JP2002224461A - Interactive toy carriage applied to holding doll or character - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheeled toy carriage which can create various audio and/or visual signals corresponding to various plays children can do. SOLUTION: This is a wheeled toy applied to respond to movement interactively. It has a sensor means which is applied to detect movement change selected from velocity, direction and azimuth, a computer processing means which is applied to process the signal from the sensor means, calculate the toy's bearing, and create an electronic response suitable for the bearing or movement change, selected from a set of preselected responses, and a communication means to create an audio or visual response which is detectable to the toy's user to promote changes of the bearing or movement change.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an interactive toy vehicle adapted to hold a doll or character.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For many years, children have been playing in vehicles with wheels (eg, wagons, toy cars or prams), and put dolls or toys on this vehicle.
Let the character "ride". Play in such an environment typically consists of the child building up the situation entirely from his or her imagination. Some such toys make a noise for certain play. These sounds are typically triggered by a manual switch or some movement of the vehicle.

[0003]

Accordingly, different acoustic signals and / or corresponding to different types of play that a child can perform.
Or it would be advantageous to provide a vehicle toy with wheels that can generate a visual signal. It is further advantageous that the vehicle generates such a signal when the doll or toy character is placed on the vehicle, for example, in response to words that the doll or toy character imitates. It is further advantageous that the vehicle responds to the environment in terms of direction and speed of motion, vibrational motion, and the like.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in a primary aspect, the present invention comprises a toy with wheels adapted to respond interactively to exercise. The wheeled toy has at least one sensor adapted to detect a change in motion caused by the selection of speed, direction, and azimuth angles, and processes signals from the sensors to determine the azimuth of the toy. And computer processing means adapted to calculate and generate a signal appropriate to this change in heading or movement, and to be sensed by a user of the toy to receive this signal and prompt the change in heading or movement Communication means adapted to generate a response that can be performed.

[0005] In a further aspect of the invention, (a) the computer processing means includes an integrated circuit, (b) the communication means includes a combination of the integrated circuit and at least one audio speaker, and (c) the first means. The sensor comprises a lever balancing sensor adapted to detect rotation about the rotation axis of the toy to measure forward or rearward or lateral tilt; and (d) two first sensors comprising: A lever balancing sensor adapted to detect the tilt of the toy in the front-rear direction and the lateral direction by the vertical component, and (e) the second sensor detects the front-rear movement in the horizontal plane And (f) a second sensor comprising:
A speed sensor adapted to detect the speed of the forward or backward movement in the horizontal plane, wherein the speed sensor triggers the switch a fixed number of times per revolution, whereby within one unit time Comprising a rotating member associated with a wheel or axle, wherein the number of times triggering the switch is applied to indicate the speed of the vehicle, wherein (h) the rotating member comprises:
Providing a cam surface adapted to trigger the switch only when rotating in one direction, and (i) one combination of the pair of rotating members and the switch when rotating in one direction. Triggering a switch, and triggering another switch when rotating in the opposite direction to detect its forward and backward movement and speed, and (j) the vehicle has a pair of lever balancing. And (k) processing means adapted to generate a signal suitable for a plurality of background noises, and (l) processing means adapted for a plurality of doll responses (M) the vehicle comprises a doll or toy carrier, and (n) the doll or toy carrier comprises latching means for securing the doll or toy. Including a seat, wherein (o) the communication means is adapted to generate a sound suitable for the doll or toy to be carried on the vehicle, and (p) the toy is secured in place by the latching means. Further comprising a switch indicating when, (q) a switch indicating that the doll or toy has been properly positioned is incorporated into latching means adapted to secure the doll or toy to the vehicle, and (r) the vehicle has Wherein the rotating member comprises a magnet adapted to rotate relative to at least one reed switch associated with the toy wheel; and (t) the rotating member comprises a toy wheel. And a magnet adapted to rotate with respect to the three magnetic field detectors associated with the vehicle, whereby the direction of rotation of the wheel and the rotation of the wheel are Comprising the applied magnet so that the velocity can be detected and determined.

The wheeled toy of the present invention is a wheeled toy adapted to respond interactively to movement, the method comprising: (a) detecting changes in movement selected from speed, direction, and azimuth; Sensor means adapted to detect; (b) processing signals from the sensor means, calculating an orientation of the toy, and selecting the orientation or the movement selected from a series of preselected responses. Computer processing means adapted to generate an electronic response suitable for the change; and (c) a visual or auditory sense that can be perceived by a user of the toy to receive the electronic response and prompt the change in the orientation or the movement. Communication means adapted to generate a response, thereby achieving said object.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the computer processing means comprises an integrated circuit.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication means comprises a combination of an integrated circuit and at least one audio speaker.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor means is adapted to detect rotation of the toy about a rotation axis for measuring forward or backward or lateral tilt. A balancing sensor is provided.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two sensors each include a lever balancing sensor adapted to detect tilt in the front-rear direction and in the lateral direction.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor means comprises a direction sensor adapted to sense a longitudinal movement in a horizontal plane.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said sensor means comprises a speed sensor adapted to sense the speed of forward or backward movement of said toy in a horizontal plane.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the speed sensor is adapted to trigger the switch a fixed number of times per revolution, whereby the number of times the switch is triggered within a unit of time is indicative of the speed. A rotating member is provided.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating member comprises a cam surface adapted to trigger the switch only when rotating in a certain direction.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the switch is adapted to trigger one switch when the toy is rotating in one direction and to trigger another switch when the toy is rotating in the opposite direction. And a combination of a pair of the rotating members and a switch.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the toy comprises both a pair of lever balancing sensors and both direction and speed sensors.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processing means is adapted to generate a signal suitable for a plurality of background noises.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processing means is adapted to generate a signal suitable for a plurality of toy character responses.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the toy further comprises a doll or toy character carrying means.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the doll or toy character carrying means includes a seat.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication means is adapted to generate a sound suitable for the doll or toy character to be carried in the stroller.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the toy further comprises a status switch for indicating when the doll or the toy character is in place.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the status switch is incorporated in a stable mounting means adapted to stably mount the doll or the toy character on the stroller.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the toy further comprises a vibration sensor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said rotating member comprises a magnet adapted to rotate with respect to at least one reed switch having said wheels of said toy.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, said rotating member comprises a magnet adapted to rotate with respect to three magnetic field detectors associated with said wheel of said toy, whereby said wheel comprises The direction of rotation and the speed of rotation of the wheels can be detected and determined.

[0027]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a stroller.
Other wheeled vehicles that can be applied to carry toy characters, such as wagons and carts, are equally applicable. The stroller 1 includes wheels 3. The wheels may include front / rear sensors 24, described in more detail below. A strap 14 including a latch 15 including a sensor or switch 16 is adapted to stably attach the toy character to the stroller. The latch sensor or switch 16 completes the electrical circuit that signals when the doll or toy character is latched in place. In fact, the circuit may be formed with or without the doll in place, but the user may want to place the toy in place. A pressure sensor or other suitable sensor 18 may be placed in the sheet of the stroller to indicate whether the doll is in place. Such sensors may be used in place of or in addition to latch 15 and latch switch or sensor 16.

The stroller 1 has a built-in power source such as a storage battery 20 provided behind the battery cover plate 19, as shown in FIG. The stroller may further include a plurality of sensors to detect front-back or left-right vibration or tilt. Typically, a lever balancing sensor 42 is useful in this regard, and in particular, for detecting tilt, as described in more detail below.

The stroller 1 has an audio speaker 17 provided near the doll or toy character when the doll or toy character is placed in the stroller. The stroller may further comprise one or more further speakers 13. The one or more additional speakers 13 are provided at some distance from the vicinity of the doll or toy character when the doll or toy character is placed in the stroller.

When the toy character 18 is strapped or latched to the stroller as shown in FIG.
A latch switch 16, which can be triggered by placing on a sheet with 8 (see FIG. 1), triggers or permits the flow of electricity from the battery 20 to the electrical or electronic components. A properly programmed single microprocessor or integrated circuit, or a combination of microprocessor and integrated circuit 14, begins to generate signals. Typically,
Although such signals are of an audible nature, visual signals can also be generated.

For example, to simulate the speech of a toy character, a segment of human speech recorded on the integrated circuit 41 may be emitted on the speaker 17. The fact that the position of the speaker 17 is in the vicinity of the toy character 18 creates this illusion. To give maximum flexibility to the child using the toy, it is advantageous that any toy character that can be latched in place can be used. Of course, if desired, a particular toy character and vehicle combination may be specified.

The toy then interacts with the child, suggesting a play or responding to the selected play. For example, when the "talk" button 5 is pressed under the control of the microprocessor 41, the first dialogue that can be heard by the speaker 17 near the toy character seems to be performed by the character sitting in the stroller at first glance. You can compose a request to see, take me for a walk, or take me to a specific place such as a zoo. When the child moves the stroller forward for walking, an appropriate forward movement is detected by one or more directions and speed sensors 24 that may be mounted on or in wheels 3. Other sounds may be generated at the second speaker 13 to simulate background noise. The initial action with the appropriate background noise can be selected by the microprocessor at random or in a particular order, or specified by the user pressing, for example, the shopping button 7, park button 9, or zoo button 11. May be selected. In this manner, the doll appears to be speaking from a position near the seat, while the background noise is generated from the speakers located on the stroller, apart from the toy character. Thus, the toy character can appear to be making various comments, for example, about being at the zoo, while
Background zoo noise is generated by the remote speaker 13.

At some point, a new set of signals may be generated. For example, at first glance, a toy character
You can make it appear to be asking you to take you to another location, such as a grocery store or park. When the proper forward movement is made and sensed by the sensor 24, a suitable new background noise and toy character phrase may be generated.

A vibration detector or sensor 6 in the stroller
1 detects collision or rough conditions. The signal generated by the vibration detector 61 may prompt a simulated audio response at the speaker 17 suitable for such a collision-like condition. For example, the toy character 18 may behave as if shocked, or ask to be taken to a location with smoother terrain. If the stroller rolls over, is driven too fast, or is driven in the opposite direction, a similar response can be generated, as described in more detail below.

The stroller may further comprise a microphone 14 for detecting the child's speech using the stroller. Such detection of speech patterns can be used to generate a further set of responses at the toy character speaker 17, all under the control of the microprocessor 41.

Thus, the combination of a stroller and a toy character can be used in real-time interactivity with the illusion that the toy character speaks to the child and reacts to the changed environment, along with the movement provided by the child using this combination. Leads to.

The lever balancing sensor unit 43 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D. For the purposes of the present invention, any suitable sensor works, but the lever balancing sensor has the advantage of being simple and relatively inexpensive. The pendulum 45 hangs between the two contact plates 47 and 49 and does not generate a signal when the wheeled vehicle is lying on a flat surface. However, if the stroller climbs or descends a hill, or leans sideways, a properly mounted sensor will detect such an orientation. Pendulum 45 remains vertical while the contact plate is tilted along the vehicle. When the pendulum contacts either of the contact plates 47 or 49, a signal is generated. By using a sufficient number of such lever balancing sensors, advanced rocking or tilting movements can be detected. For example, FIG. 6D shows an array of two sensors tilted 90 degrees from each other to detect front-to-back or left-right azimuth or tilt.

Referring to FIG. 5, the direction and speed sensor 24 includes a pair of rotating cams 25 and 27, and trigger switches 29 and 31. The trigger switches are each adapted to move in one direction to contact stops 37 and 39, and the cam can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the direction of rotation of the wheel on which the cam is mounted. It has become. The trigger switch, when rotatable, rides on the corresponding cam to avoid the pressure that would cause the switch to close. On the other hand, when the direction of rotation is reversed, each stop prevents the corresponding trigger switch from rotating, and the cam action causes the switch to close at least once per revolution of the cam. Therefore,
By using a pair of such switches, forward or backward movement can be detected and recognized. The electrical signal is transmitted from the sensor 24 to the microprocessor 41 via wires 33 and 35. The signal from the microprocessor, which generates the sound segment at the speaker 17, may indicate to the user whether the direction of the stroller movement is forward or backward. Thus, at first glance, the toy character appears to inform the user of the direction of movement. Further, by counting the number of times each trigger switch closes within a certain period of time, the moving speed of the wheel can be calculated. If the speed becomes too fast, an appropriate response can be generated from the microprocessor 41. For example,
At first glance, the toy character 18 appears to be asking the child user to slow down, if necessary to increase speed, or to express the joy of running at high speed. Can be prompted.

Because various sensors can detect rapid movement changes, a real-time response can be generated. Thus, an illusion is created that the toy character is carried in a wheeled vehicle and is reacting alive. The volume and timing of the audible response can be varied to amplify the illusion of life-like movement or life. Further, the stroller may comprise light or moving parts, and the light or moving parts may also be made responsive to movement or orientation.

Preferably, when the child has finished playing, he removes the toy character 18 from the vehicle. This allows
The trigger switch 16 is opened to stop using battery power when not needed. Obviously, leaving the sensor on uses battery energy. The vehicle may further include a button that the child manually operates to generate a response. This allows a response to be generated at the child's request. If the stroller is left unattended for a certain period of time,
The use of a suitable timer connected to a power interruption switch known in the art shuts down the stroller to save battery. This timer function can be built into an integrated circuit housed in the vehicle.

Having described certain embodiments of the invention,
Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the invention.

A wheeled toy adapted to interactively respond to movement comprises a sensor means adapted to detect a change in movement selected from speed, direction, and azimuth; Computer processing adapted to process signals from the means, calculate the orientation of the toy, and generate an electronic response suitable for the change in the orientation or the movement selected from a series of pre-selected responses. Means and communication means adapted to receive the electronic response and generate a visual or audible response that can be sensed by a user of the toy to prompt a change in the orientation or the movement.

[0044]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle toy equipped with wheels that can generate various audio signals and / or visual signals corresponding to various types of play that can be performed by a child. . When a doll or toy character is placed on a vehicle, it has become possible for the vehicle to generate such a signal, for example, in response to words imitated by the doll or toy character. Vehicles can now respond to the environment in terms of direction and speed of motion, vibrational motion, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a stroller.

FIG. 2 is a lateral perspective view of a stroller.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a part of a control unit of a stroller;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the stroller.

FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway schematic view of a speed and forward / backward movement sensor.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a lever balancing sensor unit.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a lever balancing sensor unit.

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a lever balancing sensor unit.

FIG. 6D is a schematic view of a lever balancing sensor unit.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a stroller in which a doll or toy character is put in place.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Stroller 13, 17 Speaker 16, 29, 31 Switch 18 Toy Character 24 Front / Back Sensor 25 Rotating Cam 41 Microprocessor 43 Lever Balancing Sensor Unit 61 Vibration Detector

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Albert Wai Tai Chang Taiwan Taipei 114, Chou-Zet Street (B Technology Building) Nerv, Number 102, 8F F Term (Reference) 2C150 CA01 CA02 CA08 CA18 DA06 DF03 DF06 DF08 DF33 EB41 ED42 ED52 EF09 EF16 EF17 EF23 EF29 EF33 EF36

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A wheeled toy adapted to respond interactively to movement, the method comprising: (a) adapted to detect a change in movement selected from speed, direction, and azimuth. (B) processing the signal from the sensor means, calculating the orientation of the toy, and selecting an electronic response suitable for the change in the orientation or the movement selected from a series of preselected responses. And c) receiving the electronic response and generating a visual or audible response that can be sensed by a user of the toy to prompt a change in the heading or the movement. A toy, with applied communication means. 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein said computer processing means comprises an integrated circuit. 3. The toy of claim 1, wherein said communication means comprises a combination of an integrated circuit and at least one audio speaker. 4. The toy of the toy for measuring forward or rearward or lateral tilt, wherein the sensor means comprises:
The toy according to claim 1, comprising a lever balancing sensor adapted to detect rotation about a rotation axis. 5. The toy according to claim 4, wherein the two sensors each comprise a lever balancing sensor adapted to detect an anteroposterior and lateral tilt. 6. The toy according to claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprises a direction sensor adapted to sense forward and backward movement in a horizontal plane. 7. The toy according to claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprises a speed sensor adapted to sense the speed of the forward or backward movement of the toy in a horizontal plane. 8. The speed sensor comprising a rotating member adapted to trigger the switch a fixed number of times per revolution, whereby the number of times to trigger the switch within one unit time indicates the speed. Item 7. The toy according to Item 7. 9. The toy according to claim 8, wherein the rotating member comprises a cam surface adapted to trigger the switch only when rotating in one direction. 10. A pair of said rotating member and switch adapted to trigger one switch when rotating in one direction and trigger another switch when rotating in the opposite direction. 10. The combination of claim 9
The toy described in. 11. The toy of claim 1, comprising a pair of lever balancing sensors and both a direction and speed sensor. 12. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the processing means is adapted to generate a signal suitable for a plurality of background noises. 13. The toy according to claim 1, wherein said processing means is adapted to generate signals suitable for a plurality of toy character responses. 14. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising a doll or toy character carrying means. 15. The toy according to claim 14, wherein said doll or toy character carrying means comprises a sheet. 16. The toy according to claim 15, wherein the communication means is adapted to generate a sound suitable for the doll or toy character to be carried in the stroller. 17. The toy according to claim 16, further comprising a status switch for indicating when said doll or said toy character is in place. 18. The toy according to claim 17, wherein the status switch is incorporated in a stable mounting means adapted to stably mount the doll or the toy character on the stroller. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration sensor.
The toy described in. 20. The toy of claim 8, wherein the rotating member comprises a magnet adapted to rotate with respect to at least one reed switch having the wheel of the toy. 21. The rotating member comprises a magnet adapted to rotate with respect to three magnetic field detectors associated with the wheel of the toy, whereby the direction of rotation of the wheel and the rotation of the wheel 9. The toy according to claim 8, wherein the speed can be detected and determined.