Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods for making a carved crayon are provided. In one aspect, a crayon carving device includes a base, a pantograph armature coupled to the base, a crayon positioner, and at least one guide template parallel to the crayon positioner. The pantograph armature includes a motorized drive shaft with a drill tip for carving an outside surface of a crayon body, as well as a guide tip for tracing along a guide template that directs where the drill tip carves. In some embodiments, the guide template includes a stationary bridge support and a plurality of removable carving bucks that insert into one of multiple openings on the bridge support. The surface features of each of the carving bucks may be traced by the guide tip to generate a corresponding carving on the surface of a crayon body.

Abstract: A digital template animation kit is provided for generating a three-dimensional animation corresponding to a captured two-dimensional template. In embodiments, a template animation kit includes a template portfolio having template designs for coloring in by a user. A computing device executing a template animation kit application, such as a digital fashion portfolio kit application, may then capture an image of the user-completed drawings on each template design. In some embodiments, capturing an image of a template design includes identifying a coloring figure identifier, an upper page guide identifier, and a lower page guide identifier. In further embodiments, the captured images of two-dimensional template designs are applied to three dimensional digital templates for animation within a digital template animation environment.

Abstract: Multi-purpose digital coloring tools for interacting with a touchscreen are described. A pattern-making device provides for patterned input from a digital marking tool on a touchscreen device. The pattern-making device guides the digital marking tool with a plurality of gear teeth on an internal edge of a template frame secured to a touchscreen device using a base unit. Light images are created by a light stylus that interacts with a touchscreen device or an emulsion-surface device. An easel support structure holds a touchscreen device in an upright position during marking with the digital marking tool. Digitally animated coloring book pages are adapted to interact with a touchscreen device. Digital crayons, digital stamping devices, a digital paintbrush, a dual-tip digital stylus for creating 3-dimensional (3-D) images, and a pair of 3-D glasses are provided for interacting with a touchscreen device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed an animation kit including a template page with at least one template design, an armature that moves between at least a first position and a second position, and an animation application that generates an animated segment corresponding to the template design and at least one pose of the armature. In further embodiments, a method for generating an animated segment is provided. In another embodiment, a system for generating an animated sequence includes a template design and an application that receives an image of the template design and animates at least one three-dimensional image corresponding to the captured template design.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed an animation kit including a template page with at least one template design, an armature that moves between at least a first position and a second position, and an animation application that generates an animated segment corresponding to the template design and at least one pose of the armature. In further embodiments, a method for generating an animated segment is provided. In another embodiment, a system for generating an animated sequence includes a template design and an application that receives an image of the template design and animates at least one three-dimensional image corresponding to the captured template design.

Abstract: Multi-purpose digital coloring tools for interacting with a touch screen are described. A pattern-making device provides for patterned input from a digital marking tool on a touch-screen device. The pattern-making device guides the digital marking tool with a plurality of gear teeth on an internal edge of a template frame secured to a touch-screen device using a base unit. Light images are created by a light stylus that interacts with a touch-screen device or an emulsion-surface device. An easel support structure holds a touch-screen device in an upright position during marking with the digital marking tool. Digitally animated coloring book pages are adapted to interact with a touch-screen device. Digital crayons, digital stamping devices, a digital paintbrush, a dual-tip digital stylus for creating 3-dimensional (3-D) images, and a pair of 3-D glasses are provided for interacting with a touch-screen device.

Abstract: A digital coloring tools kit for creating a realistic painting experience for use with a touch-screen device is provided in embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the digital coloring tools kit includes a digital paintbrush tool, a digital stamper tool, a digital pattern roller, a digital airbrush tool, a digital paint palette, and a carrying case. In further embodiments, the invention includes an activation feature for a digital coloring tools application configured to generate a digital coloring environment upon activation and/or execution by a computing device, such as a touch-screen device. In some embodiments, the digital paint palette is configured to receive a first and second amount of a color for mixing, and subsequent painting with a digital paintbrush tool.

Abstract: Dry-erase drawing sheets, a drawing apparatus, and a dry-erase drawing kit are described. The drawing sheets have a non-lenticular or a lenticular lens arrangement on a top surface, material layers comprising a body of the sheet, and images printed on surfaces of one or more of the material layers. The images are configured to sufficiently interact with the lens arrangement to exhibit a three-dimensional visual and/or animated effect when viewed through the top surface. The drawing sheets also include a dry-erase compatible layer overlying the top surface. The drawing apparatus includes a frame that has a central opening and a backing member that releasably couples to the frame. Together the frame and backing member retain the drawing sheets within the central opening of the frame during use. The drawing sheets, drawing apparatus, and one or more dry-erase crayons or markers are provided in the kit.

Abstract: An embodiment of a personal animation kit is described. Embodiments of the personal animation kit include a digital stylus, a digital stamper, a carrying case, and an application for execution by a computing device. A user can animate a photo using the personal animation kit based on identifying features on a personal image that are then animated and/or enhanced. In other embodiments, the personal animation kit application is used to assign an armature to a personal image, assign a corresponding silhouette to the armature, and extract the portion of the personal image enclosed by the silhouette for animation. In some embodiments, the cut-out portion of the personal image is animated in a particular animation environment, such as a particular simulated, animated background. In further embodiments, the selected portion of the personal image may be automatically animated in response to selection and assignment of an armature and silhouette.

Abstract: A digital coloring tools kit for creating a realistic painting experience for use with a touch-screen device is provided in embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the digital coloring tools kit includes a digital paintbrush tool, a digital stamper tool, a digital pattern roller, a digital airbrush tool, a digital paint palette, and a carrying case. In further embodiments, the invention includes an activation feature for a digital coloring tools application configured to generate a digital coloring environment upon activation and/or execution by a computing device, such as a touch-screen device. In some embodiments, the digital paint palette is configured to receive a first and second amount of a color for mixing, and subsequent painting with a digital paintbrush tool.

Abstract: A digital collage creation kit is provided. The digital collage creation kit may include a digital photo cutter, a digital stamper, and a digital transforming tool. The digital photo cutter, the digital stamper, and the digital transforming tool may be configured to interact with a touch-screen surface of a computing device executing the digital collage creation kit application. Upon executing the digital collage creation kit application by the computing device, the digital collage creation kit may generate a digital collage creation environment, in which a digital collage may be created based on input received from one or more of the digital photo cutter, the digital stamper, and the digital transforming tool.

Abstract: A panoramic coloring kit for coloring a 360-degree coloring environment is provided. The panoramic coloring kit may include a coloring stylus, a stamper device, and a digital spyglass, each of which may be configured to interact with a touch-screen surface of a computing device. The kit may further include an application that, when executed by the computing device, generates a digital image of a panoramic view of the 360-degree coloring environment.

Abstract: A digital template animation kit is provided for generating a three-dimensional animation corresponding to a captured two-dimensional template. In embodiments, a template animation kit includes a template portfolio having template designs for coloring in by a user. A computing device executing a template animation kit application, such as a digital fashion portfolio kit application, may then capture an image of the user-completed drawings on each template design. In some embodiments, capturing an image of a template design includes identifying a coloring figure identifier, an upper page guide identifier, and a lower page guide identifier. In further embodiments, the captured images of two-dimensional template designs are applied to three dimensional digital templates for animation within a digital template animation environment.

Abstract: Multi-purpose digital coloring tools for interacting with a touch screen are described. A pattern-making device provides for patterned input from a digital marking tool on a touch-screen device. The pattern-making device guides the digital marking tool with a plurality of gear teeth on an internal edge of a template frame secured to a touch-screen device using a base unit. Light images are created by a light stylus that interacts with a touch-screen device or an emulsion-surface device. An easel support structure holds a touch-screen device in an upright position during marking with the digital marking tool. Digitally animated coloring book pages are adapted to interact with a touch-screen device. Digital crayons, digital stamping devices, a digital paintbrush, a dual-tip digital stylus for creating 3-dimensional (3-D) images, and a pair of 3-D glasses are provided for interacting with a touch-screen device.

Abstract: Dry-erase drawing sheets, a drawing apparatus, and a dry-erase drawing kit are described. The drawing sheets have a non-lenticular or a lenticular lens arrangement on a top surface, material layers comprising a body of the sheet, and images printed on surfaces of one or more of the material layers. The images are configured to sufficiently interact with the lens arrangement to exhibit a three-dimensional visual and/or animated effect when viewed through the top surface. The drawing sheets also include a dry-erase compatible layer overlying the top surface. The drawing apparatus includes a frame that has a central opening and a backing member that releasably couples to the frame. Together the frame and backing member retain the drawing sheets within the central opening of the frame during use. The drawing sheets, drawing apparatus, and one or more dry-erase crayons or markers are provided in the kit.

Abstract: A play set comprises master and slave toy vehicles and a stationary base unit. The master toy vehicle includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver to be controlled by a manually operated RF remote control unit and an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to broadcast an IR tracking signal. The slave toy vehicle includes a directional receiver to detect the source of the IR tracking signal and an on-board, self-directing control circuit coupled to the at least one directional receiver to control the slave toy vehicle to chase the master toy vehicle. The base unit includes a platform with a game controller and one or more targets mounted so as to move when struck by the master toy vehicle. The game controller and one or both of the toy vehicles are configured for one way or two way wireless communication between the game controller and toy vehicles(s). The game controller is configured to initiate and control one or more modes of game play through the targets or communication with the toy vehicles.

Abstract: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.