Abstract: Example implementations may relate to an RC vehicle with a receiver and an inertial measurement unit. In particular, the RC vehicle may include vehicle controller circuitry that works together with the inertial measurement unit to instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is rotated, oriented, or positioned in a certain way. In an example embodiment, the RC vehicle may instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is first powered on and is rotated 180 degrees in a certain direction, such as from upright to upside-down.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a system that includes a first interactive device and control logic configured to perform an operation. The operation includes receiving historical data describing historical interactions between a user and one or more interactive devices. Additionally, the operation includes configuring the first interactive device with one or more interactive events. Each interactive event includes a respective (i) stimulus event and (ii) an action to perform responsive to an occurrence of the stimulus event, and at least one of the one or more interactive events is based on the received historical data. Responsive to detecting an occurrence of a first one of the one or more stimulus events, the operation includes causing the first interactive device to perform the corresponding action. The operation also includes updating the first interactive device with a second one or more interactive events.

Abstract: The locatable pacifier is a locating device. The locatable pacifier is adapted for use with a pacifier. The locatable pacifier comprises the pacifier, a control system, a personal data device, and a wireless communication link. The control system is installed within the pacifier. The control system is tethered to the personal data device using a wireless communication link. Should the locatable pacifier become lost, the personal data device can be used to initiate the operation of a control system to generate visible and audible signals identifying the location of the locatable pacifier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: An interactive game system that stage lighting style cues as part of the game, where the stage lighting cues cause external stage lighting equipment to create effects that are based on outputs from the game. Steerable lights can be steered to the player and sounds can be created that are directed to the player. A simulation system can also simulate the actions that occur. The computer assigns teams.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a set of toy construction elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements; and a data processing system comprising image capturing means, processing means, and display means, wherein the data processing system is adapted to capture an image of a partial toy construction model constructed from a subset of the toy construction elements; process the captured image to detect at least a position and an orientation of the partial toy construction model; identify a user selection indicative of a user selection of at least one of a set of subsequent construction elements, each subsequent construction element being connectable to the partial toy construction model; responsive to the detected position and orientation of the partial toy construction model, display on said display means a composite image comprising the captured image having superimposed an image of at least the selected subsequent construction element.

Abstract: Embodiments described provide an integrated hand-held catch net apparatus including a multi-axis sensor in electrical communication with a microcontroller and memory module to provide a plurality of colored light schemes and pre-programmed sounds/songs in responds to movement and tilting of the apparatus. Further included is a light toy figurine releasably attached to the catch net assembly to simulate capture both a fish or insect.

Abstract: An illuminating soap module includes a shell defining a cavity for holding liquid soap. The shell may include one or more openings. The one or more openings may include a dispenser, a plug, a light module, and combinations thereof. The illuminating soap module is configured to illuminate upon a triggering event.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to physical figures having wireless communication devices implanted therein to capture evidence relating to real-world activities that may be required to progress in real-world and/or virtual spaces. For example, the wireless communication devices implanted in the physical figures may confirm proximity to other users and capture evidence indicating that progress has been achieved in real-world missions that may involve teamwork, competition, outdoor activities, and/or other real-world interaction. In one embodiment, the physical figures may have one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) that can measure activities performed with the physical figures such that the wireless communication devices implanted therein may exchange the sensor measurements in relation to the cooperative and/or competitive interaction therebetween.

Abstract: Interacting with a virtual presentation includes: entering a first registration code associated with a first product for registering the first product on a website via a user account; accessing a restricted portion of the website that was not accessible prior to registering the first product; displaying a virtual character that is controllable on the website; registering a second product by entering a second registration code provided to the product, wherein the second product is different than the first product, the second character also accessed via the user account; receiving content for displaying a second virtual character that is controllable on the website; and gaining access to additional content, beyond a chat function, for the first product in response to registration of the second product with the user account, wherein the additional content comprises additional resources of the website beyond the resources provided after registration of the first product.

Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.

Abstract: A current perceived emotional state of a user is determined. A semantic content of text inputted by the user can also be determined, as can an ongoing context in which the text inputted by the user pertains. A current contextual emotional state of the user is determined based on the text inputted by the user (such as based on the semantic content thereof) and based on the current perceived emotional state of the user. The current contextual emotional state can also be determined based on the ongoing context in which the text inputted by the user pertains. From emoji characters mapped to different contextual emotional states, one or more selected emoji characters are determined that are mapped to the current contextual emotional state of the user. The selected emoji characters are suggested to the user to add to the text inputted by the user.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robotic apparatus to produce desirable photographic results. The method includes, with a motor controller, first operating a robotics assembly to animate the robotic apparatus and, then, detecting an upcoming image capture. The method further includes, with the motor controller in response to the detecting of the upcoming image capture, second operating the robotics assembly to pose the robotic apparatus for the upcoming image capture. In some embodiments, the detecting includes a sensor mounted on the robotic apparatus sensing a pre-flash of light from a red-eye effect reduction mechanism of a camera. In other cases, the detecting includes a sensor mounted on the robotics apparatus sensing a range finder signal from a range finder of a camera. The posing may include opening eyes, moving a mouth into a smile, or otherwise striking a pose that is held temporarily to facilitate image capture with a camera.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a flying machine is provided comprising at least two passive lift elements arranged substantially radial-symmetrically about a yaw axis of the flying machine, wherein the passive lift elements are configured to jointly generate a torque at the yaw axis upon movement of the flying machine substantially in parallel to the yaw axis. The flying machine further comprises active lift generating means, which are arranged substantially at distal ends of the passive lift elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensing control system for an electric toy, characterized in that it comprises a signal detection module for receiving an external sensing and then generating a sensing signal; a calculation and control module for receiving the sensing signal and counting a number of the sensing signal, and then sending out different control signals corresponding to different numbers of the sensing signals; and an electric driving module for receiving the control signal and then sending a driving signal to the electric toy, so as to control the electric toy to work. Therefore, according to different numbers of sensing signals, the electric toy is able to perform different actions or speed changes of the same action. In this way, the toy equipped with the sensing control system of the present invention can go beyond the limitation of a remote control, and thus becomes suitable as a toy for children of different ages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device which detects repetitive movement of a user's body part. The device has a sensor which detects G forces along at least two axes when the user repeatedly moves the body part; a memory, which stores reference data corresponding to ideal reference data; a processor/computing unit, which communicates with the sensor and the memory, and receives data associated with the G forces. The processing/computing unit compares the ideal reference data with the data associated with the detected G forces. A feedback component is connected to the processor/computing unit to provide the user with a signal when a target has been achieved. Also disclosed is a method of computing data received by the device and an exerciser device that simulates the movement of a hula hoop.

Abstract: A method and system for wireless communication are disclosed. The method comprises: the master device generates a sequence code through a specific encoder and transmits the sequence code to each slave device continuously within a preset period according to the communication demand, wherein the specific encoder is a feedback shift register constructed by a specific polynomial, of which the coefficients and the order are in correlation with the communication demand while all of the coefficients and initial values are not equal to 0 at the same time; the preset period is greater than or equal to the sum of a sleeping period and a detecting period of the slave device, which constitutes a sleeping-and-waking cycle; the slave device receives a continuous section of the sequence code in the detecting period, decodes the sequence code through a decoder corresponding to the encoder, and performs corresponding operation according to the decoding result.

Abstract: A toy is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the product. The toy has a registration data associated with it that is electronically stored in the toy using an electronic storage medium. A user is registered on the website by associating the user with a user ID. The user ID is associated with the virtual replica of the product by utilizing the registration data. Access is granted to one or more features on the website in connection with the virtual replica of the product subsequent to input and validation of the registration code via the user ID without requiring additional entry of the registration data.

Abstract: A toy for a video game may include an RFID tag, with an inductive antenna for receiving and transmitting signals. The inductive antenna may have a ferromagnetic core. Inductance of the inductive antenna may be selected such that tuning of the antenna is determined by the inductance of the antenna and input capacitance of an RFID semiconductor circuit of the RFID tag, with in some embodiments no tuning capacitors utilized. In some embodiments the input capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit is parasitic capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods circuits, devices and systems for personality interpretation and expression. A personality interpretation and expression system may include central processing logic in addition to a personality engine. The central processing logic may be adapted to generate a data set corresponding to collected user and/or environment information. The personality engine may be adapted to evaluate a data set received from the central processing logic and generate at least one interaction instruction corresponding to the data set. Generating an interaction instruction is at least partially based on a comparison between the data set and a data set in a personality database functionally associated with or otherwise integral to the personality engine.

Abstract: A user interface system for a toy includes a power drive unit, an encoder and a processor coupled with the power drive unit and with the encoder. The power drive unit actuates a drive element of the toy according to moving instructions received from the processor. The encoder detects motion of the drive element, and the processor sets a mode of operation of the toy according to the motion of the selected drive element and the moving instructions.

Abstract: System and methods for physical toy and virtual toy interactions are disclosed. According to aspects of the invention, a system for purchasing a physical toy and a corresponding virtual toy comprises a video game console, a physical toy, and a virtual toy corresponding to the physical toy. The virtual toy corresponding to the physical toy may be made available in a video game played on the video game console. The physical toy may be purchased by a user of the system from an external merchant. The virtual toy corresponding to the physical toy may be separately purchased by the user from a purchasing system within the video game. The physical toy may be registered with the gaming platform. If the user registers the physical toy with the gaming platform and the user previously purchased the virtual toy, the system refunds to the user the purchase price of virtual toy.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: A user programmable toy set comprising a master toy member; a microcontroller; a group of transducers and sensors, a software compiling program, a web site are provided to support users to program an interactive toy.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: An interactive toy for interacting with a user while a story is being read aloud from a book or played from a movie/video. The toy includes a speech recognition unit that receives and detects certain triggering phrases as they are read aloud or played from a companion literary work. The triggering phrase read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video may have independent significance or may only have significance when combined with other phrases read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video. In one embodiment, the toy is configured to detect only certain types of triggering prompts in certain states, such as, for example, triggering phrases or triggering terms. In this embodiment, and others, the toy is configured to switch between states such that it can at times respond to triggering terms and at other times respond to triggering phrases.

Abstract: A video game includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toy objects near or on the peripheral. Each of the toy objects includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. The peripheral device provides lighting effects based on characteristics of the game character or aspects of the game play sequence thereby enhancing the user's gameplay experience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminaire (100) comprising a plurality of controllable light sources (106), a touch sensitive member (108) configured to detect a position of a point of touch of a user touching the touch sensitive member (108) and to output sets of positioning information indicative of the point of touch, and a control unit configured to receive positioning information from the touch sensitive (108) member, to determine a touch pattern based on a plurality of received sets of positioning information, to select one of a plurality of predetermined illumination patterns corresponding to the determined touch pattern, and to control the plurality of controllable light sources (106) according to the selected illumination pattern. By means of the invention there is provided a user interface for controlling the luminaire (100) to emit different illumination patterns depending on which areas and for which duration of time the user touches the touch sensitive member (108) of the luminaire (100).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for playsets using tracked objects and corresponding virtual worlds. There is provided an object for use with a physical environment and connectable to a virtual world corresponding to the physical environment, the object including a processor and a plurality of sensors including a position sensor. The processor is configured to establish a first connection with the virtual world, wherein the virtual world contains a virtual object corresponding to the object, determine a position of the object using the position sensor, and send the position of the object using the first connection. There is also provided a physical environment having similar capabilities as the object.

Abstract: Network-based services may be provided to a user through the user of a speech-based user device located within a user environment. The speech-based user device may accept speech commands from a user and may also interact with the user by means of generated speech. Operating state of the speech-based user device may be provided to the network-based service and stored by the service. Applications that provide services through the speech-based interface may request and obtain the stored state information.

Abstract: A toy figurine includes an internal lighting effect. The internal lighting is visible through the outer surface of the figurine and may be manipulated to produce various lighting effects. The internal lighting includes a lighting layer, a visual effects display layer and a diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer may include an external surface of the toy figurine.

Abstract: An interactive toy has an outer shell, with a non-reactive portion and a first reactive portion. There is a blow sensor for sensing blowing on the shell by a user or from sound from the user or another toy. A microprocessor processes the blowing or sound and generates instructions to cause operation of the reactive portion of the body. Several toys can be responsive to at least one of the toys or sounds, the responsiveness being generated from the user or from other of the several toys to obtain a multiple reaction of multiple toys as a started from an initial blowing or sound by a user or by a sound generation by of the multiple toys.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing game operations. One method includes an operation for receiving a request from a player to acquire a first game asset to be utilized in the game, the first game asset being associated with a token usable in the real world outside the game. After assigning the first game asset to the player in the game, the player is rewarded in the game with a second asset in response to the request. Further, the method includes an operation for detecting a commercial operation executed outside the game by the player with the token, and the player is rewarded in the game with a third asset in response to the detecting.

Abstract: A roulette game enables single-spin formation of meaningful character strings, which character strings may be coupled to tones for enhancing the gaming experience. The meaningful character strings may be defined by solfege-enabling letter groups, which letter groups may prompt underlying tones in solmization. The syllabic roulette game comprises a roulette wheel, a wager-enabling layout, and a plurality of balls. The wheel comprises alphabetic characters against a rainbow colored backdrop for enabling various payout schemes. A color-coordinated wager support surface is preferably disposed adjacent the roulette wheel for facilitating wager placement.

Abstract: An efficient electronics package comprising an integrated circuit, a transistor case packaging, a power supply, an actuation segment and a sensor segment, wherein engagement of the integrated circuit causes the actuation segment to be activated. The integrated circuit may be engaged, for example, by a level-hold trigger or the sensor segment.

Abstract: A toy apparatus and method for interactive communication between a cellphone and a toy apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided, the method including: transmitting by the cellphone at least one signal; receiving by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; analyzing by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; determining by the toy apparatus at least one response to the at least one signal; and producing by the toy apparatus the at least one response.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic device, perhaps in the form factor of a doll or toy, may be configured to control one or more media devices. Upon reception or a detection of a social cue, such as movement and/or a spoken word or phrase, the anthropomorphic device may aim its gaze at the source of the social cue. In response to receiving a voice command, the anthropomorphic device may interpret the voice command and map it to a media device command. Then, the anthropomorphic device may transmit the media device command to a media device, instructing the media device to change state.

Abstract: There is provided as toy adapted to have an interaction with at least one other such toy, comprising: a processor and a memory coupled to said processor; wherein said processor comprises: means for generating an output signal representative of an action to be performed; and means for generating a trigger signal, for reception at at least one other such toy, to trigger said other such toy to perform an action before the said toy has completed its own action. Furthermore, the trigger signal is generated at pre-determined time interval after said toy has initiated its own action, or the trigger signal is generated at a pre-determined time interval before said toy has completed its own action.

Abstract: The system described in this disclosure may be configured to read information stored on toy objects that indicates whether the toy objects have been used and/or are being used with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The system described in this disclosure may be configured to facilitate an association of the information stored on the toy objects with virtual entities in a virtual space, update virtual content associated with the virtual entities, determine relationships between users, and/or other perform other functions based on the information stored on the toy objects. The information stored on the toy objects may be updated responsive to the toy objects being used by users with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The use of the toy objects by users may include two or more users playing together with toy objects and/or playing with gaming systems associated with the toy objects.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a transmit controller compatible with an auxiliary user interface device is provided. The transmit controller has a memory with operational parameters, a control user interface, an auxiliary user interface connector, and a transmit controller processor. The transmit controller processor is configured to transmit the operational parameters to the auxiliary user interface device and modify the operational parameters in accordance with a parameter instruction from the auxiliary user interface device. The transmit controller processor is further configured to receive a control instruction from the control user interface, determine an output signal based on the control instruction and the one or more operational parameters, and transmit the output signal to the model vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for providing a play device capable of capturing an image stream through a camera module and process the images through computer vision software. Embodiments provide interactive toys that recognize a set of pre-programmed images and provide responses to images presented by a user. For example, embodiments provide for a toy that requests a certain image and provides a response based upon whether the user presents the correct image.

Abstract: A telepresence robot uses a series of connectible modules and preferably includes a head module adapted to receive and cooperate with a third party telecommunication device that includes a display screen. The module design provides cost advantages with respect to shipping and storage while also allowing flexibility in robot configuration and specialized applications.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes an object tracking camera, a logic subsystem operatively connected to the object tracking camera, and a data holding subsystem holding instructions executable by the logic subsystem. The instructions are executable to receive one or more images of a scene from the object tracking camera, the scene including a human and a companion object. The instructions are further executable to recognize a gesture of the human based on the received one or more images, and to wirelessly send a control command to the companion object responsive to the recognized gesture.

Abstract: A novelty system having an internally illuminated amorphous putty that both stretches and bounces. An illumination module is provided that contains a battery and at least one light source that produces light when powered. A volume of putty material is provided in an amount sufficient enough to completely envelop the illumination module. The putty material is translucent so that the light from the light source can be seen through the putty material when the illumination module is enveloped within the putty material. The translucent putty material is created by reacting silicon polymers with boric acid and stearic acid. The reacted polymers are mixed with calcium carbonate, a whitener, and a colorant to obtain a color tinted level of translucency. The illumination module is activated by changes in acceleration caused by impact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a children's toy, such as a doll, an action figure or a stuffed toy, having an associated wireless, batteryless RFID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The RFID tag may be located within an internal cavity of the toy so as to provide wireless communication of stored information without requiring physical access to the tag. RFID-tagged toys can be quickly and easily identified using one or more RFID reader devices. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the RFID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.

Abstract: A method of using conversation state information in a conversational interaction system is disclosed. A method of inferring a change of a conversation session during continuous user interaction with an interactive content providing system includes receiving input from the user including linguistic elements intended by the user to identify an item, associating a linguistic element of the input with a first conversation session, and providing a response based on the input. The method also includes receiving additional input from the user and inferring whether or not the additional input from the user is related to the linguistic element associated with the conversation session. If related, the method provides a response based on the additional input and the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session. Otherwise, the method provides a response based on the second input without regard for the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adding a first user to a first group of users are presented. First, logical relationship information describing logical relationships among a plurality of users is accessed. Then potential membership of a first user in a first group of users is determined based on the logical relationship information, by selecting the first group from a plurality of possible groups, the selecting being based on scores generated, for each of the plurality of possible groups, by a candidate scorer module, the scores based at least partially on a loneliness score for the first user. Then the first user is added to the first group of users.