Abstract: Systems and methods for adding a first user to a first group of users are presented. First, logical relationship information describing logical relationships among a plurality of users is accessed. Then potential membership of a first user in a first group of users is determined based on the logical relationship information, by selecting the first group from a plurality of possible groups, the selecting being based on scores generated, for each of the plurality of possible groups, by a candidate scorer module, the scores based at least partially on a loneliness score for the first user. Then the first user is added to the first group of users.

Abstract: A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component includes a first layer of a compressible material with at least one aperture therethrough. Second and third layers of an electrically conductive material are positioned on opposite sides of the first layer across the aperture. The second and third layers of material may be brought into contact with each other in the aperture of the first layer to complete an electrical connection between the second and third layers by compression of the first layer upon application of a compression force. When the compression force is removed, the first material expands to separate the second and third layers, thereby breaking the electrical connection. Upon detection of deformation of the electrical component, the electronics activate a response by the toy, such as an audio response.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods are set forth designed to promote user loyalty with an enterprise. The user obtains a virtual object such as a virtual dog and earns the ability to acquire accessories or upgrades for their virtual dog through interaction with the enterprise. Certain accessories or upgrades may only be acquired or restored at a physical, brick and mortar venue for the enterprise to encourage the user to visit the venue. Acquisition of attributes such as accessories and upgrades may provide a basis for tournaments and prizes. The virtual object may be accessed and displayed at terminals at the venue or at remote devices. Acquisition of virtual objects may be used to qualify the user for a feature such as a progressive jackpot game.

Abstract: An interactive toy for interacting with a user while a story is being read aloud from a book or played from a movie/video. The toy includes a speech recognition unit that receives and detects certain triggering phrases as they are read aloud or played from a companion literary work. The triggering phrase read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video may have independent significance or may only have significance when combined with other phrases read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video.

Abstract: A method that provides a virtual presentation includes associating a toy with a registration code and receiving the registration code from a user computer over a communication network. A computer system validates the registration code entered on a website and provides a virtual replica of the toy on the website. An appearance of the virtual replica is animated during participation in at least one activity on the website. The virtual presentation allows for adopting and caring for the virtual replica. Adopting and caring includes maintaining at least one of a health and happiness of the virtual replica via at least one maintenance activity, which includes taking the virtual replica to a virtual health and welfare facility at the direction of a user and at a time chosen by the user. The maintenance activity cannot be carried out without the validating of the registration code.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive play that includes an object having a visible characteristic such as a color pattern that is recognizable in an image. The color pattern may be associated with an instruction. An imager in a toy captures an image of the object that is processed by a processor in the toy. The processor identifies the visible characteristic and finds the instruction associated with the visible characteristic. The processor may signal an output device of the toy to take an action in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: A video game includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toy objects near or on the peripheral. Each of the toy objects includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. The peripheral device provides lighting effects based on characteristics of the game character or aspects of the game play sequence thereby enhancing the user's gameplay experience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for interacting amusement. The apparatus includes an acoustic receiver, a decoder and an interaction generating apparatus. The acoustic receiver receives an external acoustic wave signal and transfers the external acoustic wave signal into an acoustic signal. The decoder receives the acoustic signal. When the external acoustic wave signal has a high-frequency modulation signal, the decoder decodes the high-frequency modulation signal into a complete packet message according to a specific decoding procedure. The interaction generating apparatus receives the complete packet message, and generates an interaction according to the message.

Abstract: A sensory stimulation device is provided for infants capable of communicating wirelessly with a wireless communication device. The sensory stimulation device includes a mobile unit having a housing having an array of lights, at least one speaker, and a control unit for selectively operating the array of lights and the speaker. The sensory stimulation device includes a support arm having a first end and an opposite free end. The free end removably attaches to the mobile unit and the first end removable attaches to a crib rail such that the mobile unit hangs over the crib. The control unit uses wireless communication technology to obtain a wireless signal from the wireless communication device to selectively illuminate the array of lights and to output sound through the speaker.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interaction between a user and a plurality of toys is disclosed where an interactive physical toy character senses inputs from a player and from a virtual toy character in a virtual environment. The virtual toy character likewise senses inputs from a player and a physical toy character so that bidirectional, multi-way gameplay involving a player, a physical toy and a virtual toy in a virtual environment is achieved.

Abstract: A perceived opacity smart play system or toy that uses a special cover that is partially opaque around a smart device having a capacitive touch-screen. The smart device is housed behind a material that appears opaque until the screen on the device is illuminated. This illumination allows an image on the screen to be seen through the opaque appearing material. This allows a child to learn and interact by means of the smart device's touch screen, microphone, tilt switch, accelerometer and vibrating motor. The system can be supplied with an APP that can be loaded onto the phone. Various letters, images, words, etc. can appear through the cover and prompt various responses of touching, tilting, and speaking to signal a correct answer. The system can then laugh and vibrate in response before prompting for more play.

Abstract: A method of insert molding a preformed item into a molded product, the molded product being formed by injecting a moldable material into a mold, is disclosed. The method includes adhering the preformed item to a surface of the mold with an adhesive, wherein the surface to which the preformed item is adhered is free of any features provided for holding the preformed item in place on the mold surface. The method next includes injecting the moldable material into the mold such that the moldable material at least partially surrounds the preformed item, and curing the moldable material. Articles molded via the disclosed method are also described.

Abstract: Music of Movement enables the manipulation of a mechanical object with any sound source or electronic instrument that is plugged into the system. Objects will now be able to respond to natural sounds, thus increasing the usability of modern technology. Disabled persons will be able to operate mechanical objects they are not able to utilize through sound. Essentially this technology will give objects “ears” and enable they to respond appropriately to the sounds they “hear.

Abstract: There is provided a toy (A) adapted to have an interaction with at least one other such toy (B), comprising: a processor (1700) and a memory (1702) coupled to said processor; wherein said processor comprises: means (1704) for generating an output signal representative of an action to be performed; and means for generating a trigger (1706) signal, for reception at least one other such toy, to trigger said other such toy to perform an action before the said toy has completed its own action. Furthermore, the trigger signal is generated at pre-determined time interval after said toy has initiated its own action, or the trigger signal is generated at a pre-determined time interval before said toy has completed its own action.

Abstract: An interactive amusement device and a method therefor are disclosed. The device plays a musical soundtrack in a first game iteration. A sequence of user input actions received during this learning mode is detected, and an output signal is generated in response. Timestamps for each of the user input actions is stored into memory. Additionally, the output signal is generated on at least one interval of the user input actions based on the stored timestamps, and is coordinated with the play back of a second musical soundtrack during a second game iteration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for interacting amusement. The apparatus includes an acoustic receiver, a decoder and an interaction generating apparatus. The acoustic receiver receives an external acoustic wave signal and transfers the external acoustic wave signal into an acoustic signal. The decoder receives the acoustic signal. When the external acoustic wave signal has a high-frequency modulation signal, the decoder decodes the high-frequency modulation signal into a complete packet message according to a specific decoding procedure. The interaction generating apparatus receives the complete packet message, and generates an interaction according to the message.

Abstract: A tactile, visual and aural toy for entertainment and learning includes a base with receptacles for receiving a corresponding three dimensional shapes. Each shape is provided with lights and sounds which are energized when motion of the shape is detected. The placing of the first shape in its corresponding receptacle determines which musical rendition will be played by the base when all of the receptacles have been filled by their correct corresponding three dimensional shape. The three dimensional shapes may be coordinated with sections of the base related to a particular receptacle by color or animal. The base also provides a light show visible through a translucent dome on the base. The particular light show which occurs is determined in the same manner as the determination of which musical rendition is played.

Abstract: Provided are a method and computer system for providing a virtual world. The computer system includes a virtual product interface system, which includes a server system with an encrypted part, a non-encrypted part, and a computer-readable memory for storing an encryption key. The server system includes a network connection and sends the encryption key over the network connection addressed to a client via a secured protocol. The non-encrypted part of the server system sends multimedia information addressed to the client over the network via a non-secure protocol. The encrypted part controls adopting a virtual product by receiving a code that is indicative of a virtual product to be virtually adopted by a user and confirming the code. A communication indicative of a specific product that has been registered is carried out using the encryption key, and communication indicative of the multimedia information is carried out unencrypted, without using the encryption key.

Abstract: A computer system provides a virtual world. The computer system includes a server subsystem serving virtual world data, via a communication network, and receives data and/or commands. A registration subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, and determines a quantity of toys registered by a user who is registering the toy. The verifying includes determining the validity of the information. A virtual world providing subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, provides the virtual world data, which produces data that presents the virtual world. The virtual world data includes a virtual toy representing the toy and a reward provided to the user for registering the toy. The reward is based on the quantity of toys previously registered by the user, such that the reward received for registering the toy is different than another reward previously received by the user for registering another toy.

Abstract: An interactive electronic toy includes a body, a sensor module, a data storage module, an output module and a processing unit. The sensor module generates sensing signals when the body is being operated. The data storage module has stored therein standard status parameters each having an accurate response signal. The processing unit runs an operation mode subject to the steps of: receiving the sensing signals and processing the sensing signal into an actual parameter, receiving the standard status parameters, matching the actual parameters with the standard status parameters, and outputting to the output module the accurate response signal of the standard status parameter that matches the actual parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination display(s) and/or communication devices. The device may contain one (1) or more lights and/or light emitting members, which may be arranged in certain configuration(s) to simulate Body Parts, other parts, and/or Accessories in or on humans, animals, objects, things, Fantasy Creatures or characters or things. The lights and/or light emitting members may illuminate in patterns in response to internal or external signal(s), such as sound(s), or music, or audio, phrases, and/or words. The lights and/or light emitting members in the eye and mouth complexes may illuminate in patterns to simulate crying in humans, animals, objects, things, creatures, Fantasy Creatures, characters, and/or things, as well as other eye, mouth or other movement(s) displayed by humans, animals, objects, things, creatures, Fantasy Creatures, fantasy characters, and/or fantasy things when feeling different kind of emotions, such as happiness, excitement, painfulness, anger, and/or sadness.

Abstract: There is provided a toy comprising: a processor (200); a memory coupled to said processor (202); an output (210) coupled to said processor; and means (212) for establishing a network connection with at least one further such toy; wherein the processor includes means for controlling the output of each toy with which a network connection has been established. Furthermore, the controlling means is adapted to transmit, over said network connection, instructions to control a plurality of the outputs (preferably all of the outputs) of each toy with which a network connection has been established.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a TUI having a plurality of faces. A sensing system is provided to detect the presence of one or more adjacent TUIs within a predetermined sensing distance of one of the faces. Thus, the sensing system is arranged to detect whether any of the faces of the TUI opposes one or more adjacent TUIs. It may further be able to detect the relative orientation of opposing faces of the TUI and the one or more adjacent TUIs. The sensing system is further configured to enable the determination of the orientation of the TUI with respect to the vertical direction.

Abstract: An interactive toy object apparatus having a toy body that includes a plurality of object body portions, an object control circuit secured to the body that includes an object processor, an object memory device, and one or more object transceivers, a plurality of object inputs and object outputs secured to one or more of the object body portions and in communication with the object control circuit; and a first control program stored in the object memory device and operable by the object processor, wherein the interactive object is capable of communicating with a controller, via the one or more object transceivers, to receive or transmit at least one of commands, inputs, and outputs, therebetween.

Abstract: A computer system provides a virtual world. A registration subsystem verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, provides a virtual character in the virtual world representing the toy, and allows caring for the virtual character. Caring for the character includes maintaining one or more value assigned to a virtual health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character via at least one maintenance activity including shopping for virtual food to be fed to the virtual character. The maintenance activity is available to be performed subsequent to said validating said registration code. The values are tracked by the computer system and representations of the values are transmitted to a user computer for display to a user to convey a status indication of the health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character.

Abstract: A set of interactive toys that perform a sequence of actions in response to one another without external activation other than an initial actuation to begin the sequence of actions. Preferably, each toy has an activation switch and/or a receiver for a wireless signal such as an infrared signal which activates the toy. Upon activation, the toy performs a desired action, such as the enunciation of a speech pattern, and signals another toy to perform a responsive action. Preferably, the toy are capable of performing several different action sequences, such as the enunciation of different conversations, the performance of different A movements, etc. Additionally, the toys are programmable by a remote control device. The remote control device either functions as an activation switch, initiating a random or predetermined (yet not user determined) sequence of interactions, or as an interaction selector, such that a desired sequence of actions may be selected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a remote controlled drawing toy can be provided that allows a user to operate a drawing unit that couples drawing implements. For example, such a drawing unit can be used outdoors on sidewalks and driveways.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a toy comprising a processor; a memory for storing at least one group of data, each said at least one group comprising of a plurality of expressive responses, and each said group representing a respective theme; an output for said expressive responses; the toy being adapted to exchange such expressive responses with another such toy; an interface for receiving an instructive response from a user; and a suitably programmed processor and associated memory for altering the exchange of expressive responses between the toys in dependence upon the received user instructive response.

Abstract: A unique code is used to register a virtual pet or other item using a code that is associated with the pet, and which, when entered, allows viewing and interacting with a virtual representation of the actual item on the website. If the code is entered during a specific time period, it allows obtaining at least one additional item, for example an exclusive item that cannot be obtained in any other way. The specific time period can be extended, e.g., using supplemental codes. The codes may specify fixed or variable time periods, and may be generic extension codes and extend other things other than this period.

Abstract: A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for rendering audio animation, the system comprising: two or more non-biotic figures; an audio player, having two or more audio sources correspondingly to the two or more non-biotic figures, for simultaneously playing the audio signals associated with the two or more non-biotic figures; and two or more speaker units corresponding to the two or more audio sources. The system may further comprise means for wireless transmission of the audio signal of at least one of the audio sources to a remote speaker unit thereof. The means for wireless transmission may comprise a wireless transmission unit deployed at the audio player, and a wireless receiving unit deployed at the speaker unit. The non-biotic figure may be a two-dimensional, three-dimensional figure, and so on.

Abstract: A method and system for wireless communication are disclosed. The method comprises: the master device generates a sequence code through a specific encoder and transmits the sequence code to each slave device continuously within a preset period according to the communication demand, wherein the specific encoder is a feedback shift register constructed by a specific polynomial, of which the coefficients and the order are in correlation with the communication demand while all of the coefficients and initial values are not equal to 0 at the same time; the preset period is greater than or equal to the sum of a sleeping period and a detecting period of the slave device, which constitutes a sleeping-and-waking cycle; the slave device receives a continuous section of the sequence code in the detecting period, decodes the sequence code through a decoder corresponding to the encoder, and performs corresponding operation according to the decoding result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochromic toy containing a light irradiator equipped with a light source and a toy main body containing a photochromic compound, in which the light source has a peak wavelength in the range of from 400 nm to 495 nm and the photochromic compound satisfies the following expression (1) between the integrated value of absorbance (x) in the range of from a wavelength showing a maximum absorbance in less than 400 nm to a wavelength of 400 nm and the integrated value of absorbance (y) in the wavelength range of from 400 nm to 700 nm. y/x?0.

Abstract: An interactive amusement device and a method therefor are disclosed. The device plays a musical soundtrack in a first game iteration corresponding to a learning mode. A sequence of user input actions received during this learning mode is detected, and timestamps for each is stored into memory. In a second game iteration corresponding to a playback mode, the musical soundtrack is replayed. Additionally, an output signal is generated on at least one interval of the user input actions based on the stored timestamps, and is coordinated with the replaying of the musical soundtrack.

Abstract: A toy is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the product. The toy has a registration data associated with it that is electronically stored in the toy using an electronic storage medium. A user is registered on the website by associating the user with a user ID. The user ID is associated with the virtual replica of the product by utilizing the registration data. Access is granted to one or more features on the website in connection with the virtual replica of the product subsequent to input and validation of the registration code via the user ID.

Abstract: An animated toy having a body and head includes a mechanism for reviewing input audio signals from a microphone and/or sound jack, and controls movement of the head from side-to-side and up-and-down depending on a characteristic of the input signals. The head has a mouth which is opened and closed to simulate talking also in response to the input signals. A voice chip with associated control circuitry control two motors to effect the head movement and mouth movement.

Abstract: An infant gym includes a first support member having opposite ends engageable with a support surface, a hub located between the ends of the first support member, and a second support member having a first end pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the hub and a second end engageable with the support surface. The second end of the second support member is movable toward and away from the ends of the first support member, thereby changing the orientation of the hub relative to the support surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, photo-chromic and phosphorescent toys are disclosed. A photo-chromic and phosphorescent toy includes both photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials applied to the toy such as through an ink, paint, plastic, or dye. The photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials may be supplied within a material of the toy or applied-to a surface of the toy at the factory. The photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials may be activated in various ways with various light activating devices that can generate an activating light with appropriate wavelengths.

Abstract: An interactive talking toy with moveable and detachable body parts has the ability to talk, sing, move and dance in response to voice input from the user. Various motors, actuators, microphones, speakers and integrated circuit means are used to control and customize the movement of the toy and the accompanying sounds, based on a combination of pre-programmed parameters and real-time input from various sensors. The toy provides the user a high degree of interactivity, as well as humour, spontaneity and unpredictability.

Abstract: A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.

Abstract: A toy car apparatus includes a toy vehicle including a housing and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the housing. The housing has a front end, a rear end and a pair of lateral sides. An odometer is mounted in the housing and is engaged with one of the wheels. The odometer is coupled to an electronic memory to record a distance traveled by the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A toy doll is provided having a torso defined by a front surface and a back surface. The doll may additionally include legs extending from a lower portion of the torso, an image sensor located on the back surface of the torso, and an image display located on the front surface of the torso. The doll may additionally include a control panel integrated into the pelvic region of the torso, operatively interconnected with the image sensor and the image display, so that that the image sensor and the image display are controllable by using the control panel. The doll may further include fabric clothing covering the image display, permitting a user to create the appearance of personalized graphic clothing for the doll.

Abstract: A toy vehicle set is disclosed herein. A toy vehicle set includes a toy vehicle having at least one reflective surface. A toy track is provided having a toy vehicle guiding pathway. A toy vehicle identification system is coupled to at least a portion of the toy track. The identification system includes a light source arranged to direct an emitted light towards the at least one reflective surface. A plurality of light sensors, each arranged to receive the emitted light that is reflected from the at least one reflective surface. A controller is electrically coupled to the plurality of light sensors, the controller having a processor responsive to executable computer instructions for identifying the toy vehicle in response to a first signal received from the plurality of light sensors.

Abstract: An accessory for a play system comprises a support configured to be suspended from or supported on the play system; and a sound module coupled with the support. The sound module comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the support and a sound-emitting device for emitting sounds in response to motion of the support as detected by the motion detector.

Abstract: An illuminated display device with a base member with a plurality of cavities therein. Illumination devices illuminate the cavities and emit light through an opening of the cavities in a pattern, and a speaker can emit sounds in synchronization with the pattern. A panel with translucent portions can overly the base member and the cavities. An animated talking character can have an animated mouth cavity complex with multiple predetermined mouth lighting configurations simulative of human utterances. The cavities can be open, or optical waveguide material or positive members can be disposed therein. Reflective material can enhance internal reflectance and light emission.

Abstract: A game-interactive customizable companion object includes a body, a communication subsystem housed within the body, and a behavior subsystem configured to control movement of the body. The behavior subsystem may include an initiation module configured to set initial behavioral characteristics of the companion object in accordance with the companion object profile, and an update module configured to change behavioral characteristics of the companion object responsive to control commands received from the entertainment system via the communication subsystem.

Abstract: A system is presented for controlling an interactive electronic plush toy using a macro computer program created on a mobile electronic device using a mobile application. The plush toy is provided with an electronic wireless network interface for communicating wirelessly with the smartphone via a network. The macro provides computer programming for instructing the plush toy to perform an Internet search query, receive results of the query, and perform predetermined actions based on the query results. The actions may include producing sound or motion to make the toy seem life-like.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.

Abstract: A method, system and toy that provides a product that is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the product. The product has a registration code associated with it. Data associated with the product is electronically stored in the product using an electronic storage medium. A user is registered on the website by associating the user with a user ID. The user ID is associated with the virtual replica of the product by utilizing the registration code. Access is granted to one or more features on the website in connection with the virtual replica of the product subsequent to input and validation of the registration code via the user ID without requiring additional entry of the registration code.