WO2023227923A1 - Procédé de commande d'une sortie d'un dispositif de sortie conçu pour générer un son - Google Patents

Procédé de commande d'une sortie d'un dispositif de sortie conçu pour générer un son Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023227923A1
WO2023227923A1 PCT/IB2022/054906 IB2022054906W WO2023227923A1 WO 2023227923 A1 WO2023227923 A1 WO 2023227923A1 IB 2022054906 W IB2022054906 W IB 2022054906W WO 2023227923 A1 WO2023227923 A1 WO 2023227923A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
code
output device
tag
output
audio file
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Application number
PCT/IB2022/054906
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English (en)
Inventor
Hayri C. BULMAN
Original Assignee
Bulman Hayri C
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.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Bulman Hayri C filed Critical Bulman Hayri C
Priority to PCT/IB2022/054906 priority Critical patent/WO2023227923A1/fr
Publication of WO2023227923A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023227923A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H3/00—Dolls
    • A63H3/28—Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H30/00—Remote-control arrangements specially adapted for toys, e.g. for toy vehicles
    • A63H30/02—Electrical arrangements
    • A63H30/04—Electrical arrangements using wireless transmission
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H5/00—Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical
    • 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 concerns a method for controlling an output of an output device adapted for generating sound, in particular a toy output device for replaying music or a spoken story as well as a respective output device, all according to the preambles of the independent claims.
  • Toy playback devices have increasingly been popularized for children as they allow for an increased interaction beyond just the possibility to playback a particular sound or story.
  • This enables the said type of devices to be used by very small children already, as it is a very simple movement to place a figure onto a detection area to start the playback.
  • Most of these devices operate by means of some electromagnetic detection, most often RFID for detecting the figure that comes with a transponder in a particular proximity area and thereupon providing the desired output.
  • Such a device is described for example in WO20151/04222 A1 (Boxine GmbH). It shows a toy for playing back music or a narrated story and operates by means of a sensor that can detect within an area surrounding the sensor a property or a change of a property in and trigger the loudspeaker by doing so.
  • WO2021 Z014122 A1 (Yoto Limited)
  • the interactive apparatus further enables a control device to have an effect on a light source, speaker or display screen on the product in association with the media that is output.
  • this product enables different play modes to further enhance interactivity by being placeable in different manners such that the display screen faces either the ground, the backside, or the user.
  • Common to this type of products is the problem of how to get the digital media onto the basic output device and then associating said digital media with a particular control unit, in the form of a usually passive RFID tag to ensure that the right audio file is output.
  • WO’222 referenced above, requires the detection of a particular code from the transponder in the form of a string, for instance, which then also reflects the type of all the information that is output and can serve as a digital rights management means.
  • this system has several major drawbacks. For instance, it is not possible to change the attribution of a particular control unit, i.e., RFID transponder equipped tag, and specific audio file. Furthermore, it requires an additional operation that must be performed by the processor. Also, it fails at ensuring over a duration of operation and playback that the right decoder (RFID transponder) is still present.
  • the device and method should enable scaling by enabling the addition of further transponders (i.e. control means) and audio tracks and also enable the simultaneous playback of a plurality of audio tracks, where each can be controlled by means of one particular placeable token or a combination of tokens.
  • One aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an output of an output device adapted for generating sound.
  • the output device is a toy output device for replaying music or a spoken story.
  • the method comprises the step of providing an output device.
  • the provided output device has the features described further down in the present application.
  • the method of the present invention comprises the providing of at least one placeable token with at least one wirelessly readable tag.
  • the tag comprising a first code.
  • placeable can be understood, for instance, as being essentially a separate item from an output device and preferably being of a size and form that preferably is easily manageable by hand by children of all ages.
  • a placeable token can include a base with a flat bottom surface that facilitates the placement of the token on an essentially flat surface.
  • a further step of the method of the present invention comprises the providing at least one audio file comprising at least one steganographically embedded second code; the audio file being adapted for being output by the output device.
  • the method further comprises the step of establishing communication between output device and tag by bringing the tag within a detection range of an antenna of the output device.
  • the method of the present invention further comprises the step of extracting the steganographically embedded second code from the audio file and comparing the second code with the first code and therefrom providing an output depending on whether the first code and second code match.
  • the method of the present invention provides a method for controlling an output of an output device for generating sound that has a high degree of flexibility for a content provider intent at providing audio files to be used for such a device and can, for instance, at the same time assist at securing the copyrights of the audio files and making sure that only audio files purchased rightfully can be output. This can, for instance, be ensured by distributing the audio files in conjunction with one or more of the placeable tokens. The tokens can then, for instance, “unlock” the playback of the audio files by having a first code stored in their tags, which must match with the steganographically embedded second code in the audio files.
  • the method of the present invention can, for instance, provide for a lean processing by not having an additional processing step of reading an additional code and matching the code with a particular audio file as this can be performed simultaneously with outputting a sound by using the steganographically embedded code from the audio file and periodically match it with one or more placeable tokens.
  • a comparing and matching of the codes can be performed by for instance by steganographically embedding a string of characters within the audio file and storing that string as a code on the placeable token tag.
  • a parallel extraction or a previous extraction of the embedded code can for example be performed and matched with all of, or parts of, the code on the placeable tag.
  • One further possible advantage of the present invention is the possibility to have a string that is matched by a sequence or a plurality of placeable token tag codes such that a narrative or a sound background can be output that encompasses a plurality of actors, i.e. output sounds that are played simultaneously or in succession to one another.
  • a match can be understood as any process that enables a verification of an attribution between a first code and a second code.
  • steganographically embedded can be understood for example as the process of «hiding» a respective information within the file format used to provide the sound.
  • a least-significant bit algorithm that is well-known in the art can be used to replace the least-significant bit of each bite in the audio file with one bit of the code (Mrs. Kavitha, Kavita Kadam, Ashwini Koshti, Priya Dunghav, “Steganography Using Least Signicant Bit Algorithm” International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA)) .
  • the extraction procedure performs the reverse procedure by reconstructing the original code by extracting the least-significant bit from the audio signal and adding it together to generate a second code for comparing it with the first code.
  • Audio file formats are suitable, particularly preferred are any one of M4A, FLAC, MP3, MP4, WAV, WMA and AAC.
  • the establishing communication between output device and tag comprises the antenna providing a signal adapted for powering the tag of the placeable token.
  • the signal can, for instance, be provided in the form of an electromagnetic wave.
  • the antenna is a RFID reader antenna that is adapted for providing enough energy by electromagnetic emission to power one or more passive transponders, i.e., tags on placeable tokens, in the detection range.
  • the one or more placeable tokens in the detection range can either directly bounce back their recognition codes or first store an information reflective of the powering-up and exchange code segments amongst each other by bouncing back their codes to all placeable tokens within range.
  • the antenna is adapted for operating on a low frequency and/or high frequency band.
  • the antenna is adapted for switching between a low frequency and a high frequency band.
  • the method comprises further establishing a second communication between output device and a distribution server adapted at updating an operating software on an output device according to the present invention and/or download one or more audio files comprising at least one steganographically embedded second codes according to the teaching of the present invention onto a memory unit of a device according to the present invention.
  • the downloading into memory can be a short-term transient downloading such as into a cache or a buffer for streaming output.
  • the method can further comprise the automatic detection of a suitable network connection to establish a second communication between output device and a distribution server and a respective updating, respectively downloading of audio files.
  • the method of the present invention comprises performing a singulation of a particular placeable token with at least one wirelessly readable tag comprising a first code in the detection range of an antenna.
  • Suitable singulation protocols for RFID tags are useable for this step and are known to the skilled artisan (see for instance Aggarwal, C.C., Managing and Mining Sensor Data, Springer Science & Business Media, ISBN 1461463092, 9781461463092).
  • the providing the at least one audio file comprising at least one steganographically embedded second code comprises the retrieving the audio file from a memory unit.
  • the retrieving the audio file from a memory unit can comprise loading the audio file into a cache of the output device.
  • the method can comprise unpacking or decoding the audio file from a package suitable for transmission of the audio file to an unpacked state suitable to be output and/or to be processed by a soundcard of the output device.
  • This unpacking step can be performed as known in the art and depend on the nature and type of the audio file used.
  • the providing the at least one audio file comprising at least one steganographically embedded second code comprises the streaming the audio file from a server.
  • the output device can, for instance, come equipped with a means for accessing the internet, such as a wireless network card and/or a LAN access card that enables the output device to establish connection with a server of a content provider and which, for instance, enables the streaming of the audio file(s).
  • the providing the at least one audio file comprising at least one steganographically embedded second code comprises a connecting a data carrier to the output device.
  • the data carrier can be adapted to store the audio device.
  • the data carrier in a particularly preferred variant, can be arranged such as to establish a revokable physical connection with the output device.
  • a revokable physical connection can, for instance, be created by means of a form fit connection, such as can be embodied by having a slot formed on a part of the audio device in which the data carrier fits by means for form fit.
  • the data carrier can, in a particular embodiment, comprise a, preferably embedded, printed circuit board (PCB) and a connecting means for operably connecting the printed circuit board with the output device.
  • the connecting means ca be a pin-based connection, such as for instance a PCB edge connection.
  • the method can enable the on-the-fly verification of the user by applying the method previously described, namely extracting the ste- ganographically embedded second code from the audio file while it is being streamed and compare it with the first code received by a placeable token in a detection area.
  • the first code can be reflective of a particular second code of a particular audio file that is associated with the said placeable token.
  • the first code is associated with a plurality of second codes either derivable and extractable from the same audio file or from a plurality of audio files.
  • the providing an output depending on whether the first code and the second code match comprises providing a specific output selected from the group consisting of: the content of the audio file, a message relating to bringing a tag within the detection range of an antenna, a system control message, and/or an error message.
  • the output need not be the one that is based on the audio file whose second code is matched with the first code, but can also encompass pre-recorded system messages or sounds, for instance, when the codes do not match, such as an error message or a message prompting the user to place another placeable token with a different tag within the detection area, or to bring a tag within the detection area when the antenna fails at detecting a tag for instance.
  • the second code is extractable from a plurality of audio files and constructed from ste- ganographically embedded code fragments of this plurality of audio files and matched with a, for instance, equally combined first code, which is received from a plurality of tags.
  • the method comprises the step of providing a plurality of audio files, each comprising at least one unique ste- ganographically embedded second code.
  • the method further comprises providing a plurality of placeable tokens, each with at least one wirelessly readable tag comprising a unique first code stored on the tag.
  • the at least one placeable token is adapted for storing information, in particular it stores information reflective of the establishing communication between output device and tag and/or of an establishing communication between at least two of a plurality of placeable tokens, each with at least one wirelessly readable tag comprising a unique first code stored on the tag.
  • This scenic backdrop can include a plurality of sounds or sound effects such as, for instance, birds chirping, leaves rustling, steps, traffic sounds etc. These types of sound can be reflected in the placeable tokens, and each attributed to a first code that the tokens once activated backscatter, and which is then stored in a storage in any one or each of the tokens.
  • the information backscattered and received by the antenna can enable recognizing the number and type of placeable tokens as well as their communication between each other and can then, for instance, choose an output from the audio files by matching the thus gained information with respective steganographically embedded second codes in the audio files. This can then lead to provide an adequate scenic backdrop sound.
  • the at least one placeable token comprises a moulded figure reflective of a particular audio file output.
  • the placeable token comprises a sensing element.
  • the sensing element is a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer and/or gyroscope and/or magnetometer adapted at detecting a movement and/or change of a movement of a placeable token.
  • the establishing communication between output device and tag comprises performing a discovery protocol adapted at discovering all tags in a detection range of the antenna.
  • the establishing communication between output device and tag comprises an exchange of information between any two or all of the tags in detection range on the antenna.
  • the method comprises the further step of establishing a third communication between output device and a network which is bidirectional.
  • the third communication is based on a Low Power, Wide Area Networking protocol (LoRaWAN).
  • LoRaWAN Low Power, Wide Area Networking protocol
  • the protocol is adapted for end-to-end encryption.
  • the LoRaWAN protocol is used to establish a third communication between output device and a network.
  • This protocol can be used for updating a firmware on an output device according to the present invention and/or to download and/or stream audio files adapted for being output with the method and device of the present invention for instance.
  • LoRaWAN protocols have been found to be more energy efficient than 5G networks and can thus be useful at extending a potential battery range of a device according to the present invention.
  • LoRaWAN protocol can also be used to sense passive wirelessly readable tags such as the one’s used by the placeable tokens of the present invention.
  • an embodiment of the present invention can comprise any combination of the described features, as long as they are not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a skilled artisan can derive further advantageous method steps by studying the following description of an output device according to the present invention.
  • an output device for generating sound.
  • the output device is a toy output device for replaying music or spoken word.
  • the output device comprises at least one first antenna for detecting and/or establishing communication between the output device and at least one tag within a detection range of the antenna and receiving a first code from that tag.
  • an antenna can be understood as any type of electronic device that is suitable to transmit and receive data. This is done by converting electricity into electromagnetic waves, such as micro and/or radio waves. Suitable antennas can be Bluetooth antennas and/or RFID readers.
  • the output device of the present invention further comprises an output unit, in particular at least one speaker for generating sound.
  • the device further comprises a control unit, which is adapted for receiving and/or retrieving and processing at least one audio file.
  • the control unit is further adapted at extracting at least one steganographically embedded second code from the at least one audio file and compare the second code with the first code received by the antenna.
  • one advantage of this device can manifest in that it can be used with a multitude of audio files and can be continuously enriched or adapted as, for instance, the audio files undergo updates and/or patches all the while keeping up a correct performance.
  • One of the main disadvantages of the devices known in the art is, that the files and the tokens are in a fixed connection to one another and is no longer mutable once the token and the associated audio file is confectioned and sold.
  • the device according to the present invention can be dynamically updated with either direct stream or by feed of audio files into the memory storage unit of the device, each audio file can come with a steganographically embedded second code that then can be matched with a first code from a placeable token. In this way a continuous operation of the device regardless of a change of files can be ensured.
  • One further advantage of the present invention can be, that the audio files and placeable tokens can be mixed and matched such as to generate more enticing and interactive stories, for instance, by requiring further interaction to place a sequence and/or a multitude of placeable tokens into the detection range and thus control an output of audio file(s) that has a more interactive means or a more immersive narrated story or sound.
  • the device further comprises a memory unit for storing at least one audio file and/or for storing any number of first codes received by the antenna.
  • the storing of a number of first codes can be advantageous for providing a protocol of a use, and also, for instance, for not having to continuously check for the placeable tokens to be in the detection area instead use the first codes stored on the device for matching with the second codes and outputting the audio files.
  • the antenna is a radio frequency reader antenna.
  • control unit is adapted to control the output depending on whether the second code matches with first code received by the antenna. Particularly preferred this is performed by the control unit being adapted for providing a specific output selected from the group consisting of: the content of the audio file in question, a message relating to bring in the tag within the detection range of an antenna, a system control message, an arrow message depending on whether the second code matches the first code.
  • the at least one first antenna and/or a plurality of antennas are shaped such as to generate a shape detection area and/or a plurality of shaped detection areas.
  • the antenna can be considered as being capable of generating an electromagnetic field, particularly preferred a radio frequency electromagnetic field in a specific range around its longitudinal extension, for instance.
  • This electromagnetic field can be shaped by means of shaping the antenna, which in its most basic embodiment is a embodied as a wire extending from a first point up to a second point and generating an electromagnetic field normal to the longitudinal extension of the wire.
  • the shape and bending of the antenna can be used to influence the detection range by means of electing an antenna with a foreseeable electromagnetic field and bending and/or forming it to suit ones’ needs.
  • shielding elements can be provided such as to aid in the shaping of the detection area and generate one or more shaped detection areas.
  • a plurality of shaped detection areas is arranged such that the individual detection areas do not overlap with each other.
  • a plurality of detection areas is shaped such as at least some of the individual detection areas share an overlapping zone.
  • a placeable token can be arranged to provide a different output depending on which of the detection areas it is placed into, even on whether it is placed an overlapping zone of two or more detection areas.
  • the placeable tokens can be provided to have the same output triggered regardless of which of the detection areas they are placed into.
  • the control unit is adapted to simultaneously compare a plurality of first codes with a plurality of second codes.
  • One further aspect of the present invention comprises a computer program product that is adapted at performing the method described above on an output device according to the present invention.
  • the computer program product can be installed as a firmware on an output device according to the present invention.
  • the computer program product is adapted to update automatically, such as by establishing for instance a wireless connection with a distribution server and check for regular updates and update the operating software of the output device of the present invention automatically.
  • the computer program product can be equipped with means for establishing a wireless communication and checking for internet access.
  • the computer program product can be adapted to check whether the computer provides an internet access and automatically update the firmware if such an access is detected.
  • Alternative or additional embodiments can comprise the device having a Bluetooth connectivity and use a Bluetooth connection to access a smartphone and/or a computer with Bluetooth and access the internet and a distribution server by means of this smartphone and/or computer.
  • the device of the present invention can come equipped with a wifi-card by itself and establish a direct connection with the internet by means of a WLAN protocol and thus update the firmware.
  • the present invention shall be further outlined by means of specific examples and figures without being restricted thereto. It is evident to the skilled artisan, that further advantageous embodiments can be derived from this description.
  • FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a device according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 an illustrative example of a method according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 a specific example showing an output generated from an output device based on three tokens
  • FIG. 4 an alternative or additional mode of function of the example of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 example of an output according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG 6a example of an embodiment of a device according to the present invention.
  • FIG 6b further example of an embodiment of a device according to the present invention.
  • FIG 6c shaped detection range of an antenna according to the embodiment of FIG. 6b;
  • FIG. 7a to 7d different antenna configurations for a shaped detection range of an antenna. Detailed description
  • FIG. 1 is a representation of a device 1 for generating sound according to the present invention.
  • the output device 1 is a toy output device for replaying music or a spoken story.
  • it is shown as a set together with (one) a placeable token 20, which is physically separate from the output device 1 , the latter coming as a box with a casing wherein the electrical components are arranged.
  • the placeable token 20 comprises a token base 21 , which has an essentially flat bottom surface and is adapted to be placed in a proximity or right on top of the output device 1 .
  • the token base 21 is itself hollow and has a tag 22, which in the present example is a passive RFID tag that is adapted to be activated by electromagnetic waves (radio frequency waves) that are emitted from the output device 1 .
  • the placeable token 20 has a schematically depicted figure mould 23, which can be for instance a character, such as a cartoon character or an abstract representation of a type of audio signal the specific placeable token is adapted to control upon being brought into a detection area 16 of the output device 1.
  • Suitable examples for placeable token 20, figure moulds 23 are for instance protagonists in a narrated story, animals, vehicles, plants, etc. that come each with specific sound effects emitted from the output device 1 upon activation by the token.
  • the placeable token 20 functions as a sort of control for the operation of the output device.
  • the placeable token 20 has a first code embedded in the tag 22 that prompts the output device 1 to perform a specific task once it has been received and processed, such as by matching with a second code that is provided with the audio file(s).
  • Most commonly that task is the output of an audio file which can be triggered by matching the first code on the tag 22 with the second code that can be embedded into an audio file on the output device 1 by means of steganographical embedding.
  • the ste- ganographic embedding can be performed by suitable protocols and can take place before or after compression of the file, depending on the file type.
  • the output device 1 has an USB connection 10 for being connected with a power source and/or communication with a further device.
  • the advantage of using an USB connection 10 is that power as well as data can be transferred with the same port and makes the exemplary device independent from having to be operated within a wireless network, which still could constitute an additional or alternative embodiment by implementing a wireless card for providing network access. It would also be possible to have a wireless charging of a power source, such as a battery 11 as an alternative or addition to the exemplary representation in FIG. 1 , where a battery 1 1 is charged by means of the USB connection 10.
  • the output device also comprises within the casing a memory unit 13 adapted for storing either audio files, firmware software adapted for processing the method performed by the device or a number of codes, either first codes received from tags of placeable tokens or second codes decrypted from audio files with steganographically embedded second codes.
  • a control unit 12 is adapted at performing the various operations of the output device, processing data from the memory device 13 and/or retrieving and processing received codes that are received by the antenna 15.
  • the control unit 12 is also adapted at instructing the operation of the at least one speaker 14, which might comprise sound conversion hardware and be adapted at outputting the audio file as a sound.
  • the antenna 15 is a RFID antenna 15 and a detection area 16 is defined on the outer surface of the casing where a detection of a placeable token can be ensured by the antenna.
  • the antenna is configured to detect placeable tokens at least in the near field area either directly in the detection area or in close proximity.
  • the control unit can also be adapted to singularize a specific placeable tag by conventional means known in the art for doing so.
  • a basic form of operation is shown as an example in FIG. 2 and shows the processing steps performed by for instance a control unit of the output device.
  • a first step A comprises the providing an output device.
  • a placeable token is provided in a second step B.
  • a third step C an audio file with an embedded second code is provided in a third step C.
  • the process proceeds to an extraction step D of a first code from the placeable token tag, if no placeable token has been detected at step B, the detection step is repeated.
  • step C Once an audio file with a second code is provided in step C, a second code is extracted in step I and the first code and the second code are matched in a step F. If a matching results in a predetermined outcome, an output is provided in a step G and if a specific outcome is not achieved by the matching, no output is provided in step H.
  • FIG. 3 a specific implementation example is schematically depicted in which a narration is output (audio file outputs A, B and C) that can be interactively controlled by means of three distinct placeable tokens 20.1 , 20.2, 20.3.
  • a narration is output (audio file outputs A, B and C) that can be interactively controlled by means of three distinct placeable tokens 20.1 , 20.2, 20.3.
  • placeable tokens 20.1 , 20.2, 20.3. can for instance be a group of tokens adapted at triggering the generation of sounds all relating to a «farm».
  • the first placeable token 20.1 can be used to control the generation of sound reflective of a farm animal, such as for example a rooster.
  • the second placeable token 20.2 can be used to trigger the generation of sound reflective of a different farm animal, such as for instance a dog, whereas the third placeable token 20.3 can be used to generate sound reflective of a chirping of birds.
  • the first track A is based on an audio file with a steganographically embedded second code.
  • the code is embedded by means of bits being hidden in the bytes of the audio file in locations which affect the integrity of the file in a negligible fashion and in the present example is illustrated of three code fragments X, Y, Z.
  • a control unit is adapted to extract these code fragments X, Y, Z and combine them to a form the said second code associated with track A.
  • the same thing is performed with the second track B, where the code fragments X1 , Y1 , Z1 are extracted.
  • the third track C is set to be output regardless of the verification of a code.
  • On the left side the presence or absence of a placeable token 20.1 , 20.2, 20.3 is reflected.
  • the second placeable token 20.2 is not in a detection area of an output device. Therefore, the second code X1 , Y1 , Z1 cannot be matched with a corresponding first code from the second placeable token tag and a corresponding output is not generated.
  • the three tracks result in a simultaneous output of tracks A and C only, for the sake of the above example the «rooster» and the «chirping of birds» whereas the barking of a dog is not output if the corresponding placeable token is not within the detection area.
  • an output device can come equipped with a multitude of audio files and the choice of output can be controlled by means of placing and/or removing the respective placeable token.
  • FIG. 4 An alternative or additional embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • three tracks A, B, C are output although not all of the three associated placeable tokens 20.1 , 20.2, 20.3, whereby the first token 20.1 is associated with track A, the second token 20.2 is associated with track B and the third token 20.3 is associated with track C, are simultaneously detected within a detection area.
  • the placeable tokens 20.1 , 20.2, 20.3 each comprise a memory unit 24 that is integrated in the token base 21 .
  • the control unit (not shown in FIG. 4) can be adapted to perform discovery protocols in particular intervals of time.
  • the discovery protocols can be used to briefly activate one or more tags 22 of the placeable tokens 20.1 , 20.2, 20.3 upon which the tokens backscatter an information reflective of its state and their respective first codes.
  • the backscattering of the activated tags can also suffice to activate further tags which are not within the primary range of an output device antenna, but can be activated by the backscattering emission of an activated passive tag, for instance of a first placeable token 20.1.
  • a catenation of placeable tokens can be achieved.
  • the thereby resulting first codes can be used by the output device either individually, or by generating a combined first code from all the readings of placeable tokens that have been thus activated.
  • the placeable tokens comprise a memory unit
  • This allows for various combinations of output generation and greatly improves interactivity of the output device by enabling sequences of placeable tags to be required for generating a particular output.
  • the activation by means of the placeable tokens can also take into consideration space, by enabling detection of tokens that are essentially out of range and time, by accessing a memory on the placeable token and gaining information on further tokens not directly addressed.
  • the output device also as a learning tool and as an educational toy, as it might help to foster logical thinking and combination by requiring the user to place a specific sequence of placeable tokens within the detection area in a specific period of time.
  • the output can be audio signals encouraging operations or giving feedback on the interaction that has been performed with the placeable tokens.
  • the state of a placeable token can also change once the first code has been sent to an antenna and thereby change the status of a placeable tag by means of storing a specific information in the memory unit 24, such as for instance the first code as having been read. This also enables to ensure that a story or a sound effect is not caught within a loop but can be continuously output as otherwise the control unit could be prompted at beginning the output anew as soon as a second detection protocol is run that results in the same reading.
  • FIG. 5 An example of an embodiment of the present invention is depicted schematically in figure 5.
  • a number n of protagonists presently four protagonists a, b, c, d, are shown in the course of a progressing output Z.
  • the output can comprise in the present example up to four tracks A, B, C, D, each reflective of a particular protagonist a, b, c, d that can be simultaneously output or individually depending on the detected presence of their respective placeable token.
  • each of the protagonist a, b, c, d would be represented by a placeable token with at least one wirelessly readable tack.
  • the tracks as such can be stored on a storage medium or streamed directly by the output device by means of a wireless network connection.
  • Each of the tracks a, b, c, d essentially consists of a content and an info part, whereby the info part comprises an embedded code that is matched with the code of a placeable token to determine whether that particular content is output.
  • the protagonist(s) according to the present invention in this example can be any type of sound or sound effect that can be output.
  • the concept of the present invention can be arranged such as to provide a meaningful individual output per protagonist, but at the same time provide an aggregated output where several tracks A, B, C, D that are simultaneously output generate an auditive experience that is greater than the sum of its parts.
  • the method of the present invention can be used to provide an interactive way of performing an orchestra, such as Ravel’s legendary Bolero.
  • the protagonists a, b, c, d in the present example can be representative of a particular score of the orchestra, such as protagonist a comprising the transverse flutes of melody A, protagonist b the bassoons of melody B, protagonist c the oboe of melody A, and protagonist d the horns and saxophones of melody B, etc. such that the individual scores can be output separately or in conjunction with one another.
  • the user can interactively remove instruments from the orchestra or individual scores during the whole output experience.
  • the individual scores are checked for their steganograph- ically embedded codes in the score and matched with the presence and/or absence of the placeable tokens and their respective first codes stored on the tag and within the detection area of an antenna to decide whether an output is generated or not.
  • the output can be designed as a continuous loop in a track direction set with the different scores being added and/or removed as enjoyed by the user.
  • Fig. 6a to 6c show some specific embodiments of a device according to the present invention as an embodied example. This example is particularly useful at illustrating the shaping of a detection area 16.
  • the output device is represented as an essentially cylindrical box 30 which comprises the electronic components and in particular at least one antenna 15.
  • the shape and placement of the antenna 15 in the present example is elected to essentially follow the circumference of a flat surface onto which placeable tokens can be safely placed.
  • the two examples in fig. 6a, b and 6c differ from each other in that the radius of the circumference of the antenna 15 is elected to be smaller in the example of fig. 6a versus 6b. This can result in a narrower detection area 16.
  • a detection area 16 can be shaped by means of choosing a particular antenna type as the skilled artisan in the field of Radio Frequency Technology is adept at doing, or by shaping the geometry of the antenna.
  • the detection area 16 is also presumably essentially cylindrical.
  • Fig. 6c illustrates how the detection area 16 would function for a box 30 that is placed on a planar surface, such as a table and barring any shielding elements in the sidewalls of the cylindrical box 30, the detection area would extend as a field generated around the antenna 15 to an essentially cylindrical shape enclosing the close proximity of the box 15 along the outer radius as well as the planar surface on the other side of the planar surface the box 30 rests on.
  • a planar surface such as a table and barring any shielding elements in the sidewalls of the cylindrical box 30
  • the detection area would extend as a field generated around the antenna 15 to an essentially cylindrical shape enclosing the close proximity of the box 15 along the outer radius as well as the planar surface on the other side of the planar surface the box 30 rests on.
  • this is a simplification of how the exact field could be shaped, but illustrates the concept of being able to shape the detection area 16 by means of adapting the geometry
  • Fig. 7a shows a specific example where a box 30 that is essentially similar to the one depicted in fig. 6a to 6c is internally partitioned into four detection quadrants 31 .1 , 31 .2, 31.3 and 31 .4.
  • the detection quadrants 31 .1 , 31 .2, 31 .3 and 31 .4 are generated by means of four antennas each present in the respective quadrant and shielding elements arranged in between the quadrants.
  • the detection area is shaped for each quadrant 31 .1 , 31 .2, 31 .3 and 31 .4 to correspond to a quadrant extending from the top of the box 30 and the respective radio area of each quadrant.
  • This box 30 enables to further implement additional functions in an output device according to the present invention.
  • placeable tokens can be associated with an output depending on where on the box 30 they are placed.
  • a respective placeable token can, referring back to the example in fig. 5, be a trigger for a melody A output if it is placed in a specific quadrant that is associated with melody A of the orchestra, or a melody B output if it is associated with a different quadrant when placed on the box. Going along with example described in conjunction with fig. 5 above for the sake of simplicity, an instrument could be made to be part of a different melody in an orchestra for instance. In the Bolero example, violins are present in a melody A as well as in a melody B.
  • the quadrants are shown in the present example for the means of simplicity, and a skilled artisan would readily understand that any geometric form can be accomplished by means of providing the respective box, antenna shape and the correct shielding witch the skilled artisan can easily adapt based on the required demands and concrete implementation.
  • the box can be rectangular, cubic, round, et cetera and the respective detection areas can also come in all possible geometric shapes that are conceivable by means of shielding elements and antenna forms.
  • Fig. 7b depicts a specific example, where the variant of fig. 7a was further made more complex by means of providing quadrants with differing antenna setups.
  • the first quadrant comprises a plurality of antennas 15'.1, ... 15'.5
  • the second quadrant the right one, comprises one antenna 15' which follows the outline of the quadrant.
  • the quadrants can be separated by shielding elements, such that the magnetic fields generated by the antennas do not interfere.
  • 15'.5 can be arranged in the same plane or stacked in the volume of the box 30, such as to create different layers of antennas and corresponding detection ranges.
  • a detection of a placeable token can then for instance be additionally made dependent on an overlap of two or more detection areas generated by two or more of the antennas 15'.1 , ... 15'.5 of the device.
  • Suitable materials as shielding elements are known to the skilled artisan.
  • One simple, affordable and very adequate material due to its ductility is aluminium.
  • Other suitable materials provide faraday caging and/or copper insulation or are amalgams of different metals.
  • Another example is depicted in fig. 7c, where an output device according to the present invention is shown where a particular antenna 15' is placed between two shielding elements 33.1 , 33.2 to generate a very specific detection area, for instance on a flat topside of an essentially cylindrical box 30 which houses the various electronic components of the output device according to the present invention.
  • the output device comprises a box 30 and a shapeable antenna 15", which extends from the top of the box 30 and can be adapted to be essentially playable, such as to enable a user to adapt and construct a detection range 16" as required.
  • This embodiment can come with additional shielding elements which are also freely placeable and with customizable placeable tokens and enables a user to create an output device according to his particular requirements.
  • the above depicted boxes and devices according to the present invention can be manufactured of any material that is suitable to be formed and shaped such as to enclose the electrical components.
  • the material is chosen for providing an additional haptic sensation.
  • natural materials are chosen, such as wood or cardboard, which feels warm to the touch. Colours and applications can be provided to enhance the attractiveness of the product and/or to signalize specific interfaces and interface areas (such as for instance a detection area) of the product. For instance, the surface onto which placeable tokens can be placed can be illustrated by means of a specific colour.
  • the present invention provides a method and a device for generating output, in particular toy output devices which enable complex interactive output to be generated, whereby the output can be controlled by a number of placeable tokens which in a particularly preferred embodiment comprise a moulded form reflective of the output that is thus generated.
  • the toy set not only has a significantly improved interactivity compared to toy sets of the notorious type in the state of the art, but also greatly facilitates the distribution and management of content by a content provider. Digital rights can securely be managed, continuously monitored and the content can be updated periodically without affecting the functioning of the device.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé de commande d'une sortie d'un dispositif de sortie conçu pour générer un son qui comprend les étapes consistant à fournir un dispositif de sortie et à fournir au moins un jeton remplaçable 20 avec au moins une étiquette lisible sans fil comprenant un premier code stocké sur l'étiquette (22). Le procédé comprend en outre l'étape consistant à fournir au moins un fichier audio comprenant au moins un second code intégré de manière stéganographique et le fichier audio étant conçu pour être délivré par le dispositif de sortie. Le procédé comprend également les étapes consistant à établir une communication entre le dispositif de sortie et l'étiquette en amenant l'étiquette à l'intérieur d'une plage de détection d'une antenne du dispositif de sortie et en extrayant le second code intégré de manière steganographique du fichier audio et en comparant le second code 10 au premier code et en fournissant une sortie selon que le premier code et le second code correspondent ou non. La présente invention concerne également un dispositif de sortie respectif.
PCT/IB2022/054906 2022-05-25 2022-05-25 Procédé de commande d'une sortie d'un dispositif de sortie conçu pour générer un son WO2023227923A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2022/054906 WO2023227923A1 (fr) 2022-05-25 2022-05-25 Procédé de commande d'une sortie d'un dispositif de sortie conçu pour générer un son

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PCT/IB2022/054906 WO2023227923A1 (fr) 2022-05-25 2022-05-25 Procédé de commande d'une sortie d'un dispositif de sortie conçu pour générer un son

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040214642A1 (en) * 2001-11-14 2004-10-28 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. Object recognition toys and games
US20060177094A1 (en) * 2005-01-21 2006-08-10 Mr. Robert Smith A system for embedding, extracting, and executing self-governing behavior and use controls within digital medium content
US7261612B1 (en) * 1999-08-30 2007-08-28 Digimarc Corporation Methods and systems for read-aloud books
WO2015004222A1 (fr) 2013-07-11 2015-01-15 Peer+ B.V. Dispositif optique avec système d'alimentation
WO2015104222A1 (fr) * 2014-01-09 2015-07-16 Boxine Gmbh Jouet
WO2021014122A1 (fr) 2019-07-24 2021-01-28 Yoto Limited Appareil interactif

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7261612B1 (en) * 1999-08-30 2007-08-28 Digimarc Corporation Methods and systems for read-aloud books
US20040214642A1 (en) * 2001-11-14 2004-10-28 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. Object recognition toys and games
US20060177094A1 (en) * 2005-01-21 2006-08-10 Mr. Robert Smith A system for embedding, extracting, and executing self-governing behavior and use controls within digital medium content
WO2015004222A1 (fr) 2013-07-11 2015-01-15 Peer+ B.V. Dispositif optique avec système d'alimentation
WO2015104222A1 (fr) * 2014-01-09 2015-07-16 Boxine Gmbh Jouet
WO2021014122A1 (fr) 2019-07-24 2021-01-28 Yoto Limited Appareil interactif

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Title
AGGARWAL, C.C.: "Managing and Mining Sensor Data", SPRINGER SCIENCE & BUSINESS MEDIA

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