, it is a common practice to provide electric motors for operating drive wheels or other moving parts, and such motors can be controlled remotely, as by an attached flexible control cord, radio device, infrared control, or the like.

In accordance with the present invention, a novel'and improved control system is provided, which is especially adapted for use in connection with a multi-part construction toy set, which accommodates more elaborate control over the motions and functions of a given structure, including in particular the ability to provide for pre-programmed operation of various constructed devices. To particular advantage, the system of the invention provides a control system that can be usefully incorporated into a multi-part construction toy set in such a manner that, for each of a variety of structures that can be usefully built with a given set, a separate operating program can be installed and set into operation by inserting a particular pre-programmed key into a program reader socket incorporated into the assembled structure, causing and/or enabling the structure to-execute a series of operations appropriate to the form and nature of the structure.

The system of the invention enables a processorcontroller to be structurally integrated with the specific structure built with the construction set, in a location suitable for center of gravity and aesthetic considerations. A key- receiving receptor socket is also arranged to be integrated into the built structure, but at a location and position within the structure that provides convenient access to allow the user to insert and remove the program key. Additionally, the system of the invention accommodates certain types of control via infrared light, and a receptor for such infrared light advantageously is built into the key-receiving socket, which is integrated into the structure at a location suitable to receive the infrared signals. Other receptors, for example an element for sensing changes in light intensity, a bump sensor, or the like, can be integrated into the structure at suitably accessible locations and connected to the processorcontroller to provide additional control inputs.

While typically the program keys will be pre programmed and read-only in character, it is also contemplated that user-programmable keys can be provided, giving the user complete freedom over the manner in which a constructed device is to be controlled. In this respect, it is contemplated that programmable keys will be programmed manually by the user. Among other contemplated procedures, the system may be provided with a "learn" mode, in which the assembled structure is controlled on a step--- by-step basis, using an infrared controller or the like, through a desired sequence of movements, actions, sounds, light activities, etc, with each of the steps being recorded by a programmable key, which--isthen able to reproduce the sequence. Programming of the keys may also be accomplished through a personal computer or similar connection. Programs may also be downloaded over the Internet, allowing new programs to be provided by the manufacturer, programs to be exchanged among users, etc.

For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, and to the accompanying drawings.

Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of one form of remote control system for a multi-part construction toy incorporating principles of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective representation of a typical toy device, constructed with elements of a multi-part construction toy, illustrating the manner of incorporation therein of a remote control system according to the invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a processor controller unit suitable for use in the system of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the processor- controller unit of Fig. 4, shown with a construction set connector element mounted thereon to enable the processor-controller to be structurally integrated into a device such as shown -4in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is an exploded side elevational view showing a program keyreceiving socket element, w--th a program key positioned to be inserted therein.

Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of the elements of Fig.

5, with a construction set connector element assembled therewith to enable the socket to be structurally integrated into a device as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a side view of an element, which can be connected to the processor-controller for emitting or receiving signals, shown assembled with a fragmentary connector element of the construction set.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an advantageous form of battery box, shown together with rod elements for structurally integrating the battery box into an assembled device such as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the battery box of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a motor suitable for use in the system of the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1 thereof, the reference numeral 10 designates generally a processor-controller unit, which forms a major element of the system. The illustrated system includes three drive motors 11-13, although it will be understood that a greater or lesser number of drive motors may be utilized, depending upon the nature and function of the structure in which the -5system is to be incorporated.

In the illustrated system, the drive motor 11 is connected by flexible conductor 14 to a-battery case 15. The battery case is in turn connected by flexible conductor 16 to the processor-controller 10. The drive motors 12, 13 are connected to a battery case 17 which in turn is connected to the processor- controller 10 by flexible conductor 18.

A program key receptor 19, separate from the processor- controller 10, is connected thereto by a flexible conductor 20. A program key 21, carrying a pre-programmed element (not shown) is adapted for insertion into a slot 22 in the receptor 19. The receptor 19 and program key 21, when joined together, enable the processor- controller 10 to read the program information stored on the key 21 and to actuate the drive motors 11, 13 and other elements of the system in accordance with the program information provided by the key 21.

As a feature of the invention, the system of Fig. 1 is intended for incorporation into and association with selectively built structures of a multi-part construction toy set, including a variety of program keys 21 individually programmed for various types of structures. For example, the construction toy set may accommodate the building of various vehicles performing different functions, and also robotic devices and the like. For these various structures, individual program keys can be provided to enable the different structures to follow different routines appropriate to the specific structure, including various motions and activities, sounds,- light effects, etc.

For a given construction toy set, it is contemplated that the set will include a selected number of preprogrammed keys designed for predetermined structures for which building instructions and the necessary components are provided in the set. It is further contemplated, however, that programmable keys can be provided, which can be programmed by the user, through a "learn" mode of stepby-step operations, through a personal computer or similar device, either by manual entry by the user or by downloading through the Internet, for example.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the processorcontroller 10 advantageously is enclosed within a processor housing 25 which includes means for integrating the processor housing into a structure built with the construction toy. To this end, the housing 25 is arranged on each of four sides with a connection pad 26 formed with a plurality (typically four) of outwardly projecting posts 27. The height, diameter and positioning of the posts 27 is such that they can be received snugly in openings 28 formed in a standard connector element 29 of a KINEX construction toy set, as shown in Fig. 4. The construction toy set, as illustrated in, for example, the Glickman U.S. Patent No. 5,199,919, provides for the lateral, snap-in assembly with the connector 29 of a plurality of rod elements 30, forming part of a larger structural assembly. This arrangement allows the processor housing 25 to be integrated in a variety of ways into a structural assembly. Typically, the processor housing may be located relatively low in the assembly, for advantageous weight distribution, and also to be in an aesthetically suitable location within the structure.

The processor- controller housing may advantageously be provided with a variety of input and output facilities..

For example, in the illustrated system, the processor housing has a microphone 31 and a speaker 32, at the front, and is provided with a variety of sockets 33, 34 for plugin connection with a variety of elemenes, including the battery case conductors 16, 18, the conductor 20 leading to the program key receptor 19, as well as elements such as a light sensor 35, LED outputs 36 (Fig. 1) and the like.

With reference to Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings, the key receptor socket 19 includes a housing 40 having front and back ends 41, 42 respectively. A conductor cable 20 exits from the back of the receptor, while the front 41 is provided with the slot 22 for receiving the tongue 43 of a program key 21. The tongue 43 and slot 22 have mating electrical contact surfaces such that, when the tongue 43 of the key 21 is fully received in the socket 22, communication is established with a ROM element 44 within the key, in the case of pre- programmed keys, or re-writable elements in the case of programmable keys, enabling the program information provided therein to be utilized by the processor-controller 10.

The bottom wall 45 of the receptor socket 19 is provided with a pad 46 formed with downwardly extending posts 47, typically similar to the pad and post arrangement 26, 27 of the processor housing 25. The posts 47 are adapted to receive a standard connector element 29 of a KINEX construction set, enabling the receptor socket to be structurally integrated into a structural assembly built with standard components such as the connector 29 and rods 48. It will be understood that although only a single rod 48 is illustrated in Fig. 6, and a single rod 30 illustrated in Fig. 4, the actual integration -of the processor and receptor components into a complete structure typically will involve the assembly of a plurality of rods and connectors arranged in ways that are well known to users of these multi-part toy construction sets.

As will hereinafter be more -evident, it is contemplated by the invention that the key receptor socket 19 will be mounted in an easily accessible location in the toy structure, such that the user can easily insert and remove the key 21.

It is additionally contemplated in the present invention that the remotely controlled structure be able to receive control inputs from an infrared source. Accordingly, the upper surface 49 of the key receptor socket is provided with an infrared sensor unit 50 which, when the receptor is properly mounted in a position for key input and removal accessibility, will also be readily accessible to a remote infrared control device. In the simplest form of the new system, the infrared control device may be a standard TV control device, for example. In such cases, the control system will be adapted to executed a control function for example advance to the next sequential step in a program) upon reception of infrared input. In more complex systems, special infrared control devices may be provided in which the infrared signal is controllably variable by the user to provide a wider range of user-enabled remote control functions.

Fig. 7 illustrates a light sensor 35 which is mounted on a plastic base 51. Extending from the plastic base is a post 52, which has the dimensions and configuration of the end of a standard rod of the construction set, such as shown at 30 in Fig. 4 and at 48 in Fig. 6. The post 52 may be assembled with a standard connector 53 of the construction set in the same manner as a rod element, i.e. by lateral snap-in assembly, such that the light sensor may.

be suitably mounted in the completed structure in a location to enable the sensor to detect significant changes in light intensity, for example, for effecting a desired control response. The sensor 35 is connected through a conductor cable 54 to a plug element 55 arranged to be received in a socket provided therefor in the processor housing 25, such as the socket 34 shown in Fig. 3, to provide electrical connection with the processorcontroller 10.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate details of the battery case 17 which, for the purposes of this description, is the same as the battery case 15 except that the battery case 15 is designed for connection to a single drive motor whereas the battery case 17 is designed for connection with two drive motors. The illustrated battery cases are provided with multiple means for integrating them into a structural assembly made with the construction toy set. In this respect, on the top wall 60 of the battery case there are provided four upwardly projecting posts 61 sized and positioned in generally the same manner as the posts 27 of the processor housing and the posts 47 of the receptor socket, so as to snugly receive a connector element in the same manner as shown in Figs. 4 and 6. Additionally, the bottom wall 62 of the battery case is provided with front and rear brackets 63, 64 provided with transverse openings 65, 66 respectively for the reception of rod elements 67, 68 of the construction set. Preferably, one of the brackets (in this case the rear bracket 64), is provided with a cylindrical opening for close reception of the rod element 68 while the second bracket (in this case the forward bracket 65) is provided with an elongated opening accommodating the positioning of a transversely disposed rod element 67 in any of a variety of positions longitudinally of the battery case.

With reference to Fig. 10, there is shown a drive motor 70 suitable for use in connection with the system of the invention. The motor casing includes pads 71 on opposite sides, from which extend posts 72 similar in geometry to those previously described, for the snug reception of a connector element as shown for example at 29 in Fig. 4. This enables the drive motor to be integrated into an assembled structure in the same manner as the processor- controller 10 and the battery cases 15, 17, as heretofore described. The drive motor 70, includes facilities to provide a drive connection for a rod element (not shown) inserted transversely through the motor housing at the opening 73, and also before an axially inserted rod (not shown) through a front opening 74. The drive motor 70 provides reversible rotation of the rod or rods assembled therewith under the control of the processorcontroller 10.

A typical structure utilizing the system of the invention is shown in a highly simplified and schematic form in Fig. 2. The illustration is representative of a military-type vehicle constructed of rods, connectors and panels of a KINEX construction toy set. The vehicle 90 has wheels 91 at opposite sides driven by motors 12, 13 which are connected to dual battery case 17. The battery case is connected to the processor-controller 10 (not seen in Fig. 2) which is preferably located low in the vehicle and toward the back end thereof.

In the illustrated structure, a missile turret 92 is operated by a third drive motor 11. The motor 11 is connected to the single battery case 15 which in turn is connected to the processor-controller located in the interior of the vehicle.

At the front of the vehicle, and integrated therein by a rod and connector arrangement as previously described, is the receptor socket 19 for a progranr- key 21. As is evident in Fig. 2, the receptor socket is located in a fully accessible position in the upper front portion of the vehicle, enabling the key 21 to be inserted in and removed from the socket. Additionally, the infrared sensor unit 50 is readily accessible to receive remotely directed infrared signals.

The vehicle of Fig. 2 can be set into operation by insertion of the pre-programmed or programmable key 21 into the receptor 19. This causes the vehicle to engage in a predetermined set of operations, which can include controlled motion of the vehicle, utterance of sounds through its speaker 32, flashing of LED elements 36, movement of the missile launcher turret, etc. Depending upon the nature of the preprogrammed information, the activities of the vehicle may be influenced, or independently controlled, by infrared signals directed to the sensor unit 50. Likewise, actions of the vehicle may be influenced by a changes in light intensity detected by the light sensor 35 and/or sounds, such as clapping of hands, sensed by the microphone 31 and/or by a bump sensor (not shown). A simple bump sensor can comprise a suspended weight arranged to cause an electrical contact to be completed in response to excessive accelerations or decelerations of the structure.

It is contemplated that a given construction toy set may provide components and directions for building several different items of varying ranges of complexity-. For example, there could be a simple vehicle or apparatus operated by a single drive motor, in which case the dual battery case 17 and the motors 12, 13 would be omitted from the assembly. A different program key, preprogrammed with activities suitable to that particular vehicle or apparatus, would be provided for insertion into the receptor socket 19, so that the information provided to the processorcontroller was appropriate to the particular device.

In a typical case the processor-controller may emit sounds through the speaker 32 that correspond to the activities of the particular device of for example, engine sounds, horn sounding, utterances of a theoretical operator, flashing of lights, etc. All of these actions can be carried out pursuant to the information provided by the preprogrammed key for the specific assembled structure.

is For users having an adequate range of computer skills, provision can be made for user programmable keys, either by manual entry into a personal computer or similar device, downloading from the Internet, extracting from floppy discs or CDs, or the like. Additionally, programmable keys may be programmed in a "learn" mode of the system, by stepping it through a desired sequence of moves and activities, sounds, lights, etc., while recording the individual steps on the programmable key for subsequent playback.

A feature of particular significance is the provision of a key receptor socket, which can be integrated into any apparatus constructed using components of a multi-part construction toy set, such as a KINEX set, at a location which is separate from that of the processor- controller.

This allows the processor-controller to be integrated into the structure at a location suitable to the operational and structural requirements, as well as aesthetic suitability,.

while the key receptor socket is located and integrated into the structure in a position to be readily accessible to the user, for insertion and removal of the program key, and also accessible to receive remotely -provided control 5 signals, such as infrared beams.

It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

We Claim:

1. In a remote control system for a multi-part construction toy, where the control system includes a processorcontroller with input receptors and one or---more outputs for operating one or more drive motors, and where the processor- controller includes a removable program key which provides program data for influencing the response of the processor to inputs to said input receptors, the improvement characterized by (a) said processorcontroller being contained principally in a first housing, (b) said first housing having externally accessible elements for structural engagement with 'Structural elements of said toy construction set, whereby said first housing may be incorporated into a structural assembly of said elements, (c) a second housing separate from said first housing and connected thereto by flexible electrical conductors, (d) said second housing comprising a receptacle adapted 20 for removable reception of a program key for reading the data programmed thereon, (e) said second housing having externally accessible elements for structural engagement with structural elements of said toy construction set, (f) said second housing being incorporated into said structural assembly of elements at a location remote from said first housing and accessible from the exterior of said structural assembly, and (9) said programming key being accessible in said second 30 housing when said second housing is incorporated into said structural assembly.

2. A remote control system according to claim 1, wherein (a) said second housing has at least one input receptor for imparting input signals to said processor- controller from a remote location.

3. A remote control system according to claim 2, wherein (a) said second housing includes an inrared receptor.

4. A remote control system according to claim 1, wherein (a) said construction toy set includes elements to enable a user to assemble a plurality of dif f erent structures, and (b) a plurality of pre-programmed keys are provided for selective reception in said second housing according to the specific structure assembled by the user.

5. A remote control system according to claim 1, wherein (a) said system includes a plurality of drive motors connected by flexible conductors to said first housing, (b) said drive motors including motor housings having externally accessible elements for structural engagement with structural elements of said toy construction set for incorporating said drive motors into a structural assembly of said elements.

6. A remote control system according to claim 4, wherein (a) said system further includes one or more programmable keys, (b) said programmable keys being programmable independently of said structures and by way of activating a structure in a,learn,' mode.

7. A remote control system for a multi-part construction toy substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.