Abstract:
The present invention provides an interactive electronic, digital device ( 16 ), largely an amusement device, including a display ( 20 ) of animated characters with sound effects housed in a unit ( 19 ) to be worn or carried by a wearer or user. The characters and sound effects are interactive with the wearer or user, for example, in response to wearer or user movement or selective actuation (e.g., through a button or touch panel). The interactivity could also be responsive to ambient sounds (e.g., music or voice) or movement.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/088,590, filed May 28, 1998, and claims the priority of that application and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/097,871, filed Aug. 26, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to amusement devices and, more particularly, to an electronic, substantially digital, interactive amusement device designed to be worn or carried by a user. 
     Amusement devices have, of course, long been known. From simple inert objects designed to be handled by a person or passed among people, they have advanced to objects having manipulable mechanical features and, more recently, to objects having electronic features or a combination of mechanical and electronic features. Dolls or figurines provide one good example of this evolution, changing from passive representations of infants to currently available dolls which might include not only positionable limbs and changeable facial expressions, but also sound producing electronic systems. 
     Currently available amusement devices may incorporate digital technology similar to that used in other digital devices such as calculators. For example, an interactive wristwatch calculator such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,285 (Heinsen et al.) uses electronic, microprocessor based technology, as does the hand-held video game image-projecting and control apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,429 (Nagel), wherein a user holds a housing with arms carrying control elements for interactive control of a video game. 
     One recent development in electronic amusement devices is “virtual toys” such as the “Tamagotchi” toy made by the Bandai Company Ltd. Other manufacturers of such toys include Casio, Sega and Nintendo. By way of example, “Tamagotchi” is a small electronic device usually hung on a necklace or key ring. It includes a housing and a display of an animated chick. The user has to “take care” of the chick by inputting signals or responding to the display, or the display will disappear. A similar toy is the “GigaPound Pet” by Tiger Electronics. This toy provides digitally produced animated characters (dogs) and, while the toy is similar to others of the genre, it produces and responds to sounds. In use, when initiated, the user sets a clock, then chooses a character. Button inputs are used to scroll and choose. A choice results in a display and sound, and other choices, input opportunities and results follow. 
     While these amusement devices represent advances, there is room for improvement. In particular, there is a need for an amusement device which increases the appeal and interactivity of such devices by, for example, appearing to spontaneously produce sounds or visual effects with or without intentional input from the user or observer which provoke or require a response from a person observing the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is an interactive electronic device, largely an amusement device and largely digital, including a display of animated characters with sound effects housed in a unit to be worn or carried by a wearer or user. The characters and sound effects are interactive with the wearer or user, for example, in response to wearer or user movement or selective actuation (e.g., though a button or touch panel). The interactivity could also be generated by or be responsive to ambient conditions such as sounds (e.g., music or voice), nearby movement, temperature, light level or other conditions or situations. 
     In one embodiment, the invention may take the form of a wristwatch like device and, in other embodiments, the device may take the form of a pendant, locket, writing instrument or other object. 
     In one embodiment, the amusement device comprises an interactive system, in turn comprising an electronic system for use with a video monitor or display and an audio component to drive, actuate and control the display and audio components for displaying images and broadcasting sound, wherein a user of the system may interact with the system, and a software controller for carrying out the display on the monitor and the broadcast of sound in accordance with a software program stored in the software controller and in accordance with certain selected input data supplied by the user and certain additional input data stored in another system memory, wherein said certain additional input data is accessed by the software controller in response to an ambient condition. 
     The interactive device of the present invention provides and encompasses a method for controlling operation of the device comprising providing a visual output on a display, providing an audio output on an audio output device, receiving input from an input device, and controlling the display and the audio output device based on received input. The input device may receive input by being manipulated physically and/or intentionally, or it may receive input comprising an ambient condition and, in response to the input, the method comprises a first mode providing the visual output and a second mode providing the audio output. 
     An advantage of the amusement device of the present invention is that it increases the appeal and interactivity of such devices by, for example, appearing to spontaneously produce sounds or visual effects with or without intentional input from the user or observer which provoke or require a response from a person observing the device, as well as providing functions such as time/date information. 
     In some embodiments, the present invention may include a housing taking a form similar to a commonplace object such as a wristwatch, pendent, fob or a writing instrument. 
    
    
     Other features and advantages of the amusement device and method of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood with reference to the following description and drawings, and the appended claims. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the amusement device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the invention with portions removed for clarity. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention with portions removed for clarity. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 8 a-c  depicts one operation of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 9 a-c  depicts the operation depicted in FIGS. 8 a-c , with the face of the device removed for clarity. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly view of one embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 11 depicts another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11, with portions removed for clarity. 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 15 is an exploded assembly view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded assembly view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 depicts one embodiment of a representative, exemplary electronic control system, comprising a microprocessor or computer controller, for use in embodiments of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 depicts another embodiment of a representative, exemplary electronic control system, comprising a microprocessor or computer controller, for use in embodiments of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of one embodiment of an interactive, substantially digital amusement device in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of another embodiment of an interactive digital amusement device. 
     FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of another embodiment of an interactive digital amusement device. 
     FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of another embodiment of an interactive digital amusement device. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the amusement device and method of the present invention, and features, components and the operation thereof. With regard to means for fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the components of the present invention to form the device as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, such means are intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as machine screws, machine threads, seals, snap rings, clamps, rivets, nuts and bolts, toggles, pins and the like. Components may also be connected adhesively, by snap or friction fitting, or by welding or deformation, if appropriate. The electronic portions of the device may use conventional, commercially available electronic components, connectors and devices such as suitable wiring, connectors, printed circuit boards, microchips, speakers, lights, liquid crystal displays, audio components, inputs, outputs and the like. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught, materials for making components of the present invention may be selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys, natural or synthetic materials, plastics and the like, and appropriate manufacturing, assembly or production methods including casting, extruding, molding and machining and the like may be used. 
     Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom, upper and lower, and horizontal and vertical are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spacial orientation. 
     FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic amusement device  14  taking a form similar to a wristwatch. The device  14  includes a body  16  releaseably mounted on or coupled to a band, or bands,  17  of flexible material for encircling a wearer&#39;s wrist. 
     The body  16  (which may be formed from a suitable plastic or plastic mixture such as a polycarbonate-ABS blend) has a presentation display face  19 , which may carry a decal type screen or film for shaping or coloring a displayed image, includes a visual display area  20  which is capable of displaying changeable display images. The display images may include a variety of virtual characters, patterns and/or other information. FIG. 1 shows a presentation face  19  with a single display area  20 , but more than one display area or display screen, or a split display, may be used as well. The display  20  is advantageously a liquid crystal display having a selected format and size such as 32×32, 64×64, 80×80, 100×64, etc., and it may have color capability and integrated backlights for added viewing ease and clarity. Such displays are used in recent electronic display devices and computers, and are commercially available in a variety of types and sizes from several manufacturers. The exact nature and size of the display area  20  can vary and alternative types of displays and future display technologies will likely serve the intended purposes of allowing a user or wearer of the present invention to participate in interactive video displays. 
     Generally at or adjacent to the peripheral edge of the presentation face  19 , the device  14  includes inputs or control keys, switches or buttons  21 ,  22 . On the peripheral side edge of the face  19 , the device carries a mode button  23  and an immediately adjacent select button  24 . Any of these buttons may be assigned a desired function or functions, and more than one function may be accomplished by a single button, for example, mode and select functions may be combined in a single button. Any of these controls or input button may be selected from a wide variety of commercially available buttons or keys, such as touch keys, used to provide electrical control signals, and one or more of the selected form of input key may be assigned to additional functions, such as in changeable soft key assignments during the programming or setup of the system. One form of suitable button, and the fitting thereof to the device  14 , is depicted in FIG.  2 . One material suitable for the button is a rubber material, such as santoprene. The selected button material may be formed with a lip  25  which may be preferably adhesively secured to the face  19  around an opening therein. The button material overlies a suitable contact, for example a graphite contact  26 . 
     The device includes a speaker housing or grill  28  on its peripheral edge, opposite the mode and select buttons. The speaker grill is provided with openings or vents  29  suitable for emitting sound, and its sides may be provided with bumps  30  or texture to facilitate manipulating the device  19  as explained below (with reference to FIGS. 8 a-c  and  9   a-c ). The vents may be covered with a thin film of Mylar or other suitable material sealed in place to maintain the watertightness of the device  14 . 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of one embodiment of the device  14 , and depicts that the device includes the top presentation face  19 , a generally or substantially clear and scratch resistant lens  32  (polycarbonate is a suitable for forming the lens), a liquid crystal display  33  generally under the lens, and integrated circuit board (the controller, see below)  34 , a suitable speaker  35 , such as a 28 mm speaker, an appropriate number of batteries  36  for providing a power source, a face bottom  37 , a base  38 , a battery cover  39  which may be sealed by a suitable O-ring type seal or gasket and is connected to the face bottom by suitable screws. This generally sandwich-like assembly is joined or coupled by the joining the face top  19  and face bottom  37 , then snap fitting the face assembly, i.e., the top and bottom containing the lens, etc., to the base  38 . The “arrowhead” snap fitting  40  of the face bottom  37  enables the firm, yet rotational or spinning movement of the face assembly within or on the base  38 . Between the face assembly and the base  38 , generally along or adjacent to the peripheral edges thereof, the device  14  may be provided with a plurality of snap bumps  41  and complimentary snap recesses  42  in a detent like arrangement. FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the basic layout and placement of the components when assembled. Similarly, FIGS. 5 and 6 depict another basic layout wherein the three button batteries have been replaced by a single battery cell, for example a lithium cell. 
     In one embodiment, the function of the buttons or inputs may be outlined as follows. The mode button  23  toggles through available programs and features, and the select button  24  selects items. Input button  22  is a “hot” key, comprising the start and stop button, the input for controlling a main game, the input for triggering a character to tell the time and for resetting the device. Input button  21  is also a hot key or input, and controls the playing of another game, clearing the device and resetting. These functions are exemplary, and additional functions may be provided and/or assigned or reassigned to the inputs or selected combinations thereof, and additional input buttons may be provided as desired. The enumerated functions will be further explained and understood in conjunction with FIGS. 20-23 which depict operational flows of representative embodiments of the present invention. 
     The movement of the face assembly is depicted in FIGS. 8 a-c  and  9   a-c.  These two sets of Figures are substantially similar, but in FIGS. 9 a-c , the face has been removed for clarity. The 360 degree spinning or rotational movement of the face assembly may be controlled incrementally, for example in 15 degree increments, by the snap bumps and recesses. The face assembly can be moved in either direction for user or wearer convenience, comfort and/or amusement. 
     FIG. 10 depicts an exploded assembly of one embodiment of the invention. Features in common or similar to features depicted in FIGS. 1-9 a-c  are commonly referenced. The depicted assembly includes an input assembly including buttons  21 ,  22 , suitable pushers  43 , O-ring type seals  44  and springs  45 . A lens  32  is received in the body  16 . Suitable buckles  46  and pins  47  are used to couple the device  14  to the band  17 . A reset key  48  is located on the body  16  and sealed by an appropriate seal, for example, an O-ring type seal. Additional input/control buttons  23 ,  24  are also located at the side of the body  16 . An LCD  33  is received in the device  14 , and operably supported therein by a LCD frame member  50  and connectors  51 . A back cover  37  is provided. A microprocessor printed circuit board  34  is operably mounted, as is a battery assembly  36 . An operating mechanism, such as spring/contact assembly  55 , including an appropriate number of springs  55 ′ and a spring guiding clip  49 , is provided for making or completing a solder-less speaker electrical connection between the speaker  35  and the printed circuit board  34 . The clip is coupled to the printed circuit board, and includes a movable generally center portion so a user can conveniently replace the battery  36  without detaching the clip  49  from the board  34 . The speaker  35  is set and mounted within the back cover  38 , which is sealed by a suitable fixed ring  56 . Suitable screws, threads or other connective structures or methods are provided as necessary to join components and the assembly as a whole. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 11-14. Features in common or similar to features depicted in FIGS. 1-9 a-c  are commonly referenced, and the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 is generally similar. It includes a body  16  mounted on a band  17 , and a presentation face  19 , with a display  20 . Input buttons  21 ,  22  are provided as necessary to accomplish desired functions, as is an enter button  23 . The button structures or assemblies may be substantially similar to those described above. In this embodiment, the body  16  incorporates sound outlet openings  56 . FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly view of this embodiment, which comprises a top presentation face  19 , a main body member  57 , a generally or substantially clear and scratch resistant lens  32 , a liquid crystal display screen  33  generally under the lens, and integrated circuit board  34  (the controller, see below), a suitable speaker  35 , an appropriate number of batteries  36  for providing a power source, a bottom  37 , and a battery cover  39 . These components may be joined by suitable connectors, such as screws or threads. It should be appreciated that this embodiment provides a fixed presentation face  19 . FIGS. 13 and 14 depict one layout or arrangement of the components when assembled. 
     FIG. 15 is an exploded assembly depicting an embodiment substantially similar to the embodiments depicted and described with reference to FIGS. 11-14, and generally similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-9 a-c . Generally common or similar features are commonly referenced. The depicted assembly includes inputs or controls  21 ,  22 ,  23  which may be similar to those described above. A lens  32  is received in the body  16 , which is closed at the presentation face by a ring  61  and face plate  62 . Suitable buckles  46  and pins  47  are used to couple the device  14  to the band  17 . A reset key  48  is located on the body  16 . A liquid crystal display (“LCD”)  33  is received in the device  14 , and operably supported therein by a LCD frame member  50  and connectors  51 . A microprocessor printed circuit board  34  is operably mounted, as is a battery  36 . An operating mechanism, such as spring/contact assembly  55 , including an appropriate number of springs  55 ′ and a spring guiding clip  49 , is provided for making or completing a solder-less speaker electrical connection between the speaker  35  and the printed circuit board  34 . The speaker  35  is set and mounted within the back cover  38 , which is sealed by a suitable fixed ring  56 . Suitable screws, threads or other connective structures or methods are provided as necessary to join components and the assembly as a whole. 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded assembly view depicting another embodiment of the present invention wherein the invention takes the form of a pendent or broach. This embodiment comprises a front case member  63  and a rear case member  64  joined to form a generally closed housing. The housing includes an opening which is occupied by a lens  32 , and another opening occupied by a touch pad input  65 . It houses a LCD  66 , supported by an LCD frame  67 . A first printed circuit board controller  69  is received in the housing. Suitable contacts  71  are provided to link operable components, and a battery or battery assembly  72  is provided for power and enclosed by a battery cover  73 . Function or input buttons, such as button  74 , are provided, as are openings suitable for receiving the buttons. A second printed circuit board  76  is mounted. A suitable audio speaker  35  is provided. The assembled device may be suspended by a suitable flexible lanyard or necklace member  77 . In this embodiment, as in all embodiments, it should be appreciated that any number of inputs and or circuit boards may be incorporated as necessary or desired to accomplish desired functions or performance. 
     FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly depicting another embodiment of the present invention wherein it takes the form of a pen or other writing instrument. This embodiment comprises a first pen case member  79  with openings for operably receiving suitable control inputs or input assemblies such as buttons  80 . An ink assembly  81  is provided and includes a pen tip, ball and ink assembly. A second pen case member  83  is provided for attachment to the first case member  79  to form a housing. A battery or battery assembly  36  is received in the housing and covered by a battery cover  84 . A lens  32 , similar to those described above is received in the housing, occupying a display opening therein, as is an LCD or other suitable display, and a support frame, indicated generally at  86 . Two programed and/or programmable circuit boards  87 ,  87   a  are mounted in the housing, as is a speaker  35 . Board  87   a  operably handles input and/or output relative to a gravity switch assembly  87   b  which may be provided for actuating an unprompted reaction, e.g., a sound or animation, based on the orientation or position of the device  14 . The operable components, for example, the inputs, circuit boards, LCD, speaker and battery, are electrically coupled by suitable inputs, contacts and connectors. 
     The embodiments of the amusement device of the present invention include a suitable data and control operating or processing system or systems, typically in the form of a computer or one or more microprocessor boards or chips (for example, integrated circuits  34  or printed circuit boards  87 ) contained within the housing or case of the various embodiments of the device. These printed circuit boards or chips may be configured as desired and convenient for particular embodiments and functions, and may be constructed and located as suitable for particular embodiments. 
     FIG. 18 depicts one representative selection and arrangement of the electronics or electronic circuitry and related components which may be used in embodiments of the invention. A plurality of selected inputs  58  (e.g., buttons, gravity sensor/switch, keyboard or joystick, temperature sensor and/or microphones) are operably connected to a microprocessor  59 , as are a plurality of selected outputs, in this embodiment, an LCD screen  32  and speaker  35 . A reset key or button  48  (or keys or buttons) may also be coupled to the microprocessor  59 . In this embodiment, the microprocessor contains the LCD screen driver and the digital audio all in or on one chip. Future performance needs and features (e.g., LCD controller(s), audio enhancements, RAM, etc.) may involve the use of multi-chip sets. For example, and the number and arrangement of chips or pc boards is not limited to this example, the audio may reside on one chip and the LCD screen may be driven by, for example, three other chips with a fourth chip being the controller for issuing commands to the other three chips. 
     FIG. 19 depicts another representative selection and arrangement of the electronics or electronic circuitry and related components which may be used in embodiments of the invention. The depicted control and data processing system  90  includes a suitable power supply  181 , typically a battery or a direct current supply of a suitable voltage (e.g., the battery or battery assemblies  36 ), but other power supplies, such as solar cells, may be used or incorporated as well. Power is supplied to a power distribution and sensor electronics control circuit  184 . Control circuit  184  can be one of several commercially available power switching and control circuits, and may be provided in the form of a circuit or circuit board which is detachable, and plugs into a main board or chip  185  or a suitable expansion slot board receptacle. 
     Power control circuit  184  may be connected to a first input control switch  182  and a second input control switch  183 , or to as many switches as are desired or necessary. The switches may be operated by inputs such as inputs  21 ,  22   23 ,  24 , provided on the housings of the various embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, for example, one switch may control powering up the system, and the second switch may control activation of aspects of the programs or modes of operation. There may be one or more additional switches, buttons or inputs, or functions may be combined in a button by the selective operation thereof, and the system  90  can include default settings or subroutines. 
     FIG. 19 also depicts a controller board, circuit or chip  185  which includes a central microprocessor (not shown) and related components well-known in the industry as computers or printed circuit boards, for example, four or eight bit microprocessors such as those made and offered for sale by Elan Microelectronics Corporation and others, and related memory (not specifically shown). A variety of different configurations and types of memory devices can be connected to a suitable pc or board as is well-known in the art. A panel display control board  188 , and/or an optional second such board  189  (shown in phantom), is included. The board  188  typically would be connected or operably coupled to the board  185 , for example in expansion slots of circuit board  185 . Display control board  188  is capable of controlling the images displayed and other operational parameters of the video and/or audio displays used in the present invention More specifically, the display control board  188  is connected to one or more user interface circuits  196 , which show the display station. Additionally, the display control board  188  is shown connected to the additional display interface circuits  190 ,  194 ,  198 . This arrangement allows the display control board or circuits  188  to provide necessary image display data to suitable electronic driver circuit  197  used to drive the display station or stations (this flow may operate the opposite way, too, i.e., the display control board  188  may receive information or data from the driver circuits). This arrangement also allows the display control boards to provide necessary image display data to additional display electronic drive circuits  192 ,  195 ,  199  associated with the displays. The display electronic drive circuits just described may have associated back lights (or other suitable enhancements)  193 . 
     The circuit board  185  may include a serial port  187  to allow data to be programmed or downloaded. This allows performance data to be analyzed in various ways using added detail, or by providing integration with data from other devices so that performance problems can be identified and eliminated. It also allows monitoring of use and accuracy on a routine basis. In some embodiments, performance requirements, user use, responses, performance and/or skill can be varied or manipulated, recorded and displayed, or downloaded. 
     FIG. 19 further depicts that a keyboard connection port  186  may be provided to couple the pc or microprocessor of the present invention to a larger format microprocessor or computer and keyboard (not shown) to facilitate use, programming and servicing of the system  90 . It also shows a number of optional sensor interface connections  191  or control input interfaces  178 ,  179  for sensing of ambient conditions or direct input through the use of inputs (such as buttons  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 ) or the like. 
     The processor or controller  90 , whatever form it takes, includes software or programming which is used in the operation of the interactive use of the present invention. It should be understood that the particular software used may vary dependent upon, for example, the desired input and output options and/or interactivity, e.g., the character or characters displayed and the activities of the displayed character(s). The system for some embodiments described herein is being used for a “happy face” character, and so description in that context may be provided as exemplary. However, other characters and activities can be selected and there may be modifications to the software and program routines to accomplish these changes, or such may be required in connection with the wide variety of functions, characters, displays and sounds available. 
     The processor  90  includes suitable operational modules for performing a number of data processing function in connection with the selected and preferred characters. One function is receiving user input and translating it into a selected action of the display. Other representative functions include, but are not limited to, producing and/or controlling an audio output, both or selectively in response to a sensed ambient condition or stimulus or in response to user input, producing and/or displaying audio and/ or visual inquiries of the user and sensing functions. Such functions and others, including variations thereof, for various embodiments of an interactive digital amusement device in accordance with the present invention are indicated, described and illustrated herein, particularly in the exemplary operational flows depicted in FIGS. 20-23. 
     Turning then to FIGS. 20-23, these flow diagrams illustrate functions that may be implemented in software or firmware for execution in embodiments of the present invention by a suitable processor or control circuit  90 . Upon execution of the functions, processor  90  responds to input by a user to control, for example, a visual output on a display and/or an audio output through an audio output device such as a speaker  35 , and provide interaction with the user. The device, including a processor circuit  90  and associated electronics, may be embodied within a watch or a pendant, or other types of enclosures. 
     FIG. 20 is a flow diagram  200  illustration operation of another embodiment of an interactive digital amusement device  217 . Device  217  includes a display  218 , typically implemented with an LCD screen. The user may interact with device  217  by manipulating an input device, such as buttons  201 ,  202  and  203 . In particular, a user selects one or more of the buttons by depressing them to activate a switch. Other types of input devices may be used, such as touch-sensitive elements, voice activation, infra-red, as well as downloadable devices for devices with changeable programming. 
     As shown in flow diagram  200 , a user may turn device  217  on or off by selecting and holding buttons  201  and  202 , and button  203 , simultaneously for five seconds, for example (step  204 ). Device  217  may alternatively include a separate on/off switch or button. Upon turning on device  217 , it enters an idle mode  214 . A user may manipulate buttons  201  and  202  (and/or other inputs, as necessary or desired) while device  217  is in idle mode  214  in order to operate device  217  in different modes. Upon selecting button  201 , for example, device  217  may enter a time display mode  205  in which a time is displayed on display  218 . Upon selecting button  201 , for example, while in time display mode  205 , device  217  may enter a date display mode  206  in which a date is displayed on display  218 , which may include a month and day as shown, as well as other types of date or day information. While in time mode  205  or date display mode  206 , the user may set a displayed time and date by simultaneously selecting buttons  201 ,  202  in order to activate a set time/date mode  215 . As shown in mode  215 , a user may set the time and date by selecting one of the buttons to increment a current digit and select in order to move the display to the next digit in order to set that digit and to save the settings after selection of a last digit. A current digit may be indicated by blinking the digit. 
     While in the idle mode  214 , or other mode, a user may select a button in order to activate a play mode  207  and view an animation on display  218 . While in play mode  207 , a user may select a button in order to play the next animation (step  209 ). While in play mode  207 , an animation is displayed on display  218 , and selection of one of the input buttons, for example, button  202  repeatedly causes a series of animations to be displayed on display  218  in step  209 . The animations may be displayed in a particular order upon repeated selection of a button or in a self-prompting random order without further input or prompting from the user. The animations may include a graphical display, and they may be accompanied by an audio output, such as music or speech. 
     While in any mode  207 , a user may select or press a button, button  201 , for example, in order to activate the idle sound and/or display setting mode  214 . In idle mode  214 , a user may select a button, for example button  202 , in order to activate or deactivate the audio output. In particular, selection of an appropriate button may change the sound setting between on and off, as may be indicated on display  218 , and selection of another button may save the current setting. While in any of its modes, e.g., modes  205 ,  213 ,  219 , if no button is selected within five seconds, for example, device  217  returns to idle mode  214  and/or a standard, default, ready or “screensaver” display. Alternatively, the device  217  may be configured to remain in a selected mode and only return to idle mode  214  upon selection of a particular button or combination of the buttons. 
     While in idle mode  214 , the user may select one or more of the button inputs in order to activate a stop watch function, animation or message  213 . For example, selection of button  202  may cause activation of the stop watch function  213 , which may be implemented as a series of stored prerecorded audio counting or countdown messages or an incrementing, digital or analog stop watch display. In addition, selection of button  203  may cause activation of an alarm function  219 , which may be implemented as a series of prerecorded messages providing advice-type messages, and which may selected or triggered based upon detection of an inputted setting or condition. The alarm functions  219  may be triggered by an ambient condition, such as light or dark, or they may randomly selected. Detection of the ambient condition may occur through use of interfaces  178  and  179 , or other appropriate sensors or sensing devices such as thermometers, microphones, motion detectors and the like. Processor  90  may process the detected ambient condition or a selected setting, under software or firmware control, in order to select a particular audio message and/or display. For example, a value of the detected ambient condition may be compared with known values or thresholds associated with particular messages. When the value matches a known value or is within a particular threshold, the message corresponding to that value or threshold may be selected or may be triggered automatically. 
     FIG. 21 is a flow diagram  300  illustration operation of another embodiment of an interactive digital amusement device  317 . Device  317  includes a display  318 , typically implemented with an LCD screen. The user may interact with device  317  by manipulating an input device, implemented with buttons  301 ,  302 , and  303 . In particular, a user selects one or more of the buttons by depressing them to activate a switch. Other types of input devices may be used, such as touch-sensitive elements or voice activation. 
     As shown in flow diagram  300 , a user may turn device  317  on or off by selecting and holding all three buttons  301 ,  302 , and  303  simultaneously for five seconds, for example (step  316 ). Device  317  may alternatively include a separate on/off switch or button. Upon turning on device  317 , it enters an idle mode  304 . A user may manipulate buttons  301 ,  302 , and  303  while device  317  is in idle mode  304  in order to operate device  317  in different modes. Upon selecting button  301 , device  317  enters a time display mode  305  in which a time is displayed on display  318 . Upon selecting button  301  while in time display mode  305 , device  317  enters a date display mode  306  in which a date is displayed on display  318 , which may include a month and day as shown or other types of date information. While in time mode  305  or date display mode  306 , the user may set a displayed time and date by simultaneously selecting buttons  302  and  303  in order to activate a set time/date mode  315  (step  310 ). As shown in mode  315 , a user may set the time and date by selecting button  301  to increment a current digit and select button  302  in order to move the display to the next digit in order to set that digit and to save the settings after selection of a last digit. A current digit may be indicated by blinking the digit. 
     While in date display mode  306 , a user may select button  301  in order to activate a play mode  307  and view an animation on display  318 . While in play mode  307 , a user may select button  302  in order to play the next animation (step  309 ). While in play mode  307 , an animation is displayed on display  318 , and selection of button  302  repeatedly causes the series of animations to be displayed on display  318  in step  309 . The animations may be displayed in a particular order upon repeated selection of button  302  or in a random order. The animations may include a graphical display possibly accompanied by an audio output, such as music or speech. 
     While in play mode  307 , a user may select button  301  in order to activate an idle sound setting mode  308 . In mode  308 , a user may select button  302  in order to activate or deactivate the audio output. In particular, selection of button  301  changes the sound setting between on and off as indicated on display  318  (step  311 ), and selection of button  302  saves the current setting (step  312 ). While in modes  305 - 308 , if no button  301 - 303  was selected within five seconds, for example, device  317  returns to idle mode  304 . Alternatively, device  317  may be configured to remain in a selected mode and only return to idle mode  304  upon selection of a particular button  301 - 303  or combination of the buttons. 
     While in idle mode  304 , the user may select buttons  302  and  303  in order to activate an audio message. For example, selection of button  302  causes activation of an audio message, referred to as a “magic 8-ball type response” (step  313 ), which may be implemented as a series of stored prerecorded audio messages selected based upon detection of an ambient condition, or randomly selected, and providing yes/no or other types of messages. In addition, selection of button  303  causes activation of other audio messages, referred to as “fortune” (step  314 ), which may be implemented as a series of prerecorded messages providing fortune-type or prediction-type messages and selected based upon detection of an ambient condition or randomly selected. Detection of the ambient condition may occur through use of interfaces  178  and  179 , as identified in this specification. Processor  90  may process the detected ambient condition, under software or firmware control, in order to select a particular audio message. For example, a value of the detected ambient condition may be compared with known values or thresholds associated with particular messages. When the value matches a known value or is within a particular threshold, the message corresponding to that value or threshold may be selected. 
     FIG. 22 is a flow diagram  400  illustrating operation of another embodiment of an interactive digital amusement device  404 . Device  404  includes a display  405 , typically implemented with an LCD display. The user may interact with device  404  by manipulating an input device, implemented with buttons  201 ,  202 , and  203 . In particular, a user selects one or more of the buttons by depressing them to activate a switch. Other types of input devices may be used, such as touch-sensitive elements or voice activation. 
     A user may turn device  404  on and off by simultaneously selecting buttons  401 ,  402 , and  403  for five seconds, for example (step  415 ). Device  404  may alternatively include a separate on/off switch or button. Upon being turned on or first activated, device  404  enters an idle mode  406 . While in idle mode  406 , the user may manipulate buttons  401  and  402  in order to activate various modes. For example, selection of button  401  activates a play mode  407  in which an animation is presented on display  405 . While in play mode  407 , selection of button  402  causes additional animations to be displayed on display  405  (step  408 ). Therefore, repeated activation of button  402  while in play mode  407  causes activation of a series of stored animations on display  405 . The animations may be displayed in a particular order upon repeated selection of button  402  or in a random order. The animations may include a graphical display possibly accompanied by an audio output, such as music or speech. 
     While in play mode  407 , selection of button  401  causes activation of an idle sound setting mode  409  in which a user may activate or deactivate the audio output. While in mode  409 , selection of button  402  causes activation of settings modes  410  and  411 . In modes  410  and  411 , selection of button  401  causes selection of a sound setting in order to turn on or off the sound as indicated on display  405 , and selection of button  402  saves the settings and returns to idle mode  406 . 
     While in idle mode  406 , selection of button  402  causes activation of a display time mode  412 , in which a time is displayed on display  405 . While in display time mode  412 , selection of button  402  causes activation of a display date mode  413  in which a date is displayed on display  405 , which may include a month and day as shown or other types of date information. While in date display mode  413 , selection of button  402  returns to idle mode  406 . While in display time mode  412  or display date mode  413 , the user may set the time and date, as shown in mode  414 , by selecting button  401  in order to adjust setting of a current digit, and select button  402  to accept the setting and move the display to the next digit. A current digit may be indicated by blinking the digit. 
     Also, while in idle mode  406 , selection of button  403  generates an audio message, referred to as “mood sensing,” with appropriate comments. This message may be implemented with prerecorded audio messages selected based upon detection of an ambient condition or randomly selected. The ambient condition may be sensed using control input interfaces  178  and  179  as identified in this specification. Processor  90  may process the detected ambient condition, under software or firmware control, in order to select a particular audio message. For example, a value of the detected ambient condition may be compared with known values or thresholds associated with particular messages. When the value matches a known value or is within a particular threshold, the message corresponding to that value or threshold may be selected. 
     As shown in FIG. 23, flow diagram  500 , a user may turn device  517  on or off by selecting and holding all three buttons  501 ,  502 , and  503  simultaneously for five seconds, for example (step  516 ). Device  517  may alternatively include a separate on/off switch or button. Upon turning on device  517 , it enters an idle mode  504 . A user may manipulate buttons  501 ,  502 , and  503  while device  517  is in idle mode  504  in order to operate device  517  in different modes. Upon selecting button  501 , device  517  enters a time display mode  505  in which a time is displayed on display  518 . Upon selecting button  501  while in time display mode  505 , device  517  enters a date display mode  506  in which a date is displayed on display  518 , which may include a month and day as shown or other types of date information. While in time mode  505  or date display mode  506 , the user may set a displayed time and date by simultaneously selecting buttons  502  and  503  in order to activate a set time/date mode  515  (step  510 ). As shown in mode  515 , a user may set the time and date by selecting button  501  to increment a current digit and select button  502  in order to move the display to the next digit in order to set that digit and to save the settings after selection of a last digit. A current digit may be indicated by blinking the digit. 
     While in date display mode  506 , a user may select button  501  in order to activate a play mode  507  and view an animation on display  518 . While in play mode  507 , a user may select button  502  in order to play the next animation (step  509 ). While in play mode  507 , an animation is displayed on display  518 , and selection of button  502  repeatedly causes the series of animations to be displayed on display  518  in step  509 . The animations may be displayed in a particular order upon repeated selection of button  502  or in a random order. The animations may include a graphical display possibly accompanied by an audio output, such as music or speech. 
     While in play mode  507 , a user may select button  501  in order to activate an idle sound setting mode  508 . In mode  508 , a user may select button  502  in order to activate or deactivate the audio output. In particular, selection of button  501  changes the sound setting between on and off as indicated on display  518  (step  511 ), and selection of button  502  saves the current setting (step  512 ). While in modes  505 - 508 , if no button  501 - 503  was selected within five seconds, for example, device  517  returns to idle mode  504 . Alternatively, device  517  may be configured to remain in a selected mode and only return to idle mode  504  upon selection of a particular button  501 - 503  or combination of the buttons. 
     While in idle mode  504 , the user may select buttons  502  and  503  in order to activate an audio message. For example, selection of button  502  causes activation of an audio message, referred to as a “thought” (step  513 ), which may be implemented as a series of stored prerecorded audio messages selected based upon detection of an ambient condition or randomly selected. In addition, selection of button  503  causes activation of other audio messages, referred to as “advice” (step  514 ), which may be implemented as a series of prerecorded messages providing advice-type messages and selected based upon detection of an ambient condition or randomly selected. Detection of the ambient condition may occur through use of interfaces  178  and  179 , as identified in this specification. Processor  90  may process the detected ambient condition, under software or firmware control, in order to select a particular audio or visual message. For example, a value of the detected ambient condition may be compared with known values or thresholds associated with particular messages. When the value matches a known value or is within a particular threshold, the message corresponding to that value or threshold may be selected. 
     The preceding examples of embodiments and operational flows are intended to be representative of embodiments of the present invention. The configuration of software or programs for the present invention may be varied in accordance with desired functions. Default displays and messages, e.g., screen-saver type displays or audio messages, may be incorporated, and triggered automatically or selectively. The configurations of the housing and display, the number of inputs and/or the available modes and/or programs of operation may be varied. Luminous or “glow-in-dark” features may be provided, and the various embodiments may include graphics or colors as desired. Thus, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential spirit or attributes thereof. It is desired that the embodiments described herein be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive, and that reference be made to the appended claims for determining the scope of the invention.