Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ultrasonic stimulating pet toy and, more specifically, to a mouse-like pet toy comprising a sound chip assembly that emits ultrasonic vocalizations that replicate those studied in mice. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A marionette 1 includes a FIG. 3 having a number of segments, at least two segments connected by steering strings with a control device (2). At least one active segment is connected with the control device (2) by the steering string exiting the surface of this segment at the steering point. An adjacent segment comprises a convex contact surface. Connectors (5, 81) exit these segments at the connecting points (51, 55) which are displaceable with regard to each other. A centroid of the convex contact surface (71, 731, 75) is located below the connecting point (51, 531, 55) of the convex contact surface. In a predefined free overhang position of the figure 3, a straight line (312, 3321, 3322, 352) extending between the connecting point (51, 531, 532, 55) of the active segment (31, 33, 35) and the steering point extends above the segment center of gravity.

Abstract: A toy figurine includes internal light and sound effects that are coordinated with the manipulation of a toy figurine joint. The toy figurine joint may be configured to perform an action when manipulated. The light and sound effects may be coordinated with the performance of that action. The light and sound effects may serve to enhance or embellish the performance of that action. The embellishment stimulates the senses and the imagination and otherwise enhances the play value of the toy figure.

Abstract: An interactive toy containing an object identification system capable of identifying and recognizing animate and inanimate objects. Once an object is recognized, the toy will interact with the object by speaking to the object. The invention will also track the movements of the identified object. If the object leaves the immediate environment of the invention, the invention is capable of appropriately greeting and/or speaking with the object.

Abstract: Interactive devices for detecting, characterizing, and acting upon tactile inputs are disclosed. An example embodiment may include a doll configured to produce audible outputs, visible outputs, and/or movement based at least in part upon its characterization of a tactile input. For example, the doll may characterize a tactile input as a slap, a tickle, a rub, a pinch, etc., and the doll may cry, smile, giggle, or move based upon its characterization of the tactile input.

Abstract: A toy doll is provided having a torso defined by a front surface and a back surface. The doll may additionally include legs extending from a lower portion of the torso, an image sensor located on the back surface of the torso, and an image display located on the front surface of the torso. The doll may additionally include a control panel integrated into the pelvic region of the torso, operatively interconnected with the image sensor and the image display, so that that the image sensor and the image display are controllable by using the control panel. The doll may further include fabric clothing covering the image display, permitting a user to create the appearance of personalized graphic clothing for the doll.

Abstract: A toy set 100 is provided which enables a communication between a game device and a toy without changing a hardware configuration of the game device.

Abstract: Provided is, among other things, a system of musically interacting devices. A first device has a first identification code, a first wireless communication interface and a first audio player, and a second device has a second identification code, a second wireless communication interface and a second audio player. The first device and the second device are configured to participate in an interaction sequence in which: the first device wirelessly communicates using the first wireless communication interface, the second device wirelessly communicates using the second wireless communication interface, a musical composition is selected based on both the first identification code and the second identification code, and the first device and the second device cooperatively play the musical composition, with each of the first device and the second device playing a different part of the musical composition.

Abstract: A dynamo powered amusement device is provided that has multiple amusement functions integrated into a housing. The amusement functions include two or more of a movement, a light emitting diode illumination, an auditory output and a video presentation. The electrical power source for the amusement functions is a manually powered dynamo. The direct current generated by a dynamo is provided to a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the amusement functions so as to provide power directly from the manually powered dynamo or, if a chargeable battery is present, to supply power from the chargeable battery. The amusement device provides enhanced performance relative to mechanical amusement devices while avoiding costs and environment problems associated with disposable battery containing amusement devices.

Abstract: An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is provided which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks.

Abstract: An interactive device having time synchronization capability is provided. In one embodiment, the interactive device has a computer processor that stores an internal clock. The computer processor may be preprogrammed to generate announcements based on a particular time of the internal clock. A user may input and adjust the time of the internal clock. In another embodiment, a setup module is provided which includes a computer processor that stores a setup time. The setup module establishes a connection with an interactive device, and time synchronizes the interactive device such that the internal clock of the interactive device is running the same time as the setup module. The setup module is capable of synchronizing the internal clock of multiple interactive devices, despite the interactive devices being programmed on separate occasions. The interactive device may be synchronized by the setup module via a hard-wired connection or wireless means.

Abstract: An enhanced toy produces repeating, decaying notes in response to applied pressure. The tone of each note is determined, based on the location at which a user applies pressure. The initial amplitude of each note is proportional to the intensity, as measured by a stress sensor. The toy periodically repeats each note, attenuating the amplitude of each successive repetition by a decay factor. The toy may alter the notes associated with each of a plurality of locations. For example, if all currently repeating notes have decayed below a predetermined threshold, the currently available set of notes may be exchanged for a new set of notes, e.g. with different tones or timbres. The stress sensors may comprise flexible capacitors within the toy. As the user applies pressure, the geometry of one or more capacitors deform, altering the measured capacitance, through which the intensity of the applied pressure is determined.

Abstract: A soft sculpture picture frame in the shape of a human or animal, with a contained audio recording and playback device. A message may be recorded on the audio recording and playback device for later playback, by pressing a recording activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame. The recorded message may be played back by pressing a playback activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame, preferably a different part. Picture retaining means holds a photograph of a person whose voice may be recorded on the device.

Abstract: A lights and sounds mechanism for use in a toy is provided. The lights and sounds mechanism may be connected to a product test switch switch. One or more components of the toy may be disassembled for packaging. The disassembled components may include one or more lights or speakers. When the product test switch is triggered, the lights and/or speakers in the disassembled components may properly function.

Abstract: When a key member is inserted into a key cylinder attached to a toy main body, and in the case where the key member is inserted completely, the key member turns on a first switch, and it is checked that the key member is inserted completely. If in this state the key member is rotated, some of a plurality of second switches are turned on. According to the combination of second switches turned on at this time, sound and light are emitted in a predetermined pattern, and therefore the user feels that sound and light are emitted by their operation.

Abstract: A toy with interchangeable parts is provided. The toy is comprised of a plurality of first and second enclosures that each contain unique indicia and are attachable and detachable. In one form, the enclosures are each one-half of a first toy form, such as a heart. An enclosure from the plurality of first enclosures attaches to an enclosure of the plurality of second enclosures to form the first toy form. The enclosures separate to form a second toy form. In the second form, the enclosures can further open to expose an inner cavity of the enclosures, which, in one form, contains a figurine. First and second enclosures are interchangeable such that different toys of the first toy form may be created. In one form, the first toy form is adapted to interact with a docking station that plays sounds corresponding to the first toy form.

Abstract: The invention provides a toy that talks when activated. The toy may be activated by simulating play with the toy or by changing the illumination of the toy's environment. Through electronic circuitry, the toy produces a sound output when its magnetic sensor detects a magnet nearby or when its photosensor detects a change in the level of illumination in the surrounding area. The toy may be used for peek-a-boo play involving children.

Abstract: Greeting cards and novelties with electronic circuits having switch mechanisms operable by manipulation of a moveable component. Manipulation of the moveable component causes activation of the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A small stuffed animal (10) is worn on the wrist of a user (14) and is held on via long arms featuring hook and loop fasteners. When the user wishes to activate the toy, the user places the animal's mouth close to the user's ear. A sensor (50) detects this action, and triggers one of many entertaining audio messages stored in the toy, thus creating the sensation of the animal whispering in the user's ear. In addition, the toy has a sensor (30) that can detect the presence of nearby location transmitters. This allows the toy to appropriately choose the audio messages to match the current location. Also, rather than waiting for the user to randomly discover the location driven messages, the toy alerts the user that it has an interesting message waiting.

Abstract: A simulated head apparatus, with or without a body, comprised of an electronic device capable of playing audio-visual images, an LCD screen, and software capable of storing, recording, and playing audio-visual images of faces on the LCD screen, wherein the LCD screen is disposed on the simulated head apparatus where a face would appear, such that various facial images can appear in the simulated head apparatus. The simulated head apparatus also features head accessories, such as hats, wigs, ears, jewelry, or a goatee. The electronic device can be a portable electronic device removable from the simulated head apparatus, or the electronic device can be integrated into a body with the LCD screen integrated into the head. The simulated head can also be a computer monitor in the shape of a head with means for fastening head accessories.

Abstract: An interactive doll is disclosed where the doll is controlled by a remote control. When the user pushes a button on the remote control, it can cause the doll and the remote control to interact via electromagnetic transmissions where both emit sounds simultaneously or at different times. The remote control can represent various items, including mobile phones and birthday cakes.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a movable puzzle. The movable puzzle includes a puzzle, where the puzzle forms a three dimensional shape when completed. The movable puzzle also includes a motor, where the motor is configured to move the completed puzzle.

Abstract: A method may include playing a first song on a device, capturing an image of a user, performing facial expression recognition of the user based on the image, and selecting a second song based on a facial expression of the user.

Abstract: An audio player plush includes a battery, digital memory, speaker in electrical communication with the digital memory, and a set of controls modulating speaker output associated with the digital memory. A cover bounds the digital memory and is formed of a plush fabric. A fill material within the plush fabric provides a soft surface to the audio player. A pocket is provided within the cover that is selectively closable and encompasses a digital connector for coupling the digital memory to a computer or other source of digital audio files for downloading of such files into the digital memory. When not in use, the digital connector is selectively closed within the pocket. An indicator light emitting light from the cover provides a user with a visual signal indicative of the activation state of the digital memory.

Abstract: A toy including at least one capacitive sensor comprising a metal plate constituting one of the two plates of a capacitor, the second plate being constituted by a portion of a living being in the proximity of the toy, at least one effects generator; and a control circuit including means for causing effects to take place in response to stimulation of said capacitive sensor; the toy being characterized in that said metal plate of said at least one capacitive sensor is used as an antenna for picking up radio frequency transmission from said portion of a living being in the proximity of the toy.

Abstract: An interactive device having time synchronization capability is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interactive device has a computer processor that stores an internal clock. The computer processor may be preprogrammed to generate announcements based on a particular time of the internal clock. A user may input and adjust the time of the internal clock. In another embodiment of the present invention a setup module is provided. A setup module is an operative device that includes a computer processor that stores a setup time. The setup module establishes a connection with an interactive device, and time synchronizes the interactive device such that the internal clock of the interactive device is running the same time as the setup module. The setup module is capable of synchronizing the internal clock of multiple interactive devices, despite the interactive devices being programmed on separate occasions.

Abstract: A remote control unit is electrically connected to a toy only by a two conductor cord. An electronic control unit located within the toy includes a signal generator and a controller for receiving the output signals and controlling at least two actions of the toy by detecting predetermined period variations in the received output signals, a first action enabled by a first predetermined period variation and a second action enabled by a second predetermined period variation. The remote control unit is electrically connected to the signal generator only by the cord and includes a switch array having at least a first switch in parallel with a second switch so that when the first switch is closed to cause the first predetermined period variation and when the second switch is closed to cause the second predetermined period variation.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a programmable doll that can be programmed to speak the name of the child using the doll and the name the child assigns to that doll, as well as other audible messages and sounds. The programmable doll comprises a housing in the form of a human infant body comprising a head having human facial features. The housing comprises two arms, two legs and a body section, and a storage means for storing embedded electronics and a memory card. The memory card comprises a plurality of speech messages. Further, a sound generation means is mounted within the housing for playing the speech messages stored on the memory card. The sound generation means comprises a speaker mechanism for generating the speech messages. Typically, the speech messages are pre-recorded in a life-like child's voice and comprise a user's name and the name the user gives the doll.

Abstract: A simulated mouse toy having a prerecorded sound chip therein is provided which emits a prerecorded sound upon physical movement, such as when swatted, rolled or carried, to encourage pets to continue to play. An illumination device, such as luminescent or chemiluminescent coatings or light emitting diodes (LED's) are operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip to simultaneously provide a blinking visual stimulation.

Abstract: An exemplary electronic dinosaur toy includes a body, a neck, four legs, a tail, a head, four first actuators, and four pressure sensors. The neck, the legs and the tail are connected to the body. The head is connected to a distal end of the neck. The four first actuators are arranged inside the respective legs and configured for driving the corresponding leg to move. The four pressure sensors are arranged at distal ends of the respective legs, and configured for sensing a variation of a pressure applied to the leg and outputting a feedback signal. Thereby, the first actuator adjusts a movement of the leg based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: An interactive toy for audio output is provided having a speaker contained within a housing, connected to an electrical signal defining an audio output to be generated by the speaker. The housing may include a humanoid face defined at least in part by lights contained within the housing; and an information processor that measures a variable audio characteristic of the electrical signal, prompts a user to change the variable audio characteristic and controls a pattern scheme for the lights. A pattern scheme for the lights may include a first pattern scheme in which the lights illuminate in multiple ascending groups and a second pattern scheme in which the lights illuminate in multiple descending groups.

Abstract: A doll and a method of using the same is provided. The doll comprises a controller having a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor and having an audio file and a preset time stored therein, and a timing module in communication with the processor. The doll further comprises a speaker in communication with the processor, wherein, when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, the audio file is played using the speaker.

Abstract: A figurine and method of use is having selectable personalization includes a doll having a head and torso, also a base disposed adjacent to the head, the base including a surrounding sidewall extending from a bottom portion to an opening defining a first interior that receives a first selected indicia. Further, a transparent cover including an outer periphery that is removably engaged from the sidewall opening. The cover having a first side and second side forming a concave profile to define a second interior portion, with the second side adjacent to the base when the cover and base are engaged, wherein the first and second interior portions form a chamber for the first indicia to be protectively and securely displayed. The base and cover engagement prevents unauthorized removal of the first indicia from the chamber by requiring a tool to separate the base and the cover.

Abstract: A child's stuffed teddy bear embodiment is made with arms that are animated by an internal electronically-controlled electric motor. The paws at the ends of arms are normally located initially so as to cover the bear's eyes, with the head inclined slightly and the eyes downcast. When a child approaches the bear within a predetermined distance, a built-in proximity sensor initiates the bear's built-in animation system to move the arms so as to remove the hands from the eyes, incline the head upwardly and immediately speak a phrase such as “peek-a-boo” generated by a built-in speech synthesizer, audio amplifier and loudspeaker. Then the cycle is completed by returning to the initial condition: the end of the paws again covering the eyes and the head inclining downwardly.

Abstract: Interactive devices for detecting, characterizing, and acting upon tactile inputs are disclosed. An example embodiment may include a doll configured to produce audible outputs, visible outputs, and/or movement based at least in part upon its characterization of a tactile input. For example, the doll may characterize a tactile input as a slap, a tickle, a rub, a pinch, etc., and the doll may cry, smile, giggle, or move based upon its characterization of the tactile input.

Abstract: An interactive play set, method and apparatus, is disclosed which is based on a host toy and a plurality of action figures. Each of the action figures has a unique set of attributes related to how the action figure interacts with the host toy device. The play set includes communication means to transmit the identity of the action figure to the host toy, and/or to transmit commands from the host toy to the action figure. The preferred embodiment discloses a remote control toy car, and a plurality of action figures that represent drivers. Associated with each action figure is one or a plurality of motion profiles that are stored in the memory of the car device. Upon connecting an action figure to the car device, the microprocessor of the car device will select and execute a motion profile corresponding to the action figure. The car toy device has a remote control apparatus to enable a player to interact with it.

Abstract: An interactive amusement device and a method therefor are disclosed. The device plays a musical soundtrack in a first game iteration corresponding to a learning mode. A sequence of user input actions received during this learning mode is detected, and timestamps for each is stored into memory. In a second game iteration corresponding to a playback mode, the musical soundtrack is replayed. Additionally, an output signal is generated on at least one interval of the user input actions based on the stored timestamps, and is coordinated with the replaying of the musical soundtrack.

Abstract: A Halloween novelty item used for entertainment consisting of a removable reservoir of fluid and a timed electromagnetic valve inside a head that is activated by a motion sensor whereby allowing fluid to expel intermittently out of orifices attached to a tongue when the Halloween novelty item is approached. The expelled fluid is caught by a bucket attached to a slide bracket which is attached to a body panel whereby allowing the bucket to be removable. An assembly attached to a bucket handle consisting of a pair of hooks attached to a pair of hands connected to a pair of flexible arms allows the assembly to detach from the bucket's handle. A stabilization board keeps the novelty item stable. Motion sensors facing different directions are attached to a voice recorder and a speaker allowing messages to play. A hinge and latches attached to the body allows the invention to condense.

Abstract: A figurine and method of use is having selectable personalization includes a doll having a head and torso, also a base disposed adjacent to the head, the base including a surrounding sidewall extending from a bottom portion to an opening defining a first interior that receives a first selected indicia. Further, a transparent cover including an outer periphery that is removably engaged from the sidewall opening. The cover having a first side and second side forming a concave profile to define a second interior portion, with the second side adjacent to the base when the cover and base are engaged, wherein the first and second interior portions form a chamber for the first indicia to be protectively and securely displayed. The base and cover engagement prevents unauthorized removal of the first indicia from the chamber by requiring a tool to separate the base and the cover.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio recording and playback device permits recording of a karaoke-style song to be played upon opening of the greeting card. A user sings along with a permanently prerecorded, karaoke-style song that is played during a recording session. The recording device is operable in either a trial mode or a use mode. In the trial mode, a user-recorded song is played back initially for the potential purchaser but is not subsequently played back to be later heard by other potential purchasers. In the use mode, which the card may be switched to after purchase by removal of a trial mode panel from the greeting card, a user-recorded karaoke-style song is played upon subsequent openings of the card. During playback, the user-recorded song is played simultaneously with the prerecorded karaoke-style recording that was played during the recording session. Additional prerecorded messages, such as voice prompts with instructions, may also be included.

Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an assembly for moving a selectively magnetized article. The assembly has a conduit having an inlet and an outlet and defining a lumen extending from the inlet to the outlet. A magnetic source is selectively positioned proximate an exterior surface of the conduit and transmits a magnetic field into the lumen to magnetically engage at least a portion of the selectively magnetized article. The assembly is configured to attract the selectively magnetized article through the inlet and move the article through the lumen toward the outlet. The assembly can be positioned within a doll with the inlet of the assembly positioned proximate a mouth of the doll. The assembly can include means for articulating a lower lip of the doll to simulate chewing of the selectively magnetized article when the article is inserted into the mouth of the doll.

Abstract: An interactive rocking cradle and doll is disclosed where, when the cradle is rocked with the baby inside of it, the cradle emits music and baby sounds. If the cradle is rocked without the baby, however, then the cradle only emits music but no baby sounds. None of the electronics required to emit the sounds are located in the doll, thereby allowing the doll to be created in a real and life-like manner.

Abstract: A manually operated air-driven music box which will generate music at a relatively constant tempo as a user moves the music box back and fourth in opposite directions through the air. The music box has a rotatable drum cylinder to activate tone arms. A first propeller on one end of a drive axle and a second propeller on an opposite end of the drive axle rotate the drive axle as the music box is moved through the air. A gear mechanism for the drive axle rotates the drum cylinder in the same direction as the drive axle is rotated by the propellers. The first propeller is constructed to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the second propeller is constructed to rotate in a clockwise direction.

Abstract: A realistic electro-mechanical toy that can simulate lifelike purring and other vibratory sensations of animals and other creatures by transmission of vibrations to the body of the mechanical toy providing enhanced and lifelike interaction with a user. An arm is coupled to a body and includes a finger portion at an end of the arm. The finger portion is biased against a cam which is rotatably coupled to the body and includes one or more protuberances on a surface perimeter such that when the cam is rotated a vibration is transmitted to the body simulating lifelike purring and other vibratory sensations. The cam is rotated in a back and forth motion and is synchronized with a sound element producing a purring sound occurring around the time the vibration is transmitted to the body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a pull toy comprises a body; a first limb element that is joined to the body; a second limb element that is joined to the body at an angle with respect to the first limb element; wherein the second limb element is joined to the body at about a linear midpoint of the second limb element and wherein the first limb element is joined to the body at about a linear midpoint of the first limb element.

Abstract: A process execution apparatus and method is disclosed by which a process can be executed significantly simply and readily. The process execution apparatus includes a direction recognition section for recognizing a housing member shaking direction in which a housing member is shaken, and a process execution section for executing a process in response to the housing member shaking direction recognized by the direction recognition section. The direction recognition section recognizes the housing member shaking direction with respect to a direction of the gravity detected when the housing member is held by a person.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for rendering audio animation, the system comprising: two or more non-biotic figures; an audio player, having two or more audio sources correspondingly to the two or more non-biotic figures, for simultaneously playing the audio signals associated with the two or more non-biotic figures; and two or more speaker units corresponding to the two or more audio sources. The system may further comprise means for wireless transmission of the audio signal of at least one of the audio sources to a remote speaker unit thereof. The means for wireless transmission may comprise a wireless transmission unit deployed at the audio player, and a wireless receiving unit deployed at the speaker unit. The non-biotic figure may be a two-dimensional, three-dimensional figure, and so on.

Abstract: A toy with interchangeable parts is provided. The toy is comprised of a plurality of first and second enclosures that each contain unique indicia and are attachable and detachable. In one form, the enclosures are each one-half of a first toy form, such as a heart. An enclosure from the plurality of first enclosures attaches to an enclosure of the plurality of second enclosures to form the first toy form. The enclosures separate to form a second toy form. In the second form, the enclosures can further open to expose an inner cavity of the enclosures, which, in one form, contains a figurine. First and second enclosures are interchangeable such that different toys of the first toy form may be created. In one form, the first toy form is adapted to interact with a docking station that plays sounds corresponding to the first toy form.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an accessory for a toy figure having at least one receptacle and to a play kit. The accessory includes a housing configured to be selectively attached to the at least one receptacle of the toy figure. In some embodiments, the accessory includes an audio input mechanism; an audio processing mechanism; and an audio output mechanism. In some embodiments, the accessory includes a motion detector mechanism and an audio output mechanism. In some embodiments, the accessory includes an optical assembly. In some embodiments, the play kit includes a toy figure having at least one receptacle; a key; a first accessory; and a second accessory.