Hui, Steve (**, US)
| 1. | <BR> Nature:<BR> # Conceptual and inclusive A WEB based, cooperative, distributed<BR> network based doll and doll oprating system and network<BR> # Broad claims<BR> Basic concept plus multiple ways of<BR> implementations: Patent Claims Continued<BR> Sound tracks, story lines, songs and customized<BR> sound and voice are downloadable<BR> the dolls act as decoration, as companion, as<BR> sensors, as alarms and useful household devices<BR> the dolls will grow in terms of relationship<BR> (through download of contents) as the owners<BR> grow<BR> the dolls can change personalities (through<BR> download) Claims The Doll<BR> The Doll 4 Y = ?. _. B 1 T. f ; Y yN ; ARM Risc<BR> # Electromechaical capabilities (current and<BR> future) to<BR> take in liquid (water, milk etc.)<BR> to release liquid<BR> to move eye balls<BR> to move limbs<BR> other movements Claims The Doll Continued<BR> # Electronics<BR> computer interface<BR> # to PCs, PDAs, Cellular phones & others<BR> Interface types<BR> # USB<BR> # infra red<BR> # wireless<BR> # blue tooth<BR> Imbedded circuits<BR> # ARM Risc processor<BR> # Programmable Flash memory Claims The Doll Continued<BR> Peripherals (dependent on models) * fe motlon s # smoke/gas sensing<BR> # microwave radar (as an alarm system)<BR> # sound synthesis<BR> # speech recognition<BR> # electromechanical control<BR> start stop of mechanical movement<BR> release of liquid<BR> # MP3 device Claims The Doll Continued<BR> # Network mode<BR> Internet mode<BR> # cooperative, distriubted processing and storage<BR> among doll owners.<BR> <P>In this mode, doll owners on line can share their<BR> files among themselves. These files ar enot stored<BR> centrally in the Doll WEB site but are in the<BR> doll owner's own PC memory. When a doll owner<BR> goes online and onto the WEB site, he or she<BR> can select a particular topic to be examined (such as<BR> song, then singer, then female or male voice etc)<BR> through the WEB site. The WEB site will list the<BR> online doll owners who have this particular song in<BR> that particular favor for him or her to pick. 'I., #iO . y :,, . . t ., z=. _ . . _ :. : :..,'f_.. doll owners the first time they log in or every time<BR> when they log in) will send th requested content<BR> directly to the requestor without passing through the<BR> WEB site at all.<BR> <P>This is a distributed way to operated a network.<BR> <P>Contents are not centralized in one place such as in<BR> the Doll WEB site but are distributed among<BR> all oll members. Claims The Doll Continued<BR> # WEB centric among doll owners<BR> This is the regular download and upload mode based<BR> on the wEB site. Contents and information<BR> produced are centrallys tored<BR> here in this site. Claims The Doll Continued<BR> LAN mode<BR> # multiple dolls can be connected within a household<BR> through wired or wireless LAN (such as Blue<BR> Tooth)<BR> VPN mode<BR> # multiple dolls in house and outside can also be<BR> connected by Virtual Private Networks. Claims The Doll Continued<BR> # Contents , . j or by consultants or other companies will<BR> adhere to a fixed format of :<BR> Nature, Title, author, description<BR> # Nature this is the classifications for users of the<BR> WEB Site to select different classes of contents.<BR> <P># Description users can preview the content. Claims The Doll Continued<BR> # Software<BR> software commands<BR> # TIME filename, sec, minute, hour, day, month, year<BR> this command specify the time that the file (filename) will<BR> be executed<BR> # Execute Filename<BR> unconditional execution of the file (filename)<BR> # START<BR> Beginning of the program<BR> # END<BR> End of the program Claims the Doll Continued<BR> # IF A EQ B, then Filename<BR> # IF A > B, then Filename<BR> # IF A < B, then Filename<BR> Comment : if those condition is true, then the file (filename)<BR> is to be executed. A and B are integers.<BR> <P># SOUND BEGIN<BR> The content following this statement in the file (Filename)<BR> will be treated as sound content and will be synthesized to<BR> produced voice.<BR> <P># SOUND END<BR> End of sound content<BR> # Other commands will be dded as needed. |
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, interactive toys have been produced which provide a play experience that requires specific inputs to produce results that have counterparts in the human experience. Certain computer based, hand held toys simulated a pet creature that required activity from the user and placed demands upon the owner. For example, if the toy was not provided with an input representing food, it would"starve"and expire.
More recently, some major electronics manufacturers have created virtual pets that simulate dogs and which include artificial intelligence components so that the toy can"learn"based upon the activities of the owner. Over the years, other toys were introduced that learned words and phrases and could respond to certain input stimuli with activities that could be planned or programmed.
In other fields, it is known that personal computers can communicate with Personal Digital Assistants and hand held computers through both wired and wireless channels, such as infra red or radio links. Further, technology has evolved so that cellular telephone technology can be incorp- orated into hand held personal computing devices, cellular telephones or PDA's to give the user access to a global computer network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, an action figure or doll is equipped with a microprocessor that functions with peripheral equipment such as a speaker, a voice synthesizer, a microphone and speech recognition capability and memory.
The action figure may also include a cellular telephony capability to allow connection to a global computer network with which the figure communicates to upload and download information and activity files.
In simpler embodiments, the action figure can communi- cate with a personal computer through a wire connection or through an infra red port. The action figure microprocessor can operate upon received files to generate spoken messages or alarms. Other files can direct other components to operate, such as lights or animating components that cause movement in the limbs.
The activity files can be stored in a remote server accessible through the global computer network as well as locally in a personal computer. Further, the remote server can store information relative to the action figure and whatever data has been accumulated by way of"learning"from interacting with the owner. For example, a child may enter into a dialog with the action figure which then learns desired responses through"trial and error"creating files which can be stored locally in memory.
The range of downloaded information can include voice, stories, songs, specialized sounds with which the toy com- municates with the child. The child might sing a song and the toy could record the song and play it back on demand.
The toy could also"play"downloaded music files and, when connected to a computer monitor, could display images and illustrated stories.
The figure can also serve as an events reminder or alarm clock should the owner so"instruct"it. An audible signal or a programmed vocal dialog can sound at a preset time, utilizing the internal clock of the data processor.
Further, the figure could request that its clothing be changed, that it be fed or that it be given attention. The toy may, based upon programming, announce its"moods"or whether it is"happy"or"sad". Different levels of attent- iveness can be programmed so that a toy can demand more or less attention.
Depending upon the age and maturity of the owner, the action figure can be an"infant", a small child, or a con- temporary. A relationship can be established between toy and owner which imposes duties and responsibilities upon the owner, thereby enabling growth and more mature behavior. An owner may have several action figures, each with its own personality and traits and with which the owner may interact uniquely.
The action figure could, like dolls in the past, be constructed to take in liquids such as milk or water and later release the liquids in the fashion of an infant.
Other electro-mechanical modifications would enable the toy to have eye and eyelid motion, and articulated limbs for yet other motion.
It is also contemplated that the remote server on the global computer network can allocate a dedicated storage location for the action figure of the present invention wherein the files that are created in the figure through operation and"learning"can be stored for subsequent'down- load to newer action figures which may have different capa- bilities or may merely be replacements for figures that have experienced electrical or mechanical failures or may become obsolete. In this way, a"personality"may be communicated to a new toy. As the child grows, the toy can grow as well with new capabilities but with many of the older, familiar, learned characteristics that might be denominated a"person- ality".
The action figures can also be provided with sensing devices to detect motion, smoke, gases and thereby serve as a safety device, warning about intruders, fire or the pre- sence of toxic gases. If a camera is incorporated in the figure, the toy can be used to monitor premises and provide a visual record of activities which can be transmitted to a remote display device or a recorder.
Through the interconnection with the global computer network, other owners of action figures can, through peer to peer interconnections, share files and data. Further, both owners and toys can communicate and interact with each other in games or other activities. There can be sharing of files that are stored locally, in the toy or in the owner's per- sonal computer or through the remote server, owners can grant access to their remotely stored files to their friends and playmates. Yet other modalities are possible using existing technologies that are available to computer users.
The remote server can also provide new content and information to all or selected owners. The server can periodically update and synchronize internal-clocks, update information as to available story files, music files, and where appropriate, video files. New games could be provided as well as useful information about events and activities.
All of the features described hereinabove can be imple- mented using existing state of the art technology and soft- ware. It is within the skill of the art to construct the new action figures or toys according to the present inven- tion without undue experimentation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The attached exhibit is incorporated into this disclo- sure and the contents are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Part I-Meta Doll System "Meta"Doll means the doll of dolls Preview The new generation of dolls : Electronic dolls + WEB site + download/upload capabilities = Intelligence + relationship + companionship <date> confidential, no 2 copy without The Meta Doll System -The Doll of Dolls consists of the following components: An intelligent doll A doll Web site maintained Software for downloading contents from the WEB site through the owner's PC similar to down loading music.
Contents (voice such as stories or songs) available on the WEB site or generated 64 tite by dol l ial, no 4 copy without System Components: The Intelligent Doll A doll that has: voice syntheses (convert digitized voice downloaded from the WEB site to regular voice) imbedded microprocessor/DSP such as ARM Rise processor that can regenerate voice from digital content and perform other functions (alarm, event reminder confidential, no 5 copy without Possible future upgrades are not limited to: camera lens that can upload video and graphic contents to the Doll's WEB sites other electro-mechanical devices that can initiate mechanical movements or control through the imbedded microprocessor sensing capabilities (sensing of motion, smoke etc <da e> confidential, no 6 copy without System Components: The WEB Site The WEB site is to be maintained by the doll producer Similar to music downloading sites in operational simplicity Stories, songs, MP3 & MP4, standard or custom contents are maintained for downloading Doll owners can create and keep content Qteir dolls Ua ? WEB site. copy without Operations Owners download digitized files with timing control to the intelligent dolls The imbedded processor in the dolls will be triggered to action by the time tables in the downloaded file.
The dolls will then convert the digitized sound tracks into regular sound This sound tracks could be for: <date> confidential, no 8 copy without Operation continuing Events reminder such as alarm or appointments Demands such as change of cloths, meal time etc.
Other demand such as attention, love & care etc Status report such as feeling Files of sound tracks representing different personalities and different level of demand and attentions can be put into the WEB site <date> confidential, no 9 copy without Why is it interesting? The doll becomes an electronic baby that can: serves its masters require attention make demand at specific time grow with time in terms of the level of demand, love and tender care required Relationship and companionship are created electronically between the dolls & owners <date> confidential, no 10 copy without Why is it interesting ? Through the Doll's web site, customers can select different"activities"for downloading into the dolls.
These activities are files of digitized sound tracks. Each file consists of a series of digitized voice tracks with specific time intervals for voice regeneration by the dolls The dolls can have different personalities arededifferent demi mda accordingito the files downloawithout Why is it so important ? It is first of its kinds: A new generation of dolls or toys for a new generation of owners A new generation of electronic"game" intelligence, human relationship and personalities A new concept a beautiful doll (girl or boy) that has personalities that can chance and grow confidential, no-12- with'time copy without Feasibility All technologies are proven and cost effective: Imbedded microprocessor is highly integrated, mature and inexpensive voice syntheses technology are well proven and can be implemented economically WEB site technology is conventional and proven downloading software are readily available <date> confidential, no 13 copy without Manufacturing No special manufacturing techniques required for the electronics All electronic components are standard parts All development tools are readily available Physical size of circuitry are samil enough for dools <date> confidential, no 14 copy without Conclusion This is an intelligent, WEB based doll, the first of its kind for the new generation of kids and adults : A timeless, cultivatable, lovable, changeable electronic relationship <date> confidential, no 19 copy without Part 11-Implementation This part consists of: 1. System Components 2. Overall System Connections 3. Overall Operations 4. WEB Site Implementation 5. Software Implementation 6. Hardware Implementation confidential 1 Steve Hui System Components Total system consists of : 1. A Risc processor driven Doll 2. A WEB site that Allows users to download and to share contents among themselves similar to the MP3 sites such as Napster.
Allow users to download contents from the WEB site itself similar to the regular WEB sites. confidential 2 Steve Hui System Components Continued 3. A PC (owned by the user) 4. Downloading & content swapping software regular downloading software under Microsoft Windows Content sharing software similar to those used by MP3 sites such as Napster 5. Content creation software Command/content file Creator. It allows users to easilv compose command/content files which are executed bycftdoiwgigent doll to generate actions and voice Hui System Components Continued Command/content file compiler or interpreter.
This software will translate the command/content file produced by the doll owner to digitized voice files and microprocessor instructions. Basing on these digitized voice files and instructions (microprocessor programs), the Risc microprocessor inside the intelligent doll execute these files and instructions to produce voice and actions. confidential 4 Steve Hui System Components Continued 6. The library of Command/content files These are standard files created by its contractors for doll owners to use. Doll owners can pick and choose from these files to compose their own files for their dolls. This approach spare them to create their own files unless they prefer to do so.
The software from item 5 are used to create these files confidential 5 Steve Hui Overall System Connections The Intelligent Doll is only connected to the PC during the time of downloading or uploading contents The connection is a USB (Universal Serail Bus) connector and a USB wire. These are standard in all PCs.
The PC is connected to the WEB site through Internet. confidential 6 Steve Hui Overall System Operation Three operation modes: Acquisition & creation mode The user connect their PCs to the Doll WEB site for three different options : acquiring standard contents and commands from the Doll WEB site. These contents are created by its contractors or some doll owners.
Copying contents, commands and/or personalities (fitgf ยป Wd by other d6 ! ! owners) from oF owners on line. This Overall System Operation continued Of distributed processing used in MP3 WEB sites such as Napster, Audiogalaxy. com and Audiofind. com Using the software provided to select and create custom contents and commands for the dolls.
Downloading & uploading mode The dolls are connected to the PCs through the USB port for downloading or uploading contents In this mode, the dolls have to be connected to the PCs through the USB ports. confidential 8 Steve Hui Overall System Operation Normal operating mode The dolls are disconnected from the PCs after downloading contents and command files. They start operating by themselves.
The dolls can generate sound, alarms, speak different languages, show emotion through voices at pre-determined intervals (through the instructions executed by the Risc microprocessor inside the dolls).
The dolls can, in later version, generate mechanical motions and other activities. confidential 9 Steve Hui Overall Operations User side users use their PC to communicate with the "Dolls of all Dolls"WEB site.
The connection is Internet through the users' ISP.
The connections could be modems, XDSL, cable modems, dedicated lease lines.
The users download contents from the WEB site itself or from other doll owners through the WEB site (like using Napster) to their PCs. confidential 10 Steve Hui Overall Operations continued User side continued: The user then connects the doll to the PC through the USB port for downloading or uploading contents to or from the intelligent doll The intelligent doll will be disconnected from the PC after downloading or uploading from or to the WEB site.
The Risc Microprocessor will carry out instructions from the downloaded content. confidential 11 Steve Hui Overall operation continued User side continued: The downloaded contents are the command/content files as described before.
Actions will be performed by the intelligent Doll according to these command/content files. confidential 12.
Steve Hui Overall Operation continued The Doll side: The doll operates independently by itself.
The downloaded digital files consists of digitized sound files (contents) and instructions (command) files. These files are downloaded from the Doll site and are stored in the memory of the imbedded Risc microprocessor inside the doll.
The instruction (command) files will be executed continuously and will trigger either mechanical actions or generation of sound, confidential 13 Steve Hui Overall Operation continued and other activities basing on the commandos (the series of instructions). confidential 14 Steve Hui WEB Site Implementation A WEB site with distributed processing Doll owners share contents through the WEB site.
When a Doll owner logs on, he or she will be able to search for contents and command files in other Doll owners online at the same time.
The content and command files can be searched by titles and by short descriptions. confidential 15 Steve Hui WEB Site Implementation continued Ready to use contents Standard files for generating different types of alarms, sound and voices, stories and emotion are stored in the WEB site for downloading by the doll owners.
Owners can make the dolls alive and to perform different personalities just by selecting and downloading some of those files for their dolls. confidential 16 Steve Hui Software Implementation Downloading & uploading software These are normal downloading and uploading software wffiin the Microsoft Window or other operating systems. There is no need to create special software for this purpose.
Swapping software These are software similar to the ones used by the WEB sus with distributed processing such as Audiofind. com and others.
These software can be licensed or created. confidential 17 Steve Hui Software Implementation Continued Content creation software The command/content file creator These are point and click software to build up content and command files from standard and simple content and command constructs. These constructs are pre-built by its contractors.
No programming in the conventional sense is needed confidential 18 Steve Hui Software Implementation Continued Command/content file compiler or interpreter These are software that translate the command/content files into machine instructions for the Risc microprocessor inside the dolls.
These software can be created basing on compilers or interpreters available on the market place for the chosen Risc microprocessor. confidential 19 Steve Hui Hardware Implementation Current Doll implementation : imbedded Risc microprocessor with read-write, non erasable memory.
USB port interface 110V-200V operation voice generation (synthesis) confidential 20 Steve Hui Summary The uniqueness is the concept, a new generation of dolls that are the dolls of dolls.
The implementations are based on proven and existing technology. confidential 21 Steve Hui