WO2020155165A1

WO2020155165A1 - A toy

Info

Publication number: WO2020155165A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/074653
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karen Elizabeth STARKEY
Original assignee: Krafti Kids Limited
Priority date: 2019-02-02
Filing date: 2019-02-02
Publication date: 2020-08-06

Abstract

A toy comprising a body having at least one sensor arranged to detect a motion or manipulation of the toy; an interface having at least one of i) a display module arranged to display visual information in response to the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor, or ii) an audio module arranged to play audio data; and a processing module arranged to process information received from the sensor and transmit an output signal to the interface.

Description

A TOY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a toy and particularly, although not exclusively, to a toy having an interface.

BACKGROUND

Toys are a popular and endearing addition to any household, enjoyed by both children and adults alike. Toys bring out a sense of playfulness and imagination in a child, as well as a sense of agility and strength, all characteristics that are beneficial to early stage mental and physical development. There are various toys available on the market including puzzles, dolls, car models, construction pieces, board games or card games.

Stuffed toys are amongst the most popular toy items available. Children are often delighted by receipt of a stuffed toy and derive a sense of comfort, security and friendship from the familiarity of a toy with an appealing soft composition and striking design. Due to their comforting texture and cuddliness, children tend to be drawn to these toys during their childhood and adulthood as a reassuring companion. The hugging and squeezing of these stuffed toys can also boost mental development and dexterity in toddlers. Stuffed toys with a plethora of different shapes, sizes and colours are available, which only add to their commercial appeal. They can also be used for educational purposes, such as using a series of stuffed toys shaped to resemble jungle animals to teach young children about different ecosystems around the world.

In general, stuffed toys have simple designs with bright colours and are visually captivating with a desirable plumpness for cuddling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toy comprising a body having at least one sensor arranged to detect a motion or manipulation of the toy; an interface having at least one of i) a display module arranged to display visual information in response to the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor, or ii) an audio module arranged to play audio data; and a processing module arranged to process information received from the sensor and transmit an output signal to the interface.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sensor is selected from a vibration sensor, a force sensor, a gravity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a gyroscope. Preferably, the sensor is a vibration sensor arranged to detect shaking of the toy.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the toy has two or more sensors located at different parts of the toy.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the display module displays an image, a text, a symbol, an animation or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the interface comprises both the display module and the audio module.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the processing module is arranged at least partially inside the toy, and connected to a power source.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the power source is a rechargeable power source positioned inside the toy and can be recharged by connecting with an external power source.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the power source includes an internal battery holder receiving one or more batteries.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the toy is a stuffed toy stuffed with a flexible material. Preferably, the flexible material includes one or more of cotton, plastic pellets, plastic beans, straw, wood wool, or fibers.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the toy has a fabric outer layer.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the processing module transmits the output signal to the interface to display the visual information and play the audio data one by one or instantly when the motion or manipulation of the toy is detected by the sensor.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the display module comprises a light emitting device that emits light in one or more colours.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the toy detects different types of motion or manipulations of the toy and transmits corresponding detection signal to the processing module, and the processing module transmits corresponding output signal to the display module for displaying corresponding visual information.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the light emitting device emits one or more lights according to the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the audio module is arranged to play audio data in accordance with the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor, or arranged to play random audio data.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the display module is arranged to display random visual information.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cuddle toy comprising:

a body having at least one sensor arranged to detect a motion or manipulation of the cuddle toy;

a processing module arranged to process information received from the sensor; and

an interface having a display module arranged to display visual information in response to the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor, and an audio module arranged to play audio data;

wherein the processing module transmits an output signal to the interface to display the visual information and play the audio data one by one or instantly when the motion or manipulation of the cuddle toy is detected by the sensor.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the display module comprises a light emitting device that emits light in one or more colours.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the sensor is selected from a vibration sensor, a force sensor, a gravity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a gyroscope. Preferably, the sensor is a vibration sensor arranged to detect shaking of the cuddle toy.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the processing module is arranged at least partially inside the cuddle toy, and connected to a power source.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the power source is a rechargeable power source positioned inside the cuddle toy and can be recharged by connecting with an external power source.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the power source includes an internal battery holder receiving one or more batteries.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the cuddle toy detects different types of motion or manipulations of the cuddle toy and transmits corresponding detection signal to the processing module, and the processing module transmits corresponding output signal to the interface for displaying corresponding visual information and/or playing corresponding audio data.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the display module is arranged to display random visual information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a toy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the toy in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view of a toy in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated an embodiment of a toy comprising a body having at least one sensor arranged to detect a motion or manipulation of the toy; an interface comprising at least one of i) a display module arranged to display visual information in response to the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor, or ii) an audio module arranged to play audio data; and a processing module arranged to process information received from the sensor and transmit an output signal to the interface.

As shown in Figure 1, the toy 100 is configured as a stuffed toy and particularly resembling a teddy bear. In this embodiment, the toy 100 has a body 102 forming an internal cavity for housing a display module 104, one or more sensors 106, a processing module 108 and a power source (not shown) . The internal cavity may be stuffed with a flexible material including one or more of cotton, plastic pellets, plastic beans, straw, wood wool, or fibers, and the toy 100 is covered by a fabric outer layer particularly a fur fabric layer.

It would be appreciated that various configurations of the body 102 can be used. In some embodiments, the toy 100 may be configured as, but is not limited to, an animal shaped stuffed toy, a cartoon or anime character stuffed toy, or an inanimate stuffed toy such as a car stuffed toy. In an alternative embodiment, the toy may be a soft toy having a flexible outer layer without stuffing. The toy may also be provided as a cuddle toy.

The interface of the present invention is arranged to allow a user to interact with the toy, for example, allowing a user to enter information and/or receive any information given by the toy. In this example embodiment, the interface of the toy 100 includes a display module 104 arranged to display visual information in accordance with the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106. The display module 104 of the present embodiment has a display screen 110 provided on the body 102 for a user to read the visual information presented on the display screen 110. The display module 104 is arranged to display an image, a text, a symbol, an animation or a combination thereof, in colour or monochrome manner, on the display screen 110 with respect to the detection signals received by the processing module 108.

Preferably, the display screen 110 comprises a liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting (LED) panel, and/or another type of display screen arranged to display information transmitted from the processing device 108. In this embodiment, the display module 104 includes a LCD panel. Preferably, a LED panel can be arranged as a backlight below the LCD panel to emit one or more lights. This is advantageous in that it can draw a user’s attention and increase the readability of the content on the display screen in low light conditions. The colour of light given by the LED panel may be arranged to indicate different type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106. The colour of the light can also vary depending on the visual information displayed. It would be appreciated that the light can be displayed with various patterns such as, but is not limited to, blinking.

In some embodiments, a transparent element may be further provided on the display screen 110 for protecting the display screen from breaking. Preferably, the transparent element is made waterproof so as to protect the display screen positioned underneath from water ingress.

In a further embodiment, the display module 104 comprises a touchscreen and/or one or more buttons for the user to input information such as name of the toy, name of the user, date, and the like. Information entered is then saved in a memory of the processing module 108.

In the present embodiment, the processing module 108 is in electrical communication with each of the display module 104, one or more sensors 106 and the power source (not shown) such that it can receive and transmit input or output signals between each components. Preferably, the processing module is arranged at least partially inside the toy. In this embodiment, the entire processing module is housed in the body 102.

As shown in Figure 2, the toy has a power switch 112 which is in electrical communication with the processing module 108 and the power source, so as to activate or deactivate the toy 100. Preferably, the power switch 112 is arranged on the body 102 so that a user can easily switch the toy 100 on or off.

The processing module 108 of the present embodiment comprises a control circuit to control the operation of the toy 100 in particular to process detection signals given by one or more sensors of the toy 100 and transmits corresponding output signals to the display module 104 for displaying corresponding visual information. The displayed visual information may be a random message or random image, or predetermined message or image which is associated to a specific type of detection signal given by the sensor. I.e. the predetermined message or image is assigned to the specific type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106. In this embodiment, the toy 100 displays a random text message such as a greeting message, a quote on life, love, family or success, or the like, in response to any motion or manipulation detected by the sensor. The text message can be in any language in accordance with the user’s preference.

In some embodiments, the processing module 108 processes the detection signals and identifies the type of motion or manipulation of the toy 100, so as to instruct the display module 104 to display visual information with respect to the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor. In one embodiment, the detection signals transmitted to the processing module 108 contain information relating to the intensity of force applied to the toy 100. The processing module 108 can then process the signals and instruct the display module 104 to display visual information corresponding to the force applied. This would particularly useful in situations when a user is sad and hugs the toy harder. The toy may therefore be arranged to display text messages that are more comforting or responsive to a user’s feelings.

Accordingly, this can provide a more interactive user experience when a user plays with the toy and thus the user can receive different responses from the toy according to different manipulation made to the toy.

In an embodiment provided that a LED panel is arranged adjacent to the display screen, the LED may emit one or more lights according to the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor so as to inform a user that a specific manipulation has been applied.

In an embodiment where the display module 104 comprises a touchscreen and/or one or more buttons as described above, the processing module 108 may be arranged to respond to the information inputted by a user and stores the information in a memory of the processing module 108. Further, the display screen may pop up one or more questions according to the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106, and may allow a user to respond to the questions by selecting an option on a touchscreen or by pressing a button. This is advantageous that a user can receive instant information about the manipulation he/she has done to the toy 100.

The sensor 106 according to the present embodiment is arranged so as to detect the motion such as vibration or manipulation of the toy 100 to generate detection signals to the processing module 108. A user may use various ways to manipulate the toy 100 such as by hugging, patting, shaking, squeezing, pressing, or tilting. The sensor 106 can detect these motions or manipulations of the toy 100 and convert them to signals particularly different detection signals in accordance with the manipulation made.

Preferably, the toy 100 has one or more sensors selected from a vibration sensor, a force sensor, a gravity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a gyroscope to detect the motion or orientation of the toy 100 and the manipulation made to the toy 100. In this embodiment, the toy 100 has at least one sensor positioned adjacent to the central axis of the body 102 so that when the toy 100 is switched on, the sensor 106 arranged therein can detect a motion or manipulation of the toy 100 and transmit detection signals to the processing unit for further processing. Preferably, the toy 100 includes a vibration sensor which can detect vibration of the toy 100, or a force sensor which can detect a force applied to the toy 100.

In an alternative embodiment, the toy 100 has two or more sensors arranged at different parts of the body 102 and at least one of the sensors is a vibration sensor or force sensor for detecting vibration of the toy 100 or force applied to the toy 100. Particularly, the vibration sensor is arranged to detect the shaking of the toy 100. Another sensor may be a tilt sensor or a gyroscope which detect the position or orientation of the toy 100. This arrangement is advantageous in that the sensors can detect the motion or manipulation of the toy 100 more accurately and send the corresponding detection signals to the processing module 108 for further processing.

In this embodiment, the toy 100 further comprises an audio module 114 arranged to play audio data. The audio data may be stored in a memory of the processing module 108. The audio data preferably comprise at least one or more of a voice message, or a piece of music or sound. The audio module 114 is in electrical communication with the processing module 108 and includes a speaker for playing the audio data when the processing module 108 transmits an instruction in the form of output signals to the audio module 114 with respect to the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106. In this embodiment, the audio module 114 is arranged to play audio data in accordance with the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106. For example, the audio module 114 may be arranged to play audio data in accordance with the intensity of force applied to the toy 100. The sensor may be arranged to transmit detection signals containing information relating to the intensity of force applied. The processing module 108 can then process the signals and instruct the audio module 114 to play audio data associated with the particular force applied to the toy as such a user can receive an audio message responsive to his/her action.

In another embodiment, the audio module 114 is arranged to play random audio data.

In some embodiments, the audio module 114 may further comprise a microphone which allows a user to record an audio message and stores the recorded message in the memory of the processing module 108. The recording of an audio message may be activated by a specific type of manipulation made by a user such as through pressing the toy 100 particularly at a point adjacent to a force sensor. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that other types of recording devices can be used. The processing module 108 may store the recorded audio message and associate it with the manipulation made by the user. The processing module 108 may then be able to play the recorded audio message when the corresponding manipulation made to the toy 100 is detected by the sensor 106 again.

According to the embodiment in Figure 1 and 2, when the motion or manipulation of the toy 100 is detected by the sensor 106, the processing module 108 receives detection signals from the sensor 106 for processing. Then, the processing module 108 transmits an output signal to the display module 104 and the audio module 114 to display the visual information and play the audio data one by one or instantly with respect to the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106. The visual information may be displayed before, after or during the period the audio module 114 plays the audio data. The combination of the visual information and audio message or sound draws a user’s attention and makes it more entertaining.

In some embodiments, the audio module 114 is arranged to play one or more random audio data stored in the memory of the processing module 108. In an alternative embodiment, the audio module 114 may play one particular audio data regardless of the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor 106.

This is advantageous in that the toy 100 does not only display visual information on the display module 104, but also plays music or sound through the speaker. The toy 100 is thus more entertaining. However, it would be appreciated that the toy may be arranged to have the display module alone (i.e. without the audio module) , or the audio module alone (i.e. without the display module) depending on the type of interaction a user would like to have.

In a further embodiment, the processing module 108 may include a wireless communication unit for transmitting information between the toy 100 and an electronic device such as a smart phone, a tablet and the like. The wireless communication unit may use technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC) and/or the like arranged to transmit information such as visual message or audio data from the toy to the electronic device or vice versa. This allows a user to update the memory of the processing module 108 such that he/she can play the preferred audio data and/or visual information when interacting with the toy. A user can also retrieve any information inputted to the toy and then transfer the information to the electronic device for record. Accordingly, information inputted to the toy can be retrieved and played by other devices.

The power source of the present embodiment is positioned inside the body 102, and is preferably a rechargeable power source that can be recharged by connecting with an external power source. Referring to Figure 2, an electrical socket 116 is provided on the rear side of the toy 100 for electrical connection between the power source and an external power source. The electrical socket 116 may be a USB socket or other possible electrical sockets. This is advantageous to use a rechargeable power source because it can be used repeatedly and avoid the use of batteries. The use of batteries may incur a substantial cost and increase environmental burden. Also, since the power source is provided inside the body 102 of the toy 100, the toy 100 can retain its attractive appearance.

It would be appreciated that other arrangements of the power source may also be applied to the invention. The power source may include one or more batteries positioned inside or outside the toy. A user can therefore replace the depleted batteries easily. Preferably, the toy comprises an internal battery holder for receiving one or more batteries. In an alternative embodiment, the toy 100 may include a solar panel as a rechargeable power source. The solar panel can be arranged on the body 102 to convert solar energy to electrical energy so as to power the toy 100. The use of solar panel can help to reduce the environmental burden and reduce substantial cost for replacing used batteries.

Figure 3 further illustrates another embodiment of a toy of the present invention. The toy 200 is configured as a cuddle toy having a distinctive appearance in bright colours. The toy 200 is covered by a fabric outer layer and has a body 202 stuffed with synthetic fibers, which gives the toy 200 a soft texture. The body 202 is arranged to house a sensor (not shown) , a processing module (not shown) , an interface comprising a display module 204 and an audio module (not shown) , and a power source (not shown) as described above.

It would be appreciated from the disclosure herein that the toy 200 can display visual information and/or play audio data when the motion or manipulation of the toy 200 is detected by the sensor. Particularly, the processing module transmits an output signal to the interface to display the visual information and play the audio data one by one or instantly when the motion or manipulation of the cuddle toy 200 is detected by the sensor. Preferably, the cuddle toy 200 has a vibration sensor arranged to detect shaking of the cuddle toy 200. The processing module then receives the detection signals from the vibration sensor and processes the signals to instruct the display module 204 and/or the audio module to play random visual information and/or random audio data. The visual information and the audio data are pre-inputted and stored in the processing module.

The power source of the cuddle toy 200 has an internal battery holder for receiving one or more batteries therein. A user can easily replace the depleted batteries with new ones.

It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

A toy comprising:

a body having at least one sensor arranged to detect a motion or manipulation of the toy;

an interface having at least one of i) a display module arranged to display visual information in response to the motion or manipulation detected by the sensor, or ii) an audio module arranged to play audio data; and

a processing module arranged to process information received from the sensor and transmit an output signal to the interface.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from a vibration sensor, a force sensor, a gravity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a gyroscope.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the toy has two or more sensors located at different parts of the toy.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the display module displays an image, a text, a symbol, an animation or a combination thereof.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the interface comprises both the display module and the audio module.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the processing module is arranged at least partially inside the toy, and connected to a power source.
The toy in accordance with claim 6, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source positioned inside the toy and can be recharged by connecting with an external power source.
The toy in accordance with claim 6, wherein the power source includes an internal battery holder receiving one or more batteries.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the toy is a stuffed toy stuffed with a flexible material.
The toy in accordance with claim 9, wherein the flexible material includes one or more of cotton, plastic pellets, plastic beans, straw, wood wool, or fibers.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the toy has a fabric outer layer.
The toy in accordance with claim 5, wherein the processing module transmits the output signal to the interface to display the visual information and play the audio data one by one or instantly when the motion or manipulation of the toy is detected by the sensor.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the display module comprises a light emitting device that emits light in one or more colours.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the toy detects different types of motion or manipulations of the toy and transmits corresponding detection signal to the processing module, and the processing module transmits corresponding output signal to the display module for displaying corresponding visual information.
The toy in accordance with claim 13, wherein the light emitting device emits one or more lights according to the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the audio module is arranged to play audio data in accordance with the type of motion or manipulation detected by the sensor, or arranged to play random audio data.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the display module is arranged to display random visual information.
The toy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor is a vibration sensor arranged to detect shaking of the toy.