US20080268747A1

US20080268747A1 - Motion sensor activated interactive device

Info

Publication number: US20080268747A1
Application number: US12/150,134
Authority: US
Inventors: Reynolds Ellsworth Moulton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-24
Filing date: 2008-04-24
Publication date: 2008-10-30

Abstract

A motion sensor activated interactive device that moves away from the object when any object moves in the vicinity of the device. Device comprises of: at least two optical motion sensor, two motors, four large wheels, four small wheels mounted on rotating pivot, integrated control circuit, memory units, display, speaker, battery. When optical motion sensor detects the movement in the vicinity of the device, the integrated control circuit activates electric motor and the device moves away from the approaching object in opposite direction. The distance and/or speed of movement of device is proportional to the speed of the object at which device is approached. The control circuit is pre-programmed to turn the motor on for particular time depending on speed and distance of the object.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/925,727, filed 2007 Apr. 24 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The embodiments herein generally relate to an interactive device and more specifically to an interactive device coupled with motion sensor.
A motion sensor is the device used to transform the detection of motion into an electric signal. This is achieved by measuring optical or acoustical changes in the field of view. Many devices are coupled with motion sensor for different uses. In commercial stores, motion sensors are used to open doors automatically when a moving object approaches the door. Many toys coupled with motion sensors are capable of moving under the influence of motion sensor. The currently available motion sensor toys have a limited capability for reacting to an object approaching the toy. The toys react mostly based on pre-programmed input given by a user. However, none of the currently available devices do not provide an intelligent interactive motion sensor activated device that moves away from the object approaching the device. Also most of the motion sensor based devices do not provide rotary movement to the device. Hence there is a need to develop interactive device which is coupled with motion sensor and moves away from the object approaching the device.
2. Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,117 discloses a drive system that powers the movement of a toy's body parts, e.g. eye, mouth, ear and foot assemblies, and an electric motor that includes a single control shaft that mounts cam mechanisms associated with each body part for causing movement thereof when the motor is activated.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,603 discloses a toy with a processing means comprising an integrated circuit comprising pre-programmed data adapted to be converted to audible sounds by said sound reproduction means; a source of electrical power to power said integrated circuit and said sound reproduction means; and a stimulus sensor means.
However none of the currently available devices provide an interactive toy device that moves at speeds proportional to speeds approached, or stops at seemingly random intervals, for different lengths of time. Thus there is a need to develop an interactive toy that provides pleasure for its users by mimicking chase behavior and response.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The primary object of the embodiment is to provide an interactive toy that uses program logic to react to external input, versus interact on pre-determined behavior to provide its user(s) pleasure by mimicking chase behavior and response. For example, by use of pre-programmed responsive logic, the interactive toy will move away from an external stimulus object proportionally to the speed it is approached.
An additional object of the embodiments is to provide seemingly random behavior though use of discreet logic for periodically eliminating power to the electric motor, to simulate periodic stopping.
While prior interactive toys are generally designed to “act” and simulate behavior (anthropomorphic characteristics or animal characteristics), the object of this interactive toy is to vary response based on external environmental input so that the inherent variability of the external input will change the behavior of the interactive toy itself.

SUMMARY

The abovementioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
In view of the foregoing, the embodiments herein provide a motion sensor activated interactive device. The device moves away from the object when the object moves in the vicinity of the device. Device includes at least two optical motion sensor and at least two motors. The device is mounted on four large wheels and four small wheels that are coupled with rotating pivot. The device further comprises of battery, pre-programmed integrated control circuit, memory units, display and speaker. When optical motion sensor detects the movement in the vicinity of the device, the integrated control circuit activates electric motor and the device moves away from the approaching object in opposite direction. The distance and/or speed of movement of device is proportional to the speed of the object at which device is approached. The control circuit is pre-programmed to turn the motor on for particular time depending on speed and distance of the object. The control circuit is also pre-programmed to turn the device in different direction when motion sensors sense the wall during the movement of the device.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 indicates a block diagram of an interactive device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 indicates a block diagram of car (device) mounted on wheels

Although the specific features of the embodiments herein are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any of the other features in accordance with the embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
According to an embodiment, a motion sensor activated interactive device is provided. The device moves away from the object when the object moves in the vicinity of the device. Device includes at least two optical motion sensors to sense the direction and movement of another object in the vicinity of the device. The device is further coupled with at least two electric motors which provide motion to the device when any object approaches the device. The device is mounted on four large wheels and four small wheels that are coupled with rotating pivot. Large wheels provide motion to the device in front and back directions. Small wheels coupled with rotating pivot provide directional and rotational movement to the device. Motors are connected to the pivotal set of wheels. The pivot allows the device to change directional movement. The interactive device further comprises of battery to provide electric power to the overall system and integrated circuit to control various functions of the device. Pre-programmed integrated circuit controls movement direction and speed of the device with the help of electric motor. The device has a USB port through which digital data can be transferred. The entire functional components in the module are supplied with an electrical power provided from a battery. A battery charge sensor detects the residual charge in the battery. All the parameters like battery charge condition, time etc. are displayed through display module. The device has memory units (Flash ROM, RAM) to store the data modules. The device is activated through the activation button. A speaker is also provided to generate an audio data as a response to the movement of the object in the vicinity of the device.
When optical motion sensor detects the movement in the vicinity of the device, the integrated control circuit activates electric motor and the device moves away from the approaching object in opposite direction. The distance and/or speed of movement of device is proportional to the speed of the object at which device is approached. The control circuit is pre-programmed to turn the motor on for particular time depending on speed and distance of the object. The control circuit is also pre-programmed to turn the device in different direction when motion sensors sense the wall during the movement of the device.
FIG. 1 indicates a block diagram of an interactive device according to one embodiment. Microprocessor 112 is connected to memory unit 106, speaker 108, activation button 110, motion sensors 102A, 102B, motors 104A, 104B, battery 114, battery charge sensor 116, USB port 118, and display 120. Optical motion sensors 102A, 102B sense the direction and movement of another object in the vicinity of the device. Electric motors 104A, 104B provide motion to the device when any object approaches the device. Battery 114 provides electric power to the overall system. Through USB port 118 digital data can be transferred to memory unit 108. Battery charge sensor 116 detects the residual charge in the battery 114.
All the parameters like battery charge condition, time etc. are displayed through display module 120. The device is activated through the activation button 110. Speaker 108 is also provided to generate an audio data as a response to the movement of the object in the vicinity of the device.
FIG. 2 indicates a block diagram of car (device) mounted on wheels. The car moves away from the object when the object approaches the car. The car has two optical motion sensors to sense the direction and movement of another object in the vicinity of the device. The car is has two electric motors which provide motion to the device when any object approaches the car. The car is mounted on four large wheels and four small wheels that are coupled with rotating pivot. Large wheels provide motion to the car in front and back directions. Small wheels coupled with rotating pivot provide directional and rotational movement to the car. Motors are further connected to a pivotal set of wheels. The pivot allows the device to change directional movement.

Claims

1. An interactive toy containing a motion detection device, wherein said motion sensor accepts and processes electrical signal input and generates an output signal that triggers a power supply to an electric motor. An embedded processor in said interactive toy uses an integrated circuit with pre-programmed logic to generate a signal for varying power levels to an electric motor to generate speeds proportional to the speed at which said interactive toy is approached.

2. An interactive toy containing a motion detection device, wherein said motion sensor achieves non-contact detection of motion and generates a characteristic electrical signal output in response to external movement. An embedded integrated circuit in said interactive toy uses pre-programmed logic to generate discrete but random electrical signal output from said motion sensor trigger to a power supply to an electric motor, creating seemingly erratic movement of said interactive toy.

3. The interactive toy according to claim 2 wherein the said electrical motor is connected to a rotary shaft and drive train for said toy

4. An interactive toy containing a motion detection device, wherein said motion sensor achieves non-contact detection of motion and generates a characteristic electrical signal output in response to external movement. Said motion detection device accepts and processes said characteristic electrical signal output that cuts-off the power supply to the electrical motor for pre-determined periods of time

5. Said interactive device in claim 4 with discrete periods of power lasting 10 to 20 seconds

6. Said interactive device in claim 4 with discrete periods of power cut-off lasting 1-2 seconds