Abstract: A playback device includes a speaker, a processor, one or more memories, a set of scene presentations stored in the memories (where each scene presentation is related to each other by a common situational context), an near-field reader configured to identify a plurality of character objects (where each character object is identifiable by a near-field tag); and embodied computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more scene presentations to be presented based on which character objects are within a proximity of the playback device.

Abstract: An improvised book is provided and method for electronically determining a page location in the book. The book can include a body, a first page having a first hole that is covered by a first film that limits an amount of light that can pass through the first hole, a second page having a second hole that is aligned with the first hole and that is covered by a second film that limits an amount of light that can pass through the first hole, and an electronic light-reactive (“LR”) sensor disposed below the first and second holes that is useable to facilitate determining whether the book is opened to the first page or second page based on an amount of light reaching the LR sensor.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for a wireless musical figurine belonging to a set of wireless musical figurines that play audio files in coordination with one another. One system of the musical figurine includes a wireless transceiver utilized to communicate with one or more musical figurines. The musical figurine also includes a set of master audio files of a first quality level, and a set of slave audio files of a second quality level. An audio player plays an audio file from the set of master audio files or the set of slave audio files. A master audio file is played when the musical figurine is initiated in accordance with a user indication, and a slave audio file is played when the musical figurine is initiated by another musical figurine. The musical figurine may also have movement capabilities which may be coordinated with the playing of an audio file to present a dancing figurine.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for a wireless musical figurine belonging to a set of wireless musical figurines that play audio files in coordination with one another. One system of the musical figurine includes a wireless transceiver utilized to communicate with one or more musical figurines. The musical figurine also includes a set of master audio files of a first quality level, and a set of slave audio files of a second quality level. An audio player plays an audio file from the set of master audio files or the set of slave audio files. A master audio file is played when the musical figurine is initiated in accordance with a user indication, and a slave audio file is played when the musical figurine is initiated by another musical figurine. The musical figurine may also have movement capabilities which may be coordinated with the playing of an audio file to present a dancing figurine.

Abstract: Decoration devices of various forms are disclosed, including decoration devices that connect with one or more decorative bodies having performances or routines. When decorative bodies are attached to decoration devices of various embodiments of the present invention, the activation and control of any performance or routine on one decoration device may result in the activation and control of any number of performances or routines on other decoration devices. Once a selection of a performance or routine is received or identified, information associated with the selection may be communicated among the decorative bodies and used to activate additional performances.

Abstract: A universal adapter enables amusement object connectors to be reliably and securely coupled with power cord receptacles of varying sizes. The adapter includes a body providing first and second end sections and conductive contact structure extending between the end sections, as well as one or more cantilevered locking arms. The first end section may be adapted for receiving a base plug of an object providing amusement effects, or may be formed as the base plug itself. The second end section is adapted to be received within the receptacle of a power cord, such that electrical contacts of the base plug and the receptacle may be electrically connected with one another through the conductive contact structure of the adapter. Each locking arm releasably engages with an outer surface of the power cord receptacle to provide a more secure connection between the adapter and the power cord receptacle.

Abstract: A decoration device may include a low-friction drive line and a PWM controlled motor that reduces or eliminates the gearing needed to achieve appropriate speed and torque at the motor output shaft. In preferred embodiments, the decoration device is an ornament that includes a low friction interfaces to accommodate relatively low torque output from the PWM drive motor. In certain embodiments, the PWM controller drives a motor at low speeds suitable for ornament applications.

Abstract: A decoration device may include a low-friction drive line and a PWM controlled motor that reduces or eliminates the gearing needed to achieve appropriate speed and torque at the motor output shaft. In preferred embodiments, the decoration device is an ornament that includes a low friction interfaces to accommodate relatively low torque output from the PWM drive motor. In certain embodiments, the PWM controller drives a motor at low speeds suitable for ornament applications.

Abstract: A decoration device may include a low-friction drive line and a PWM controlled motor that reduces or eliminates the gearing needed to achieve appropriate speed and torque at the motor output shaft. In preferred embodiments, the decoration device is an ornament that includes a low friction interfaces to accommodate relatively low torque output from the PWM drive motor. In certain embodiments, the PWM controller drives a motor at low speeds suitable for ornament applications.