Abstract: A mobile unit control unit causes a communication unit to transmit user setting information supplied from an input unit and control data for controlling a mobile unit. A display control unit generates display data corresponding to the human flow data in a human flow data DB, and outputs the generated display data to a display unit. The communication unit transmits control data, measurement area information, and landing area information to the mobile unit, and receives human flow data from the mobile unit and supplies the human flow data to a control unit. The input unit sets setting information relating to human flow data measurement, in response to a user operation. The display unit performs display corresponding to the display data generated by the display control unit. The present disclosure can be applied to a human flow measurement system including a mobile unit and a terminal, for example.

Abstract: A dancing robot includes a play unit, a processor, and a memory. The play unit plays music. The processor analyzes a musical tempo of the music. The memory stores a relationship between different musical tempos and movement patterns of the robot. The robot can move its head, body, and arms in certain movement patterns in time to the music, and if a human face is recognized through a camera of the robot, the robot can be controlled to give the appearance of dancing with the person who has the recognized face.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an action piece for a toy play set is provided, the action piece being configured to have at least three separate engagement features configured to retain and subsequently release a portion of an action figure. In another embodiment a play set is provided, the play set having: a ring structure, at least one action figure and an action piece for securement to a portion of the ring structure. In still another embodiment, a method of launching an action figure from a play set in order to cause the action figure to fly through the air in a predetermined fashion is provided.

Abstract: Examples and implementations of various robotic mechanisms, devices, components, systems and techniques are provided, including multimodal robotic devices and systems. For example, a multimodal robot can be configured to autonomously reconfigure between two or more primary modes of operation. Such robots may be used in a wide range of applications, including reconnaissance, exploration, search and rescue, military, sports, personal assistance, education, and entertainment and toys. Described examples of multimodal robots can be wheeled robots that use two or more drive wheels to perform various motions and operations.

Abstract: A game includes an adversarial figure with at least two portions that cooperatively present a figure-holding chamber. A captured figure is removably positioned in the chamber and operable to enter and exit the chamber. The holding figure also has a latch assembly that holds the portions in a closed condition where figure ingress and egress is restricted. The latch assembly can be shifted to open the portions and permit figure ingress and egress to and from the chamber. The game has an objective of freeing the captured figure from within the chamber by having a player position a rescuing figure in a game area, and releasing the captured figure from control of the holding figure as a result of a releasing act of the rescuing figure.

Abstract: A novelty popper toy and its associated method of operation. The popper toy has a head section that is supported on a braided sleeve body. When the popper toy is compressed, the braided sleeve body elastically deforms from an uncompressed state to a compressed state. While in the compressed state, the braided sleeve body stores energy. If the compression force is suddenly released, the braided sleeve body releases its stored energy and pops back into its uncompressed state. As the braided sleeve body returns to its uncompressed state, it rapidly expands, therein providing enough force to propel the entire popper toy into the air. The popper toy can be delayed in its expansion and/or prevented from flying into the air by the addition of a suction cup to the popper toy.

Abstract: The present invention includes a doll that has a torso hingedly attached to a pair of legs. Springs are attached to the torso and legs for exerting a spring force that keeps the torso and legs in a substantially planar position. A motor mechanism attached to the torso and legs for moving the torso and legs towards each other against the springs. A circuit board in communication with the motor mechanism controls the torso and legs such that the doll hops along a surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dancing figure that includes a body defined by a torso, a head, and a pair of arms, and a pair of legs pivotally attached to the torso at a hip region. Each leg includes at least an upper leg section pivotally attached to a lower leg section at a knee region. Also included therewith is a pair of oversized feet adapted to provide support such that the figure is free-standing. The pair of oversized feet is separately and pivotally attached to one of the lower leg sections at an ankle region. Each foot houses a foot mechanism for independently pivoting the lower leg sections forwards and backwards at said ankle region, wherein the pivoting at said ankle regions causes pivoting motion at the knee regions and hip region to simulate animated movement in the figure. In addition thereto the foot mechanism may independently twist the foot to the left and right.

Abstract: A toy producing a jumping or bouncing action includes an outer body depicting a fanciful animal and an interior support structure which includes an elongated body housing having a head portion and supporting a tail portion. A pair of leg units having a corresponding pair of supporting feet are slidable within the body housing and are joined by a transversely extending leg unit bridge. A gear drive unit includes an electric motor and a plurality of drive gears which rotate a gear segment. The gear segment engages a gear rack on the leg unit bridge and is operative when the motor is energized to drive the toy figure toward a squatting position as the leg units are drawn into the body housing. A spring is coupled between the leg unit bridge and the body housing and is stretched as the gear segment rotates lifting the gear rack. When the teeth of the gear segment move out of engagement with the gear rack, the spring produces a thrusting force upon the leg units causing the toy to bounce or jump.

Abstract: A jumping mechanism includes a support frame and a swing arm pivoted to the support frame. A U-shaped leg has a pair of vertically extending parts which are mounted pivotally to the swing arm. The support frame is movable relative to the vertically extending parts in a vertical direction. A jumping control unit has a rotary cam plate which is mounted on the support frame and which rotates in a predetermined direction. The cam plate is disposed below and has a periphery which abuts with an outward projection of the swing arm. One end of a tension spring is hooked to an upper rear end of the swing arm, while the other end thereof is hooked to an upper front end of the support frame. Rotation of the cam plate initially causes the cam plate to urge the outward projection upward so as to cause the swing arm to pivot upwardly from a first position relative to the support frame.

Abstract: An ambulatory animal toy has a skeleton which includes a substantially horizontal torso. The torso has forward and rear ends defining forward and rear directions. Mutually spaced apart front and hind legs are attached to the torso. Feet are attached to the legs, and the feet have friction pads or rubber soles. The torso is caused to bend substantially horizontally while it is prevented from bending substantially vertically when the skeleton is pulled. The torso is inherently resilient in the horizontal direction and inherently inflexible in the vertical direction. At least the hind legs are pivotally attached to the torso and are allowed to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis.