GB2492968A - Apparatus for generating vibrations to be detected by a portable media player - Google Patents

Apparatus for generating vibrations to be detected by a portable media player Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2492968A
GB2492968A GB1112253.8A GB201112253A GB2492968A GB 2492968 A GB2492968 A GB 2492968A GB 201112253 A GB201112253 A GB 201112253A GB 2492968 A GB2492968 A GB 2492968A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
text
media player
toy
application
vibrations
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Withdrawn
Application number
GB1112253.8A
Other versions
GB201112253D0 (en
Inventor
Stuart Browning
Yann Lebouedec
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Blue Sky Designs Ltd
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Blue Sky Designs Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Blue Sky Designs Ltd filed Critical Blue Sky Designs Ltd
Priority to GB1112253.8A priority Critical patent/GB2492968A/en
Publication of GB201112253D0 publication Critical patent/GB201112253D0/en
Publication of GB2492968A publication Critical patent/GB2492968A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/25—Output arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/28—Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
    • A63F13/285—Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
    • A63F13/02—
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
    • A63F13/245—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/50—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress
    • A63F13/54—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/016—Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/16—Sound input; Sound output
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
    • A63F13/214—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads
    • A63F13/2145—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads the surface being also a display device, e.g. touch screens
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/40—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
    • A63F13/42—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle
    • A63F13/424—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle involving acoustic input signals, e.g. by using the results of pitch or rhythm extraction or voice recognition
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/92—Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/98—Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1037—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1068—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to detect the point of contact of the player on a surface, e.g. floor mat, touch pad
    • A63F2300/1075—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to detect the point of contact of the player on a surface, e.g. floor mat, touch pad using a touch screen
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1081—Input via voice recognition
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
    • A63F2300/204—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform the platform being a handheld device

Abstract

An apparatus 100 which can interact with a portable media player 105 (or tablet computer/portable electronic device) or running an application or game comprises a device which generates mechanical vibrations (such as audible sounds or inaudible acoustic waves) that can cause a response from the application upon detection of the vibrations by the portable media player. A microphone of the player may detect the vibrations. The vibrations might be caused by an actuator 102/103. The apparatus may further comprise a receptacle 104e, (such a as a slot, cradle of casing) for holding the player. The apparatus may be in the form of toy such as a toy gun, steering wheel [fig. 2], soft toy, [fig. 3] or fishing rod [fig. 4]. The apparatus may enhance the experience of a user using an application or playing a game.

Description

Apparatus Configured to Interact with Portable Media Player The present invention relates to the field of entertainment using portable media players including but not limited to touch screen media players.
Portable media players such as touch screen media players are well known in the art. These are electronics devices capable of storing and playing digital media and software applications. Digital media includes audio, visual, iniages, videos, songs, sound recordings and other digital data forms. The media stored on digital media players are usually stored on hard drives, microdrives and flash memory. As well as digital media that can be played back, more recently, gaming applications and software have been combined with digital media players such that media players can also be used as tools for playing interactive games.
The generation of all-in-one devices for playing media and games has further transferred to IS the telecommunications world with the result that telephones, and more particularly mobile telephones have been developed such that they can also act as interfaces for playing games, software, applications and media.
A large number of media players and telecommunications devices use touch screen technology. A touch screen is an electronic visual display which acts to detect a touch or disturbance within the display area. In order to operate the majority of applications on a typical touch screen device the user is required to touch the display area with their finger.
Media players are usually hand held. A touch screen device provides an advantage over a non-touch screen device as the user is able to interact with the function that they want to operate directly.
The present invention is based on the realisation that the functionality of gaming applications designed to run on portable media players could be enhanced with apparatus that is external to the media player.
This is achieved according to the following disclosure by having the external apparatus generate sounds or other mechanical vibrations that can be detected by the media player. An application running on the media player can then respond.
In the following sound" is intended to mean a mechanical vibration that is propagated through air and encompasses inaudible as well as audible sounds.
Ideally the application is able to function on the media player without the external apparatus.
The application may be designed such that additional content is made available to a user in response to the detection by the media player of one or more sounds or other mechanical vibrations produced by the external apparatus. The external apparatus thus provides an enhanced user experience. The application can be used on the media player without the external apparatus but more is available from the application if the external device is used.
IS For example if the application is a gaming application the user might have a higher level made available if the external apparatus is used.
The sounds can be detected simply by the microphone that would usually be present in the media player. As a result there is no need for any wiring or other electrical connections between the media player and the external apparatus.
The sounds or other vibrations may be inaudible to the human ear. Frequencies capable of being heard by humans are called audio or sonic. The range is typically considered to be between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. The sounds may therefore be above 20,000 Hz or below 20Hz.
The apparatus may be designed to accommodate the device. For example the apparatus may comprise a receptacle for the media player. This could be in the form of a slot, cradle, casing, housing or frame designed to accommodate the media player, preferably in a configuration such that the display screen is visible.
The preferred form of media player for use with apparatus according to the invention is a hand held device, preferably a device designed to be held in one hand, as is usually the case with a smart phone for example. Thus the preferred apparatus is be designed to accommodate a hand held media player.
The sound or other vibration could be generated directly upon actuation of the device. For example the application might respond to an audible tap' on a surface of the external apparatus. Another possibility is to provide a squeeze bulb that is squeezed on operation of a trigger or press button or squeezing a limb of a cuddly toy, to generate an inaudible sound.
Alternatively a sound (or other vibration) generator could be activated in response to operation of an actuator on the apparatus such as a press button, mechanical switch, trigger or any manually operable actuator.
For example a sound generator could be provided within the body of the toy and communicating with an actuator accessible on the outside of the toy.
In order to avoid accidental responses to sounds by the application, the sound should be distinctive and the application will detect a particular wave form in order to respond.
The provision of a separate sound generator permits many possibilities for enhanced user experience. For example the apparatus could generate a sound imitating a bomb blast that causes a response from the application, such as to display a scene of devastation on the media player.
The apparatus might comprise multiple devices for generating sounds or other mechanical vibrations. Each device might generate sound at a different frequency from the one or more others.
In the case where an actuator is provided, one might serve to cause operation of all of the vibration generators. For example, if the actuator is a press button, the first press might cause operation of one generator, the second another and so on. Alternatively there might be a separate actuator for each vibration generator.
The apparatus can take a variety of forms. A preferred form of apparatus is toy. One example is a soft or plush toy. The toy might take the form of a creature. The device for generating mechanical vibrations, or an actuator for the device, might be provided in a limb of the creature. Other possibilities will be discussed in the following.
Another possibility is for the device to take the form of a replica or toy gun. The device for generating vibrations, or the actuator for the device, could comprise a trigger on the gun.
Another possibility is for the device to take the form of a steering wheel. There are already available applications for media players which require the player to be held as if it was a steering wheel. Apparatus in the form of a steering wheel could accommodate the media player and could generate sounds to which the application causes the media player to respond.
IS The invention is not however limited to toys and gaming aids.
All of the foregoing examples of apparatus, although described as toys, may also function as learning aids. The plush toy and an associated application could be configured as a learning aid for small children. The gun could act as a training aid as could the steering wheel.
There are other possibilities for the invention beyond the field of toys and learning aids.
There is also provided in the following a system comprising the apparatus described above and an application for a media player configured to respond to the detection of the mechanical vibrations by the media player.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried out, certain embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gun gaming apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of a steering wheel gaming apparatus; and Figure 3 illustrates a soft toy adapted to accommodate a smart phone; Figure 4 illustrates a fishing toy adapted to accommodate a smart phone; and Figure 5 illustrates a quiz game adapted to accommodate a smart phone, tablet device or other portable media player.
Figure 1 shows an illustration of a gaming apparatus where the apparatus is in the form of a gun gaming apparatus 100. The gun configuration of the gaming apparatus would be particularly suitable to operate with media players such as touch screen media players and touch screen communications devices such as phones with gaming software or applications which relate to shooting.
IS However it should be considered the form and shape of the gaming apparatus is not limited to guns, rather may take various other shapes which may relate to the type of software! application being run on the touch screen media player! touch screen mobile phone. Other examples will be described below.
Referring to figure 1 herein, gun gaming apparatus 100 comprises handle 101, activation means 102, activation means 103, housing 104, protective screen 105 and barrel 107.
A gun is generally known as a device used to project something under pressure, and more specifically known as a weapon with a barrel from which a missile is discharged.
However, referring to figure land in this embodiment, the gaming apparatus disclosed will be shaped as a gun, more specifically a toy gun. That is, the toy gun gaming apparatus will be an apparatus shaped as a gun and designed to be played with, that is a non-functioning replica of a gun. The apparatus may be suitable for adults and children.
A real gun configuration usually comprises a handle for a user to grip, a trigger such that the user can operate the gun, a barrel through which a missile is fired following operation of the trigger, and hammer or interaction means which is connected to the trigger such that once the trigger is operated buy the user, the pulling of the trigger causes the interaction means to interact with a missile, with resultant force of the interaction means firing the missile down the barrel and out of the gun. Toy guns gaming usually comprise all of these components. Toy gun apparatus 100 also comprises a trigger 102 and/or 103, a handle 101 and a barrel 107.
Toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is not preferably configured to fire missiles from its barrel.
The gun gaming apparatus 100 is preferably made of plastic, or of the general material that children's toy replica guns are made out of due to the low manufacturing cost and durability.
However some or all of the components of the gaming apparatus may be made of other materials such as rubber or metal.
In a preferred embodiment, the gaming apparatus is hand held. The user of gun gaming apparatus 100 is able to grip and maintain hold of the gun gaming apparatus via handle 101.
In order to operate gun gaming apparatus 100, the user is required to apply pressure to IS either activation means 102 or 103. The gaming apparatus may have one or a number of activation means. The activation means may provide the same or a different operable effect on the gaming apparatus.
In a preferred embodiment, gun gaming apparatus 100 has actuators 102 and / or 103 in the form of a trigger in order the replicate the action of a gun. However, actuation means 102 and / or 103 may be any other form of button, pullcord or the like. As the gun gaming apparatus is hand held and preferably operable by a single user, it is preferential for the handle 101 to be located within the vicinity of the actuation means 102 or 103 such that the user can grip and operate the gun gaming apparatus 100 simultaneously.
Preferably, housing 104 is located at the sight of a gun, i.e. within the eyeline of the user, above the barrel of a gun. This is so that when the touch screen media player / telecommunications player is stored in the housing, the user can view the display screen whilst the gun gaming apparatus 100 is being held.
In a preferred embodiment, housing 104 is in the form of a casing such that a touch screen media player / telecommunications phone can be encased within housing 104. Touch screen media player / telecommunications phones are generally of an expensive nature, therefore it is preferred that the housing can partially or wholly protect the touch screen media player! telecommunications phone being housed. In a preferred embodiment, housing 104 can be rerrioved from gun gaming apparatus 100 such that the housing is interchangeable in order to accommodate for touch screen media players! telecommunications phones of different shapes and sizes. Preferably, housing 104 comprises a protective screen 105 which fits above the display of the touch screen such that the touch screen is protected from scratches or damage, whilst still being able to respond to interaction of the touch screen with interaction means 106. The housing 104 may be a two part compartment of which the touch screen media player! phone could fit in to and then the two parts could clip together.
Alternatively, housing 104 may be in the form of a vice, clamp, or clip for securing a touch screen media player!telecommunications phone to gun gaming apparatus 100.
The housing 104 may be connected to gun gaming apparatus 100 be means of a fixed IS connection or alternatively on a pivotable, ball and socket, or any other connection means adapted such that the housing 104 can be moved or swivelled in different positions to changed the angle of the housing 104 with respect to the main body of gun gaming apparatus 104.
The apparatus is configured such that actuation of the actuators 102 and!or 103 causes the generation of mechanical vibrations, such as sounds, that can be detected by a microphone on the media player. An application running on the media player can then respond, for example by causing a character in a scene being shown on the device to fall.
The sound or other vibration might be generated by the actuation of a trigger itself Alternatively the actuation of the trigger might be used to send a signal to a sound or vibration generator housed in the apparatus which then generates a sound or other vibration.
The use of a generator communicating with one or both of the actuators permits more variations in the kinds of signals that can be sent to the media player. For example, the first pull of a trigger can result in a first sound being generated and a subsequent pull might result in a different sound being generated. In the case where there are multiple actuators such as the illustrated triggers, they can have respective sound generators or they can both communicate with the same sound generator.
Referring to figure 2, in an alterative embodiment the apparatus may take the shape and configuration of a steering wheel gaming apparatus 200. The steering wheel gaming apparatus may comprise one or a combination of actuators, including a button actuators 202, 203. Additional actuators such as triggers may be provided. In use, the user grips the steering wheel gaming apparatus around steering wheel handle 201 such that the user's hand is in the operable vicinity of the buttons. The buttons or other activation means can be located anywhere on the handle or anywhere else preferably so as to be operable without moving the hands from the steering wheel.
The media player! telecommunications phone 205 is housed in a housing provided at the center of the steering wheel 200. Preferably the housing has a transparent protective screen, as with the gun gaming apparatus described above. Alternatively the housing may have a screenless window such that the display of a touch screen media player! IS telecommunications phone is visible to the user when encased in the housing.
The apparatus is configured such that actuation of the actuators 202 and/or 203 causes the generation of mechanical vibrations, such as sounds, that can be detected by a microphone on the media player. An application running on the media player can then respond, for example by giving the user the impression of increased speed through video content displayed on the media player.
As with the gun toy, the sound or other vibration might be generated by the actuation of a button itself Alternatively the actuation of the trigger might be used to send a signal to a sound or vibration generator housed in the steering wheel which then generates a sound or other vibration. The use of a generator communicating with one or both of the actuators permits more variations in the kinds of signals that can be sent to the media player. For example, the first press of a button can result in a first sound being generated and a subsequent pull might result in a different sound being generated. In the case where there are multiple actuators such as the illustrated triggers, they can have respective sound generators or they can both communicate with the same sound generator.
Referring now to figure 3, there is illustrated a soft or plush toy generally indicated by reference numeral 300. This particular toy has a body 301, ears 302, arms 303 and legs 304.
It will be appreciated that the toy could have any shape with any number of limbs (including none) and more than one body part. The toy could represent a real or fictitious animal or other creature.
The body of the toy is designed to accommodate a smart phone 350. In general there are many ways in which this can be achieved. A simple slot or pocket may be provided in the toy to receive the smart phone. Alternatively the toy may be provided with a rigid cradle to securely hold the smart phone. For example this could be in the form of a casing secured to the body of the toy. In the preferred embodiment the toy is designed to hold the phone in such a way that the screen is visible. Thus in the illustrated toy a smart phone 350 is held in a casing secured to the body of the toy. The casing may be open to the front or it may comprise a transparent screen for protecting the display of the phone.
Another form of soft toy according to the invention could be configured to accommodate another type of portable media player.
The toy has at least one device for generating mechanical vibrations designed to cause a response from an application running on the smart phone. This could be provided in a limb of the toy. For example a squeeze bulb could be provided at the end of one leg so that the application responds when the foot is squeezed. Alternatively a sound generator could be provided within the body of the toy and communicating with an actuator accessible on the outside of the toy.
Multiple actuators could be provided, for example one in each limb, and possibly additional ones in the ears.
As with the previously described apparatus, actuation of different actuators could produce different responses from an application running on the media player. l0
In this example the media player could provide the "voice" of the toy. Thus, for example, the media player could respond with a giggling sound when its foot was squeezed, "ouch" for pinching its ear and so on.
Figure 4 shows an alternative form of apparatus in the form of a fishing toy. The toy 400 comprises a frame or other housing 410 for a smart phone 420. The toy includes rod 430, reel 440 and reel release button 450. An application running on the smart phone will enable the user to play a simulated fishing game. The game will be improved through the use of the toy 400 holding the device. The device can include a sound generator to produce sounds that cause the application to react. For example the toy could generate a buzzing noise and a fish could appear on the screen as if the fish is looking for an insect.
Figure 5 shows an alternative form of apparatus in the form of a quiz game. The media player, in this example more likely to be a tablet device although a smart phone may be IS used, is held in a stand 610. The apparatus includes multiple actuators connected to the stand by respective cables 620. They may instead be wirelessly connected. Only one actuator 630 is shown which has a generally domed shape. The actuators may be configured to generate different sounds by each comprising a sound generator. They may be operable by pressure. This apparatus may be used by an application running on the device in various ways. For example a game application running on the device could be configured not to respond to vocal answers to a question unless a player has first used his actuator to generate his respective sound.
It will be appreciated that in this example, the apparatus comprises multiple actuators and associated sound generators in respective housings.
The term application" is used herein in its most general sense and could include management applications controlling the manner in which user-interfacing applications communicate with each other. For example, one possible response of a media player to the actuation of a device for generating sound could be to switch from a user interface for one application to a user interface for another. Furthermore when a player is running multiple applications, different applications may respond to different sounds.

Claims (1)

  1. <claim-text>IIClaims 1. Apparatus configured to interact with a portable media player running an application, the apparatus comprising at least one device for generating mechanical vibrations whereby to cause a response from the application upon detection of the vibrations by the media player.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the niechanical vibrations comprise audible sounds.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the mechanical vibrations are inaudible to the human ear.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim having a receptacle for the portable IS media player.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the receptacle comprises a slot.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the receptacle comprises a cradle for the portable media player.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the receptacle comprises a casing.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. Apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 7 in which the portable media player comprises a display and the receptacle is configured to receive the player in such a way that the display is visible.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the portable media player comprises a touch screen display.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising multiple devices for generating mechanical vibrations.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the respective devices generate sounds at different frequencies.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising an actuator in which the or each device for generating mechanical vibrations operates in response to operation of the actuator.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. Apparatus according to claims 10 and 12 comprising a respective actuator for each device.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in the form of a soft toy.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. Apparatus according to any preceding claims in the form of a toy gun.</claim-text> <claim-text>IS 16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in the form of a steering wheel.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in the form of a fishing toy.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 when dependent on claim 4 in which the or each actuator is separate from the receptacle.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. Apparatus according to claim 18 comprising multiple actuators and associated sound generators in respective housings.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A system comprising: apparatus comprising at least one device for generating mechanical vibrations, and a computer readable medium bearing instructions which when implemented on a processor of a portable media player cause the media player to run an application, the application being configured to respond to detection of the mechanical vibrations by the media player.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. The system of claim 20 in which the application is able to run on the media player without interaction with the apparatus.</claim-text>
GB1112253.8A 2011-07-15 2011-07-15 Apparatus for generating vibrations to be detected by a portable media player Withdrawn GB2492968A (en)

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GB2484759A (en) * 2010-10-18 2012-04-25 Blue Sky Designs Ltd Gaming apparatus for operating a touch screen device

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GB2469860A (en) * 2009-04-30 2010-11-03 Luckybite Llp Apparatus for integrating with a handheld computing device.
GB2484759A (en) * 2010-10-18 2012-04-25 Blue Sky Designs Ltd Gaming apparatus for operating a touch screen device

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US20130288563A1 (en) * 2005-10-21 2013-10-31 Patent Category Corporation Interactive toy system
US9778743B2 (en) 2013-04-22 2017-10-03 Immersion Corporation Gaming device having a haptic-enabled trigger
US10133354B2 (en) 2013-04-22 2018-11-20 Immersion Corporation Gaming device having a haptic-enabled trigger
EP2870985A3 (en) * 2013-11-12 2015-06-10 Immersion Corporation Gaming device with haptic effect isolated to user input elements
US9393493B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2016-07-19 Immersion Corporation Gaming device with haptic effect isolated to user input elements
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US9814975B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2017-11-14 Immersion Corporation Gaming device with haptic effect isolated to user input elements
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