Patent ID: 6773344
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: A63H,G06Q

Abstract:
An interactive cell phone toy device comprising:a toy body capable of executing at least one behavior; wireless communication apparatus providing wireless communication between the toy body and a computer having a wireless communication capability which defines a wireless communication range surrounding the computer; and mobile communication facilitating apparatus providing mobile communication of the toy body with a mobile communication network; wherein the wireless communication apparatus and the mobile communication facilitation apparatus each define a toy-controlling data line operative to at least partly control at least one parameter of at least one behavior of said toy body; and a decision maker operative to activate said wireless communication apparatus, thereby to provide wireless communication between the toy body and the computer, when the toy body is within said wireless communication range; and operative to activate said mobile communication facilitating apparatus, thereby to provide mobile communication of the toy body with the mobile communication network, when the toy body is not within said wireless communication range; and wherein said decision maker is onboard the toy body; and wherein said decision maker is operative: to listen for a signal from a local computer, thereby to identify a local computer which is active and able to serve the toy body; if a local computer which is active and able to serve the toy body is identified, to activate said wireless communication apparatus, thereby to provide wireless communication between the toy body and the local computer; and to activate said mobile communication facilitating apparatus if no such local computer is identified.