Abstract: A computer system and method for synchronizing actions associated with media between a media/network device and peripherals. In an example implementation, a system includes a one or more processors configured to receive, by a communication module from a media/network device based on peripheral addressing information, a peripheral payload including a first set of actions and timing information related to media. The one or more processors perform the first set of actions based on the peripheral payload, generate response data for the first set of actions, and transmit the response data to the media/network device via a wireless network.

Abstract: An attaching apparatus includes a first member which has an axle member. A second member has a slot having a center plane and a cylindrical channel having a longitudinal centerline. The longitudinal centerline of the cylindrical channel lies within said center plane of said slot. The second member has a grip operatively associated with a spring and moveable between a first extended position and a second compressed position. The grip can selectively secure the axle member of said first member within the cylindrical chamber.

Abstract: To facilitate synchronization of a robot motion with a musical piece, a data conversion apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire first time-series information for designating coordinates of a constituent component of a predetermined computer graphics (CG) model on a beat basis in time series. The data conversion unit also includes a control unit configured to detect a structural difference between the predetermined CG model and a predetermined robot based on the first time-series information. The data conversion unit further includes a generation unit configured to correct the first time-series information based on the detected difference to generate second time-series information for designating coordinates of a constituent component of the predetermined robot on a beat basis in time series.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling access to software via a physical object. The system may include one or more of a physical object, such as a toy, a computing device, and a server. The toy may include a unique identifier that permits an owner of the toy to download software to the computing device via the server. In some variations, a purchaser of the toy may be permitted to download software to the computing device directly from a storage device associated with the toy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interaction between a user and a plurality of toys is disclosed where an interactive physical toy character senses inputs from a player and from a virtual toy character in a virtual environment. The virtual toy character likewise senses inputs from a player and a physical toy character so that bidirectional, multi-way gameplay involving a player, a physical toy and a virtual toy in a virtual environment is achieved.

Abstract: A wirelessly communicative cuddly toy including a stuffed animal toy having a motorized, articulated robotic interior member disposed therein surrounded by flocculent stuffing material. The robotic interior member includes a transceiver wirelessly communicable by NFC protocol with any appropriate peripheral device. An articulated head member is disposed upon the robotic interior member and configured to animate a mouth of the stuffed animal toy when a speaker, disposed to play audio signals relayed by the transceiver, is activated. Audio executed on the peripheral device is thus playable through the speaker on the robotic interior member and the articulated head member animates the stuffed animal toy in simulation of verbal communication with a user.

Abstract: A music box includes a box, an operation unit, multiple activation units and a comb member. A circuit board controls a coil in a desired one of the activation units to create a magnetic field with the magnetic plate so as to attract the activation plate to be matched with the match plate. The attached activation plate and the match plate are rotated by a shaft extending through the activation units. The shaft is driven by a driving member. Each activation plate includes fingers which push the keys of the comb member to generate sound.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A plurality of toy and accessory figurines are provided which may be arranged in any number of configurations to provide a response upon the formation of a closed electrical circuit. The toy figurines comprise two electrical contacts which, when closed with an external connection source, provide a response stimuli, such as one or a combination of light, sound and/or motion. The toy figurines may be configured to provide the closed electrical circuit. Alternatively, direct skin contact with the electrical contacts may provide the closed electrical circuit. The accessory figurines provide a further level of interaction. The accessory toy figurines comprise a magnetic switch which is actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The magnetic switch is actuated to a closed configuration to close the electrical circuit when in proximity with a conductive metal, such as the electrical contact of the toy figurine, to deliver a response stimuli.

Abstract: A card-insertion remote-control talking doll is disclosed, which includes a shell, eyes capable of winking and driving motors thereof, and further includes: a speaker, a remote control and a driving control circuit disposed inside the shell; wherein a card slot for inserting a card is disposed on a remote control shell, a plurality of keys of an input keyboard is disposed below the card slot; and push button bulges opposite the positions of the plurality of keys are disposed on at least one side of each card. The doll has the functions of voice interaction and learning.

Abstract: Animated toy figures including a torso having a neck and an interior body cavity, a head that is pivotally coupled to the neck, a vertically oriented lifting structure, where an upward movement of the lifting structure results in a backward pivoting of the head, first and second arm members disposed on opposing sides of the torso, a cross-connector rotatably disposed within the interior body cavity connected to and extending between the first and second arm members and configured to drive the lifting structure upward upon rotation of the cross-connector, and an activating member disposed on the torso that is operatively coupled to the cross-connector. Activation of the activating member rotates the cross-connector, thereby rotating the first and second arm members and vertically displacing the lifting structure, so that the upward movement of the arm members is coupled to a backward pivoting of the head.

Abstract: A doll of football game table for mounting on an operation rod of the football game table is disclosed. The doll includes a first main body and a second main body. Bottom ends of the two main bodies are detachably latched with each other. A connecting member detachably connects top ends of the main bodies. Accordingly, the main bodies are detachably mounted on the operation rod. The doll further includes at least one fixing member for engaging at least one of the main bodies with the operation rod. By means of operating the operation rod, the doll can be driven to move or rotate. The doll can be directly mounted on or taken off from the operation rod. In case of damage of the doll, the main bodies of the doll can be unlatched from each other to take off the doll from the operation rod so that the doll can be easily replaced.

Abstract: A toy with sound-activated motion is provided. The toy comprises a toy body, a single motor within the body, adapted to turn in opposite directions in response to changes in electrical polarity, and control means to automatically reverse the polarity of an electrical current being supplied to the motor in response to an acoustical or electromagnetic input signal. The control means is adapted to automatically reverse the polarity in response to a changing acoustical or electromagnetic input signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive play are provided, including a method of interacting with an action figure. The method includes the steps of providing a base unit having a processor, providing an action figure having a memory which stores data relating to the action figure, communicating the data in the form of communication signals to the processor, and presenting an activity instruction based on the communication signals received, with the activity instruction enacting a real-life activity that the action figure can engage in.

Abstract: An interactive toy for playing a game with a user of the toy includes electrical components for producing audible messages to instruct user actions. The toy also includes a hat having a brim movable between up and down positions. The position of the brim determines the play sequence of the toy and the audible messages played thereby by way of an activation mechanism. The toy is switched between “hide me” and “locate me” modes based on the position of the brim. An abbreviated trial mode is provided by way of a removable pull tab.

Abstract: A child's learning device includes a housing, a countdown timer and a driving mechanism. The housing includes a main body and an appendage attached to the main body, the appendage pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation. The countdown timer includes a control mechanism for designating one of a plurality of designated time periods. The driving mechanism is connected between the countdown timer and the appendage. The driving mechanism and countdown timer are configured such that manually pivoting the appendage from the first orientation to the second orientation sets the countdown timer for the designated time period, and the appendage is driven back from the second orientation to the first orientation over the course of the designated time period by mechanical force provided by countdown timer to the driving mechanism.

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: 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: Toy design methods break down the desired behavior of an electro-mechanical toy into unique states represented with electronics and/or mechanical modeling. The toy will exist in such rest state until some external event acts to trigger a state change in one or more of the parts. Any event can be defined at an appropriate user, environmental, or sensory input to can act as a trigger for the toy to react with some predefined behavior. Each of several physical toy states can be uniquely represented with an electronic circuit register. A multi-bit register status at any one particular instant directly represents the entire state the toy is in, and is quick and simple to inspect and act on. State changes triggered by input stimuli cause a change in the register bits reflecting the changing conditions of the toy.

Abstract: A doll of football game table for mounting on an operation rod of the football game table. The doll includes a first main body and a second main body which are detachably latched with each other to hold the operation rod. The doll further includes at least one fixing member for engaging at least one of the main bodies with the operation rod, whereby by means of operating the operation rod, the doll can be driven to move or rotate. The doll can be directly mounted on or taken off from the operation rod. In case of damage of the doll, the main bodies of the doll can be unlatched from each other to take off the doll from the operation rod so that the doll can be easily replaced.

Abstract: An interactive toy doll is described for performing and displaying realistic facial expressions and ordered sequences of visual and aural effects upon activation. The doll includes at least one sensor disposed thereon, a position orientation switch, at least one motor and at least one pair of contact switches functionally connected with a controller. Upon initial activation of a sensor, the doll is responsive to subsequent re-orientation thereafter for a pre-determined amount of time.

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: A doll comprised of a metal framework with moveable joints to simulate human movement, covered with plastic exterior shaped and painted to resemble the popularly-accepted image of Jesus Christ as an adult. Doll's movements are controlled by an interior micro-chip and hand-held wireless remote, which directs dancing, singing, and speaking gesture movements of the doll that are synchronized with music and voice audio recordings.

Abstract: A sound-controlled structure connectable to a multimedia player includes a sound-controlled mechanism having a covering, an actuating unit, a sensing unit, and a power transmission unit; a container connected to the covering of the sound-controlled mechanism with the power transmission unit extended into the container; and a connecting mechanism received in the container and having at least one receiving slot. The connecting mechanism has a processing unit electrically connected to a connector arranged in the receiving slot, a power cord, a jack for the power transmission unit to plug in, a display unit, and two speakers. When a portable multimedia player is inserted in the receiving slot of the connecting mechanism to output image and sound, the sound-controlled mechanism is brought to continuously act in response to the sound.

Abstract: An amusing display ornament is provided with at least one support rod disposed on a base, and a toy figurine or model suspended ornament disposed on each of the support rods. A bottom portion of each of the support rods is connected to a transmission module driven by a drive module positioned within the base. When the drive module is actuated, the support rods are caused to rotate or move in an up and down fashion by means of the transmission modules, thereby causing synchronous movement of the toy figurines or the model suspended ornaments disposed on the support rods. The base can be further installed with a control unit and connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port of a computer, thereby enabling power and musical digital data to be acquired through the USB port, and enabling the suspended ornaments to play music when moving.

Abstract: A doll of football game table for mounting on an operation rod of the football game table. The doll includes a first main body and a second main body which are detachably latched with each other to hold the operation rod. The doll further includes at least one fixing member for engaging at least one of the main bodies with the operation rod, whereby by means of operating the operation rod, the doll can be driven to move or rotate. The doll can be directly mounted on or taken off from the operation rod. In case of damage of the doll, the main bodies of the doll can be unlatched from each other to take off the doll from the operation rod so that the doll can be easily replaced.

Abstract: An interactive toy for playing a game with a user of the toy includes electrical components for producing audible messages to instruct user actions. The toy also includes a hat having a brim movable between up and down positions. The position of the brim determines the play sequence of the toy and the audible messages played thereby by way of an activation mechanism. The toy is switched between “hide me” and “locate me” modes based on the position of the brim. An abbreviated trial mode is provided by way of a removable pull tab.

Abstract: An animated toy alarm clock resembles a stuffed puppy, kitten, or other lovable creature. When the alarm is armed, the creature rotates or bows its limbs so that its body assumes a sleeping position. It may emit audible purring or other soothing noises for the relaxation of its owner. When the alarm goes off at the preset alarm time, the creature rotates or stretches its limbs so that its body rises into an awake position. It may emit barking, meowing, or other excited noises to awaken its owner to the world. The alarm clock may be conveniently disguised as a pet tag hung around an animal collar.

Abstract: A child's learning device includes a housing, a countdown timer and a driving mechanism. The housing includes a main body and an appendage attached to the main body, the appendage pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation. The countdown timer includes a control mechanism for designating one of a plurality of designated time periods. The driving mechanism is connected between the countdown timer and the appendage. The driving mechanism and countdown timer are configured such that manually pivoting the appendage from the first orientation to the second orientation sets the countdown timer for the designated time period, and the appendage is driven back from the second orientation to the first orientation over the course of the designated time period by mechanical force provided by countdown timer to the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A toy robot includes a storage system, a player, an instruction generator, a drive module, an interface, and an update unit. The storage system is arranged for storing songs and motion control programs corresponding to each song. The player is arranged for playing the songs. The instruction generator is configured for generating motion control instructions based on the motion control programs. The drive module drives movable parts of the toy robot to execute corresponding motion patterns according to the motion control instructions. The interface is arranged for receiving motion control programs from an external electronic device. The update unit is configured for storing the motion control programs to the storage system.

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: A motion based communications system having an animated device, which is controlled locally or over a network connection, and which uses motion to convey information to a user. The information can relate to a predefined system events, such as printer status changes, e-mail status, system errors or communications. Further, it can represent remote individuals in a chat room, or when playing games. Computer games can use it to represent a remote or local human or software opponent. Voice recognition software allows commands or data to be input to the system via the device. Multiple devices can be used for multiple remotely located users. A universal base unit allows characters to be replaceably attached to, and controlled by, the base unit. Different characters can be substituted for different games, etc. The device may be software controlled by any application program via a standard application program interface.

Abstract: An audio-visual educational device including a housing including a plurality of separate viewable indicia each representative of an object which produces a distinctive audible sound associated with the corresponding object. A sound emitting area is also provided in the housing in close proximity to each object. An electronic controller operably mounted in the housing selectively produces and emits or causes to be emitted through an audio output device each of the distinctive audible sounds from the corresponding sound emitting area responsive to manual selection of one viewable indicia. The user then receives an audible queue in the form of the audible sound to look in the direction of sound emanating from the corresponding sound emitting area thereby learning to associate the selected viewable object with its corresponding audible sound.

Abstract: A game includes a toy figure that includes memory for storing information relating to the toy figure, a first game system configured to communicate with the toy figure, and a second game system configured to communicate with the toy figure. The first game system is configured to download the stored information relating to the toy figure, receive input from a user, and alter the stored information based on the received input and the downloaded information. Similarly, the second game system is configured to download the stored information relating to the toy figure, receive input from a user, and alter the stored information based on the received input and the downloaded information. The second game system provides a play pattern substantially different from a play pattern provided by the first game system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic signaling interactive toy comprising of at least one ultrasonic transceiver inside an interactive toy. The ultrasonic transceiver is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. Each interactive toy includes at least one ultrasonic transceiver for producing a response after receiving an ultrasonic signal. Since ultrasonic signals can be transmitted or received using the same circuit, power consumption and production costs are low.

Abstract: Electronic toy receives control information via an input interface and stores the received control information in memory. The electronic toy includes at least one sensor for detecting an external stimulus applied to the toy, and control information is read out from the memory in response to an external stimulus detection signal generated by the sensor so that the electronic toy is controlled to perform a predetermined operation in accordance with the read-out control information. It is possible to readily renew operations that can be performed by the electronic toy, by, for example, downloading desired control information from a server via a communication line and then storing the desired control information in an internal memory of the toy.

Abstract: A system, method and computer software product for controlling the operation of a device in accordance with a user's personal profile or local environment. The device is designed for interaction with a user based on the personal or an environment profile and includes a wireless communication device for communicating with a computer. The computer providing instructions to the device for controlling the operation of the device based on gathered data and in response to a stored user's personal profile.

Abstract: This comprises a mechanical system (1) and a pneumatic system (3) that are interconnected to perform three phases. In the first one a walking mechanism is activated consisting of an oscillating plate (77) connected to the doll's legs. The second phase takes place when the doll is supplied with air and water through the mouth (43), connected by tubes (44) to a pneumatic accumulator (24) and an output valve (45) capable of being manually placed in an opened or closed position. During this phase, the doll repeatedly moves its hand towards its crotch, while it changes from walking to a restless movement, accomplished thanks to the alternating axial movement from a moveable toothed crown (12) and to the dissipation of energy in an arm clutch (29). The third phase consists in the ejection through the output valve (45) of a squirt of pressurized water, previously stored in the pneumatic accumulator.

Abstract: An animated doll having an enlarged head and enlarged feet relative to its body, and including a combination of independent, interactive features. The interactive features include a head position assembly, which controls rotation of the head, and an eye assembly mechanism, which drives and controls the opening and closing of eyelids on the doll. The doll may also include a communication port to receive removable external components, which are associated with a pre-recorded response.

Abstract: A game includes a toy figure that includes memory for storing information relating to the toy figure, a first game system configured to communicate with the toy figure, and a second game system configured to communicate with the toy figure. The first game system is configured to download the stored information relating to the toy figure, receive input from a user, and alter the stored information based on the received input and the downloaded information. Similarly, the second game system is configured to download the stored information relating to the toy figure, receive input from a user, and alter the stored information based on the received input and the downloaded information. The second game system provides a play pattern substantially different from a play pattern provided by the first game system.

Abstract: A toy character having a body portion and a pair of legs operated by motor operated linkages that are controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor functions to move the legs in unison between sitting and standing positions or move the legs in opposite directions. The character thus functions to bounce and dance.

Abstract: An apparatus is equipped to provide dance visualization of a stream of music. The apparatus is equipped with a sampler to generate characteristic data for a plurality of samples of a received stream of music, and an analyzer to determine a music type for the stream of music using the generated characteristic data. The apparatus is further provided with a player to manifest a plurality of dance movements for the stream of music in accordance with the determined music type of the stream of music.

Abstract: This invention relates to an animated musical alligator which features movement while playing music. The object of the animated musical alligator is to provide an original, amusing toy and novelty item for adults and children, alike. When it plays songs, mouth movements occur in synchronization with the singing, as a result of its circuitry and mechanical operation system. In addition, the alligator produces realistic walking movements and up-and-down, as well as side-to-side head movements. The invention's integrated circuit, which creates sound signal and movement signal outputs, produces music through its amplifier and speaker. Additionally, the IC activates various motors, which trigger gears to create leg movements and side-to-side and up-and-down head movements. This operation system also creates mouth movements in synchronization with the playing of songs.

Abstract: An action figure includes an upper body having robotic features and a lower body interconnected with the upper body. The upper body includes a head and arms connected to a torso that connects to the lower body. The lower body includes construction tools, a chassis and front and rear wheels attached to the chassis. The action figure has a sound generation system that generates a sound such as a whistle or a phrase by actuation of sound activating switches.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy figure having a circuit board to store audio outputs, a speaker to emit the audio outputs, and the ability to activate the playback of the audio outputs. The figure includes a motor mechanism along with the ability to move or pivot the figure's head and/or an appendage attached to the figure. A plurality of switches are positioned about the figure; each switch when triggered, activates controls to move the figure and activates the playback of audio outputs that are incomprehensible to a user. The figure also includes a proximity sensor that is triggered when the figure is in close proximity to an object. When the proximity sensor is triggered, the circuit board is activated to control the movement of the figure and to playback audio outputs that are in a language understandable by the user and played at a low tone such that the user is inclined to move the figure towards the user's ear.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy figure having a circuit board to store pre-recorded sounds, a speaker to emit the pre-recorded sounds, and a means to activate the playback of said pre-recorded sounds. The figure also includes a plurality of sensors separately positioned about the figure at specific locations; each sensor when triggered activates the playback of pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location. A first arm having a hand attached thereto includes a magnet that when in proximity to one of the sensors triggers said sensor, whereby a user moving the hand with the magnet to a location on the figure containing a sensor, the figure plays pre-recorded sounds indicative of the location.

Abstract: A toy having a detachable central processing unit is disclosed and includes a central processing unit having a growth algorithm for learning purposes, a driving unit for exhibiting learned actions and functions, and a link unit for linking the central processing unit and the driving unit. When the central processing unit is detached from the driving unit, the toy can learn via a cyber character or can be utilized as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), mobile phone, or a personal computer. When the driving unit is linked to the central processing unit, the toy's learning abilities are improved.

Abstract: The present invention includes a toy figure having a torso connected to a first leg and a second leg. A first motor is secured in the torso and is in communication with a first gear train, which is meshed to a fastener in the first leg, such that when the figure is in a standing position, the first motor causes the torso to move in relation to the first leg. A second motor is secured in the second leg and is in communication with a second gear train, which is rotatably attached to the torso such that when the figure is in the standing position, the second motor causes the second leg to move in relation to the first leg along the axis. A circuit board has pre-programmed instructions that when the figure is in the standing position controls the motors such that the figure walks across the surface.

Abstract: A mechanical swing doll has a housing having a first chamber defined therein. A seat is mounted in the housing, and has a second chamber defined at a lower part thereof. A gear assembly is installed in the second chamber. A motor is mounted between the housing and the seat for driving the gear assembly. Two sector gears are respectively provided at two sides of the gear assembly and engaged with the gear assembly. Two shanks are pivotally mounted on the seat and respectively driven by the sector gears. A cloth covering the housing, the seat, and the shanks are hung on a suspender.

Abstract: An interactive, animated, robotic doll including a body, a processor, terminals linked to the processor, and a removable attachment. The terminals are connected to metal snaps on the body and the removable attachment includes complimentary snaps that secure the garment to the doll body. An electric circuit is completed when the attachment is secured by the snaps to the doll.