Patent Description:
The prior art includes electronic toys referred to as "digital pets" that provide visual and audio output in response to user interaction, to simulate companionship and development of a living pet. The toy marketed as Tamagotchi™ (Bandai Co, Ltd. , Japan) is one example of a digital pet, with push buttons for user inputs, a liquid-crystal display screen for displaying images of the pet, and an audio transducer for producing sounds. There remains a need in the art for digital pets that provide the user with a three-dimensional display of the pet, and more tactile interaction with the pet. <CIT> discloses an example of a toy.

In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a toy that includes a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), at least one touch sensor, a signal generator, and a controller. The PCB includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is attached to the base such that the PCB is flappable relative to the base to oscillate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. The at least one touch sensor is for generating at least one touch signal when touched by a user. The signal generator is operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operatively connected to the PCB, the at least one touch sensor, and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer readable medium. The memory stores a plurality of different LED illumination sequences for the plurality of LEDs, wherein each of the LED illumination sequences includes a series of illumination states for the LEDs. The memory also stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the base; and (ii) in response to detecting the touch signal, and during step (i), generating a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs in accordance with at least one of the LED illumination sequences.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the PCB is a flexible PCB, the toy comprises a fulcrum member attached to the base, the flexible PCB is cantilevered from the fulcrum member, and the flexible PCB is flappable relative to the base by bending of the PCB relative to the fulcrum member. The base may define a substantially horizontal platform, wherein the fulcrum member extends upwardly from the platform. The toy may further include a clamp member horizontally spaced apart from the fulcrum member, and pressing the PCB downwardly against an upper surface of the platform and the fulcrum member. The clamp member may define a channel extending from above the platform to below the platform, wherein the PCB extends through the channel, and is attached to the processor disposed below the platform.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the PCB is either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, the PCB is pivotally attached to the base, the toy further includes a PCB spring for biasing the PCB either away from or toward the base, and the PCB is flappable relative to the base by pivoting relative to the base.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the magnetically responsive member is a permanent magnet.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor includes at least one capacitive touch sensor.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the method further includes selecting the at least one of the LED illumination sequences that is used in step (ii).

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor includes a plurality of touch sensors. The method may include selecting the at least one of the LED illumination sequences that is used in step (ii) based on which of the touch sensors generated the touch signal.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, in step (ii), the detected touch signal is indicative of the at least one touch sensor being touched with a swipe gesture, and/or the at least one touch sensor being touched for a pre-determined touch duration.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor includes at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor that is attached to the PCB such that, in use, the at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor flaps in unison with the PCB relative to the base. The at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor may be attached to an upward facing surface of the PCB.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the plurality of LEDs are disposed on a downward facing surface of the PCB.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor includes at least one fixed touch sensor that is fixedly attached to a part of the toy that is fixedly attached to the base.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the toy further includes a motion sensor for detecting motion of the toy, which may include a ball switch sensor. The method includes, in response to detecting a motion signal generated by the motion sensor, and during step (i), generating another LED control signal to control the plurality of LEDs to illuminate in accordance with another one of the LED illumination sequences. The method may include selecting the another one of the LED illumination sequences, which may be based on a type of motion indicated by the motion signal. The type of motion may include either a shaking motion or a tilting motion.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the toy includes an audio transducer, and the method stores a plurality of different audio files. The method includes, in response to detecting the touch signal generated by the at least one touch sensor, generating an audio control signal to control the audio transducer to output sound in accordance with one of the audio files. The method may further include selecting the one of the audio files.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the toy includes a lid movably attached to the base for moving between a closed position in which the lid covers the PCB to prevent the PCB being viewed from outside housing, and a fully open position in which the housing exposes the PCB to viewing from outside the housing. The toy optionally further comprises an activation switch actuatable by the processor from an off-state to a fully on-state by moving of the lid from the closed position to the fully open position. When the activation switch is in the fully on-state, the processor is programmed to carry out a first set of functions. The first set of functions may be a set of functions associated with ownership of the toy. For example, the first set of functions may include receiving input from the at least one touch sensor and generating the LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs in accordance with a first one of the LED illumination sequences based on the input from the at least one touch sensor. Optionally, the activation switch is actuated from the off-state to a partially on-state by moving of the lid from the closed position to an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from the closed position towards the fully open position, wherein, when the activation switch is in the partially on-state, the processor is programmed to carry out a second set of functions that is different than the first set of functions. The second set of functions may be a set of functions associated with a try-me mode for the toy, while the toy is not yet owned by the user (e.g. while the toy sits in a store prior to purchase). For example, the second set of functions may include generating the LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs in accordance with a second one of the LED illumination sequences based on the input from the at least one touch sensor. Worded more broadly, the activation switch may be said to be actuatable from the off-state to a partially on-state by moving of the lid from the closed position to a partially open position, wherein, when the activation switch is in the partially on-state, the processor is programmed to carry out a second set of functions that is different than the first set of functions, wherein the activation switch is further actuatable to the fully on-state by moving the lid from the partially open position to the fully open position; and wherein the method further comprises, in response to detecting the activation switch being in the fully on-state, generating another LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs in accordance with another one of the LED illumination sequences.

In embodiments, the lid may be pivotably attached to the base, in which case, the open position of the lid may correspond to the lid being pivoted by an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from an orientation of the lid in the closed position. In embodiments, the toy may further include an activation switch actuatable from an off-state to an on-state by moving of the lid from the closed position to the open position. The processor is operatively connected to the activation switch, and in the method, step (i) is initiated in response to the activation switch being actuated to the on-state. In embodiments, the open position corresponds to a partially open position and the on-state corresponds to an intermediate on-state, and the activation switch is further actuatable to a fully on-state by moving the lid from the partially open position to a fully open position. In such embodiments, the method further includes, in response to detecting the activation switch being in the fully on-state, generating another LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs in accordance with another one of the LED illumination sequences. In embodiments, the toy includes a lid spring that biases the lid to the closed position. In embodiments, the toy includes a spring-loaded latch pin insertable into at least one aperture of the lid to releasably retain the lid in either the closed position or the open position.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the plurality of LEDs includes at least <NUM> LEDs. The LEDs may be arranged in a row. In embodiments, the LEDs are multi-color LEDs, and the LED illumination states are defined at least by an illumination color of the LEDs. Additionally or alternatively, the LEDs are dimmable LEDs, and the LED illumination states are defined at least by an illumination brightness of the LEDs.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the electromagnetic coil includes a plurality of linear segments oriented in a plurality of different directions.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the base defines a substantially horizontal platform, wherein the PCB extends upwardly from the platform. The platform may define a platform recess that receives the LEDs to prevent contact between the LEDs and the platform when the PCB is at a lower extent of its oscillation relative to the base. The platform may, in use, be contacted by the PCB to limit a lower extent of its oscillation relative to the base.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, in step (i) the oscillatory flapping of the PCB includes the PCB moving repeatedly in a first stroke direction followed by a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction. In step (ii), the LED control signal is configured to illuminate the LEDs when the LEDs move in either the first stroke direction or the second stroke direction, but not both the first and second stroke directions. The first stroke direction may be an upstroke direction, and the second stroke direction may be a downstroke direction, or vice versa.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the PCB comprises an internal metal foil layer that overlaps the electromagnetic coil, and extends beyond a perimeter of the electromagnetic coil to dissipate heat from the electromagnetic coil to portions of the PCB beyond the perimeter of the electromagnetic coil.

In embodiments of the toy of the first aspect, the toy further comprises a temperature sensor attached to the PCB to measure a temperature of the PCB, and a circuit interrupter switch for interrupting the coil control signal to the coil. The processor is operatively connected to the temperature sensor and to the circuit interrupter switch. The method further comprises the processor controlling the circuit interrupter switch to interrupt the coil control signal to the coil in response to the temperature of the PCB or a rate of an increase the temperature of the PCB exceeding a predefined threshold limit.

In a second aspect, the present invention includes a toy that includes a magnetically responsive member, a substantially horizontal platform, a fulcrum member extending upwardly from the platform, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), a signal generator, a clamp member, and a controller. The PCB includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is cantilevered from the fulcrum member such that the PCB is flappable relative to the fulcrum member to oscillate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. The signal generator is operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil. The clamp member is horizontally spaced apart from the fulcrum member, and presses the PCB downwardly against an upper surface of the platform and the fulcrum member. The controller includes a processor operatively connected to the PCB and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the fulcrum member; and (ii) during step (i), generating a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs.

In embodiments of the toy of the second aspect, the platform may define a platform recess that receives the LEDs to prevent contact between the LEDs and the platform when the PCB is at a lower extent of its oscillation relative to the fulcrum member. The clamp member may define a channel extending from above the platform to below the platform, wherein the PCB extends through the channel, and is attached to the processor disposed below the platform. The plurality of LEDs may be disposed on a downward facing surface of the PCB.

In a third aspect, the present invention includes a toy that includes a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a lid, an activation switch, a signal generator and a controller. The printed circuit board (PCB) includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB, which may be either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, is attached to the base such that the PCB is flappable relative to the fulcrum member to oscillate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. The lid is movably attached to the base for moving between a closed position in which the lid covers the PCB to prevent the PCB being viewed from outside lid, and a fully open position in which the lid exposes the PCB to viewing from outside the lid. The activation switch is actuatable from an off-state to an on-state by moving of the lid from the closed position to the open position. The signal generator is operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operatively connected to the PCB, the activation switch, and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes: (i) in response to the activation switch being actuated to the on-state, controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the base; and (ii) during step (i), generating a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs.

In embodiments of the toy of the third aspect, the lid may be pivotably attached to the base, and the open position of the lid corresponds to the lid being pivoted by an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from an orientation of the lid in the closed position. The toy may further include a lid spring that biases the lid to the closed position. The toy may further include a spring-loaded latch pin that releasably retains the lid in either the closed position or the open position. The open position may correspond to a partially open position and the on-state corresponds to an intermediate on-state. The activation switch may be further actuatable to a fully on-state by moving the lid from the partially open position to a fully open position. The method may further include, in response to detecting the activation switch being in the fully on-state, generating another LED control signal, different from the LED control signal, to control illumination of the LEDs.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention includes a toy that includes a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a signal generator, and a controller. The PCB, which may either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is attached to the base such that the PCB is flappable relative to the base to oscillate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. The signal generator is operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operatively connected to the PCB and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the base; wherein the oscillatory flapping of the PCB includes the PCB moving repeatedly in a first stroke direction followed by a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction; and (ii) during step (i), generating a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs, wherein the LED control signal is configured to illuminate the LEDs when the LEDs move in either the first stroke direction or the second stroke direction, but not both the first and second stroke directions. In embodiments, the first stroke direction is an upstroke direction, and the second stroke direction is a downstroke direction, or vice versa.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention includes a toy that includes a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a signal generator and a controller. The PCB, which may either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is attached to the base such that the PCB is flappable relative to the base to oscillate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. The signal generator is operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operatively connected to the PCB and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the base; and (ii) during step (i), generating a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs. The base defines a substantially horizontal platform, wherein the PCB extends upwardly from the platform. The platform is, in use, contacted by the PCB to limit a lower extent of its oscillation relative to the base. In such embodiments, the platform may define a platform recess that receives the LEDs to prevent contact between the LEDs and the platform when the PCB is at the lower extent of its oscillation relative to the base.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention includes a toy that includes a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a temperature sensor attached to the PCB to measure a temperature of the PCB, a circuit interrupter switch, a signal generator, and a controller. The PCB, which may either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, includes an electromagnetic coil, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a temperature sensor, and a circuit interrupter switch. The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is attached to the base such that the PCB is flappable relative to the base to oscillate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. The signal generator is operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operatively connected to the PCB, the temperature sensor, the circuit interrupter switch and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the base; (ii) during step (i), generating a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs; and (iii) controlling the circuit interrupter switch to interrupt the coil control signal to the coil in response to the temperature of the PCB or a rate of an increase the temperature of the PCB exceeding a predefined threshold value.

Embodiments of the toy of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects, may include features of any embodiment of the toys of any of the other aspects, as described above.

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: "or" as used throughout is inclusive, as though written "and/or"; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns such that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; "exemplary" should be understood as "illustrative" or "exemplifying" and not necessarily as "preferred" over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term "a" or "an" will be understood to denote "at least one" in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean "one".

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

As used in this document, "attached" in describing the relationship between two connected parts includes the case in which the two connected parts are "directly attached" with the two connected parts being in contact with each other, and the case in which the connected parts are "indirectly attached" and not in contact with each other, but connected by one or more intervening other part(s) between.

"Memory" refers to a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium for storing information in a format readable by a processor, and/or instructions readable by a processor to implement an algorithm. The term "memory" includes a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. Non-limiting types of memory include solid-state, optical, and magnetic computer readable media. Memory may be non-volatile or volatile. Instructions stored by a memory may be based on a plurality of programming languages known in the art, with non-limiting examples including the C, C++, Python ™, MATLAB ™, and Java ™ programming languages.

"Processor" refers to one or more electronic devices that is/are capable of reading and executing instructions stored on a memory to perform operations on data, which may be stored on a memory or provided in a data signal. The term "processor" includes a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. Non-limiting examples of processors include devices referred to as microprocessors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units (MCU), central processing units (CPU), and digital signal processors.

Aspects of the present invention may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, such that the processor, and a memory storing the instructions, which execute via the processor, collectively constitute a machine for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowcharts and functional block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention.

The embodiments of the inventions described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the invention, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a toy <NUM>, as shown in one embodiment in various views in <FIG>, with parts thereof shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a second embodiment of the toy <NUM>; <FIG> show a third embodiment of the toy <NUM>; and <FIG> shows a fourth embodiment of the toy. In the embodiments shown, common reference numbers are used to label analogous parts. Any one of the embodiments of the toy <NUM> may be modified with any one or a combination of features of another embodiment of the toy <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the toy <NUM> includes a magnetically responsive member <NUM> (<FIG>), a base <NUM>, a lid <NUM>, a flexible PCB <NUM>, a fulcrum member <NUM>, a clamp member <NUM>, touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and an audio transducer <NUM>. <FIG> are bottom views of the flexible PCB <NUM> showing its electromagnetic coil <NUM> and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) <NUM>. <FIG> shows the flexible PCB <NUM> operatively connected to a rigid PCB forming a controller <NUM>. <FIG> shows a block diagram of electronic components of the toy <NUM>, including the controller <NUM> having a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>, operatively connected to a power supply <NUM>, a signal generator <NUM>, the coil <NUM> , LEDs <NUM>, and the temperature sensor <NUM> of the PCB <NUM>, the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, the audio transducer <NUM>, a motion sensor <NUM>, and an electromechanical activation switch <NUM> actuated by the lid <NUM>. These and other constituent parts of this embodiment of the toy <NUM> are described below in greater detail.

The magnetically responsive member <NUM> is used in conjunction with the electromagnetic coil <NUM> to induce an oscillatory flapping motion of the PCB <NUM>. The magnetically responsive member <NUM> may have any suitable structure. For example, the magnetically responsive member may be a permanent magnet formed with a variety of suitable materials, such as, for example, ferromagnetic metals, such as nickel or iron. In other embodiments, the magnetically responsive member may be, for example an electromagnet. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the magnetically responsive member is a permanent magnet, having a cylindrical shape, which is disposed in a recess defined by the underside of the platform <NUM> of the base <NUM>, and secured therein by a retaining member that is attached to the underside of the platform <NUM>. In other embodiments as shown in <FIG>, the magnetically responsive member <NUM> may extend horizontally substantially across the width of the PCB <NUM> (shown as transparent in dashed line), or a plurality of magnetically responsive members <NUM> may be distributed substantially across the width of the PCB <NUM>. In comparison with a magnetically responsive member <NUM> that is localized near the mid-width of the PCB as shown in <FIG>, the arrangement of magnetically responsive member(s) <NUM> shown in <FIG> may help to balance the magnetic field across the width of the PCB <NUM> to prevent warping or lateral shifting of the PCB <NUM> when it flaps. In embodiments, the magnetically responsive member <NUM> is a permanent magnet have a permanent magnetic field. In other embodiments, the magnetically responsive member <NUM> is an electromagnet.

The toy <NUM> includes a base <NUM> that supports the toy <NUM> as a whole. Referring to <FIG>, the lower portion of the base <NUM> defines a battery compartment <NUM> with battery contacts to accommodate a pair of "AA" sized batteries, which are used as the power supply <NUM> (<FIG>) for the electronic components of the toy <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a battery compartment cover <NUM> that is removably attached to the remainder of the base <NUM> by a screw <NUM>. The middle portion of the base <NUM> defines a compartment <NUM> for containing the controller <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The upper portion of the base <NUM> is terminated by a substantially horizontal stage-like platform <NUM>. The upper surface of the platform <NUM> defines a platform recess <NUM> so as to prevent the LEDs <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> from impacting the platform <NUM>, as such impacts may damage the LEDs <NUM> and make noise. <FIG> shows another embodiment of the toy <NUM> that is the same as the toy <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except that the PCB <NUM> has a greater length such that LEDs <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> are received within the platform recess <NUM> at the lower extent of the oscillation of the PCB <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM> so as to be movable between a closed position and a fully open position. When the lid <NUM> is in the fully open position, as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> exposes the PCB <NUM> to being viewed and touched by the user. When the lid <NUM> is in a partially open position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the gap between the base <NUM> and the lid <NUM> is large enough to allow the PCB <NUM> to be viewed by the user, but may be small enough to prevent a child's finger from passing through to touch the PCB <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is in the closed position, as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> covers the PCB <NUM> to prevent the PCB <NUM> from being touched by the user. In the embodiment shown, the lid <NUM> is made of an opaque material (plastic), and therefore the lid <NUM> also conceals the PCB <NUM> from view when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position.

Referring to <FIG>, in this embodiment, the lid <NUM> is made of three parts: an outer shell <NUM>, an insert <NUM>, and an inner layer <NUM>. The outer shell <NUM> and the insert <NUM> are primarily decorative in function. The outer shell <NUM> defines a finger recess <NUM> for receiving a finger tip to facilitate opening of the lid <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is attached to the inner surface of the outer shell <NUM>, and is visible from the exterior of the toy <NUM> through an aperture defined by the outer shell <NUM>. The lid <NUM> defines a compartment <NUM> between the outer shell <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM> that contains the audio transducer <NUM>. The inner layer <NUM> defines a plurality of apertures <NUM> (<FIG>) for sound transmission from the audio transducer <NUM>. Preferably, as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the inner layer <NUM> defines a downward facing inner recess <NUM> that receives the PCB <NUM>, without contacting the PCB <NUM>. Accordingly, when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position, a clearance exists between the inner layer <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> such that the inner layer <NUM> does not impinge on the PCB <NUM>, as prolonged impingement may permanently deform the PCB <NUM> and impair its flapping performance.

In this embodiment, the lid <NUM> is pivotally attached to the base <NUM>. In other embodiments the lid <NUM> may be movably attached to the base <NUM> in another manner for moving between the closed and fully open positions. <FIG> shows the lid <NUM>, and associated parts that are used to pivotally attach the lid <NUM> to the base <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A pair of shafts <NUM> insert through apertures defined by the lid inner layer <NUM>, with one of the apertures being defined by a boss <NUM> of the lid inner layer <NUM>. The shafts <NUM> insert into aligned apertures defined by a boss <NUM> of the base <NUM> so as to form a hinge, permitting the lid <NUM> to pivot upwardly from the base <NUM>. A torsion lid spring <NUM> has one end secured to the base <NUM>, and another end secured to the lid inner layer <NUM>, and biases the lid <NUM> toward the closed position. The lid inner layer <NUM> has a protrusion <NUM> that interferes with the base boss <NUM> to limit rotation of the lid <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> to the fully open position. A spring-loaded latch pin <NUM> has one end that is inserted into an aperture <NUM> defined by the base boss <NUM>. The latch pin spring of the latch pin <NUM> biases the other end of the latch pin <NUM> against the lid boss <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position, the latch pin spring pushes the tip of latch pin <NUM> into a lid first aperture <NUM> to retain the lid <NUM> in the closed position. The tip of the latch pin <NUM> is chamfered, such that pivoting of the lid <NUM> forces the latch pin <NUM> to retract from the lid first aperture <NUM>, against the biasing force of the latch pin spring. Referring to <FIG>, when the lid <NUM> is partially open, the retracted latch pin <NUM> allows for pivoting of the lid <NUM> relative the base <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when the lid <NUM> is rotated to the maximum angle permitted by interference of the protrusion <NUM> with the base boss <NUM>, the latch pin spring pushes the tip of the latch pin <NUM> into a lid second aperture <NUM> to retain the lid <NUM> in the fully open position. The lid <NUM> may be moved to the closed position by applying sufficient force to the latch pin <NUM> to cause the latch pin <NUM> to retract from the lid second aperture <NUM>.

Flexible PCBs are known in the art. In general, a flexible PCB <NUM> includes wiring and other electronic components attached to a flexible substrate, with non-limiting examples being a plastic material such as polyimide or polyether ketone (PEEK), or a conductive polyester. The present disclosure is not limited by any particular substrate, as long as it is sufficiently flexible to permit an oscillatory flapping motion of the PCB <NUM>, as described in greater detail below. In embodiments, the flexible PCB <NUM> may have a thickness about <NUM> to <NUM>; other thicknesses may be suitable depending on the bending stiffness of the PCB <NUM>, and the desired range of flapping motion of the PCB <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a flexible PCB <NUM> used in the toy <NUM> of the present disclosure. A fixed end <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> has a pin connection that is used to operatively connect the PCB <NUM> to a circuit board of the controller <NUM>. The free end <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> includes the operatively connected electromagnetic coil <NUM>, the plurality of the LEDs <NUM>, a metal foil <NUM> and a temperature sensor <NUM>. A intermediate portion <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> is narrowed in width to increase the flexibility of the PCB <NUM>. The width of the intermediate portion <NUM> may be selected having regard to considerations such as the desired flexibility of the PCB <NUM>, the desired range of flapping motion of the PCB <NUM>, and the desired durability and fatigue resistance of the PCB <NUM>. As an example, the width of the intermediate portion <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to <NUM>. The fixed end <NUM> and free end <NUM> may be reinforced for strength with stiffening elements.

Electromagnetic coils and their principle of operation are known in the art. The electromagnetic coil <NUM> is wiring having a shape that produces a loop-shaped (e.g., circular) magnetic field when electric current flows through the wiring. To produce this effect, the wiring may be laid out in the shape of a circular coil, spiral or a helix as is known in the art. <FIG> shows a wiring layout for the electromagnetic coil <NUM>, that includes a plurality of linear segments oriented in a plurality of different directions. In comparison with conventional circular wiring layouts, the layout in <FIG> may provide for higher strength of the magnetic field.

The coil <NUM> is positioned in proximity to the magnetically responsive member <NUM> such that the magnetic field of the coil <NUM> (when energized) will interact with the magnetically responsive member <NUM> at least within a portion of the range of motion of the PCB <NUM>. If the magnetically responsive member <NUM> has a magnetic field (e.g., if the magnetically responsive member <NUM> is a permanent magnet), then its magnetic field will also interact with the magnetic field of the coil <NUM> (when energized). In use, the controller <NUM> is used to generate a coil control signal for the coil <NUM> to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member <NUM> to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM>. Oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM> refers to the PCB moving repeatedly in a first stroke direction (e.g., an upstroke direction) followed by a second stroke direction (e.g., a downstroke direction) opposite to the first stroke direction. The coil control signal may take a variety of forms that cause the strength of the electromagnetic coil's magnetic field to vary over time, with non-limiting examples including a pulse-width modulated waveform, or a sinusoidal wave form. The interaction between the time-varying magnetic field and the magnetically responsive member <NUM> may be either attractive or repulsive, or alternately attractive and repulsive in a cyclic manner by varying the direction of electric current flow through the coil <NUM> (e.g. alternating between positive current and negative current. It will therefore be understood that the processor <NUM> comprises or is operatively connected to the signal generator <NUM> that is capable of producing a coil control signal having a desired waveform in the coil <NUM>. Signal generators are electronic devices that generate electrical signals have controlled properties (e.g. amplitude, frequency, waveform) and are known in the art. Signal generators may be analog or digital signal generators. The interaction of the magnetic field(s) acting on the PCB <NUM>, along with combined with the elastic restoring tendencies of the flexible PCB <NUM> (and accounting for the self-weight of the PCB <NUM>), will cause the PCB <NUM> to flap in an oscillatory manner. In this embodiment, the flapping movement of the PCB <NUM> is up and down relative to the fulcrum member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the flapping movement may be in a different direction (e.g., side to side), depending on how the plane of the PCB <NUM>, the fulcrum member <NUM> and the direction of the magnetic field(s) are arranged.

As the PCB <NUM> flaps in an oscillatory manner, so too will its plurality of LEDs <NUM>. The frequency of the oscillatory flapping motion of the PCB <NUM> should be relatively rapid such that the illumination of LEDs <NUM> results in the optical illusion known as "persistence of vision" or "retinal persistence. " That is, the human user perceives the illuminated rows of LEDs <NUM> as forming a composite image over a brief time interval, even though the LEDs <NUM> are actually moving along the oscillatory path over the time interval. In embodiments, the frequency of oscillatory flapping is at least <NUM> flaps per second. The person skilled in the art will be able to configure the toy <NUM> such that PCB <NUM> flaps at a desired frequency, having regard to parameters such as the strength of the magnetic field (if any) of the magnetically responsive member <NUM>, the strength of the magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic coil <NUM>, the properties of the coil control signal including its periodicity, and the mechanical properties of the PCB <NUM> including its stiffness and self-weight.

The LEDs <NUM> illuminate in accordance with LED illumination sequences <NUM>, under the control of a LED control signal generated by the controller <NUM>. In this embodiment, the plurality of LEDs has thirty-two LEDs, but in other embodiments the plurality of LEDs may have any integer number of LEDs greater than or equal to two LEDs (e.g., a range of twenty-four to fifty LEDs). In this embodiment, the LEDs <NUM> are multi-color LEDs - that is, LEDs <NUM> are controllable to produce light in different colors, as well as controllable to illuminate in "on" and "off" states. In other embodiments, the LEDs <NUM> may be monochromatic, in which case different LEDs <NUM> may illuminate to produce light of the same or different colors. Further, in embodiments, the LEDs <NUM> may be dimmable - that is, the brightness of the LED can be varied by the parameters of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the LEDs <NUM> are disposed on the bottom side (i.e., the downward facing surface) of the PCB <NUM>. In this manner, the LEDs <NUM> do not interfere with and are not interfered by a user's finger touching the touch sensor <NUM> on the top side (i.e., the upward facing surface) of the PCB <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The LEDs <NUM> may be arranged in a variety of ways on the plane of the PCB <NUM>, as long as the LEDs <NUM> are distributed from each other in some direction. As a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the LEDs <NUM> are arranged in two linear rows that extend in a substantially horizontal direction, with the LEDs of one row being horizontal offset from the LEDs of the other row. In other embodiments, the LEDs <NUM> may be arranged along a nonlinear topology.

Referring to <FIG>, the LED illumination sequences <NUM> are stored in the memory <NUM>. As used herein, the term "LED illumination sequence" refers to a series of illumination states of the LEDs <NUM>, over a time interval. In an LED illumination sequence, the illumination states of the LEDs <NUM> may be defined by a series "on" and "off" states for each LED, over the time interval. In the case of multi-color LEDs <NUM>, an LED illumination sequence may be additionally or alternatively defined by a series of color states for each LED, over the time interval. In the case of dimmable LEDs <NUM>, an LED illumination sequence may be additionally or alternatively defined by a series of brightness states for each LED, over the time interval. The illumination states of different LEDs <NUM> may be the same as or different from each other, at any time within the time interval. The elapsed time of each illumination state in the series may be selected to produce a desired effect. As a non-limiting example, the series may be defined by <NUM> LED illumination states per second. In use, the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated while the PCB <NUM> is flapping. As discussed above, oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM> refers to the PCB moving repeatedly in a first stroke direction (e.g., an upstroke direction) followed by a second stroke direction (e.g., a downstroke direction) opposite to the first stroke direction. The LED control signal generated by the controller <NUM> to illuminate in accordance with the LED illumination sequence may be configured such that the LEDs <NUM> illuminate only when the PCB <NUM> moves in only one particular of the first and second stroke directions of its oscillation (e.g., an upstroke or a downstroke, but not both), or when the PCB <NUM> moves in both directions of its oscillation (e.g., both the upstroke and the downstroke). An LED control signal configured to illuminate the LEDs <NUM> when the PCB <NUM> moves only one of the stroke directions (e.g. either an upstroke direction or a downstroke direction, but not both) may prevent blurring of the image perceived by the user, particularly if PCB <NUM> moves slightly, in a cyclical manner, in a direction (e.g., the horizontal direction) that is transverse to the first and second stroke directions. Due to the "persistence of vision" effect, the LED illumination sequence <NUM> may be configured such that the human viewer perceives the illuminated LEDs <NUM> as an image of a recognizable object (e.g., a pet animal). Further, the LED illumination sequence <NUM> may be configured to vary over oscillations of the PCB <NUM> such that the human viewer perceives the illuminated LEDs <NUM> as an animated image.

Prolonged flow of electric circuit through the coil <NUM> and the LCDs <NUM> may increase the temperature of the PCB <NUM> above acceptable levels. To mitigate this temperature increase, the PCB <NUM> includes an internal layer of metal foil <NUM> to distribute through the PCB <NUM> and dissipate heat from the PCB <NUM>. In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the metal foil <NUM> is sandwiched between the substrate layers of the PCB <NUM>. The metal foil <NUM> overlaps with the coil <NUM> and extends beyond the perimeter of the coil <NUM> to dissipate heat to portions of the PCB <NUM> beyond the perimeter of the coil <NUM>. The metal foil <NUM> is preferably made of a metal having a relatively high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminium.

The temperature sensor <NUM> is used to measure the temperature of the PCB <NUM>. The temperature sensor <NUM> may be implemented by a variety of types of temperatures sensors that can be attached to or integrated with the PCB <NUM>, including a NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor or a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor, which are known in the art. As known in the art, the electrical resistance of a NTC thermistor decreases as the temperatures increase, whereas the electrical resistance of a PTC thermistor increases as the temperature increases, and thus can be used as a fuse in the circuitry of the PCB <NUM> to the electromagnetic coil <NUM>. Other types of temperature sensors that may be used are digital thermistors (e.g. a metal oxide semiconductor based thermistors), and analog temperature sensors such as a thermocouple, The memory <NUM> may store instructions that are executable by the processor <NUM> of the controller <NUM> to monitor the temperature measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> and control a circuit interrupter switch <NUM> (<FIG>) to interrupt the coil control signal to the coil <NUM> if the measured temperature of the PCB or a rate of an increase in the measured temperature of the PCB exceeds a predefined threshold value. The predefined threshold temperature value may be defined in absolute terms (e.g. <NUM> degrees Celsius), or defined by an increase in temperature relative to a temperature measured when the lid <NUM> is opened.

The fulcrum member <NUM> provides a structure against which the PCB <NUM> rests and from which the PCB <NUM> (including its constituent electromagnetic coil <NUM> and the plurality of LEDs <NUM>) is cantilevered. That is, the PCB <NUM> extends from the fulcrum member <NUM> in an unsupported manner, such that the PCB <NUM> and its attached LEDs <NUM> can flap in an oscillatory manner relative to the fulcrum member <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the fulcrum member <NUM> is in the form of a protrusion that extends vertically from the platform <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The upper end of the fulcrum member <NUM> is rounded to facilitate bending of the PCB <NUM>, without creasing the PCB <NUM>. In other embodiments the fulcrum member <NUM> may be attached to another part of the toy <NUM>, and be provided in another form. In the embodiment of <FIG>, for example, the fulcrum member <NUM> is formed by a ledge of the platform <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

As previously noted, the LEDs <NUM> are distributed along some direction, which will be referred to as the "first direction". The cantilevered relationship of the PCB <NUM> to the fulcrum member <NUM> is configured such that the PCB <NUM> is flappable relative to the fulcrum member <NUM> to oscillate the LEDs <NUM> in a "second direction" that is at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. As an example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the LEDs <NUM> are distributed along a substantially horizontal "first direction". The PCB <NUM> is cantilevered from the fulcrum member <NUM> such that when the PCB <NUM> flaps relative to the fulcrum member <NUM>, the LEDs <NUM> oscillate in a substantially vertical "second direction", as shown in <FIG>.

The clamp member <NUM> may serve several purposes, including pressing the PCB <NUM> against the fulcrum member <NUM> and toward the magnetically responsive member <NUM>, and controlling the oscillation amplitude of the PCB <NUM>. In this embodiment, the clamp member <NUM> is required because the fixed end <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> is below the platform <NUM> for connection to the controller <NUM>, and the PCB <NUM> extends upwardly above the platform <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> is sufficiently stiff that its unbent "neutral" shape would project upward, at an oblique angle, from the platform <NUM> of the base <NUM>. Accordingly, the clamp member <NUM> bends the PCB <NUM> downwardly from the neutral shape, such that the electromagnetic coil <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> is closer to the magnetically responsive member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the clamp member <NUM> may be omitted depending on how the PCB <NUM> is secured to the rest of the toy <NUM>, and the geometry of the PCB <NUM> and the magnetically responsive member <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the clamp member <NUM> defines a curved channel <NUM> for routing the intermediate portion <NUM> from the topside of the platform <NUM>, to the under side of the platform <NUM> for connection to the controller <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The clamp member <NUM> is secured to the platform <NUM> by bolts extending upwardly through apertures in the platform <NUM> into the clamp member <NUM>. The clamp member <NUM> defines a foot <NUM> that is horizontally spaced apart from the fulcrum member <NUM>, and that contacts the upper surface of the PCB <NUM> and presses the PCB <NUM> downwardly against the upper surface of the platform <NUM>, as well as the fulcrum member <NUM>. The foot <NUM> assists with the PCB <NUM> moving downwardly when the PCB is at the amplitude of its motion and the magnetic attraction force between the electromagnetic coil <NUM> and the magnetically responsive member <NUM> may be at a minimum. In embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the width of the foot <NUM> may be approximately equal to the width (e.g. <NUM> to <NUM>) of the intermediate portion <NUM> of the PCB <NUM>. In other embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the width of the foot <NUM> may be substantially less than the width of the intermediate portion <NUM> of the PCB. By selecting the cantilevered length of the PCB <NUM>, the geometry and relative position of the fulcrum member <NUM> and the clamp member <NUM>, the flapping performance (e.g., amplitude and angular range of flapping) of the PCB <NUM> may be tuned to desired effect.

As an example, <FIG> show an embodiment of the toy <NUM> with the PCB <NUM> at the lower extent and upper extent, respectively, of the oscillation. In moving from the lower extent in <FIG> to the upper extent in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> may have an angular displacement of about <NUM> degrees, and the LEDs <NUM> may move a vertical distance of about <NUM> millimeters. The latter measurement is effectively a dimension of an image that can be displayed by the LEDs <NUM> when oscillating.

Referring to <FIG>, the dashed lines show the PCB <NUM> at the extents of its angular range of motion. The oscillatory flapping motion of the PCB <NUM> may be defined angular changes, α and β, in opposing direction with respect to the neutral position of the PCB <NUM>. The "neutral position" refers to the resting position of the PCB <NUM> when it is not subject to any magnetic field of the magnetically responsive member <NUM>. In embodiments, the scalar values of α and β may be the same as each other, or different from each other. In one non-limiting example, the scalar values of α and β may be <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, respectively, for a total angular range of motion of about <NUM> degrees. In another non-limiting example, the scalar values of α and β may both be about <NUM> degrees, for a total angular range of motion of about <NUM> degrees. For a given total angular range of motion, it may be preferable for the scalar values of α and β to be similar or the same, to minimize the maximum stress to which the PCB <NUM> is subjected. As shown in Figs. And <NUM>, the lower extent of the motion of the PCB <NUM> may be limited by the PCB <NUM> contacting a limiting protrusion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

In embodiments, the toy <NUM> of the present invention may be implemented with a rigid PCB rather than a flexible PCB <NUM>. Rigid PCBs are known in the art. In general, a rigid PCB includes wiring and other electronic components attached to a rigid substrate, with a non-limiting example being resin-coated glass fiber. In order to produce the oscillatory flapping effect, a rigid PCB must be pivotally attached to the base <NUM>, whereas the flexible PCB <NUM> can simply bend about a fixed point. <FIG> shows an embodiment of a toy <NUM> having a rigid PCB <NUM> rather than a flexible PCB <NUM>. It will be understood that the rigid PCB <NUM> includes an electromagnetic coil <NUM> (not shown) and LEDs <NUM>, in a manner analogous to the flexible PCB <NUM> described above. One end of the rigid PCB <NUM> is securely held or attached to a holding member <NUM>. As an example, the holding member <NUM> may be implemented by members similar to the fulcrum member <NUM> and clamp member <NUM> as described above. The holding member <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM> by a connecting pin <NUM>, thus permitting the rigid PCB <NUM> to pivot relative to the base, as shown by the curved arrow line and dashed line representation of the rigid PCB <NUM> in a raised position. A spring <NUM> (referred to herein as a "PCB spring" to distinguish it from other springs of the toy <NUM>) biases the rigid PCB <NUM> either away from or toward the base <NUM>, when the rigid PCB <NUM> is displaced from a neutral position. The PCB spring <NUM> may be a compression spring as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, or a torsion spring in other embodiments. Interaction between the time-varying magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil <NUM> and the magnetically responsive member <NUM> induces oscillatory flapping of the rigid PCB <NUM>, accounting for the biasing effect of the PCB spring <NUM>. To overcome the biasing effect the PCB spring <NUM>, it may be necessary to use a relatively strong permanent magnet for the magnetically responsive member <NUM>.

Although not shown, in embodiments, the flexible PCB <NUM> may also be pivotally attached to the base <NUM> in a manner analogous to the rigid PCB <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In such embodiments, the oscillatory flapping of the flexible PCB <NUM> may be attributable to a combination of bending of the flexible PCB <NUM>, pivoting of the flexible PCB <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, and the biasing effect of a PCB spring <NUM>.

The touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM> detect tactile user interaction with the toy <NUM>, by generating a touch signal when touched by the user. Touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be implemented by a variety of sensor types, including capacitive touch sensors, resistive touch sensors, infrared (IR) touch sensors, and surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors; such sensors and their principal of operation are known in the art. Embodiments of the toy <NUM> may have a single touch sensor, or a plurality of touch sensors to provide multiple touch points for user interaction.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the toy <NUM> has two physically discrete touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. A first touch sensor <NUM> is attached to the PCB <NUM>, and more particularly, the topside (i.e., upward facing surface) of the PCB <NUM>. Accordingly, this touch sensor <NUM> may be referred to herein as a "PCB-mounted" touch sensor to differentiate it from the "fixed touch" sensor <NUM>. Insofar as the LEDs <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> are used to display a pet, touching the touch sensor <NUM> attached to the PCB <NUM> can provide a simulated experience of touching the pet.

A second touch sensor <NUM> is secured to the platform <NUM>, and the base <NUM> more generally. As the fulcrum <NUM> is stationary in relation to the base <NUM> as a whole, this touch sensor <NUM> may be referred to herein as a "fixed" touch sensor to differentiate it from the "PCB-mounted" touch sensor <NUM>. The second touch sensor <NUM> is formed from three discrete sub-sensors <NUM> arranged in a horizontal row that are separated by grooves, or may be formed from a single elongate sensor. In other embodiments, one or more touch sensors may be placed additionally or alternatively on different parts of the toy <NUM>. For instance, they may be positioned on the outer surface of the base <NUM> or the lid <NUM>.

In conjunction with the controller <NUM>, the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM> can be used to detect a touch, a touch gesture (e.g., a "swipe" or "slide" of a user's finger across the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM>), or a touch duration (e.g., how long a user's finger remains in contact with the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM>). The configuration of touch sensors and a processor to detect a touch, a touch gesture and a touch duration is known in the art. The controller <NUM> may use the detection of a touch, a touch gesture, or a touch duration as a basis for selecting among the LED illumination sequences <NUM> for output by the LEDs <NUM>, or for selecting among the audio files <NUM> for output by the audio transducer <NUM>.

The audio transducer <NUM> is used to output sounds in accordance with stored audio files <NUM>, under the control of an audio control signal generated by the controller <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the audio transducer <NUM> is implemented by a loud speaker disposed in the compartment <NUM> defined by the lid <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the audio files <NUM> are stored in the memory <NUM>, such as in digital format. Different audio files <NUM> encode different sounds such as musical sequences, vocalized speech, or sound effects.

The motion sensor <NUM> is used to generate motion signals in response to motion of the toy <NUM>. In embodiments, the motion sensor <NUM> may include a ball switch sensor, which can detect orientation and inclination of the toy <NUM> as well as motion of the toy <NUM>. Ball switch sensors are known in the art, and generally include a metallic ball that rolls within a tube to engage or disengage electrical contacts within the tube. In other embodiments, the motion sensor <NUM> may be implemented by other types of motion sensors known in the art, such as MEMS accelerometers.

The mechanical activation switch <NUM> is switchable between an off-state and an fully on-state, corresponding to lid <NUM> being in the closed position, and a fully open position, respectively. In embodiments, the activation switch <NUM> may be switchable to an intermediate on-state, corresponding to the lid <NUM> being in a partially open position, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The off-state, fully on-state, and intermediate on-state of the activation switch <NUM> are detectable by the controller <NUM> to either terminate or initiate oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM>, or may be used as a basis for selecting among the LED illumination sequences <NUM> for output by the LEDs, or for selecting among the audio files <NUM> for output by the audio transducer <NUM>.

Referring to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the mechanical activation switch <NUM> is implemented by a tactile switch attached to the base <NUM>. As the lid <NUM> pivots relative to the base <NUM> from the closed position (<FIG>) to the partially open position (<FIG>) to the fully open position (<FIG>), a cam <NUM> defined by the lid inner layer <NUM> engages a pivoting portion of the activation switch <NUM> to actuate the switch from an off-state (<FIG>), to an intermediate on-state (<FIG>), to a fully on-state (<FIG>). Conversely, as the lid <NUM> pivots relative to the base <NUM> from the fully open position to the partially open position to the closed position, the cam <NUM> engages the activation switch <NUM> to actuate the activation switch <NUM> from the on-state to the intermediate on-state to the off-state. The activation switch <NUM> may be configured such that it is actuated between the off-state and the intermediate on-state as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> when the lid <NUM> has pivoted to the partially open position, by a certain angle from the closed position toward the fully open position. As a non-limiting example, in the partially open position, the angular change in orientation of the lid <NUM> may be about <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from the orientation of the lid <NUM> in the closed position; in the fully open position, the angular change in orientation of the lid <NUM> may be about <NUM> to <NUM> degrees from the orientation of the lid <NUM> in the closed position. As discussed below, oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM> may be initiated when the lid <NUM> is in the partially open position, such that a user of the toy will see the PCB <NUM> in movement whenever the lid <NUM> is open.

<FIG> shows the operative connection (represented by dashed lines) of the controller <NUM> to a power supply <NUM>, the electromagnetic coil <NUM>, the LEDs <NUM>, the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, the audio transducer <NUM>, the motion detector <NUM>, and the mechanical activation switch <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be one or more batteries, or in other embodiments, may be another source of electrical power (e.g., an electrical power supply adapter).

The controller <NUM> includes at least one processor <NUM> and at least one memory <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> and memory <NUM> are implemented by a microcontroller <NUM> unit (MCU) - that is, an integrated chip having one or more processing cores and one or more memories. The MCU is connected to a circuit board such as shown by the controller <NUM> in <FIG>, which has operative connections (e.g., data bus connections, pin connectors, soldered connections, and the like) to the other electronic components shown in <FIG>. In such an embodiment, the memory <NUM> may be a read-only memory that stores firmware that is installed at the time of manufacture.

The firmware includes a set of LED illumination sequences <NUM>, and a set of audio files <NUM>, as previously described. The firmware also includes a set of instructions that are executable by the processor <NUM>. Parts of those instructions are shown notionally as modules in <FIG>. A coil control module <NUM> generates a coil control signal to control the electromagnetic coil <NUM> to produce the time-varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member <NUM> to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM>. An LED control module <NUM> generates an LED control signal to control the LEDs <NUM> to illuminate in accordance with the LED illumination sequences <NUM>. An audio control module <NUM> generates an audio control signal to control the audio transducer <NUM> to output sound in accordance with the audio files <NUM>. A touch detection module <NUM> analyzes and/or responds to touch signals from the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM> to detect the toy <NUM> being touched, being touched with a particular gesture (e.g., a swipe or slide gesture), or being touched with a specified duration. A motion detection module <NUM> analyzes and/or responds to motion signals from the motion sensor <NUM> to detect movement of the toy <NUM>, or a particular type of movement (e.g., shaking or tilting) of the toy <NUM>. A switch detection module <NUM> analyzes and/or responds to switch signals dependent on the state of the activation switch <NUM> to detect whether the activation switch <NUM> is in the off-state, the intermediate state, or the on-state. A play response module <NUM> in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing modules encodes subroutines that control the toy <NUM> to respond to user interactions. Examples of such subroutines are described in the below examples. Any one or more of the subroutines may be implemented in combination with each other, in any order.

<FIG> shows a subroutine <NUM> implemented by the controller <NUM> for response to the lid <NUM> being partially opened, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, or fully opened such as shown in <FIG>. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> analyzes and/or responds to a signal to determine whether the activation switch <NUM> is in the intermediate on-state or the fully on-state, corresponding to the lid <NUM> being in the partially open position or the fully open position, respectively. If the activation switch <NUM> is in the off-state, then the method returns to step <NUM>. Otherwise, if the activation switch <NUM> is in the intermediate on-state or the fully on-state, then at step <NUM> the controller <NUM> selects one of the LED illumination sequences <NUM>, and optionally, one of the audio files <NUM>. These selections may be made in accordance with the set of instructions stored by the memory <NUM>. In embodiments, the selection may depend on whether the activation switch <NUM> is in the intermediate on-state or the fully on-state, to provide different play patterns. For example, the LED illumination sequences <NUM> and audio files <NUM> selected when the lid <NUM> is moved to the partially open position actuating the intermediate on-state of the activation switch <NUM>. This may be used to configure the toy <NUM> for a "try me" phase when the toy <NUM> is displayed on store shelves in retail packaging that allows a user to see an image or animation displayed by the oscillating LEDs <NUM>, without fully opening the lid <NUM>. In contrast, the LED illumination sequences <NUM> and audio files <NUM> that are selected when the lid <NUM> is in the fully open position actuating the fully on-state of the activation switch <NUM>, may differ from those that are used during the "try me" phase. This may be used to configure the toy <NUM> for a "play phase" that prompts or responds to user interactions with the toy <NUM> in a particular manner, such as by touching the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM> or moving the toy <NUM>. In other embodiments, the instructions stored by the memory <NUM> may program the controller <NUM> to use one of the LED illumination sequences <NUM> and one of the audio files <NUM>, without making a selection per se. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> controls the signal generator <NUM> to generate a coil control signal in the coil <NUM> to induce a time-varying magnetic field in the coil <NUM>, which interacts with the magnetically responsive member <NUM> to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM> and its LEDs <NUM>. Step <NUM> is performed at the same time as step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> generates an LED control signal to control the LEDs <NUM> to illuminate in accordance with the selected LED illumination sequence <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> selected one of the audio files <NUM> at step <NUM>, then at step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> also generates an audio control signal to control the audio transducer <NUM> to output a sound in accordance with the selected audio file <NUM>. In a variation of the subroutine, step <NUM> is performed before step <NUM>, and steps <NUM> and <NUM> are performed after step <NUM> if the condition in step <NUM> evaluates as true.

It will be apparent that subroutine <NUM> may be augmented with further steps to deactivate flapping of the PCB <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is closed and actuates the activation switch <NUM> to the off-state. In this manner, the augmented subroutine can control the toy <NUM> such that oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM> is activated only when the lid <NUM> is in the partially open position and the fully open position, and not when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary application of subroutine <NUM>. The controller <NUM> selects an LED illumination sequence <NUM> that displays the animation of a pet dog, and an audio file <NUM> encoding a vocalized reading of the greeting "Ruff". The LEDs <NUM> display the pet dog, and the audio transducer <NUM> outputs the sound "Ruff" after the lid <NUM> is opened.

Worded another way, the toy <NUM> optionally further comprises an activation switch <NUM> actuatable by the processor <NUM> from an off-state to a fully on-state by moving of the lid <NUM> from the closed position to the fully open position. When the activation switch <NUM> is in the fully on-state, the processor <NUM> is programmed to carry out a first set of functions. The first set of functions may be a set of functions associated with ownership of the toy <NUM>. For example, the first set of functions may include receiving input from the at least one touch sensor and generating the LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs <NUM> in accordance with a first one of the LED illumination sequences based on the input from the at least one touch sensor. Optionally, the activation switch <NUM> is actuated from the off-state to a partially on-state by moving of the lid <NUM> from the closed position to an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from the closed position towards the fully open position, wherein, when the activation switch <NUM> is in the partially on-state, the processor <NUM> is programmed to carry out a second set of functions that is different than the first set of functions. The second set of functions may be a set of functions associated with a try-me mode for the toy, while the toy <NUM> is not yet owned by the user (e.g. while the toy <NUM> sits in a store prior to purchase). For example, the second set of functions may include generating the LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs <NUM> in accordance with a second one of the LED illumination sequences without regard to input from the at least one touch sensor. Worded more broadly, the activation switch <NUM> may be said to be actuatable from the off-state to a partially on-state by moving of the lid <NUM> from the closed position to a partially open position, wherein, when the activation switch <NUM> is in the partially on-state, the processor <NUM> is programmed to carry out a second set of functions that is different than the first set of functions, wherein the activation switch <NUM> is further actuatable to the fully on-state by moving the lid <NUM> from the partially open position to the fully open position; and wherein the method further comprises, in response to detecting the activation switch being in the fully on-state, generating another LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs <NUM> in accordance with another one of the LED illumination sequences.

<FIG> shows a subroutine <NUM> implemented by the controller <NUM> for response to one of the touch sensors <NUM>, <NUM> being touched. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> controls the signal generator <NUM> to generate a coil control signal in the coil <NUM> to induce a time-varying magnetic field in the coil <NUM>, which interacts with the magnetically responsive member <NUM> to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB <NUM> and its LEDs <NUM>. (Step <NUM> may be performed as a continuation of step <NUM> in subroutine <NUM>. ) At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> analyzes and/or responds to a touch signal from the touch sensor to determine whether the toy <NUM> is touched. This evaluation may involve determining if the toy <NUM> was touched with a particular gesture (e.g., a swipe gesture in a particular direction), or a specified touch duration (e.g., one second or more). If no touch signal was received, then the method returns to step <NUM>. Otherwise, if a touch signal is received, then at step <NUM> the controller <NUM> selects one of the LED illumination sequences <NUM>, and optionally, one of the audio files <NUM>. These selections may depend on the detection of a particular touch gesture in step <NUM>. That is, the detection of different touch gestures may result in the selection of different LED illumination sequences <NUM> and audio files <NUM>, in accordance with a stored rule. Step <NUM> is performed at the same time as step <NUM>. These selections may be made in accordance with the set of instructions stored by the memory <NUM>. In other embodiments, the instructions stored by the memory <NUM> may program the controller <NUM> to use one of the LED illumination sequences <NUM> and one of the audio files <NUM>, without making a selection per se. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> generates an LED control signal to control the LEDs <NUM> to illuminate in accordance with the selected LED illumination sequence <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> selected one of the audio files <NUM> at step <NUM>, then at step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> also generates an audio control signal to control the audio transducer <NUM> to output a sound in accordance with the selected audio file <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one exemplary application of subroutine <NUM> when the touch sensor <NUM> on the PCB <NUM> is touched to simulate petting of a dog. In response to this touching, the controller <NUM> selects an LED illumination sequence <NUM> to control the LEDs <NUM> to display an animation of a dog emoting an affectionate response, as symbolized by images of hearts.

<FIG> illustrates another exemplary application of subroutine <NUM> when the touch sensor <NUM> attached to the platform <NUM> is touched with a swiping gesture. Depending on whether the user swipes left or right on the touch sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> selects different LED illumination sequences <NUM> to display different pet toys or treats. For example, the LEDs <NUM> are controlled to initially display the image of a tennis ball. If the user swipes to the right, the LEDs <NUM> display a hamburger. If the user swipes to the left, the LEDs display an apple.

<FIG> illustrates still another exemplary application of subroutine <NUM> when the touch sensor <NUM> on the platform <NUM> is touched with a swiping gesture. In response to the user swiping alternately left and right on the touch sensor, the controller <NUM> selects an LED illumination sequence <NUM> to control the LEDs <NUM> to display an animation of a dog playing with a hula hoop, and selects an audio file <NUM> to control the audio transducer <NUM> to output a vocalized reading of "Let's Hula!".

<FIG> shows an example of a subroutine <NUM> implemented by the controller <NUM> for response to the toy <NUM> being moved. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> analyzes and/or responds to a motion signal receives from the motion sensor <NUM> to determine whether the toy <NUM> is moved. This evaluation may determine if the toy <NUM> was moved in a particular manner (e.g., shaken, or tilted back and forth in a particular direction). If no motion was detected, then the method returns to step <NUM>. Otherwise, if motion was detected, then at step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> selects one of the LED illumination sequences <NUM>, and optionally, one of the audio files <NUM>. These selections may depend on the detection of a movement in step <NUM>. That is, the detection of different movements (e.g., shaking as opposed to tilting) may result in the selection of different LED illumination sequences <NUM> and audio files <NUM>, in accordance with a stored rule. In other embodiments, the instructions stored by the memory <NUM> may simply program the controller <NUM> to use one of the LED illumination sequences <NUM> and one of the audio files <NUM>, without making a selection per se. At step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> generates an audio control signal to control the audio transducer <NUM> to output a sound in accordance with selected audio file <NUM>. Step <NUM> may be performed when the lid <NUM> is either closed or open, or both. The subroutine then performs steps analogous to subroutine <NUM>, with it being understood that the LED illumination sequence <NUM> selected at step <NUM> is used for the selection at step <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one exemplary application of subroutine <NUM> when the toy <NUM> is shaken. In response to a detected shaking motion, the controller <NUM> selects an LED illumination sequence <NUM> to control the LEDs <NUM> to display an animation of a dog emoting with a sad face after the lid <NUM> is opened. The controller <NUM> also selects two different audio files <NUM> to control the audio transducer <NUM> to output different sounds when the lid <NUM> is closed and when the lid <NUM> is fully opened. When the lid <NUM> is closed, the audio transducer <NUM> outputs an vocalized reading of "Whoaa!" in accordance with a first selected audio file <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is closed, the audio transducer <NUM> outputs an vocalized reading of "Grrr. " in accordance with a second selected audio file <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A toy (<NUM>) comprising:
a magnetically responsive member (<NUM>);
a base (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board (PCB) (<NUM>) comprising an electromagnetic coil (<NUM>), and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (<NUM>) distributed in a first direction, wherein the PCB is attached to the base such that the PCB is flappable relative to the base to oscillate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction;
at least one touch sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) for generating at least one touch signal when touched by a user;
a signal generator (<NUM>) operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil; and
a controller (<NUM>) comprising:
a processor (<NUM>) operatively connected to the PCB, the at least one touch sensor, and the signal generator; and
a memory (<NUM>) comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing:
a plurality of different LED illumination sequences (<NUM>) for the plurality of LEDs, wherein each of the LED illumination sequences comprises a series of illumination states for the LEDs; and
a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method comprising:
(i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the base; and
(ii) in response to detecting the touch signal, and during step (i), generating a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs in accordance with at least one of the LED illumination sequences.