A multi-scenario intelligent egg-shaped pet toy that can be hatched

Abstract

This invention discloses a hatchable, multi-scenario intelligent egg-shaped pet toy, comprising an egg shell, a sensing module, an execution module, a deformable inner liner, and a control unit. The egg shell has an openable and closable structure, forming an internal cavity. The sensing module is disposed on the egg shell and the deformable inner liner, and includes an environmental sensor for detecting the environment in which the toy is located, a motion sensor for detecting external physical operations, and a touch sensor for detecting user touch. The execution module is disposed inside the deformable inner liner and includes a sound-emitting unit, a light-emitting unit, and a driving unit. The deformable inner liner is disposed within the cavity of the egg shell, and can switch between at least two volume states under the drive of the driving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the design and production of intelligent interactive toys, and more specifically to an egg-shaped pet toy that can simulate the incubation and growth process of organisms and has multi-scenario adaptive capabilities. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some interactive egg-shaped pet toys have appeared on the market, simulating the "hatching action". A small toy is compressed or folded and encapsulated in an eggshell material that is water-soluble or crackable. When in use, the egg is soaked in water, and the water dissolves the eggshell or penetrates into the eggshell, causing the toy inside to absorb water and expand, breaking the eggshell and simulating the hatching effect.

[0003] While these toys can achieve the transformation from egg to life to some extent, their interactive mode is singular and passive. The entire interaction process must take place in water. Once out of the water, the toy stops changing and cannot continue to interact with the user in land or other scenarios. After hatching, the toy becomes a static soft rubber model with a very short lifespan, losing its appeal after being played with once.

[0004] Secondly, the hatching of this type of toy is based on an irreversible chemical reaction or physical swelling of the material due to water absorption. Once hatching is complete, the toy cannot be restored to its initial form, making it unusable and losing the fun and educational value of being reset and hatched again.

[0005] Third, these toys lack environmental awareness and cannot actively provide sound, light, or motion feedback that matches the scene. For child users, the interaction with these toys is one-way and mechanical. Children cannot establish an emotional connection with the hatched pet, which limits the development of children's ability to explore cause and effect, delay gratification, and empathy.

[0006] This design, based on existing egg-shaped pet toys, organically combines sensor technology, automatic control technology, and simulation materials science to create a toy that can be played with repeatedly, intelligently responds to different environments and user actions, and cultivates children's patience and exploratory spirit. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention discloses a hatchable, multi-scenario intelligent egg-shaped pet toy, the main purpose of which is to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies and shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0009] A hatchable, multi-scenario intelligent egg-shaped pet toy includes an eggshell, a sensing module, an execution module, a deformable inner liner, and a control unit. The eggshell has an openable structure and forms an internal cavity. The sensing module is disposed on the eggshell and the deformable inner liner, and includes an environmental sensor for detecting the environment in which the toy is located, a motion sensor for detecting external physical operations, and a touch sensor for detecting user touch. The execution module is disposed inside the deformable inner liner and includes a sound-emitting unit, a light-emitting unit, and a driving unit. The deformable inner liner is disposed within the cavity of the eggshell and can switch between at least two volume states under the drive of the driving unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the sensing module and the execution module respectively. The control unit identifies the current usage scenario based on the sensor signals collected by the sensing module and controls the execution module to output corresponding sound, light, and motion feedback and control the volume state switching of the deformable inner liner according to preset scenario behavior logic.

[0010] Furthermore, the environmental sensors include a water immersion sensor and a light sensor, the motion sensors include an accelerometer and a gyroscope sensor, the touch sensors include a capacitive touch sensor, and the surface of the eggshell is provided with a coupled touch sensing area for the touch sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive unit includes any one of a micro servo motor, a shape memory alloy actuator, a micro air pump, and a micro water pump; the deformable inner liner is made of flexible material and has a controllable volume chamber connected to the drive unit, which can switch the volume state by inflating or deflating.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to:

[0013] When the water immersion sensor detects no water immersion, the motion sensor detects that the object has been stationary for more than a first preset time, and the light sensor detects that the brightness is lower than a threshold, the system enters a wake-up mode, controls the sound unit to emit a low-frequency breathing sound, and controls the light-emitting unit to flash with low brightness and a long cycle.

[0014] When the water immersion sensor detects water immersion and the motion sensor detects a pre-set pinching activation waveform, the built-in timer is started. During the timer, corresponding sound and light feedback are output according to the signal changes of the motion sensor and touch sensor. When the timer reaches the preset incubation time, the incubation module is entered. The drive unit performs the shell breaking action and controls the deformable inner liner to switch from the first volume state to the second volume state.

[0015] When the water immersion sensor detects that the egg is not submerged in water and the motion sensor detects that the eggshell is placed on a horizontal surface, the land companion mode is entered. Based on the location, duration and force of the touch sensor being touched, the sound unit and light-emitting unit are controlled to output corresponding emotional feedback.

[0016] When the touch sensor receives an external wireless control signal, it enters the reset module, controls the drive unit to switch the deformable inner liner from the second volume state back to the first volume state, and controls the eggshell to close and lock.

[0017] Furthermore, the pinching activation motion wave includes at least two impact signals exceeding a preset force detected by the acceleration sensor within a preset time window, and the posture change of the eggshell during this period meets a preset rotation angle range.

[0018] Furthermore, during the pinch activation timing, when the motion sensor detects that the acceleration or angle of the eggshell exceeds a first threshold, the control unit controls the sound-emitting unit to emit an unsettling sound effect and controls the light-emitting unit to output a red flashing light; when the touch sensor detects a continuous stroking motion, the control unit controls the sound-emitting unit to emit a comfortable sound effect and controls the light-emitting unit to output a green breathing light.

[0019] Furthermore, the eggshell includes a left shell and a right shell, which are detachably connected by a magnetic connector. The drive unit includes an unlocking module that is linked to the magnetic connector. When the control unit issues a shell-breaking command, the unlocking module releases the connection, allowing the left and right shells to separate naturally and be expanded open by the deformable inner liner.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a wireless communication module, through which the control unit communicates with an external smart terminal to receive remote commands and report toy status logs.

[0021] Furthermore, the eggshell is provided with a transparent observation window, and the light-emitting unit is located inside the observation window.

[0022] Furthermore, the deformable inner liner is shaped like a larva of a reptile, including dinosaurs, crocodiles, and lizards; the sound-producing unit stores multiple sets of sound effects, corresponding to the heartbeat before hatching, the hatching sound, the chirping sound after hatching, the hunger sound, the joyful sound, and the angry sound.

[0023] As can be seen from the above description and explanation of the present invention, compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0024] Advantage 1: This invention integrates a water immersion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a touch sensor, and a light sensor into the eggshell. The control unit automatically identifies the current environment according to preset scene behavior logic and controls the sound unit, light-emitting unit, and drive unit to output matching sound, light, and motion feedback. The toy can automatically and smoothly switch between different modes, realizing continuous and autonomous interaction in multiple physical scenarios, thus expanding the toy's usage space and life cycle.

[0025] Advantage 2: This invention triggers a reset mode via an app or a specific touch sequence, causing the toy's eggshell to automatically close and lock, returning to its initial state. It can then be reactivated by squeezing and soaking in water for incubation, achieving a zero-consumable, repeatable incubation experience. This is both environmentally friendly and economical, and it creatively introduces a reset and re-experience gameplay, allowing children to repeatedly observe the process of life's birth, thus strengthening their patience and ability to delay gratification.

[0026] Advantage 3: The control unit of this invention not only collects sensor signals, but also understands the semantics of user behavior through preset state machine logic. For example, touching, patting, shaking, pinching, and leaving still can drive the execution module to output differentiated emotional expressions, realize emotional two-way interaction capabilities, and enhance the anthropomorphism of the toy. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance structure of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the electrical connections between the control unit, sensing module, execution module, and wireless communication module of the present invention.

[0029] The components include: eggshell 1, deformable inner liner 2, and magnetic connector 3. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a hatchable, multi-scenario intelligent egg-shaped pet toy includes an eggshell 1, a sensing module, an execution module, a deformable inner liner 2, and a control unit. The eggshell 1 has an openable structure, forming an internal cavity. The sensing module is disposed on the eggshell 1 and the deformable inner liner 2, and includes an environmental sensor for detecting the toy's surrounding environment, a motion sensor for detecting external physical operations, and a touch sensor for detecting user touch. The execution module is disposed inside the deformable inner liner and includes a sound-emitting unit, a light-emitting unit, and a driving unit. The deformable inner liner is disposed within the cavity of the eggshell and can switch between at least two volume states under the drive of the driving unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the sensing module and the execution module, respectively. Based on the sensor signals collected by the sensing module, the control unit identifies the current usage scenario and controls the execution module to output corresponding sound, light, and motion feedback, and controls the volume state switching of the deformable inner liner 2 according to preset scenario behavior logic. A wireless communication module is also included, through which the control unit communicates with an external intelligent terminal to receive remote commands and report toy status logs.

[0032] The eggshell 1 includes a left shell and a right shell, which are detachably connected by a magnetic connector 3. The driving unit includes an unlocking module that is linked to the magnetic connector 3. When the control unit issues a hatching command, the unlocking module releases the connection, allowing the left and right shells to separate naturally and be expanded open by the deformable inner liner 2. The eggshell 1 is provided with a transparent observation window 11, and the light-emitting unit is disposed inside the observation window 11.

[0033] The environmental sensors include a water immersion sensor and a light sensor; the motion sensors include an accelerometer and a gyroscope; the touch sensors include a capacitive touch sensor; and the surface of the eggshell is provided with a coupled touch sensing area for the touch sensor. The drive unit includes any one of a micro servo motor, a shape memory alloy actuator, a micro air pump, and a micro water pump. The deformable inner liner is made of flexible material and has a controllable volume chamber connected to the drive unit, allowing for volume switching through inflation, liquid filling, or deflation / evacuation. The deformable inner liner 2 is shaped like a simulated reptile larva, including dinosaurs, crocodiles, and lizards. The sound-generating unit stores multiple sound effects, corresponding to pre-hatching heartbeats, hatching sounds, post-hatching calls, hunger sounds, joyful sounds, and angry sounds.

[0034] The control unit is configured to:

[0035] When the water immersion sensor detects no water immersion, the motion sensor detects that the object has been stationary for more than a first preset time, and the light sensor detects that the brightness is lower than a threshold, the system enters a wake-up mode, controls the sound unit to emit a low-frequency breathing sound, and controls the light-emitting unit to flash with low brightness and a long cycle.

[0036] When the water immersion sensor detects water immersion and the motion sensor detects a pre-set pinching activation waveform, the built-in timer is started. During the timer, corresponding sound and light feedback are output according to the signal changes of the motion sensor and touch sensor. When the timer reaches the preset incubation time, the incubation module is entered. The drive unit performs the shell breaking action and controls the deformable inner liner to switch from the first volume state to the second volume state.

[0037] When the water immersion sensor detects that the egg is not submerged in water and the motion sensor detects that the eggshell is placed on a horizontal surface, the land companion mode is entered. Based on the location, duration and force of the touch sensor being touched, the sound unit and light-emitting unit are controlled to output corresponding emotional feedback.

[0038] When the touch sensor receives an external wireless control signal, it enters the reset module, controls the drive unit to switch the deformable inner liner from the second volume state back to the first volume state, and controls the eggshell to close and lock.

[0039] The pinching activation motion wave includes at least two impact signals exceeding a preset force detected by the acceleration sensor within a preset time window, and the posture change of the eggshell during this period meets a preset rotation angle range.

[0040] During the pinch activation timing, when the motion sensor detects that the acceleration or angle of the eggshell exceeds a first threshold, the control unit controls the sound-emitting unit to emit an unsettling sound effect and controls the light-emitting unit to output a red flashing light; when the touch sensor detects a continuous stroking motion, the control unit controls the sound-emitting unit to emit a comfortable sound effect and controls the light-emitting unit to output a green breathing light.

[0041] The process of using the toy:

[0042] 1. Initial State (Sleep / Wake-up Mode): When the toy leaves the factory, the deformable inner shell 2 is in a compressed state, with the internal air evacuated. The eggshell 1 is closed, and the rigid connector 3 is locked. When the toy remains stationary for a long time and the light sensor detects dim light, the control unit enters deep sleep mode, maintaining only the real-time clock and low-power monitoring. The sound unit emits a sound every 30 seconds to simulate a heartbeat, and the light-emitting unit emits a faint flashing light every 10 seconds to simulate breathing light, which can be seen through the observation window 11.

[0043] 2. Squeezing Activation (Entering Pre-Incubation State): After the user takes out the toy, they use their thumb and forefinger to squeeze the equator of the eggshell 1. The motion sensor detects the preset pressure waveform, and the control unit determines that it is a squeezing activation signal. At this time, the control unit issues a command, the sound unit emits a crisp clicking sound to simulate the pre-cracking of the eggshell, and the light unit emits three warm yellow lights. The toy enters the pre-incubation module, but the timer has not yet started. If it is not placed in water within 30 minutes, it will automatically return to the hibernation mode.

[0044] 3. Incubation Mode (In Water): The user fully immerses the eggshell 1, after handling it, into the water cup. When the water immersion sensor detects that the resistance between the two probes has decreased to less than 100K ohms, the signal triggers the control unit. The control unit starts a 72-hour countdown timer and controls the sound unit to play a water-immersion sound effect. Then, a faint heartbeat simulation sound effect is played every 15 minutes, increasing linearly with the remaining countdown time. Simultaneously, the light-emitting unit displays a warm yellow light at the observation window 11. Within 72 hours, if a child gently shakes the water cup, and the acceleration sensor detects an angular velocity greater than the preset parameter, the control unit interprets this as impatient shaking and immediately controls the sound unit to emit a whimpering simulation sound effect. At the same time, the light-emitting unit flashes red light three times rapidly to reassure the child. If the child touches the eggshell 1, and the touch sensor detects a continuous contact signal, the control unit controls the sound unit to emit a soothing sound effect, and the light-emitting unit emits a green breathing light. After the countdown ends, the control unit performs the incubation action. The micro servo rotates, unlocking the magnetic connector. The micro air pump rotates in the forward direction, inflating the air chamber of the deformable inner liner. This causes the deformable inner liner to expand from a compressed state to 70% expansion. The expansion force of the deformable inner liner pushes the left and right shells apart. The sound unit plays a simulated sound effect of an eggshell cracking, and the light unit emits rapidly flashing light to simulate a hatching light effect.

[0045] 4. Land Companion Mode (after emerging from water): When the user removes the deformable inner liner from the water cup and places it on a table or in their palm, the water immersion sensor detects a resistance of less than 1M ohms, and the control unit automatically switches to Land Companion Mode. The toy outputs different feedback based on actions such as touching, patting, and tilting: For example, when a child strokes the dinosaur's back, the sound unit emits a pleasant sound effect, the light unit emits a green breathing light, and the micro air pump adjusts the air chamber pressure to simulate a slight trembling sensation in the dinosaur's body; when a child gently pats the dinosaur's head, the acceleration sensor detects an impact signal, and the sound and light units produce corresponding simulated effects; when a child flips the dinosaur over, the gyroscope detects a tilt angle greater than 60 degrees, and the light and sound units produce corresponding simulated effects; when left still for a long time, the toy automatically enters a light sleep state, the heartbeat slows down, and the brightness of the lights decreases. If there is no interaction for 30 minutes, it enters a deep sleep state, retaining only the water immersion sensor wake-up function.

[0046] 5. Reset Mode (Retract Eggshell, Repeat Incubation): When children wish to relive the incubation process, they can send a reset command via a mobile app. Upon receiving the command, the wireless communication module controls the micro air pump to rotate in reverse, extracting air from the air chamber of the deformable inner shell 2, causing the deformable inner shell to retract back to its compressed state. Then, the left and right shells can be manually closed, the magnetic connectors will automatically lock, and finally, the control unit will reset all timers and states to their factory settings, returning the toy to sleep / awakening mode.

[0047] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the design concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial improvements made to the present invention using this concept should be considered as infringing upon the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hatching multi-scenario smart egg-shaped pet toy, characterized in that: The toy comprises an eggshell, a sensing module, an execution module, a deformable inner liner, and a control unit. The eggshell has an openable structure and forms an internal cavity. The sensing module is disposed on the eggshell and the deformable inner liner, and includes an environmental sensor for detecting the environment in which the toy is located, a motion sensor for detecting external physical operations, and a touch sensor for detecting user touch. The execution module is disposed inside the deformable inner liner and includes a sound-emitting unit, a light-emitting unit, and a driving unit. The deformable inner liner is disposed within the cavity of the eggshell and can switch between at least two volume states under the drive of the driving unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the sensing module and the execution module, respectively. Based on the sensor signals collected by the sensing module, the control unit identifies the current usage scenario and controls the execution module to output corresponding sound, light, and motion feedback and control the volume state switching of the deformable inner liner according to preset scenario behavior logic.

2. The multi-scenario, hatching, smart egg-shaped pet toy of claim 1, wherein: The environmental sensors include a water immersion sensor and a light sensor; the motion sensors include an accelerometer and a gyroscope; the touch sensors include a capacitive touch sensor; and the surface of the eggshell is provided with a coupling touch sensing area for the touch sensor.

3. The multi-scenario, hatching, smart egg-shaped pet toy of claim 1, wherein: The drive unit includes any one of a micro servo motor, a shape memory alloy actuator, a micro air pump, and a micro water pump; the deformable inner liner is made of flexible material and has a controllable volume chamber connected to the drive unit, which can switch the volume state by inflating or deflating.

4. The incubatable, multi-scene intelligent egg-shaped pet toy according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to: When the water immersion sensor detects no water immersion, the motion sensor detects that the object has been stationary for more than a first preset time, and the light sensor detects that the brightness is lower than a threshold, the system enters a wake-up mode, controls the sound unit to emit a low-frequency breathing sound, and controls the light-emitting unit to flash with low brightness and a long cycle. When the water immersion sensor detects water immersion and the motion sensor detects a pre-set pinching activation waveform, the built-in timer is started. During the timer, corresponding sound and light feedback are output according to the signal changes of the motion sensor and touch sensor. When the timer reaches the preset incubation time, the incubation module is entered. The drive unit performs the shell breaking action and controls the deformable inner liner to switch from the first volume state to the second volume state. When the water immersion sensor detects that the egg is not submerged in water and the motion sensor detects that the eggshell is placed on a horizontal surface, the land companion mode is entered. Based on the location, duration and force of the touch sensor being touched, the sound unit and light-emitting unit are controlled to output corresponding emotional feedback. When the touch sensor receives an external wireless control signal, it enters the reset module, controls the drive unit to switch the deformable inner liner from the second volume state back to the first volume state, and controls the eggshell to close and lock.

5. The incubatable, multi-scene intelligent egg-shaped pet toy according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pinching activation motion wave includes at least two impact signals exceeding a preset force detected by the acceleration sensor within a preset time window, and the posture change of the eggshell during this period meets a preset rotation angle range.

6. The incubatable, multi-scene intelligent egg-shaped pet toy according to claim 4, characterized in that: During the pinch activation timing, when the motion sensor detects that the acceleration or angle of the eggshell exceeds a first threshold, the control unit controls the sound-emitting unit to emit an unsettling sound effect and controls the light-emitting unit to output a red flashing light; when the touch sensor detects a continuous stroking motion, the control unit controls the sound-emitting unit to emit a comfortable sound effect and controls the light-emitting unit to output a green breathing light.

7. The incubatable, multi-scene intelligent egg-shaped pet toy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The eggshell includes a left shell and a right shell, which are detachably connected by a magnetic connector. The drive unit includes an unlocking module that is linked to the magnetic connector. When the control unit issues a shell-breaking command, the unlocking module releases the connection, allowing the left and right shells to separate naturally and be expanded open by the deformable inner liner.

8. The incubatable, multi-scenario intelligent egg-shaped pet toy according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a wireless communication module, through which the control unit communicates with an external smart terminal to receive remote commands and report toy status logs.

9. The incubatable, multi-scene intelligent egg-shaped pet toy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The eggshell has a transparent observation window, and the light-emitting unit is located inside the observation window.

10. The incubatable, multi-scene intelligent egg-shaped pet toy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deformable inner liner is shaped like a larva of a reptile, including dinosaurs, crocodiles, and lizards; the sound-producing unit stores multiple sound effects, corresponding to the heartbeat before hatching, the hatching sound, the chirping sound after hatching, the hunger sound, the joyful sound, and the angry sound.

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