Abstract:
A programmable device such as a toy or novelty item has a keyboard which can be activated by a user to set up any one or multiple different motions of the toy. Sounds and lights can be activated to coordinate with the movement. The toy can be a car or other device capable of moving in the environment. The keyboard can also be used to play a game of skill, for instance, shooting at a target.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This invention relates to application Ser. No. 09/008,378, filed Jan. 16, 1998, entitled PROGRAMMABLE TOY. The contents of that application are incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a programmable system for enabling an object, preferably a toy or novelty item, to perform a series of movable actions chosen by a user, and, additionally, for the toy to be usable as a game of skill. 
     Many toys or novelty items are available in the market which can perform different actions instructed by a player through the use of a remote control device. Typically the use of the remote control device results in a specific action of a toy object, for instance a vehicle. The remote control systems are either infrared, or radio controlled and can only be used to instruct the vehicle to perform individual or separate actions. These kinds of actions can be associated with movement of the toy. 
     There are also available many different kinds of games which are relatively stationary and which constitute games of skill in the hands of the operator. 
     Having a variable programmable toy or novelty item which has the features of a movable toy and which also has elements of a game of skill would have distinct advantages and benefits in the consumer market. 
     The invention is directed to overcoming the limitations of existing toys, novelty items and games. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides for an interactive programming system for a toy or novelty item. A user, by pressing appropriate keypad buttons can program or instruct an object to perform a series of preset actions. These actions are preset in that different keys are programmed in a first mode to operate or effect different movable actions of the toy or novelty item. Additionally, in a second mode, further programming enables the toy to act as a game of skill, with or without movement. In either mode the operation can, preferably, be accompanied by selected sound effect and light reactions. 
     According to the invention the programmable toy includes a body which has a motor for actuating a motion generator which can be in the form of wheels or other devices. In a first mode this causes the body to move through the surrounding environment. There is a keypad which operates a series of control switches for operation by the user of the toy. The switches are connected to a programmed or programmable microprocessor for translating the received signals from the switches into control signals for operating the motor. The motor can thereby be caused to activate the body in different selected directions according to the action of the motor on the motive generator. 
     There is a multipurpose indicator, preferably, in the form a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a predetermined manner to indicate to a user which of a selected program is functional in the first mode of operation. This indicator is a visually responsive device. 
     The indicator LEDs also operate in a second mode of the system when the toy or novelty item is acting as a game of skill. In the second mode, selected switches operate through a selected program to activate the LEDs according to the skill exhibited by the operator in activating the skill game. One or more of the LEDs can act as one or more selected targets which an operator needs to reach by using the switches appropriately. In the second mode, the body is not intended to operate to effect motion on a surface but rather is intended to be hand-held as the operator activates the switches. Vibration effects can take place in the second mode. 
     In a preferred form of the invention there is a microprocessor which includes a memory function with which predetermined instructions for action and sound effects can be stored. The activities and objects to perform the action and sound effects are determined as selected by the user. The microprocessor operates to move the movable toy through the motive means in the first mode and to permit the game of skill with the LEDs in the second mode. The programming system is driven by an integrated circuit chip which is responsive to the different keys. 
     The toy comprises in a first form a single motor programmable car. By pressing the appropriated keypad buttons mounted on the exterior of the car, the operator programs the action of the vehicle. There is also the ability to produce sound effects and a display panel with LEDs gleams according to the motion of the car. The LED display panel also creates a movement pattern appropriately with the action of the car when operating in the first mode, and matching the same pace of operation in the first mode. The integrated circuit chip is responsive to the different keys that drives the programmable system, of the toy in its first mode. 
     In the second mode the toy constitutes an LED responsive game of skill in the nature of a hand-held game. These games include preferably multiple shooting games set in multiple different levels. Each game is preset. There are different LED gleams and movement patterns to represent different games. 
     The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of the invention, namely a car. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the car. 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the car. 
     FIG. 4 is a front view of the car. 
     FIG. 5 a  is a rear view of the car. 
     FIG. 5 b  is a sectional side view of the car showing the various mechanisms for driving the car and the elective control system. 
     FIG. 5 c  is a sectional top view of the car showing the drive motor for driving the rear wheels of the car. 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of the invention, namely a van. 
     FIG. 7 is side view of the van. 
     FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the van. 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of the van. 
     FIG. 10 is a rear view of the van. 
     FIG. 11 is a top view of third embodiment of the invention, namely a scout vehicle. 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the scout vehicle. 
     FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the scout vehicle. 
     FIG. 14 is a front view of the scout vehicle. 
     FIG. 15 is a rear view of the scout vehicle. 
     FIG. 16 is a top view of a third embodiment of the invention, namely a chaser vehicle. 
     FIG. 17 is a side view of the chaser vehicle. 
     FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the chaser vehicle. 
     FIG. 19 is a front view of the chaser vehicle. 
     FIG. 20 is a rear view of the chaser vehicle. 
     FIG. 21 is a view of the car showing a forward motion. 
     FIG. 22 is a view of the car showing a turbo forward motion. 
     FIG. 23 is a view of the car showing a 90 degree left turn motion. 
     FIG. 24 is a view of the car showing a 180 degree left turn motion. 
     FIG. 25 is a view of the car showing a 270 degree left turn motion. 
     FIG. 26 is a view of the car showing a vibration motion. 
     FIG. 27 is a view of the car showing a normal speed rotation motion. 
     FIG. 28 is a view of the car showing a turbo rotation motion. 
     FIG. 29 is a view of the car showing a Z drive motion. 
     FIG. 30 is a view of the car performing a polygon turn. 
     FIG. 31 is a view of the car in a forward and turning right at approximately 20 degrees motion. 
     FIG. 32 is a view of the car in a turbo start motion, and set up to pop-wheel. 
     FIG. 33 is a circuit block diagram illustrating the main components of the control units and the microprocessor main control unit. 
     FIG. 34 is a schematic illustrating a first game where the target rotates clockwise in various speeds. 
     FIG. 35 is a schematic illustrating a second game where the target moves randomly on a circle. 
     FIG. 36 is a schematic illustrating a third game where the target moves randomly along a horizontal line. 
     FIG. 37 is a schematic where the toy is in the first mode and the LEDs gleam to illustrate different events. 
     FIG. 38 is a schematic where the toy is in the first mode and the LEDs gleam to illustrate different actions and patterns of travel. 
     FIG. 39 is a schematic where the toy is in the first mode and the LEDs gleam to illustrate different actions and patterns of travel. 
     FIG. 40 is a schematic where the toy is in the second mode and the LEDs gleam to illustrate different events relating to the games of skill. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The invention is illustrated in relation to a car, van, scout and chaser vehicles. 
     A vehicle  20  is shown with a keyboard  21  mounted on the top of the vehicle  20 . There are four switches in the keyboard  21 . There are also LED indicators  22  located in front of the keyboard  21 . There are four spaced wheels, namely, front wheels  23  and  24  in the front of the vehicle  20  and rear wheels  25  and  26  in the rear of the vehicle  20 . Wheels  25  and  26  are driven respectively by a single motor in a manner that will be described more fully below. The keyboard or keypad  21  includes one row of three switches  100 ,  101  and  102  and another switch  103  ahead of the row. 
     The rear of the vehicle includes a pattern compartment  31 , which has a door, and into which several batteries can be located. The battery compartment  31  can be opened through a door switch or lock, which is appropriately turned to provide access or closure to the battery compartment  31 . 
     The operation of the vehicle is such that it can move on the surface  33  in a forward, rearward, left turn, right turn, rotational, or zigzag direction with slower or faster speeds as programmed into the vehicle  20 . The vehicle can also vibrate under the action of the microprocessor on the motor or do a pop-wheely, namely tip up on the rear. These movements are illustrated further in FIGS. 21 through 32. 
     The front wheels  23  and  24  are mounted on a suspension mechanism  34  with a suitable helical spring  35 . The shell of the body is shown as numeral  36 , and can be cast as plastic having an upper portion  37 , which can be screw connected with a lower portion  38 . Within the molded plastic components, there are support elements which can form the structure of the internal workings of the car. This includes a floor  39  for the battery compartment  31 . 
     At least one battery  40  is shown in the battery compartment  31 . Mounted ahead of the battery compartment  31 , there is a circuit board  41  which has in part the control circuit to drive a motor  42 . Motor  42  is operational through a gear wheel mechanism  44  to operate the wheel single  26 , and is operational through a gear wheel mechanism  45  to operate the wheel  25 . Power from the control board  41  is directed through a series of conducting cables  47  to the motor, and in turn, the gear mechanisms. Gear mechanisms  44  include at least three interlocking gears  48 ,  49 , and  50 , which activate the wheel  26 . A similar gear system  45  is applicable for wheel  25 . A shaft  30  connects the two sets of gears  44  and  45 . 
     In FIGS. 6 through 10, there are different views of a vehicle in the shape and form of a van. The characteristics of this vehicle are similar to that of the car which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 c . The outside appearance of the van however, is different and typical of what is a van. 
     In FIGS. 11 through 15, there is illustrated a scout type vehicle which operates on the same principles. There is the same keypad and arrangement of LEDs on the roof of the vehicle. The operational functions of this scout vehicle are similar to that of the car in FIGS. 1 through 5 c . In FIGS. 16 through 20, there is shown a representation of a chaser vehicle. This vehicle similarly has a keyboard and LED display on the roof of the vehicle. The operational characteristics are similar to that of the car described in FIGS. 1 through 5 c.    
     In FIG. 33, there is shown a main control unit or microprocessor  51  connected with a motor drive control unit  52 . The ON/OFF switch for the motor is represented in FIG. 33 by numeral  53 , and the keyboard  21  is also shown connected to the microprocessor main control unit  51 . The keyboard switches are press button elements which close circuits in the keyboard configuration  21  as shown. The microprocessor also controls a light source LED driver control unit  54 , which is operational under given programmed conditions of the processor  51 . There is also a speaker  55  which is operational through the speaker drives  55   a  under the control of the microprocessor  51 . 
     The control circuit and microprocessor would use, for instance, transistor pairs for the driver circuits. The microprocessor  51  would have multiple inputs and outputs. The inputs come from the key pad input, and the outputs are driven by the microprocessor  51 . 
     An Exemplary Description of the Vehicle 
     The main keys in the keyboard  21  have the following function Four function keys: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Key-1/Go 
                 (Key 103) 
               
               
                   
                 Key-2/Shift 
                 (Key 100) 
               
               
                   
                 Key-3/Enter 
                 (Key 101) 
               
               
                   
                 Key-4/Select 
                 (Key 102) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The “Shift” key is pressed two times, and the “Go” key is pressed within 1.5 sec. This permits the control to change to the Drive Mode or Game Mode. 
     Drive Mode (the first mode) 
     The Key  1 , Key  3 , and Key  4  can be activated on their own, or together with the key  2 . This provides the following combination of conditions under the Drive Mode. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Keys 
                 Normal 
                 Shift 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Key-1 Go 
                 Run/Stop 
                 Demo 1/2 
               
               
                   
                 Key-2 Shift 
                 Nil 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 Key-3 Enter 
                 Confirm Step 
                 Delete Last Step 
               
               
                   
                 Key-4 Select 
                 Select Next Function 
                 Call Last Program 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Game Mode (the second mode) 
     In the Game Mode, Keys  1 ,  3  and  4  cause different conditions to be effected. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Keys 
                 Normal 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Key-1 Go 
                 Start/Pause 
               
               
                   
                 Key-2 Shift 
                 Nil 
               
               
                   
                 Key-3 Enter 
                 Shooting 
               
               
                   
                 Key-4 Select 
                 Select Next Game 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The vehicle  20  also includes the On/Off Switch, six LEDs,  22 , and the loud speaker  55 . 
     An illustration of the operation of the vehicle in the first mode is set out. There can be a Demo action and two preset operation action programs. 
     Operational Description (the first mode) 
     Normal Drive 
     Once the vehicle is turned on, the LEDs are activated and gleam in a light pattern to indicate normal drive. By pressing the “Select” key, the operator picks the favorable action. There are 13 different actions. These actions are illustrated in FIGS. 21 through 26 respectively. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Sequence 
                 Action 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 1 
                 Forward 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 Turbo Forward 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 Turn Left 90 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 Turn Left 180 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 Turn Left 270 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 Turbo Start 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 Rotate 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                 Turbo Rotate 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 Polygon 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 Vibration 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 Circle 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 Z-Drive 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                 Pause 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The Select-key  102  also allows the player to store a player-selected designed program for upto a sequence of a maximum of 32 steps. “Demo  1  and/or Demo  2 ” can also be included as one of the steps. Pressing the “Enter” key confirms the input, and then pressing the “Go” key causes the vehicle to begin its motion. Actions with the appropriated sound effects and LED patterns react accordingly. The “Call Last Program” key recalls the last program. 
     If 32 steps have not been used up, the player can add some more steps. Pressing the “Enter” key confirms this. Alternatively, should 32 steps have already been used or any step is found not good, “Key- 3 ”+“Shift” is used to delete the last step or the whole sequence. Other actions can then be added. Pressing the “Enter” key confirms this. 
     To enter the “Game” mode, (the second mode), the “Shift” key is pressed 2 times, followed by the “Go” key. The last program is deleted when the operator starts playing the game. Should the player not have started playing the game, and should the “Shift” key be operated, the system is set back to “Drive” mode. The last program remains there. 
     Operational Description (the second mode) 
     Game Mode 
     After pressing “Shift” key 2 times, followed by the “Go” key within 1.5 sec. the player enters the “Game” mode. There are 3 games with 3 different levels in terms of speed. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Game 1 
                 -Shooting I 
                 LEDs 22 gleam in clockwise direction 
               
               
                 Game 2 
                 -Shooting II 
                 LEDs 22 gleam at random 
               
               
                 Game 3 
                 -Shooting III 
                 LEDs 22 gleam at random 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Pressing the “Select” key selects the game. 
     Pressing the “Enter” key confirm the selected game. 
     Pressing the “Go” key starts playing the game. 
     The “Enter” key is used as the shooting key. 
     Shooting I &amp; II 
     Each game has three levels of different speed and each starts from level  1 . 
     For shooting I—LEDs at position  2 ,  5 ,  6  &amp;  3  gleam in a clockwise direction. 
     For shooting II—LEDs at position  2 ,  5 ,  6  &amp;  3  gleam randomly. 
     LED at position  2  is the target. 
     Pressing the “Enter” key acts to effect shooting. 
     Every time the target is shot, there is a sound effect through speaker  55  with a vibration action caused by the motor  42  moving in the vehicle  20 . When the target is shot three times continuously at level  1  and level  2 , there is a special sound effect, and the game is changed to a higher grade of level  2  or level  3  respectively. When the target is shot three times at level  3 , there is another special sound effect. The game will still remain in level  3 . When shooting fails to reach the target concept, there is a sound by speaker  55  and light effect caused by the LEDs  22 . When the shooting continuously fails for three times, there is another special sound effect. 
     Shooting III 
     This game also has three levels. 
     The LEDs  22  at positions  3 ,  4  and  5  gleam randomly. 
     Positions  3 ,  4  and  5  are the targets, and the player can shoot at any target. 
     To shoot position  3 —the “Shift” key is pressed. 
     To shoot position  4 —the “Enter” key is pressed. 
     To shoot position  5 —the “Select” key is pressed. 
     Every time the target is shot, there is a sound effect with a vibration action. When the target is shot five times at level  1  and level  2  continuously, there is a special sound effect. The game is then changed to a higher grade of level  2  or level  3 , respectively. When the target is shot five times at level  3 , there is another special sound effect. The game still remains in level  3 . Should any shooting fail, there is a sound and light effect. Should shooting five times continuously fail, there is another special sound effect. 
     Example of Operating the Car (first mode) and Playing the Game (second mode) 
     Demo &amp; Simple Program 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Demo key-in method 
                 Action 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Shift + Go − Enter + Go 
                 Demo 1 
               
               
                   
                 Shift + Go Go − Enter + Go 
                 Demo 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Driving the Car (first mode) 
     1. Use the Select key to select an action first; 
     2. Press Enter to input the action; 
     3. Repeat step 1 and 2 to input more actions; 
     4. Press Go to run the program. 
     Playing the Shooting Game—Game of Skill (second mode) 
     1. Press Select Select Go to change to Game mode; 
     2. Press Select to select Game  1 ,  2 , or  3 ; 
     3. Press Go to start the game; 
     4. Press Enter to shoot in Game  1  and  2 ; 
     5. Press Shift/Enter/Select to shoot in Game  3 ; 
     6. Press Go to quit the game before selecting another game or to change to Drive Mode. 
     In Game  1  and Game  2 , there is a fixed position from which to shoot the target. In Game  3 , there are three different positions from which to shoot the target. In game  1 , the target rotates clockwise in various speed as shown in FIG.  34 . In game  2 , the target moves randomly along the circle as shown in FIG.  35 . In game  3 , the target moves randomly along the horizontal line as shown in FIG.  36 . 
     Exemplary LED Pattern For the Drive Mode 
     The Drive Mode event is shown in FIG. 37 which shows the Wait for input, Run Program, Demo  1  and Demo  2 . The Drive Mode action is shown in FIG. 38 which shows the Forward, Turbo Forward, Turn 90 degrees and Turn 180 degrees motions. The Drive Mode action is shown in FIG. 39 which shows the Turn 270 degrees, Turbo Start, Rotate, Turbo Rotate, Polygon, Vibrate, Circle, Zig-Zag line, and Pause motions. The Game Mode event is shown in FIG. 40 which shows the Wait for input, Start Game, Hit target 3 times, and Miss target 3 times for two of the games. In a third game, there is a hit target 5 times and miss target 5 times for that game. 
     Many other forms of the invention exist each differing from others in matters of detail only. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to a four-wheeled automobile vehicle, it is clear that the invention also has application to other devices such as different toys or novelty items. The kind of toys could be a ship, plane, robot, different kind of automobile such as a three-wheeler, or a motor bike. The surrounding environment would be appropriately a surface, or could be the water in the case of a ship, or air in the case of a plane. In the case of a ship, boat, or plane, the motive generator can be a propeller or screw device. 
     In some situations, the programming can be effected remotely and be communicated by radio or infrared control. In other situations, although the invention is described as operating with LEDs, it is possible that other light reacting elements could be used, for instance there could be a suitable liquid crystal display with elements responding according to the operation of the switches activated by the keypad. 
     The invention is to be determined solely by the following claims.