Abstract: An optical toy is disclosed. The optical toy includes a frame, at least one emitting part, at least one receiving part, a plurality of light guiding parts, and at least one power source. The frame includes a container and at least one containing structure. The emitting part is movably located on the containing structure. The emitting part includes at least one light source for emitting light. The receiving part is movably located on the containing structure. The receiving part includes a light sensor for sensing the light. The plurality of light guiding parts is located in the container for changing the direction of the light. The relative positions of the plurality of light guiding parts can be changed. The power source is located in the frame for providing power to the optical toy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy bank that includes a toy or toy housing, a money bank, and a computer interface in communication with the money bank. The money bank has a storage compartment; one or more unidirectional slots for receiving coins, dollar bills, or both; a compartment door at the storage compartment; and a processor to calculate an amount of coins, dollar bills, or both. The present invention also pertains to a toy bank that includes a pet carrier and a money bank, wherein the money bank is removably attached to the pet carrier. The present invention further relates to a toy bank that includes a toy and a money bank integrated with the toy. The present invention also includes systems and methods that incorporate the toy bank.

Abstract: A plant imitating device includes a body having a compartment and an opening in communication with the compartment. A driving unit is mounted in the compartment and includes a transmission member. A plant imitating unit is mounted in the compartment and includes an end facing the opening of the body. The plant imitating unit is engaged with the transmission member by a mounting portion. The plant imitating unit is movable relative to the transmission member. A control unit is electrically connected to the driving unit. The control unit controls the driving unit to cause the end of the plant imitating unit to move beyond the body via the opening. Thus, the end of the plant imitating unit gradually extends beyond the opening to imitate the growth of a plant.

Abstract: Provided are an interactive toy whose contents are updated daily, and a method of operating the interactive toy, and more particularly, to an interactive toy in which a wired or wireless communication device and a memory are installed and various contents are downloaded via a web server so as to extract conversation contents from the various contents according to date and other interactive toys and output the extracted conversation contents, and thus allow a user of the interactive toy to engage in conversations with the other users without using an additional conversation contents determining unit, and a method of operating the interactive toy.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for facilitating communication between an electronic device and a toy are described. In one aspect, the toy communicates with the electronic device using audio signals and/or conductive touch elements. Some embodiments involve an electronic device that is arranged to use light-based control signals to communicate with a toy. In various implementations, the toy includes a light/motion sensor that allows a user to interact with the toy.

Abstract: A method of using conversation state information in a conversational interaction system is disclosed. A method of inferring a change of a conversation session during continuous user interaction with an interactive content providing system includes receiving input from the user including linguistic elements intended by the user to identify an item, associating a linguistic element of the input with a first conversation session, and providing a response based on the input. The method also includes receiving additional input from the user and inferring whether or not the additional input from the user is related to the linguistic element associated with the conversation session. If related, the method provides a response based on the additional input and the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session. Otherwise, the method provides a response based on the second input without regard for the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session.

Abstract: There is provided a self-propelled electronic device for use on a base surface. The electronic device includes a chassis disposable over the base surface. The chassis includes a first surface facing the base surface when the chassis is disposed thereover. A light meter is configured to detect light incident toward the first surface and determine a luminance level thereof the detected light. A light source is configured to transition between an ON and OFF states dependent on the luminance level of the detected light. A line sensor is coupled to the chassis and is configured to sense a line segment on the base surface. A movement mechanism is coupled to the chassis and is placeable on the base surface. The movement mechanism is in operative communication with the line sensor to move on the base surface in a pattern corresponding to the line sensed on the base surface.

Abstract: A learning plaything set to communicate with similar learning playthings during a game session. The learning plaything comprises a reader which reads a plurality of data marks indicative of a plurality of playing abilities, a memory for storing the plurality of playing abilities, a communication unit which establishes at least one wireless connection with another communication unit of at least one other learning plaything during a game session, a management module which uses the at least one wireless connection to coordinate an outcome to the game session with the at least one other learning plaything according to the stored plurality of playing abilities, and at least one presentation unit which presents at least one plaything action according to the outcome.

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 system and method for a toy with memory (flash memory) storage capabilities and a method for the toy to connect to other like toys and to a computer and he internet for online virtual play and simulation. Connection to a computer system allows the user the ability connect to the internet and register the toy allowing the user access to interact with a virtual activities and scenarios including a virtual computer image and animation of the toy connected to a computer which is connected to the Internet. User may also purchase or win a USB (Universal Serial Bus) node or dongle with codes that attach to the USB connection on the toy to allow access to special rooms and events in the virtual world on the website. The status of the game is saved back to the memory storage in the toy.

Abstract: A toy is provided comprising: a transceiver (24, 28) for transmitting and receiving data over a wireless link; a processor (18, 32) a memory (34) for storing expressive responses; and an output (22, 38) for expressive responses; the toy being operable to receive trigger data relating to expressive responses, select an expressive response when trigger data is received, express the expressive response through the output; and to broadcast trigger data indicative that a response has been output.

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 riding toy includes a body with a spring assembly supporting the body on a base so that the body may be moved in first and second motions with respect to the base. The riding toy also includes a microcontroller and first and second motion sensors responsive to the first and second motions, respectively. The first and second motion sensors are positioned on the body and in electronic communication with the microcontroller. A sound synthesizing circuit is in electronic communication with the microcontroller and a speaker. The microcontroller is programmed to provide a first sound effect when the first motion sensor detects the first motion and a second sound effect when the second sensor detects the second motion. The first sound effect is varied based on a speed of the first motion and preempts the second sound effect if both the first and second motions are taking place simultaneously. The riding toy also includes a light sensor in electronic communication with the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.

Abstract: A voice-recognition control circuit and method for using the voice-recognition control circuit in connection with a toy. The toy has a predetermined name associated with it, but the predetermined name is not visibly displayed to the consumer. The voice-operated control circuit contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, to detect sound, an integrated circuit to determine when the detected sound matches the predetermined name associated with the toy, and an audio output device, such as a speaker, for providing audible indication of when the detected sound matches the predetermined name associated with the toy.

Abstract: An interactive toy for audio output is provided having a speaker contained within a housing, connected to an electrical signal defining an audio output to be generated by the speaker. The housing may include a humanoid face defined at least in part by lights contained within the housing; and an information processor that measures a variable audio characteristic of the electrical signal, prompts a user to change the variable audio characteristic and controls a pattern scheme for the lights. A pattern scheme for the lights may include a first pattern scheme in which the lights illuminate in multiple ascending groups and a second pattern scheme in which the lights illuminate in multiple descending groups.

Abstract: An interactive toy doll is provided having a torso defining a front portion and a back portion. The doll may additionally include legs extending from a lower portion of the torso, an image sensor located on the front portion of the torso, and an image display located on the back portion of the torso. The doll may further include a processor operatively connected to the image sensor and the image display. Additionally, the doll may include legs that may be grasped by a user while leaving the image sensor and the image display exposed so that a user may view an image on the image display while grasping the legs.

Abstract: Provided are a method and computer system that provide a virtual world. A server of the computer system includes a storage subsystem that stores two or more items of different personalized information about multiple different users, including different user identifications and passwords associated with the user identifications respectively representing the users. The server computer system is programmed to accept login credentials including a user identification and password and validate the login credentials. The server computer system is also programmed to control formation of a first user account and storage of the first user identification and first password. The storage subsystem stores information about registration codes that have not yet been entered.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bubble generating apparatus including a body portion, a bubble ring, a blower and a sound sensor. The bubble generating apparatus is designed to generate bubbles in response to sounds detected by the sound sensor. When sound is detected by the sensor, the blower is activated thereby directing air through the bubble ring in response to those sounds.

Abstract: A toy with forest like ambiance created by reflective surfaces of a toy tray box panels and with wild animals arranged in an interactive manner with sounds include spellings of such animal, skillfully decorated by reflecting surfaces that enhances the forest like ambiance and wherein the reflecting surfaces are part of a game box tray which has a base and two or more vertical side panels that form a play area and the box tray with base and side panels has two or more reflecting surfaces that can be utilized fully or covered partially. Such coverings of the reflective surfaces can enhance the ambiance of the play area and such reflecting surfaces create a near infinite tunnel of objects placed in the near vicinity of such reflecting surfaces.

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: A combined seat with compression device for interactively actuating a sound effects unit incorporated into a ride on toy vehicle as a user bounces up and down on the combined seat with compression device. The toy includes a frame for a ride-on toy vehicle, a sound effects unit having a housing secured to the frame, a seat secured to the frame and movable between first and second positions, an actuating mechanism attached at the seat for engagement with the sound effects unit, and a deformable compression device positioned at the seat capable of depressing as the seat is moved from the first the position to the second position to interactively activate the sound effects unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive play are provided, including a method of interacting with an action figure. The method includes the steps of providing a base unit having a processor, providing an action figure having a memory which stores data relating to the action figure, communicating the data in the form of communication signals to the processor, and presenting an activity instruction based on the communication signals received, with the activity instruction enacting a real-life activity that the action figure can engage in.

Abstract: A method and computer system for providing a virtual world are disclosed. First and second registration codes, which are different and are obtained from purchasing items are used to access different portions of a website. Subsequent to accessing the portions of the website using the registration codes, a first image and a second image are accessed to be viewed, each by using a user identification name and a password without reentering the first and second registration codes. A name is to be selected for each of the images after using the registration codes. After entering the user identification name, the first and second images are to be interacted with to bring about changes to the first and second images, and the changes are based on the interacting. An invitation is to be extended to at least one friend on the website, the at least one friend to view at least one of the first and second images in a virtual room owned by and customizable by the user.

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: A game apparatus has a plurality of actuation devices in which at least two of the actuation devices require different mechanical actions for actuation. The apparatus further includes a speaker, a display screen, and a processor coupled to each of the actuation devices and to the display screen and the speaker. The processor outputs a first command signal to the speaker relating to a first actuation device, then outputs a second command signal to the speaker when the first actuation device is actuated, with the second command signal relating to a second actuation device. The processor outputs image signals to the display screen that are representative of the mechanical actions being taken.

Abstract: A toy system that can be used in a body of water. The system includes a plurality of toy accessories that can be placed in the water. Placement of a toy accessory into the water activates the accessory to generate a signal. The signal is received by a base station. The base station generates an output in response to the signal. By way of example, the base station can generate a speech pattern. Each toy accessory may provide a unique code to the base station. Each code may generate a different speech pattern.

Abstract: A toy apparatus and method for interactive communication between a cellphone and a toy apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided, the method including: transmitting by the cellphone at least one signal; receiving by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; analyzing by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; determining by the toy apparatus at least one response to the at least one signal; and producing by the toy apparatus the at least one response.

Abstract: A toy comprises a toy element comprising a photochromic layer which contains a photochromic compound having a photo memory function (color-memorizing photochromic property), maintains a coloring state by developing a color through the irradiation of ultraviolet rays or sunlight containing ultraviolet rays and changes into decolorizing state through its decolorization by the irradiation of visible light, and a color-changing means which contains at least one of an ultraviolet ray absorbent and a light-shading pigment capable of shading at least ultraviolet rays, changes the photochromic compound of the coloring state into decolorizing state by cutting off ultraviolet rays of sunlight and thereby effecting irradiation of visible light, and maintains the changed state, wherein a function to memorize and maintain coloring and decolorizing states alternately is expressed by arranging the color-changing means under such a condition that it is contacted or non-contacted with the photochromic layer.

Abstract: A system includes a toy and a first mobile communication device received within the toy in electronic communication with the toy. The toy includes speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from a mobile communication device in electronic communication with the toy, a camera, and a plurality of articulated arms. The first mobile communication device includes software loaded thereon configured to communicate voice communications received from another mobile communication device to the toy for output via the speakers of the toy, to display, via a display screen of the first mobile communication device, a simulated mouth, and to effect movement of the simulated mouth during output of voice communications from another mobile communications device via the speakers of the toy.

Abstract: A shooting toy used in a game for two or more players capable of allowing an opponent player to reliably receive an infrared ray signal even in an open air, e.g., under a scorching sun. The intensity of light included in a particular wavelength region around a toy is detected by an optical sensor 27. If the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is large, an infrared ray signal generating section 31 increases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated, whereas if the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is small, the infrared signal generating section 31 decreases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated. This prevents the infrared ray signal reception capability from being affected by the light included in the particular wavelength region around the toy.

Abstract: An entertainment device is configured to receive a limited range wireless signal from at least one other entertainment device when adjacently arranged in close physical proximity to at least one other entertainment device, and to responsively operate in a first mode or a second mode based on whether the other entertainment device is adjacent a first side or second side. In the first mode, the entertainment device initiates one or more wireless activation signals to control an audio/visual element of another entertainment device. In the second mode, the entertainment device receives wireless activation signals from another entertainment device to control activation of an audio/visual element of the receiving entertainment device. Each device is interchangeable between operation in the first mode of controlling at least one other entertainment device and the second mode of being controlled by another entertainment device based on position of one entertainment device relative to the other.

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 system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for monitoring player interactions with branded virtual objects in a virtual environment are presented. A game instance of a computer-implemented multiplayer online game is generated, where the game instance is associated with a virtual environment of a first player. A graphical user interface is provided to a second player, where the graphical user interface displays at least one branded virtual object, and where the branded virtual object corresponding to a real-world brand. Player engagement data is generated based on the second player's interaction with the branded virtual object in the virtual environment of the first player. The player engagement data of the second player is stored in a database.

Abstract: An infant simulator capable of emulating the care requirements of an infant and recording the quality ot care and responsiveness of a person caring for the infant simulator and/or signaling the person caring for the infant simulator when care is required. The infant simulator is capable of sensing the unacceptable environmental conditions of exposure to direct sunlight and exposure to temperature extremes and to which the infant simulator is subjected. The infant simulator is also programmed with the ancillary features of multiple behavior modes based upon the historic level of care experienced by the infant, and/or the health of the infant, and perceptibly different demand and distress signals for each type of environmental event.

Abstract: A remotely controlled mobile device control system is disclosed wherein a remote controller of an existing game apparatus is selectively attachable to a remote controlled toy and used for controlling the movement of the remote controlled toy in conjunction with the game apparatus which is used as a central processing unit.

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 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. In one embodiment, the toy is configured to detect only certain types of triggering prompts in certain states, such as, for example, triggering phrases or triggering terms. In this embodiment, and others, the toy is configured to switch between states such that it can at times respond to triggering terms and at other times respond to triggering phrases.

Abstract: Interactive devices for detecting, characterizing, and acting upon tactile inputs are disclosed. An example embodiment may include a doll configured to produce audible outputs, visible outputs, and/or movement based at least in part upon its characterization of a tactile input. For example, the doll may characterize a tactile input as a slap, a tickle, a rub, a pinch, etc., and the doll may cry, smile, giggle, or move based upon its characterization of the tactile input.

Abstract: An interactive toy train system including a track layout, a plurality of vehicles configured to travel along the track, and a plurality of destinations removeably coupled to the track. The vehicles are configured to communicate with one another and the vehicles are further configured to communicate with one or more of the destinations. The system includes an infrared toy network having a network protocol, which determines who is present and who is not present thereby allowing multiple vehicles and destinations to converse intelligently and without interference.

Abstract: A sonically controlled motor has a rotating shaft and an escapement selectively allowing or denying rotation there-of. An acoustic element cooperates with the escapement such that selective operation of the acoustic element selectively allows or denies rotation of, or controls the rotational speed of the shaft. A machine, such as a toy, having one or more moving elements may be controlled by the motor such that selective operation of the acoustic element selectively allows or denies movement of the machine. Alternation of the volume and/or frequency of the acoustic element may be used to alter the operation of the motor, or the motor may be operated according to the beat and qualities of music. The motor may be operated by remote control of the acoustic element.

Abstract: A child-care robot for use in a nursery school associates child behavior patterns with corresponding robot action patterns, and acquires a child behavior pattern when a child behaves in a specified pattern. The robot selects one of the robot action patterns, which is associated with the acquired child behavior pattern, and performs the selected robot action pattern. Additionally, the robot associates child identifiers with parent identifiers, and receives an inquiry message from a remote terminal indicating a parent identifier. The robot detects one of the child identifiers, which is associated with the parent identifier of the inquiry message, acquires an image or a voice of a child identified by the detected child identifier, and transmits the acquired image or voice to the remote terminal. The robot further moves in search of a child, measures the temperature of the child, and associates the temperature with time of day at which it was measured.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a composite sheet for creating a customized design. The composite sheet includes a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion, and a membrane portion disposed between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion, where the first fabric portion is sewn with stitching to the second fabric portion. One advantage of the composite sheet and related systems and methods is that users can create customized designs conveniently on their own home printer.

Abstract: An interactive toy comprises a body having a non-reactive portion and a reactive portion. There is a CMOS image sensor with the body for capturing an image in the vicinity of the body. A microprocessor processes the captured image and generates instructions in response to the processed image. The instructions cause operation of the reactive portion of the body. The toy can be a doll including a plush, soft or hard plastic head and body; and the CMOS image sensor has a resolution of about or selectively less than 1M pixels.

Abstract: A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.

Abstract: A toy includes electronics which generates a plurality of routines and is configured to operate in a first mode and in a second mode, a first sensor and a second sensor, each sensor operably connected to the electronics. Actuation of the first sensor causes the electronics to generate a first routine with the electronics in the first mode and to generate a second routine, different from the first routine, with the electronics in the second mode. Activation of the second sensor causes the electronics to generate of a third routine, different from the first routine, and causes the electronics to be set to the second mode. The electronics is set to the first mode upon a first application of electrical power to the electronics.

Abstract: A shooting toy where players determine whether or not a shot has hit a target based on image recognition is provided. A determination section (43) of a controller (5) determines whether or not the shot has hit the target based on image recognition by comparing a target image to be recognized, acquired by a target image data acquiring section (41) with a reference image stored in a reference image data storing section (45). A game executing section (35) proceeds with the game based on a hit signal outputted from the determination section (43).

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 toy vehicle is disclosed. It has a main vehicle body portion and a display device rotatably mounted to the main body portion, the display device being configured to create a plurality of images via a persistence of vision effect. A mechanism is also present for rotating said display device. An actuator is included and is attached to a sensor for determining when the actuator is depressed. A microcontroller is in operable communication with the sensor and the display device; the microcontroller changing the appearance of at least one of the plurality of images when the sensor determines the actuator has been depressed.

Abstract: A lighted translucent hoop instrument is disclosed. This ruggedly constructed rechargeable hoop comes in a wide range of sizes, designed for a greater scope of movement and function than the “hula-hoop”. It collapses for travel and can be assembled in seconds. Mechanical switches and/or electronic sensors, accelerometers, circuits and programs make the hoop motion-sensitive, and control onboard lights to generate varying and repeatable colors, shapes, patterns and trails, based on the performance of the user. The signals generated by the onboard sensors can also be sent by radio to a computer. These signals modulate existing music, and also synthesize distinct sounds, combinations of sounds and visual displays. The hoop thus becomes an interactive instrument/controller played by the whole body, creating coherent signals synchronized with motion. It is a tool for exercise, entertainment, communication, expression, juggling, dance, performance and play—by both children and adults.