Patent Description:
The present invention relates to an illuminating animation device, particularly a toy, that illuminates through a film to produce an animation. More particularly, the illumination is sound activated, so the animation is produced in concert with the sound.

Devices that use light emitting diodes ("LEDs") located within various chambers of a device to produce an animation exist. However, these devices do note create a clear image when the animation is produced. Moreover, these devices are not capable of being easily secured into different toys. Moreover, these devices do not have interchangeable films with differing images that produce a variety of animations.

Furthermore, devices that illuminate in synchronization with a song exist. However, these devices are significantly limited in use as the synchronization of the LEDs with the song is preprogrammed into an integrated circuit within the device. Accordingly, the devices are not sound activated via ambient sounds detected by the device. Moreover, these devices do not store the sounds that are detected in a memory of the device for later use and activation. Thus, there is little versatility with these existing devices.

Document <CIT> discloses a projection device for projecting images on a surface of the device including an outer housing having a front translucent screen, a projection module frame mounted on an inner surface of the outer housing, and a projection roller frame supported by the projection module frame. The projection roller frame includes first and second spaced apart rollers rotatable respectively on two opposite cylindrical ends integrally formed on a lampshade. A cylindrical projection film is held between the first and second rollers. A light source is mounted inside the lampshade so that an image formed on the projection film can be projected on the front translucent screen by the light source. The device further includes a gear mechanism for driving the rollers, a position-limiting mechanism, and a speaker.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments of the present invention. Particularly, the invention according to some aspects preferably concerns a device that creates animation via the illumination of various LEDs through a film into which an image is cut. The film includes an image cut therein. The device includes a housing with a housing compartment formed by the film connected to a base via a wall. Secured within the housing compartment is a divider, which divides the compartment into a first and second chamber. A printed circuit board is secured within the compartment and includes a first and second LED, wherein the first LED is secured within the first chamber and the second LED is secured within the second chamber. A microcontroller unit controls the illumination of the first and second LEDs in conjunction with sound detected by a microphone from the environment or from a speaker to animate the image cut into the film. The illumination of the LEDs is also activated in concert with sounds emanated through the speaker via sequences that are preprogrammed into the microcontroller unit.

The invention also concerns a toy comprising at least one illuminating animation device of the claims.

<FIG> show an illuminating animation device <NUM> and <FIG> and <FIG> show various toys into which the illumination animation device is secured. These toys should not be construed as limiting as the animation device advantageously secures into or onto any structure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, one way in which the device secures into or onto other structures is via a bracketing system that includes an upper <NUM> and lower bracket <NUM>, which are secured to or soldered to the outside surface of a wall <NUM>. The device <NUM> is securable by any suitable methods specific to the toy into which it is being secured, for example, via screws or glue. The features described herein for the standalone animation device <NUM> are interpreted as applying to the embodiments of the animation device when it is secured into or onto other structures. While certain features or elements may be rearranged when the device <NUM> is secured into or onto other structures, for example, the location of a power supply, the disclosures herein shall be understood to apply to all embodiments, particularly the electronic capabilities and features of the device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the illuminating animation device <NUM> includes a cylindrically shaped housing <NUM>, which includes a cylindrically shaped cover <NUM> secured to a front face <NUM> thereof and a cylindrically shaped base <NUM> secured to a back face <NUM> thereof. In between the cover and the base <NUM> is a cylindrically shaped wall <NUM> that extends from the base <NUM> to the cover <NUM>. The extension of the wall <NUM> between the two faces <NUM>, <NUM> forms a housing compartment <NUM> where various internal components of the device <NUM> are secured. The cylindrically shaped cover <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> therein, which tightly fits a film <NUM> when slid therein.

As shown in <FIG>, particularly <FIG>, the device <NUM> includes the cover <NUM>, which is secured around the front face <NUM> of the device to the wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes notches <NUM>, which correspond with clasps <NUM> that form a part of the wall <NUM>, so the cover <NUM> easily snaps onto the wall <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> into which the film <NUM> snuggly fits. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is generally open so when the film <NUM> is positioned into the slot <NUM>, the film <NUM> encompasses the central opening of the cover <NUM>. Advantageously, the film <NUM> is tightly secured within the cover <NUM> so when the device <NUM> is flipped upside down, the film <NUM> does not slide out. Further, the film <NUM> is easily removeable and interchangeable with different films with different images. The film <NUM> is, for example, an opaque black with a matte finish acetate sheet with an image die cut onto the film <NUM>. In this embodiment, the film <NUM> includes a first image <NUM> carved therein, which is a smiley face with two eyes and a mouth. Any image can be carved or cut into this film <NUM> depending on user specification. Further, if desired, the film <NUM> forms the outermost portion of the front face <NUM> and includes a securing mechanism to connect to the wall (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, particularly <FIG>, the wall <NUM> extends from the base <NUM> to the cover <NUM> and forms a housing compartment <NUM> where various internal components are secured. The housing compartment <NUM> is divided into a first chamber <NUM> and a second chamber <NUM> via a chamber divider <NUM>. The divider <NUM> is secured or soldered onto two opposing inside surfaces of the wall <NUM>. As the first image <NUM> is a smiley face, the divider <NUM> is curved to correspond with the u-shape of the mouth. The divider <NUM> is advantageously located so that any image <NUM> containing a mouth will benefit from the desired animation effect, i.e., that the device <NUM> is talking (See animated images <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>). The number of chambers <NUM>, <NUM> varies depending on the image <NUM> that is etched into the film <NUM>, the size of the device <NUM> and/or the desired animation effect. As shown in <FIG>, the film <NUM> is secured adjacent to the first chamber <NUM> and second chamber <NUM> so that the eyes and an upper portion of the mouth are aligned within the first chamber <NUM> and a lower portion of the mouth is aligned within the second chamber <NUM>. This specific positioning of the first image <NUM> adjacent to the first and second chambers <NUM>, <NUM> aids in producing the desired talking animation effect of the first image <NUM> (see animated images in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the first chamber <NUM> has a first LED <NUM> secured therein and the second chamber <NUM> has a second LED <NUM> secured therein. The LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> are one color and/or vary in color and/or luminosity. The number of LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> varies depending on factors such as the number of chambers <NUM>, <NUM> present in the housing <NUM>, the image carved into the film <NUM> and the desired animation effect. Both LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> are secured and electrically connected to a printed circuit board ("PCB") <NUM>, which PCB <NUM> is secured within the back face <NUM> of the housing, for example via screws <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> of the device <NUM> is manufactured to include a compartment <NUM> into which the PCB <NUM> and LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> secure. The LEDS <NUM>, <NUM> are secured to the PCB <NUM> using surface mounting technology. Advantageously, the inventors discovered the precise distance that the first and second LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> should be secured from the film <NUM> to produce a clear animation image, regardless of whether it is being projected onto or into another surface. Specifically, the distance from the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> to the film <NUM> is important to control the size and location of the image that is projected through the film <NUM> so that a clear, readable image is produced. The distance from the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> to the film <NUM> is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and creates a crisp, precise animated image that is easily recognizable to the eye.

However, in other embodiments, this distance varies depending on the apparatus into which the device <NUM> is secured, the size of the device <NUM>, the number of LEDs <NUM>, <NUM>, and the image <NUM> that is etched into the film <NUM>. For example, when the device <NUM> is secured into an enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the image <NUM> cut on the film <NUM> magnifies when illuminated onto an inside surface of the closure so the image <NUM> appears larger than the size of the film <NUM> when it is projected thereon. As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> is secured within the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and is smaller in size than the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. However, since the device <NUM> is also located at the precise distance from the inside of the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the face projected onto the inside surface of the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> appears much larger through the front face of the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, while also being legible. The enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is the precise opacity that the light refracts through the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and is clearly visible. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the mouth appears to be speaking based on the illumination of the first and second LEDS <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, to aid in producing a desired animation effect, the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes a silhouette of a face <NUM>, on the front face of the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Accoridngly, when the face is projected through the film <NUM> onto the silhouette, the animated image is magnified and aligns perfectly with the silhouette. This advantageously creates the illusion of a larger face, than is the size of the face present on the film <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show different embodiments of the microcontroller unit <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The orientation and combination of these various capabilities of the microcontroller <NUM> unit should not be construed as limiting. The microcontroller <NUM> or PCB <NUM> combine all features and structures/electronics/circuits. In other implementations, such features are separately implemented. The PCB <NUM> is electrically connected via wiring <NUM> to a microcontroller unit <NUM>, which includes various control circuitry. Such circuitry, for example, includes an integrated circuit chip <NUM>, a microphone <NUM>, and a switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is located on an opposite side of the microcontroller unit <NUM> than the microphone <NUM> and other control circuitry. The circuitry is used to control the desired animation effect and other features of the toy, such as sound, functional control of the LED intensity, color temperature, color, illumination duration and timing. Such circuitry also controls various other features when the device <NUM> is secured into other toys, such as control of bubble production for the bubble producing toy <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the control of the light patterns of the first and second LEDs <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or other LEDs present is random or regular, or they are controlled in continuous sequence or pattern, a custom sequence or pattern, and/or sequence or pattern that incorporates constant timing, variable timing, and/or dimming.

As shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, electrically connected to the microcontroller unit <NUM> via wiring <NUM> is a speaker <NUM> other audio device, and/or a vibrating device. The microcontroller unit <NUM> further includes an amplifier <NUM>, a receiver <NUM> a relay <NUM> and a media player <NUM>. Accordingly, such circuitry also includes control modulation such as, for example, frequency or amplitude modulation.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the microcontroller unit <NUM> includes a switch <NUM> and/or another circuit activating or deactivating the device. The switch <NUM> or other circuit for activating or deactivating the device <NUM> is mechanical, such as a toggle switch, depression switch, multi-position switch, such as a three-position switch and other similar mechanical activation assemblies. In one embodiment, the switch or other circuitry incorporates activation through embedded instructions and or receipt of activation signals received by the circuitry. For example, the microcontroller <NUM> includes a receiver <NUM> for receiving signals which activate the illumination, sound or vibrational features of the device and/or other features of the device <NUM>. The switch <NUM> or other circuit, for example, incorporate proximity detection devices, such as for example RFID or other types of electronics which sense location, proximity or other wireless instructions which indicate and/or instruct illumination, sound and/or vibrational activation. Such device, for example, include instructions and circuitry operable to detect location in respect to a transmitted beacon. For example, the device automatically activates upon nearing a display, feature, attraction or other location within an amusement park which is transmitting a unique beacon which, when received by the device, causes the device <NUM> to illuminate and/or play sound and/or activate in a predetermined manner.

Moreover, the device <NUM> includes a sound chip and/or media player <NUM>, that includes various prerecorded or preprogrammed sounds or audio or video files. These sounds are preprogrammed with the illumination of the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> so that when the device <NUM>, for example, nears a display, the prerecorded sound plays from the speaker and the LEDS <NUM>, <NUM> illuminate accordingly so that the animation appears to be talking and blinking. Other automated instructions are further implemented such as emitting colors, playing predefined audio stored in memory of the device or received by the receiver of the device, playing signals which are streamed and received by the integrated receiver, and similar functionality. For example, the device <NUM> includes a proximity detection which includes a blu-tooth beacon receiver. Upon receipt of a unique beacon signal, the device <NUM> is programmed by instructions stored in memory to activate in a particular manner and/or play specific prerecorded or streamed audio signals, which are programmed with illumination of the LEDS <NUM>, <NUM> so that the mouth appears talking in synchronization with the song or sound playing. Alternatively, the device <NUM> incorporates RFID detectors wherein the device <NUM>, upon recognition of a specific RFID signal, begins emitting a predetermined sequence of signals. Other implementations may be implemented such as GPS location detection and determination.

The illumination of the first and second LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> and/or other LEDs present within the device <NUM> are independently activated and/or illuminated via sound activation. For example, when the microphone <NUM> detects sounds, it transmits this signal to the PCB <NUM> and activates the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> to move via ambient sound detected in the environment. The integrated chip <NUM> controls the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> and coordinates the lights to the ambient sound detected. Furthermore, the sound activation is via the speaker <NUM>, which plays audio and/or sound that is stored in a sound chip within the device. The microphone <NUM> is activated by the sound played through the speaker <NUM>, which initiates the sound activated illumination of the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the speaker <NUM> may have prerecorded or programmed songs or audio to which the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> are preprogrammed to illuminate. Accordingly, the device <NUM> animates in synchronization with the sound played through the speaker <NUM>. Further, with the switch <NUM> being multi-way switch, one mode option for the device <NUM> includes the microphone <NUM> turned off, which the speaker <NUM> is on. The light animation function of the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM>, such as the second LED illumination, is preprogrammed to play in accordance with the sound file.

For example, in use, the switch <NUM> is a multi-way switch, for example a two-way switch. When a user pushes the switch <NUM> and/or when the switch <NUM> is remotely activated, the first LED <NUM> that is secured within the first chamber <NUM> remains constantly illuminated. Therefore, the portion of the first image <NUM> that is illuminated via the first chamber <NUM>, i.e., the eyes and top portion of the mouth are constantly illuminated. The second LED <NUM> secured within the second chamber <NUM> is not constantly on and is programmed to be sound activated via the circuitry of the microcontroller unit <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. The sound activation is either through diction through the microphone <NUM> via ambient sounds and/or sounds emanated from the speaker <NUM> or via programmed sequences. Therefore, the portion of the first image <NUM> that is illuminated via the second chamber <NUM>, i.e., bottom portion of the mouth illuminates on and off, so the mouth appears to be talking in synchronization with a sound (see the first animation image <NUM> in <FIG> in comparison to the second animation image <NUM> in <FIG>). The aillumination of the first and second LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> should not be construed as limiting as they can both activate and deactivate depending on signals received from the PCB <NUM>. For example, the first LED <NUM> illuminate so the device <NUM> appears to be blinking.

If the switch <NUM> is for example a three-way slide switch, when the switch <NUM> turned to right it is in an infrared mode. The device <NUM> receives a signal from a transmitter(s) to unlock an audio file stored within a sound chip in the device <NUM>. There are several audio files stores, for example five, which are prerecorded and preprogrammed in the sound chip. When the user interacts with a transmitter, it unlocks a specific stored audio, which activates the illumination of the LEDs (<NUM>, <NUM>) and/or other LEDs of the device <NUM> in a preprogramed way so that the device is animated to talk in sync with the sound or audio. The microphone <NUM> is turned off, so the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> react to prestored audio and the second LED <NUM> flashing or illuminating sequence is pre-programmed according to each audio file to create talking animation. Advantageously, the device <NUM> appears to be talking or singing a song as the microphone <NUM> is turned off, so it is not sound activated by any environmental noises. When the switch <NUM> is turned to the left, the microphone <NUM> is active, so the illumination of the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> is sound activated by environmental noises. Further, in one embodiment, the device <NUM> includes numerous other LEDs within the device <NUM>, so in addition to the talking animation, there is a unique light show that is activated when a user holds down the switch <NUM>. In one exemplary embodiment, the device <NUM> further includes a push button, which unlocks the stored memory feature of the device, which replays and cycle through unlocked audio file.

In another exemplary embodiment, for example, in addition to the switch <NUM>, the device <NUM> includes a button and various LEDs in addition to the first and second LEDs <NUM>, <NUM>. When the user presses the button, the light, sound and projection of the device is automatically activated. Continuously pressing of button cycles through a variety of different light effects, projection and sound effects (see flow chart of <FIG>). The effects automatically turn off after flashing through the different effects. In addition, anytime the user presses the button for a set period or time, for example, around three seconds, the mode of the device <NUM> changes. For example, the colors or the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> change, or the microphone turns off, etc..

In one embodiment, the device <NUM> includes an interactive hub containing a walkie talkie. The microphone of the walkie talkie picks up the sound emitted from a nearby smart device, which is encoded onto a radio frequency and transmitted via an antenna of the walkie talkie to a walkie talkie that is secured within a toy. This signal is decoded from the radio signal and drives a speaker within the toy. The toy further includes a microphone, which detects the sound and sends a signal to an integrated circuit, which controls the illumination of various LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> secured within the toy. The LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> illuminate in synchronization with the sound to animate a face on a surface of the toy, so the toy appears to be talking.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> is easily secured into or onto anything. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the device <NUM> is bracketed inside further enclosures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is for example made of a thermal plastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is around about <NUM>-<NUM>% opacity, preferably about <NUM>% opacity. This enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is white or beige to better reflect the images produced by the illumination of the film <NUM>. This opacity is ideal as it reflects the ideal amount of light onto the inner surface of the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and allows light to project therethrough, so the animated image is visible. The image cut on the film <NUM> magnifies when illuminated so the image <NUM> appears larger than the size of the film <NUM> when it is projected onto an inside surface of the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, to aid in producing a desired animation effect, the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes a silhouette <NUM> of a face, for example, onto which the illumination through the film projects and is magnified. This advantageously creates the illusion of a larger face, than is the size of the smiley face present on the film <NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the enclosure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes various LEDs <NUM> that illuminate in coordination with the device to create an animated light show.

As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> is worn by a user, for instance around their neck via a lanyard <NUM> or on a wristband. Moreover, in another embodiment, the device <NUM> includes a magnet secured to the base <NUM>, which is attracted to a free-standing magnet. The device <NUM> is, therefore, securable around a user's clothing.

Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> is secured into a bubble producing toy <NUM>. The bubble toy <NUM> is like a bubble producing wand, which is made by Applicant and is disclosed in <CIT>. In this embodiment, there is for example, a three-way slide switch <NUM> behind a handle <NUM> to change the mode. When the switch <NUM> is turned to the right, bubbles are emitted out of the top of the toy <NUM> and the device <NUM> illuminates to create an animation that is projected onto an inner surface of a globular housing <NUM>. There is a separate push button <NUM> beside the <NUM>-way slide switch which plays and stops music. The mouth of the device <NUM> animates and accompanies the music or in sync with the music. When the music stops, the light show returns to a preprogrammed light show. When the slide switch <NUM> is turned to the left, other functions are activated, and the animation of the mouth is triggered by external soundwaves.

Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> is secured into a balloon toy <NUM>. In this embodiment, a back side of the inflatable balloon <NUM> is printed with foil or a reflective material, while a front side of the balloon is left blank to allow for precise projection of the animated images. A button <NUM> is located on a handle <NUM> of the toy. When this button <NUM> is pressed, the light, sound, and projection features of the toy <NUM> are automatically activated. Continuously pressing of the button <NUM> cycles through six different light effects, projection and sound and automatically turn off after flashing all the different effects (see flow chart of <FIG>). When the button <NUM> is pressed for a certain amount of time, such as about <NUM> seconds, the mode changes, and the animation features deactivate, for example on the shaft <NUM> of the toy <NUM>. Instead, various LEDS <NUM> light the inside the inflatable balloon illuminate the surface of the balloon. Continuously pressing of the button <NUM> changes the color and luminosity of the LEDs <NUM>. After flashing the preprogrammed color sequence, the toy <NUM> turns off automatically. Moreover, the handle <NUM> incudes an IR signal button <NUM>, which sends an IR signal for a fixture or a toy.

As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> is securable into a plush toy <NUM>. In this embodiment, the plush toy <NUM> includes a projection box <NUM>, which is a closed box that contains the animated device <NUM> and an image is stitched around the toy's <NUM> projection opening. Further the plush toy <NUM> includes a cut-away <NUM> on the plush toy into which the projection box <NUM> is secured.

In one embodiment, the animation effect is created differently. For example, the film <NUM> is a much thicker material, so that you can only see the mouth as a light. Accordingly, light is used to create shadows, which create the animation.

It is well recognized by persons skilled in the art that alternative embodiments to those disclosed herein, which are foreseeable alternatives, are also covered by this disclosure. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the embodiments or otherwise to exclude such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements. The embodiments may be combined.

The invention also concerns any one of the foregoing described toys, particularly comprising the device according to any one of the foregoing described embodiments.

Claim 1:
An illuminating animation device comprising:
a housing compartment comprising a base (<NUM>) and a film (<NUM>) secured together via a wall (<NUM>) that extends therebetween, wherein the film includes an image (<NUM>) cut therein;
a divider (<NUM>) secured within the housing compartment, which divides the compartment into a first and second chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a printed circuit board secured to the base within the housing compartment, wherein the printed circuit board includes a first and second LED, wherein the first LED is secured within the first chamber and the second LED is secured within the second chamber;
a microcontroller unit (<NUM>) secured to the base and electrically connected to the printec circuit board; and
a power source electrically connected to the microcontroller unit.