Abstract:
A system and method for initiating, orienting and synchronizing the electronic display on a top or a similar spinning object. The system includes a top on which is disposed an array of lights which forms the electronic display. The electronic display lights when an external activation device is brought into close proximity to the spinning top. Within the top is a detector that detects when the external activation device is brought within a predetermined distance of said top. The detector is connected to circuitry that starts the electronic display when the external activation device is detected. The circuitry also orients the electronic display depending upon the location of the external activation device relative the top. Lastly, the circuitry synchronizes the electronic display as a function of the rate of spin of the detector past the external activation device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to toy tops. More particularly, the present invention is related to toy tops that contain a message display that displays a readable message as the toy top is spinning. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Spinning tops have been a popular children&#39;s toy for hundreds of years. As such, the prior art record is replete with different types of toy tops. Tops have been created in most every conceivable shape, size and style. 
     In the many years that tops have been in existence, many tops have been designed with various secondary features that make the top more interesting to watch as the top spins. One such secondary feature is an electronic message display. Electronic message displays utilize a line of LEDs. The LEDs are placed on the moving surface of the top. As the top spins, the LEDs are sequentially lit. The result is that the LEDs are capable of displaying alpha-numeric characters that are readable to a person watching the spinning surface of the top. The technology of lighting a row of LEDs on a moving surface to produce alpha-numeric characters is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,300 to Tokimoto. The application of that technology to a spinning toy top is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,960 to Capps. 
     In order for an electronic display on a moving object to be readable, the lighting of the various LEDs within the display must be synchronized to the rate of movement of the surface on which the LEDs are located. If the lighting of the LEDs is not synchronized to the movement of the LEDs, the message set forth by the LEDs will appear as a blur and will not be readable. 
     In prior art systems, the methods used to synchronize the lighting of the LEDs are commonly done in one of two ways. In the first application, the moving surface contains some sort of internal sensor that can sense the rate of speed of the moving object containing the display. This technique is used in the cited Tokimoto patent. The second type of technique is to preprogram the lighting of the LEDs to certain speeds. As such, any message set forth by the LEDs is not readable until the speed of movement of the LEDs matches the preprogrammed speed. This second technique is disclosed in the cited Capps patent. 
     The present invention is an improvement over the prior art toy tops that have electronic displays. The present invention toy top contains a unique system and method of synchronizing a display on a top to its speed of rotation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a system and method for initiating, orienting and synchronizing the electronic display on a top or a similar spinning object. The system includes a top on which is disposed an array of lights which forms the electronic display. The electronic display lights when an external activation device is brought into close proximity to the spinning top. Within the top is a detector that detects when the external activation device is brought within a predetermined distance of said top. The detector is connected to circuitry that starts the electronic display when the external activation device is detected. The circuitry also orients the electronic display depending upon the location of the external activation device relative the top. Lastly, the circuitry synchronizes the electronic display as a function of the detector&#39;s rate of spin past the external activation device. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is perspective view of a toy top system in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic of a toy top in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view showing the orientation of a detector in a top and an external activation device positioned proximate the top; and 
     FIG. 4 is a graph showing current induced in an induction coil as the coil spins past a magnetic field. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Although the present invention system and method can be applied to most any moving object with an LED display, such as a yo-yo, gyroscope, spinning disk or the like, the present invention system and method are particularly well suited for use with a toy top. Accordingly, by way of example, the present invention system and method will be described embodied within a toy top in order to set forth the best mode contemplated for the invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a toy top system  10  is shown in accordance with the present invention. The system  10  includes a toy top  12 . The toy top  12  has a central axis  14  around which the toy top spins. The weight of the toy top  12  is symmetrically disposed around the central axis  14  of the toy top  12  so that the toy top  12  is stable when it spins. 
     The toy top  12  has a top section  16  and a bottom section  18  that join together at a common line. The line at which the top section  16  and the bottom section  18  of the toy top  12  join is the widest point of the toy top  12 . The bottom surface  18  of the toy top  12  terminates at a base point  20 . The base point  20  extends through the central axis  14  of the toy top  12 . The toy top  12  balances on the base point  20  as the toy top  12  rotates about the central axis  14 . Like most toy tops  12 , the toy top  12  must be rotating above a predetermined minimum rotational speed in order to remain balanced on the base point  20 . Once the rotational speed of the toy top  12  falls below the threshold speed, the toy top falls to the side. 
     On the top section  16  of the toy top  12  is a central hub  22 . The central axis  14  of the toy top  12  passes through the central hub  22 . The central hub  22  is configured to engage a spring loaded launcher mechanism  24 . The launcher mechanism  24  is used to spin the toy top  12 . The launcher mechanism  24  selectively attaches to the central hub  22  of the toy top  12 . Once attached, the toy top  12  is rotated relative to the launcher mechanism  24 . The rotation of the toy top  12  winds a spring within the launcher mechanism  24 . When the release button  26  at the top of the launcher mechanism  24  is pressed, the launcher mechanism  24  and the toy top  12  separate and the potential energy stored in the wound spring of the launcher mechanism  24  is transferred to the toy top  12  as rotational energy. The toy top  12  is thus spun at a predetermined initial rate of rotation. 
     Launchers for toy tops are well known. Thus the internal structure of the launcher need not be specifically described. Rather, any prior art toy top launching mechanism can be adapted for use by the present invention. 
     On the top section  16  of the toy top  12  are also positioned an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  30 . The LEDs  30  extend from the central hub  22  of the toy top  12  toward the periphery of the toy top  12 . In the shown embodiment, the array of LEDs  30  is a single straight line of LEDs. It will be understood that the array of LEDs  30  can be a matrix of LEDs where multiple LEDs are arranged in rows and columns. The use of a single row of LEDs is merely exemplary. 
     The array of LEDs  30  can either be located on the top surface of the toy top  12  or under the top surface of the toy top  12 . If the array of LEDs  30  is located under the top surface of the toy top  12 , then the top surface of the toy top  12  above the array of LEDs must be transparent so that the array of LEDs  30  can be observed from a point above the toy top  12 . 
     In FIG. 1, two external activation devices  32  are shown. An external activation device can be a magnet, a light source, a radio signal source or any other device capable of sending a signal or triggering a signal in the toy top  12  without physically contacting the toy top  12 . The external activation device can be embodied in an external object, such as a ring, a wand or any other object. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, there is a circuit schematic for the embodiment of the present invention toy top  12  shown in FIG.  1 . As can be seen from FIG. 2, the toy top  12  has an array of LEDs  30 . The LEDs in the array are lit in various sequences depending upon what message the array of LEDs  30  is to display as it spins with the toy top  12 . The actual lighting of the LEDs in the array is controlled by an LED driver circuit  34 . The LED driver circuit  34  is coupled to a sequence memory  36 . The sequence memory  36  stores one or multiple lighting sequences in which the LEDs in the array can be lit. The light sequences stored in the sequence memory  36  can correspond to various words, phrases, numbers and/or images. 
     The LED driver circuit  34  can read lighting sequences from the sequence memory  36  in some predetermined order of priority. However, in the shown embodiment, the circuitry of the toy top  12  also includes a random selection circuit  38 . The random selection circuit  38  causes the LED driver circuit  34  to randomly select various lighting sequences from the options contained within the sequence memory  36 . 
     Also contained within the circuitry of the toy top is a detector  40 . The detector  40  can be a magnetic field detector, a photodetector or a radio signal detector. As such, the detector  40  is capable of detecting a magnetic field, a light signal or a radio signal. The detector  40  is coupled to a control circuit  42 . The control circuit  42  monitors the detector  40 . If the control circuit  42  reads data from the detector  40  that matches some predetermined criteria, then the control circuit  42  triggers the operation of the LED driver circuit  34  and thus the lighting o f the array of LEDs  30 . If a preprogrammed criteria is never detected, the LED driver circuit  34  is not activated and the array of LEDs  30  never lights. 
     As an example of the operation of the detector  40  and the control circuit  42 , consider the example embodied by FIG.  3 . In FIG. 3, the external triggering device is a magnet  44  and the detector in the toy top is an induction coil  46 . The magnet  44  can be held stationary outside the spinning top  12 . As the toy top  12  spins, the induction coil  46  spins and therefore periodically passes through the magnet field created by the external magnet  44 . When the induction coil  46  is far away from the magnet  44 , the induction coil  46  is outside the magnetic field created by the magnet  44  and the current created in the induction coil  46  is zero. As the toy top  12  spins, the induction coil  46  approaches the external magnet  44  and thus enters the magnetic field created by the magnet  44 . As the induction coil  46  passes into the magnetic field of the external magnet  44 , a current is induced in the induction coil  46 . The current created in the induction coil  46  increases as the induction coil approaches the external magnet  44  and the magnetic field created by the magnet  44  increases. 
     The induction coil  46  is wound around a central line that is aligned on the toy top  12  with a radius line that passes through the center axis of rotation. Due to the orientation of the induction coil  46 , when the induction coil  46  passes directly in front of the external magnet  44 , the induction coil  46  aligns with the magnetic field of the magnet  44  and no current is generated in the induction coil  46 . As the induction coil  46  passes the external magnet  44 , a current is again generated in the induction coil  46 . However, the direction of the flow of current is opposite the direction of the original flow of current that was produced when the induction coil  46  was approaching the external magnet  44 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4, it can be seen that when the induction coil  46  is distant from the external magnet  44 , it does not pass through the magnetic field of the external magnet  44  and no current is generated in the induction coil  46 . This is shown by the first segment  50  in FIG.  4 . As the induction coil  46  approaches the external magnet  44 , current is generated by the induction coil  46 . The current increases as the induction coil  46  approaches the external magnet  44 . This is shown by the second section  52  in FIG.  4 . As the induction coil  46  passes the external magnet  44 , the current rapidly drops to zero, as is indicated by point P in FIG.  4 . As the induction coil  46  moves away from the external magnet  44 , current is again produced. However, the current flows in the opposite direction. This is indicated by the third section  54  in FIG.  4 . 
     When the induction coil  46  passes the external magnet  44  and the current changes direction of flow, this transition point can be recognized by a control circuit  42  (FIG. 3) and used as a triggering signal. Referring now back to FIG. 3, it can be seen that when the control circuit  42  initiates the LED driver circuit  34  and the array of LEDs  30  light. Furthermore, the control circuit  42  uses the triggering signals to synchronize the lighting of the array of LEDs  30  with the speed of rotation for the toy top  12 . Each time the induction coil  46  (FIG. 4) triggers the control circuit  42 , it can be assumed that the toy top  12  has competed a single revolution. Accordingly, the rate at which the control circuit  42  is triggered is indicative of the rate of rotation for the toy top  12 . This enables the control circuit  42  to alter the rate at which the LED driver circuit  34  lights the LEDs in the array. Accordingly, the message set forth by the array of LEDs  30  is readable throughout the period of rotation for the toy top  12 . 
     In the above example, the change in current flow is used to synchronize and trigger the lighting of the array of LEDs  30 . If a photodetector were used instead of an induction coil, the transition point between increasing and decreasing light intensity would be used to synchronize and trigger the array of LEDs. If a radio signal detector where used in place of the induction coil, the transition point between increasing and decreasing signal intensity would be used to synchronize and trigger the array of LEDs. 
     Returning to FIG. 3, it can be seen that in this embodiment of the external triggering device, the position of the array of LEDs  30  and the magnet  44  are apart. It is the passage of the detector past the external triggering device that determines when the LEDs light. In the shown example, the array of LEDs  30  will light at the 12 o&#39;clock position because this position corresponds to the point where the detector passes the external triggering device. However, as the external magnet  44  is moved, the point at which the array of LEDs  30  will begin to light also changes. Accordingly, on a spinning toy top  12 , by moving the external triggering device around the periphery of the spinning top  12 , the position at which the array of LEDs  30  create a display can be selectively altered. 
     Returning to FIG. 1, it will be understood that the external activation device  32  can be embodied in a secondary device such as a ring or a wand. To play with the toy top system  10 , a person attaches the toy top  12  to the launcher mechanism  24 , winds the launcher mechanism  24  and launches the toy top  12 . The toy top  12  spins without any illuminated display. The person playing with the toy top  12  then brings an external triggering device  32  into close proximity with the spinning top  12 . Once in close proximity, the array of LEDs  30  on the toy top  12  begin to light and create a readable display. The position of the display created on the spinning top  12  is dependent upon the position of the external triggering device  32  proximate the spinning top  12 . 
     One embodiment of the present invention toy top system  10  can be that of a fortune top that is used to tell a person&#39;s fortune. The toy top  12  is preprogrammed with various fortune answers that can be randomly displayed. The person playing the fortune teller spins the top and asks a question. The person playing the fortune teller then brings the wand or the ring close to the spinning top. Once close enough to the top, the wand or ring activates the display of the top. The display randomly shows an answer, thus providing a fortune. The top may also display a prompt, such as a question mark, prior to displaying a fortune. The display of the prompt last a predetermined time, such as five seconds. After that period of time, the fortune answer is displayed. As such, a person using the top can use the prompt to time the asking of questions. In this manner a fortune can be displayed on que in a timely manner after a question is asked. 
     It will be understood that the various figures described above illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art can therefore make numerous alterations and modifications to the shown embodiments utilizing functionally equivalent components to those shown and described. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.