METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A REMOTE CONTROLLED VEHICLE USING TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION
A method (700) and system (100) for remotely controlling a remote controlled vehicle (150) can include a wireless transceiver (154), at least one impact sensor (158, 160, 162, 164, 166 or 168) on the remote-controlled vehicle, and a processor (156) or processor (106) in a remote controller (102) operatively coupled to at least one impact sensor and the wireless transceiver. The processor can be programmed to sense (702) impacts to at least a portion of the remote-controlled vehicle, modify (704) operation of the remote-controlled vehicle in response to the at least one impact sensed, and transmit (706) information to a remote controller with respect to the at least one impact sensed. The system can further include another wireless transceiver (104) in the remote controller for controlling the remote-controlled vehicle and receiving communication from or originating from the remote-controlled vehicle or another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle.
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This invention relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to a remote controlling system and method using two-way communication.
BACKGROUNDCurrently, all games that are played with remote-controlled (RC) toys are up to the imagination of the users. With only simple one-way communications, there is no real way to automatically “keep score” or simulate real race events. Additionally, there are no “penalties” that can be kept track of in the case of wrecks, collisions, impacts, or lost races.
SUMMARYEmbodiments in accordance with the present invention can provide a remote-controlled two-way communication system that can simulate or represent some of the impacts occurring on the remote-controlled device on a remote controller (and/or the remote-controlled device).
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling a remote-controlled vehicle can include the steps of sensing impacts to portions of the remote-controlled vehicle, selectively modifying operation of the remote-controlled vehicle based on the impact to the portions of the remote-controlled vehicle, and providing feedback relating to the impacts to a remote controller. The remote-controlled vehicle can have its operation selectively modified based on a number of impacts to a specified portion of the remote-controlled vehicle. Note, the number of hits required for modifying an operation of the remote-controlled vehicle can be different for different portions of the remote-controlled vehicle. Also note that the effect of impacts continues for a duration of a contest or a session and is re-enabled or reset at a conclusion of the contest or the session. The method can also include the step of presenting an indication of the impact to the remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller. Presenting can involve modifying lights, light emitting diodes, a display, a temperature, an odor, a vibrating device, or a sound generating device on a remote controller or the remote-controlled vehicle. The method can also present an indication of the impact given or imparted to another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller and in one particular embodiment, the method can present an indication of imparting an impact to a “sweet spot” or predetermined portion of another remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller. The method can also include transferring digital rights management media items from one remote controller to another or access to operate another player's vehicle as a result of a competition.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, a remote controlled vehicle system can include a wireless transceiver in a remote-controlled vehicle, at least one impact sensor on the remote-controlled vehicle, and a processor operatively coupled to the at least one impact sensor and the wireless transceiver. The processor can be programmed to sense impacts to at least a portion of the remote-controlled vehicle using the at least one impact sensor, modify operation of the remote-controlled vehicle in response to the at least one impact sensed, and transmit information to a remote controller with respect to the at least one impact sensed. The system can further include another wireless transceiver in the remote controller for controlling the remote-controlled vehicle and receiving communication from or originating from the remote-controlled vehicle or another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle. The processor can also be programmed to modify operation of the remote-controlled vehicle based on a number of impacts to a specified portion of the remote-controlled vehicle or to continue the effect of impacts on the remote-controlled vehicle for a duration of a contest or a session and re-enable or reset at a conclusion of the contest or the session. The system can further include a presentation device such as a light, a light emitting diode, a display, a temperature, an odor, a vibrating device, or a sound generating device where the processor is further programmed to present an indication of the impact on the presentation device. As discussed above, the processor or presentation device can also be programmed to present an indication of an impact given to another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller.
In a third embodiment of the present invention, a remote controller for a remote-controlled vehicle having at least one impact sensor can include a wireless transceiver, a presentation device, and a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and the presentation device. The processor can be programmed to control the remote-controlled vehicle and present on the presentation device a representation of an impact sensed at the at least one impact sensor. The presentation device can be light, a light emitting diode, a display, a vibrating device or a sound generating device and the remote controller can be part of a cellular phone or two-way radio. The processor in the remote controller can further be programmed to enable the transfer of digital rights management media items from one remote controller to another as a result of a competition or to present an indication of imparting an impact to a “sweet spot” or predetermined portion of another remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller or grant control of a vehicle via a digital code, radio frequency setting or password.
The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A program, computer program, or software application may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. The “processor” as described herein can be any suitable component or combination of components, including any suitable hardware or software, that are capable of executing the processes described in relation to the inventive arrangements.
Other embodiments, when configured in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein, can include a system for performing and a machine readable storage for causing a machine to perform the various processes and methods disclosed herein.
While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of embodiments of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
Referring to
The processor 106 can be programmed to control the remote-controlled vehicle 150 and present on the presentation device a representation of an impact sensed at the at least one impact sensor. The presentation device can be part of a cellular phone or two-way radio or palm computer, handheld game console or media player with wireless capability. The processor 106 in the remote controller can further be programmed using a digital rights management module 108 and memory 110 to enable the transfer of digital rights management media items from one remote controller to another as a result of a competition or to present an indication of imparting an impact to a “sweet spot” or predetermined portion of another remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller.
Embodiments herein can include a software application, or game, that is used in conjunction with 2-way remote-controlled (RC) controllers and vehicles (toys) as similarly described above. In one embodiment, a “Demolition Derby” can serve as an illustrative example, but any such similar application can be used such as a NASCAR-style race, a simulated battle with toy military vehicles, a drag race, or a maneuvering skills challenge. With reference to
In the case where the remote controller 102 is a two-way radio or cellular phone (or palm computer, handheld game console or media player with wireless capability), the controller's display 118 can show damage status. The phone or controller device can play different audio via speaker 114 with each crash (different sounds for different degrees of damage). The damage impacted to the car can be outwardly visible on the user's handset as well as the car by including vibrations coming through the phone's (or any controller's) handset. This can be accomplished through LED lighting (116 or 165) and sound on the handset or car. For example, different color phases visible through the housing of the controller 102 or the remote controlled vehicle 150 can indicate a degree of damage where, for example, green can indicate no damage, yellow—minor, orange—limited functionality, and red—no functionality. Similar techniques can also apply to a car or other apparatus serving as the remote controlled device. Additionally, the system 100 and remote controlled vehicle 150 can also apply the concept of a sweet spot analogous to hitting a baseball squarely with the bat or a tennis ball in the near middle of the racket. When a vehicle imparts a significant impact on another vehicle, the issuer of the impact can receive an indication of the damage imparted. This can be accomplished through different sound types for a given degree of damage asserted or different vibration frequencies or different lighting effects. Note, the types or location(s) of damage or “hits” can be accumulated or tracked in a memory (at the remote controlled vehicle or the remote controller or even a remote server) and the vehicle or remote controller can be made to simulate the experience of such accumulated damage as discussed above. Damage can also be carried forward into subsequent rounds or matches until a “repair” is applied. The repair can be achieved by using “points” awarded for in-game achievements (e.g. victories, best lap time, etc.), or for special items that are “picked up” or awarded during game play, or by the purchase or download of digital asset “repair” items such as a wrench, hammer or other tool which can then be used (consumed) in order to affect repair to the vehicle.
In a competition, phones or two-way radios can communicate with each other to keep score and control a game (e.g. disabled cars aren't re-enabled until someone wins). Winners of a competition can “WIN” at least one object from each of the competitor's handsets or remote control apparatus. For example, a ringtone, wallpaper, image or token is transferred from all a loser's handset that competed in the demolition derby. A digital certificate along with the ringtone or other media can be transferred to the new owner using for example the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) digital rights management scheme. Alternatively, a transfer of a token having a monetary value that can be utilized to purchase digital content at a later date can be used. As noted above, the remote controller 102 can utilize a digital rights management module 108 and memory 110 to enable such controlled access to proprietary information and content.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In a rally mode, remote controlled vehicles as racers can compete as two-player teams. One player can drive and the other can control shields and bombs for example. Both players' phones can reflect the effects of bombing. A non-driving player can also use “repair” effects to restore car operation. Repair can require for example successful completion of a puzzle or skill game on the non-driving handset. Teammates can also switch roles or the game itself can force teammates to switch roles after a certain elapsed amount of time or miles.
Referring to
Referring to
In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. A network or system according to the present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system or processor, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems or processors (such as a microprocessor and a DSP). Any kind of computer system, or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the functions described herein, is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the functions described herein. Further note that the method 700 can be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown. Moreover, the method 700 is not limited to the order in which the steps are listed in the method 700.
In light of the foregoing description, it should also be recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spirit of the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way, except as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A method of controlling a remote-controlled vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- sensing impacts to portions of the remote-controlled vehicle;
- selectively modifying operation of the remote-controlled vehicle based on the impact to the portions of the remote-controlled vehicle; and
- providing feedback relating to the impacts to a remote controller.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively modifying is based on a number of impacts to a specified portion of the remote-controlled vehicle.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of hits required for modifying an operation of the remote-controlled vehicle is different for different portions of the remote-controlled vehicle.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the effect of impacts continues for a duration of a contest or a session and is re-enabled or reset at a conclusion of the contest or the session or by using a purchased or downloaded digital asset to provide a partial or a full repair.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of presenting an indication of the impact to the remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of presenting comprises modifying lights, a temperature, an odor, light emitting diodes, a display, a vibrating device, or a sound generating device on a remote controller or the remote-controlled vehicle.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of presenting an indication of the impact given to another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of transferring digital rights management media items from one remote controller to another as a result of a competition.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of presenting an indication of imparting an impact to a predetermined portion of another remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller.
10. A remote controlled vehicle system, comprising:
- a wireless transceiver in a remote-controlled vehicle;
- at least one impact sensor on the remote-controlled vehicle; and
- a processor operatively coupled to the at least one impact sensor and the wireless transceiver, wherein the processor is programmed to: sense impacts to at least a portion of the remote-controlled vehicle using the at least one impact sensor; modify operation of the remote-controlled vehicle in response to the at least one impact sensed; and transmit information to a remote controller with respect to the at least one impact sensed.
11. The remote-controlled vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the system further comprises another wireless transceiver in the remote controller for controlling the remote-controlled vehicle and receiving communication from or originating from the remote-controlled vehicle or another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle.
12. The remote-controlled vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further programmed to modify operation of the remote-controlled vehicle based on a number of impacts to a specified portion of the remote-controlled vehicle.
13. The remote-controlled vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further programmed to continue the effect of impacts on the remote-controlled vehicle for a duration of a contest or a session and re-enable or reset at a conclusion of the contest or the session.
14. The remote-controlled vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the system further comprises a presentation device among a light, a temperature, an odor, a light emitting diode, a display, a vibrating device, or a sound generating device wherein the processor is further programmed to present an indication of the impact on the presentation device.
15. The remote-controlled vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further programmed to present an indication of an impact given to another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller.
16. A remote controller for a remote-controlled vehicle having at least one impact sensor, comprising:
- a wireless transceiver;
- a presentation device; and
- a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and the presentation device, wherein the processor is programmed to: control the remote-controlled vehicle; and present on the presentation device a representation of an impact sensed at the at least one impact sensor.
17. The remote controller of claim 16, wherein the presentation device is a light, a temperature, an odor, a light emitting diode, a display, a vibrating device or a sound generating device.
18. The remote controller of claim 16, wherein the processor is further programmed to enable the transfer of digital rights management media items from one remote controller to another as a result of a competition.
19. The remote controller of claim 16, wherein the processor is further programmed to present an indication of imparting an impact to a predetermined portion of another remote-controlled vehicle on a remote controller.
20. The remote controller of claim 16, wherein the remote controller is a portion of a cellular phone, two-way radio, palm computer, handheld game console or media player with wireless capability.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 14, 2006
Publication Date: Dec 20, 2007
Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC. (SCHAUMBURG, IL)
Inventors: SYBREN D. SMITH (PLANTATION, FL), STEPHEN O. BOZZONE (LAUDERHILL, FL), DAVID J. HAYES (LAKE WORTH, FL), VON A. MOCK (BOYNTON BEACH, FL), CHARLES P. SCHULTZ (NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL)
Application Number: 11/424,189
International Classification: A63H 30/00 (20060101);