A toy which, in response to a complex sound such as human speech generates a train of audio pulses. The pulses are psuedo-random with respect to frequency composition and to duration, thus simulating syllabic speech. Provisions are also described whereby the length of the pulse train is made random.

The present invention relates to voice responsive toys and in particular, 
to a toy which simulates responsive speech, albeit in a strange language. 
In general, remote controlled toys are well known in the art. For example, 
toy vehicles which are controlled responsive to sound are described in the 
following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,832,426 issued Apr. 29, 1958 to W. A. 
Seargeant; 3,142,132 issued July 28, 1964 to T. M. Johnson; 3,961,441 
issued June 8, 1976 to A. Sato; 3,444,646 issued May 20, 1969 to V. 
Komashovetz, and 2,995,866 issued Aug. 15, 1961 to T. M. Johnson. Such 
patents are responsive to sounds of a particular frequency or frequencies, 
and generally either do not respond to the sound of the human voice, or, 
do not discriminate between the human voice and other sounds. 
Other toy vehicles, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,974,441 
issued Mar. 14, 1961 to H. Denner, and 3,458,950 issued Aug. 5, 1969 to P. 
M. Tomaro are responsive to sounds of a relatively long duration only, to 
discriminate against background voices. Such discrimination is 
accomplished by including a delay in the electrical circuitry. 
Another sound responsive toy, in the nature of a Jack-in-the-Box is 
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,119,201 issued Jan. 28, 1964 to W. Brown et 
al. That toy is responsive to sounds within a particular range of 
frequencies. 
Talking toys, in general, are also known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. 
No. 3,162,980 issued Dec. 29, 1964 to W. F. Hellman describes a doll 
incorporating a tape recorder within the body which is selectively 
controlled by moving the limbs of the doll. Similarly, Mego International 
Inc. produces a talking robot, referred to as the 2-XL Robot, which 
utilizes an 8-track tape player within the body of the robot. The tape 
recorder's operation is responsive to a number of coded buttons disposed 
on the robot's chest. 
The present invention provides a toy which will simulate responsive 
conversation with a child or adult, albeit in a strange and foreign 
language.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1, a toy 10 in 
accordance with the present invention. A body 12, having portions 14 and 
16 corresponding to eyes and a portion 18 corresponding to a mouth, has 
disposed therein an electronic circuit 20 and an audio/electrical 
transducer 22. Transducer 22 is disposed within the body 12 in such a 
manner that it is responsive to sound waves impinging upon the toy, and 
can emit an audio response. Transducer 22 may comprise a conventional high 
impedance speaker which operates both as a microphone and as a output 
device, or can be separate speaker and microphone devices. 
Electronic circuitry 20 is shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c. Transducer 22 
generates an electrical signal in response to and representative of audio 
sound waves impinging thereon. The transducer electrical output signals 
are applied to means for generating an actuation signal, generally 
indicated at 24. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment the 
transducer electrical output signals are applied to signal shaping 
circuitry including an operational amplifier (op amp) rectifier circuit 26 
and an op amp integrator/clipper circuit 28 both suitably formed using a 
National Semiconductor LM1588 dual operational amplifier. Together, 
rectifier 26 and integrator/clipper 28 operate to produce an output signal 
which is essentially a squarewave with a repetition rate indicative of the 
audio signal. 
The squarewave output signals from integrator/clipper 28 are inverted, and 
sampled at a predetermined sampling frequency (e.g., 24 Hz) by a 
conventional D-type flip-flop (FF) 30. As is well known in the art, the 
logic level present at the data (D) input of a D-type FF is assumed at the 
Q output thereof in response to a positive going transition in the clock 
signal applied to the clock (C) input terminal. A suitable D-type 
flip-flop is the National Semiconductor MM74C74 dual D flip-flop. 
The Q output (sample) signal of flip-flop 30 is applied to a ripple counter 
32, which is periodically reset at a predetermined frequency. Ripple 
counter 32 suitably comprises two D-type flip-flops interconnected in a 
conventional ripple counter configuration (with Q output tied to data 
input and each successive stage being clocked by the Q output of the 
preceeding stage). The first stage of the counter is clocked by the Q 
output of flip-flop 30. The D-type flip-flops of ripple counter 32 are 
reset in response to application of a low level signal at reset inputs R, 
suitably at a 0.75 Hz repetition rate. 
Recalling that D-type flip-flops are clocked in response to positive going 
transitions at the clock input C, a high level output signal is produced 
at the output of ripple counter 32 only when the output signal of 
integrator clipper 28 is such that the sample signal (FF30) changes state 
a predetermined number of times within the period defined by the reset 
signal to ripple counter 32. It has been found that complex sounds such as 
human speech generates an integrator-clipper 28 output signal such that 
samples taken at a 24 Hz rate, change states at least on the order of 
twice during a one and one-half second interval. Accordingly, a two 
flip-flop ripple counter 32 is utilized with a 0.75Hz reset frequency. The 
Q output signal of the ripple counter 32 is therefore utilized as an 
actuation signal generated in response to complex sounds such as human 
speech. 
The actuation signal from ripple counter 32 is applied to circuitry for 
generating an audio response, generally indicated as 34. More 
specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the actuation signal is applied 
to the set input (S) of a conventional RS flip-flop 36 suitably formed of 
two cross-coupled NOR gates. RS flip-flop 36, as well known in the art, 
generates a high level Q (and low level Q) output signal when set in 
response to a high level signal at its set (S) input and is reset (Q low, 
Q high) in response to a high level signal at the reset (R) input thereof. 
Coupled to the Q output terminal of flip-flop 36, through a suitable NOR 
gate 37 and inverting driver 38 are LED's 14 and 16 corresponding to the 
eye portions of body 12. Thus, when the actuation signal is applied to 
flip-flop 36, the Q output assumes a low level, enabling NOR gate 37. NOR 
gate 37 is also responsive to an electrical signal comprising 
pseudo-random combinations of respective electrical tones (frequencies), 
as will be explained. Accordingly, eye LED's 14 and 16 are intermittently 
activated almost immediately upon generation of the actuation signal, 
flashing in seeming acknowledgement of the toy being verbally addressed. 
The Q output of flip-flop 36 is utilized to enable the speech response 
portion of circuit 34. More specifically, the Q output terminal of 
flip-flop 36 is coupled to the reset terminals R of two D-type flip-flops 
40 and 42, which are interconnected in counter configuration to form, in 
effect, a delay circuit. The clock input terminal of flip-flop 40 (first 
stage of the counter) is responsive to a clock signal, suitably at 1.5 Hz 
frequency. The respective Q output terminals of flip-flops 40 and 42 are 
applied to two inputs of a three-input NAND gate 44. The third input of 
NAND gate 44 is receptive of the Q output of a third D-type flip-flop 46, 
also connected in counter configuration with Q output coupled to data 
input. The output of NAND gate 44 is coupled to one input of a two input 
NAND gate 48, the output of which is applied to the clock input C of 
flip-flop 46. The other input terminal of NAND gate 48 is receptive of an 
end of period signal, utilized to reset flip-flops 36 and 46, as will 
hereinafter be explained. 
In operation, when the actuation signal sets flip-flop 36, the Q output 
thereof assumes a high level, enabling the delay ripple counter formed by 
flip-flops 40 and 42. Accordingly, after three counts of the 1.5 Hz clock 
signal applied to flip-flop 40, flip-flop 46 is clocked causing generation 
of a high level output signal. The Q output terminal of flip-flop 46 is 
connected, in addition to the input terminal of NAND gate 44 as noted 
above, to a NOR gate 50, and to a circuit for controlling a plurality of 
LED's disposed within the mouth portion 18 of body 12. The mouth LED 
circuitry is generally indicated as 52. NOR gate 50 is receptive of 
electrical tone pulses representative of syllables of speech from a speech 
generator circuit 54, and operates to gate the electrical pulses to 
transducer 22 (through a suitable amplifier 56) to effect generation of 
the audio output. 
Speech pulse generator circuit 54 is free running, and generates a train of 
individual pulses, pseudo-random both as to frequency composition and 
duration. Circuit 54 comprises in the preferred embodiment, a conventional 
voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 58 driven by an analog signal derived 
by a D/A converter 60 from a digital code word produced by a pseudo-random 
code generator 62. Pseudo-random code generator 62 comprises a shift 
register 64, suitably a National Semiconductor MM74C164 8-bit parallel 
output serial shift register and two exclusive OR gates 66 and 68. As is 
well known in the art, in response to positive going transitions applied 
to the clock input (C) of the register, the logic level instantaneously 
applied to the data input (D) is loaded into the first stage and data is 
serially shifted between the successive stages of the shift register. 
Separate output terminals associated with the respective stages of the 
shift register are provided. The contents of shift register 64 are made to 
vary in a pseudo-random fashion by connecting various of the output 
terminals back to the data input terminal through exclusive OR gate 66. In 
the preferred embodiment, the output terminals from the third and eighth 
stages are so connected. The output signals of exclusive OR gate 66 are 
applied to one input terminal of a second exclusive OR gate 68. The other 
input terminal of which is receptive of a signal of predetermined 
frequency, suitably 0.75 Hz. The output signals of exclusive OR gate 68 
are applied to the D input of shift register 64. Exclusive OR gate 68 
ensures that no stalling occurs in the operation of pseudo-random code 
generator 62. 
D/A converter 60 is suitably a conventional ladder-type resistive network 
and generates an analog voltage in accordance with the contents of shift 
register 64. In the preferred embodiment, D/A converter 60 is connected 
only to the odd numbered output terminals of shift register 64 (Q1, Q3, Q5 
and Q7) to provide additional randomness, as will be explained. The analog 
voltage is applied across a smoothing capacitor 70 and therefrom to VCO 
58. VCO 58 therefore produces a signal having a frequency which changes in 
a pseudo-random manner in accordance with a 12Hz signal applied as a clock 
to shift register 64. 
The VCO output signal is applied to the clock input of a binary counter 72, 
suitably a National Semiconductor MM74C163 binary counter with synchronous 
clear. Binary counter 72 provides a plurality of output signals, 
hereinafter referred to as electrical tone signals having respective 
frequencies related to the frequency of the VCO output signal. The 
frequencies of the electrical tone signals are suitably an octave apart. 
Binary counter 72 suitably provides three output signals respectively 
developed at the second, third and fourth stages thereof. 
The electrical tone signals from binary counter 72 are applied as input 
signals to suitable combinatorial logic 74. Combinatorial logic 74 is also 
receptive of the VCO output signal and signals indicative of a 
pseudo-random code. Combinatorial logic 74 suitably comprises a first bank 
of two input NAND gates 75-78, the output terminals of which are connected 
to the input terminals of the multi-input NAND gate 80. NAND gates 75-78 
are receptive of, at one input terminal, the VCO output signal and the 
electrical tones from binary counter 72, respectively. The other input 
terminals thereof are receptive of signals from the even numbered stages 
of shift register 64 (Q8, Q6, Q4, Q2). Thus, the output signal from 
combinatorial logic 74 consists of portions (of a duration corresponding 
to the 12 Hz clock signal to shift register 64) having a frequency 
composition in accordance with pseudo-random combinations of the VCO 
output signal and the electrical tone signals from binary counter 72. 
The combinatorial logic output signal is applied to one input of NOR gate 
37, as noted below, to flash the eye LED's 14 and 16, and is also applied 
to a further two-input NOR gate 82, the other input terminal of which is 
receptive of the output signals of exclusive OR gate 66. NOR gate 82 
operates to interrupt the output signal of combinatorial logic 74 at 
pseudo-random intervals, to produce pulses of pseudo-random duration. 
Thus, the output signal of circuit 54 generated at the output terminal of 
NOR gate 82 comprises electrical pulses which are pseudo-random both as to 
frequency composition and duration, in simulation of syllabic speech. 
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the application 
of the pulse trains to transducer 22 is controlled such that the pulse 
trains are random in duration, simulating intelligent speech. As noted 
above, flip-flop 36 is set in response to generation of an actuation 
signal in response to detection of complex sounds such as speech. Upon 
setting of flip-flop 36, eye LED's 14 and 16 are activated, in effect, 
acknowledging that the toy has been addressed, and after a predetermined 
delay period determined by flip-slops 40, 42 and 46, NOR gate 60 is 
enabled to apply the electrical tone pulses to transducer 22 and 
generating an audio output. Gate 50 remains enabled until the generation 
of an end-of-period signal, which operates to reset flip-flop 36 and 
flip-flop 46. The duration of the period during which gate 50 is enabled 
is suitably made random by periodically generating the end of period 
signal in accordance with a free running clock. For example, in the 
preferred exemplary embodiment, the end of pulse reset signal is generated 
by a length of speech circuit 84 comprising a counter formed of a chain of 
D-type flip-flops 86-88. Flip-flops 86-88 generate the end of period reset 
signal every eight pulses of a 1.5 Hz clock signal. The point in time at 
which the actuation signal is generated is random relative the cycle time 
of length of speech circuit 84, and thus the duration of the period during 
which gate 50 is enabled is also random. 
As noted above, signal enabling gate 50 is also applied to an illumination 
circuit 52 associated with mouth portion 18 of body 12. Circuit 52 
suitably comprises a bank of NOR gates 90, 92 and 94, the output terminals 
of which are applied through driving inverters 96, 98 and 100 to 
respective LED's 102, 104 and 106. LED's 102, 104 and 106 are disposed 
within mouth portion 18 of body 12. NOR gates 90, 92 and 94 are each 
receptive at one input terminal thereof of the Q output of flip-flop 46 
(utilized to enable NOR gate 50). The other input terminals thereof are 
coupled to the eighth, sixth, and fourth stage output terminals of shift 
register 64. Accordingly, LED's 102, 104 and 106 are activated in a 
pseudo-random fashion during those periods wherein an audio output is 
generated by transducer 22. Thus, LED's 102, 104 and 106, in effect, 
simulate motion of the mouth portion 18 of body 12 during periods of 
speech. 
The various clock and reset signals of particular frequency referred to 
herein are suitably generated by an oscillator and master countdown chain 
(divider) generally indicated in FIG. 2b as 110. 
It should be appreciated that while various connections between elements 
are shown in the drawing as single lines, they may in fact, comprise 
plural connections as is known in the art. Further, it will be understood 
that the above description is of illustrative embodiments of the present 
invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific form 
shown. For example, if it is not desirable that the toy be responsive to 
complex sounds, other means for generating actuation signals may be 
provided. To this end, a simple switch can be utilized to effect 
generation of an audio output upon command. Similarly, the duration of the 
speech output pulse train can be made fixed, or pseudo-random rather than 
random, if desired. These and other modifications can be made in the 
design and arrangement of the elements as will be apparent to those 
skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention as 
expressed in the appended claims.