WO2018142390A1

WO2018142390A1 - Motion sensing device with interchangeable designed elements and method for using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2018142390A1
Application number: PCT/IL2018/050011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Meir BITON; Yuval LOMBROZO; Chen LEV
Original assignee: Jug Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Jug Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-02
Filing date: 2018-01-04
Publication date: 2018-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-02
Also published as: IL250429A0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motion sensing device, comprising: a) a portable base unit that includes at least one sensor, at least one indication unit, an ID reading arrangement and a processing unit, wherein said processing unit is adapted to control said at least one indication unit according to data received from said at least one sensor; and b) an interchangeable designed element adapted to be physically engaged with said portable base unit, wherein said interchangeable designed element includes a unique ID arrangement adapted to be read by the ID reading arrangement as to allow said processing unit to recognize the interchangeable designed element, thereby enabling said portable base unit to execute a program that acts in accordance with a visual character that appears on the engaged interchangeable designed element.

Description

MOTION SENSING DEVICE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE DESIGNED ELEMENTS AND

METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of gaming consoles. More particularly, the invention relates to a gaming console that is based on a motion sensing device that works together with interchangeable designed elements as to provide a unique gaming experience when physically engaging the gaming console with each different interchangeable designed element.

Background of the invention

Children development includes, among other aspects, the physical development and the strengthening of the child's motoric ability, alongside the child's cognitive development. Cognitive development involves, among others, stimulating a child's creativity and imagination, and providing amusement or entertainment to a child.

Games and toys are well known for providing entertainment and amusement to children, as well as to grownups. Traditional games, such as sports and ball games, involve physical development in addition to other contributions to a child's development. These games, however, suffer from lack of innovation. This can cause such games to be unappealing at times.

In the modern era, along with technological progress games and toys often incorporate technological enhancements such as interacting electronically with a user, alongside the ability to personalize a game and adapt it to the user who is playing the game (for example, choosing an action figure in a computer game). This type of games and toys is often more appealing to a child than traditional games, who may be rewarded with a response as result of a correct action in addition to enabling the child to personalize the game at will. Common gaming environments found in many households involve a computer or a mobile computerized device, e.g. a smartphone or a tablet device. A user, e.g. a child, playing a computer game may indeed benefit from the mental development provided by such a game. The user's physical development, on the other hand, is frequently neglected by limiting their range of attention to a display, e.g. a computer screen, thereby eliminating the need of movement while playing the game.

It would be beneficial to have a game capable of interacting with and responding to a user's actions, while enabling or encouraging a user's movement as part of playing with the game.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a motion sensing device, comprising:

a. A portable base unit that includes at least one sensor, at least one indication unit, an ID reading arrangement and a processing unit, wherein said processing unit is adapted to control said at least one indication unit according to data received from said at least one sensor; and

b. An interchangeable designed element adapted to be physically engaged with said portable base unit, wherein said interchangeable designed element includes a unique ID arrangement adapted to be read by the ID reading arrangement as to allow said processing unit to recognize the interchangeable designed element, thereby enabling said portable base unit to execute a program that acts in accordance with a visual character that appears on the engaged interchangeable designed element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor can be a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone (e.g., for obtaining voice commands), a photosensor or any other type of sensor or detector that can be used to obtain inputs from the user, from the environment or from other sources. According to an embodiment of the invention, the device may include more than one type of sensors, thus it may react to inputs received from each different type of sensor or from any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the portable base unit having a sphere-like or a ball-like form.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the interchangeable designed element covers, at least partially, the body of the portable base unit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unique ID arrangement is defined by at least one resistor that is located at the interchangeable designed element, and the ID reading arrangement is adapted to obtain the resistance value of the at least one resistor, such that when providing a plurality of interchangeable designed elements, each individual interchangeable designed element is provided with a unique ID that is defined by a different resistance value.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unique ID arrangement is defined by combination of several contact points that is located at the interchangeable designed element, and the ID reading arrangement is adapted to obtain said combination, such that when providing a plurality of interchangeable designed elements, each individual interchangeable designed element is provided with a unique ID that is defined by different combination of contact points.

According to an embodiment of the invention, unique ID arrangement is a wireless ID tag and the ID reading arrangement is a wireless ID reader. According to an embodiment of the invention, the wireless ID tag is implemented by Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) technologies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the portable base unit further comprises one or more light sources and one or more light sensors; and wherein the unique ID arrangement comprises a unique configuration of holes through which light from the one or more light sources passes.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the ID arrangement comprises one or more magnets located in a unique position creating a unique magnetic field;

According to an embodiment of the invention, the portable base unit includes a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with a mobile device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is adapted to exchange data over short distances, in particular by using Bluetooth technology.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one indication unit provides visual indication, audible indication or combination of both.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for using a motion sensing device with an interchangeable designed element, comprising:

a) Providing a portable base unit that includes at least one sensor, at least one indication unit, an ID reading arrangement and a processing unit, wherein said processing unit is adapted to control said at least one indication unit according to data received from said at least one sensor; and

b) Providing an interchangeable designed element adapted to be physically engaged with said portable base unit, wherein said interchangeable designed element includes a unique ID arrangement adapted to be read by the ID reading arrangement as to allow said processing unit to recognize the interchangeable designed element, thereby enabling said portable base unit to execute a program that acts in accordance with the character that appears on the engaged interchangeable designed element.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

Fig. 1A schematically illustrates a portable base unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. IB schematically illustrates an interchangeable designed element that is adapted to be physically engaged with the portable base unit of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1C schematically illustrates a device that incorporates the engagement of the interchangeable designed element of Fig. IB with the portable base unit of Fig. 1A;

Figs. 2A-2C schematically illustrate examples of different interchangeable designed elements that are physically engaged with the portable base unit of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates, in a block diagram form, components of the portable base unit, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a system that incorporates the device of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 5A and 5B schematically illustrates an interchangeable designed element with an ID arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figs. 6-8 schematically illustrate interchangeable designed elements with ID arrangements, according to some embodiments of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of claimed invention.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the arrangement described in the figures results in a system whose theme can be changed by an interchangeable designed element. When used as a gaming console, the system is capable of providing child entertainment while assisting in the child's cognitive and physical development. The system relates to a device comprised of a portable base unit capable of sensing motion of the device, as well as gestures and voice commands of a user, and providing indications to a user (such as play instructions and responses to actions); and an interchangeable designed element that may form a three- dimensional (3D) character or figure, and which is adapted to be physically engaged with the portable base unit, wherein the theme and behavior of the device is at least partially adjusted according to the nature of the interchangeable designed element character.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the portable base possesses a spherelike or a ball-like form. The base is preferably light weight, e.g. less than 1 kilogram, in order to allow a child to use the device as a toy. The size of the sphere-like base is determined as to allow a child to hold and use the toy device with ease, e.g. a diameter of 10cm, which is approximately the size of a standard softball. According to an embodiment, the base is coated by impact absorbing material, such as polystyrene, PVC or nylon, allowing durability when impacting a hard surface such as the floor. According to an embodiment of the invention, the base comprises one or more motion sensors adapted to sense changes in the location and orientation of the base. For example, an accelerometer can be used to detect and measure changes in the location of the base. A gyroscope or a digital compass can be used to detect and measure changes in the orientation of the base. Furthermore, the one or more motion sensors can be used to detect specific movements, for instance a "punch" motion wherein the base is moved rapidly and shortly in one direction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the base unit may comprise different types of sensors. For example, the sensors can be a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone (e.g., for obtaining voice com mands), a photosensor or any other type of sensor or detector that can be used to obtain inputs from the user, from the environment or from other sources. Accordingly, the device may react to inputs received from each sensor or from any combination thereof.

The base further comprises an indication unit, for providing instructions to a user and for providing feedback as result of an action performed by the user. The indication unit can include, but is not limited to, one or more LEDs for producing visual indications, a loudspeaker for producing audio indications, a vibration element for producing vibration indications and/or an LCD display screen for presenting detailed indications to a user.

The base further comprises an ID reading arrangement or I D reader for recognizing the I D arrangement of an interchangeable designed element, thereby enabling said portable base unit to execute a program that acts in accordance with the character that appears on the engaged interchangeable designed element

The base further comprises a processing unit adapted to:

• process readings from the sensor/s;

• process readings from the ID reading arrangement; • determine an indication to be provided; and

• instruct the indication unit which indication is to be provided.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the base unit includes a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with a mobile device. The communication unit can use any technology known to one skilled in the art capable of exchanging data between the base unit and a mobile device. An example of such technology which can be used is Bluetooth technology, adapted to exchange data over short distances.

The base further comprises a portable power source. The power source can be any known in the art, such as replaceable or non-replaceable batteries, which can be charged through a DC power jack, a USB port or any other means known in the art.

The device's interchangeable designed element includes a unique ID arrangement which can be read by the ID reading arrangement of the base. This allows the processing unit to recognize the interchangeable designed element and enable the base to execute a program that acts in accordance with the character that appears on the interchangeable designed element. Programs can be loaded to the device by the base unit's communication unit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the interchangeable designed element has a form of a 3D character that is suitable to cover at least part of the base unit. By this, the appearance of the toy device can be changed to represent a desirable character. According to an embodiment, the interchangeable designed element is made of impact absorbing material, such as polystyrene, PVC or nylon, allowing durability when impacting a hard surface such as the floor.

The ID arrangement of the interchangeable designed element allows the base unit to identify a specific character associated with the interchangeable designed element, and to adapt the behavior of the toy device accordingly. An example of the manner in which the behavior of the toy device is adapted is the voice and content of vocal indications (whether they are instructions or feedback indications) that are provided, simulating the voice and behavior of the character. Another example is the providing boyish or girlish instructions according to the character's gender.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the ID arrangement is defined by one or more resistors located on the interchangeable designed element. The ID reading arrangement on the base is adapted to obtain the resistance value of the resistor/s. This allows the base to identify one of a variety of interchangeable designed elements, each provided with a unique ID that is defined by a different resistance value.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the ID arrangement is defined by a combination of several contact points on the interchangeable designed element. The ID reading arrangement on the base is adapted to obtain the combination. This allows the base unit to identify one of a variety of interchangeable designed elements, each provided with a unique ID that is defined by a different combination of contact points.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the ID arrangement of the interchangeable designed element is a wireless ID tag and the base's ID reading arrangement is a wireless ID reader. Wireless communication between the interchangeable designed element and the base can be implemented by Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) technologies.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the base comprises one or more light sources and one or more light sensors, and the ID arrangement of the interchangeable designed element comprises a unique configuration of holes through which light passes, and the light is sensed by the one or more light sensors. Each interchangeable designed element can be identified by its unique configuration of holes.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the ID arrangement of the interchangeable designed element comprises one or more magnets located in a unique position thereby creating a unique magnetic field, wherein upon physical engagement of the interchangeable designed element with the base, the magnetic field is detected and identification is based on the position of the magnets or on the force of the magnetic field.

All the above will be better understood through the following illustrative and non- limitative examples.

Figs. 1A-1C schematically illustrates a toy device 1 and its elements, according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a base unit 10. Base unit 10 may include a power switch 11 (e.g., that can be provided on the exterior of base unit 10) in order to allow simple activation and shutdown. Fig. IB is a perspective view of an interchangeable designed element 12. Fig. 1C is a perspective view of the two parts 10 and 12 of toy device 1 in an assembled configuration, i.e. wherein designed element 12 covers part of base unit 10.

Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C are perspective views of different interchangeable designed elements 21, 22 and 23 mounted on base unit 10. Interchangeable designed element 21, shown in Fig. 2A, resembles a Spider-Man action figure. While designed element 21 is mounted on base unit 10, the device adapts its behavior to resemble the Spider-Man character. The behavior adaptation may include providing audio indication sounding like Spider-Man's voice and providing instructions which are associated with Spider-Man, such as "Let's see you shoot a web!". The corresponding action which is expected in this case is the extension of the user's arm while holding the device. Using its motion sensors, the device can detect whether the instruction was complied with, and accordingly provide a response one would expect to hear from Spider-Man, such as "Nice one!", along with an appropriate sound effect. Another example of an instruction associated with Spider-Man is "Quick! The crook's behind you! He's just 30 feet away! Hurry before he gets away!", wherein upon detecting that the user turned around and proceeded in the direction an appropriate response is provided, "Phewww. That was close", along with a footsteps sound effect.

Interchangeable designed element 22, shown in Fig. 2B, resembles a Darth Vader action figure. A device with such an interchangeable designed element may be expected to provide instructions associated with swords (or the contextual lightsabers) in the voice of Darth Vader. The responses can include infamous terms used by Darth Vader, for example "/ see you have been practicing, Master", or "May the force be with you".

Interchangeable designed element 23, shown in Fig. 2C, resembles a Mickey Mouse action figure. A device with such an interchangeable designed element can interact with a user with Mickey-Mouse-like instructions, such as "Hey Buddy! How about a nice throw-a-ball?", and responses, such as "Wow! I love how you caught me!". Of course the instructions are provided in a voice that sounds like Mickey Mouse's.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates components of base unit 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. Base unit 10 comprises the processing unit 31, the one or more motion sensors 32, a memory 33, the indication unit 34 and the D reader 35.

In some embodiments, base unit 10 may further comprise the communication unit 36 in order to establish communication with a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) via a wired connection such as USB or via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or Wi- Fi. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a system that incorporates the toy device 1 of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the invention. The system may comprise a mobile device 40 and a remote server 41. Toy device 1 may communicate with mobile device 40 in order to receive data related to the character of the currently used interchangeable designed element. Mobile device 40 may use a dedicated application to control toy device 1 and to receive updated data (e.g., with respect to the character of the currently used interchangeable designed element) from remote server 41.

Fig. 5A schematically illustrates an interchangeable designed element 51 with an ID arrangement 52 according to an embodiment of the invention. ID arrangement 52 is a connector electrically engaged with one or more resistors (not shown in the figures). According to this embodiment element 51 is identified according to the resistance of the one or more resistors.

Fig. 5B schematically illustrates the interchangeable designed element 51 of Fig. 5A physically engaged on the exterior of base unit 53, wherein ID arrangement 52 of interchangeable designed element 51 is engaged with ID reading arrangement 54 of base unit 53, which in this embodiment is adapted to recognize the resistance of ID arrangement 52.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an interchangeable designed element 61 with an ID arrangement 62 according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein element 61 is identified according to a unique combination of several contact points, e.g. 63, on element 61.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an interchangeable designed element 71 with an ID arrangement 72 according to still another embodiment of the invention, wherein element 71 is identified according to a unique configuration of holes through which light passes, the light originating from one or more light sources in the base unit.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an interchangeable designed element 81 with an ID arrangement according to yet another embodiment of the invention, wherein the ID arrangement comprises magnets 82 located in a unique position, thereby creating a magnetic field unique to element 81. According to this embodiment, element 81 is identified by its unique magnetic field.

The terms, "for example", "e.g.", "optionally", as used herein, are intended to be used to introduce non-limiting examples. While certain references are made to certain example system components or services, other components and services can be used as well and/or the example components can be combined into fewer components and/or divided into further components.

All the above description and examples have been given for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Many different mechanisms, methods of identifying the interchangeable designed element and logical elements can be employed, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A motion sensing device, comprising:

a) A portable base unit that includes at least one sensor, at least one indication unit, an ID reading arrangement and a processing unit, wherein said processing unit is adapted to control said at least one indication unit according to data received from said at least one sensor; and

b) An interchangeable designed element adapted to be physically engaged with said portable base unit, wherein said interchangeable designed element includes a unique ID arrangement adapted to be read by the ID reading arrangement as to allow said processing unit to recognize the interchangeable designed element, thereby enabling said portable base unit to execute a program that acts in accordance with a visual character that appears on the engaged interchangeable designed element.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the portable base unit having a spherelike or a ball-like form.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the interchangeable designed element covers, at least partially, the body of the portable base unit.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the unique ID arrangement is defined by at least one resistor that is located at the interchangeable designed element, and the ID reading arrangement is adapted to obtain the resistance value of the at least one resistor, such that when providing a plurality of interchangeable designed elements, each individual interchangeable designed element is provided with a unique ID that is defined by a different resistance value.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the unique ID arrangement is defined by combination of several contact points that is located at the interchangeable designed element, and the ID reading arrangement is adapted to obtain said combination, such that when providing a plurality of interchangeable designed elements, each individual interchangeable designed element is provided with a unique ID that is defined by different combination of contact points.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the unique ID arrangement is a wireless ID tag and the ID reading arrangement is a wireless ID reader.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the wireless ID tag is implemented by Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) technologies.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the portable base unit further comprises one or more light sources and one or more light sensors; and wherein the unique ID arrangement comprises a unique configuration of holes through which light from the one or more light sources passes.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the ID arrangement comprises one or more magnets located in a unique position creating a unique magnetic field;

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the portable base unit includes a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with a mobile device.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the communication unit is adapted to exchange data over short distances, in particular by using Bluetooth technology.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one indication unit provides visual indication, audible indication or combination of both.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a photosensor or any combination thereof, or any other type of sensor or detector that can be used to obtain inputs from the user, from the environment or from other sources.

14. A method for using a motion sensing device with an interchangeable designed element, comprising: