WIRELESSLY CONTROLLED ACTION FIGURES
A system may include two character figurines, each of which may be an action figure. Each character figurine may have a body with a humanoid shape. The character figurines may include a first character figurine with a wireless transmitter that transmits a wireless signal, and a second character figurine with a wireless receiver that receives the wireless signal. The second character figurine may have an action system that causes the second character figurine to undertake a visually perceptible action when the wireless signal is received. The action system may include a motor, and the visually perceptible action may include motion of the second character figurine, driven by the motor, that approximates receipt of a wound inflicted by the first character figurine.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/734,981 for INFRARED ACTION FIGURES, Attorney Docket No. 4427-2-002-P, filed Dec. 8, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/804,112 for INFRARED ACTION FIGURES, Attorney Docket No. 4427-2-002-P2, filed Mar. 21, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to toys, and more particularly, to action figures with wireless transmission and/or reception capabilities that perform visually perceptible actions in response to such wireless transmissions.
BACKGROUNDPosable figurines, or “action figures,” have long been a source of entertainment, particularly for those wishing to simulate a situation involving characters the action figures are made to resemble. Many action figures have joints that enable the action figures to assume a variety of lifelike positions.
In some circumstances, the situation to be simulated may be a battle or other conflict. Users may move the action figures to simulate actions such as discharging a weapon, receiving a wound, or the like. Unfortunately, existing action figures are limited in their ability to simulate such events. The need for a user to manipulate the action figures to undertake such actions in the course of the conflict can suspend the user's engagement. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide action figures with enhanced functionality that can help the user obtain a more engaging and imaginative experience.
SUMMARYThe present invention may remedy the shortcomings of prior art action figures by providing action figures that are able to simulate character interactions from the real world, books, and/or movies by reacting to each other. In one embodiment, a system according to the invention may include multiple character figurines. Each may optionally have joints that enable them to adopt a variety of poses, which may simulate motions of the characters to which they correspond. Thus, the character figurines may be “action figures.”
Each of the action figures may be equipped with a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The wireless transmitter and the wireless receiver may optionally be based on infrared technology, but may alternatively use other wireless communication technologies. Additionally, each action figure may have an action system that performs a visually perceptible action when a wireless signal from a different action figure is received.
According to one example, the action figures may be designed to simulate combat, such as gunfights between police and robbers, commandos and terrorists, zombies and defenders, aliens and space explorers, or the like. In such an example, the wireless signal may be used to simulate use of a weapon such as a firearm, laser gun, or the like. The action figure receiving the signal may undergo a visually perceptible action that simulates a wound received from the weapon. For example, the action system may include a motor coupled to a joint of the action figure that causes it to bend over or otherwise fall when the wireless signal is received.
Each action figure may also have a battery that powers the associated wireless transmitter, the wireless receiver, and action system. The battery may be stored in a battery compartment, which may be in a backpack worn by or attached to the action figure. Each action figure may also have an on/off switch, which may be used to activate or deactivate the associated wireless transmitter, wireless receiver, and/or action system. Each action figure may also have a trigger mechanism that is used to initiate transmission of the wireless signal from the wireless transmitter. This may be a button, trigger other device the user can use to simulate discharge of a weapon. In alternative embodiments, the trigger functionality may be incorporated into the on/off switch.
In alternative embodiments, a wide variety of action systems, triggers, wireless technologies, and body shapes may be used for the character figurines. Computer instructions may be used to cause an action figure to use logic to decide between different actions that may be undertaken in response to receipt of the wireless signal. Thus, the present invention may enable a wide variety of games, simulations, and other play experiences.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail in connection with
Referring to
If desired, the character figurines may have movable joints that allow the character figurines to adopt various positions. Thus, the character figurines may be “action figures” that can be put into various poses by the user. The character figurines may include a first action
The first action
In the example of
The system 10 may utilize any of a wide variety of wireless signal types, including but not limited to radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), visible light, sound, and the like. Additionally, the system 10 may utilize any wireless communication protocol known in the art, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart, near-field communications (NFC), cellular, and the like.
According to some embodiments, the wireless signal may be an infrared signal 16. Thus, the infrared signal 16 may generally require line-of-sight between the first action
The action taken by the action figure that receives the infrared signal 16 (i.e., the first action
According to some examples, the action may be an audible action, such as emission of speech or sound effects by the first action
In other embodiments, the action may be a visually perceptible action such as activating a light on the first action
In yet other embodiments, the first action
The present invention is not limited to simulation of combat. In other embodiments, action figures may simulate sports, dance, construction, exploration, and a host of other activities. In such situations, the action initiated by the recipient of the associated wireless signal may suit the activity being simulated.
Referring to
The first action
The body 20 may have a torso 22, arms 24, legs 26, and a head 28. As mentioned previously, the first action
The joints 30 may include shoulders 32, elbows 34, wrists 36, hips 38, knees 40, and/or ankles 42. The joints 30 may also include the neck 44 and the waist 46 of the first action
Specifically, the first action
Returning to the example of
The joints 30 of the first action
The first action
The first action
Attachment of the infrared transmitter 50 and/or the infrared receiver 52 to the torso 22 may beneficially allow the first action
The infrared transmitter 50 may be designed to broadcast the infrared signal 16 in a wide arc, a narrow arc, or any size arc in between. Transmission in a wide arc may enable the infrared signal 16 to reach several action figures simultaneously. This may or may not be desirable depending on the nature of the play or simulation. A narrow arc may effectively limit reception of the infrared signal 16 to only a single target action figure.
Furthermore, the infrared transmitter 50 may be designed to transmit a high-power signal with relatively long range (i.e., across a large room). Alternatively, the infrared transmitter 50 may be designed to transmit a lower power signal with a shorter range (for example, a few feet or even a few inches). Long range may be desirable for some situations, while short range may be a better choice for other situations. Like the broadcast arc, the power level of the infrared signal 16 may be tailored to the type of activity for which the first action
Similarly, the infrared receiver 52 may be designed to receive the infrared signal 16 from along a wide arc, or only from within a narrow angle in front of the torso 22. Further, the sensitivity of the infrared receiver 52 may also be tuned to control the power level of the infrared signal 16 that is required to trigger operation of the action system 54. As with the infrared transmitter 50, the sensitivity level and reception arc of the action system 54 may be tuned to the manner in which the first action
The infrared transmitter 50 and/or the infrared receiver 52 may be embedded in the body 20 so as to be, effectively, permanent parts of the first action
In the alternative, the infrared transmitter 50 and the infrared receiver 52 may be independent units, and may be separately and independently attachable to the body 20. In some embodiments, an action figure need not have both a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. For example, a system may include one action figure with a wireless transmitter, and another with a wireless receiver and action system. Thus, only one-way communication (i.e., from the action figure with the wireless transmitter to the action figure with the wireless receiver) may be detected, and the action figure with the wireless receiver may take action in response to receipt of the wireless signal.
Referring to
The action system 54 may have any of a wide variety of configurations and may cause the first action
The action system 54 may have a motor 56, which may be electrically driven. The motor 56 may be a rotary motor of any of a variety of known types and speeds. In alternative embodiments, different actuation devices may be used, including but not limited to linear actuators, rotary actuators, electrical actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, magnetic and electromagnetic actuators, and the like.
The motor 56 may be connected to the hips 38 via a mechanical transmission 58, which may include intermeshing gears as shown. The mechanical transmission 58 may convert the output motion provided by the motor 56 to the type of motion needed to move the hips 38 to the second configuration. In some embodiments, the motor 56 may have high-speed output, and the mechanical transmission 58 may convert this output into a slower speed with greater torque. A variety of mechanical transmission types may be used in alternative embodiments, including but not limited to gears, linkages, magnetic couplings, and the like.
As mentioned above, an action figure may take and/or initiate a wide variety of actions in accordance with the present invention. In alternative embodiments, an action system may include other components besides the motor 56 and/or the mechanical transmission 58 in order to accomplish such functions. For example, an action system may include a speaker capable of producing sounds, a gyroscope that can cause motion of the action figure without manipulating any of the joints of the action figure, a light, a display screen, or the like.
In some embodiments, the action system may have the capability to undertake any of a variety of actions based on certain criteria. Such an action system may include a computing apparatus (not shown) including a collection of logic gates and/or a microprocessor that executes software-based or hardware-based instructions. The computing apparatus may also include a memory, which may, if desired, record historical data regarding one or more wireless signals received by the infrared receiver 52. The decisions made may be based on such historical data, on user-selected preferences, and/or on random factors. Such a computing apparatus may, either on its own or via a separate controller, control one or more component such as motors, transmitters, speakers, gyroscopes, and the like, to undertake the desired action(s).
For example, returning to the example of combat simulation, an action figure may, in response to receipt of a wireless signal, make a random determination as to whether the action figure will simulate receipt of a wound, or initiate an attack on its attacker. If the computing apparatus determines that the action figure should simulate receipt of a wound, an action system like the action system 54 of
Returning to the example of
It may be desirable to position the battery or batteries outside the body 20 to facilitate the construction of the body 20 and avoid interference with the operation of the joints 30 of the body 20. Thus, as shown, the first action
More precisely, the backpack 70 may have a battery compartment 72, which may contain a battery. In the configuration of
If desired, the trigger may take the form of an actual trigger, as on a firearm. Alternatively, the trigger may be a different type of device that can be pressed, pulled, or otherwise manipulated by the user to cause the infrared transmitter 50 to transmit the infrared signal 16. In the embodiment of
The backpack 70 may be formed as a single piece with the body 20, the infrared transmitter 50, and/or the infrared receiver 52, or may be a separate piece. If separate, the backpack 70 may be part of a retrofit system that can be attached to an existing action figure to provide the functionality of the invention. In alternative embodiments (not shown), a backpack may be part of an assembly that includes a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and an action system. In such a case, it may be most convenient to utilize an action system that does not require interconnection with the joints of the action figure. For example, such an action system may include a speaker, gyroscope, light, display screen, or the like. If desired, such an action system may be incorporated into the backpack. If desired, the backpack may be part of an assembly that includes the wireless transmitter and the wireless receiver, which may be on a harness or other member that holds the backpack on the torso of the action figure.
Referring to
Referring to
In the second configuration, the center of gravity of the first action
The claims are not limited to the specific implementations described above. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the implementations described herein without departing from the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A system comprising:
- a first character figurine comprising: a first body that resembles a first character; and a first wireless transmitter coupled to the first body, wherein the first wireless transmitter transmits a first wireless signal; and
- a second character figurine comprising: a second body that resembles a second character; a second wireless receiver coupled to the second body, wherein the second wireless receiver receives the first wireless signal; and a second action system coupled to the second body and the second wireless receiver such that, in response to receipt of the first wireless signal, the second action system causes the second character figurine to perform a second visually perceptible action.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first body comprises a first humanoid shape and the second body comprises a second humanoid shape.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first character figurine further comprises a first backpack configured to be coupled to a first back of the first humanoid shape, wherein the backpack comprises a first battery compartment that receives a first battery, wherein the first battery compartment is electrically connected to the first wireless transmitter to permit transmission of electricity from the first battery to the first wireless transmitter, wherein the second character figurine further comprises a second backpack configured to be coupled to a second back of the second humanoid shape, wherein the second backpack comprises a second battery compartment that receives a second battery, wherein the second battery compartment is electrically connected to the second wireless receiver and to the second action system to permit transmission of electricity from the second battery to the second wireless receiver and the second action system.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first body comprises a first plurality of joints that enables the first body to be posed in any of a first plurality of configurations, wherein the second body comprises a second plurality of joints that enables the second body to be posed in any of a second plurality of configurations.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second action system comprises a motor coupled to at least one joint of the second plurality of joints, wherein the second visually perceptible action comprises motion of the second body, driven by the motor, from a first configuration of the second plurality of configurations to a second configuration of the second plurality of configurations.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein motion of the second body from the first configuration to the second configuration approximates receipt by the second character of a wound inflicted by the first character.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless transmitter comprises an infrared transmitter, wherein the second wireless receiver comprises an infrared receiver, wherein the first wireless signal comprises an infrared signal.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first character figurine further comprises a weapon, wherein the first character figurine is posable to hold the weapon such that transmission of the first wireless signal by the first wireless transmitter approximates use of the weapon by the first character against the second character.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the second character figurine further comprises a second wireless transmitter that transmits a second wireless signal, wherein the first character figurine further comprises:
- a first wireless receiver that receives the second wireless signal; and
- a first action system that, in response to receipt of the second wireless signal, causes the first character figurine to perform a first visually perceptible action.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first body comprises a torso, wherein the first wireless transmitter and the first wireless receiver are both positioned on the torso.
11. A method for manufacturing a system, the method comprising:
- providing a first body that resembles a first character to define a first character figurine;
- providing a first wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a first wireless signal;
- coupling the first wireless transmitter to the first body;
- providing a second body that resembles a second character to define a second character figurine;
- providing a second wireless receiver capable of receiving the first wireless signal;
- providing a second action system;
- coupling the second wireless receiver to the second body; and
- coupling the second action system to the second body and the second wireless receiver such that, in response to receipt of the first wireless signal, the second action system causes the second character figurine to perform a second visually perceptible action.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the first body comprises providing a first humanoid shape comprising a first plurality of joints that enables the first humanoid shape to be posed in any of a first plurality of configurations, wherein providing the second body comprises providing a second humanoid shape comprising a second plurality of joints that enables the second humanoid shape to be posed in any of a second plurality of configurations.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
- providing a first backpack comprising a first battery compartment that receives a first battery, wherein the first backpack is configured to be coupled to a first back of the first humanoid shape such that the first battery compartment is electrically connected to the first wireless transmitter to permit transmission of electricity from the first battery to the first wireless transmitter; and
- providing a second backpack comprising a second battery compartment that receives a second battery, wherein the second backpack is configured to be coupled to a second back of the second humanoid such that the second battery compartment is electrically connected to the second wireless receiver and to the second action system to permit transmission of electricity from the second battery to the second wireless receiver and the second action system.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein providing the first body comprises providing a weapon such that the first character figurine is posable to hold the weapon such that transmission of the first wireless signal by the first wireless transmitter approximates use of the weapon by the first character against the second character, wherein the second action system comprises a motor, wherein coupling the second action system to the second body and the second wireless receiver comprises coupling the motor to at least one joint of the second plurality of joints such that the second visually perceptible action comprises motion of the second body, driven by the motor, from a first configuration to a second configuration to approximate receipt by the second character of a wound inflicted by the first character.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the first wireless transmitter comprises providing an infrared transmitter, wherein providing the second wireless receiver comprises providing an infrared receiver.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
- providing a second wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a second wireless signal;
- coupling the second wireless transmitter to the second body;
- providing a first wireless receiver that receives the second wireless signal;
- providing first action system;
- coupling the first wireless receiver to the first body; and
- coupling the first action system to the first body and the first wireless receiver such that, in response to receipt of the second wireless signal, the first action system causes the first character figurine to perform a first visually perceptible action.
17. A system comprising:
- a first character figurine comprising: a first body comprising a first humanoid shape that resembles a first character, the first body comprising a first plurality of joints that enables the first body to be posed in any of a first plurality of configurations; and a first infrared transmitter coupled to the first body, wherein the first infrared transmitter transmits a first infrared signal; and
- a second character figurine comprising: a second body comprising a second humanoid shape that resembles a second character, the second body comprising a second plurality of joints that enables the second body to be posed in any of a second plurality of configurations; a second infrared receiver coupled to the second body, wherein the second infrared receiver receives the first infrared signal; and a second action system coupled to the second body and the second infrared receiver such that, in response to receipt of the first infrared signal, the second action system causes the second character figurine to perform a second visually perceptible action.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first character figurine further comprises a first backpack configured to be coupled to a first back of the first humanoid shape, wherein the backpack comprises a first battery compartment that receives a first battery, wherein the first battery compartment is electrically connected to the first infrared transmitter to permit transmission of electricity from the first battery to the first infrared transmitter, wherein the second character figurine further comprises a second backpack configured to be coupled to a second back of the second humanoid shape, wherein the second backpack comprises a second battery compartment that receives a second battery, wherein the second battery compartment is electrically connected to the second infrared receiver and to the second action system to permit transmission of electricity from the second battery to the second infrared receiver and the second action system.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first character figurine further comprises a weapon, wherein the first character figurine is posable to hold the weapon such that transmission of the first infrared signal by the first infrared transmitter approximates use of the weapon by the first character against the second character, wherein the second action system comprises a motor coupled to at least one joint of the second plurality of joints, wherein the second visually perceptible action comprises motion of the second body, driven by the motor, from a first configuration of the second plurality of configurations to a second configuration of the second plurality of configurations to approximate receipt by the second character of a wound inflicted by the first character.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the second character figurine further comprises a second infrared transmitter that transmits a second infrared signal, wherein the first character figurine further comprises:
- a first infrared receiver that receives the second infrared signal; and
- a first action system that, in response to receipt of the second infrared signal, causes the first character figurine to perform a first visually perceptible action.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 4, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 27, 2014
Inventors: James A. Fife (Bentonville, AR), Aaron Womack (Frisco, TX)
Application Number: 14/097,067
International Classification: A63H 30/04 (20060101); A63H 29/22 (20060101); A63H 11/00 (20060101);