Toy vehicle with graphics display

A toy vehicle construction is disclosed which has been particularly configured so that the toy vehicle exhibits animated characteristics. To this end, a liquid crystal graphics display is provided on the chassis of the vehicle, with the graphics display particularly configured to display a plurality of simulated life functions. An associated micro-processor effects operation and control of the graphics display, with additional sound-generating, light-emitting, and detecting devices further provided to further lend to the animated nature of the device.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates generally to toy vehicles, and more 
particularly to a toy vehicle having a liquid crystal graphics display 
which is configured and operated to lend animated characteristics to the 
toy vehicle construction. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
For many years, children have enjoyed toys having adventure-oriented 
themes, such as toy soldiers and warriors, and associated toy vehicles and 
aircraft. Children frequently play with such toys by engaging in mock 
combat and battles, and other like adventures. 
More recently, doll-like toys of this nature have been configured to 
resemble television and motion picture characters as depicted in both 
animated and filmed features. Again, these types of toys are frequently 
based on adventure-oriented themes, and are therefore sometimes referred 
to as "action" toys. 
Above-referenced parent patent application Ser. No. 859,699 discloses a 
human-like action figure toy of the above type, which, in order to enhance 
its entertainment value, is provided with a liquid crystal graphics 
display. Notably, the graphics display is configured to depict a plurality 
of simulated life functions for the toy figure, thus lending animated 
characteristics to the figure for enhanced entertainment. 
As will be appreciated, toys which exhibit animated characteristics provide 
children with additional entertainment and stimulation beyond the more 
typical, inanimate toy constructions. Accordingly, and in keeping with the 
general theme of the above-referenced parent patent application, the 
present invention contemplates a toy vehicle construction having animated 
characteristics. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A toy vehicle construction in accordance with the present invention 
includes an external liquid crystal graphics display configured to display 
a plurality of simulated life functions. An associated micro-processor 
operatively connected with the display effects control and operation 
thereof, and permits the graphics display to be operated to show different 
levels of animation, different activities, as well as additional features. 
Thus, the toy vehicle is provided with animated characteristics for 
enhanced entertainment, and can be readily configured for various types of 
interaction with a child, as well as with other similar related toys. 
While the precise configuration of a toy vehicle embodying the present 
invention can be widely varied, the illustrated embodiment includes a toy 
vehicle chassis having a generally futuristic appearance. This preferred 
configuration is not only in keeping with the technically-advanced nature 
of the toy, but is in further keeping with the popularity which outer 
space related games and toys are enjoying. Additionally, a number of toys 
which are currently popular comprise toy vehicles which possess humanoid 
or robotic characteristics. 
In accordance with the present invention, the present toy construction 
includes a preferably liquid crystal graphics display mounted on the toy 
vehicle chassis. Notably, the graphics display is configured to display a 
plurality of simulated life functions, and is further preferably 
configured to display such life functions in a plurality of modes or 
levels of activity. Thus, not only does the graphics display lend animated 
characteristics to the toy construction, but the play value of the toy is 
further enhanced by permitting children to affect the level of animation 
in accordance with related play activities. 
Operation and control of the graphics display is effected by suitable 
electronic control means, such as a micro-processor operatively connected 
to the display. Suitable programming of the micro-processor effects the 
desired operation of the graphics display whereby the toy vehicle 
construction exhibits the desired animation. 
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, at least one, and preferably 
a plurality, of switch devices are provided on the toy vehicle chassis, 
and are operatively connected to the micro-processor. The switch or 
switches are arranged to effect operation of the graphics display, and can 
be further arranged to alter the activities shown by the display. In 
addition to normal manually operable switches, use of motion-sensitive 
switching devices, such as operatively associated with the vehicle wheels, 
is also contemplated. 
Additional features of the construction further lend to animation of the 
toy vehicle. To this end, the toy vehicle can include a switching device 
in the form of a light-sensor mounted on the toy vehicle chassis and 
operatively connected to the micro-processor. The light-sensor and 
micro-processor can be suitably arranged and programmed so that the 
graphics display of the vehicle is operated responsively to light signals 
(including normal "white" light, as well as light of other wavelengths, 
such as infrared) which are received by the light sensor. In the 
illustrated embodiment, the graphics display is configured to include a 
target indicator which is operated in response to the light sensor 
receiving predetermined light signals. Thus, the toy vehicle can receive 
light signals from a mock "laser beam" weapon or the like, and graphically 
respond to the signals. 
Similarly, the toy vehicle is preferably provided with a sound generator 
operatively connected to the micro-processor of the toy for generating 
sound in coordination with operation of the liquid crystal graphics 
display. Again, the animated characteristics of the vehicle are enhanced 
by the generation of sound attendant to its operation. 
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily 
apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying 
drawings, and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, 
there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a 
presently preferred embodiment, with the understanding that the present 
disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and 
is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment 
illustrated. 
Referring first to FIG. 1, therein is illustrated a toy vehicle 
construction 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. While 
the precise configuration of the toy vehicle 10 can be widely varied while 
keeping with the principles disclosed herein, it is contemplated that the 
vehicle comprise a toy vehicle chassis 12, which may be of a wheeled 
configuration such as by including suitable wheels 14. In keeping with the 
adventure-oriented nature of the toy, the vehicle chassis may be 
configured to include mock radar/communication gear 16, as well as other 
integral features of a technical or futuristic nature. 
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, vehicle 10 
includes a preferably liquid crystal graphics display 18 mounted on the 
vehicle chassis 12. Preferred features of the graphics display 18 are 
shown in an illustrative form of the display in FIG. 2. Specifically, the 
graphics display preferably includes a plurality of activity mode 
indicators 20 which can be operated to designate different levels or modes 
of animation (i.e., a "rest" mode, a "combat" mode, etc.). Similarly, a 
graphic activity indicator 22 is provided, which may include movable 
graphic elements to denote animated characteristics. 
In order to further lend animated characteristics to the toy vehicle 
construction, the graphics display 18 preferably includes a graphic 
display 24 such as for indicating the "energy level" (i.e., "fuel 
reserves" ) of the toy vehicle. The animated features of the toy vehicle 
can further be provided via a digital display 26 which may be numeric or 
alphanumeric in nature. 
With further reference to FIG. 3, therein is shown a diagrammatic 
illustration of the graphics display 18 and its associated components. 
Control and operation of the graphics display is effected by suitable 
electronic controls, such as micro-processor control unit 30 with which 
the display is operatively connected. A suitable battery 32 operatively 
connected with the circuitry provides power for the micro-processor and 
the display, as well as for the related electrical components of the 
construction. 
One or more selectively operable switches 34, which can be mounted on the 
vehicle chassis 12 for convenient manipulation (see FIG. 1), are 
operatively connected with the micro-processor 30 whereby the simulated 
life functions shown on the graphics display 18 can be operated and 
controlled. In addition, such switches can be provided in the form of 
motion-sensitive devices or the like operatively associated with the 
vehicle wheels or other components of the construction. Thus, the vehicle 
may be configured such that rolling movement, or other manipulation, 
effects operation of the control unit 30 and the graphics display 18. 
In keeping with the animated nature of the present toy vehicle 
construction, it is preferred that a plurality of light-emitting diodes 36 
be provided on the vehicle chassis 12, with the diodes operatively 
connected with the micro-processor 30 whereby the diodes can flash or 
blink to show animation. Similarly, the toy vehicle construction can be 
provided with electrical headlamps 38 which are also controlled via the 
micro-processor in response to appropriate inputs. 
The preferred provision of a sound generator 40 in operative connection 
with the micro-processor 30 significantly enhances the animated 
characteristics of the toy vehicle construction. The sound generator 40 is 
preferably operated by the micro-processor in coordination with operation 
of the graphics display 18, whereby different sounds are generated 
attendant to display of various simulated life functions. Likewise, 
control inputs to the micro-processor via switches 34 can be audibly 
registered through operation of the sound generator. 
Depending upon the type of play activities for which the toy vehicle 
construction 10 is intended, the toy vehicle can be provided with one or 
more sensor or detector devices. To this end, a switch device in the form 
of a light sensor 42 is preferably provided which is operatively connected 
to the micro-processor 30 whereby the toy vehicle construction can 
function in response to light inputs. Depending upon the precise 
operational characteristics which are desired, a light sensor responsive 
to either normal "white" light, or infrared wavelengths, can be employed. 
Light inputs to sensor 42 can be used to create a variety of different 
effects. For example, the graphics display 18 may be provided with a 
suitable target indicator 44 or the like (see FIG. 2), with the indicator 
44 operatively connected with the light sensor 42 via the micro-processor 
for indicating input of predetermined signals to the light sensor. Thus, 
the toy vehicle can be arranged to respond to combat with a mock "laser 
beam" weapon or the like. 
Switches in the form of other types of sensing devices can be further 
provided depending upon the desired animated characteristics of the toy 
vehicle. For example, a water sensor 46, metal detector 48, and motion 
detector 50 can be provided in operative connection with the 
micro-processor control unit 30 whereby the toy vehicle responds to inputs 
to these sensors. As will be appreciated, the provision of sensors of this 
nature provide the toy vehicle with a level of sophistication for highly 
stimulating and entertaining play activity. 
Further animation of the toy vehicle construction 10 can be achieved by the 
provision of a suitable electric motor 54 in operative connection with the 
micro-processor 30. For example, it is contemplated that the electric 
motor 54 be operatively connected with suitable movable mechanical 
components of the toy vehicle chassis 12 to impart a rhythmic motion to 
the chassis components such that the toy vehicle appears to "breathe". In 
the illustrated embodiment, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3, electric 
motor 54 is operatively connected with a suitable liquid pump 56, which in 
turn is operatively associated with a liquid conduit 58 through which the 
pump moves liquid to lend an appearance of circulating "blood" or other 
vital fluid. 
Thus, a novel toy vehicle construction is disclosed which is particularly 
configured to exhibit animated characteristics for the entertainment and 
stimulation of children. The provision of a liquid crystal graphics 
display provides the toy vehicle with simulated life functions, with the 
provision of various light detecting and sound generating devices further 
lending animated characteristics to the toy construction. 
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and 
variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and 
scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be 
understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment is 
intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the 
appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the 
claims.