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Method of Sensing the Proximity of a Human

a human proximity and sensing technology, applied in the field of toys, can solve the problems of triggers and interference, and achieve the effect of reducing interference and reducing the difficulty of detection

Inactive Publication Date: 2011-11-17
MATTEL INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]An objective of the present invention is to remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks. The invention thus proposes a detection system avoiding that kind of interference. It is based on the fact that the body of a living bein

Problems solved by technology

However, if a metal plate is brought up to the toy, the toy detects the presence of the plate and therefore triggers its effects.
Such interference can be caused in this way by any nearby metal object of large weight or area.

Method used

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  • Method of Sensing the Proximity of a Human
  • Method of Sensing the Proximity of a Human
  • Method of Sensing the Proximity of a Human

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
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Embodiment Construction

[0035]FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention. It shows a doll 1 having a plurality of sensors at various locations of its body. These sensors may be of several kinds. Thus, capacitive sensors 2 in accordance with the present invention are situated on the feet, one of the wrists, and one of the cheeks of the doll 1, while inductive sensors 3 are situated on the lips, the chest, and the other wrist of the doll 1. Whereas the inductive sensors 3 are used for detecting accessories that are not shown, the capacitive sensors 2 are used for detecting the presence of a portion of a living being in the proximity of the sensor. Other sensors such as gravimetric or radio sensors (not shown) could also be installed on the doll 1.

[0036]Each capacitive sensor 2 can lead to a different action depending on its location in the body of the doll 1. By means of this system, malfunction due to the presence of metal objects are avoided.

[0037]The operation of the capacitive sensors 2 is sh...

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PUM

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Abstract

A toy including at least one capacitive sensor comprising a metal plate constituting one of the two plates of a capacitor, the second plate being constituted by a portion of a living being in the proximity of the toy, at least one effects generator; and a control circuit including means for causing effects to take place in response to stimulation of said capacitive sensor; the toy being characterized in that said metal plate of said at least one capacitive sensor is used as an antenna for picking up radio frequency transmission from said portion of a living being in the proximity of the toy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of prior U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11 / 571,789, which was the National Stage of International Application No. PCT / EP05 / 08208, filed Jan. 21, 2008, and entitled “Toy Sensitive to Human Touch,” which claims priority to French Patent Application No. 04 / 07655, filed Jul. 8, 2004, the disclosure of each of the two above-identified applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a toy including means for detecting the approach of a portion of a living being, in particular for the purpose of triggering an effect, e.g. a sound effect, a light effect, or even a movement performed by said toy. More particularly, the invention relates to a doll including means for detection by the capacitive effect, combined with other detection systems. The field concerned is that of toys and the electronics in such toys.BACKGROUND O...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A63H3/28
CPCA63H3/00H03K2217/960715H03K17/955A63H2200/00
Inventor CHAN, THOMAS
Owner MATTEL INC