WO2002029761A1 - Procede d'utilisation d'un jouet pour conduire une vente - Google Patents

Procede d'utilisation d'un jouet pour conduire une vente Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002029761A1
WO2002029761A1 PCT/IL2000/000634 IL0000634W WO0229761A1 WO 2002029761 A1 WO2002029761 A1 WO 2002029761A1 IL 0000634 W IL0000634 W IL 0000634W WO 0229761 A1 WO0229761 A1 WO 0229761A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toy
user
computer
server
client
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2000/000634
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Oz Gabai
Jacob Gabai
Nimrod Sandlerman
Original Assignee
Creator Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Creator Ltd. filed Critical Creator Ltd.
Priority to PCT/IL2000/000634 priority Critical patent/WO2002029761A1/fr
Priority to AU2000278147A priority patent/AU2000278147A1/en
Publication of WO2002029761A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002029761A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H2200/00—Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to toys in general, particularly computer controlled toys that provide messages to the user or toys used in conjunction with a computer system.
  • Printed television guides are known.
  • a variety of advertising technologies are known.
  • Internet push technology is used to provide information, collated and collected from across the world wide web, to individual or corporate users who have requested such information.
  • the types of information are selected by the user, however the particular informative items are not individually selected by the user.
  • the informative items which may include news, weather, sport, stock market updates etc. are sent directly over the Internet or an intranet to a user's computer. This technology benefits a user by providing selected types of information to a user without the user having to spend the time surfing the web to retrieve the information directly.
  • Toys which are remotely controlled by wireless communication and which are not used in conjunction with a computer system are well known in the art.
  • such toys include vehicles whose motion is controlled by a human user via a remote control device.
  • US Patent 4,712.184 to Haugerud describes a computer controlled educational toy, the construction of which teaches the user computer terminology and programming and robotic technology.
  • Haugerud describes computer control of a toy via a wired connection, wherein the user of the computer typically writes a simple program to control movement of a robot.
  • US Patent 4,840.602 to Rose describes a talking doll responsive to an external signal, in which the doll has a vocabulary stored in digital data in a memory which may be accessed to cause a speech synthesizer in the doll to simulate speech.
  • US Patent 5,021,878 to Lang describes an animated character system with real-time control.
  • US Patent 5,142.803 to Lang describes an animated character system with real-time control.
  • US Patent 5,191,615 to Aldava et al. describes an interrelational audio kinetic entertainment system in which movable and audible toys and other animated devices spaced apart from a television screen are provided with program synchronized audio and control data to interact with the program viewer in relationship to the television program.
  • US Patent 5,195,920 to Collier describes a radio controlled toy vehicle which generates realistic sound effects on board the vehicle. Communications with a remote computer allows an operator to modify and add new sound effects.
  • US Patent 5,270.480 to Hikawa describes a toy acting in response to a MIDI signal, wherein an instrument-playing toy performs simulated instrument playing movements.
  • US Patent 5,289.273 to Lang describes a system for remotely controlling an animated character.
  • the system uses radio signals to transfer audio, video and other control signals to the animated character to provide speech, hearing vision and movement in real-time.
  • US Patent 5.388,493 describes a system for a housing for a vertical dual keyboard MIDI wireless controller for accordionists.
  • the system may be used with either a J conventional MIDI cable connection or by a wireless MIDI transmission system.
  • German Patent DE 3009-040 to Neuhierl describes a device for adding the capability to transmit sound from a remote control to a controlled model vehicle.
  • the sound is generated by means of a microphone or a tape recorder and transmitted to the controlled model vehicle by means of radio communications.
  • the model vehicle is equipped with a speaker that emits the received sounds.
  • the present invention seeks to provide methods and apparatus for toys, particularly computer controlled toys that provide messages to the user and can be used in effecting sales over a public network.
  • a toy having interactive speaking and listening functionality
  • connecting the toy via a public network to at least one server having transactional functionality
  • the toy may effect sales in the course of on-line operation with respect to the transactional functionality of the server or alternatively in the course of off-line operation.
  • the step of effecting sales comprises employing said interactive speaking and listening functionality of said toy as an interface between a customer and the transactional functionality.
  • the step of effecting resulting sales comprises using the speaking and listening functionality to obtain payment authorization from the user.
  • the method also serves to obtain payment authorization from the user.
  • the step of providing comprises providing a toy having a persona and wherein the step of effecting sales
  • the script matches the persona of the toy.
  • step of effecting sales comprises obtaining information regarding at least one users interacting with the toy and wherein the step of effecting sales is effected by differential operation of the interactive speaking and listening functionality for different users, depending on the information regarding said different users.
  • the method also comprises:
  • a method for using a toy for promoting sales over a public network comprising: providing a toy having interactive speaking and listening functionality; connecting the toy via a public network to at least one server providing at least one sales promotion scripts; l o actuating the interactive speaking and listening functionality of the toy, using at least one sales promotion scripts; and recording at least one parameter characterizing a user's response to the at least one sales promotion scripts.
  • the method also comprises automatically billing at least one entities associated respectively with the at least one sales promotion scripts, depending on the user's response to said at least one sales promotion scripts.
  • the method also comprises: accepting a filtering request from a user; and modifying the scope of the actuating step responsive to said filtering request.
  • the step of actuating comprises providing a user with an entitlement to a discount, at a sales outlet.
  • the step of entitlement providing comprises the step of printing out a coupon.
  • a method for using a toy for enhancing television rating comprising: providing a toy having interactive speaking and listening functionality; connecting the toy via a public network to at least one server providing at least one scripts promoting viewing of at least one program of an individual television channel; and actuating the interactive speaking and listening functionality of the toy, using at least one viewing promoting scripts.
  • the method also comprises recording at least one parameter characterizing a user's response to the at least one sales promotion scripts.
  • recording " comprises recognizing a broadcast ofthe program.
  • the step of recording comprises directly monitoring the user's response.
  • the method also comprises automatically billing at least one entities associated respectively with the at least one viewing promoting scripts, depending on the user's response to said at least one viewing promoting scripts.
  • FIG. 1 A is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy. constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention:
  • Fig. I B is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration a preferred implementation ofthe toy 122 of Fig. 1A;
  • Fig. 1 C is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Figs. 2A - 2C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a portion of the system of Fig. 1A in use;
  • Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A;
  • Figs. 7A - 7F taken together with either Fig. 5D or Fig. 5E, comprise a schematic diagram of the apparatus of Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 8 A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for receiving radio signals, executing commands comprised therein, and sending radio signals, within the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A;
  • Figs. 8B - 8T. taken together, comprise a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation of the method of Fig. 8 A;
  • FIG. 9A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for receiving MIDI signals, receiving radio signals, executing commands comprised therein, sending radio signals, and sending MIDI signals, within the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1 A;
  • Figs. 9B - 9N taken together with Figs. 8D - 8M, comprise a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation ofthe method of Fig. 9 A; .
  • Figs. 10A - IOC are simplified pictorial illustrations of a signal transmitted between the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1 A;
  • Fig. 1 1 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for generating control instructions for the apparatus of Fig. 1A;
  • Figs. 12 A - 12C are pictorial illustrations of a preferred implementation of a graphical user interface implementation ofthe method of Fig. 11 ;
  • Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a first sub-unit of a multi-port multi-channel implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A, which sub-unit resides within computer 100 of Fig. 1A;
  • Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a second sub-unit of a multi-port multi-channel implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A, which sub-unit complements the apparatus of Fig. 13 and resides exteriorly to computer 100 of Fig. 1A;
  • Figs. 15A - 15E taken together, form a detailed electronic schematic diagram of the toy control device of Fig. 6, suitable for the multi-channel implementation of Figs. 13 and 14;
  • Fig. 16 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method by which a computer selects a control channel pair in anticipation of a toy becoming available and starts a game-defining communication over the control channel each time both a toy and a transceiver of the computer radio interface are available;
  • Fig. 17 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for implementing the "select control channel pair" step of Fig. 16;
  • FIG. 18A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for implementing the "select information communication channel pair" step of Fig. 16;
  • Fig. 18B is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for performing the "locate computer" step of Fig. 18 A;
  • Fig. 19 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of the toy control device 130;
  • Fig. 20 is a simplified illustration of a remote game server in association with a wireless computer controlled toy system which may include a network computer;
  • Fig. 21 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the operation ofthe computer or ofthe network computer of Fig. 20, when operating in conjunction with the remote server;
  • Fig. 22 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the operation of the remote game server of Fig. 20;
  • Fig. 23 is a semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a wireless computer controlled toy system including a proximity detection subsystem operative to detect proximity between the toy and the computer;
  • Figs. 24A - 24E taken together, form a detailed electronic schematic diagram of a multi-channel implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 3 which is similar to the detailed electronic schematic diagrams of Figs. 5A - 5D except for being multi-channel, therefore capable of supporting full duplex applications, rather than single-channel:
  • FIG. 25 A - 25F taken together, form a detailed schematic illustration of a computer radio interface which connects to a serial port of a computer rather than to the soundboard of the computer:
  • Figs. 27A - 27.1 are preferred flowchart illustrations of a preferred radio coding technique which is an alternative to the radio coding technique described above with reference to Figs. 8E, 8G - 8M and 10A - C;
  • Fig. 30 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy. constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 31 is a block diagram is a simplified block diagram illustrating the combination of the computer radio interface and the toy control device as used in the embodiment of Fig. 30;
  • Figs. 32A, 32B and 32C taken together form a simplified block diagram of the EPLD chip of Fig. 28H;
  • Fig. 33 is a semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a computerized networked advertisement system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a physical toy conveys advertisement bulletins to a user of the toy;
  • Fig. 34 is a data transmission diagram describing data transmissions between various network service providers which support the advertisement system of Fig. 33 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 35 is a semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a computerized networked advertisement system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a virtual toy conveys advertisement bulletins
  • Fig. 36 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the user PC of Fig. 34;
  • Fig. 37 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the game software server of Fig. 34;
  • Fig. 38 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the
  • Fig. 39 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the software maintenance center of Fig. 34:
  • Figs. 40 - 58 describe a Living Object Internet Service System (LOIS) constructed
  • Fig. 59 is a simplified semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a
  • the toy communicating directly with the Internet
  • Fig. 60 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred implementation of the network controller of Fig. 59;
  • Fig. 61 is a simplified semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a toy/marketing system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • the toy communicating with the Internet via a household computer connected to the toy b ⁇ wire;
  • Fig. 62 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred analog implementation of the computer networked controller of Fig. 61 and its audio communication link to the household computer;
  • Fig. 63 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred digital implementation of the computer networked controller of Fig. 61 and its audio communication link to the household 5 computer:
  • Fig. 64 is a variation on the apparatus of Fig. 63 in which the computer networked controller of Fig. 61 is disposed adjacently to the computer rather than being disposed adjacently to the toy;
  • Fig. 65 is a simplified semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a l o toy/marketing system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the toy communicating with the Internet via a household computer connected wirelessly to the toy;
  • Fig. 66 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred implementation of the wireless controller and of the transceiver, both of Fig. 65, the transceiver being connected to the 15 computer via its MIDI connector and its audio connectors;
  • Fig. 67 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred implementation of wireless controller and of transceiver, both of Fig. 65, the transceiver being connected to the computer via its serial or parallel ports;
  • Fig. 68 is a diagram of an example of a collection of script objects organized as a 0 script
  • Fig. 69 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for processing any one of the "talk"-type script objects of Fig. 68;
  • Fig. 70 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for processing a "listen and sense"-type script object such as the "listen and sense” script object of Fig. 68;
  • Fig. 71 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for processing a "listen and sense”-type script object such as the "listen and sense” script object of Fig. 68;
  • Fig. 72 is a simplified semi-pictorial semi-block ' diagram illustration of a toy/marketing system including a plurality of toys associated via a network with a plurality of motivational content providers/servers:
  • Fig. 73 is a top-level diagram showing major hardware components located at various sites of a toy/marketing system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of he present invention;
  • Fig. 74 is a top-level dataflow diagram showing dataflow between the various sites of Fig. 73;
  • Fig. 75 is a diagram describing operation of two actors operating in an "at home" system operation site;
  • Fig. 76 is a diagram describing operation of two actors operating in an "advertisers headquarters” (also termed herein “motivational content provider”) system operation site;
  • Fig. 77 is a diagram describing operation of four actors operating in an "at toy maker" system operation site:
  • Fig. 78 is a simplified functional breakdown of a portion of the toy/marketing system which resides at the "at-home" site;
  • Fig. 79 is a simplified functional breakdown of a portion of the toy/marketing system which resides at a site termed herein "coordinator of motivational content providers" site;
  • Fig. 80 is a simplified functional breakdown of a portion of the toy/marketing system which resides at the "advertising headquarters" site;
  • Fig. 81 is a simplified functional breakdown of a portion of the toy/marketing system, including a server, which portion resides at the "toy maker" site;
  • Fig. 82 is a simplified functional breakdown of a portion of the toy/marketing system which resides at the "tov maker" site and which does not include a server;
  • Fig. 83 is a dataflow diagram illustrating dataflow relationships between the functional units of the "at home" site;
  • Fig. 84 is a dataflow diagram illustrating dataflow relationships between the functional units of the "advertising headquarters" site;
  • Fig. 85 is a dataflow diagram illustrating dataflow relationships between the
  • Fig. 86 is a state diagram of the client logger of Fig. 78;
  • Fig. 87 is a state diagram of the LOCS (living object control software) of Fig. 78;
  • Fig. 88 is a state diagram of the push client unit of Fig. 78;
  • Fig. 89 is a dataflow diagram showing dataflow between the "home" site and the
  • Fig. 90 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation of a selling
  • Fig. 91 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation of a selling script or selling process carried out by the motivational content provider server in
  • Fig. 92 is a semi-pictorial semi-data flow diagram illustration depicting a preferred
  • Fig. 93 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for generating TV
  • Fig. 94 is an example of a "script file"
  • Fig. 95 is an example of a feedback script file which is called by the script file of Fig. 94, and which is operative to prompt a user to provide feedback regarding television shows which s/he has been watching;
  • Fig. 96 is an example of a screen display which may be generated by the web browser o the living object client of Fig. 78;
  • Fig. 97 is another example of a screen display which may be generated by the web browser o the living object client of Fig. 78;
  • Fig. 98 is a table of functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a child user of the system;
  • Fig. 99 is a table of installation functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a parent user ofthe system who is a parent ofthe child user ofthe system;
  • Fig. 100 is a table of registration functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by the parent user ofthe system;
  • Fig. 101 is a table of billing functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by the parent user ofthe system
  • Fig. 102 is a table of purchasing functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by the parent user of the system;
  • Fig. 103 is a table of registration configuration functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user ofthe system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. 104 is a table of user profiling data gathering functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user ofthe system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. 105 is a table of living object configuration update functions supported by the system which are typically acmated by a corporate user of the system such as a toy manufacturer:
  • Fig. 106 is a table of server update functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user ofthe system such as a toy manufacturer
  • Fig. 107 is a table of new living object configuration functions supported by the system which are typically acmated by a corporate user of the system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. 108 is a table of new living object update adding functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user of the system such as a toy manufacturer:
  • Fig. 109 is a table of new living object update management functions supported by the system which are typically acmated by a corporate user of the system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. 1 10 is a table of webstore layout and styling functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user ofthe system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. I l l is a table of server's purchase-related functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user ofthe system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. 1 12 is a table of user management functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user ofthe system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. 1 13 is a table of usage analysis functions supported by the system which are typically actuated by a corporate user of the system such as a toy manufacturer;
  • Fig. 1 14 is a simplified semi-pictorial semi-block diagram of an audible- information-providing system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 1 15 is a simplified block diagram of sites and computing devices of a motivational information providing system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 1 16 is a diagram of functions preferably performed at the at-home site of Fig. 1 15;
  • Fig. 1 17 is a preferred data flow diagram for the system of Fig. 115;
  • Fig. 1 18 is a diagram of preferred use cases for the commercial manager of Fig. 1 17;
  • Fig. 1 19 is a diagram of preferred use cases for the content provider/content manager of Fig..1 17:
  • Fig. 120 is a diagram of preferred use cases for the NANI personalization manager of
  • Fig. 121 is a diagram of preferred use cases for the NANI creative manager of Fig. 1 17;
  • Fig. 122 is a diagram of preferred use cases for the commercial manager of Fig. 117;
  • Fig. 123 is a table of use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 124 is a table of possible implementations ofthe use cases of Fig. 123;
  • Figs. 125 and 126 are tables of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 127 is a table of possible implementations ofthe use cases of Fig. 126;
  • Fig. 128 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 129 is a table of possible implementations ofthe use cases of Fig. 128;
  • Fig. 130 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 131 is a table of possible implementations ofthe use cases of Fig. 130;
  • Fig. 132 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system
  • Fig. 133 is a table of possible implementations of the use cases of Fig. 132;
  • Figs. 134 and 135 are tables of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 136 is a table of possible implementations of the use cases of Fig. 135;
  • Fig. 137 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
  • Fig. 138 is a table of possible implementations ofthe use cases of Fig. 79;
  • Fig. 139 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system
  • Fig. 140 is a table of possible implementations of the use cases of Fig. 139;
  • Fig. 141 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
  • Fig. 142 is a table of possible implementations of the use cases of Fig. 141 ;
  • Fig. 143 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system
  • Fig. 144 is a table of possible implementations of the use cases of Fig. 143;
  • Fig. 145 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 146 is a table of possible implementations of the use cases of Fig. 145;
  • Figs. 147 and 148 are tables of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 149 is a table of possible implementations of the use cases of Fig. 148;
  • Fig. 150 is a table of additional use cases of a motivational message providing system or service constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present inventi on ;
  • Fig. 151 is a table of possible implementations ofthe use cases of Fig. 150;
  • Fig. 152 is a simplified illustration of a screen display of the computer of Fig. 114 which enables a user to register to the audible-push service and to provide the service with his/her personal selection of information that he or she would like to receive from the service.
  • Fig. 153 is a simplified illustration ofthe typical textual content of a web-page
  • Fig. 154 is a script illustrating a possible manner of distribution of the web-page of Fig. 153;
  • Fig. 155 is a bubble diagram of a game for an individual, "tree-quiz", in which a prize or other token is dispensed to the individual player by one of the nodes in the amusement park;
  • Figs. 156A - B taken together, form a diagram of one alternative "Game State Record” data structure of Figs. 43A - 43C of copending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/062,500, storing information regarding one of the game states, "ask question", within the individual game of Fig. 155; Figs. 156A and 56C, taken together, form a diagram of another alternative "Game State Record” data structure of Figs. 143A - 143C of copending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/062.500. storing information regarding one of the game states, "ask question", within the individual game of Fig. 155; Fig.
  • FIG. 157 is a diagram of two "Game State Record” data structures of Figs. 43A - 43C of copending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/062,500 storing information regarding two additional game states, "record answer” and “give present", within the individual game of Fig. 155;
  • Fig. 158 is a diagram of a "Visitor Record" data structure of Figs. 43 A - 43C of copending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/062,500 storing information regarding an individual visitor playing the individual game of Figs. 155 - 157;
  • Fig. 159 is a diagram Of a "Node Record” data structure of Figs. 43 A - 43C of copending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/062,500 storing information regarding two nodes, "tree” and “clown", which are operating within the individual game of Figs. 155 - 158; and
  • Figs. 160A - 160B taken together, form a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred chain of events including the events which typically occur in playing the "tree-quiz" game of Figs. 155 - 159.
  • Fig. 1A is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system of Fig. 1A comprises a computer 100, which may be any suitable computer such as, for example, an IBM-compatible personal computer.
  • the computer 100 is equipped with a screen 105.
  • the computer 100 is preferably equipped with a sound card such as, for example, a Sound Blaster Pro card commercially available from Creative Labs. Inc., 1901 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas CA 95035 or from Creative Technology Ltd., 67 Ayer Rajah Crescent #03-18, Singapore, 0513; a hard disk; and, optionally, a CD-ROM drive.
  • a sound card such as, for example, a Sound Blaster Pro card commercially available from Creative Labs. Inc., 1901 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas CA 95035 or from Creative Technology Ltd., 67 Ayer Rajah Crescent #03-18, Singapore, 0513;
  • the computer 100 is equipped with a computer radio interface 110 operative to transmit signals via wireless transmission based on commands received from the computer 100 and, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, also to receive signals transmitted elsewhere via wireless transmission and to deliver the signals to the computer 100.
  • commands transmitted from the computer 100 to the computer radio interface 1 10 are transmitted via both analog signals and digital signals, with the digital signals typically being transmitted by way of a MIDI port. Transmission of the analog and digital signals is described below with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the transmitted signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal.
  • the received signal may also be an analog signal or a digital signal.
  • Each signal typically comprises a message.
  • a preferred implementation of the computer radio interface 110 is described below with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the system of Fig. 1A also comprises one or more toys 120.
  • the system of Fig. 1A comprises a plurality of toys, namely three toys 122, 124, and 126 but it is appreciated that, alternatively, either one toy only or a large plurality of toys may be used.
  • Fig. IB is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration ofthe toy 122 of Fig. 1A.
  • Each toy 120 comprises a power source 125, such as a battery or a connection to line power-
  • Each toy 120 also comprises a toy control device 130, operative to receive a wireless signal transmitted by the computer 100 and to cause each toy 120 to perform an action based on the received signal.
  • the received signal may be, as explained above, an analog signal or a digital signal.
  • a preferred implementation of the toy control device 130 is described below with reference to Fig. 6.
  • Each toy 120 preferably comprises a plurality of input devices 140 and output devices 150.
  • the input devices 140 may comprise, for example on or more of the following: a microphone 141; a microswitch sensor 142; a touch sensor (not shown in Fig. IB); a light sensor (not shown in Fig. IB); a movement sensor 143, which may be, for example, a tilt sensor or an acceleration sensor.
  • a microphone 141 a microphone 141
  • a microswitch sensor 142 a touch sensor (not shown in Fig. IB); a light sensor (not shown in Fig. IB); a movement sensor 143, which may be, for example, a tilt sensor or an acceleration sensor.
  • a movement sensor 143 which may be, for example, a tilt sensor or an acceleration sensor.
  • Appropriate commercially available input devices include the following: position sensors available from Hamlin Inc., 612 East Lake Street.
  • the output devices 150 may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: a speaker 151; a light 152; a solenoid 153 which may be operative to move a portion of the toy; a motor, such as a stepping motor, operative to move a portion of the toy or all of the toy (not shown in Fig.
  • Appropriate commercially available output devices include the following: DC motors available from Alkatel (dunkermotoren), Postfach 1240, D-7823, Bonndorf/Schwarzald, Germany; stepping motors and miniature motors available from Haydon Switch and Instruments, Inc. (HSI), 1500 Meriden Road, Waterbury,CT, USA; and DC solenoids available from Communications Instruments, Inc., P.O. Box 520, Fairview, North Carolina 28730, USA.
  • DC motors available from Alkatel (dunkermotoren), Postfach 1240, D-7823, Bonndorf/Schwarzald, Germany
  • stepping motors and miniature motors available from Haydon Switch and Instruments, Inc. (HSI), 1500 Meriden Road, Waterbury,CT, USA
  • DC solenoids available from Communications Instruments, Inc., P.O. Box 520, Fairview, North Carolina 28730, USA.
  • Examples of actions which the toy may perform include the following: move a portion of the toy; move the entire toy; or produce a sound, which may comprise one or more of the following: a recorded sound, a synthesized sound, music including recorded music or synthesized music, speech including recorded speech or synthesized speech.
  • the received signal may comprise a condition governing the action as, for example, the duration of the action, or the number of repetitions of the action.
  • the portion ofthe received signal comprising a message comprising a command to perform a specific action as, for example, to produce a sound with a given duration comprises a digital signal.
  • the portion ofthe received signal comprising a sound typically comprises an analog signal.
  • the portion ofthe received signal comprising a sound, including music may comprise a digital signal, typically a signal comprising MIDI data.
  • the action the toy may perform also includes reacting to signals transmitted by another toy, such as. for example, playing sound that the other toy is monitoring and transmitting.
  • the toy control device 130 is also operative to transmit a signal intended for the computer 100, to be received by the computer radio interface 1 10.
  • the computer radio interface 1 10 is preferably also operative to poll the toy control device 130, that is, transmit a signal comprising a request that the toy control device 130 transmit a signal to the computer radio interface 110. It is appreciated that polling is particularly preferred in the case where there are a plurality of toys having a plurality of toy control devices 130.
  • the signal transmitted by the toy control device 130 may comprise one or more ofthe following: sound, typically sound captured by a microphone input device 141; status of sensor input devices 140 as, for example, light sensors or micro switch; an indication of low power in the power source 125; or information identifying the toy.
  • a sound signal transmitted by the device 130 may also include speech.
  • the computer system is operative to perform a speech recognition operation on the speech signals.
  • Appropriate commercially available software for speech recognition is available from companies such as: Stylus Innovation Inc., One Kendall Square, Building 300, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; A&G Graphics Interface, USA, Telephone No. (617)492-0120. Telefax No. (617)427-3625; "Dragon Dictate For Windows", available from Dragon Systems Inc., 320 Nevada Street, MA. 02160, USA, and "SDK” available from Lernout & Hausple Speech Products, Sint-Krispijnstraat 7, 8900 Leper, Belgium.
  • the signal from the radio control interface 110 may also comprise, for example, one or more of the following: a request to ignore input from one or more input devices 140; a request to activate one or more input devices 140 or to stop ignoring input from one or more input devices 140; a request to report the status of one or more input devices 140; a request to store data received from one or more input devices 140, typically by latching a transition in the state of one or more input devices 140, until a future time when another signal from the radio control interface 1 10 requests the toy control device 130 to transmit a signal comprising the stored data received from the one or more input devices 140; or a request to transmit analog data, typically comprising sound, typically for a specified period of time.
  • all signals transmitted in both directions between the computer radio interface 1 10 and the toy control device 130 include information identifying the toy.
  • Fig. IC is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.
  • the system of Fig. IC comprises two computers 100. It is appreciated that, in general, a plurality of computers 100 may be used. In the implementation of Fig. IC, all signals transmitted in both directions between the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130 typically include information identifying the computer.
  • the operation of the system of Fig. 1A is now briefly described.
  • the computer 100 runs software comprising a computer game, typically a game including at least one animated character.
  • the software may comprise educational software or any other interactive software including at least one animated object.
  • the term "animated object” includes any object which may be depicted on the computer screen 105 and which interacts with the user of the computer via input to and output from the computer.
  • An animated object may be any object depicted on the screen such as, for example: a doll; an action figure; a toy, such as, for example, an activity toy, a vehicle, or a ride-on vehicle; a drawing board or sketch board; or a household object such as, for example, a clock, a lamp, a chamber pot, or an item of furniture.
  • Figs 2A - 2C depict a portion ofthe system of Fig. 1A in use.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 2A comprises the computer screen 105 of Fig. 1 A.
  • animated objects 160 and 165 are depicted animated objects 160 and 165.
  • Fig. 2B depicts the situation after the toy 122 has been brought into range of the computer radio interface 1 10 of Fig. 1A, typically into the same room therewith.
  • the toy 122 corresponds to the animated object 160.
  • the toy 122 and the animated object 160. shown in Fig. 2A are both a teddy bear.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 2B comprises the computer screen 105, on which is depicted the animated object 165.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 2B also comprises the toy 122.
  • the computer 100 having received a message via the computer radio interface 110, from the toy 122, no longer displays the animated object 160 corresponding to the toy 122.
  • the functions of the animated object 160 are now performed through the toy 122, under control of the computer 100 through the computer radio interface 1 10 and the toy control device 130.
  • Fig. 2C depicts the situation after the toy 126 has also been brought into range of the computer radio interface 1 10 of Fig. 1A. typically into the same room therewith.
  • the toy 126 coi ⁇ esponds to the animated object 165.
  • the toy 126 and the animated object 165. shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, are both a clock.
  • 2C comprises the computer screen 105, on which no animated objects are depicted.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 2C also comprises the toy 126.
  • the computer 100 having received a message via the computer radio interface 1 10 from the toy 126, no longer displays the animated object 165 corresponding to the toy 126.
  • Fig. 2 A the user interacts with the animated objects 160 and 165 on the computer screen, typically using conventional methods.
  • Fig. 2B the user also interacts with the toy 122, and in Fig. 2C typically with the toys 122 and 126, instead of interacting with the animated objects 160 and 165 respectively.
  • the user may interact with the toys 122 and 126 by moving the toys or parts of the toys; by speaking to the toys; by responding to movement of the toys which movement occurs in response to a signal received from the computer 100: by responding to a sound produced by the toys, which sound is produced in response to a signal received from the computer 100 and which may comprise music, speech, or another sound; or otherwise.
  • FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 3 comprises the computer radio interface 110.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 3 also comprises a sound card 190, as described above with reference to Fig. 1A.
  • Fig. 3 the connections between the computer radio interface 1 10 and the sound card 190 are shown.
  • the computer radio interface 1 10 comprises a DC unit 200 which is fed with power through a MIDI interface 210 from a sound card MIDI interface 194, and the following interfaces: a MIDI interface 210 which connects to the sound card MIDI interface 194; an audio interface 220 which connects to an audio interface 192 ofthe sound card 190; and a secondary audio interface 230 which preferably connects to a stereo sound system for producing high quality sound under control of software running on the computer 100 (not shown).
  • the apparatus of Fig. 3 also comprises an antenna 240, which is operative to send and receive signals between the computer radio interface 110 and one or more toy control devices 130.
  • Fig. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 3.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 4 comprises the DC unit 200, the MIDI interface 210, the audio interface 220, and the secondary audio interface 230.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 4 also comprises a multiplexer 240, a micro controller 250, a radio transceiver 260, a connection unit 270 connecting the radio transceiver 260 to the micro controller 250, and a comparator 280.
  • Figs. 5A - 5D taken together comprise a schematic diagram of he apparatus of Fig. 4.
  • Transistors 2N2222 and MPSA14 Motorola, Phoenix, AZ, USA. Tel. No. (602)897-5056.
  • U2 of Fig. 5D may be replaced by:
  • Fig. 5E is a schematic diagram of an alternative implementation ofthe apparatus of Fig. 5D.
  • the following is a preferred parts list for the apparatus of Fig. 5E: 1. Ul BIM-418-F low power UHF data transceiver module, Ginsburg Electronic GmbH, Am Moosfeld 85, D- 81829, Munchen, Germany.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 5E has similar functionality to the apparatus of Fig. 5D, but has higher bit rate transmission and reception capacity and is, for example, preferred when MIDI data is transmitted and received.
  • Figs. 5 A - 5E are self-explanatory with regard to the above parts lists.
  • FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 comprises a radio transceiver 260, similar to the radio transceiver 260 of Fig. 4.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a microcontroller 250 similar to the microcontroller 250 of Fig. 4.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a digital input/output interface (digital I/O interface) 290, which is operative to provide an interface between the microcontroller 250 and a plurality of input and output devices which may be connected thereto such as, for example, four input device and four output devices.
  • digital I/O interface 290 A preferred implementation of the digital I/O interface 290 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 7A - 7F.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises an analog input/output interface (analog I/O interface) 300 operatively connected to the radio transceiver 260, and operative to receive signals therefrom and to send signals thereto.
  • analog I/O interface analog input/output interface
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a multiplexer 305 which is operative, in response to a signal from the microcontroller 250, to provide output to the analog I/O interface 300 only when analog signals are being transmitted by the radio transceiver 260, and to pass input from the analog I/O interface 300 only when such input is desired.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises input devices 140 and output devices 150.
  • the input devices 140 comprise, by way of example, a tilt switch operatively connected to the digital I/O interface 290, and a microphone operatively connected to the analog I/O interface 300. It is appreciated that a wide variety of input devices 140 may be used.
  • the output devices 150 comprise, by way of example, a DC motor operatively connected to the digital I/O interface 290, and a speaker operatively connected to the analog I/O interface 300. It is appreciated that a wide variety of output devices 150 may be used.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a DC control 310, a preferred implementation of which is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 7A - 7F.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a comparator 280, similar to the comparator 280 of Fig. 4.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a power source 125, shown in Fig. 6 by way of example as batteries, operative to provide electrical power to the apparatus of Fig. 6 via the DC control 310.
  • a power source 125 shown in Fig. 6 by way of example as batteries, operative to provide electrical power to the apparatus of Fig. 6 via the DC control 310.
  • FIG. 5E. comprise a schematic diagram of the toy control device of Fig. 6. If the schematics of Fig. 5E is employed to implement the computer radio interface of Fig. 4, using RY3GB021 as Ul of Fig. 5E. then the same schematics of Fig. 5E are preferably employed to implement the toy control device of Fig. 6 except that RY3GH021 is used to implement Ul rather than RY3GB021.
  • Figs. 7A - 7F The following is a preferred parts list for the apparatus of Figs. 7A - 7F:
  • Figs. 7A - 7F are self-explanatory with reference to the above parts list.
  • the signals transmitted between the computer radio interface 1 10 and the toy control device 130 may be either analog signals or digital signals. It the case of digital signals, the digital signals preferably comprise a plurality of predefined messages, known to both the computer 100 and to the toy control device 130.
  • Each message sent by the computer radio interface 110 to the toy control device 130 comprises an indication of the intended recipient of the message.
  • Each message sent by the toy control device 130 to the computer radio interface 110 comprises an indication of the sender ofthe message.
  • messages also comprise the following: each message sent by the computer radio interface 110 to the toy control device 130 comprises an indication of he sender of the message; and each message sent by the toy control device 130 to the computer radio interface 110 comprises an indication ofthe intended recipient ofthe message.
  • a preferred set of predefined messages is as follows: COMMAND STRUCTURE
  • Change Toy control device output pin to D for a period of time and then return to previous state.
  • T1,T2 time - 00-FF H
  • the Audio is sent to the Toy control device by the computer sound card and the Computer radio interface.
  • This command is available only with enhanced radio modules (alternate U l of Fig. 5E ) or with the modules described if Fig 15A-15E and 24A-24E.
  • This ack is also sent on POWER UP RESET
  • FIG. 8A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a
  • a command which may include a command to process
  • the method of Fig. 8A preferably comprises the
  • a synchronization signal or preamble is detected (step 400).
  • a header is detected
  • a command contained in the signal is received (step 405).
  • the command contained in the signal is executed (step 410). Executing the command
  • a signal comprising a command intended for the computer radio interface 110 is sent
  • FIG. 8B - 8T which, taken together, comprise a simplified
  • Figs. 8B - 8T is self-explanatory.
  • FIG. 9A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a
  • radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A Some of the steps of Fig. 9 A are identical to steps of Fig. 8 A,
  • Fig. 9 A also preferably comprises the following steps: A MIDI command is received from the computer 100 (step 430). The MIDI
  • command may comprise a command intended to be transmitted to the toy control device 130,
  • a MIDI command is sent to the computer 100 (step 440).
  • the MIDI command may
  • 5 comprise a signal received from the toy control device 130, may comprise a response to a
  • the command contained in the MIDI command or in the received signal is executed
  • Executing the command may comprise, in the case of a received signal, reporting
  • command received from the computer 100, executing the command may comprise
  • audio devices such as speakers, microphone and stereo system.
  • FIG. 8D - 8M all of which, taken together, comprise a simplified flowchart illustration of a
  • Fig. 10A comprises a synchronization preamble.
  • duration T_SYNC of the synchronization preamble is preferably .500 millisecond, being
  • Fig. 10B comprises a signal representing a bit with value 0, while Fig. 10C comprises
  • Figs. 10B and 10C refer to the case where the apparatus of Fig.
  • FIG. 10B and 10C depicted in Figs. 10B and 10C is provided within the apparatus of Fig. 5E.
  • each bit is assigned a predetermined duration T, which is the same for
  • a frequency modulated carrier is transmitted, using the method of frequency
  • comparator 280 of Figs. 4 and 6 that is operative to determine whether the received signal is
  • receipt of an on signal or spike of duration less than 0.01 * T is ignored.
  • Receipt of an on signal as shown in Fig. 10B, of duration between 0.01 * T and 0.40 * T is
  • T duration greater than 0.40 * T is preferably taken to be a bit with value 1.
  • T has a
  • the duration of the subsequent off signal is
  • FIG. 11 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a
  • 1 1 preferably includes the following steps:
  • a toy is selected (step 550). At least one command is selected, preferably from a
  • command may be entered by selecting, modifying, and creating a new binary command (step
  • selecting a command in steps 560 - 580 may include choosing a command
  • parameter may include, for example, a condition depending on a result of a previous
  • the previous command being associated either with the selected toy or with
  • a control parameter may also include an execution condition governing execution of a command such as, for example: a condition stating that a specified output is to
  • condition stating that the command is to be performed at a specified time a condition stating
  • command modifier modifying execution of the command, such as, for example, to terminate
  • the command may comprise a command to cancel a previous command.
  • the output of the method of Fig. 11 typically comprises one or more control
  • control instructions are comprised in a command file.
  • the command file is
  • driver program which typically determines which command is to be executed at
  • a user of the method of Fig. 11 performs steps 550 and 560 using a
  • FIGS. 12A - 12C are pictorial illustrations of a
  • Fig. 12A comprises a toy selection area 600, comprising a plurality of toy selection
  • Fig. 12A also typically comprises action buttons 620, typically comprising one or more of the following:
  • a button allowing the user, typically an expert user, to enter a direct binary command
  • a button allowing the user to exit the graphical user interface of Figs. 12A - 12C.
  • Fig. 12B depicts a command generator screen typically displayed after the user has
  • Fig. 12B comprises an animation
  • area 630 preferably comprising a depiction of the selected toy selection icon 610, and a text
  • area 635 comprising text describing the selected toy.
  • Fig. 12B also comprises a plurality of command category buttons 640, each of which
  • Fig. 12B also comprises a cancel button 645 to cancel command selection and return
  • Fjg. 12C comprises a command selection area 650, allowing the user to specify a
  • Fig. 12C are shown by way of example only.
  • Fig. 12C also comprises a file name area 655, in which the user may specify the name
  • Fig. 12C also comprises a
  • Fig. 12C also comprises a
  • Fig. 12C also comprises a parameter selection area 665. in which the user may specify
  • the steps for programming the microcontrollers of the present invention include the
  • HEX EDITOR which is able to edit DOS formatted files.
  • HEX and ASCII editor is manufactured by Martin Doppelbauer, Am Spoerkel 17, 44227
  • a computer transmits this command to verify that the radio channel is vacant. If another computer is already using this channel it will respond with the Availability Response Command. If no response is received within 250msec the channel is deemed vacant.
  • P Computer address 00-03 H
  • a computer transmits this command in response to an Availability Interrogation Command to announce that the radio channel is in use.
  • a Toy transmits this command to declare its existence and receive in response a Channel Pair Selection Command designating the computer that will control it and the radio channels to use.
  • a computer transmits this command in response to a Toy Availability Command to inform the toy the radio channels to be used.
  • FIGs. 13 and 14 there are illustrated block diagrams of multiport multi-channel
  • Fig. 14 is the RF transceiver which is a device external to the computer and connects to
  • commands may be transmitted via the MIDI connector 210 rather than transmitting sound
  • each transceiver 260 which
  • the transceiver 260 is configured to transmit on a first channel pair and to receive on a different, second channel pair.
  • FIG. 4 which forms part of the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A preferably is operative to
  • nan-ow band technology or spread spectrum technologies such as frequency hopping
  • a first, DLL-compatible, functions library may be constructed.
  • games may be generated using the applications generator of
  • This function opens the MIDI device for input.
  • This function resets MIDI input device.
  • This function close MIDI input device.
  • This function opens MIDI output device.
  • This function resets MIDI output device. Return 0 if success, -1 otherwise.
  • This function close MIDI output device.
  • This function sends string to toy card.
  • This function returns 0 if no message found from toy card.
  • This function returns Toy Number of last receiving message
  • This function returns Sensor Number of last receiving message, or 255 if no message was
  • This function sends a reset string to toy.
  • This function sends message to toy and waits 3 sec to acknowledge.
  • This function prepares toy card to generate sound using toy speaker.
  • WaveFile may be played and heard at toy speaker.
  • This function sends to toy the sleep command.
  • a second functions library may be used to generate a variety of games for any of the
  • This function opens the MIDI device for input.
  • This function resets MIDI input device.
  • This function turns off MIDI input device.
  • This function opens MIDI output device.
  • This function resets MIDI output device.
  • This function close MIDI output device.
  • This ftmction creates a new instance ofthe XObject The result is 1 if successful, or error code otherwise.
  • This function disposes of XObject instance.
  • the result isl if successful, or error code otherwise.
  • This function sends string to toy card.
  • This function returns 0 if no message found from toy card.
  • This function receives message from toy.
  • the result is a message.
  • This function returns Toy Number of last receiving message
  • This function returns Sensor Number of last receiving message
  • This function sends a reset string to toy.
  • This function sends to toy message and waits 3 sec to acknowledge.
  • This function prepares toy card to generate sound using from toy speaker.
  • WaveFile may be played and heard at toy speaker. Return "Ack. Ok” if successful, or "Time Out” otherwise.
  • This function sends to toy the sleep command.
  • Fig. 16 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of a computer radio interface (CRI) 1 10 operative to service an individual computer 100 of Fig. 1A without interfering with other computers or being interfered with by the other computers, each of which is similarly serviced by a similar CRI.
  • the method of Fig. 16 is implemented in software on the computer 100 of Fig. 1A.
  • the CRI includes a conventional radio transceiver (260 of Fig. 4) which may, for example, comprise an RY3 GB021 having 40 channels which are divided into 20 pairs of channels. Typically, 16 ofthe channel pairs are assigned to information communication and the remaining 4 channel pairs are designated as control channels.
  • one of the 4 control channel pairs is selected by the radio interface (step 810) as described in detail below in Fig. 17.
  • the selected control channel pair i is monitored by a first transceiver (step 820) to detect the appearance of a new toy which is signalled by arrival of a toy availability command from the new toy (step 816).
  • a first transceiver step 820
  • an information communication channel pair is selected (step 830) from among the 16 such channel pairs provided over which game program information will be transmitted to the new toy.
  • a preferred method for implementing step 830 is illustrated in self-explanatory flowchart Fig. 18A.
  • the "Locate Computer" command in Fig. 18A (step 1004) is illustrated in the flowchart of Fig. 18B.
  • the identity of the selected information communication channel pair is sent over the control channel pair to the new toy (step 840).
  • a game program is then begun (step 850), using the selected information communication channel pair.
  • the control channel pair is then free to receive and act upon a toy availability command received from another toy. Therefore, it is desirable to assign another transceiver to that control channel pair since the current transceiver is now being used to provide communication between the game and the toy.
  • the transceiver which was formerly monitoring that control channel is marked as busy in a transceiver availability table (step 852).
  • the transceiver availability table is then scanned until an available transceiver, i.e. a transceiver which is not marked as busy, is identified
  • This transceiver is then assigned to the control channel i (step 858).
  • Fig. 17 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for implementing "select control channel pair" step 810 of Fig. 16.
  • the four control channels are scanned.
  • the computer sends an availability interrogation command (step 910) and waits for a
  • step 930 and 940 For a response (steps 930 and 940). If no other computer responds, i.e. sends back an "availability response command", then the channel pair is deemed vacant. If the channel pair is found to be occupied the next channel is scanned. If none of the four channel pairs are found to be vacant, a "no control channel available" message is returned.
  • Fig. 19 is a self-explanatory flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of the toy control device 130 which is useful in conjunction with the "multi-channel" embodiment of Figs. 16 - 18B.
  • i 1, ..., 4 is an index ofthe control channels ofthe system.
  • the toy control device sends a "toy availability command" (step 1160) which is a message advertising the toy's availability, on each control channel i in turn (steps 1140, 1150. 1210), until a 0 control channel is reached which is being monitored by a computer.
  • step 1180 the -computer responds (step 1180) by transmitting a "channel pair selection command" which is a message designating the information channel pair over which the toy control device may communicate with the game running on the computer.
  • step 1 190 the toy control device may begin receiving and executing game commands which the
  • a computer system in communication with a remote game server, as shown in Fig. 20.
  • the remote game server 1250 is operative to serve to the computer 100 at least a portion of at least one toy-operating game, which operates one or more toys 1260.
  • an entire game may be downloaded from the remote game server 1250.
  • a new toy action script or new text files may be downloaded from the remote game server 1250 whereas the remaining components of a particular game may already be present in the memory of computer 100.
  • Downloading from the remote game server 1250 to the computer 100 may take place either off-line, before the game begins, or on-line, in the course of the game. Alternatively, a first portion of the game may be received off-line whereas an additional portion of the game is received on-line.
  • the communication between the remote game server 1250 and the computer 100 may be based on any suitable technology such as but not limited to ISDN; X.25; Frame-Relay; and Internet.
  • An advantage of the embodiment of Fig. 20 is that a very simple computerized device may be provided locally, i.e. adjacent to the toy, because all "intelligence" may be provided from a remote source.
  • the computerized device may be less sophisticated than a personal computer, may lack a display monitor of its own, and may, for example, comprise a network computer 1270.
  • Fig. 21 is a simplified flowchart illustration ofthe operation ofthe computer 100 or of the network computer 1260 of Fig. 20, when operating in conjunction with the remote server 1250.
  • Fig. 22 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the operation of the remote game server 1250 of Fig. 20.
  • Fig. 23 is a semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a wireless computer controlled toy system including a toy 1500 having a toy control device 1504, a computer 1510 communicating with the toy control device 1504 by means of a computer-radio interface 15 14 and a proximity detection subsystem operative to detect proximity between the toy and the computer.
  • the proximity detection subsystem may for example include a pair of ultrasound transducers 1520 and 1530 associated with the toy and computer respectively.
  • the toy's ultrasound transducer 1520 typically broadcasts ultrasonic signals which the computer's ultrasound transducer 1530 detects if the computer and toy are within ultrasonic communication range, e.g. are in the same room.
  • Figs. 27A - 27J are preferred self-explanatory flowchart illustrations of a preferred radio coding technique, based on the Manchester coding, which is an alternative to the radio coding technique described above with reference to Figs. 8E, 8G - 8M and 10A - C.
  • Fig. 30 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention which includes a combination of a Computer Radio Interface (CRI) and a Toy Control Device (TCD), 1610.
  • CRI Computer Radio Interface
  • TCD Toy Control Device
  • the combined unit 1610 controls a toy 1620 which is connected to the computer 100 by a device, such as a cable, and communicates with other toys, 120, by means such as radio communication, using the computer radio interface 1 10.
  • the toy 1620 is operated in a similar manner as the toy device 120.
  • Fig. 31 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the combined unit 1610.
  • Figs. 32A. 32B and 32C taken together form a simplified schematic diagram of the EP900 EPLD chip (U9) of Fig. 28H.
  • the code to program the EPLD chip for this schematic diagram preferably uses the programming package "Max Plus II Ver. 6.2" available from Altera Corporation, 3525 Monroe Street, Santa Clara, CA. 5051, USA.
  • Fig. 33 is a semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a computerized networked advertisement system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a computerized toy or doll 300 is computer-controlled, preferably via a wireless connection between the toy 300 and a computer or workstation 310.
  • the computer or workstation 310 is associated, via the Internet or another communications network 320, with an advertisement server 330.
  • Fig. 34 is a data transmission diagram describing data transmissions between various network service providers which support the advertisement system of Fig. 33 according to one preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.
  • Fig. 35 is a semi -pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a computerized networked advertisement system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a virtual toy conveys advertisement bulletins to a user of the toy.
  • Fig. 36 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the user PC of Fig. 34.
  • Fig. 37 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the gam e so ft ware server o f F i g . 34.
  • Fig. 38 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the marketer/advertisement provider of Fig. 34.
  • Fig. 39 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred mode of operation for the software maintenance center of Fig. 34.
  • FIG. 40 - 58 An overview of Figs. 40 - 58, which describe a Living Object Internet Service System (LOIS) constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is as follows: Figure 56
  • LOIS Living Object Internet Service System
  • Sites and Computing Devices shows what computing devices that participate in LOIS Figure 57
  • Figure 47 At Toy Maker HQ 1 presents the Living Object Server
  • Toy Maker HQ 2 presents other LOIS subsystems running at the Toy Maker headquarters
  • Playing a Game describes the collaborations involved in the entire process from authoring to deployment
  • the diagram shows the sites that participate in LOIS, and the computing devices running LOIS software at these sites.
  • a 3-D block is a site.
  • a site is defined as the aggregate of all subsystems owned by one organization, or home. The block is labeled with the name ofthe site and its cardinality.
  • Lightning connectors are communication links.
  • a server There are three types of computing devices inside the sites: a server, a workstation, and a Living Object.
  • LOIS can support up to a million Client Installations.
  • Each client installation features at least one Living Object, and a Client Access Terminal.
  • the only possible computing device is a Win32 PC. In the future Mac, Java, and other platforms will be supported.
  • Toy Maker HQ Up to a 100 Toy Makers can coexist in the initial implementation :5 of LOIS. Each Toy Maker site features Staff Workstations and Toy Maker Servers.
  • Advertisers HQ Up to a 1000 Advertisers are supported in the initial implementation of LOIS. Each site features a Staff Workstation.
  • Creator HQ The Creator site consists of servers and Staff Workstations. There is only one Creator site. "Creator” is a name used for convenience to denote a supplier of living objects technology which may, for example, provide maintenance service for other HQs.
  • the diagram shows the sites that participate in LOIS, and the computing devices running LOIS software at these sites.
  • a 3-D block is a site labeled with the site name.
  • a line connector indicates communication between the two connected sites.
  • the circle arrow elements represents the direction of the data flow.
  • the attached text categorizes the data flow.
  • Toy Maker >Home Client Update Responses: these are the Behaviors that the Toy Maker Push Server returns in response to a Client Update Response.
  • receipt emails emails from the Toy Maker that is receipt for online purchases.
  • announcement emails emails from the Toy Maker with announcements that might interest Living Object owners. 2.
  • Home >Toy Maker HQ
  • Client Update Requests are requests sent according to the Push Client schedule. They contain a unique client id.
  • Client Log Updates these are usage reports collected (and filtered/computed) on the client side by the Client Logger, and sent to the Profiling Service.
  • registration info this is the info collected by the registration forms. It is sent to the Registration Service at the Toy Maker site, from the web browser at the Client Installation.
  • Support requests/support Creator provides online technical and end user support.
  • Figures 4.0-42 At Home, At Advertisers HQ, At Creator HQ:
  • a 2-D block is an actor. It may represent several actual people. The block is labeled with the role name of the actor.
  • the responsibilities list presents the LOIS dynamics where the actor participates.
  • the collaborations list presents collaborating actors, and their relationships.
  • the diagram shows the members of the Toy Maker organization that participate in LOIS dynamics. Notation
  • a 2-D block is an actor. It may represent several actual people. The block is labeled with the role name of the actor.
  • the responsibilities list presents the LOIS dynamics where the actor participates.
  • the collaborations list presents collaborating actors, and their relationships.
  • SysAdmin/Developer/WebMaster The Toy Maker technical personnel. No other actors at the Toy Maker site are required to have technical skills. The exact skills required depend on: The type of Behaviors produced at the Toy Maker (regular/complex). Complex Behaviors require custom programming, and knowledge of the LOIS API. Most Behaviors can be created by non-technical Content Creators.
  • the Developer helps the Content Creator in creating complex Behaviors and web infosystem components, helps the Advertising Manager in creating complex Behavior Spaces, and helps everyone in creating complex workflow automations.
  • the WebMaster is responsible for the web infosystem. 15 2. Content Creator: Creates Behaviors using the Behavior Designer. The Content
  • Advertising Manager Is responsible for getting more Behavior Subscriptions sold, and for selling parts of the Behavior Space to Advertisers. Also responsible usage and profile 0 data reports.
  • Manager Manages the operation where Content Behavior Subscriptions are sold to users, and Advertisement Behaviors are pushed to users. Interacts mostly with reporting facilities in LOIS.
  • Sites and Subsystems Figure 44 At Home The diagram shows LOIS software subsystems, and the computing devices they run on, at the Client Installation. Notation
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name, and a list of its responsibilities. Software subsystems can nest. The responsibilities of a container subsystem are defined all the responsibilities assumed by contained subsystems.
  • Lightning connections represent a communication link between computing devices.
  • Living Object An interactive toy controlled by the LOCS. Communicates through radio link with Client Access Terminal.
  • Client Access Terminal A personal/network computer running the Living Object Client. Communicates through radio with Living Object.
  • Living Object Client Defined as the subsystem that includes all software running on a Client Access Terminal: the Client Logger, the LOCS, and the Push Client.
  • Client Logger A software package which collects usage data from the LOCS, passes it through client side filters, and sends it to the Profiling Service, via the Push Client. It exists to facilitate client side filtering of usage data. For example: instead of sending 100 scores of a 100 vocabulary drills, the Client Logger computes averages, and these are sent to the Toy Maker Profiling Service.
  • Living Object Control Software (LOCS) The software package which controls the Living Object. It translates Behavior data submitted from the Push Client, into interactive commands which run on the Living Object.
  • Push Client A third party software package, customized by Creator for LOIS. It provides the client side of the push layer of LOIS.
  • Web Browser A third party software package. It is used as a client for registration/billing, and for the Web Store. This allows us to simplify the client.
  • the Living Object Client runs on the Client Access Terminal.
  • the diagram shows LOIS software subsystems, and the computing devices they run on, at the Creator headquarters.
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name, and a list of its responsibilities. Software subsystems can nest. The responsibilities of a container subsystem are defined all the responsibilities assumed by contained subsystems.
  • Lightning connections represent a communication link between computing devices.
  • Directed connections are labeled with their stereotype.
  • Creator Server The server that runs LOIS software at the Creator site.
  • Push Server A software the provides the server side ofthe LOIS push layer. Connections
  • the Push Server runs on the Creator Server.
  • the diagram shows LOIS software subsystems, and the computing devices they run on. at the Advertisers headquarters.
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name, and a list of its responsibilities. Software subsystems can nest. The responsibilities of a container subsystem are defined all the responsibilities assumed by contained subsystems.
  • Lightning connections represent a communication link between computing devices.
  • Workstation The workstation that runs LOIS software at the Advertisers site.
  • Behavior Designer A friendly application for authoring complex Behaviors. The output of working with this software, is an authored Behavior.
  • Reporting Software A subsystem that helps the Advertisers understand the who is using LOIS, and how they are using it.
  • the Behavior Designer runs on the Workstation.
  • the Reporting Software runs on the Workstation.
  • FIG 47 At Toy Maker HQ 1
  • the diagram shows LOIS software subsystems, and the computing devices they run on, at the Toy Maker headquarters. In this diagram we focus on the elements of the Living Object Server.
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name, and a list of its responsibilities. Software subsystems can nest. The responsibilities of a container subsystem are defined all the responsibilities assumed by contained subsystems. 10 2. Lightning connections represent a communication link between computing devices.
  • Toy Maker Servers A computing device/s that runs the Living Object Server software.
  • Living Object Server The subsystem that includes the Push Server, database server,
  • Database server All subsystems use the ODBMS libraries for handling persistent objects. Most important objects in LOIS are persistent in the database server. Because we are working with ODMG-93 there is no database code such as embedded SQL. We do not mention the database server anymore, since the ODMG mappings allow us to treat it as transparent.
  • Behavior Space Manager A software subsystem that has two roles. For design-time, it provides services for effectively managing large Behavior Spaces, uploading Behaviors, query and reporting services, etc. For run-time, it provides a function that maps any user ID to a Behavior. 5.
  • Living Object Control Software (LOCS) The software package which controls the Living Object. It translates Behavior data submitted from the Push Client, into interactive commands which run on the Living Object.
  • Push Client A third party software package, customized by Creator for LOIS. It provides the client side ofthe push layer of LOIS.
  • Web Browser A third party software package. It is used as a client for registration/billing, and for the Web Store. This allows us to simplify the client. Connections
  • the Living Object Client runs on the Client Access Terminal.
  • Figure 48 At Toy Maker HQ 2
  • the diagram shows LOIS software subsystems, and the computing devices they run on. at the Toy Maker headquarters. In this diagram we focus on the subsystems not in the Living Object Server.
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name, and a list of its responsibilities. Software subsystems can nest. The responsibilities of a container subsystem are defined all the responsibilities assumed by contained subsystems.
  • Lightning connections represent a communication link between computing devices.
  • Workstation A workstation that runs LOIS software.
  • Reporting Software A subsystem that helps the Toy Maker understand the who is using LOIS, and how they are using it. It works against all existing information, to create customizable reports. It has the capability to create automatic reports, on schedule.
  • Behavior Designer A friendly application for authoring complex Behaviors. The output of working with this software, is an authored Behavior.
  • Server Console The main interface to LOIS. Its main features are:
  • the diagram shows the data flow between the subsystems at the Clientlnstallation. Notation
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name.
  • Connections imply communications between the subsystems/devices.
  • Client Logger >Push Client: Usage data is filtered by the Client Logger, and only filtered data aggregate statistics are passed to the Push Client. 5.
  • Push Client ⁇ >Internet: The Push Client passes Client Update Requests to the
  • Web Browser ⁇ >Internet: The web browser is used to browse the Web Store, purchase Behavior Subscriptions, and for LOIS email.
  • Subsystems and Data Flow Figure 50 At Advertisers HQ
  • the diagram shows the data flow between the subsystems at the Advertisers headquarters. Notation
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name.
  • Connections imply communications between the subsystems/devices. 3. Data flow symbols show the direction, and a list ofthe message classes that flow in the link. None is implied about the order ofthe data flow. Connections
  • Behavior Designer >Internet: Advertisement Behaviors are uploaded to the Toy Maker Server, where they will be pushed to Client Installations.
  • the diagram shows the data flow between the subsystems at the ToyMaker headquarters.
  • a 2-D block is a software subsystem. It shows the subsystem name.
  • Connections imply communications between the subsystems/devices.

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Abstract

L'invention porte sur un procédé d'utilisation d'un jouet (120) pour conduire des vente sur un réseau publique comportant un jouet (120) à fonctions interactives d'écoute et de parole relié via un réseau publique à au moins un serveur à fonctions transactionnelles, les ventes se faisant par l'intermédiaire des fonctions interactives d'écoute et de parole du jouet (120).
PCT/IL2000/000634 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Procede d'utilisation d'un jouet pour conduire une vente WO2002029761A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IL2000/000634 WO2002029761A1 (fr) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Procede d'utilisation d'un jouet pour conduire une vente
AU2000278147A AU2000278147A1 (en) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Method for using a toy to conduct sales

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IL2000/000634 WO2002029761A1 (fr) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Procede d'utilisation d'un jouet pour conduire une vente

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002029761A1 true WO2002029761A1 (fr) 2002-04-11

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2000/000634 WO2002029761A1 (fr) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Procede d'utilisation d'un jouet pour conduire une vente

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2000278147A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002029761A1 (fr)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5752880A (en) * 1995-11-20 1998-05-19 Creator Ltd. Interactive doll

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5752880A (en) * 1995-11-20 1998-05-19 Creator Ltd. Interactive doll

Also Published As

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