Abstract: A planar touch sensor (an electrostatic capacitance sensor) for detecting a contact by a user on a body surface is installed on a robot. Pleasantness and unpleasantness are determined in accordance with a place of contact and a strength of contact on the touch sensor. Behavioral characteristics of the robot change in accordance with a determination result. Familiarity with respect to the user who touches changes in accordance with the pleasantness or unpleasantness. The robot has a curved form and has a soft body.

Abstract: A system for obtaining an interaction between a person in charge and a child with a toy including an electronic module, a controller device and a computer application executed by said controller device wherein, by the execution of said computer application, a processor of said controller device performs the operations: reading, from said a storage memory, information corresponding to a profile of said child, said profile including at least one interest of said child; displaying, by means of a display, a list of activities, said list of activities including at least one activity option, said at least one activity option being related to said at least one interest of said child; obtaining, by means of said a user input interface, a selected activity from said list of activities; and communicating information corresponding to instructions related to said selected activity to said wearable electronic module by means of appropriate communicating means.

Abstract: A hand puppet of the type is configured to represent a real animal. The preferred embodiment described herein is of that of a dog. The hand puppet described herein can also be a duck or a monkey. The hand puppet contains a series of electronic components, which includes accelerometers, a speaker, a main circuit board, a power source and sensors, which allows to the hand puppet to detect nearby objects and to detect pressure applied by the mouth portion of the puppet. The hand puppet can be manipulated using a hand to synthesize over numerous sounds in real-time. Each sound generated by the hand puppet is distinct depending on the activity being simulated with the hand puppet. Each sound that is generated by the hand puppet is unique. The hand puppet discussed herein will appear to have a personality of its own and will feel alive in the user's hand.

Abstract: An eyewear fitting system and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the eyewear fitting system can include a bust having a plurality of adjustable features. Typically, the adjustable features can include a pair of ears, a pair of eyes, a nose, a pair of cheeks, and a forehead. A user can adjust an individual, several, or all of the adjustable features to practice fitting eyewear frames to differently shaped faces. In one embodiment, a control module can be implemented to randomly alter the adjustable features to a allow student to practice fitting eyewear frames to a variety of differently shaped faces.

Abstract: A care apparatus is described that has the capability to sense environmental characteristics, detect a dependent's condition, and carry out suitable actions to care for the dependent. The care apparatus may move in various directions, store items, take images, play sounds, music, and videos, and facilitate two-way wireless communication with other devices.

Abstract: A game bird decoy provides for more natural kinematics by providing a smoothly articulating neck, an automatic orientation of the neck with respect to body tipping and improved dual-mode wing activation in which the wings may lift or lift and extend as a function of body angle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a lip moving device for use in robots are provided. A lip moving device has first and second lip members. The first and second lip members are made from a flexible material. First and second driving parts apply torques to both ends of the first lip member, while third and fourth driving parts apply torques to both ends of the second lip member. The first and third driving parts are mounted in a first frame. The second and fourth driving parts are mounted in a second frame. The first and second frames are pivotally coupled to a supporting part. An adjusting part pivots the first and second frames relative to the supporting part to adjust a distance between the first and second frames.

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 simulated eye is capable of being rotatable along a circular track. The simulated eye includes an eyeball, a motor having a motor shaft, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly is fixed to the motor shaft and is driven to rotate around the motor shaft by the motor. The eyeball is fixed to the transmission assembly at a position departing from the axis of the motor shaft, and is driven to rotate around the motor shaft.

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: 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: An apparatus is provided for animating an image imprinted or otherwise disposed on a substantially flat surface, such as a photograph or a card. The image should include at least one element suitable for animation, such as the eyes and mouth of a face. The image is animated using an animation mechanism disposed behind the flat surface, which mechanism is connected by a solenoid to an element that is physically separate from the flat surface. The visible portion of the movable element is inserted from the back of the flat surface through a slit in the flat surface such that at least a portion of it is visible above the image. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of solenoids is utilized to move the element back and forth so as to create the illusion of animation to the picture. Also in the preferred embodiment, a device for playing an audio file associated with the image is provided, which device may be synchronized with the animation of the image so as to create a more lifelike appearance.

Abstract: Toy dolls include a head having a face having an alterable appearance and a mechanism for altering the appearance of the face. The mechanism may include a first element configured to pivot about a first axis between a first position and a second position, a second element operatively coupled to the first element and configured to pivot about a second axis between a third position and a fourth position in response to the first element pivoting from the first position to the second position, and a third element operatively coupled to the first element and configured to pivot about a third axis between a fifth position and a sixth position in response to the first element pivoting from the first position to the second position. Pivoting the second element may alter a first aspect of the appearance of the face, and pivoting the third element may alter a second aspect of the appearance of the face.

Abstract: A versatile, animated cake decoration that can be used with a cake to celebrate various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the like. The cake decoration can be partially embedded in the upper surface of the cake so as to simulate a face that has moving eyes and a moving mouth. The apparatus includes a battery that powers a mechanism that moves the eyes and the mouth and also powers a sound generator that can play a number of different songs and greetings to fit the celebration. The apparatus is safe and is constructed from non-toxic materials so it can safely be used on food products such as cake.

Abstract: A simulated eye is capable of being rotatable along a circular track. The simulated eye includes an eyeball, a motor having a motor shaft, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly is fixed to the motor shaft and is driven to rotate around the motor shaft by the motor. The eyeball is fixed to the transmission assembly at a position departing from the axis of the motor shaft, and is driven to rotate around the motor shaft.

Abstract: An interactive toy doll where the doll interacts with the user by reacting to its own orientation and to pressure applied to its body or mouth. If the doll is placed in a horizontal position, such as being laid down in a bed, it will close its eyes and go to sleep. Squeezing the doll's chest, as if hugging it, or placing the doll in an upright position can wake the doll. The doll can be fed by placing a toy bottle in the doll's mouth. The doll will then react by making sounds of a baby sucking on a bottle. After a set period of time in which the doll has not been fed, the doll will emit crying sounds, as if the doll is hungry.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive doll with wireless communication function. The doll with a humanoid figure includes a RF module disposed in the figure. A video input section is disposed in the eye of the figure, and audio output section is disposed in the mouth of the figure.

Abstract: An interactive toy control system is used to control an interactive toy driven by a motor module. The interactive toy control system includes a microprocessor unit, a first memory unit, a controlling module, a driving module, an acoustic processor unit and a second memory unit. The first memory unit is used to store movement information, the controlling module reads the movement information through the microprocessor unit and makes the driving module drive the motor module according to the movement information, so the interactive toy moves. The second memory unit is used to store acoustic information, the acoustic processor unit receives the signal from the microprocessor unit and translates the acoustic information into voice through a voicing apparatus. Through the co-operation of the microprocessor unit, the controlling module and the acoustic processor unit, the interactive toy can make voice and movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kind of rotating doll's eyeball, comprising of stand, eyeball, eyeball cover, eyeball driving device, cover and sound emitting device. The magnetic force of the magnetic component of the driving device swing magnetically attracts the magnetic component on the eyeball, resulting in the irregular rotation of the eyeball, accompanied by terrifying sound from the sound device, creating a more lifelike doll eyeball.

Abstract: A toy with a moving head has a seat, a front and a rear support respectively mounted on the seat, and a gear box provided between the front and rear supports. A series of gears and a series of actuating wheels are rotatably mounted in the gearbox. A first motor is connected to the gearbox and a head is connected to the gearbox. When the motor drives the gearbox, the head is raised and lowered by a set of actuating wheels and the head is shaken by a second set of actuating wheels. The jaw of the head also opens and closes to present a dynamic effect to attract people.

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: A tiny articulation eye and mouth (facial-expression structures) opening and closing structure installable in the hollow interior of a doll head, and utilizing a single, upright-axis motor, and a rotary, co-axial, stepped-diameter drive drum which is rotated by the motor. Circumferential drive tracks formed on the outside of the drum drive followers and actuation which directly impart opening and closing motions in the doll head's eyes and mouth.

Abstract: A tiny articulation eye and mouth (facial-expression structures) opening and closing structure installable in the hollow interior of a doll head, and utilizing a single, upright-axis motor, and a rotary, co-axial, stepped-diameter drive drum which is rotated by the motor. Circumferential drive tracks formed on the outside of the drum drive followers and actuation which directly impart opening and closing motions in the doll head's eyes and mouth.

Abstract: An interactive ride-on toy, having a stuffed toy horse's head which includes ears, a movable mouth and is connected to a stick. One or more buttons, each with an icon depicting an image, is positioned on one or both ears of the horse's head. An electronically programmed chip responds to activation of the button to operate a speaker and a mechanism for moving the horse's mouth, the speaker playing sounds relating to the image depicted on each button.

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: An authenticating pattern is disposed on a cover and an authenticating device is disposed in a robot apparatus for authenticating the cover on the basis of the authenticating pattern of the fitted cover. An information holding device for holding inherent information is disposed in the cover and a reading device for reading out the inherent information from the information holding device is disposed in the robot apparatus. A function of detecting an amount of influence due to the cover and changing manifesting patterns of motions as occasion demands on the basis of the detection result is disposed in the robot apparatus.

Abstract: A hanging ornament adapted to be hung from a tree or the like including synchronized, animated elements accompanied by the playback of audible media. A direct current motor powers a plurality of synchronized rocker/cam assemblies, each of which controls and synchronizes the animation of individual facial features which are visible through the ornament housing. An internal source of direct current power energizes the DC motor and, upon activation, energizes the playback of recorded media.

Abstract: A device for causing a toy to simulate a yawn or sleep condition, includes an actuator mounted in the toy which is pivotable between first and second positions when a stimulus is applied to the toy. A sensor is provided for detecting one of the first and second positions of the actuator. A microprocessor is operably connected to the sensor for receiving and storing signals from the actuator. The microprocessor counts the total number of signals and transmits an activation signal to the toy to simulate a yawn or sleep condition when the total number of signals detected by the sensor reaches a preset value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is improvement of computer-controlled animated talking toy system in which novel methods and apparatus are provided to coordinate and control the sound and animation of a toy figure. Said toy figure has at least one articulated movable portion for providing animation with the actuation thereof provided by a multi-phase electro-mechanical drive device disposed therein which is feasible for digital control by a multimedia computer connected thereto. An audio output device is disposed within the body of said toy figure and is connected to and controlled by the sound subsystem of said computer. The animation of the toy is controlled by said computer according to detailed text content of the toy's audio speech.

Abstract: A doll includes a plush doll body having a movable head. A body housing within the doll body supports a control and sound circuit which is operatively coupled to a bidirectional motor drive system operative to move the head from side-to-side. A mouth moving mechanism is independently provided within the doll head. The body housing supports a pair of outwardly facing microphones on the right and left side of the housing to detect sound from either side. The control and sound circuit compares the sound energy received by the right side and left side microphones and determines the appropriate direction to pivot or rotate the head to simulate a “listening” attention by the doll.

Abstract: An interactive ride-on toy, having a stuffed toy horse's head which includes ears, a movable mouth and is connected to a stick. One or more buttons, each with an icon depicting an image, is positioned on one or both ears of the horse's head. An electronically programmed chip responds to activation of the button to operate a speaker and a mechanism for moving the horse's mouth, the speaker playing sounds relating to the image depicted on each button.

Abstract: A wall suspension type toy structure includes a base, a telescopic unit, a base plate, an open/close unit, a first drive unit, an upper seat, a second drive unit, and an ornament. In such a manner, the flower loop decoration may be expanded or contracted reciprocally, and the mouth of the outer shade of the head may be opened and closed continuously, thereby providing a lively amusement effect.

Abstract: A toy includes a body that has a fixed part, a movable part secured to the fixed part, and a flexible elastomer skin. The flexible elastomer skin covers at least a portion of the fixed part and couples to the movable part. The flexible skin moves in response to movement of the movable part.

Abstract: A very compact interactive toy is provided that provides highly life-like and intelligent seeming interaction with the user thereof. The toy can take the form of a small animal-like creature having a variety of moving body parts that have very precisely controlled and coordinated movements thereof so as to provide the toy with life-like mannerisms. The toy utilizes sensors for detecting sensory inputs which dictate the movements of the body parts in response to the sensed inputs. The sensors also allow several of the toys to interact with each other. The body parts are driven for movement by a single motor which is relatively small in terms of its power requirements given the large number of different movements that it powers. In addition, the motor is reversible so that the body parts can be moved in a non-cyclic life-like manner.

Abstract: A very compact interactive toy is provided that provides highly life-like and intelligent seeming interaction with the user thereof. The toy can take the form of a small animal-like creature having a variety of moving body parts that have very precisely controlled and coordinated movements thereof so as to provide the toy with life-like mannerisms. The toy utilizes sensors for detecting sensory inputs which dictate the movements of the body parts in response to the sensed inputs. The sensors also allow several of the toys to interact with each other. The body parts are driven for movement by a single motor which is relatively small in terms of its power requirements given the large number of different movements that it powers. In addition, the motor is reversible so that the body parts can be moved in a non-cyclic life-like manner.

Abstract: An interactive ride-on toy, having a stuffed toy horse's head which includes ears, a movable mouth and is connected to a stick. One or more buttons, each with an icon depicting an image, is positioned on one or both ears of the horse's head. An electronically programmed chip responds to activation of the button to operate a speaker and a mechanism for moving the horse's mouth, the speaker playing sounds relating to the image depicted on each button.

Abstract: An audio-visual education system using movable toys is disclosed. The system includes a multichannel radio transmitter mounted on a stereo output terminal of a sound signal regenerative apparatus, the radio transmitter separates sound signals, call signals, and movement control signals corresponding to specific movable toys and radio transmitting each of the signals. The moveable toys move their mouth, hands, feet, or body. A radio receiver is mounted in each movable toy. The radio receiver receives signals from the radio transmitter and controls the sound and movement of the relevant portion of the movable toy according to the received signals. A speaker is mounted in each movable toy for outputting the sound signal received from the radio receiver.

Abstract: A very compact interactive toy is provided that provides highly life-like and intelligent seeming interaction with the user thereof. The toy can take the form of a small animal-like creature having a variety of moving body parts that have very precisely controlled and coordinated movements thereof so as to provide the toy with life-like mannerisms. The toy utilizes sensors for detecting sensory inputs which dictate the movements of the body parts in response to the sensed inputs. The sensors also allow several of the toys to interact with each other. The body parts are driven for movement by a single motor which is relatively small in terms of its power requirements given the large number of different movements that it powers. In addition, the motor is reversible so that the body parts can be moved in a non-cyclic life-like manner.

Abstract: A very compact interactive toy is provided that provides highly life-like and intelligent seeming interaction with the user thereof. The toy can take the form of a small animal-like creature having a variety of moving body parts that have very precisely controlled and coordinated movements thereof so as to provide the toy with life-like mannerisms. The toy utilizes sensors for detecting sensory inputs which dictate the movements of the body parts in response to the sensed inputs. The sensors also allow several of the toys to interact with each other. The body parts are driven for movement by a single motor which is relatively small in terms of its power requirements given the large number of different movements that it powers. In addition, the motor is reversible so that the body parts can be moved in a non-cyclic life-like manner.

Abstract: A device for causing a toy to simulate a yawn or sleep condition, includes an actuator mounted in the toy which is pivotable between first and second positions when a stimulus is applied to the toy. A sensor is provided for detecting one of the first and second positions of the actuator. A microprocessor is operably connected to the sensor for receiving and storing signals from the actuator. The microprocessor counts the total number of signals and transmits an activation signal to the toy to simulate a yawn or sleep condition when the total number of signals detected by the sensor reaches a preset value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toy's eyebrow and mouth moving mechanism, involving a base on which is fixed a stand and a main unit that accommodates the integral mechanism of this invention, on one side of the main unit is a motor which rotation can be switched on and off by a control circuit that is installed inside the base, the motor driving an eyebrow unit that is located at the upper part of the main unit, through a medium gear, an upper reducing gear and an upper activating gear, the motor also driving a lower jaw unit that is located at the lower part of the main unit, in such a construction, when the power of this invention is switched on, the control circuit will activate melodic music and flashing light (the lamp installed inside the eyeball), on the other hand the motor will activate the eyebrows and mouth to blink and move according to the music and rhythms, thus providing lively and amusing effects, and because of its more simplified construction than the prior art of the same category, this i

Abstract: An educational doll that simulates audible counting for kids The doll has a body portion and a connected head portion. The body is shaped in a girl-like figure to simulate a little girl. Formed on the head is a face with movable lips. A cam mechanism and motor assembly is used to controllably and mechanically move the lips of the doll to simulate speech analogous to human speech. The motor is attached to the cam mechanism for driving the lips. A sound generating apparatus electrically coupled to the assembly to produce the sound of number counting from an individual's. At least one switch is connected to the sound generating apparatus for activating a voice module coincidentally with the movement of the lips.

Abstract: A toy figure has a movable mouth coupled to an actuator in the belly area. A speech generator stores sound elements for an entire song, verse, or nursery rhyme. The speech generator is provided with a first track of sequenced sound elements (singing version) that form a song when sequentially generated, and a related second track of a like number of sequenced sound elements (humming version). Sound elements from the first and second tracks are interchangeable at any given point during sequential output thereof. A switch located in the mouth is connected to the speech generator to provide input as to the mouth position, i.e. open or closed. Squeezing the belly of the figure opens the mouth, changing the state of the switch and initiating an output sequence from the speech generator. When the mouth is open, the child is able to easily control the mouth position by varying the pressure on the belly actuator. The speech generator checks the state of the mouth switch at given intervals.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a talking toy in the form of an animated figure having a plurality of appendages for detachably combining with the toy body and that plays voice messages upon recognizing combinations of particular appendages with particular locations on the toy body.

Abstract: An electronic interactive puppet 10 has a body 12 with a head 14 that is capable of moving from left to right. The puppet's head 14 also has a moveable mouth 16, moveable eyes 18 and moveable eyebrows 20 to give added expression to the puppet's facial features. An actuating means 22 is provided for moving the puppet's head 14, mouth 16, eyes 18 and eyebrows 20 responsive to an actuating signal. The puppet 10 also includes a sound reproducing means 24 housed within the body 12 for reproducing pre-recorded sounds such as dialogue for the puppet. An electronic control means 26 is operatively connected to the actuating means 22 and sound reproducing means 24 of the puppet. The sound reproducing means 24 and actuating means 22 can be activated in synchronism with a sound track of a video program so that the puppet 10 appears to interact audibly and animatedly with the video program. The puppet 10 can be used with any conventional video program, and does not require a special video recording.

Abstract: A toy doll includes a body having an opening simulating a mouth and first and second electrical switches, each switch being disposed proximal to the simulated mouth and activatable by an object inserted at least partially into the mouth. A speaker is attached to the body. An electrical circuit including an integrated circuit chip is electrically connected with the switches and with the speaker. A base configured as a feeding tray is disposed externally of and is detachably connected with the body. The base has three external switches electrically connected with the circuit chip. The circuit chip has a plurality of memory registers, each register storing a separate signal corresponding to a separate audio message. The chip is configured to randomly select a prompt signal from the memory registers and to transmit the stored signal to the speaker. The prompt signal prompts the user to select a specified one of the switches. The chip is also configured to compare the selected switch with the specified switch.

Abstract: An animated toy doll having a substantially hollow head and an adjoining body, said head containing external facial features which include a mouth, said animated toy doll housing an operating device which comprises a pair of levers which are hinged together at one end position thereof and held apart by a biasing spring means disposed at the other end portion thereof, and connecting means extending from said one end portion of said pair of levers to the vicinity of the mouth of the doll, whereby, upon compressing the pair of levers against the bias of the spring, the connecting means pulls against the mouth, causing a desired change of expression in the facial features.

Abstract: A structural improvement of toy Christmas tree, involving mainly a foundation unit that is installed on top of a base to accommodate the entire mechanism of the invention, on the side of the lower part of the foundation unit is installed a motor which intermittent off-and-on rotation is controlled by a control circuit board installed in the base, the motor being linked with a reduction gear and a spring to drive a toy lower jaw part at the lower part of the foundation unit, and a driving rod to activate a toy eyebrow part that is located at the upper part of the foundation unit, thereby, once the power of the invention is switched on, the control circuit board will play happy music and flash LED light (the lamps being installed in the eyeball part), while the motor will drive the eyebrows and mouth of the Christmas tree to flip up and down and open and close, to create a fun image, meanwhile, its construction more simplified than conventional models will enable effective reduction of costs and enhancement of

Abstract: An infant care simulation system for use in teaching individuals the realities, responsibilities and constraints inherent in caring for young babies. The system also demonstrates the special problems of drug-dependent babies. Basically the system includes a doll having the shape and weight of a young baby and accessories of the sort used with such a baby. The doll and accessories are assigned to an individual for an extended period such as several days. A sound system and electronic circuitry are included within the doll to generate sounds simulating a baby crying at selected intervals for selected time periods. A spring loaded key or other manual switch is provided so that the individual can turn off the crying sound by holding the key in an off position. Preferably the key is secured to the assigned individual in a way preventing it being given to another person. Indicators showing rough handling, improper positioning of the doll, periods before a response is made to a crying signal, etc. are provided.