Abstract: A rotatable stroboscopic animation device with a rotatable base portion and at least one light source. An angular-velocity-dependent flashing system flashes the at least one light source according to a predetermined flash mode dependent on the angular velocity of the base portion to produce coherent, automatic stroboscopic animation of images retained by the base portion. The flashing system can comprise an angular velocity determination system in cooperation with an illumination system. Angular velocity can be determined by an orienting system, such as a compass, in combination with a sampling system, a gyroscope, or a rotational sensor. A flash mode selection mechanism, which can be manual or automatic, permits a selection of a flash mode from among a plurality of flash modes. A manual flash mode selection mechanism can be formed by relatively pivotable upper and lower disks of the base portion. Animation disks can have indications of predetermined flash modes.

Abstract: A rotatable stroboscopic animation device with a rotatable base portion and at least one light source. An angular-velocity-dependent flashing system flashes the at least one light source according to a predetermined flash mode dependent on the angular velocity of the base portion to produce coherent, automatic stroboscopic animation of images retained by the base portion. The flashing system can comprise an angular velocity determination system in cooperation with an illumination system. Angular velocity can be determined by an orienting system, such as a compass, in combination with a sampling system, a gyroscope, or a rotational sensor. A flash mode selection mechanism, which can be manual or automatic, permits a selection of a flash mode from among a plurality of flash modes. A manual flash mode selection mechanism can be formed by relatively pivotable upper and lower disks of the base portion. Animation disks can have indications of predetermined flash modes.

Abstract: A puzzle game of the present invention consists of a field of play having associated positions upon which place-indicators are placed during game play along a predetermined game path. Placement of the place-indicators represents a sequential series of steps from a starting point along a game path in the field of play to an end point. Each of the steps is dependent on a predetermined step pattern and the place-indicator is placed on the position upon which the end of the step pattern falls. The solution to the puzzle is achieved by the placement of all place-indicators between the starting point and the end point. In order to indicate a particular game path, at least two place-indicators are pre-placed as givens in the solution. The place-indicators may be, by non-limiting example, numerals, letters or a group of shapes with a predetermined series displayed on the game play interface, but outside of the field of play.

Abstract: A puzzle game of the present invention consists of a field of play having associated positions upon which place-indicators are placed during game play along a predetermined game path. Placement of the place-indicators represents a sequential series of steps from a starting point along a game path in the field of play to an end point. Each of the steps is dependent on a predetermined step pattern and the place-indicator is placed on the position upon which the end of the step pattern falls. The solution to the puzzle is achieved by the placement of all place-indicators between the starting point and the end point. In order to indicate a particular game path, at least two place-indicators are pre-placed as givens in the solution. The place-indicators may be, by non-limiting example, numerals, letters or a group of shapes with a predetermined series displayed on the game play interface, but outside of the field of play.

Abstract: A puzzle game of the present invention consists of a field of play having associated positions upon which place-indicators are placed during game play along a predetermined game path. Placement of the place-indicators represents a sequential series of steps from a starting point along a game path in the field of play to an end point. Each of the steps is dependent on a predetermined step pattern and the place-indicator is placed on the position upon which the end of the step pattern falls. The solution to the puzzle is achieved by the placement of all place-indicators between the starting point and the end point. In order to indicate a particular game path, at least two place-indicators are pre-placed as givens in the solution. The place-indicators may be, by non-limiting example, numerals, letters or a group of shapes with a predetermined series displayed on the game play interface, but outside of the field of play.

Abstract: The remotely controlled toy vehicle of the present invention is configured to respond to a tracking signal of a narrow beam of non-visible light that is projected onto the surface of the ground in proximity of the toy vehicle. The sensors mounted on the toy vehicle are configured to receive, and respond to, the light energy of the beam that is reflected off the surface of the ground. The controller, which is the source of the tracking signal, is a handheld component configured to project the beam of non-visible light to a location as desired by the user. A beam of visible light is also projected as an indicator of the location of the tracking spot. Operation of the toy vehicle is controlled by moving the tracking spot. Preferably, the control circuitry is configured such that the toy vehicle follows the tracking spot. Alternatively, the remotely controlled toy vehicle of the present invention is configured to respond to an auditory tracking signal.

Abstract: A rotating toy is provided, the rotating toy having a rotation data measuring means. Data, such as rate of rotation, concerning the rotation of the toy is used to implement amusing games. Various embodiments of the toy of the present invention include a top provided with a synchronized display, a top provided with a transceiver and a top that “walks”.

Abstract: A rotating toy is provided, the rotating toy having a rotation data measuring means. Data, such as rate of rotation, concerning the rotation of the toy is used to implement amusing games. Various embodiments of the toy of the present invention include a top provided with a synchronized display, a top provided with a transceiver and a top that “walks”.