Abstract:
An amusing desktop toy, and methods of its use. The toy, in the shape of a realistic or imaginary creature, is connected to a local computer via a communication port, and is actuated by a local or remote user to move so as to directly express gestures visually in three dimensions. The remote user sends gesture instructions to actuate the toy via a telecommunication mechanism from a remote computer. The remote user can program the gesture instructions via a graphical user interface. Optionally, the toy includes a speaker and/or a UFD.

Description:
[0001]     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/720,056 filed Sep. 26, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a system and method for connecting an amusing mechanical toy to a computer that can be controlled by a computer user (either locally or remotely to the computer) in order to convey various forms of expression.  
         [0003]     Software programs used for textual communication between computer users often provide users with graphical symbols known as icons, emoticons, and winks. Users often embed these symbols in their messages for additional modes of expression. In the prior art, these symbols have been limited to two-dimensional drawings on the screen.  
         [0004]     In order to further enhance textual communication between computer users, a device that could convey an intended emotion or gesture by movement in physical space (as opposed to just a screen depiction or animation) would be desirable. This type of three-dimensional figurine (or toy) would extend the forms of expression available to these types of users. This would expand the variety of multimedia available to textual message software, and its users, beyond just screen images and sounds. In addition, it would provide an amusing experience like most other toys generally do.  
         [0005]     For the purpose of this disclosure and claims, the term “amusing” is used in this application to describe the property of stimulating at least one of an interest, an excitement, or an arousal by a viewer. An amusing object or event is, under this definition, distinguished from a functional object or event. A robot is an automated mechanical device that is functional, in the sense that it can work unobtrusively and may not create any sentiment or interest by the viewer. A toy drummer is an automated mechanical device that may not be functional or useful at all, but its motion is funny, threatening, intriguing or arousing to a viewer. Clearly, a device can be both amusing and functional, or be neither amusing nor functional. This application is about amusing devices, in the sense of the definition provided above.  
         [0006]     The term “gesture” is used in this application as a name of a predetermined collection of movements of the model (specifically, a minimum of three movements), carried out through a set of software instructions designed to represent a known motion, such as nodding, kneeling, or waving hands.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     It is the purpose of the present invention to provide an amusing mechanical toy that is connected to the computer via a communication port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port. This toy responds with motion to instructions provided to it by either its local user or a remote user who is in communication with the local user. The toy is a mechanical model of a real or imaginary creature, such as a person or an animal, preferably with an amusing appearance, which is is connected to a computer via a serial port or a USB port and is placed on or near a desk. The toy is equipped with mechanical actuators, such as motors or electromagnets, that cause perceptible motion in the model in response to commands sent from the computer in order to convey a gesture.  
         [0008]     The term perceptible motion is used in this application to refer to motion that is appreciable enough to be observed by a user, as opposed to slight variations in shape created e.g. by tightening, loosening, vibrating, or heating an object.  
         [0009]     A gesture is expressed directly by motion itself and not by a consequence of the motion. Therefore, we are excluding a three-dimensional motion that indirectly expresses a two-dimensional gesture, such as the motion of a printer printing a smiley face on paper.  
         [0010]     This model can serve as a toy or as mechanism to support communication between people by adding mechanized body language to the verbal or textual discourse. In these latter applications, the remote user has a vocabulary of gestures from which to choose. If the local user has such a model connected to the local computer, and if the remote user is made aware of this fact, then the remote user can include, in his text, commands that will cause the local toy to perform some of the motions to physically emphasize the text.  
         [0011]     Preferably, a variety of models of the toy are made available that have a different set of gestures. Each toy is supported by a file listing its set of gestures, and the host computer is able to read the toy capabilities and configure the toy software accordingly. This enables a remote computer to activate a local toy by reading its possible gestures and presenting these to the remote user, who can then send proper instructions to the local computer to activate the local toy.  
         [0012]     The system includes a telecommunication mechanism for triggering a command from a computer, and a communication mechanism for sending a command from a second computer to the device. The telecommunication mechanism includes an “internet” which is a set of interconnected computer networks. The most well-known internet is the Internet.  
         [0013]     Therefore, according to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a system for expressing a gesture in three dimensions, the system including: (a) a mechanical device operative to perceptively move at least three parts thereof in response to gesture instructions; (b) a gesture instruction, for controlling said mechanical device, embedded in a correspondence, the gesture instruction originating from a remote computer; (c) a local computer for supplying the gesture instruction to the mechanical device during the course of the correspondence between the remote computer and the local computer; and (d) a gesture instruction interpreter operative to extract the gesture instruction from the correspondence, and convey the gesture instruction to the mechanical device, thereby directly expressing the gesture visually.  
         [0014]     Preferably, the system also includes: (e) a telecommunication mechanism for sending the gesture instruction from a remote computer.  
         [0015]     Most preferably, the telecommunication mechanism also includes an internet.  
         [0016]     Most preferably, the remote computer also includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for programming the gesture instruction via the telecommunication mechanism.  
         [0017]     Preferably, the system also includes: (e) a communication mechanism, such as a generic, wired serial port or a wireless port, for sending at least one gesture instruction from a local computer to the mechanical device.  
         [0018]     Preferably, the system also includes: (e) a UFD housed in the mechanical device for storing and retrieving data.  
         [0019]     Most Preferably, the UFD is detachable.  
         [0020]     According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time an amusing physical model controlled by a computer, the model including: (a) at least three movable parts; (b) at least one mechanical actuator for moving at least three movable parts, the number of mechanical actuators is less than the number of movable parts; and (c) a communication port for receiving a gesture instruction from the computer for controlling the mechanical actuator to directly express a gesture visually.  
         [0021]     Preferably, the remote computer also includes the model is shaped as a realistic creature or as a fictitious creature.  
         [0022]     Preferably, the movable parts represent limbs.  
         [0023]     Preferably, the model also includes: (d) a UFD housed in the model for storing and retrieving data to and from the local computer.  
         [0024]     Most preferably, the UFD is detachable.  
         [0025]     Preferably, the model also includes: (d) a speaker housed in the model for receiving signals from the computer via the communication port for conveying sound.  
         [0026]     Preferably, the model includes only one mechanical actuator that is operative to move at least three movable parts using at least one flexible mechanical linkage for controlling the model to express the gesture.  
         [0027]     Preferably, the mechanical actuator is pneumatically-controlled.  
         [0028]     Preferably, the mechanical actuator is hydraulically-controlled.  
         [0029]     Preferably, the mechanical actuator comprises at least one gear for moving the movable parts.  
         [0030]     Preferably, the communication port is a generic, wired serial port or a wireless port.  
         [0031]     Preferably, the model also includes: (d) a computer-readable storage medium that includes a data file of the gesture instruction.  
         [0032]     According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time an amusing physical model controlled by a computer, the model including: (a) at least three movable parts; (b) a mechanical actuator for moving at least three movable parts; (c) a communication port for receiving gesture instructions from the computer for controlling the mechanical actuator to directly express a gesture visually; and (d) a UFD housed in the model for storing and retrieving data to and from the computer via the communication port.  
         [0033]     Preferably, the model is shaped as a realistic creature or as a fictitious creature.  
         [0034]     Preferably, the movable parts represent limbs.  
         [0035]     Preferably, the UFD is detachable.  
         [0036]     Preferably, the model also includes: (e) a speaker housed in the model for receiving signals from the computer via the communication port for conveying sound.  
         [0037]     Preferably, the model includes only one mechanical actuator that is operative to move at least three movable parts using at least one flexible mechanical linkage for controlling the model to express the gesture.  
         [0038]     Preferably, the mechanical actuator is pneumatically-controlled.  
         [0039]     Preferably, the mechanical actuator is hydraulically-controlled.  
         [0040]     Preferably, the mechanical actuator comprises at least one gear for moving the movable parts.  
         [0041]     Preferably, the communication port is a generic, wired serial port or a wireless port.  
         [0042]     Preferably, the model also includes: (e) a computer-readable storage medium that includes a data file of the gesture instructions.  
         [0043]     According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a method of directly expressing a gesture of a physical model with at least three movable parts visually in three dimensions by a remote user of a remote computer to a local user of a local computer, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing the local user with a computer-controlled mechanical device operationally connected to the local computer; and (b) remotely activating the mechanical device to move in a manner that expresses the gesture visually by the remote user to the local user.  
         [0044]     Preferably, the step of activating the mechanical device is effected by an application running on the remote computer.  
         [0045]     According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a method of self-expression through a three-dimensional visual gesture of a physical model with at least three movable parts, the method includes the steps of: (a) programming a computer with at least one software module that activates the model to perform the gesture by moving parts of the model; (b) operationally connecting the model to the computer; and (c) activating at least one software module from the computer, thereby directly expressing the gesture.  
         [0046]     These and further embodiments will be apparent from the detailed description and examples that follow.  
         [0047]     Devices that resemble the present invention are known in the art. One such device is the Doc Johnson High Joy Enabled® iVibe Rabbit from High Joy Products, LLC which allows a user to be stimulated physically by the device through a computer control which can be operated by the user or a remote operator. In contrast to the present invention, the user is required to be in physical contact with the device in order to be stimulated. In addition, the act of wearing the device creates a sense of anticipication of the forthcoming stimulation in the user. Whereas, in the case of the present invention, the user can be spontaneously surprised by the device since its operation does not require active involvement by the user (other than being in viewing range). Furthermore, the stimulation, in and of itself, does not constitute a gesture as defined above.  
         [0048]     Another device that resembles the present invention is the Nabaztag (“Wi-Fi Rabbit”) from Violet, The Smart Object Company. This device allows a user to be notified of various information through a wireless link to the Internet. The information is conveyed by the device&#39;s speaker via simulated voices. The information is obtained from the services that the Nabaztag provides (such as weather forecasts). In addition to talking, the Nabaztag can flash lights, play music, and move its ears. In contrast to the present invention, the expression of gestures as defined in this application is not possible by the Nabaztag. The limited rotational movement of the Nabaztag is inadequate to express a gesture. Whereas, in the case of the present invention, the device makes at least three movements to express a gesture. This is considered, in this application, to be the minimum number of motions necessary to express a gesture realistically, where the moving parts represent limbs of a figure or creature (e.g. head, arms, legs, tail, etc.).  
         [0049]     Another example of a prior art device, developed by a research team at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, is a USB jacket that can simulate the act of hugging to the wearer transmitted by a remote operator. In contrast to the present invention, the expression of the gesture is created by physical contact and creates no visual effect. Furthermore, the prior art device does not move or change its shape perceptibly, as defined above, in its operation. In the case of the present invention, the device changes its shape perceptibly to convey the visual expression of a gesture. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0050]     The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0051]      FIG. 1A  shows a simplified block diagram of a system for controlling a mechanical model via a local computer;  
         [0052]      FIG. 1B  shows a simplified block diagram of a system for controlling a mechanical model via a UFD;  
         [0053]      FIG. 2  shows an illustration of a toy robot with motors;  
         [0054]      FIG. 3  shows illustrations of collapsible toy characters;  
         [0055]      FIG. 4A  shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible model with its control string spooled;  
         [0056]      FIG. 4B  shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible model with its control string unspooled. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0057]     The present invention is of a system for a USB desktop toy and a method for expressing gestures via such a toy. Specifically, the present invention can be used for amusement and expressing emotion. The principles and operation of a USB desktop toy according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.  
         [0058]     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1A  shows a simplified block diagram of a system for controlling a mechanical model (or toy)  20  of a human figure, made of a head  22 , arms  24 ,  26 , a torso  28  and legs  30 ,  32  via a local computer  34 . A mechanical actuator  36 , such as a high-torque motor used in robotic applications (available, for example, from Hobby Engineering, 180 El Camino Real, Millbrae, Calif. 94030, known as Boe-Bot Complete Robot Kit v2), is mechanically engaged to some of the movable body parts of the model. Local computer  34 , connected to mechanical actuator  36  through a USB connection, sends gesture instructions to mechanical actuator  36 . In this embodiment, the gesture instructions are motion commands. To clarify the distinction, we mean that any motion is a part of a gesture, and any gesture is made of motion.  
         [0059]     The instructions to mechanical actuator  36  in  FIG. 1A  can be relayed in a number of ways. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the instructions can be: (a) played from a file on local computer  34 , (b) programmed by the user on an I/O interface  38  (that represents user I/O devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a display screen), or (c) communicated via an internet  40  from a remote computer  42  in the course of a correspondence session.  
         [0060]     Clearly, the model can represent either real creatures, such as humans or animals, or also imaginary creatures, such as Donald Duck or Smurfs. As toy  20  is located near local computer  34 , to which toy  20  is connected via a communication port (such as a USB port), toy  20  can also easily serve as a portable storage device and contain a USB flash memory drive (UFD). As seen in  FIG. 1A , local computer  34  is connected via a communication port to a UFD  44  located within toy  20 . Only one communication port is necessary to control mechanical actuator  36  and interface to UFD  44 . Optionally, UFD  44  may be detached from toy  20  in order to allow greater mobility to UFD  44  without disconnecting toy  20 .  
         [0061]     As toy  20  is computer-controlled, a batch of gesture instructions contained in a data file can either be created on local computer  34 , or can be received from remote computer  42 . This batch of instructions can make the toy move according to predefined choreography in order to perform predefined gestures. Remote computer  42  contains a memory  46  and a database  48 . Database  48  contains the data files representing the feasible gestures that toy  20  can make. Database  48  is either loaded into memory  46  or transmitted to remote computer  42  via internet  40  at the start of a correspondence session.  
         [0062]     In one embodiment, remote computer  42  embeds the gesture instruction in the correspondence with local computer  34 . A gesture instruction interpreter  49 , residing on local computer  34 , extracts the gesture instruction from the correspondence, and conveys the gesture instruction to toy  20 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 1B  shows a simplified block diagram of a system for controlling a mechanical model (or toy)  20  of a human figure, made of a head  22 , arms  24 ,  26 , a torso  28  and legs  30 ,  32  via a UFD  44 . In this system, toy  20  is configured similar to  FIG. 1A  except for the control of mechanical actuator  36 . In this embodiment, local computer  34  sends a gesture instruction to UFD  44 . The internal processor of UFD  44  then decodes the gesture instruction, and sends the appropriate sequence of motion commands to mechanical actuator  36 . This enables a user to choose gestures which are composed of many motion commands in a single step (e.g. Hello, Goodbye, Deep Bow gesture instructions).  
         [0064]      FIG. 2  shows an illustration of a toy robot with motors. In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the model is a robot with motors moving the limbs and head as shown in  FIG. 2  (available under the name “Elenco Robomech Mechanical Motorized Wooden Kit” from Tower Hobbies, Tower Hobbies, Champaign, Ill.).  
         [0065]      FIG. 3  shows illustrations of collapsible toy characters. In one embodiment of the present invention, the model includes linkages and strings, like the plastic sports characters with movable body parts as shown in  FIG. 3 . The linkages (which represent the limbs) are moved by a control string.  
         [0066]      FIG. 4A  shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible model with its control string spooled. A model base  50  houses a mechanical actuator  52  which controls the rotation of a spool  54 . A control string  56  is attached to spool  54  and can wound onto spool  54  by actuator  52 . Actuator  52  includes a communication port  58  such as a generic, wired serial port or a wireless port (such as a Bluetooth port). A generic, wired serial port is a general-purpose interface used for serial communication. A USB port is one type of generic, wired serial port, and a wireless port may be a serial or parallel port. Base  50  also houses an optional UFD  60  that communicates with the computer via communication port  58 . This extends the functional use of the toy. Limbs, such as a torso  68 , and a head  74 , can be constructed of multiple links for greater definition of motion (e.g. a lower leg  62 , an upper leg  64 , a forearm  70 , and an upper arm  72 ). Control string  56  can connect to, and control, the model independently or through an additional string  66  attached to the model. The model also houses a speaker  76  for producing sounds via communication port  58 .  
         [0067]      FIG. 4B  shows a simplified block diagram of a collapsible model with its control string unspooled. In this depiction, spool  54  is unwound allowing string to loosen thereby moving the linkages in the model. The relative slack of string creates flexing at a joint  78  between linkages and tipping of a limb at a fastening point  80 .  
         [0068]     As there may be many models, with a variety of possible movements, the set of possible movements can be saved in a file which can be made available to remote computers. This will enable a remote user to program instructions for the local toy, and use these instructions to cause the local toy to move in response to remote instructions. When this is done in the course of real-time correspondence, the toy adds gestures and body language to emphasize important ideas and feelings/moods within the conversation.  
         [0069]     As many of the potential users of this toy may not be professional programmers, the toy preferably is schematically represented on the screen of the computer so that the user can program movements by using a mouse to click and drag control points on the screen which represent real movements of the corresponding points of the toy in space. Preferably, the system has a “record” mode and a “play” mode; wherein, the record mode stores the gestures as marked by the mouse on the screen, and the play mode sends these gestures to the toy for execution.  
         [0070]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the model also includes a speaker, and the instructions to the model can include sound files to be played through that speaker.  
         [0071]     It is noted that the toy does not need to be connected to the computer through a USB port. It can equally be connected via a serial port, a parallel port, or a wireless port such as Bluetooth.  
         [0072]     In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the toy can have a USB socket, and serve as a UFD cradle on the desk on which the toy rests.  
         [0073]     In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the instructions to the toy can be triggered by software instructions in running applications.  
         [0074]     While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications, and other applications of the invention may be made.