Abstract:
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for interactively playing with a printed image. A printed image resembling a game board, book, or picture, is provided. The printed image includes a plurality of feedback areas in which an indicator color is printed of a predetermined wavelength of light. A figurine is provided that includes a light source, a light sensor, and a plurality of outputs is associated with each color of indicator color. The light source and light sensor are placed in proximity to one of the feedback areas in the image. Activation of the figurine causes the light source to illuminate a feedback area and the sensor to determine the wavelength of light of the illuminated feedback area. A controller selects one of the plurality of outputs associated with the indicator color and an output component provides the selected output.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/540,299, entitled “PRINT-LEVEL SENSING FOR INTERACTIVE PLAY WITH A PRINTED IMAGE”, filed Jul. 2, 2012, having Attorney Docket No. HALC.161600. 
     
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, not this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention are provided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure, and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described in the Detailed-Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0003]    In brief and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, systems, methods, and apparatus for providing interactive play with use of printed materials. A printed image is provided with a plurality of feedback areas therein. The feedback areas are each printed with a predetermined level of an indicator color. A figurine is provided that includes a light source and light sensor disposed therein and which are configured to identify a designated level of the indicator color in the feedback areas when the figurine is placed in contact or in proximity to the feedback area. The light sensor is communicatively coupled to a logic controller that selects a predetermined feedback to be output upon sensing of the designated level of the indicator color. The figurine is thus useable with the printed image to interact with a scene, game, or story printed thereon and to provide audible, visual, and/or tactile outputs to a user. 
         [0004]    The printed image might also include a number of hidden graphics printed thereon in an ink that is substantially invisible or unrecognizable in the printed image when in an equilibrium state. The figurine might also include a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits an activating light in a wavelength suitable to at least temporarily activate the ink. As such, the figurine is useable to reveal the hidden graphics by passing in close proximity to the hidden images and exposing the hidden graphics to the activating light. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  depicts a sample printed image with a plurality of feedback areas thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a sample figurine for use in combination with the printed image of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is bottom plan view of the figurine of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the figurine of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a figurine constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the figurine of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is schematic view of electrical components positioned in a figurine constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    The subject matter of select embodiments of the invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. The description itself, however, is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different components, steps, or combinations thereof similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. 
         [0014]    Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing interactive play and/or learning with a printed image. With reference to the figures and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a printed image  10  suitable for use in embodiments of the invention is described. The image  10  comprises any printed media including, for example, and not limitation, a game board, a poster, pages in a book, a greeting card, a foldable play mat, or the like. The image  10  might also include displayed images such as an image displayed on a tablet computing device, computer display screen, television, or the like. This particular exemplary image  10  depicts a race course  12  for a vehicle to follow; however, any desired illustration, graphics, images, or the like can be employed. The depiction of the image  10  is exemplary in nature and is not intended in any way to limit the content that might be provided in the image  10  in embodiments of the invention. 
         [0015]    The image  10  includes a registration area  14  and a plurality of feedback areas  16 A-F. Although six feedback areas  16 A-F are shown in the image  10 , any number of feedback areas  16 A-F might be employed. The registration area  14  and each of the plurality of feedback areas  16 A-F are of any shape and size and can be positioned in any desired location in the image  10 . The areas  14  and  16 A-F are visible or are distinguishable in the image  10  or might be visually indistinguishable, as depicted by their dashed outline shown in  FIG. 1 . The areas  14  and  16 A-F might be visually defined by features in the image  10  such as a starting block  18 , a driveway  20 , or a finish block  22 . The areas  14  and  16 A-F might be associated with or adjacent to features in the image  10  depicting objects, such as, bystanders  24 , a fallen tree  26 , a pit stop  28 , an oil slick  30 , or a park  32 . In another embodiment, the areas  14  and  16 A-F are not associated with any feature or visual depiction in the image  10  or are associated with a portion of text (not shown) in the image  10 . 
         [0016]    The areas  14  and  16 A-F each include an indicator color printed within their boundary. The indicator color comprises any available color, e.g. cyan, magenta, yellow, gray, green, orange, purple, black, or white, that can be printed in the printed image  10 . In an embodiment, the indicator color is printed with an ink, dye, or pigment, or other formulation that is substantially not visible to a human viewer under standard lighting and viewing conditions. 
         [0017]    The indicator color is printed in each of the areas  14  and  16 A-F at a respective level that is the same or different between each of the areas  14  and  16 A-F. The printing of the indicator color is equally distributed across the areas  14  and  16 A-F. The level of the indicator color comprises the percentage of area covered by the indicator color within the areas  14  and  16 A-F. In an embodiment, the indicator color and the image  10  are printed as a plurality of tightly spaced dots as is known in the art; the percentage of the number of dots comprising the indicator color is useable to determine the area percentage of the indicator color and/or the level of the indicator color. 
         [0018]    Levels of the indicator color are defined for each of a plurality of different area percentages that are reliably distinguishable by a sensor (such as a sensor  104  described below). In an embodiment, the levels are selected with a sufficient difference therebetween to account for variations in printings of the image  10  and in calibrations of sensors used to sense the levels as described below. For example, eight different levels of the indicator color might be defined corresponding to area percentages of the indicator color including 100%, 72%, 59%, 47%, 37%, 23%, 12%, and 0%. In embodiments, any number of levels corresponding with any desired area percentages of the indicator color are defined. 
         [0019]    The printing of the indicator color in the areas  14  and  16 A-F can be recognizable by a viewer or can be masked by other printing in the image  10 , e.g. where blue is used as an indicator color, the areas  14  and  16 A-F might appear blue or the blue color might be masked by other printing to cause the areas  14  and  16 A-F to appear another color. In another embodiment, a plurality of different indicator colors is employed, e.g. red and blue are both used as indicator colors and levels thereof are defined. 
         [0020]    The registration area  14  is specifically demarcated in the image  10  such that a user can recognize the registration area  14  as such and recognize its location in the image  10 . The level of the indicator color printed in the registration area  14  is useable to identify a template that defines outputs associated with each of the feedback areas  16 A-F as described more fully below. The registration area  14  may include a level of the indicator color that is not used in the feedback areas  16 A-F to enable the registration area  14  to be differentiated from the feedback areas  16 A-F. In an embodiment, a different indicator color is used for the registration area  14  than for the feedback areas  16 A-F. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, the registration area  14  includes a plurality of sections  34 A-B. Two sections  34 A and  34 B are depicted in the image  10 , however any number of sections  34  can be employed in embodiments of the invention. Each of the sections  34 A-B includes a different level of the indicator color. In an embodiment in which more than two sections  34  are provided, two or more non-adjacent sections  34  might include the same levels of the indicator color. The combination of the plurality of sections  34 A-B is thus useable to identify the template for outputs associated with the feedback areas  16 A-F. 
         [0022]    As described previously, the feedback areas  16 A-F are each printed with the indicator color at a respective level. Each of the feedback areas  16 A-F can be printed with a different level or one or more of the feedback areas  16 A-F can be printed with the same level of the indicator color. Based on the template identified from the registration area  14 , each of the feedback areas  16 A-F are associated with one or more outputs; feedback areas  16 A-F that are printed with the same level of the indicator color will be associated with the same one or more outputs. The outputs include any form of audible, visual, and/or tactile output or combinations thereof, e.g. sounds, lights, and vibrations. In an embodiment, the one or more of the outputs includes an audible reading of a script or story associated with the image  10  or a corresponding feedback area  16 A-F. 
         [0023]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, the image  10  includes one or more hidden graphics  36 A-D printed therein. The hidden graphics  36 A-D are printed in an ink, dye, pigment, or other formulation that is substantially imperceptible or not visible to a viewer under standard lighting conditions until the ink is activated by an activating light or other energy, e.g. ultraviolet or infrared light. In an embodiment, the hidden graphics  36 A-D are printed in a photochromic ink or a phosphorescent ink. 
         [0024]    With reference now to  FIGS. 2-4 , a figurine  100  that is useable to provide interactive play and/or learning with the image  10  is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 , the figurine  100  resembles a toy vehicle and driver, e.g. a car driven by a frog; however, the figurine  100  can take any desired form. For example, the figurine  100  might be formed to resemble an animal-like form, e.g. a dog, or a humanoid form, such as a figurine  200  depicted in  FIGS. 5-6 . The figurine  100  includes a light source  102  and a light sensor  104  disposed in a body  106  of the figurine  100 . In an embodiment, the light source  102  and the light sensor  104  are disposed in a bottom surface  108  of the figurine  100 . 
         [0025]    The light source  102  comprises any available light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED), incandescent light, fluorescent light, or the like. The light source  102  is configured to emit light of at least a wavelength sufficient to reveal or be reflected by the indicator color printed on the image  10 . The light source  102  can be tuned to emit light at only a single wavelength, within one or more bands of wavelengths, or across a spectrum of wavelengths. In an embodiment, the light source  102  emits light within a band of wavelengths or a spectrum that corresponds with the color of the indicator color, e.g. the light source  102  emits light within the blue portion of the spectrum of visible light to correspond with a blue indicator color printed on the image  10 . In another embodiment, the light source  102  is a multicolor LED, the color of light emitted from which is selectable and/or changeable between a variety of colors. 
         [0026]    The light sensor  104  is useable to detect light emitted by the light source  102  that is reflected off of the image  10 . The light sensor  104  includes any available sensor technology, such as, for example and not limitation, photosensors, photodetectors, charge-coupled devices (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOS), photodiodes, or the like. In an embodiment, the light sensor  104  comprises a phototransistor. The light sensor  104  may include a filter (not shown) that filters light that is not reflected by the indicator color printed on the image  10 . For example, when a light source  102  emits white light and a red indicator color is employed in the image  10 , a filter might be employed that only allows light in the red spectrum to pass through to the sensor  104 . 
         [0027]    The sensor  104  can be selected and configured to detect the light reflected by the indicator color in the image in any desired manner. For example, the sensor  104  might be configured to detect the intensity or luminance of the reflected light or the sensor  104  might sense the percentage of a sampled area that reflects the light emitted by the light source  102 . 
         [0028]    The light source  102  and the sensor  104  are disposed on the figurine  100  in close proximity to allow light emitted by the light source  102  to be reflected off of the image  10  and to the sensor  104 . In an embodiment, the light source  102  and sensor  104  are disposed within a shroud  110  extending from the bottom surface  108  of the figurine  100 . The shroud  110  extends a sufficient distance to contact or nearly contact a surface of the image  10  when the figurine  100  is placed on the surface of the image  10 . The shroud  110  thus functions to block all or a substantial portion of environmental light around the figurine  100  and the image  10  from reaching the sensor  104  and interfering therewith. In an embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 6 , a light source  202  and sensor  204 , similar to the light source  102  and sensor  104 , are disposed within a recess  212  in an appendage  214 , e.g. a foot, of the figurine  200 . A sidewall  217  of the recess  212  thus functions similarly to the shroud  110  to block environmental light from reaching the sensor  204  when the figurine  200  is placed on the image  10 . 
         [0029]    As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the figurine  100  also includes a control component  116  disposed therein. The control component  116  includes a logic controller, processor, or other control component known in the art. The control component  116  may be coupled to a memory  118  disposed in the figurine  100  and/or may include an internal memory. In an embodiment, the figurine  100  includes an adaptor  120  for coupling to a removable memory or external computing device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) adaptor or a memory card adaptor for storing, accessing, and/or receiving data. In an embodiment, the memory  118  is preprogrammed with one or more templates for use by the control component  116 . 
         [0030]    The memory  118  may include one or more computer-readable media on which a set of instructions is embodied. Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and nonremovable media. Computer-readable media include media implemented in any way for storing information other than transitory signals, carrier waves, and the like. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Media examples include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact-disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently. 
         [0031]    The control component  116  is also coupled to a power supply or source  122 , such as a dry-cell battery, and to the light source  102  and the sensor  104 . Output devices  126  are also coupled to the control component  116  for providing audible, visible, or tactile outputs. The output devices  126  comprise one or more of speakers, lights, vibration components, or the like. One or more functional components (not shown), such as a power switch, mode selector, or the like might also be included. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, the figurine  100  includes one or more activating-light sources  124  disposed therein. The activating-light sources  124  are disposed along the bottom surface  108  of the figurine  100  to enable exposure of the graphics  36 A-D in the image  10  to light emitted by the activating-light sources  124 . In an embodiment, the activating-light sources  124  are disposed in any position on the figurine  100 , e.g. as headlights on a vehicle, or the like. The activating-light sources  124  comprise a light source configured to emit light or other radiant energy sufficient to activate the ink or other formulation in which the graphics  36 A-D are printed. In an embodiment, the activating-light sources  124  comprise ultraviolet-light LEDs configured to activate a photochromic ink in which the graphics  36 A-D are printed. 
         [0033]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the operation of the figurine  100  with the image  10  is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The description of the use of the figurine  100  with the image  10  is described with respect to the image  10  being placed on a flat surface in a generally horizontal plane and the figurine  100  being placed on top of the image  10 . However, such is not intended to limit embodiments of the invention in any way. 
         [0034]    Initially, the image  10  is provided and the figurine  100  is powered on. The registration area  14 , the feedback areas  16 A-F, and the graphics  36 A-D are not initially visible or identifiable in the image  10 . The registration area  14  is, however, designated as a starting point for interaction with the image  10 , e.g. as a starting area for the race course  12 . In another embodiment, the registration area  14  is identified in any desired manner. For example, the registration area  14  might comprise a designated location near an edge of the image  10 , a designated region associated with the image  10  on a separate card or table of contents page (not shown) that also includes registration areas associated with a plurality of additional images, or a starting point for a line of text, among a variety of others. In an embodiment, the registration area is illustrated as a pair of footprints on which the figurine  200  is to be placed. 
         [0035]    The image  10  is first registered with the figurine  100  by placing the figurine  100  on the registration area  14 . The light source  102  in the figurine  100  emits light that is directed toward the image  10  and is reflected off the image  10  toward the sensor  104 . In an embodiment, the light emitted by the light source  102  is configured to correspond with the indicator color printed in the image  10  such that the light is only reflected by areas of the registration area  14  that include the indicator color. Areas of the registration area  14  that include other colors absorb the emitted light and do not reflect it. 
         [0036]    The sensor  104  receives the reflected light and sends a signal to the control component  116  that is useable to identify the level of the indicator color printed in the registration area  14 . In an embodiment, the sensor  104  includes a filter that filters out reflected light that is of a wavelength that does not correspond to the indicator color or that does not fall within a band or spectrum of wavelengths that correspond to the indicator color. 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, the registration area  14  includes a plurality of sections  34 A-B. The figurine  100  is thus moved across the registration area  14  to enable sensing of the levels in each of the sections  34 A-B. The figurine  100  might be moved in a direction indicated in the image  10 , e.g. the figurine  100  might be moved in the direction of the race course  12  to enable sensing of the levels in the sections  34 A-B in a designated order. In another embodiment, a plurality of sensors  104  are employed, each being aligned with a different section  34 A-B to sense the levels in each of the sections  34 A-B without moving the figurine  100 . For example, the figurine  200  might include a light source  202  and sensor  204  in each foot  214  and, each foot  214  is placed on a different section  34 A-B. 
         [0038]    Based on the level(s) of the indicator color sensed in the registration region  14 , the control component  116  identifies a template associated with the image  10 . The template might be identified based on sensing of a single or a plurality of levels or based on a particular sequence in which the levels are sensed. As described previously, the template identifies one or more outputs associated with levels of the indicator color that might be sensed in the feedback areas  16 A-F. The template might include outputs for more levels than are used in the feedback areas  16 A-F. And the template might be customized for use with the particular image  10  or can be useable with a plurality of different images. 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, the template is useable with a variety of images  10 , the feedback areas  16  of which are appropriately arranged to provide outputs that correspond with the content of a given image  10 . For example, if a first level of the indicator color corresponds with an audible output comprising a laughing character, feedback areas in each of a variety of images that employ the template and that include the first level of the indicator color are positioned such that a laughing character output corresponds with illustrations in the image at that position. Additionally, each level of the indicator color may correspond with different outputs for each template that is provided, e.g. for a first template the first level corresponds with a laughing character, while in a second template the first level corresponds with flashing lights and vibrations. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment, a plurality of indicator colors are used. An equal plurality of light sources  102  and sensors  104  might also be employed or any combination thereof that is useable to sense the levels of each of the indicator colors can be used. In such an embodiment, the template can be identified based on the level(s) of one or more of the indicator colors sensed in the registration area  14 . 
         [0041]    Upon identification of the template that corresponds with the registration area  14 , play may commence. In an embodiment, an output is provided that indicates successful identification of the template. An output might also be provided that corresponds with the image  10 . For example, a sound of a roaring engine or squealing tires might be provided for the image  10 . In an embodiment, the provided output is of short duration or the output persists as background or ambient sounds that might be expected in an environment illustrated in the image  10 . The output might persist until a feedback area  16 A-F is encountered, until a subsequent registration area  14  is encountered, or until the figurine  100  is powered off. 
         [0042]    A user moves the figurine  100  about the image  10 , for example along the race course  12 . When the figurine  100  encounters a feedback area  16 A-F, a level of the indicator color is sensed and an output identified based on the template is provided. For instance, a user moving the figurine  100  along the race course  12  might encounter the feedback areas  16 A-F. In the feedback area  16 A, the user might receive the sound of cheers from the bystanders  24 ; in the feedback area  16 B the figurine might vibrate and sounds of vehicle crashing into the fallen tree  26  might be provided; in the feedback area  16 C sounds of someone slurping a drink through a straw might be provided; in the feedback area  16 D sounds of screeching tires and illuminated brake lights might be provided as if the figurine  100  hit the oil slick  30 ; and at the feedback area  16 E sounds of cheers for finishing a race might be provided. The user might also deviate away from the race course  12  and encounter the feedback area  16 F at which sounds of children playing in a park or someone snoring while taking a nap in the park  32  might be provided. 
         [0043]    In an embodiment, the figurine also includes the activating-light sources  124 . Thus, as the figurine  100  is moved along the race course  12  and over the graphics  36 A-D the graphics are temporarily revealed to the user. As the figurine  100  passes over the graphic  36 A, the activating-light sources, e.g. ultraviolet LEDs, activate the photochromic ink used to print the graphic  36 A and an arrow pointing the way is revealed. Subsequently, the arrow graphic  36 A slowly disappears as the photochromic ink returns to an equilibrium state. As the figurine  100  is further moved along the race course  12 , the graphic  36 B is revealed to show the word “GO!,” the graphic  36 C is revealed to depict a cold beverage, and the graphic  36 D is revealed to show a checkered flag. It is understood that any variety, number, and arrangement of graphics can be employed in embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope described herein. The graphics  36 A-D might correspond with one or more of the feedback areas  16 A-F, such as the graphic  36 C and the feedback area  16 C and/or the graphics  36 A-D might be associated with outputs provided for the corresponding feedback area  16 A-F. 
         [0044]    In an embodiment, the image  10  is one of a number of images included in a book or other set of images. Each of the images in the book might include a registration area  14  that includes a different level(s) of the indicator color and thus is associated with a different template. As such, a play pattern or series of outputs provided by the figurine  100  for each of the images can be different. In another embodiment, a plurality of such books is provided. Each of the books may include a different figurine but, each of the figurines is preprogrammed with the same templates and with outputs that correspond to the template and to the individual figurine. 
         [0045]    The outputs associated with the levels of indicator colors for a given template can be different for each figurine but are of a similar type of output. For instance, a template might include outputs for three levels of the indicator color; outputs for a first level being associated with a character laughing; outputs for a second level being associated with a character crying; and outputs for a third level being associated with lights and a tactile output. Thus, each figurine includes at least one character laughing output, character crying output, and a light and tactile output but, the outputs need not be the same, e.g. one figurine might include a boy&#39;s voice while a second figurine might include a girl&#39;s voice. 
         [0046]    As such, the figurines are interchangeably useable with each of the different books. And using the templates, the outputs provided by each different figurine appropriately correspond with a selected image in a selected book. For example, the figurine  100  might be used with another book of images that illustrate a space scene. Using the template identified via the registration area on the space scene image the figurine&#39;s outputs appropriately correspond to the feedback areas of the space scene image, e.g. an audible output of a character laughing is provided upon encountering a feedback area in the space scene image in which the figurine  100  would be expected to laugh. 
         [0047]    In an alternate embodiment, the figurine  100 / 200  can be used in connection with a collection of items to enhance an event, such as a birthday party. Attendees of the party would be given a figurine  100 / 200  as a party favor. The figurine  100 / 200  would generally be of a shape that complements the theme of the party. For example, if it is a princess themed birthday party, the figurine  100 / 200  may take the form of a princess. Decorations and party supplies that help create the theme could be used in connection with the figurine  100 / 200 . For example, the princess themed paper plates and napkins that the kids use for their snack/cake can have feedback areas thereon such that their figurines talk to them upon scanning that portion of the plate/napkin. The figurine may provide a message related to the item (e.g., “A princess always uses a napkin to wipe her mouth after eating.”) Similarly, other party décor items may be provided that contain feedback areas (similar to  16 A- 16 E) or hidden graphics (similar to  36 A-D) printed thereon. For example, game cards may be distributed to the kids for them to scan with their figurine to see what they can get the figurine to say. Other take home items, such as sheets and stickers may be given to the kids as they leave so they can extend the party fun after the party is over. Additionally, coordinating thank you cards can be provided with feedback areas/hidden graphics so the attendee child can hear yet another personalized message from the figurine (e.g., “Thanks again for attending the birthday party! Hope you had a great time, friend.”). 
         [0048]    Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.