Interactive electronic toy system

Abstract

An interactive electronic toy and a method for providing a challenge to a user using the toy are provided. The toy includes a housing and a plurality of buttons, each button associated with at least one illuminator and at least one pressure sensor. The method includes receiving a selection of a particular challenge, the particular challenge selected from a challenge repository associated with the interactive electronic toy, and providing instructions to the user to complete the particular challenge. The method further includes receiving a challenge response from the user, wherein the user responds to the particular challenge by at least one of moving the housing of the interactive electronic toy and pressing at least one of the plurality of buttons, and providing feedback to the user based on the received challenge response.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the field of electronic toys, and more specifically to interactive electronic toy systems having randomizable challenges, games and activities. Background Technology

[0002] Many electronic toys exist with multiple buttons, each of which, when pressed, causes something to happen. For example, such toys exist to teach children animal sounds, musical instrument sounds, etc. However, a drawback of these toys is that the result is always the same every time a child presses a button. After a short period of play, children often become bored with the toys because they already know exactly what happens when they press each button, and / or where they need to press the button to get the correct answer to the question posed by the toy.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need in the field for an interactive electronic toy in which the game is less unpredictable and requires children to continue learning even during long periods of play, thereby maintaining children's attention span for longer periods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the implementation scheme of the teachings herein, an interactive electronic toy system is provided, the interactive electronic toy system comprising:

[0005] A challenge repository that stores multiple challenges or games that a user wants to complete using the interactive electronic toy system;

[0006] The housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion attached to each other, such that a hollow portion is defined therebetween;

[0007] Multiple buttons, each of which is selectively pressable and accessible from the outside of the housing, and each of which is at least partially transparent;

[0008] Multiple illuminators are disposed within a hollow portion, such that each particular button among a plurality of buttons has at least one corresponding illuminator disposed below it, such that the illumination of at least one corresponding illuminator is visible through the particular button;

[0009] Multiple pressure sensors are disposed within the hollow portion, each of the multiple pressure sensors being disposed below and associated with a corresponding button in the button, and being adapted to provide an electrical signal when the corresponding button in the button is pressed or released;

[0010] A processor, which is functionally associated with a challenge repository, multiple illuminators, and multiple sensors;

[0011] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a software module, the software module including instructions to be executed by a processor, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing:

[0012] Receive instructions to select a specific challenge;

[0013] Instructions that provide users with instructions on how to complete specific challenges;

[0014] Receive instructions from the user to respond to a challenge, wherein the user responds to a specific challenge by at least one of the following actions: moving the shell and pressing at least one of a plurality of buttons; and

[0015] Instructions to provide feedback to the user based on the received challenge response; and

[0016] At least one power source, the at least one power source being adapted to provide power to a plurality of lighting devices, a plurality of pressure sensors and a processor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the challenge repository includes a memory component disposed within a hollow portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a slot for receiving a removable memory component, and the challenge repository includes a removable memory component adapted to be inserted into the slot for association with a processor. In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system also includes a transceiver, and the challenge repository is located remotely from the housing and communicates with the processor via the transceiver.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first housing portion includes a plurality of openings, each of which is adapted to receive and access one of a plurality of buttons. In some other embodiments, the first housing portion includes at least one opening, said at least one opening being adapted to receive and access at least two of a plurality of buttons.

[0019] In some implementations, each of the multiple buttons is pressable independently without affecting the other buttons.

[0020] In some implementations, each of the multiple illuminators is adapted to provide lighting in multiple colors. In some such implementations, each of the multiple buttons is associated with a single illuminator, and each of the multiple illuminators is associated with a single button.

[0021] In some implementations, each of the multiple buttons has a set of illuminators located below it, each of the set of illuminators being adapted to illuminate with a different color.

[0022] In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system further includes an orientation sensor adapted to provide information about the three-dimensional orientation of the housing. In some such embodiments, the instruction to receive a challenge response includes an instruction to receive at least one signal from the orientation sensor, the at least one signal indicating the orientation of the housing as a response of the user to a selected challenge.

[0023] In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system also includes a selection switch adapted to select a game to play or a challenge to be presented. In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system also includes a progress button adapted to advance between game steps or levels. In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system also includes a volume control selector. In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system also includes a start switch adapted to start and stop the toy.

[0024] In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system further includes at least one audio speaker, which is functionally associated with the processor. In some embodiments, instructions to provide a user with guidance on completing a specific challenge include instructions to provide audio instructions to the user via at least one audio speaker. In some embodiments, instructions to provide feedback to the user include instructions to provide audio feedback to the user via at least one audio speaker.

[0025] In some implementations, instructions to provide users with instructions to complete a specific challenge include instructions to present the specific challenge to the user by illuminating at least one illuminator.

[0026] In some embodiments, the instruction to provide feedback to the user includes an instruction to provide visual feedback to the user via at least one of the illuminators. In some such embodiments, the visual feedback includes illumination by at least one of the illuminators. In some such embodiments, the visual feedback includes deactivation of at least one of the illuminators.

[0027] In some embodiments, the interactive electronic toy system also includes a transceiver. In some such embodiments, receiving instructions to select a particular challenge includes receiving instructions to select from a second device remote from the housing via the transceiver. In some such embodiments, providing feedback includes providing instructions to provide feedback to the second device remote from the housing via the transceiver.

[0028] In some implementations, specific challenges are selected from the group consisting of: color recognition challenges; shape recognition challenges; letter recognition challenges; number recognition challenges; writing challenges; memory challenges; maze challenges; language challenges; mathematical challenges; emotional intelligence challenges; music challenges; and coding challenges.

[0029] In some implementations, the instructions for providing a specific challenge include instructions for randomizing at least one aspect of the specific challenge.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the teachings herein, a method is provided for providing a challenge to a user using an interactive electronic toy, said interactive electronic toy including a casing and a plurality of buttons, each button being associated with at least one illuminator and at least one pressure sensor, said method comprising:

[0031] Receive the selection of a specific challenge, which is selected from a repository of challenges associated with interactive electronic toys;

[0032] Provide users with instructions to complete specific challenges;

[0033] Receive challenge responses from users, wherein the user responds to a specific challenge by at least one of the following actions: moving the casing of the interactive electronic toy and pressing at least one of a plurality of buttons; and

[0034] Provide feedback to the user based on the received challenge responses.

[0035] In some embodiments, receiving selection includes receiving selection from a challenge repository, which is formed as a removable memory component inserted into a corresponding slot in the housing of the interactive electronic toy. In some embodiments, the challenge repository is located remotely from the interactive electronic housing, and receiving selection includes receiving selection from a remote challenge repository via a transceiver formed part of the interactive electronic toy.

[0036] In some embodiments, receiving a challenge response includes receiving a signal from at least one pressure sensor corresponding to at least one of a plurality of buttons pressed by the user. In some embodiments, receiving a challenge response includes receiving an orientation signal from an orientation sensor forming part of the housing, the orientation signal indicating the orientation of the housing as a response of the user to a selected challenge.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method further includes using a selection switch formed part of the housing to receive a selection of the game to be played or the challenge to be presented. In some embodiments, the method further includes using a progress button formed part of the housing or mounted in the housing to advance between steps or levels of the game.

[0038] In some implementations, providing instructions to the user to complete a specific challenge includes providing audio instructions to the user via at least one audio speaker that forms part of the interactive electronic toy. In some implementations, providing feedback to the user includes providing audio feedback to the user via at least one audio speaker.

[0039] In some implementations, the method further includes presenting a specific challenge to the user by illuminating at least one illuminator before receiving a challenge response.

[0040] In some implementations, providing feedback to the user includes providing visual feedback to the user via at least one of the illuminators, the visual feedback including illuminating or deactivating at least one illuminator.

[0041] In some implementations, the interactive electronic toy is functionally associated with a second device located remotely therefrom, and the provision of feedback includes providing feedback to the second device via a transceiver.

[0042] In some implementations, specific challenges are selected from the group consisting of: color recognition challenges; shape recognition challenges; letter recognition challenges; number recognition challenges; writing challenges; memory challenges; maze challenges; language challenges; mathematical challenges; emotional intelligence challenges; music challenges; and coding challenges.

[0043] In some implementations, providing a specific challenge includes randomizing at least one aspect of the specific challenge. Attached Figure Description

[0044] This document describes some embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. This specification, together with the drawings, enables those skilled in the art to understand how some embodiments of the invention can be practiced. The drawings are for illustrative purposes and do not attempt to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than necessary for a basic understanding of the invention. For clarity, some objects depicted in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0045] In the attached diagram:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an interactive electronic toy implemented according to the teachings of this article;

[0047] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D They are Figure 1 Top view, front view, rear view and side view of interactive electronic toys;

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of an interactive electronic toy;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of an interactive electronic toy based on the implementation of the teachings in this article;

[0050] Figure 5Aand Figure 5B Is using Figures 1 to 4 Flowcharts of two implementation schemes of an exemplary method for an interactive electronic toy. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the field of electronic toys, and more specifically to interactive electronic toy systems having randomizable challenges, games and activities.

[0052] The principles, uses, and implementations of the teachings herein can be better understood by referring to the accompanying description and figures. After carefully reading the description and figures presented herein, those skilled in the art will be able to implement the invention without excessive effort or experimentation.

[0053] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or shown in the drawings and / or examples. The invention can be implemented in other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. It should also be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0054] The systems and methods described herein aim to provide an interactive environment in which users (typically children) engage in games by pressing buttons on an electronic device. However, different requirements are presented to the user during each challenge or game, or each time the device is used, and different buttons have different effects. The effects of the buttons and the specific locations where the user must press them may be randomized.

[0055] For example, an interactive electronic toy could include a challenge instructing the user to press all the buttons displayed in green. The interactive toy could then present multiple green buttons in a first set of locations on the device and wait to sense that the user has pressed all the correct buttons. The challenge could then be restarted, with only the green buttons located in a second set of locations on the device, different from the first set. Therefore, the user will not remember which buttons they had to press, but will need to find the green buttons again. Another example is provided below.

[0056] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an interactive electronic toy 100 implemented according to the teachings of this article. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D These are the top view, front view, rear view, and side view of the interactive electronic toy 100. Figure 3 This is a partial exploded view of the interactive electronic toy 100. Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of an interactive electronic toy implemented according to the teachings of this article.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, the interactive electronic toy 100 includes a shell 102 ( Figure 4 The outer casing typically includes an upper outer casing portion 102a and a lower outer casing portion 102b, with a hollow portion formed between the upper outer casing portion and the lower outer casing portion.

[0058] The upper housing portion 102a includes an upper surface frame 104, in which a button receiving surface 106 is provided, the button receiving surface including a grid for receiving an opening 108 for a button as described below. On the front side of the upper surface frame 104 are provided: a selector switch 110 adapted for selecting a game to play or a challenge to be presented; a progress button 112 adapted to allow the user to advance between game steps or between game levels; and a volume control 114. For example, in a game requiring the user to identify numbers, the progress button 112 can be used to skip lower numbers that the user is already familiar with and allow the user to directly identify higher numbers that the user still needs to master (e.g., 6, 7, 8).

[0059] Side surfaces 116 extend downward from the upper surface frame 104 on its two opposite sides. In some embodiments, the side surfaces are shaped and configured to give the toy 100 a specific appearance, such as that of an animal. In such embodiments, the lower end of the side surface 116 may have a specific profile chosen to create the specific appearance. In the illustrated embodiment, the specific profile is wavy, making the overall shape of the toy 100 resemble that of a caterpillar.

[0060] The lower housing portion 102b includes a bottom surface 120. A front surface 122 and a rear surface 124 extend upward from the bottom surface 120 toward the upper surface frame 104. A side base 126 extends laterally from the bottom surface 120 and, in some embodiments, extends partially upward; the side base is configured to engage a side surface 116 of the upper housing portion 102a. Figure 1 As can be seen, when the upper outer shell portion 102a is connected to the lower outer shell portion 102b, a closed structure is formed, thereby preventing the user from touching the inside of the shell.

[0061] The front surface 122 of the lower housing portion 102b includes at least one audio speaker 128, which is shown herein as a pair of audio speakers. The audio speaker 128 is adapted to provide audio commands to the user, as explained in further detail below.

[0062] The rear surface 124 of the lower housing portion 102b includes: a power switch 130 adapted to start and stop the toy; and a port 132 for connecting the toy 100 to an external power source (such as a power outlet) for powering the toy 100 or charging its batteries, as explained in further detail below. In some embodiments, switch 130 may be a three-way switch including an "off" position, a "low volume" position, and a "high volume" position. In some such embodiments, volume control 114 may be omitted.

[0063] A button surface 140 is disposed within the hollow portion of the toy 100 and includes a plurality of push-buttons 142. In some embodiments (such as the embodiment shown), there may be space between the buttons 142. Figure 1 As can be seen, the button surface 140 is arranged such that each of the buttons 142 extends through a corresponding opening 108 of the button receiving surface 106. In some embodiments not shown, the buttons 142 may be very close to each other, or even in contact with each other, as long as each button 142 can be pressed individually without affecting adjacent buttons. In some such embodiments, the button receiving surface 106 may include a single large opening 108 such that all buttons are disposed together within the single large opening 108.

[0064] Below each button in the button 142 is at least one corresponding illuminator 144, such as an LED light. The button 142 is at least partially transparent, such that during operation of a specific illuminator 144 beneath a particular button 142, the button appears to be illuminated. In some embodiments, each illuminator 144 is adapted to provide illumination in multiple colors. In other embodiments, each button 142 has a plurality of illuminators disposed below it, each of the plurality of illuminators being adapted to illuminate in a different color. In some embodiments, each illuminator 144 corresponds to a single button 142, such that there is a one-to-one relationship between each illuminator 144 and button 142. In other embodiments, or in some playback modes, the illuminators 144 may be decoupled from the buttons 142.

[0065] Below each button in the button 142, at least one corresponding sensor 146, such as a pressure sensor, is provided, which is adapted to provide an electrical signal when the button 142 above it is pressed. Each sensor in the sensor 146 corresponds to a single button 142, such that there is a one-to-one relationship between each sensor 146 and button 142.

[0066] Electronic circuitry 148 is disposed within the hollow portion of toy 100 and includes a illuminator 144 and a sensor 146 mounted thereon. Electronic circuitry 148 also connects an audio speaker 128 and switches 110, 112, 114, and 130 to a processor 150 (in...). Figure 4 As clearly shown in the diagram, the processor can be mounted on electronic circuitry 148 or on a dedicated printed circuit board (not explicitly shown). The processor 150 is adapted to control the operation of toy 100, as referenced below. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Further detailed explanation. Processor 150 is functionally related to non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 152 (in... Figure 4 As clearly shown in the diagram, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a software module, which includes instructions to be executed by the processor 150. The storage medium 152 may be disposed on electronic circuitry 148, on a separate printed circuit board that also houses the processor 150, or on a dedicated printed circuit board (not explicitly shown).

[0067] Toy 100 also includes at least one challenge repository 156, or is functionally associated with said at least one challenge repository, which stores challenges and / or games to be implemented by processor 150 and presented to the user via audio speaker 128 and button 142.

[0068] Challenge repository 156 can be any suitable storage element for storing digital data, such as a database, computer memory, or buffer memory. Challenge repository 156 can be local to toy 100. For example, challenge repository 156 can be in the form of a data storage element, such as a removable memory card inserted into a dedicated slot (not shown) in toy 100, or a database or memory component built into toy 100. For example, repository 156 can be mounted on electronic circuitry 148, or on another printed circuit board (e.g., the board holding processor 150). In some embodiments, challenge repository 156 can be remote from toy 100. For example, challenge repository 156 can be a database remote from toy 100 and communicate with said toy via a network, such as with processor 150.

[0069] In some implementations, the challenge repository 156 is adapted to temporarily store large amounts of data ranging from at least 5 MB to 500 MB. In implementations where the challenge repository 156 is local to toy 100, the challenge repository enables toy 100 to operate even when not communicating with a network or another remote device. The challenge repository 156 can be a volatile or non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory device, which retains the stored data even when power is turned off and on, thereby accelerating device startup time.

[0070] In some implementations, toy 100 also includes at least one orientation sensor (not explicitly shown), such as an accelerometer. The orientation sensor is adapted to provide processor 150 with information about the three-dimensional spatial orientation of toy 100 (e.g., in terms of rolling, pitch, and yaw), which can be used to determine whether a user has encountered a specific challenge or completed a specific game, as explained in further detail below.

[0071] One or more power sources 158 are adapted to provide power to the toy 100 and its components, including an audio speaker 128, a illuminator 144, a sensor 146, a processor 150, and / or a challenge repository 156. The power source 158 can be any suitable power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g., rechargeable via port 132), or an external power source to which the toy 100 is connected via port 132. In some embodiments, the toy 100 is portable and designed to operate without connection to an external power source, or at a distance greater than 1 meter from an external power source, with an extended operating duration ranging from 1 to 4 hours of uninterrupted operation.

[0072] In some implementations, toy 100 may also include transceiver 160 (in... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the transceiver enables bidirectional communication with a networked environment, for example, via a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or via the Internet. Bidirectional communication can be wired or wireless and can use any suitable protocol known in the art. In such embodiments, a power supply 158 also provides power to the transceiver.

[0073] The transceiver is particularly useful when the challenge repository 156 is away from the toy 100, allowing challenges to be selected from the challenge repository 156 and provided to the processor 150 via the transceiver.

[0074] In some embodiments, toy 100 may be functionally associated with an external computing device (not explicitly shown) (such as a tablet computer, laptop computer, or smartphone) via transceiver 160. In some such embodiments, the user interface of the external computing device (e.g., forming part of a dedicated application that interacts with toy 100) may receive user input, which may be transmitted from the external computing device to processor 150 for controlling the operation of toy 100 and / or for responding to a specific game or challenge currently being completed using toy 100. Processor 150 may also provide output to the external computing device, such as challenge completion feedback output, for example, via transceiver 160.

[0075] In some implementations, toy 100 may also include an inactivity sensing function adapted to identify when toy 100 has been inactive for a predetermined duration and provide such information to processor 150 to adapt to the operation of toy 100 so as to maintain its power consumption when toy 100 is inactive.

[0076] In some implementations, in response to inactivity detected by the inactivity sensing function, the processor 150 may run a low-power-efficiency power scheme adapted to save power in the toy 100, and / or may provide the user with an audio indication that the toy is inactive and is being turned off.

[0077] In some embodiments, toy 100 may also include a thermal sensor adapted to provide input to processor 150 when the temperature level in toy 100 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Processor 150 can then operate a temperature control module to adjust the operation of toy 100 to an elevated temperature level, for example, by turning off toy 100 or by notifying the user of the elevated temperature, thereby providing safe and robust device operation.

[0078] Now refer to another source Figure 5A and Figure 5B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B Is using Figures 1 to 4 A flowchart implementation of an exemplary method for an interactive electronic toy 100.

[0079] exist Figure 5A In the flowchart, once a challenge or game is selected, all user interactions are with Toy 100. For example... Figure 5A As can be seen, at step 200, for example, processor 150 receives a selection of a challenge or game for the user to complete, the processor implementing instructions to receive such a selection from storage medium 152. Typically, a challenge is selected from a challenge repository 156. In some embodiments, a selector 110 is used in the upper housing portion 102a to select a challenge.

[0080] In some implementations, the challenge repository 156 may include a single challenge, and the selection of a challenge can be performed by associating the challenge repository with the processor 150. For example, the challenge repository may be a computer storage drive, such as an SD card, USB drive, etc., that includes a single challenge. Thus, a challenge is selected by choosing the appropriate challenge repository and inserting it into the appropriate slot or port in the toy 100, thereby associating the computer storage drive with the processor 150.

[0081] In some implementations, the challenge repository is local to toy 100, for example, forming part of its electronic circuitry 148, or associated with processor 150 by being plugged into a dedicated port as described above.

[0082] In other embodiments, the challenge repository 156 may be located remotely from the toy 100, for example, on an external server or computing device. In such embodiments, challenges can be selected by the user through interaction with a user interface on the external server or computing device, and the selected challenges can be transmitted to the processor 150, for example, via transceiver 160.

[0083] The challenge can be any suitable challenge or game that can be provided to the user by Toy 100, as described herein. In some implementations, the challenge may include one or more of the following types of challenges:

[0084] • Color recognition challenge;

[0085] • Shape recognition challenge;

[0086] • Letter recognition challenge;

[0087] • Number recognition challenge;

[0088] • Writing challenge;

[0089] • Memory challenge;

[0090] • Maze Challenge;

[0091] • Language challenges;

[0092] • Mathematical Challenge;

[0093] • Emotional intelligence challenge;

[0094] • Musical challenges; and

[0095] • Coding challenge.

[0096] At step 202, for example, the processor 150 typically provides the user with instructions to complete the challenge via the audio speaker 128, and the processor implements instructions to provide such user instructions from the storage medium 152.

[0097] In a first color recognition challenge example where the user must press all buttons illuminated in a specific color (e.g., green), the instruction can be provided by an audio speaker, which delivers the sentence "Press all the green buttons!". The specific color to be recognized can be selected by the processor 150, for example, in a random manner, when the instruction is provided.

[0098] In an example of a second shape recognition challenge where the user must press all the illuminated buttons that form a specific shape (e.g., a square), the instruction can be provided by an audio speaker, which delivers the sentence "Press all the buttons together to form a square!". The specific shape to be recognized can be selected by the processor 150, for example, in a random manner when the instruction is provided.

[0099] In the third writing challenge example where the user must press a button to form a specific letter, the instruction can be provided by an audio speaker, which provides the sentence "Press the button to form the capital letter 'L'". The processor 150 can select the specific letter to be written, for example, in a random manner when providing the instruction.

[0100] In an example of a fourth memory challenge where the user must memorize the locations of all buttons illuminated by a specific color (e.g., red), instructions can be provided by an audio speaker, which delivers the sentence, "Look carefully at the buttons and remember which buttons are red. After turning off the lights, press all the red buttons!" The specific color to be memorized can be selected by the processor 150, for example, in a random manner when providing the instructions.

[0101] In the fifth maze challenge example where the user must tilt the device to move the light along a specific path, instructions can be provided by an audio speaker, which provides the sentence "Til the toy to move the yellow dot from the green square to the red square without hitting the blue wall." The processor 150 can, for example, randomly select the specific length and position of the blue wall, as well as the specific colors used for the walls, the start and end points, and the elements used to traverse the maze, when providing the instructions.

[0102] In the sixth coding challenge example where the user must move the light along a specific path, instructions can be provided by an audio speaker, which delivers the sentence, "Use the operation buttons to create instructions to move the yellow dot from the green square to the red square without hitting the blue wall, and then see if the plan works by executing the instructions." The processor 150 can, for example, randomly select the specific length and position of the blue wall, as well as the specific colors used for the walls, the start and end points, and the elements used to traverse the maze, when providing the instructions.

[0103] In some implementations, at step 204, for example, at least some of the buttons 142 of the toy 100 are illuminated by a processor 150 to present a challenge to the user, the processor implementing instructions from the storage medium 152 to illuminate specific buttons with a specific color. In some implementations, the number of buttons to be illuminated and / or the position of the buttons to be illuminated may be at least partially randomized. Returning to the example provided above:

[0104] In the first example, all buttons 142 are illuminated such that only a subset of the buttons are illuminated in green, while the rest are illuminated in other colors. When presenting the challenge to the user, the processor 150 can randomly and in real-time select a specific number of buttons illuminated in green and a specific location of the buttons illuminated in green.

[0105] In the second example, the selected button 142 is illuminated to display various shapes, such as a red triangle, a blue square, and a green rectangle. When presenting the challenge to the user, the processor 150 can randomly and in real-time select the specific color, size, and position of the illuminated shape.

[0106] In the fourth example, all buttons 142 are illuminated such that only a subset of the buttons are illuminated in red, while the rest are illuminated in other colors. When presenting a challenge to the user, the processor 150 can randomly and in real-time select a specific number of buttons illuminated in red and a specific location of those buttons. After a predetermined duration allowing the user to remember the location of the red buttons, the processor 150 controls the illuminator 144 to turn off the illumination under all buttons 142.

[0107] In the fifth example, some buttons 142 are illuminated in blue to form a "wall," one button 142 is illuminated in green, another single button 142 is illuminated in red to form the start and end points of the maze, and a third single button 142 is illuminated in yellow to form the points that must be traversed in the maze. When presenting the challenge to the user, the processor 150 can randomly and in real-time select a specific number of buttons forming the "wall" and specific locations of the illuminated buttons.

[0108] In the sixth coding challenge example, some buttons 142 are illuminated in blue to form a "wall," one button 142 is illuminated in green, another single button 142 is illuminated in red to form the start and end points of the maze, and a third single button 142 is illuminated in yellow to form the point that must be traversed in the maze. Additionally, some buttons are illuminated to form action buttons; for example, some buttons may be move buttons for encoding the sequence of movements or actions required to complete the maze at the yellow point, and another implementation button indicating "move point according to the coded sequence." In one implementation, the move buttons may include "one step left," "one step right," "one step up," and "one step down" buttons. In another implementation, the move buttons may include "one step forward," "turn 90 degrees right," and "turn 90 degrees left" buttons. When the challenge is presented to the user, the processor 150 may randomly and in real-time select a specific number of buttons forming the "wall" and specific locations of the illuminated buttons.

[0109] In other implementations, where the challenge instructs the user to press a specific button to illuminate it, rather than starting the challenge with an illuminated button, step 204 can be omitted. Returning to the third example above, since the user is instructed to press a button to write the letter "L", none of the buttons 142 are initially illuminated.

[0110] After presenting the challenge to the user, at step 206, the processor 150 receives the challenge response from the user by receiving signals from one or more sensors. For some challenges, such as some of the challenges in the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth examples described above, the response is received by receiving signals from one or more sensors 146 indicating that the user has pressed the button 142 corresponding to the one or more sensors.

[0111] In some cases, challenge responses received from the user are stored to provide feedback later. For example, in the sixth encoding example, the challenge response includes receiving a sequence of signals from a sensor associated with the move button, where the user instructs how the yellow dot should move. For example, the sequence could include 3 steps up, 4 steps left, 2 steps down, and 3 steps left. Typically, the challenge response also includes receiving signals from a sensor associated with the move button, following a sequence of signals associated with the move button.

[0112] For some challenges, such as the fifth example above, a response is received by receiving a signal from the orientation sensor that the orientation of toy 100 has changed in a specific way.

[0113] At step 208, processor 150 provides feedback to the user based on the received response. Feedback may include turning off one or more buttons 142, illuminating one or more buttons 142, and / or providing audio feedback via audio speaker 128. In some embodiments, feedback is provided each time the user presses a button. In other embodiments, feedback is provided only after the entire challenge is completed.

[0114] Returning to the example provided above:

[0115] In the first example, the processor can provide feedback to the user by: turning off all green buttons pressed by the user; providing an audible sound of confirmation (e.g., a clapping sound) when a green button is pressed; and / or providing an audible sound of denial or rejection when a button of another color is pressed.

[0116] In the second example, the processor can provide feedback to the user by: turning off the buttons that belong to the square when the user presses them; providing an audible confirmation sound when one of the buttons belonging to the square is pressed, or when all the buttons belonging to the square are pressed; and / or providing an audible denial or rejection sound when a button of another shape is pressed.

[0117] In the third example above, the processor can provide feedback to the user by illuminating the button pressed by the user during the formation of the letter "L"; and / or providing an audible confirmation sound when the group of pressed buttons forms the letter "L".

[0118] In the fourth example, the processor can provide feedback to the user by: relighting the button that the user pressed was initially illuminated in red; providing a confirmation sound when the user presses the button that was initially illuminated in red (i.e., remembering the location of the red button); and / or providing an audible denial or rejection sound when the user presses the button that was initially illuminated in a color other than red (i.e., misremembering the location of the red button).

[0119] In the fifth example, the processor receives a signal from the accelerometer indicating that the user is tilting toy 100. As feedback, the processor can turn off the currently yellow-lit button and illuminate the adjacent button (in the tilt direction of toy 100) in yellow, thus "moving" the yellow "dot" along the maze according to the direction the user tilts toy 100. Additionally, the processor can provide feedback by providing an audible confirmation sound when the user tilts the toy to "move" the yellow dot in the correct direction or when the user has successfully guided the yellow dot through the entire maze; and / or by providing an audible rejection sound when the user "moves" the yellow dot in the wrong direction or causes the yellow dot to "hit a wall".

[0120] In the sixth coding challenge example, feedback can be provided in response to signals received from sensors associated with the action buttons. As feedback, the processor can turn off the button currently illuminated in yellow and illuminate the adjacent button in yellow in the direction determined by the user's instruction via a sequence of signals received from the move button, thereby "moving" the yellow "dot" along the maze according to the user-coded move. Additionally, the processor can provide feedback by providing an audible confirmation sound when the user-coded instruction successfully "moves" the yellow dot across the entire maze; and / or by providing an audible rejection or denial sound when the user-coded instruction causes the yellow dot to "hit a wall."

[0121] In some implementations, at optional step 210, feedback on completing the challenge may also be provided to a remote device or location, such as a device operated by a parent, teacher, therapist, or other guide. Such feedback may be provided from processor 150 via a transceiver.

[0122] A specific feature of the present invention is that, when completing a challenge, if the user chooses to repeat the same challenge or challenge type, the processor 150 presents the same type of challenge, but in a different way.

[0123] In some implementations, the change may be the result of randomizing the creation of the challenge. In other implementations, the change may be the result of a particular challenge or game being repeated sequentially multiple times, in which case the processor may increase the difficulty of the challenge. In such implementations, the memory component 152 may include a learning module that instructs the processor 150 to periodically or continuously learn the level at which the user completes the challenge, so as to provide a higher level of difficulty when the challenge is successfully completed, or to make the challenge easier if the user has difficulty completing it.

[0124] Using the first example described above, when the user requests a repeat of the challenge, the processor 150 can again change the color of the button the user needs to identify and press, the position of the button the user needs to identify and press, and / or the number of buttons the user needs to identify and press. As an alternative to the first example, when the user completes the challenge for the first time, all buttons are illuminated with only two strong contrast colors, making the green button easier to find. In subsequent challenge completions, the buttons are illuminated with less contrasting colors and / or with multiple colors, making it more difficult to find the green button and increasing the challenge level.

[0125] Go to Figure 5B , Figure 5BOne implementation involves a portion of the user interaction occurring via an external computing device (such as a tablet or smartphone), which typically runs appropriate software applications specifically designed for interacting with the toy 100. As explained in further detail below, in such implementations, the user may also provide user input via a user interface of the external computing device.

[0126] like Figure 5B As can be seen above, in step 220, the processor 150 receives the user's selection of a challenge or game to complete. Figure 5A As described in step 200, challenges can be received from a local or remote challenge repository and can include any suitable challenge or game.

[0127] Figure 5B The method shown will be described below with reference to the exemplary coding challenge provided above.

[0128] At step 222, instructions to complete the challenge are provided to the user. In some embodiments, the instructions may be provided via the audio speaker 128 of the toy 100, as described above. Figure 5A As described in step 202. In some embodiments, the instructions may also be provided, or alternatively, via a user interface element of an external computing device, such as via an audio speaker of the external computing device or displayed on a display screen of the external computing device.

[0129] Returning to the previous text about Figure 5A The provided coding challenge example, in some embodiments, may be provided with instructions by an audio speaker 128 and / or an audio speaker of a remote computing device, the audio speaker providing the sentence "Use the operation buttons to create instructions to move the yellow dot from the green square to the red square without hitting the blue wall, and then see if the plan works by executing the instructions." In some embodiments, the instructions may be visually displayed (in the form of writing, drawing, icons, or animated examples) on the display screen of an external computing device.

[0130] As discussed above, the specific length and location of the blue wall, as well as the specific colors used for the wall, the start and end points, and the elements used to traverse the maze, can be selected by the processor 150 and / or the processor of the remote computing device, for example, in a random manner when instructions are provided.

[0131] In some implementations, at step 224, at least some of the buttons 142 of the toy 100 are illuminated to present a challenge to the user, essentially as described above.

[0132] In the coding challenge example, some buttons 142 are illuminated in blue to form a "wall," one button 142 is illuminated in green, another single button 142 is illuminated in red to form the start and end points of the maze, and a third single button 142 is illuminated in yellow to form the points that must be traversed in the maze. When the challenge is presented to the user, the processor 150 can randomly and in real-time select a specific number of buttons forming the "wall" and specific locations of the illuminated buttons. In some embodiments, the illuminated buttons may additionally include a specific "fully coded" button 142 (e.g., illuminated in another color such as black), which is used to determine whether the coding is correct once the coding is complete.

[0133] At step 225, a user interface for providing challenge completion input is displayed to the user on the display screen of the remote computing device. In the encoding example used herein, the user interface may include interactive interface elements (e.g., icons or buttons). For example, some of these interface elements may be move icons for encoding the sequence of moves required to complete the maze for the yellow dot. Another interface element may be a "complete encoding" icon. In one embodiment, the move icons may include icons for "one step left," "one step right," "one step up," and "one step down." In another embodiment, the move icons may include icons for "one step forward," "90 degrees right," and "90 degrees left."

[0134] After providing the challenge and user interface to the user, at step 226, the processor 150 receives a challenge response from the user, at least a portion of which is received from an external computing device via transceiver 160. In some embodiments, some responses are received by receiving signals from one or more sensors of the toy 100, as described above. Figure 5A As stated above.

[0135] In the current encoding example, the user can provide challenge response input by using move icons in a specific sequence, instructing the yellow dot on how to traverse the maze. For example, the sequence could include using the up move icon 3 times, the left move icon 4 times, the down move icon 2 times, and the left move icon 3 times. Once the user has encoded the method for the yellow dot to traverse the maze, the user provides "complete encoding" input by using the corresponding icon on the user interface of an external computing device or by pressing the corresponding button 142 on toy 100. The encoded instruction sequence generated by the user using the move icons is then transmitted from the external computing device to processor 150, for example, via transceiver 160.

[0136] At step 228, the processor 150 provides feedback to the user based on the received response. The feedback may include turning off one or more buttons 142, illuminating one or more buttons 142, providing audio feedback via audio speaker 128, and / or providing feedback via a user interface of an external computing device.

[0137] In the coding challenge example, feedback can be provided in response to the reception of a "complete coding" signal. As feedback, the processor can turn off the currently yellow-lit button 142 and illuminate the adjacent button in yellow in the direction determined by the coded movement sequence, thereby "moving" the yellow "dot" along the maze according to the user-coded movement sequence. Additionally, the processor can provide feedback by providing an audible confirmation sound when the user-coded instruction successfully "moves" the yellow dot across the entire maze; and / or by providing an audible rejection or denial sound when the user-coded instruction causes the yellow dot to "hit a wall".

[0138] In some implementations, feedback on completing the challenge may also be provided to or via an external computing device.

[0139] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features of the invention described in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention described in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitably provided in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments unless those elements are absent from the embodiment.

[0140] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features of the invention described in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention described in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0141] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be readily apparent. Therefore, the invention is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent that each individual publication, patent, or patent application is expressly and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, any reference or designation of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is prior art to the invention.

Claims

1. An interactive electronic toy system comprising: a challenge repository storing a plurality of challenges or games for a user to complete using the interactive electronic toy system; a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion attached to one another such that a hollow is defined therebetween; a plurality of buttons, each of the buttons being selectively pressable and accessible from an exterior of the housing, each of the buttons being at least partially transparent; a plurality of illuminators disposed within the hollow such that each particular button of the plurality of buttons has at least one corresponding illuminator of the plurality of illuminators disposed thereunder such that illumination of the at least one corresponding illuminator is visible through the particular button; a plurality of pressure sensors disposed within the hollow, each pressure sensor of the plurality of pressure sensors disposed under and associated with a corresponding button of the buttons and adapted to provide an electrical signal when the corresponding button of the buttons is pressed or released; a processor functionally associated with the challenge repository, the plurality of illuminators, and the plurality of sensors; a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing software modules comprising instructions for the processor to execute, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing: instructions to receive a selection of a particular challenge; instructions to provide the user with instructions to complete the particular challenge; instructions to present the user with instructions of the particular challenge by illuminating a subset of the plurality of buttons; instructions to receive a challenge response from the user, wherein the user responds to the particular challenge by at least one of moving the housing and pressing at least one button of the plurality of buttons; and instructions to provide feedback to the user by illuminating or extinguishing one or more buttons of the plurality of buttons based on the received challenge response; and at least one power source adapted to provide power to the plurality of illuminators, the plurality of pressure sensors, and the processor, wherein presenting the user with the instructions of the particular challenge comprises instructions to change an effect of at least one button of the plurality of buttons between presenting a first instance of the particular challenge and presenting a second subsequent instance of the particular challenge.

2. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1, wherein each illuminator of the plurality of illuminators is adapted to provide illumination of a plurality of colors.

3. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each button of the plurality of buttons has a set of illuminators of the plurality of illuminators disposed thereunder, each illuminator of the set of illuminators being adapted to illuminate in a different color.

4. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1, further comprising an orientation sensor adapted to provide information regarding a three-dimensional orientation of the housing. ​ ​ 5. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 4, wherein the instructions to receive the challenge response include instructions to receive at least one signal from the orientation sensor, the at least one signal indicative of an orientation of the housing as a response by the user to the selected challenge.

6. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a progress button adapted to advance between steps of the selected challenge or between levels of a challenge or game.

7. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the instructions to provide feedback to the user include instructions to provide visual feedback to the user via at least one of the illuminators, the visual feedback including at least one of illumination of at least one of the illuminators or deactivation of at least one of the illuminators.

8. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a transceiver, wherein the instructions to receive the selection of the particular challenge include instructions to receive the selection via the transceiver from a second device remote from the housing.

9. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a transceiver, wherein the instructions to provide feedback include instructions to provide the feedback via the transceiver to a second device remote from the housing.

10. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the particular challenge is selected from the group consisting of: a memory challenge; a maze challenge; an emotional intelligence challenge; a music challenge; and a coding challenge.

11. The interactive electronic toy system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the instructions to present the particular challenge include instructions to randomize at least one aspect of the particular challenge.

12. A method of providing a challenge to a user using an interactive electronic toy, the interactive electronic toy comprising a housing and a plurality of buttons, each button associated with at least one illuminator and at least one pressure sensor, the method comprising: receiving a selection of a particular challenge, the particular challenge selected from a repository of challenges associated with the interactive electronic toy; providing instructions to the user to complete the particular challenge; visually presenting the particular challenge to the user by illuminating at least some of the plurality of buttons, wherein the presenting the particular challenge to the user includes assigning a first effect to a particular one of the plurality of buttons during a first presentation of the particular challenge and assigning a different effect to the particular one of the plurality of buttons during a second presentation of the particular challenge; receiving a challenge response from the user, wherein the user responds to the particular challenge by at least one of moving the housing of the interactive electronic toy and pressing at least one of the plurality of buttons; and ​ providing feedback to the user based on the received challenge response, wherein completion of the particular challenge provides feedback to the user by illuminating or extinguishing one or more of the plurality of buttons.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiving the challenge response comprises receiving a signal from at least one pressure sensor corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of buttons pressed by the user.

14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the receiving the challenge response comprises receiving an orientation signal from an orientation sensor forming a portion of the housing, the orientation signal indicating an orientation of the housing as a response by a user to the selected challenge.

15. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the interactive electronic toy is functionally associated with a second device remote therefrom, and wherein the providing the feedback comprises providing the feedback to the second device via a transceiver.

16. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the particular challenge is selected from the group consisting of: a memory challenge; a maze challenge; an emotional intelligence challenge; a music challenge; and a coding challenge.

17. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the presenting the particular challenge comprises randomizing at least one aspect of the particular challenge.

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