BOOK TRANSMITTER AND INTERACTIVE TOY SET
Remote control technology may expand vehicle (toy) control beyond basic locomotion and introduce a system by which audio-visual responses can be triggered via the remote control device. Example remote control device may be adapted to hold a book or be integrated with a book, where the text of the book instructs the reader to activate remote control actuators of the device, which in-turn cause the corresponding vehicle to perform certain actions, typically in line with the story being told by the text.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/303,970, filed Feb. 12, 2010, which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUNDRemote control (“RC”) transmitters are commonly employed in toys for controlling motorized vehicles. The two most common types of RC technology are radio frequency (“RF”) and infrared. Such types of control devices are commonly limited to locomotion only. Growing trends in educational toys have generated a greater demand for learning-based play.
SUMMARYIn an aspect, a system may be comprised of an RC control device having an RC transmitter and an RC action device having an RC receiver, in which the receiver is assembled into a housing of the RC action device, and the RC action device is configured to produce one or more of a pre-programmed audio response and pre-programmed visual response when activated by a corresponding input from the RC control device.
In a detailed embodiment, the RC control device may be configured to use a series of coded buttons, which may be configured to be entered in a predetermined sequence to affect the desired result from the receiver unit.
In a detailed embodiment, the RC action device may also be equipped with coded buttons itself so that the user may input the predetermined sequence directly on the RC action device.
In a detailed embodiment, the RC control device may take the form of a book holder, so that specific sequences of actuations to RC control device actuators may be read from a printer book or similar matter. Alternatively, the RC control device may be a hand-held device that is removably mounted to a book.
In a detailed embodiment, the RC control device housing may also include an actuator for controlling the locomotive functions of the RC action device unit separately from the RC control device actuators that control audio-visual functions of the RC action device.
In a detailed embodiment, the RC control device actuators for controlling locomotive functions of the RC action device may include a joystick or a directional keypad.
In a detailed embodiment, the locomotive functions of the RC action device may be controlled using a specific sequence of the coded buttons on the RC control device.
In a detailed embodiment, the RC action device may also include a remote transmitter apparatus and the book holder RC control device may also be equipped with a remote receiver apparatus, such that the RC action device can therefore send signals to the RC control device, which then processes and produces a specific, pre-programmed audio-visual response when activated by corresponding input from the RC control device. For example, a 2-way system so the state of the RC action device can influence functions on the RC control device as well.
In a detailed embodiment, the RC action device may include transparent or translucent portions to allow viewing of one or more of internal lights and movement as activated by the RC control device.
The detailed description refers to the following figures in which:
Exemplary embodiments discussed herein use remote control technology to expand vehicle (toy) control beyond basic locomotion and introduce a system by which audio-visual responses can be triggered via the remote control device. An exemplary remote control device disclosed herein is adapted to hold a book, where the text of the book instructs the reader to activate remote control actuators of the device, which in-turn cause the corresponding vehicle to perform certain actions, typically in line with the story being told by the text.
In an exemplary embodiment, an RC receiver is built into an RC action device—typically, a children's toy, such as a remote control car or truck (although the RC action devices are not limited to a vehicle).
The RC control device (including an RC transmitter) may be equipped with buttons that may be pressed in sequence to transmit RC signals for commanding the vehicle to perform a specific routine which may include a series of flashing lights and/or sound effects.
Referring to
While exemplary embodiments have been set forth above for the purpose of disclosure, modifications of the disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the above precise embodiments and that changes may be made without departing from the scope. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the stated advantages or objects disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the disclosure, since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.
Claims
1. A system comprising:
- a RC control device including a RC transmitter; and
- a RC action device including a RC receiver;
- wherein the receiver is assembled into a housing of the RC action device; and
- wherein the RC action device is configured to produce one or more of a pre-programmed audio response and pre-programmed visual response when activated by a corresponding input from the RC control device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the RC control device is configured to use a series of coded buttons, which are configured to be entered in a predetermined sequence to affect the desired result from the RC receiver.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the RC action device includes a series of coded buttons, which are configured to be entered in the predetermined sequence to affect the desired result from the RC receiver.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the RC control device takes the form of a book holder, so that specific sequences of actuations to a RC control device actuator are read from a printed book or similar matter.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the RC control device housing includes an actuator for controlling the locomotive functions of the RC action device unit separately from the RC control device actuators that control audio-visual functions of the RC action device.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the RC control device actuators for controlling locomotive functions of the RC action device includes one or more of a joystick and a directional keypad.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the RC action device includes one or more of transparent and translucent portions to allow viewing of one or more of internal lights and movement as activated by the RC control device.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein locomotive functions of the RC action device may be controlled using a specific sequence of coded buttons on the RC control device.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the RC action device includes one or more of transparent and translucent portions to allow viewing of one or more of internal lights and movement as activated by the RC control device.
10. The system of claim 3,
- wherein the RC action device includes a remote transmitter apparatus; and
- wherein the RC control device includes a remote receiver apparatus, such that the RC action device is configured to send signals to the RC control device, which then processes and produces a specific, pre-programmed audio-visual response when activated by corresponding input from the RC control device.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the RC action device includes one or more of transparent and translucent portions to allow viewing of one or more of internal lights and movement as activated by the RC control device.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the RC control device is a hand-held device adapted to be removably coupled to a book.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the RC control device is received within a channel affixed to a book.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 11, 2011
Publication Date: Feb 16, 2012
Inventors: Gregory J. Doherty (Cincinnati, OH), Gene Khasminsky (North York)
Application Number: 13/026,005