Toys, in particular toy dolls, with an activation function provided on the head section, especially in the nose area

Abstract

A toy, in particular a toy doll, characterized in that the toy has a head section (1) and an actuating element (2), wherein the head section (1) can be attached to or is attached to a body section, wherein the actuating element (2) is arranged on the head section (1), preferably in a nose area of ​​the head section (1), wherein the actuating element (2) is connected to an AI module (3) via signal technology and is designed to transmit actuating signals to the AI ​​module (3), wherein the AI ​​module (3) is received in an interior area, in particular a cavity, of the body section and is designed to generate feedback signals based on input sound signals and / or the actuating signals transmitted by the actuating element (2).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present utility model relates to the field of intelligent toys, in particular to a toy doll with an activation function provided on the head section, preferably in a nose area of ​​the head section. BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION

[0002] With the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in consumer hardware, AI-powered toys have emerged as the next generation of traditional acoustic-optical mechanical toys. These AI-powered toys are devices with intelligent interactive functions such as voice interaction, emotional support, and content learning. This technological advancement is based on the realization of human-like, natural-feeling, and user-friendly human-machine interaction that takes into account the cognitive characteristics of children. The activation mechanism of this interaction is a crucial factor in human-machine interaction.

[0003] However, toys known from the prior art, especially toy dolls, are equipped with activation mechanisms that are less user-intuitive. This directly and negatively impacts the user's willingness to use the toy and the flow of human-machine interaction. CONTENTS OF THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

[0004] The purpose of the present utility model is therefore to provide a toy, in particular a toy doll, with which the disadvantages of conventional toys or toy dolls with regard to human-machine interaction can be overcome.

[0005] The toy, preferably in the form of a doll, comprises a head section and an operating element. The head section can be attached to, or is attached to, a body section, which preferably also belongs to the toy or doll. The head section can be attached to the body section by means of a screw connection, an adhesive connection, a plug connection, and / or another common fastening method. The attachment or fastening can be designed to be detachable, allowing the user easy access to the interior of the respective section, for example, to change the battery.

[0006] The actuating element is located on the head section. Preferably, the actuating element is located in a nasal area of ​​the head section. The nasal area is not limited to human faces but can refer to any living being, such as animals (e.g., land animals, aquatic animals, flying animals, mammals, birds, etc.). Alternatively, the nasal area can refer to a fictional face, such as that of a game character and / or a film character.

[0007] The actuating element is connected to an AI module via a signal connection (in particular electrically and / or electronically) and is designed to transmit actuation signals to the AI ​​module. The actuating element can have an actuation button and / or an actuation knob. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element can be designed to activate the toy, in particular to "wake up" the toy doll, so that the actuating element serves as an activation element or wake-up element (preferably as an activation or wake-up button and / or activation or wake-up knob). Within the scope of the present invention, "activation" or "wake-up" means an actuation method in which the toy doll is moved from a switched-off state (e.g., completely switched off or corresponding to a standby mode) to a state ready for interaction (e.g., completely switched on or corresponding to a normal operating mode).For example, before activating or "waking up" the toy or doll, the AI ​​mode can be at least partially deactivated to operate the toy in an energy-saving mode without completely switching it off. This reduces the toy's or doll's reaction time when activated or "waking up," thus improving human-machine interaction.

[0008] The AI ​​module, which is preferably designed as a chip module and thus semiconductor-based, is housed in an interior area, in particular a cavity, of the body part. The AI ​​module is also designed to generate feedback signals based on input sound signals and / or the actuation signals transmitted by the actuator, and preferably also to output these signals. The actuation signals can include haptic and / or electrical / electronic signals generated by the user (e.g., owner) of the toy or toy doll when the actuator is used. The AI ​​mode is preferably pre-trained. This means that an underlying algorithmic model, or AI model, which may comprise one or more neural networks, can be trained with training data before being integrated into the toy or toy doll.The AI ​​model can have an input layer, one or more intermediate layers, and an output layer. The intermediate layer(s) are trained to recognize one or more signal patterns from the respective generated activation signal or sound signal in order to evaluate one or more user motivation parameters based on these patterns. The evaluation result can be used to generate feedback signals. If the evaluation result indicates an activation or "awakening" attempt, because the user motivation parameter(s) have a value or combination of values ​​corresponding to the activation or awakening attempt, such a feedback signal is generated and preferably output. This feedback signal corresponds to an activated state, in particular an awakened state, of the toy doll.This could involve a movement in which one or both eyes of the toy doll are opened, it winks, smiles, emits a sound, and / or its mouth opens. However, these examples are not limiting for the present utility model.

[0009] In this way, the toy or toy doll is able to perform an adequate and human-like, particularly natural-looking and also situational human-machine interaction with a precise reaction mechanism.

[0010] Preferably, the head section has a through-hole connected to the cavity, in which the actuating element is arranged. This measure simplifies the signal connection between the AI ​​mode located in the cavity of the body section on the one hand and the actuating element located in the through-hole on the other. In particular, the corresponding wiring can be carried out via the through-hole.

[0011] Preferably, the actuating element arranged in the nasal region of the head section comprises a mechanical microswitch and a nasal housing, wherein the mechanical microswitch is fixedly mounted in the through-hole and electrically and / or electronically connected to the AI ​​module, and wherein the nasal housing is connected to a trigger element of the mechanical microswitch. The mechanical connection between the nasal housing and the trigger element of the mechanical microswitch allows actuation signals to be generated by pressing the nasal housing and thus the trigger element of the mechanical microswitch. The fixed mounting of the mechanical microswitch in the through-hole reduces unwanted vibrations of the mechanical microswitch that could impair the functionality of the toy or doll.

[0012] Preferably, one end of the nose housing, facing away from the mechanical microswitch, has a nose-shaped surface. This surface is thus shaped to resemble the contour of a nose. This feature increases the user's awareness of the actuating element when interacting with the toy. Even in poor lighting conditions, the actuating element can be located with high accuracy and reliability.

[0013] Preferably, the nose housing is slidably arranged in the through-bore, with the nose housing projecting at least partially beyond a side of the bore facing away from the cavity. This measure enables particularly easy movement of the actuating element to effectively actuate the release element of the mechanical microswitch.

[0014] Preferably, the actuating element further comprises a flexible connecting section via which the nose housing is connected to an edge of the through-hole. This ensures secure attachment of the nose housing without impairing the mechanical connection between the nose housing and the microswitch.

[0015] Preferably, the nose housing and / or the flexible connecting section are made of a silicone material. Both components can be made of two different silicone materials or, alternatively, the same silicone material. This measure enables a particularly flexible and lightweight construction of the toy or toy doll according to the invention.

[0016] Preferably, the actuating element includes a touch sensor, preferably a capacitive touch sensor. This enables touch-based actuation to generate the actuation signal.

[0017] Preferably, the toy additionally features a display element arranged on the head section, preferably in the eye area of ​​the head section, wherein the display element is connected to the AI ​​module via a signal connection. The display element can be a screen, in particular a touchscreen, and is preferably electrically and / or electronically connected to the AI ​​module. Preferably, two display elements are provided, which are connected to each other via a signal connection, and one of which is connected to the AI ​​module via a signal connection. Both display elements are further preferably arranged symmetrically, approximately axially symmetrically, on the head section.

[0018] Preferably, the toy also includes a loudspeaker, which is preferably integrated into the AI ​​module. This enables the feedback signals to be output audibly.

[0019] In the present utility model, the actuating element is advantageously integrated into the nose of the toy doll. When the user presses the nose on the doll's face, the actuating element, in particular the activation button, is triggered by pressure, generating and transmitting, for example, an electrical actuation signal. This actuation signal is provided to the AI ​​module via a connecting cable, which triggers corresponding reaction mechanisms and generates and outputs a feedback signal. By arranging the actuating element in the nose of the toy doll, user interaction with the toy doll is improved in terms of interaction flow and ease of use. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0020] The aspects mentioned above serve illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. Numerous variations of the aspects described above are possible. The various aspects and embodiments discussed in this disclosure can be combined in any way to produce additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

[0021] The realization of the purposes, functional features and advantages of the present utility model are explained in more detail in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments shown below and with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic partial view of a toy doll with an actuating element arranged in a nose area for activating or waking up the toy doll according to a first embodiment of the present utility model; Fig. 2 a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the toy doll made of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic partial view of the toy doll according to a second embodiment; and Fig. 4 a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the toy doll made of Fig. 3.

[0022] The same objects, functional units, and comparable components are identified in the figures by the same reference numbers. These objects, functional units, and comparable components are identical with respect to their technical characteristics unless the description explicitly or implicitly reveals otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments described within the scope of this utility model are explained clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the illustrated embodiments represent only a selection of possible embodiments and are not exhaustive. All further embodiments that can be derived from the disclosed embodiments by a person skilled in the art without inventive effort are also within the scope of protection of this utility model. Example 1

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a toy doll comprising a body section, a head section designed as a toy doll face 1, an actuating element designed as a nose wake-up button 2, and an AI module 3.

[0025] An interior space (or cavity) is formed within the body section. The toy doll's face 1 is attached to the body section. The nose-wake button 2 is located in the nose area of ​​the toy doll's face 1 and is electrically connected to the AI ​​module 3 to transmit an activation signal, in the form of an electrical signal, to the AI ​​module 3. The AI ​​module 3 is located within the interior space (or cavity) and can generate and preferably also output a feedback signal based on received audio signals and the electrical signal sent by the nose-wake button 2. The electrical signal is transmitted via a connecting line to a control circuit within the AI ​​module 3, thereby triggering a corresponding response mechanism, such as playing preset sounds or starting specific interaction modes.The electrical signal sent by the nose wake-up button 2 can be either a wake-up signal or an interrupt signal. The wake-up signal can activate the reaction mechanism of AI module 3, while the interrupt signal can interrupt a dialogue process of AI module 3.

[0026] The toy doll's face 1 has a through-hole (or bore) 11 connected to the interior. The nose-wake button 2 is located in the through-hole 11. The through-hole 11 is positioned on a center line of the toy doll's face 1, with the nose-wake button 2 located within the through-hole 11. This allows the user to activate (or wake up) and / or deactivate (or switch off) the AI ​​module 3 by pressing the nose-wake button 2 of the toy doll. This corresponds to the natural touching and exploratory habits of toddlers and increases the degree of interactivity and human-likeness of the toy doll.

[0027] Specifically, the nose wake-up button 2 comprises a mechanical microswitch 21 and a nose housing 22. The mechanical microswitch 21 is fixedly installed in the through-hole 11 and electrically connected to the AI ​​module 3. The nose housing 22 is connected to a release element (or release end) of the mechanical microswitch 21. When the user presses the nose housing 22, the nose housing 22 exerts pressure on the release element of the mechanical microswitch 21, thereby generating an electrical signal to activate (or wake up) and / or deactivate (or switch off) the AI ​​module 3. In a further embodiment of this exemplary embodiment, the nose wake-up button 2 can have a capacitive touch sensor. The use of a capacitive touch sensor can increase the response speed, thus further improving the flow of human-machine interaction.

[0028] Here, a contoured surface adapted to the shape of the nose is formed at one end of the nose housing 22, the end facing away from the mechanical microswitch 21. The nose housing 22 with the contoured surface is thus fully integrated into the overall design of the toy doll, which corresponds to the behavioral habits of small children, such as "pointing at the nose" or "touching the nose," thereby improving the quality of human-machine interaction. In this embodiment, both the dimensions of the nose housing 22 and those of the contoured surface are optimized based on ergonomic parameters of the user to ensure easy activation and a low rate of false triggering of the actuation signal.

[0029] Furthermore, the nose housing 22 is slidably arranged in the through-hole 11, with the nose housing 22 being exposed on the side of the through-hole 11 facing away from the interior. When the user presses the nose housing 22, it slides in the through-hole 11 and triggers the mechanical microswitch 21.

[0030] Furthermore, the toy doll comprises two display elements configured as electrically connected eye displays 4. The eye displays 4 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line on the toy doll's face 1. One of the eye displays 4 is connected to the AI ​​module 3 via a signal or electrical connection. The feedback signal output by the AI ​​module 3 includes a visual display signal, which is preferably accompanied by an audio signal. The eye displays 4 can display different dynamic images according to the visual display signal output by the AI ​​module 3.

[0031] Furthermore, the AI ​​module 3 is preferably equipped with a loudspeaker 31. The loudspeaker 31 is mounted on the front of the AI ​​module 3 and serves to reproduce the audio signal.

[0032] In this embodiment, the AI ​​module 3 and the eye displays 4 as well as the nose wake-up button 2 are each connected to each other by means of electrical lines that are completely housed inside the interior. Example 2

[0033] The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment described above lies in the fact that, with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig.4 The nose wake-up button further comprises a flexible connecting part 23. The nose housing 22 is connected to an edge of the through-hole 11 via the flexible connecting part 23. The nose wake-up button is connected to the through-hole 11 of the toy doll's face 1 via the flexible connecting part 23, thus forming a unit, which improves the haptic feedback of the toy doll.

[0034] In this embodiment, both the nose housing 22 and the flexible connecting part 23 are made of silicone material. The use of silicone materials allows for easy application of pressure and simultaneously increases user safety and reduces the risk of injury.

[0035] The foregoing description merely presents preferred embodiments of the present utility model, without limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any modifications made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the description and drawings of the present utility model, or its direct / indirect applications in other technical fields, also fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model. Reference sign 1 toy doll face (head section) 11 Through hole (through bore) 2 Nose wake-up button (actuator) 21 mechanical microswitches 22 Nostril housing 23 flexible connecting section 3 AI Module 31 speakers 4-eye display (display element)

Claims

[1] Toys, especially toy dolls, characterized by that the toy has a head section (1) and an actuating element (2), wherein the head section (1) can be attached to or is attached to a body section, wherein the actuating element (2) is arranged on the head section (1), preferably in a nose area of ​​the head section (1), wherein the actuating element (2) is connected to an AI module (3) via signal technology and is designed to transmit actuating signals to the AI ​​module (3), wherein the AI ​​module (3) is received in an interior area, in particular a cavity, of the body section and is designed to generate feedback signals based on input sound signals and / or the actuating signals transmitted by the actuating element (2). [2] Toy according to claim 1, characterized by, that the head section (1) has a through bore (11) connected to the cavity in which the actuating element (2) is arranged. [3] Toy according to claim 2, characterized by , that the actuating element (2) arranged in the nasal area of ​​the head section comprises a mechanical microswitch (21) and a nasal housing (22), wherein the mechanical microswitch (21) is fixedly arranged in the through-hole (11) and is electrically connected to the AI ​​module (3), wherein the nasal housing (22) is connected to a release element of the mechanical microswitch (21). [4] Toy according to claim 3, characterized by , that an end of the nose housing (22) facing away from the mechanical microswitch (21) has a nose-shaped surface. [5] Toy according to claim 4, characterized by, that the nose housing (22) is arranged to slide in the through-bore (11), wherein the nose housing (22) projects at least partially beyond a side of the through-bore (11) facing away from the cavity. [6] Toy according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the actuating element (2) further comprises a flexible connecting section (23) via which the nose housing (22) is connected to an edge of the through-hole (11). [7] Toy according to claim 6, characterized by , that the nasal housing (22) and / or the flexible connecting section (23) are formed from a silicone material. [8] Toys according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating element (2) has a touch sensor, preferably a capacitive touch sensor. [9] Toys according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the toy additionally has a display element (4) which is arranged on the head section (1), preferably in an eye area of ​​the head section (1), wherein the display element (4) is connected to the AI ​​module (3) via a signal. [10] Toys according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the toy additionally has a loudspeaker (31), which is preferably provided as part of the AI ​​module (3).

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