Remote Control Vehicle with Intelligent Interchangeable Heads

Abstract

A remote-controlled toy vehicle with intelligent interchangeable heads is provided where the operational characteristics of the remote-control toy vehicle changes depending on the particular intelligent interchangeable head that may be detachably mounted to the toy vehicle. Some of the characteristics of the remote-control toy vehicle that may change include, but are not limited to, speed level, acceleration level, sound effects and lighting effects.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a remote-control toy vehicle that changes its operational and/or visual characteristics depending on which intelligent interchangeable head is mounted on the remote-control toy vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A toy vehicle is a popular item with children. Typically, a toy vehicle has one set of operational characteristics including but not limited to one acceleration speed, one top speed, one set of lighting effects and one set of sound effects. After multiple hours of play, a child may become bored with the same characteristics of a toy vehicle. While the child may reach for a different toy vehicle having a different set of characteristics, this can be cumbersome and can cause unnecessary clutter as multiple different toy vehicles would need for varied gameplay. A need therefore exists for a toy vehicle that is capable of changing its characteristics to enhance the playing experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a remote-control toy vehicle that automatically changes its operational characteristics depending on which intelligent interchangeable head is mounted on the toy vehicle.

The toy vehicle includes a housing with a head mount coupled to the housing for receiving a detachable intelligent head. The toy vehicle further includes a processor in communication with the head mount, at least one motor, at least on LED, a rechargeable battery, speakers, an RF receiver/transmitter or transceiver, memory and an on/off switch. The user may control the operation of the toy vehicle using a remote control in communication with the vehicle.

Each detachable intelligent head is designed with circuitry that signals to the processor of the toy vehicle to operate the toy vehicle within certain parameters of operation or with certain characteristics. In the illustrated example, the processor is a programmable circuit that is communication and/or electrical connection with the intelligent interchangeable head when the intelligent head is mounted to the head mount. The toy vehicle changes certain of its operational characteristics depending on which of several interchangeable intelligent heads are mounted to the head mount. For example, the at least one motor may be configured to control the rotation of the tires, and thus the vehicles speed and acceleration. The intelligent head mounted to the head mount may provide signals to the processor to cause the motor to operate in a certain way in response to the configuration of the electronic circuit of the intelligent head. For example, the circuitry in the intelligent head may signal the processor to control speed level, acceleration level, light configuration and sounds of the toy vehicle.

Multiple interchangeable intelligent heads may be used in connection with the toy vehicle of the present invention. For example, a first intelligent interchangeable head may detachably mount to the head mount, where the first intelligent head includes a first electronic circuit, and a second intelligent interchangeable head may also detachably mount to the head mount in lieu of the first intelligent interchangeable head, where the second intelligent head includes a second electronic circuit. Each programmed circuit provides different signals to the processor. In operation, the motor in the toy vehicle may be configured to operate in a first response to the first electronic circuit when the first intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount and where the motor may operate in a different second response to the second electronic circuit when the second intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount.

A method for changing the operational characteristics of a remote-control toy vehicle is also provided. The method may include the steps of (i) providing a toy vehicle having a housing and a processor within the housing, and a head mount coupled to the housing in communication with the processor, and (ii) providing at least a first and second detachable intelligent interchangeable head, where the first intelligent interchangeable head when mounted to the head mount communicates with the processor to provide a first signal to the processor, where the first signal makes the toy vehicle drive at a first speed and where the second intelligent interchangeable head when the second intelligent interchangeable head is coupled to the head mount communicates with the processor to provide a second signal to the processor, where the second signal causes the toy vehicle drive at a second speed.

Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The invention may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one example of a toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 showing a bottom perspective view of the intelligent interchangeable head detached from the toy vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 with the lower body portion of the housing of the toy vehicle removed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the various component parts of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate six different examples of circuit diagrams of six different interchangeable heads that may be used in connection with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The present invention relates to a remote-control toy vehicle with intelligent interchangeable heads where the operational and/or visual characteristics of the remote-control vehicle change depending on which intelligent interchangeable head that is attached, mounted or coupled to the toy vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 1, toy vehicle 100 may include a housing 102 having an upper body portion 104 and lower body portion 106, two front wheels 108, two rear wheels 110, at least one motor for driving the toy vehicle 100 forward and backwards and at least one motor for rotating or pivoting the front and/or rear wheels of the toy vehicle 100. The housing 102 is not limited to the illustrated vehicle style. Any ornamental design may be adopted for use as a vehicle style thereby giving the vehicle different exterior appearances without departing from the scope of invention. Additionally, any number of wheels may be implemented in connection with the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention, and in some implementations, it may be possible to include the use of only one motor.

Toy vehicle 100 may also include a detachable intelligent interchangeable head 112 mounted to a head mount 114 located on the upper body portion 104 of housing 102. As will be discussed in further detail below, the intelligent interchangeable head 112 may include circuitry that communicates with a processor 402 (See FIGS. 4 & 5) located in housing 102 of the toy vehicle 100 to provide a signal to the vehicle processor 402 which determines how the vehicle should operate when the interchangeable head 112 is placed on the head mount 114 of toy vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the toy vehicle 100 and a bottom perspective view of an intelligent interchangeable head 112 detached from vehicle housing 102. The intelligent interchangeable head 112 may include an electrical connector 202 (e.g., a male USB plug) on the bottom side of the intelligent interchangeable head 112 for electrically connecting to or mating with electrical connector 204 (e.g., a female USB port) housed in the head mount 114 of vehicle housing 102. Either the intelligent interchangeable head 112 or vehicle housing 102 may include the male or female electrical connector. The arrangement is not limited as illustrated. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the electrical connectors 202, 204 allow the intelligent interchangeable head 112 to provide signals, data and/or information to the vehicle processor 402 (see FIGS. 4 & 5) within the vehicle housing 102 to control certain operational and/or visual characteristics of the toy vehicle 100.

Additionally, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that any type of USB connector can be utilized in connection with the male USB plug 202 and female USB port 204 of the present invention, including but not limited to USB Type A, USB Type B, USB Type C, USB Mini A, USB Mini B, USB Micro A or USB Micro B electrical connectors. Further, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that in addition to the various types of USB connectors, any type of electrical connector known in the art can be substituted for the male USB plug 202 and female USB port 204 of the present invention, including but not limited to pin connectors, pogo pin connectors and spring-loaded pin connectors. For example, head mount 114 may include a metal contact ring having metal contact breaks located about the internal circumference of head mount 114. An electrical connection may be made by one or more pogo pins located about the internal bottom circumference of intelligent interchangeable head 112 contacting the metal contact ring. Corresponding pin connections may also be provided to communicate with pogo pins on the intelligent interchangeable head 112.

In other examples of the present invention, the electrical connector 204 may be utilized for electrically connecting to an external power source (such as a power outlet) for charging the battery of toy vehicle 100. Therefore, electrical connector 204 may be used as a charging port in addition to or exclusive of the electrical connections to the intelligent interchangeable head 112. While external power sources may be used to charge and power the toy vehicle 100, internal power sources may also be utilized for providing power to toy vehicle 100 and the intelligent interchangeable heads 112, such as internal batteries (e.g., AA batteries or AAA batteries) or rechargeable batteries 506 (FIG. 5). Further, the electrical connector 204 provided for charging or mating with other controls may be located at other locations on the vehicle housing 102 and is not limited to head mount 114.

In another example of the present invention, the head mount 114 may also include a securing mechanism, such as a circumferential magnet 208 for making a magnetic connection to magnet 206 located on the bottom circumference of the intelligent interchangeable head 112 to allow the intelligent interchangeable head 112 to be securely mounting and coupled to head mount 114. In other examples, the securing mechanism for mounting the intelligent interchangeable head 112 securely to the head mount 114 may be clips, threads (i.e. screwing the intelligent interchangeable head on the head mount), or any type of friction fit mechanism known in the art. Further, where electrical connections such a pogo pins are used, the pogo pins may be arranged about the circumference of the head mount 114 and the intelligent interchangeable head 112 and the magnets may be placed in the center. The orientation of the electrical connections and/or securing mechanisms does not limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the lower body portion 106 of toy vehicle 100 may include a speaker cutout 302, a steering dial 304, a power/sound button 306 and a bottom light 308. The speaker cutout 302 may provide for various sounds that the toy vehicle 100 may make (which may depend on the intelligent interchangeable head 112 mounted on the toy vehicle 100). The steering dial 304 may allow for a user to make manual steering adjustments to the toy vehicle 100 for aligning the front and/or rear wheels 108, 110. The power/sound button 306 may provide three manual settings (power on/sound off, off, and power on/sound on). Bottom lights 308 may also be provided on the bottom of toy vehicle 100 for providing a ground lighting effect.

In addition to providing lighting on the bottom of the vehicle 100, head lights 310 and rear lights (not shown) may also be provided on the vehicle 100. As will be discussed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 5 & 6, any lights or lighting effects on toy vehicle 100 may be changed (e.g., by color, flashing pattern, or brightness) depending on the intelligent interchangeable head 112 mounted on the toy vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the toy vehicle 100 with the lower body portion 106 of the housing 102 removed. As shown in FIG. 4, the toy vehicle 100 may include a driving motor 404 that drives the rear wheel 110 forward and backwards and a steering motor 406 for steering front wheels 108 left and right. As further shown in FIG. 4, a processor 402 may also be located in toy vehicle 100 between motors 404, 406 for electrically communicating with motors 404, 406. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the processor 402 may be in electrical communication with either or both of the motors 404, 406 to control the operation of motor and provided different speed and acceleration levels for the vehicle operation depending on the particular intelligent interchangeable head 112 mounted on the toy vehicle 100. In FIG. 4, only the housings for the motors 404, 406 and processor 402 are visible.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the various component parts of the toy vehicle of the toy vehicle 100 and it communication with the intelligent interchangeable head 112 and a remote control 502. As illustrate in FIG. 5, the toy vehicle 100 includes a housing 102 having a processor 402 which is in communication with the head mount 114 for receiving the intelligent interchangeable heads 112, at least one motor 404, 406, at least one LED (LED1 . . . ), a rechargeable battery 506, speakers 508, a receiver/transmitter or transceiver 550, memory 504 and an on/off switch 306 of FIG. 3. The processor 402 is also in communication with the remote control 502, which also includes a transmitter and/or transceiver 550, to control the operation of the toy vehicle 100 using a remote control 502. In the illustrated example, the processor 402 is in communication with a memory 504, a battery 506, a speaker/sound module 508, motors 404, 406, transceiver 550 and LED's 1-5. In this example, LED 1 refers to the lights located in the intelligent interchangeable head 112, LED 2 refers to the headlights 310 on the vehicle 100, LED 3 refers to the rear lights on the vehicle 100, LED 4 refers to the brake/stop lights on the vehicle 100 and LED 5 refers to the bottom light 308 of the vehicle 100.

Each intelligent interchangeable head 112 includes circuitry that when connected to the head mount 114 signal the processor 402 of the toy vehicle 100 to operate the toy vehicle 100 within certain parameters of operation and/or triggers the engagement of certain features (e.g., lighting or sound). For example, each intelligent interchangeable head 112, when mounted to head mount 114, may send particular instructions or signals to the processor 402 of the vehicle 100, which when received by the processor 402 cause the speaker/sound 508, motors 404, 406, and/or LED's 1-5 to operate in a certain manner. Example of circuitry are discussed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 6A-6F.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate six different examples of circuit diagrams of six different interchangeable heads 112 that can be used in connection with the present invention to alter the operation of the toy vehicle 100. As discussed briefly above, each of the six intelligent interchangeable heads 112 may include a different circuit that, when in communication with the processor 402, results in the toy vehicle 100 having different operational, visual or auditory characteristics. Such circuit may include any number of different pins that may, alone or in combination, deliver a set of instructions, signals or data to the processor 402.

In the present example, each intelligent interchangeable head 112 includes a power connection and four alternate resistors wired in paralegal. One resistor is connected to LED1, which LED1 is located in the intelligent interchangeable head 112. The other three resistors are connected to I/O pins K1-K3 to provide different signals to the processor 402 to control the operation of the toy vehicle 102. While the below examples are illustrated with the use of only three I/O pins, those skilled in the art will recognize that a plurality of I/O pins may be used that can control the function of the sounds, lights and motor operation of the toy vehicle 100.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6A-6F, all the resistors are either connected or not connected. When a resistor is connected, the value of the resistor is shown. When the resister is not connected, it is designated as NC. When the LED1 is working because the resister is connected, the LED1 is designed as W. The connection of the pins K1-K3 are what signals the processor to perform certain operations or place certain parameters on the operation of the toy vehicle 100.

For example, the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6A has K1 connected, K2 not connected, K3 not connected, and LED 1 connected, whereas the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6C has K1 not connected, K2 not connected, K3 connected, and LED 1 not connected. This indicates that the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6A will provide different combinations of characteristics (i.e., a different program) to the toy vehicle 100 compared to the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6C. These characteristics may include but are not limited to speed level, acceleration level, light effects and sound effects. Depending upon the pin connections K1-K3, the processor 402 may cause the toy vehicle 100 to accelerate slower or faster, operate at different speeds (having varying max speeds) and cause different lighting and sound effects. All these characteristics can be changed by each intelligent interchangeable head 112 depending on the particular intelligent interchangeable head 112 that is mounted on toy vehicle 100. Depending upon the pin connections K1-K3 and their states in combination, the circuitry in each intelligent interchangeable head 112 can cause different responses in the operation of the toy vehicle. For example, a first response can cause the motor to operate at a first speed and a second response can cause the motor to operate a second speed, whereas other responses can change motors acceleration rate and other responses can change different lighting and sound effects.

For example, because the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6A has the resistor connected to LED1 in a connected state, when the intelligent interchangeable head 112 is mounted to head mount 114 and voltage is provided to the circuit (from the battery in the toy vehicle), the LED1 located in the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6A will be turned on. In comparison, the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6C has the resistor connected to LED1 in a not connected state. Therefore, unlike the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6A, any lights located on intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6C will not be turned on when voltage is provided to the circuit. Similarly, the differences in the combinations of the “connected” and “not connected” states in the K1, K2 and K3 pins between the intelligent interchangeable heads 112 of FIGS. 6A and 6C will result in different combinations of speed level, acceleration level, light and sound in the toy vehicle 100.

By altering the connected state of the resistors, pins K1-K3, can for example, cause the processor to control the speed and acceleration levels of a toy vehicle 100. The operation of the driving motor 404, for example, can be controlled by processor 402 to cause the vehicle to accelerate at a certain rate and move at a certain max speed. These levels are determined by the instructions or signals received by processor 402 from the I/O pin in the circuit in the intelligent interchangeable head 112. For example, four different acceleration and speed levels may be programmed in the processor of toy vehicle 100—a first level being the slowest and the fourth level being the fastest or quickest. Depending on the signals generated by the circuit of the intelligent interchangeable head 112 when in communication with, or connected to, the processor 402, the vehicle may operate at different combinations of speed and acceleration levels. For example, the circuitry in the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6E may provide a first level acceleration and fourth level speed while the circuitry in the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6F may be configured to provide fourth level acceleration and second level speed. Therefore, when mounted to toy vehicle 100, the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6E will cause the vehicle 100 to accelerate slower but drive faster compared to the same vehicle 100 having the intelligent interchangeable head 112 of FIG. 6F mounted thereon. It should further be understood that any number of acceleration or speed levels may be programmed in toy vehicle 100 and any combination of acceleration and speed levels may be programmed in the circuit of intelligent interchangeable head 112.

In other examples of the present invention, timer(s) and/or sensor(s) may also be provided and in communication with processor 402 for controlling the operation of the toy vehicle 100. For example, a timer may measure the amount of time that a vehicle is driven after acceleration before changing the speed of the motor such that the speed level programmed in the circuit of intelligent interchangeable head 112 may be executed.

In other examples, in addition to changing the acceleration and speed levels of the toy vehicle 100, the circuit in the intelligent interchangeable head 112 may control the operation of the speakers/sound 508 and the LED lights LED2-5 of toy vehicle 100. The operation of sound, the type of sound and which lights are activated can be changed depending on the particular circuit configuration of the intelligent interchangeable head 112 mounted on toy vehicle 100. In particular, toy vehicle 100 may provide different engine start sounds, different acceleration sounds, different speed sounds, different sound volume levels (e.g., the slower the toy vehicle, the quieter the engine/acceleration/speed sound of the vehicle and the faster the toy vehicle, the louder the engine/acceleration/speed sound of the vehicle), different honking sounds, different screeching sounds, different breaking sounds, different reversing sounds, different light colors and different flashing light sequences. All of the above sound characteristics may be programmed in the circuit housed within the intelligent interchangeable head 112 such that when different intelligent interchangeable heads 112 are mounted to toy vehicle 100, the toy vehicle 100 processes and performs those particular programed functions, which results in toy vehicle 100 producing those sound and/or lighting characteristics.

With respect to LED2-5, these lighting characteristics, or effects (whether the lights turn on or off, the lighting pattern, color or brightness), may also be determined by the signals received by processor 402 from the circuit in the intelligent interchangeable head 112. Once a signal, data or information is received by the processor 402 from the intelligent interchangeable head 112, the processor 402 will then cause any one or combination of LED2-5 to operate with particular lighting characteristics or effects. Additionally, as discussed above, at least some of the lights (i.e., LED 1) in intelligent interchangeable heads 112 of the present invention may light up when mounted to toy vehicle 100.

As mentioned above, the color or flashing pattern of the lights may differ between the intelligent interchangeable heads 112. In other examples, the intelligent interchangeable heads 112 may light up not only for aesthetic purposes but also as a way to signal that an electrical connection has been made between the intelligent interchangeable head 112 and toy vehicle 100. Additionally, in other examples, if an intelligent interchangeable head 112 is not mounted on toy vehicle 100 or is incorrectly mounted on toy vehicle 100, the toy vehicle 100 may sense that a proper electrical connection is not made and will not operate as a result. In other examples, the toy vehicle 100 may be designed to operate with certain default characteristics when an intelligent interchangeable head 112 is not connected.

Further, with respect to the speaker/sound 508, any sound characteristics or effects (i.e., toy vehicle engine sounds, reversing sounds, braking sounds, turning/screeching sounds, and/or music or songs), may also be determined by the data received and processed by processor 402 from the circuit in the intelligent interchangeable head 112. After processing, the processor 402 will then cause speaker/sound 508 to operate the particular sound characteristics or effects. For example, a different song or different music may be played on the speaker depending on the particular intelligent interchangeable head 112 mounted on head mount 114. In some examples, such sounds or music may be provided by a sound card that may reside in the vehicle, or either plug into the vehicle 100 or remote control 502.

With respect to remote control 502, the remote control 502 may include, for example, a forward/backward joystick, a left/right joystick, a power button, a horn button and a song button. With respect to the song button, pressing the song button may make the toy vehicle 100 play music, which may be played during the operation of the toy vehicle.

In summary, a toy vehicle is provided that comprises a housing; a head mount coupled to the housing for receiving a detachable intelligent head, where the intelligent head includes an electronic circuit; a processor in communication with the head mount for receiving signals from the intelligent head when the intelligent head is mounted to the head mount for controlling at least some functional operations of the toy vehicle; and a motor in communication with the processor and configured to operate in response to the signals received by the processor from the intelligent head.

In another example, the toy vehicle comprises a housing; a head mount coupled to the housing, where a first intelligent interchangeable head may detachably mount to the head mount, where the first intelligent head comprises a first electronic circuit, and where a second intelligent interchangeable head may detachably mount to the head mount in lieu of the first intelligent interchangeable head, where the second intelligent head comprises a second circuit; a processor in communication with the head mount, where the processor receives signals from the first electronic circuit when the first intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount and where the processor receives signals from the second electronic circuit when the second intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount; and a motor connected to the processor, the motor configured to operate in a first response to the first electronic circuit when the first intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount and where the motor operates in a second response to the second electronic circuit when the second intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount.

The present invention also includes a method for changing the electronic characteristics of a toy vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a toy vehicle having a housing and a processor within the housing, and a head mount coupled to the housing in communication with the processor; and (ii) providing at least a first and second detachable intelligent interchangeable head, where the first intelligent interchangeable head when mounted to the head mount communicates with the processor to provide a first signal to the processor and where the first signal causes the toy vehicle to drive at a first speed and where the second intelligent interchangeable head when the second intelligent interchangeable head is coupled to the head mount communicates with the processor to provide a second signal to the processor, where the second signal causes the toy vehicle to drive at a second speed.

The first response may cause the vehicle to move faster than the second response. Additional or other responses may also be provided that vary speed, acceleration, lighting effects and sound effects of the types described above.

A method for changing the electronic characteristics of a toy vehicle may further be comprised of the steps of: (i) providing a toy vehicle having a housing and a processor within the housing; (ii) providing a head mount coupled to the housing in communication or electrical connecting with the processor; (iii) detachably mounting a first intelligent interchangeable head to the head mount, where the first intelligent interchangeable head electrically communicates with the processor and provides a first signal to the processor, where the first signal makes the toy vehicle drive at a first speed; (iv) interchanging the first intelligent interchangeable head with a second intelligent interchangeable head by detachably mounting the second intelligent interchangeable head to the head mount, where the second intelligent interchangeable head electrically communicates with the processor and provides a second signal to the processor, where the second signal makes the toy vehicle drive slower than the first signal.

It will be understood, and is appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that one or more processes, sub-processes, or process steps described above and in connection with FIGS. 1-6 may be performed by hardware, software and/or firmware. If the process is performed by software, the software may reside in software memory (not shown) in a suitable electronic processing component or system such as, one or more of the functional components or modules. The software in software memory may include an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions (that is, “logic” that may be implemented either in digital form such as digital circuitry or source code or in analog form such as analog circuitry or an analog source such an analog electrical, sound or video signal), and may selectively be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that may selectively fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this disclosure, a “computer-readable medium” is any means that may contain, store or communicate the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium may selectively be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device. More specific examples, but nonetheless a non-exhaustive list, of computer-readable media would include the following: a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a RAM (electronic), a read-only memory “ROM” (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) (electronic) and a portable compact disc read-only memory “CDROM” (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium may even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

Electronic processing component or system such as, one or more of the functional components or modules, may be directly connected to one other or may be in signal communication. It will be understood that the term “in signal communication” as used herein means that two or more systems, devices, components, modules, or sub-modules are capable of communicating with each other via signals that travel over some type of signal path. The signals may be communication, power, data, or energy signals, which may communicate information, power, or energy from a first system, device, component, module, or sub-module to a second system, device, component, module, or sub-module along a signal path between the first and second system, device, component, module, or sub-module. The signal paths may include physical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrochemical, optical, wired, or wireless connections. The signal paths may also include additional systems, devices, components, modules, or sub-modules between the first and second system, device, component, module, or sub-module.

More generally, terms such as “communicate” and “in . . . communication with” (for example, a first component “communicates with” or “is in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to communicate with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

The foregoing description of implementations has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle comprising:

a housing;

a head mount coupled to the housing for receiving a detachable intelligent head, where the intelligent head includes an electronic circuit;

a processor in communication with the head mount for receiving signals from the intelligent head when the intelligent head is mounted to the head mount for controlling at least some functional operations of the toy vehicle; and

a motor in communication with the processor and configured to operate in response to the signals received by the processor from the intelligent head.

2. A toy vehicle comprising:

a housing;

a head mount coupled to the housing, where a first intelligent interchangeable head may detachably mount to the head mount, where the first intelligent head comprises a first electronic circuit, and where a second intelligent interchangeable head may detachably mount to the head mount in lieu of the first intelligent interchangeable head, where the second intelligent head comprises a second circuit;

a processor in communication with the head mount, where the processor receives signals from the first electronic circuit when the first intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount and where the processor receives signals from the second electronic circuit when the second intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount; and

a motor connected to the processor, the motor configured to operate in a first response to the first electronic circuit when the first intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount and where the motor operates in a second response to the second electronic circuit when the second intelligent interchangeable head is mounted to the head mount.

3. A method for changing the electronic characteristics of a toy vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a toy vehicle having a housing and a processor within the housing, and a head mount coupled to the housing in communication with the processor; and

providing at least a first and second detachable intelligent interchangeable head, where the first intelligent interchangeable head when mounted to the head mount communicates with the processor to provide a first signal to the processor and where the first signal causes the toy vehicle to drive at a first speed and where the second intelligent interchangeable head when the second intelligent interchangeable head is coupled to the head mount communicates with the processor to provide a second signal to the processor, where the second signal causes the toy vehicle to drive at a second speed.