Abstract:
A multimedia assembly including a multimedia device and a signal generator and a method for updating and distributing the multimedia assembly. The multimedia device has a top surface and bottom surface with at least one of the top and bottom surfaces having printed information located thereon. The multimedia device also includes a memory for storing information generally corresponding to the printed information and a contact point. The signal generator is capable of being placed in communication with the contact point of the multimedia assembly so as to receive a signal from the memory. The signal generator produces a signal corresponding to the information stored in the memory. The memory may be updated by connecting the multimedia device to a docket cradle and downloading information from a computer.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a multimedia assembly and method that are particularly useful for novelty and/or educational purposes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interactive multimedia assembly and a method for updating information on a multimedia device on multiple occasions and generating a signal generally corresponding to information after each update.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    The public&#39;s interest in multimedia experiences has been increasing. Devices are presently available that convey information visually or audibly. However, these devices are often expensive and relatively complicated. For example, they often include an LED screen which can add significantly to the cost of manufacture. In addition, these devices may be too complicated for younger children to operate easily. Furthermore, the audio signal generated by the sound source is usually limited to the production of certain preset sounds or information specifically corresponding with the printed subject matter and is often not capable of being readily updated with information. As a result, the devices can only provide information from a single source, and thus do not allow partnering among various entities and content providers.  
           [0003]    Prior attempts to produce a low-cost interactive device that can generate sound while being easily updated and simple to use have fallen short. Therefore, there is a need for an improved multimedia device which provides an enhanced experience through the use of a low cost device.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY  
         [0004]    According to a first aspect of the invention, a method of providing an updated multimedia assembly and related web site is provided. A site is provided having at least one database including data regarding a selected topic. The database is accessible through a network connection and is updated on multiple occasions. A multimedia device is provided having a top surface and bottom surface with at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface having printed information located thereon. The device includes an updatable memory for storing information generally corresponding to the printed information. A contact point and a communications port for connection with the database are also provided on the multimedia device. An audio signal generator is capable of being placed in communication with the contact point of the multimedia device so as to receive a signal from the memory. The audio signal generator includes a speaker to provide an audible signal corresponding to the information stored in the memory. A fee is charged for at least one of (1) access to the at least one database, (2) ownership of the multimedia device, (3) ownership of the audio signal generator, or (4) placing content on the database.  
           [0005]    The present invention together with attendant objects and advantages, will be best understood with reference to the detailed description below in connection with the attached drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]    [0006]FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a multimedia assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the multimedia assembly of FIG. 1.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a multimedia device according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of the multimedia assembly of FIG. 1.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a multimedia assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 6 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a multimedia assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a multimedia assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIGS. 8 a - 8   b  are perspective views illustrating the operation of the multimedia assembly of FIG. 7 
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a multimedia assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the multimedia assembly of FIG. 9. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0016]    Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIGS.  1 - 3 , a multimedia assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at  20 . The multimedia assembly  20  includes a computer  22  having an input device(s), such as a keyboard  24 , and a display  26 . The computer is preferably connected via utility member  28  to a docking station  30 , which is adapted to receive an updatable multimedia device, such as card  40   a . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the docking cradle will alternately be connected to the computer  22  with a wireless connection or may be integrated with the main body of the computer  22 .  
         [0017]    As shown in FIGS.  2 - 3 , the card  40   a  includes a first portion or front outer surface  41  and a second portion or rear outer surface  43 . The rear outer surface  43  includes an aperture  45  for an output contact portion  47 , and an aperture  46  for an input contact portion  49 . A processor  48  inside the device is electrically connected via the conductive paths  50  to the first and second contact portions  47 ,  49 , respectively.  
         [0018]    The docking station  30  includes an aperture (not shown) for receiving the card  40   a . The docking station also includes a contact portion  34  that is configured to align generally with contact portion  49  of the card  40   a  when the card is inserted into the docking station. Information may thus be communicated from the computer  22  to the card  40   a  and stored on the processor  48 .  
         [0019]    In the preferred embodiment, the multimedia assembly  20  operates to transfer and update information related to the common theme from the computer  20  to the card  40   a . In especially preferred embodiments of the invention, the card  40   a  and the docking station  30  are formed generally as novelty items that display, either by shape or by images, the common theme.  
         [0020]    In the example shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , the common theme is football. The card  40   a  includes printed information, such as an image  42 , on the front surface related to the common theme, in this example, an image of a football player. The docking station similarly includes an image  32  related to the common theme, in this example, a football field. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other themes, such as team information, athletic event information, and other sports data, e.g., baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer data, as well as fictional characters, e.g., movie, comic book, cartoon characters, non-fictional celebrities or persona. Geographical, scientific, political, nutritional, or other educational topics, etc., are also contemplated by the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 1, information relating to a particular player is transferred from the computer  22  to the card  40   a  via the docking station  30 . The computer screen  50  displays the player&#39;s identifying indicia  52 , images  56 , and other related indicia  58 , such as performance statistics or recent memorable quotes.  
         [0021]    The information may be placed on the computer  22  in any of the ways known in the art. For example, the computer may be a free-standing unit at a store, restaurant, or other place of business that has licensed for the images, photographs, etc., and may sell or otherwise distribute the multimedia devices such as the cards in business promotions, direct sales, etc. Alternately, the information may be placed on the computer by a storage medium, such as a floppy disk or compact disc. In a particularly preferred embodiment, and as described below with reference to FIG. 9, the information may be placed on the computer  22  via a communications network, such as the Internet.  
         [0022]    The multimedia assembly also preferably includes a signal generator capable of producing a signal based on the information stored in the processor  48  of the multimedia device. It should also be recognized that the signal produced from the multimedia devices  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  can take a wide variety of forms, as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, such as audio signals, analog signals or digital signals. In the example shown in FIG.  4 , an audio signal generator  60  is adapted to receive any of a collection of multimedia devices  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  in an aperture (not shown). The audio signal generator includes a contact portion (not shown) that contacts an output contact portion (not shown) of multimedia device  40   c . Internal circuitry allows the audio signal generator to interpret the information stored on the multimedia device  40   c  and generates an audio signal therefrom. The audio signal is then emitted through a speaker  64 . Control buttons  66 ,  68  may be provided to allow the user to start and stop the audio signal, or to change the volume, etc. One example of the specific circuitry useful with the present invention is illustrated in the copending applications entitled “Talking Novelty Device With Book” filed in the name of Joel B. Tabachnik on Sep. 8, 1999 and bearing Ser. No. 09/391,780, and “Multimedia Card” filed in the name of Joel B. Tabachnik on Nov. 30, 2000, and bearing the Ser. No. 09/727,402, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0023]    The audio signal generator  60  preferably also is formed as a novelty item related to the common theme of the multimedia assembly  20 . In the example shown in FIG. 4, the audio signal generator  60  has football decorations and shape  62 . It should be recognized that the audio signal generator may be shaped in a wide variety forms as recognized herein and by those of ordinary skill in the art. The audio signal generator  60  is configured to interact with any of the collection of multimedia devices  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c . In this example, each of the multimedia devices  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  corresponds to a different football player and may store information related to that player.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an audio signal generator according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the audio signal generator is formed as a pointing member  70 . The pointing member  70  may be decorated or shaped as a novelty figure in accordance with the common theme of the multimedia assembly  20 . In the example shown in FIG. 5, the pointing member  70  has been formed as a novelty figure having the shape of a football player. The pointing member  70  includes a contact portion  72 , which is configured to establish an electrical contact with the output contact portion  47  of the card  40   a  when the pointing member  70  is correctly positioned relative to the multimedia device.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a multimedia assembly which includes a plurality of multimedia devices  80   a ,  80   b ,  80   c , and a plurality of audio signal generators  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c . The common theme of this multimedia assembly  78  is baseball. Each multimedia device  80   a ,  80   b ,  80   c  includes an image  82   a ,  82   b ,  82   c , respectively, and identifying indicia  84   a ,  84   b ,  84   c , respectively. In the embodiment shown, each image  82   a ,  82   b ,  82   c  corresponds to a playing field of a particular team or team logo, which is identified by the indicia  84   a ,  84   b ,  84   c , respectively. The collection of audio signal generators  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c  also includes identifying indicia  92 ,  92   b ,  92   c  corresponding to indicia  84   a ,  84   b ,  84   c , respectively, thereby providing an opportunity for sale, distribution, or collection of both a set of multimedia devices and a set of audio signal generators. The audio signal generators  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , in this embodiment are each shaped as a sporting element, more particularly, as a baseball bat. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, depending on the common theme, the sporting element may take other shapes, such as a ball, a golf club, a hockey stick, etc.  
         [0026]    The multimedia device  80   a  includes a plurality of output contact portions  86 , which, for example, under the common theme of baseball, may correspond to a separate player position on the field (image  82   a ) for a particular baseball team (indicia  84   a ). The audio signal generator  90   a  has a contact portion  94  capable of establishing an electrical contact with each output contact portion  86  and generating an audio signal sounded through a speaker (not shown). The audio signal generated is based upon information previously uploaded to the multimedia device  80   a  about each particular player of the particular team.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another alternate embodiment of a multimedia assembly  95  including a plurality of collectible audio signal generators  96   a ,  96   b ,  96   c , and a plurality of multimedia devices  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c . In this embodiment, the common theme is based on fictional characters, such as characters in a television show or movie, which preferably is identified with printed information, such as indicia  101 , on each of multimedia devices  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c . Each audio signal generator  96   a ,  96   b ,  96   c  is formed at least partially in the shape of a particular fictional character, and each multimedia device has a corresponding image  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c , respectively, of that character.  
         [0028]    In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 a - 8   b , each multimedia device has two output contact portions. A first contact portion  104  is associated with marketing indicia  105  representing a corporate logo or other marketing information. A second contact portion  106  is associated with theme-related indicia  107 . As illustrated in FIG. 8 a , when a contact portion  99  of the audio signal generator  96   a  is placed in contact with first contact portion  104 , the audio signal generator  96   a  produces an audio signal emanating from a speaker  98 . The content of the audio signal is preferably related to marketing interests of the entity identified by the marketing indicia  105 . As shown in FIG. 8 b , when the contact portion  99  of the audio signal generator  96   a  is placed in contact with first contact portion  104 , the audio signal produced and emanating from speaker  98  relates to the common theme, in this case, an episode of the fictional story related to the character identified by image  102   b.    
         [0029]    Turning now to FIG. 9, another particularly preferred embodiment of a multimedia assembly is shown generally at  110 . In this embodiment, updatable information may be supplied from third-parties and downloaded by end-users via a communications network, such as the Internet. The multimedia assembly  110  includes one or more user computers  120 ,  121 , linked to a main computing system  140 , and one or more content provider computers  160 ,  161 , also linked to the main computing system  140 . In the preferred embodiment shown, the user computers generally include a microprocessor  164 , input and output devices  124 , and a web browser  126 , and are able to accept cookies  128 , as is conventional in the art. Similarly, the content provider computers generally include a web browser  162 , a microprocessor, input and output devices  166 , and may accept cookies  128 . While the exemplary system shown includes two user computers and two content-provider computers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the assembly may include any number of such computers as needed by the number of users and content-providers wishing to access the assembly. The multimedia assembly also preferably includes a docking cradle  130  associated with each user computer, and one or more multimedia devices (not shown) and audio signal generators (not shown).  
         [0030]    The central computing system  140  includes a server  142 . The server  142  is accessible by the user browser  126  and the content provider browser  162  through a communications network  170  such as the Internet. The connection between the user computer  120 ,  121 , the content provider computers  160 ,  161 , and the main computing system  140  could be wired or wireless. Communications can be provided, for example, through personal communication systems, microwaves, satellites, and/or over landlines. While other types of communications networks could be used, the Internet allows a user to access the World Wide Web (“the web”), a unique distributed database designed to give wide access to a large universe of data.  
         [0031]    The central computing system  140  preferably includes a user database  143 , which keeps information about particular users, such as user contact information, usage information, latest sign-on and latest download information, etc. Similarly, content provider database  144  contains information about particular content providers. The information in the user database  143  and the content provider database  144  may be used by the purchasing program  154  to charge a fee for use of the system  140  by the content providers and/or the users in accordance with a method of business operation described more fully below.  
         [0032]    The central computing may also include electronic documents known as web pages  146 ,  148 . The pages may be constructed in any one of a variety of formatting conventions, such as Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), and can include multimedia information that is downloaded to an associated multimedia card. In the example shown, the web pages  146  correspond to material provided by content provider X, and the web pages  148  correspond to material provided by content provider Y. Further information may be stored in the form of information databases  150 ,  152 , corresponding to information uploaded to the system by content provider X and content provider Y, respectively. The web pages  148 ,  150  interact with the information databases  150 ,  152 , respectively, to present information to the user, for example, to user A accessing server  142  via browser  126 . For example, the web pages  144  may include templates for fan club pages for a sports persona, with the database  150  providing data for inserting the most recent performance statistics into the template.  
         [0033]    To access data stored in the server  142 , a user would log onto the server  142  preferably via the communications network  170 , e.g., the Internet. A security feature such as a password may be used to provide access to the data. Once the user has accessed the server  142 , a Web page would be displayed having an interface that would provide access to the additional information that may be downloaded. The interface is linked in a conventional manner to data stored in the server on the selected subject. By clicking on the interface corresponding to a particular topic, the user would be led to the information that they desire to download, e.g., information relevant to a team, player, fictional character, educational facts, etc. The selected information is then downloaded from the server  142  via the docking station  130  to the multimedia card (not shown).  
         [0034]    The content provider(s) may upload information to the database(s)  150 ,  152  on multiple occasions, preferably on a regular basis. For example, where the common theme is a sports player, the player&#39;s statistics may be updated every week. The main computing system  140  is preferably adapted to track which of the updates a particular user has viewed and/or uploaded. This may be accomplished by placing a cookie  128  on a user&#39;s computer  120 , and/or by keeping track of a user&#39;s logins in the user database  143 . In the preferred embodiment, the user may be instructed which of the uploads have not yet been transferred to a multimedia device. In another preferred embodiment, data regarding a selected topic is only available for a limited time.  
         [0035]    In FIG. 10, one preferred embodiment of a method of marketing and operating the multimedia assembly  110  is shown generally at  200 . First, one or more multimedia devices with memory capability are sold or otherwise distributed (at  210 ) to users of the multimedia assembly, such as consumers. Such sale or distribution may be performed by various entities, for example, by trademark and copyright owners of the content of a common theme, or by their licensees. These entities may include sports leagues, production studios, educational institutions, toy manufacturers, general marketers, etc. Likewise, one or more signal generator(s) may be sold or otherwise distributed (at  212 ) to users by the same entities, or by different entities than those selling or distributing the multimedia devices. Where different entities sell or distribute the signal generators, the entities may partner with, cross-license with, or otherwise contract with the entities selling or distributing the multimedia devices. Next, information that may be stored using the memory capability of the multimedia devices may be loaded or updated (at  214 ) to information database(s)  150 ,  152  (FIG. 9) by the content provider(s). Again, the content provider(s) may be the same entity or a different entity than those selling or distributing the multimedia devices and the audio signal generators. Next, the central computing system administrator sells or otherwise provides access (at  216 ) to the information database(s)  150 ,  152  to the user(s). The system administrator may be the same or different entity as those selling or distributing multimedia devices and/or signal generators, and those loading or updating information to the database(s). Finally, the user(s) uploads (at  218 ) information to the multimedia device(s) for later use with an appropriate signal generator.  
         [0036]    The content provider may continue to update the information on multiple occasions, preferably on a regular basis. The user may upload the updated information to the multimedia device, and then later access the information with a signal generator as he or she wishes.  
         [0037]    The central computing system  140  is preferably operated by a system administrator who may market the system to both content providers and end users, such as consumers. The system administrator may solely be in the business of operating the system, or may also be involved with selling, licensing or distributing multimedia devices, audio signal generators and/or docking cradles. The content providers will typically be interested in marketing information related to a common theme or themes, and may also be in the business of selling, licensing, or distributing any or all of multimedia devices, signal generators, and/or docking cradles related to the common theme(s).  
         [0038]    For example, where the common theme is football, the content provider may be the owner of the football team or league. Alternately, the content provider may be a licensee of the football team or league, for example, a company that sells sports paraphernalia, or even a fast food restaurant that wishes to incorporate a football theme in its marketing strategy. Similarly, where the common theme is related to fictional characters, the content provider may be the actual copyright holder of the fictional content, or may be a licensee, such as a movie production company or a theatre chain. In an alternate embodiment, the content provider may be an agent hired by the owner or licensee to operate the content provider system.  
         [0039]    The system may be a portion of an overall and integrated marketing strategy among more than one entity. The strategy may include the sale or distribution of multimedia devices, signal generators, updated information, and optional docking cradles. For example, a fast food chain may wish to partner with a sports league, a toy manufacturer, and computer services company to market both the fast food chain and the sports league. In this example, the fast food company may distribute, with the purchase of a food product, updatable multimedia devices centered around the common theme of football with the purchase of a food product by the user. The toy manufacturer may sell docking cradles and/or audio signal generators, all having images or shapes, such as a novelty figure, related to the football theme, under a license from the sports league. The computer service company may be hired to provide updated information related to the common theme of football under a license from the sports league. The computer service company would then approach the system administrator of the central computing system  140  and pay a fee for placing updated content on the central computer system  140 . Likewise, the user, now owner of a multimedia device distributed by the fast food company and an audio signal generator and docking cradle purchased from the toy manufacturer, may access central computing system  140  through the user computer  120 , and may upload the information provided by the content provider. This service may be free to the user, or may require a fee. The user may be required to register some identifying information, which may be sold or distributed to any of the entities described above or to others for the purpose of further marketing.  
         [0040]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that the example described above is just one of numerous examples of operation of the system  110  in accordance with the present invention. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, in the above-described example, audio signal generators may also be distributed along with the multimedia devices by the fast food chain. Alternately, the audio signal generators may be distributed by the sports league at sporting events, or may be sold over the internet by the system administrator. In other embodiments, all components may be distributed by the sports league, or all may be distributed by the fast food restaurant under a license of the sports league. It should be readily understood that those entities selling, distributing, or licensing components, and their combination thereof, are numerous and many are envisioned in accordance with the invention.  
         [0041]    The embodiments described above and shown herein are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and attached drawings. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the cards may include a wide variety of information such as educational, entertainment or sports information. Within sports information, for example, league, team or player information may be provided as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, the specific circuitry used to generate an audible signal could include a wide variety of known constructions and structural configurations without departing from the claimed invention. Accordingly, these and any other changes which come within the scope of the claims are intended to be embraced herein.