EP1239932B1

EP1239932B1 - Doll responsive to audible sounds from a computer or the like

Info

Publication number: EP1239932B1
Application number: EP01903220A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert J. c/o Mattel Inc. GRZSEK
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2000-02-11
Filing date: 2001-01-18
Publication date: 2007-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-18
Also published as: AU759984B2; DE60126907T2; MXPA02005579A; DE60126907D1; AU3106701A; WO2001058554A1; ATE355115T1; WO2001058554A9; EP1239932A1; CA2393234A1; EP1239932A4

Abstract

A doll (10) includes a plurality of movable appendages (12, 13, 14, 15) supported upon a torso (11) and operatively coupled to motor driven gear units (77, 96) to provide movement of the appendages. A controller circuit (41) supported within the doll interior controls the operation of the drive motors (45, 47). Microphones (30, 31) are operatively coupled to the control circuit. A computer (20) is provided with software (24) such as game or other activity software which includes a plurality of audible tone signals operative to cause the computer to output audible tones as instruction for the doll. The controller within the doll includes a decode circuit (43) for converting the audible tones to appropriate movement of the doll's appendages and/or speech or other sounds to be produced by the doll.

Description

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to dolls having movable appendages and particularly to those utilized in combination with a computer or the like.

Background of the Invention

The extraordinary development of computer systems has placed extremely powerful and high speed computers in a great many homes and other noncommercial facilities. The presence of such powerful computers in homes or other dwelling places has allowed the use of such computers for amusement and entertainment through various activities such as game playing or the like. Additionally, computers have provided access to the recent phenomenon of the worldwide web or internet allowing substantial communication between computers throughout the world.
In recent years, a number of doll and toy products have been provided which make use of the substantial computing power now available to provide interactive or computer controlled dolls and toy figures. Such dolls typically utilize one or more battery-powered motor drive mechanisms together with movable appendages and other body components to provide dolls with the capability to move arms, legs, mouths and heads. Dolls have also been provided which utilize speech synthesis or other sound producing circuitry to simulate speech or other sounds.
In recent developments, a communication link exists between the doll or toy figure and a controlling computer. Initially, such communication links were provided with hard wired tethers between the doll and the computer utilizing one or more of the available communication ports of the computer. Subsequently developed systems, however, utilized other communication technologies such as radio frequency transmission and reception or "radio frequency linkage". Still other utilized infrared energy transmitters and receivers to provide a so-called "infrared link". In any event, the basic function remain the same in that the extraordinary computing power resident within the host computer allowed the doll to benefit from the available computing and processing power and to not be limited to its internal memory capability as had been the case with earlier developed microprocessor driven toy figures and dolls.
While interactive dolls and other toy figures which utilize such communication links with a powerful computer exhibit substantial capability, they are unfortunately also rather expensive to manufacture and complex in their utilization. For example, radio frequency link communication requires appropriate position of the doll or toy figure within the effective range of the computer's transmitter. Similarly, infrared communication links may be sensitive to the need for a clear line of sight between the computer transmitter and the doll's receiver. One obvious limitation of communication links using a hard wired tether is the difficulties associated with manipulating the tether as the doll moves about and the limitation of distance provided by the length of the tether.
US-A-6 012 961 discloses an electronic toy controlled by a computer via a cable or a wireless radio signal.
Accordingly, while the above-described prior art devices have improved the art to some extent and have provided substantial improvements in interactive dolls and toy figures, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore improved and cost effective interactive dolls for use with computers or other devices.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved doll which is responsive to a host computer. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved interactive doll which is capable of manufacture with greater ease and lower cost than presently provided by prior art interactive dolls.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a doll in combination with a computer, the combination comprising: a computer having a processor, a plurality of user inputs and an audio output device; a data input for providing the computer with data and information for an activity including audible tones; a doll having movable appendages and motor means for moving the appendages; an audible sound sensor supported on the doll; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor means and the audible sound sensor for operating the motor means to move the appendages in response to the audible tones.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

Figure 1 sets forth a perspective view of a doll constructed in accordance with the present invention together with a conventional computer;
Figure 2 sets forth a partially sectioned front view of the present invention doll; and
Figure 3 sets forth a block diagram of the present invention doll in operation with a conventional computer and/or handheld game.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Figure 1 sets forth a perspective view of a doll constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Doll 10 is shown in Figure 1 in interactive relationship with an otherwise conventional computer generally referenced by numeral 20.
Doll 10 includes a torso 11 supporting a pair of arms 12 and 13 and a pair of legs 14 and 15. Torso 11 further supports a pair of microphones 30 and 31 and a head 16. In accordance with the apparatus set forth below in Figures 2 and 3, arms 12 and 13 as well as legs 14 and 15 are movable upon torso 11 as indicated by arrows 32 through 35.
Computer 20 is fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and includes a processor unit 21 having a drive 23 configured to receive an CD-ROM 24. Computer 20 further includes a keyboard 22 and a mouse 25 to provide user inputs to processor unit 21. A monitor 26 includes an image display screen 27 and further supports a pair of speakers 28 and 29.
In operation, computer 20 receives a software input in the form of CD-ROM 24 inserted into drive 23. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that computer 20 may also or alternatively receive information via an internet connection (not shown). The important aspect with respect to the present invention is the provision of appropriate software having data which communicates to processor 21 the activity to be undertaken with doll 10 and the appropriate coded signals to be audibly communicated to doll 10 using speakers 28 and 29.
Thus, once CD-ROM 24 has been loaded or once a suitable internet connection has been completed, computer 20 and doll 10 are ready for game play or other interactive activities. As the user provides inputs to computer 20 and responds to game play elements such as images seen on display screen 27, the appropriate time arrives in which the game play or other activity requires communication with doll 10. At such time, the computer outputs a plurality of audible tones through speakers 28 and 29. The audible sounds produced by speakers 28 and 29 radiate toward doll 10 and are sensed by either or both of microphones 30 and 31. In the manner described below in greater detail, the audible sounds sensed by microphones 30 and/or 31 are utilized by doll 10 to operate the movement mechanisms for suitable appendages such as arms 12 and 13 and/or legs 14 and 15. Additionally, doll 10 supports a sound circuit which is coupled to a conventional speaker 17 preferably supported on the doll rear torso. Thus, additional response by doll 10 to the audible tones outputted by computer 20 may include the production of responsive or interrelated sounds.
It has been found that the use of audible tones rather than the prior art systems of radio frequency or infrared communication linkages is actually pleasant and entertaining to the child user.
Moreover, the audible tone communication system is facilitated with virtually no increase in system cost beyond the conventional mechanisms normally used to power or articulate a doll such as doll 10. It has further been found that the present invention system does not require any alteration or change or any addition of expensive peripheral equipment to computer 20 to provide this interactive doll capability.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a virtually endless variety of audible tone signals, signal formats and/or tone coding may be utilized in the audible sound communication between computer 20 and doll 10. For example, audible tones similar to those utilized by a conventional telephone are readily available in various formats and decoders of such conventional telephone tone systems are equally available to be used within doll 10. However, once again, it will be apparent that virtually any audible tone system may be utilized so long as doll 10 includes a receiver or decoder which is compliant with and corresponds to the tones played by computer 20.
Figure 2 sets forth a partially sectioned front view of the present invention interactive doll. As described above, doll 10 includes a torso 11 supporting a pair of arms 12 and 13 together with a pair of legs 14 and 15. As is also described above, doll 10 includes a head 16 and further supports a speaker 17 together with a pair of microphones 30 and 31.
Torso 11 is preferably formed of a relatively rigid material and defines an interior cavity 40. Torso 11 further defines a shoulder aperture 60 which receives an arm shaft 61 having a gear 62 coupled thereto. A shaft 75 having a bevel gear 76 is rotatably supported within interior cavity 40 by conventional support means (not shown). Shaft 75 is coupled to a gear 63 which engages gear 62.
Similarly, arm 13 includes a shaft 71 which extends through an aperture 70 formed in torso 11. Shaft 71 is coupled to a gear 72 which in turn is coupled to a gear 73. The latter is joined to and rotatable with shaft 75. A reversible motor 47 is supported within interior cavity 40 and includes a bevel gear 77.
Bevel gear 77 engages bevel gear 76 such that rotation in either direction of motor 47 causes corresponding bidirectional rotation of gear 76 and shaft 75. The bidirectional rotation of shaft 75 produces corresponding bidirectional rotation of gears 63 and 62 as well as gears 73 and 72. The result is bidirectional rotational motion of arms 12 and 13 as indicated by arrows 34 and 35.
Torso 11 further defines a pair of leg apertures 90 and 100 which receive leg shafts 91 and 101.
Shafts 91 and 101 supports legs 14 and 15. A pair of bevel gears 92 and 102 are received upon shafts 91 and 101 respectively. A shaft 95 is rotatably supported within interior cavity 40 by conventional support means (not shown) and includes a pair of bevel gears 93 and 103 together with a gear 94. A motor 45 is supported within interior cavity 40 and includes an output gear 96 which engages gear 94. Motor 45 is a reversible or bidirectional motor and reversible operation of motor 45 produces a corresponding reversible or bidirectional direction rotation of gear 94 which in turn rotates gears 93 and 103 causing gears 91 and 101 to move legs 14 and 15 respectively in the manner indicated by arrows 32 and 33.
Doll 10 further includes a controller circuit 41 which is fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques in that it provides a conventional sound circuit 42 having a stored repertoire of sounds capable of energizing speaker 17 together with a motor controller circuit 43. A plurality of connecting wires 44 operatively couple controller 41 to speaker 17, microphones 30 and 31 and motors 45 and 47. Additional connecting wires 46 and 48 provide the separate connections to motors 45 and 47. Microphones 30 and 31 are operatively coupled to controller 41 by wires 55 and 56.
In operation, in response to coded sound received from computer 20 (seen in Figure 1) at microphones 30 and 31, signal inputs are provided to controller 41 which selectively actuate the desired motor or motors and which may also initiate sound output from sound circuit 42.
Figure 3 sets forth a combined block diagram of the present invention audible tone responsive doll and a conventional computer as described above in Figure 1. In addition, Figure 3 also shows an alternatively game input source for the present invention doll utilizing a conventional handheld electronic game.
More specifically, doll 10 includes a controller 41 having a processor 49 coupled to an associated processor memory 111. A tone decode circuit 110 is coupled to processor 49 and receives signals from a pair of microphones 30 and 31. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 3 utilizes a pair of microphones for receiving audible tones, a signal microphones may suffice. The important aspect is the ability to sense the audible tones produced by computer 20 and convert the audio energy to electrical information which is communicated to decode circuit 110. Controller 41 further includes a motor control circuit 43 operatively coupled to a pair of reversible motors 45 and 47. Controller 41 further includes a conventional sound circuit 42 operatively coupled to a speaker 17.
Computer 20 is fabricated entirely in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and thus includes a processor unit 21 having a display monitor 26 and a keyboard input 22. A conventional mouse 25 is also operatively coupled to an input of processor 21. A CD-ROM drive 23 is coupled to processor 21 and as is shown in Figure 1 receives a software input in the form of CD-ROM 24. Processor 21 includes a conventional sound circuit for producing audible sounds which is coupled to a pair of speakers 28 and 29. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while computer 20 utilizes a pair of speakers, a single speaker or other audio transducer may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In operation, as described above, computer 20 produces audible tones using speakers 28 and 29 to output audible energy shown as audio beam 57 which is received by microphones 30 and 31 and coupled to decode circuit 110. Decode circuit 110 converts the received tones to appropriate input signals for processor 49. As mentioned above, a variety of coding systems may be utilized for communicating via audible tones which may, for example, include conventional telephone tone dialing apparatus. In such case, decode circuit 110 may utilize a conventional tone decoder of the type used in telephone systems.
In response to coded input signals at processor 49, processor 49 responds in accordance with the stored program or instruction set within memory 111 to provide signals to motor control 43 and sound circuit 42. As a result, either or both of motors 45 and 47 are operated and appropriate sound may be produced by speaker 17.
Figure 3 also sets forth an alternative audible tone source for use with doll 10. A handheld game unit which facilitates game play in a small handheld electronic form includes a speaker 51 which produces audible tones 58 which are directed toward microphones 30 and 31. The response of doll 10 to audible tones provided by handheld game 50 is substantially the same as that described for computer 20. Thus, handheld game 50 simply functions as an example of an alternative audible tone source for use with doll 10.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

A doll (10) in combination with a computer (20), said combination comprising:
a computer having a processor, a plurality of user inputs and an audio output device (28,29);

a data input (24) for providing said computer with data and information for an activity including audible tones;

a doll having movable appendages (12,13,14,15) and motor means (45,47) for moving said appendages; characterised by

an audible sound sensor (30,31) supported on said doll; and

a controller (41) operatively coupled to said motor means and said audible sound sensor for operating said motor means to move said appendages in response to said audible tones.
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said data input includes a CD-ROM (24).