Device with flapping display

Abstract

To provide an electronic toy for providing visual output and audio output in response to a user interaction.SOLUTION: A toy includes a magnetically responsive member, a fulcrum member, a printed circuit board (PCB), a lid covering the PCB, an actuation switch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, an audio transducer, a signal generator, and a controller. The flexible PCB includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Opening of the lid actuates the activation switch, and in response, the controller controls the signal generator to generate a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil to produce a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member, to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB. In response to detecting a touch signal from the controller, or a motion signal from the motion sensor, the controller also generates an LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs while the PCB is flapping, and an audio control signal to control the audio transducer to output sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 397,786, filed on August 12, 2022, and the contents of the same are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to electronic display devices, and more particularly to electronic toys that provide visual and audio outputs in response to user interactions, including opening the lid of a toy, a user's touch, and moving the toy.

Background Art

[0003] The prior art includes electronic toys referred to as "digital pets" that provide visual and audio outputs in response to user interactions to simulate the socializing and development of living pets. Toys sold under the name Tamagotchi (trademark) (Bandai Co., Ltd., Japan) are an example of digital pets and include push buttons for user input, a liquid crystal display screen for displaying images of the pet, and an audio transducer for producing sounds. In the field of such digital pets, there is a need to provide users with three - dimensional displays of pets and tactile interactions with the pets.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] ​In a first embodiment, the present invention includes a toy comprising a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), at least one touch sensor, a signal generator, and a controller. The PCB comprises an electromagnetic coil and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is mounted on the base such that the PCB can flap relative to the base to cause the LEDs to vibrate in a second direction that is not zero angle with respect to the first direction. The at least one touch sensor is for generating at least one touch signal when touched by a user. The signal generator is operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generates a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil. The controller comprises a processor operably connected to the PCB, the at least one touch sensor, and the signal generator. The controller also comprises a memory comprising a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The memory stores a plurality of different LED lighting sequences for the plurality of LEDs, each of which comprises a set of lighting states for the LEDs. The memory also stores a set of instructions that can be executed by the processor to carry out the method. The method includes (i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal to the electromagnetic coil to generate a time-varying fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce vibrational flapping of the PCB and the plurality of mounted LEDs relative to the base; and (ii) in response to the detection of the touch signal, during step (i), generating an LED control signal to control the illumination of the LEDs according to at least one of the LED illumination sequences.

[0005] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the PCB is a flexible PCB, the toy comprises a pivot member attached to the base, the flexible PCB is cantilevered from the pivot member, and the flexible PCB is flappable relative to the base by bending the PCB relative to the pivot member. The base may define a substantially horizontal platform, and the pivot member extends upward from the platform. The toy may further include a clamp member that is horizontally spaced away from the pivot member and presses the PCB downward against the upper surface of the platform and the pivot member. The clamp member may define a channel extending from above the platform to below the platform, and the PCB extends through the channel to be attached to the processor located below the platform.

[0006] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the PCB is either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, the PCB is pivotally attached to the base, the toy further includes a PCB spring for biasing the PCB toward or toward the base, and the PCB is flappable toward the base by pivoting toward the base.

[0007] In the embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the magnetically responsive member is a permanent magnet.

[0008] In the embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor includes at least one capacitive touch sensor.

[0009] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the method further includes the step of selecting at least one of the LED lighting sequences used in step (ii).

[0010] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor comprises a plurality of touch sensors. The method may include the step of selecting at least one of the LED lighting sequences to be used in step (ii) based on which of the touch sensors generated the touch signal.

[0011] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, in step (ii), the detected touch signal indicates that the at least one touch sensor has been touched with a swipe gesture and / or that the at least one touch sensor has been touched for a predetermined touch duration.

[0012] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor includes at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor, which is mounted on the PCB such that, when in use, the at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor flaps with respect to the base integrally with the PCB. The at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor may be mounted on the upward-facing surface of the PCB.

[0013] In the embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the plurality of LEDs are arranged on the downward-facing surface of the PCB.

[0014] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the at least one touch sensor includes at least one fixed touch sensor fixedly attached to a portion of the toy that is fixedly attached to the base.

[0015] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the toy further includes a motion sensor for detecting the motion of the toy, which may include a ball switch sensor. The method includes, in response to detecting a motion signal generated by the motion sensor, generating another LED control signal during step (i) to control the plurality of LEDs to light up according to another sequence in the LED lighting sequence. The method may also include selecting another sequence in the LED lighting sequence, which may be based on the type of motion indicated by the motion signal. The type of motion may include either rocking or tilting.

[0016] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the toy includes a sound converter, and the method stores a plurality of different sound files. The method includes the step of generating a sound control signal in response to detection of the touch signal generated by the at least one touch sensor, and controlling the sound converter to output a sound according to one of the sound files. The method may further include the step of selecting one of the sound files.

[0017] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the toy includes a lid movably attached to the base, the lid moving between a closed position in which the lid covers the PCB and prevents the PCB from being seen from the outside of the housing and a fully open position in which the housing exposes the PCB so that it can be seen from the outside of the housing. The toy further optionally includes an actuation switch that can be operated by the processor from an off state to a fully on state by moving the lid from the closed position to the fully open position. When the actuation switch is in the fully on state, the processor is programmed to perform a first set of functions. The first set of functions may be a set of functions relating to ownership of the toy. For example, the first set of functions may include receiving input from the at least one touch sensor and generating the LED control signal based on the input from the at least one touch sensor to control the illumination of the LED according to a first sequence of the LED lighting sequence. Optionally, the activation switch is activated from the off state to the partially on state by moving the lid from the closed position to the fully open position at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees, and when the activation switch is in the partially on state, the processor is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions. The second set of functions may be a set of functions related to the try-me mode of the toy while the toy is not yet owned by the user (for example, while the toy is on display in a store before purchase). For example, the second set of functions may include generating the LED control signal based on input from the at least one touch sensor to control the illumination of the LED according to a second sequence of the LED lighting sequence.More broadly, the actuation switch can be said to be activatable from the off state to the partially on state by moving the lid from the closed position to the half-open position, and when the actuation switch is in the partially on state, the processor is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions, and the actuation switch can be further activatable to the fully on state by moving the lid from the half-open position to the fully open position, and the method further includes the step of generating another LED control signal in response to detecting that the actuation switch is in the fully on state, to control the illumination of the LEDs according to another sequence in the LED illumination sequence.

[0018] In an embodiment, the lid may be pivoted to the base, in which case the open position of the lid may correspond to the lid pivoting at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees from the orientation of the lid in the closed position. In an embodiment, the toy may further include an actuation switch that can be activated from an off state to an on state by moving the lid from the closed position to the open position. The processor is operably connected to the actuation switch, and in the method, step (i) is initiated in response to the actuation switch being activated to the on state. In an embodiment, the open position corresponds to a half-open position, the on state corresponds to an intermediate on state, and the actuation switch can further be activated to a fully on state by moving the lid from the half-open position to a fully open position. In such an embodiment, the method further includes the step of generating another LED control signal in response to the detection that the actuation switch is in the fully on state, to control the illumination of the LEDs according to another sequence in the LED illumination sequence. In an embodiment, the toy includes a lid spring that biases the lid to the closed position. In one embodiment, the toy includes a spring-loaded latch pin that can be inserted into at least one hole in the lid in order to hold the lid in a releasable position, either closed or open.

[0019] In the embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the plurality of LEDs includes at least 24 LEDs. The LEDs may be arranged in a row. In the embodiment, the LEDs are polycolor LEDs, and the illumination state of the LEDs is defined by at least the illumination color of the LEDs. Additionally or alternatively, the LEDs are dimmable LEDs, and the illumination state of the LEDs is defined by at least the illumination brightness of the LEDs.

[0020] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the electromagnetic coil includes a plurality of linear segments oriented in a plurality of different directions.

[0021] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the base defines a substantially horizontal platform, and the PCB extends upward from the platform. The platform may define a platform recess that receives the LED when the PCB is at the lower limit of its vibration relative to the base, thereby preventing contact between the LED and the platform. The platform may be in contact with the PCB during use to limit its lower limit of vibration relative to the base.

[0022] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, step (i) the vibratory flapping of the PCB includes the PCB repeatedly moving in a first stroke direction followed by a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction. In step (ii), the LED control signal is configured to illuminate the LED when the LED moves in either the first stroke direction or the second stroke direction, but not in both the first and second stroke directions. The first stroke direction may be the upstroke direction and the second stroke direction may be the downstroke direction, or vice versa.

[0023] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the PCB includes an internal metal foil layer that overlaps with the electromagnetic coil, extends beyond the periphery of the electromagnetic coil, and dissipates heat from the electromagnetic coil to the portion of the PCB beyond the periphery of the electromagnetic coil.

[0024] In an embodiment of the toy according to the first aspect, the toy further comprises a temperature sensor mounted on the PCB for measuring the temperature of the PCB and a circuit breaker switch for interrupting the coil control signal to the coil. The processor is operably connected to the temperature sensor and the circuit breaker switch. The method further includes the step of the processor controlling the circuit breaker switch to interrupt the coil control signal to the coil in response to the temperature of the PCB or the rate of temperature rise of the PCB exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0025] In a second embodiment, the present invention includes a toy comprising a magnetically responsive member, a substantially horizontal platform, a pivot member extending upward from the platform, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), a signal generator, a clamp member, and a controller. The PCB comprises an electromagnetic coil and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is cantilevered from the pivot member so that the PCB can flap against the pivot member to vibrate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The signal generator is operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generates a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil. The clamp member is horizontally spaced away from the pivot member and presses the PCB downward against the upper surface of the platform and the pivot member. The controller includes a processor operably connected to the PCB and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory comprising a non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to carry out the method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil, which generates a time-varying fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce vibrational flapping of the PCB and the mounted LEDs relative to the pivot member; and (ii) during step (i), generating an LED control signal to control the illumination of the LEDs.

[0026] In an embodiment of the toy according to a second aspect, the platform may define a platform recess that receives the LED when the PCB is at the lower limit of its vibration relative to the pivot member, thereby preventing contact between the LED and the platform. The clamp member may define a channel extending from above the platform to below the platform, through which the PCB extends and is attached to the processor located below the platform. The plurality of LEDs may be arranged on the downward-facing surface of the PCB.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present invention includes a toy including a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a lid, an activation switch, a signal generator, and a controller. The printed circuit board (PCB) includes an electromagnetic coil and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB may be either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, and is attached to the base such that the PCB is flapable with respect to the fulcrum member so as to vibrate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The lid is movably attached to the base between a closed position where the lid covers the PCB to prevent the PCB from being seen from outside the lid and an open position where the lid exposes the PCB to be seen from outside the lid. The activation switch is operable to switch from an off state to an on state when the lid moves from the closed position to the open position. The signal generator is operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generates a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operably connected to the PCB, the activation switch, and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes the following: (i) in response to the activation switch being activated to the on state, controlling the signal generator to generate a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil to generate a time-varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce vibrational flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs with respect to the base; and (ii) during step (i), generating an LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs.

[0028] In an embodiment of the toy of the third aspect, the lid may be pivoted to the base, and the open position of the lid corresponds to the lid pivoting at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees from the orientation of the lid in the closed position. The toy may further include a lid spring that biases the lid to the closed position. The toy may further include a spring-loaded latch pin that releasably holds the lid in either the closed or open position. The open position may correspond to a half-open position, and the on state corresponds to an intermediate on state. The actuation switch may further be activatable to a fully on state by the lid moving from the half-open position to the fully open position. The method further includes the step of controlling the illumination of the LED by generating a different LED control signal from the LED control signal in response to the actuation switch detecting that it is in the fully on state.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, the present invention includes a toy including a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a signal generator, and a controller. The PCB may be either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB and includes an electromagnetic coil and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is attached to the base such that the PCB is flappable with respect to the base to vibrate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The signal generator is operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generates a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operably connected to the PCB and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions executable by the processor to implement a method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil and interacting with the magnetically responsive member to generate a time-varying alternating magnetic field that induces the vibrating flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs with respect to the base, the vibrating flapping of the PCB including the PCB repeatedly moving in a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction following the first stroke direction, step; and (ii) generating an LED control signal during step (i) to control the illumination of the LEDs, the LED control signal being configured to illuminate the LEDs when the LEDs move in either the first stroke direction or the second stroke direction but not in both the first and second stroke directions. In an embodiment, the first stroke direction is an upstroke direction and the second stroke direction is a downstroke direction, or vice versa.

[0030] In a fifth embodiment, the present invention includes a toy comprising a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a signal generator, and a controller. The PCB may be either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB and comprises an electromagnetic coil and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is mounted on the base such that the PCB can flap relative to the base in order to vibrate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The signal generator is operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generates a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operably connected to the PCB and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory comprising a non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to carry out the method. The method comprises: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil, which generates a time-varying fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce vibrational flapping of the PCB and the mounted LEDs relative to the base; and (ii) during step (i), generating an LED control signal to control the illumination of the LEDs. The base defines a substantially horizontal platform, and the PCB extends upward from the platform. The platform is in contact with the PCB during use, limiting its vibration relative to the base. In such embodiments, the platform may define platform recesses that receive the LEDs when the PCB is at the lower limit of its vibration relative to the base, preventing contact between the LEDs and the platform.

[0031] In a sixth embodiment, the present invention includes a toy comprising a magnetically responsive member, a base, a printed circuit board (PCB), a temperature sensor mounted on the PCB for measuring the temperature of the PCB, a circuit breaker switch, a signal generator, and a controller. The PCB may be either a flexible or rigid PCB and includes an electromagnetic coil, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a temperature sensor, and a circuit breaker switch. The LEDs are distributed in a first direction. The PCB is mounted on the base so as to be flapable relative to the base in order to vibrate the LEDs in a second direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The signal generator is operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generates a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a processor operably connected to the PCB, the temperature sensor, the circuit breaker switch, and the signal generator. The controller also includes a memory including a non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions executable by the processor to carry out the method. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate a coil control signal to the electromagnetic coil, which generates a time-varying fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce vibrational flapping of the PCB and the mounted LEDs relative to the base; (ii) during step (i), generating an LED control signal to control the illumination of the LEDs; and (iii) controlling the circuit cutoff switch to cut off the coil control signal to the coil in response to the temperature of the PCB or the rate of increase in the temperature of the PCB exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0032] Embodiments of the toy according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth embodiment may include features of any other embodiment of the toy as described above.

[0033] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to more clearly illustrate how they may be carried out, the following accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] ~ [Figure 6] This is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of the toy of the present invention, with its lid in the fully open position. [Figure 1] This is a top-front-right quarter perspective view of the toy when the flexible PCB is at its lower limit of vibration. [Figure 2] This is a top-front-right quarter perspective view of the toy when the flexible PCB is at its vibration limit. [Figure 3] This is a top-front-left quarter perspective view of the toy when a user's finger touches the touch sensor on the upward-facing surface of the flexible PCB. [Figure 4] This is a top-front-right quarter-angle cross-sectional view of the toy, showing the inner side of the cross-section. [Figure 5] This is a right-side elevation view of the toy when the flexible PCB is at its lower limit of vibration. [Figure 6] This is a right-side elevation view of the toy when the flexible PCB is at its lower limit of vibration. [Figure 7] ~ [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the toy shown in Figure 1, with its lid in the half-open position. [Figure 7] This is a top-front-right-quarter perspective view of the toy. [Figure 8] This is a right-side elevation cross-sectional view of the toy along the vertical plane passing through line A-A in Figure 7. [Figure 9] ~ [Figure 12] This is a diagram of the toy shown in Figure 1, with its lid closed. [Figure 9] This is a top-front-right-quarter perspective view of the toy. [Figure 10] This is a top-rear-left quarter perspective view of the toy. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the toy, showing the bottom, front, and left quarter of the toy. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the bottom, rear, and right quarter of the toy. [Figure 13] ~ [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing the parts of the toy shown in Figure 1. [Figure 13] This is a view of the bottom, rear, and left quarter of the inside of the lid. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the top, rear, and right corner of the base. [Figure 15] This is an upper right oblique cross-sectional view of the platform, pivot members, clamp members, and flexible PCB. [Figure 16] This is a bottom view of one embodiment of a flexible PCB. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view of the free end of the flexible PCB shown in Figure 16, scaled to an enlarged level along line XVII in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This is a bottom-front-left perspective view of the lid and operating switch when the lid is in the closed position. [Figure 19] This is a bottom-front-left perspective view of the lid and operating switch when the lid is in the fully open position. [Figure 20] This is a top-front-right quarter perspective view of the flexible PCB mounted on the controller's rigid PCB. [Figure 21] This is a functional block diagram of an electronic component of one embodiment of the toy of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a flowchart of a typical subroutine executed by a toy controller in response to the toy's lid being opened. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart of a typical subroutine executed by a toy's controller in response to the toy being touched. [Figure 24] This is a flowchart of a typical subroutine implemented by a toy controller in response to the toy being moved. [Figure 25A] ~ [Figure 25F] This figure shows exemplary user interaction and response with one embodiment of the toy of the present invention. [Figure 25A]This diagram shows a flapping LED displaying an animation of a pet dog accompanied by the audible greeting "Ruff" when the user opens the lid. [Figure 25B] This figure shows a user touching a touch sensor mounted on a PCB to activate a flapping LED, displaying an animation of a pet dog expressing affection. [Figure 25C] This diagram shows how a user touches a touch sensor mounted on the base with a swipe gesture to change the image of a reward or toy displayed by a flapping LED. [Figure 25D] This diagram shows that a user touches a touch sensor attached to the PCB with a swipe gesture, activating a flapping LED to display an animation of a pet dog playing with a hula hoop, and activating a voice converter to output an audible reading of "Let's Hula!". [Figure 25E] This diagram shows a user shaking the toy to activate the voice converter, which outputs an audible reading of "Whoaa!" before the lid opens. After the lid opens, the flapping LED is activated to display an animation of a pet dog making a sad face, and the voice converter is activated again to output an audible reading of "Grrr...". [Figure 25F] This figure shows that when a user tilts the toy left or right or forward or backward, the flapping LED is activated, and after the lid is opened, an animation of a dancing pet dog is displayed, and the sound converter is activated to output audible music. [Figure 26] This is a right-side, inner cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toy of the present invention, when the flexible PCB is at its lower limit of vibration. [Figure 27] ~ [Figure 29] This is a diagram of another non-limiting embodiment of the toy of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a top-front-left quarter perspective view of the toy, with the lid in the fully open position, and a portion of the base omitted. [Figure 28] This is a left-side, inner cross-sectional view of the toy, with a portion of the base omitted, showing the range of motion of the flexible PCB when the lid is in the fully open position. [Figure 29] This is a left-side inner cross-sectional view of the toy with its lid in the closed position. [Figure 30] This is a left elevation view of another non-limiting embodiment of the toy of the present invention, having a PCB with an LED pivotally mounted to the base. [Figure 31] This is a top-right-front quarter perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of the toy of the present invention, with the lid and part of the platform removed to show a magnetically responsive member extending substantially across the entire width of the PCB. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] interpretation

[0036] For the sake of simplification and clarity of the illustrations, reference figures may be repeated between figures where appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments or representations described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be carried out without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Typical embodiments are shown in the figures and described below, but it should be understood from the outset that the principles of this disclosure may be carried out using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. This disclosure should not be limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0037] The various terms used throughout this specification may be interpreted as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” used throughout is inclusive, as if written as “and / or”; singular articles and pronouns used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; gender pronouns include their corresponding pronouns, so as not to be understood that the pronouns limit everything described herein to use, practice, execution, etc., by a single gender; and “typical” should be understood as “exemplary” or “illustration,” and not necessarily “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions of terms may be provided herein, and these may apply to the preceding and succeeding examples of those terms, as can be understood from reading this specification. Also note that the use of the term “one (a) or (an)” should be understood to mean “at least one” in all embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise, or unless it is understood to be obvious that it must mean “one.”

[0038] Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein. For example, the components of the systems and apparatus may be integrated or separated. Furthermore, the operation of the systems and apparatus disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used herein, “each” refers to each component of a set or each component of a subset of a set.

[0039] As used in this book, "attached" when describing the relationship between two connected parts includes both "directly attached" cases where the two connected parts are in contact with each other, and cases where the connected parts are "indirectly attached" and do not come into contact with each other, but are connected by one or more other parts interposed between them.

[0040] "Memory" refers to a non-temporary, tangible, computer-readable medium for storing information in a processor-readable format, and / or processor-readable instructions for implementing algorithms. Although the term "memory" is used in the singular, it includes multiple physically discrete, operablely connected devices. Non-limiting types of memory include solid-state, optical, and magnetic computer-readable media. Memory may be non-volatile or volatile. Instructions stored in memory may be based on several programming languages ​​well known in the art, including, but not limited to, the C, C++, Python®, MATLAB®, and Java® programming languages.

[0041] A "processor" refers to one or more electronic devices that can read and execute instructions stored in memory and perform operations on data that may be stored in memory or provided as data signals. Although the term "processor" is used in the singular, it can include multiple physically discrete, operablely connected devices. Non-exclusive examples of processors include devices called microprocessors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units (MCUs), central processing units (CPUs), and digital signal processors.

[0042] Aspects of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block in a flowchart and / or block diagram, and combinations of blocks in a flowchart and / or block diagram, can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, and as a result, the processor and the memory that stores the instructions executed through the processor collectively constitute a machine for performing the functions / actions specified in the blocks or combinations of blocks in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0043] The flowcharts and functional block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may occur in a different order than shown in the figures. For example, two consecutively shown blocks may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, may be executed by a dedicated hardware-based system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a specified function or action.

[0044] The embodiments of the invention described herein are typical (for example, with respect to details of materials, shape, dimensions, and structure) and are not limited by the claims appended herein and any modifications made thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand that many more alternative implementations and modifications are possible, and that the following examples are merely illustrative of one or more embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims appended herein and any modifications made thereto.

[0045] toy

[0046] In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a toy 10 of one embodiment shown in various figures in Figures 1 to 12, the parts thereof shown in Figures 13 to 20. Figure 26 shows a second embodiment of toy 10, Figures 27 to 29 show a third embodiment of toy 10, and Figure 30 shows a fourth embodiment of toy 10. In the illustrated embodiments, similar parts are indicated using common reference numerals. Any embodiment of toy 10 may be modified by any one or combination of features of another embodiment of toy 10.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the toy 10 includes a magnetically responsive member 20 (Figure 4), a base 30, a lid 50, a flexible PCB 80, a pivot member 100, a clamp member 110, touch sensors 120, 122, and an audio converter 130. Figures 16 and 17 are bottom views of the flexible PCB 80, showing its electromagnetic coil 88 and a number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 90. Figure 20 shows the flexible PCB 80 operably connected to a rigid PCB forming the controller 150. Figure 21 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the toy 10, including a power supply 180, a signal generator 182, the coil 88 of the PCB 80, the LEDs 90, and a controller 150 having a temperature sensor 94, touch sensors 120, 122, an audio converter 130, a motion sensor 132, and a processor 152 and memory 154 operably connected to an electromechanical actuation switch 140 actuated by the lid 50. These and other components of this embodiment of toy 10 will be described in more detail below.

[0048] Magnetically responsive member

[0049] The magnetically responsive member 20 is used in conjunction with the electromagnetic coil 88 to induce a vibrating flapping motion of the PCB 80. The magnetically responsive member 20 can have any suitable structure. For example, the magnetically responsive member may be a permanent magnet formed of various suitable materials, such as ferromagnetic metals such as nickel or iron. In other embodiments, the magnetically responsive member may be, for example, an electromagnet. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the magnetically responsive member is a cylindrical permanent magnet, which is placed in a recess defined by the underside of the platform 36 of the base 30 and fixed therein by a retaining member attached to the underside of the platform 36. In other embodiments, such as shown in Figure 31, the magnetically responsive member 20 may extend horizontally substantially across the width of the PCB 80 (shown transparently with dashed lines), or multiple magnetically responsive members 20 may be arranged substantially across the width of the PCB 80. Compared to the magnetically responsive member 20 localized near the mid-width of the PCB as shown in Figure 4, the arrangement of the magnetically responsive member(s) 20 shown in Figure 31 can help balance the magnetic field across the width of the PCB 80 to prevent warping or lateral displacement of the PCB 80 when the PCB 80 flaps. In one embodiment, the magnetically responsive member 20 is a permanent magnet with a permanent magnetic field. In another embodiment, the magnetically responsive member 20 is an electromagnet.

[0050] base

[0051] The toy 10 includes a base 30 that supports the entire toy 10. Referring to Figure 4, the lower part of the base 30 defines a battery compartment 32 having battery contacts for housing a pair of "AA" sized batteries used as a power source 180 (Figure 21) for the electronic components of the toy 10. The base 30 includes a battery compartment cover 34 that is removablely attached to the rest of the base 30 by screws 35. The middle part of the base 30 defines a compartment 40 for housing the controller 150, as shown in Figure 8. The upper part of the base 30 is terminated by a substantially horizontal, stage-like platform 36. The top surface of the platform 36 defines a platform recess 38 to prevent the LED 90 of the PCB 80 from colliding with the platform 36, as such impacts could damage the LED 90 and generate noise. Figure 26 shows another embodiment of toy 10, which is the same as toy 10 shown in Figure 1, except that PCB 80 has a greater length so that the LED 90 of PCB 80 is received within the platform recess 38 at the lower limit of the vibration of PCB 80.

[0052] lid

[0053] The lid 50 is attached to the base 30 so as to be movable between a closed position and a fully open position. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, when the lid 50 is in the fully open position, the lid 50 exposes the PCB 80 so that the user can see and touch it. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the lid 50 is in the half-open position, the gap between the base 30 and the lid 50 is large enough for the user to see the PCB 80, but may be small enough to prevent a child's finger from passing through to touch the PCB 80. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, when the lid 50 is in the closed position, the lid 50 covers the PCB 80, preventing the PCB 80 from being touched by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 50 is made of an opaque material (plastic), and therefore the lid 50 hides the PCB 80 from view even when the lid 50 is in the closed position.

[0054] Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the lid 50 is made up of three parts: an outer shell 52, an insert 54, and an inner layer 56. The outer shell 52 and insert 54 are functionally primarily decorative. The outer shell 52 defines a finger recess 53 for receiving a fingertip to make it easier to open the lid 50. The insert 54 is attached to the inner surface of the outer shell 52 and is visible from the outside of the toy 10 through a hole defined by the outer shell 52. Between the outer shell 52 and the inner layer 56, the lid 50 defines a compartment 58 for housing the sound transducer 130. The inner layer 56 defines a number of holes 60 (Figure 4) for sound transmission from the sound transducer 130. Preferably, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 27 to 29, the inner layer 56 defines a downward-facing inner recess 59 for receiving the PCB 80 without contacting the PCB 80. Therefore, when the lid 50 is in the closed position, prolonged impacts may cause permanent deformation of the PCB 80 and impair its flapping performance. To prevent the inner layer 56 from colliding with the PCB 80, a clearance exists between the inner layer 56 and the PCB 80.

[0055] In this embodiment, the lid 50 is pivotally attached to the base 30. In other embodiments, the lid 50 may be movably attached to the base 30 in a different way to move between a closed position and a fully open position. Figure 13 shows the lid 50 and the associated components used to pivotally attach the lid 50 to the base 30 shown in Figure 14. A pair of shafts 62 pass through holes defined by the inner lid layer 56, one of which is defined by a boss 64 of the inner lid layer 56. The shafts 62 are inserted into aligned holes defined by a boss 42 of the base 30 to form a hinge, allowing the lid 50 to pivot upward from the base 30. A torsion lid spring 68 has one end fixed to the base 30 and the other end fixed to the inner lid layer 56, biasing the lid 50 toward the closed position. The inner lid layer 56 has a protrusion 57 that interferes with the base boss 42, limiting the rotation of the lid 50 to the fully open position relative to the base 30. The spring-loaded latch pin 70 has one end that is inserted into a hole 44 defined by the base boss 42. The latch pin spring of the latch pin 70 biases the other end of the latch pin 70 against the lid boss 64. Referring to Figure 18, when the lid 50 is in the closed position, the latch pin spring pushes the tip of the latch pin 70 into the first hole 72 of the lid, holding the lid 50 in the closed position. The tip of the latch pin 70 is chamfered so that the pivoting of the lid 50 causes the latch pin 70 to retract, being pushed out of the first hole 72 of the lid against the biasing force of the latch pin spring. Referring to Figure 8, when the lid 50 is partially open, the retracted latch pin 70 allows the lid 50 to pivot relative to the base 30. Referring to Figure 19, when the lid 50 pivots to the maximum angle allowed by the interference between the protrusion 57 and the base boss 42, the latch pin spring pushes the tip of the latch pin 70 into the second hole 74 of the lid, holding the lid 50 in the fully open position. The lid 50 can be moved to the closed position by applying sufficient force to the latch pin 70 to retract it from the second hole 74 of the lid.

[0056] Flexible PCB

[0057] Flexible PCBs are well known in the art. Generally, flexible PCBs 80 include, in non-limiting examples, wiring and other electronic components mounted on a flexible substrate that is made of a plastic material such as polyimide or polyetherketone (PEEK), or conductive polyester. This disclosure is not limited to any particular substrate as long as it is sufficiently flexible to allow the vibrational flapping motion of the PCB 80, as will be described in more detail below. In embodiments, the flexible PCB 80 may have a thickness of about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, and other thicknesses may be appropriate depending on the bending stiffness of the PCB 80 and the desired range of the flapping motion of the PCB 80.

[0058] Figure 16 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of a flexible PCB 80 used in the toy 10 of the present disclosure. The fixed end 82 of the PCB 80 has pin connections used to operably connect the PCB 80 to the circuit board of the controller 150. The free end 84 of the PCB 80 includes an operably connected electromagnetic coil 88, a plurality of LEDs 90, metal foil 92, and a temperature sensor 94. The middle section 86 of the PCB 80 is narrowed to increase the flexibility of the PCB 80. The width of the middle section 80 may be selected considering the desired flexibility of the PCB 80, the desired flapping motion range of the PCB 80, and the desired durability and fatigue resistance of the PCB 80. As an example, the width of the middle section 86 may be about 10 mm to 18 mm. The fixed end 82 and the free end 84 may be reinforced with reinforcing members.

[0059] Flexible PCB: Electromagnetic coil

[0060] Electromagnetic coils and their operating principles are well known in the art. An electromagnetic coil 88 is a wire having a shape that generates a loop-shaped (e.g., circular) magnetic field when current flows through it. To produce such an effect, the wire may be laid out in the shape of a circular coil, spiral, or vortex, as is well known in the art. Figure 16 shows a wiring layout for an electromagnetic coil 88, including multiple linear segments oriented in multiple different directions. Compared to a conventional circular wiring layout, the layout in Figure 16 can provide a higher intensity magnetic field.

[0061] Coil 88 is positioned close to the magnetically responsive member 20 such that the magnetic field of coil 88 (when energized) interacts with the magnetically responsive member 20 within at least a portion of the movable range of PCB 80. If the magnetically responsive member 20 has a magnetic field (for example, if the magnetically responsive member 20 is a permanent magnet), its magnetic field also interacts with the magnetic field of coil 88 (when energized). During use, a controller 150 is used to generate a coil control signal, causing coil 88 to generate a time-varying, fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member 20 to induce vibrational flapping of PCB 80. Vibrational flapping of PCB 80 means that the PCB repeatedly moves in a first stroke direction (e.g., upstroke direction) followed by a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction (e.g., downstroke direction). The coil control signal can take various forms that change the strength of the magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil over time, and non-limiting examples include pulse-width modulated waveforms or sinusoidal waveforms. The interaction between the time-varying magnetic field and the magnetically responsive member 20 may be either attractive or repulsive, or alternating attractive and repulsive in a periodic manner (for example, alternating between positive and negative currents) by changing the direction of the current flow through the coil 88. Thus, it will be understood that the processor 152 is equipped with, or operably connected to, a signal generator 182 capable of generating a coil control signal with a desired waveform for the coil 88. A signal generator is an electronic device that generates an electrical signal having controlled characteristics (e.g., amplitude, frequency, waveform), and This is well known in the art. The signal generator may be an analog signal generator or a digital signal generator. The interaction of the magnetic field(s) acting on the PCB80, combined with the elastic restoring tendency of the flexible PCB80 (and further considering the weight of the PCB80), causes the PCB80 to vibrate and flap. In this embodiment, the flapping motion of the PCB80 is performed vertically with respect to the pivot member 100. In other embodiments, the flapping motion may be in a different direction (for example, left-right) depending on how the plane of the PCB80, the pivot member 100, and the magnetic field(s) are arranged.

[0062] When the PCB 80 vibrates and flaps, its multiple LEDs 90 also flap. The frequency of the vibrating flapping motion of the PCB 80 should be relatively rapid so that the illumination of the LEDs 90 produces an optical illusion known as “afterimage” or “retinal persistence.” That is, the human user perceives the illuminated row of LEDs 90 as forming a composite image over short time intervals, even though the LEDs 90 are actually moving along the vibrating path over time intervals. In embodiments, the frequency of the vibrating flapping is at least 24 flappings per second. Those skilled in the art could configure the toy 10 so that the PCB 80 flaps at a desired frequency, taking into account parameters such as the strength of the magnetic field of the magnetically responsive member 20 (if present), the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 88, the characteristics of the coil control signal including its periodicity, and the mechanical properties of the PCB 80 including its stiffness and weight.

[0063] Flexible PCB: LEDs and LED lighting sequences

[0064] The LED 90 illuminates according to the LED lighting sequence 156 under the control of an LED control signal generated by the controller 150. In this embodiment, the plurality of LEDs has 32 LEDs, but in other embodiments, the plurality of LEDs may have any integer number of LEDs (e.g., in the range of 24 to 50 LEDs). In this embodiment, the LED 90 is a multicolor LED, that is, the LED 90 can be controlled to produce light of different colors and can be controlled to illuminate in "on" and "off" states. In other embodiments, the LED 90 may be monocolor, in which case different LEDs 90 may illuminate to produce light of the same or different colors. Furthermore, in embodiments, the LED 90 may be dimmable, that is, the brightness of the LED can be changed by a parameter of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the LEDs 90 are positioned on the underside (i.e., downward-facing) side of the PCB 80. Thus, the LEDs 90 do not interfere with the user's finger touching the touch sensor 120 on the upper side (i.e., upward-facing) of the PCB 80, as shown in Figure 3. The LEDs 90 may be arranged in various ways on the plane of the PCB 80, as long as they are dispersed from one another in a certain direction. As a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the LEDs 90 are arranged in two substantially horizontally extending linear columns, with the LEDs in one column horizontally offset from the LEDs in the other column. In other embodiments, the LEDs 90 may be arranged along a nonlinear topology.

[0066] Referring to Figure 21, the LED lighting sequence 156 is stored in memory 154. As used herein, the term "LED lighting sequence" means a series of lighting states of the LEDs 90 over a time interval. In a single LED lighting sequence, the lighting states of the LEDs 90 may be defined by a series of "on" and "off" states of each LED over a time interval. In the case of a multicolor LED 90, the LED lighting sequence may be additionally or alternatively defined by a series of color states of each LED over a time interval. In the case of a dimmable LED 90, the LED lighting sequence may be additionally or alternatively defined by a series of brightness states of each LED over a time interval. The lighting states of different LEDs 90 may be the same or different from one another at any given time within the time interval. The elapsed time of each lighting state in a series may be selected to produce a desired effect. As a non-limiting example, a series may be defined by 70 LED lighting states per second. When in use, the LEDs 90 are illuminated while the PCB 80 is flapping. As described above, vibration flapping of PCB 80 refers to the repeated movement of the PCB in a first stroke direction (e.g., upstroke direction) followed by a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction (e.g., downstroke direction). The LED control signals generated by the controller 150 to illuminate according to the LED lighting sequence may be configured to illuminate the LEDs 90 only when PCB 80 moves in only one of the first and second stroke directions of its vibration (e.g., upstroke or downstroke, but not both), or when PCB 80 moves in both directions of its vibration (e.g., both upstroke and downstroke). An LED control signal configured to illuminate the LEDs 90 when PCB 80 moves in only one of the stroke directions (e.g., either upstroke or downstroke, but not both) can prevent blurring of the image perceived by the user, especially when PCB 80 moves slightly and periodically in a direction that crosses the first and second stroke directions (e.g., horizontally).Due to the "afterimage" effect, the LED lighting sequence 156 may be configured so that a human viewer perceives the illuminated LEDs 90 as an image of a recognizable object (e.g., a pet animal). Furthermore, the LED lighting sequence 156 may be configured to change over the vibration of the PCB 80 so that a human viewer perceives the illuminated LEDs 90 as an animated image.

[0067] Flexible PCB: Heat-dissipating metal foil layer and temperature sensor

[0068] The prolonged flow of electrical circuits through coil 88 and LCD 90 can cause the temperature of PCB 80 to rise above acceptable levels. To mitigate this temperature rise, PCB 80 includes an internal layer of metal foil 92 distributed within PCB 80 to dissipate heat from the PCB 80. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the metal foil 92 is sandwiched between the substrate layers of PCB 80. The metal foil 92 overlaps with coil 88, extends beyond the periphery of coil 88, and dissipates heat to the portion of PCB 80 beyond the periphery of coil 88. Preferably, the metal foil 92 is made of a metal with relatively high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum.

[0069] The temperature sensor 94 is used to measure the temperature of the PCB 80. The temperature sensor 94 can be implemented by various types of temperature sensors that can be attached to or integrated with the PCB 80, including NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistors or PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistors, which are well known in the art. As is well known in the art, the electrical resistance of an NTC thermistor decreases as the temperature rises, while the electrical resistance of a PTC thermistor increases as the temperature rises, so it can be used as a fuse in the circuit to the electromagnetic coil 88 of the PCB 80. Other types of temperature sensors that can be used are digital thermistors (e.g., metal oxide semiconductor-based thermistors) and analog temperature sensors such as thermocouples. The memory 154 may store instructions that can be executed by the processor 152 of the controller 150 to monitor the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 94 and control a circuit break switch 96 (Figure 21) to cut off the coil control signal to the coil 88 when the measured temperature of the PCB or the rate of increase of the measured temperature of the PCB exceeds a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold temperature value may be defined as an absolute value (e.g., 50°C) or as the temperature rise relative to the temperature measured when the lid 50 is opened.

[0070] Support member and clamp member

[0071] The pivot member 100 provides a structure on which the PCB 80 rests, and from which the PCB 80 (including its constituent electromagnetic coil 88 and multiple LEDs 90) is cantilevered. That is, the PCB 80 extends in a manner not supported by the pivot member 100 so that the PCB 80 and its attached LEDs 90 can vibrately flap against the pivot member 100. In the embodiment of Figure 15, the pivot member 100 is in the form of a protrusion extending vertically from the platform 36 of the base 30. The upper end of the pivot member 100 is rounded to facilitate bending of the PCB 80 without shrinking it. In other embodiments, the pivot member 100 may be attached to other parts of the toy 10 and provided in other forms. For example, in the embodiments of Figures 27 to 29, the pivot member 100 is formed by the ledge of the platform 36 of the base 30.

[0072] As mentioned above, the LEDs 90 are distributed along a certain direction, which we will call the "first direction". The cantilever support relationship of the PCB 80 with respect to the pivot member 100 is configured such that the PCB 80 can flap relative to the pivot member 100 and vibrates the LEDs 90 in a "second direction" that is not zero angle with respect to the first direction. As an example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the LEDs 90 are distributed along a substantially horizontal "first direction". As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the PCB 80 is cantilevered from the pivot member 100 such that when the PCB 80 flaps relative to the pivot member 100, the LEDs 90 vibrate in a substantially vertical "second direction".

[0073] The clamp member 110 can serve several purposes, including pressing the PCB 80 against the pivot member 100 and toward the magnetic response member 20, and controlling the vibration amplitude of the PCB 80. In this embodiment, the clamp member 110 is necessary because the fixed end 82 of the PCB 80 is below the platform 36 for connection to the controller 150, and the PCB 80 extends upward above the platform 36. The PCB 80 has sufficient rigidity so that its unbent "neutral" shape protrudes diagonally upward from the base 30 of the platform 36. Therefore, the clamp member 110 bends the PCB 80 downward from its neutral shape so that the electromagnetic coil 88 of the PCB 80 approaches the magnetic response member 20. In other embodiments, the clamp member 110 may be omitted depending on how the PCB 80 is fixed to the rest of the toy 10 and the shapes of the PCB 80 and the magnetic response member 20.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the clamp member 110 defines a curved channel 112 for routing the intermediate portion 86 from the upper side of the platform 36 to the lower side of the platform 36 to connect to the controller 150 (Figures 8 and 20). The clamp member 110 is secured to the platform 36 by bolts that extend upward into the clamp member 110 through holes in the platform 36. The clamp member 110 defines a foot portion 114 that is horizontally spaced from the pivot member 100 and in contact with the upper surface of the PCB 80, pressing the pivot member 100 and the PCB 80 downward against the upper surface of the platform 36. The foot portion 114 assists the downward movement of the PCB 80 when the amplitude of the PCB's movement is large and the magnetic attractive force between the electromagnetic coil 88 and the magnetic response member 20 can be minimized. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the width of the foot portion 114 may be approximately equal to the width of the intermediate portion 86 of the PCB 80 (e.g., 10 mm to 18 mm). In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 31, the width of the foot portion 114 may be substantially smaller than the width of the middle portion 86 of the PCB. The flapping performance of the PCB 80 (e.g., the amplitude and angular range of the flapping) may be adjusted to a desired effect by selecting the cantilever support length of the PCB 80, the shape and relative position of the pivot member 100 and the clamp member 110.

[0075] Ultrasonic flapping of a crystal bridge

[0076] As an example, Figures 5 and 6 show embodiments of the toy 10 in which the PCB 80 is at the lower and upper limits of vibration, respectively. When moving from the lower limit in Figure 5 to the upper limit in Figure 6, the PCB 80 may have an angular displacement of approximately 90 degrees, and the LED 90 may move a vertical distance of approximately 25 millimeters. The latter measurement is substantially the dimension of the image that may be displayed by the LED 90 when vibrating.

[0077] Referring to Figure 28, the dashed line indicates the PCB 80 within its range of motion. The vibrational flapping motion of the PCB 80 can be defined by angular changes α and β in opposite directions relative to the neutral position of the PCB 80. The "neutral position" refers to the stationary position when the PCB 80 is not subjected to any magnetic field from the magnetically responsive member 20. In embodiments, the scalar values ​​of α and β may be the same or different. In one non-limiting example, the scalar values ​​of α and β may be 75 degrees and 15 degrees, respectively, with respect to a total range of motion of about 90 degrees. In another non-limiting example, the scalar values ​​of α and β may both be about 45 degrees, with respect to a total range of motion of about 90 degrees. To minimize the maximum stress on the PCB 80 with respect to a given total range of motion, it may be preferable that the scalar values ​​of α and β are similar or the same. As shown in Figures 1 and 28, the lower limit of the motion of the PCB 80 may be limited by the PCB 80 contacting the limiting projection 39 of the platform 36 of the base 30.

[0078] Alternative Embodiment: Rigid PCB with electromagnetic coil and LED

[0079] In some embodiments, the toy 10 of the present invention may be implemented with a rigid PCB instead of a flexible PCB 80. Rigid PCBs are well known in the art. Generally, rigid PCBs include, in non-limiting examples, wiring and other electronic components mounted on a rigid substrate, such as resin-coated glass fiber. To produce a vibration flapping effect, a rigid PCB must be pivotally attached to a base 30, whereas a flexible PCB 80 can simply bend around a fixed point. Figure 30 shows one embodiment of the toy 10 having a rigid PCB 190 instead of a flexible PCB 80. The rigid PCB 190 will be understood to include an electromagnetic coil 88 (not shown) and an LED 90 in a manner similar to the flexible PCB 80 described above. One end of the rigid PCB 190 is securely held or attached to a retaining member 192. As an example, the retaining member 192 may be implemented by a member similar to the pivot member 100 and clamping member 110 described above. The retaining member 192 is attached to the base 30 by a connecting pin 194, thereby allowing the rigid PCB 90 to pivot relative to the base, as shown by the curved arrow and dashed line representations when the rigid PCB 90 is in an elevated position. The spring 196 (referred to herein as the "PCB spring" to distinguish it from other springs in the toy 10) biases the rigid PCB 190 toward or toward the base 30 when the rigid PCB 190 is displaced from its neutral position. The PCB spring 196 may be a compression spring as shown in the embodiment of Figure 30, or a torsion spring in other embodiments. The interaction between the time-varying magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil 88 and the magnetically responsive member 20 constitutes the biasing effect of the PCB spring 196, inducing vibrational flapping of the rigid PCB 190. To overcome the biasing effect of the PCB spring 196, it may be necessary to use a relatively strong permanent magnet in the magnetically responsive member 20.

[0080] Although not shown, in some embodiments, the flexible PCB 80 may also be pivotally attached to the base 30 in a manner similar to that of the rigid PCB 190 shown in Figure 30. In such embodiments, vibrational flapping of the flexible PCB 80 may result from a combination of bending of the flexible PCB 80, pivoting of the flexible PCB 80 relative to the base 30, and the biasing effect of the PCB spring 196.

[0081] Touch sensor

[0082] Touch sensors 120 and 122 detect tactile user interaction with the toy 10 by generating a touch signal when touched by a user. The touch sensors 120 and 122 may be implemented using various sensor types, including capacitive touch sensors, resistive touch sensors, infrared (IR) touch sensors, and surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, the principles of such sensors and their operation are well known in the art. Embodiments of the toy 10 may have a single touch sensor or multiple touch sensors to provide multiple touch points for user interaction.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the toy 10 has two physically discrete touch sensors 120, 122. The first touch sensor 120 is mounted on the PCB 80, more specifically on the top surface (i.e., the upward-facing surface) of the PCB 80. Thus, this touch sensor 120 may be referred to herein as a "PCB-mounted" touch sensor to distinguish it from the "fixed touch" sensor 122. As long as the LED 90 on the PCB 80 is used to display the pet, touching the touch sensor 120 mounted on the PCB 80 can provide a simulated experience of touching the pet.

[0084] The second touch sensor 122 is fixed to the platform 36, and more generally to the base 30. Since the pivot point 100 as a whole is fixed to the base 30, this touch sensor 122 may be referred to herein as a “fixed” touch sensor to distinguish it from the “PCB-mounted” touch sensor 120. The second touch sensor 122 may be formed from three discrete subsensors 124 arranged in a horizontal row separated by grooves, or from a single elongated sensor. In other embodiments, one or more touch sensors may be additionally or alternatively located on different parts of the toy 10. For example, one or more touch sensors may be located on the outer surface of the base 30 or the lid 50.

[0085] In conjunction with the controller 150, the touch sensors 120 and 122 may be used to detect touches, touch gestures (e.g., a "swipe" or "slide" of the user's finger across the touch sensors 120 and 122), or touch duration (e.g., how long the user's finger remains in contact with the touch sensors 120 and 122). Configurations of touch sensors and processors for detecting touches, touch gestures, and touch durations are well known in the art. The controller 150 may use the detection of touches, touch gestures, or touch durations as a criterion for selecting from the LED lighting sequences 156 output by the LED 90, or as a criterion for selecting from the audio files 158 output by the audio converter 130.

[0086] Voice converter and audio files

[0087] The audio converter 130 is used to output sound according to the stored audio file 158 under the control of an audio control signal generated by the controller 150. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the audio converter 130 is implemented by a loudspeaker located in a compartment 58 defined by a cover 50. Referring to Figure 21, the audio file 158 is stored in a memory 154 in digital format or the like. Different audio files 158 encode different sounds such as music sequences, spoken speech, or sound effects.

[0088] Motion sensor

[0089] The motion sensor 132 is used to generate a motion signal in response to the motion of the toy 10. In some embodiments, the motion sensor 132 may include a ball switch sensor that can detect not only the motion of the toy 10 but also its orientation and tilt. Ball switch sensors are well known in the art and generally include a metal ball that rolls in a tube and engages or disengages electrical contacts within the tube. In other embodiments, the motion sensor 132 may be implemented by other types of motion sensors well known in the art, such as a MEMS accelerometer.

[0090] Mechanically operated switch activated by the cover

[0091] The mechanical actuation switch 140 is switchable between an off state and a fully on state, corresponding to the lid 50 being in the closed position and the lid being in the fully open position, respectively. In some embodiments, the actuation switch 140 may also be switchable to an intermediate on state, corresponding to the lid 50 being in the half-open position, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The off state, fully on state, and intermediate on state of the actuation switch 140 can be detected by the controller 150 to terminate or start vibration flapping of the PCB 80, or may be used as a criterion for selecting from an LED lighting sequence 156 output by the LED, or for selecting from an audio file 158 output by the audio converter 130.

[0092] Referring to the embodiments shown in Figures 8, 18, and 19, the mechanical actuation switch 140 is implemented by a tactile switch mounted on the base 30. When the lid 50 pivots relative to the base 30 from the closed position (Figure 18) to the half-open position (Figure 8) and then to the fully open position (Figure 19), a cam 74 defined by the inner lid layer 56 engages with the pivot portion of the actuation switch 140, operating the switch from the off state (Figure 18) to the intermediate on state (Figure 8) and then to the fully on state (Figure 19). Conversely, when the lid 50 pivots relative to the base 30 from the fully open position to the half-open position and then to the closed position, the cam 74 engages with the actuation switch 140, operating the actuation switch 140 from the on state to the intermediate on state and then to the off state. The actuation switch 140 may also be configured to operate between the off state and the intermediate on state when the lid 50 pivots to the half-open position by a certain angle from the closed position toward the fully open position, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. As a non-limiting example, in the half-open position, the angle change in the orientation of the lid 50 may be about 10 to 15 degrees from the orientation of the lid 50 in the closed position, and in the fully open position, the angle change in the orientation of the lid 50 may be about 70 to 80 degrees from the orientation of the lid 50 in the closed position. As will be described later, the vibration flapping of the PCB 80 may be started when the lid 50 is in the half-open position so that the toy user can see the movement of the PCB 80 whenever the lid 50 is opened.

[0093] controller

[0094] Figure 21 shows the operable connections (indicated by dashed lines) of the controller 150 to the power supply 180, electromagnetic coil 88, LED 90, touch sensors 120 and 122, voice converter 130, motion detector 132, and mechanical actuation switch 140. The power supply 180 may be one or more batteries, or in other embodiments, another power source (e.g., a power supply adapter).

[0095] The controller 150 includes at least one processor 152 and at least one memory 154. In one embodiment, the processor 152 and memory 154 are implemented by a microcontroller 150 unit (MCU), i.e., an integrated chip having one or more processing cores and one or more memories. The MCU is connected to a circuit board as shown in the controller 150 of Figure 20, which has operable connections (e.g., data bus connections, pin connectors, solder connections, etc.) to other electronic components as shown in Figure 21. In such an embodiment, the memory 154 may be a read-only memory that stores firmware installed at the time of manufacture.

[0096] The firmware includes a set of LED lighting sequences 156 and a set of audio files 158, as previously described. The firmware also includes a set of instructions that can be executed by the processor 152. Some of these instructions are conceptually shown as modules in Figure 21. The coil control module 160 generates coil control signals to control the electromagnetic coil 88, thereby generating a time-varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member 20, inducing vibrational flapping of the PCB 80. The LED control module 162 generates LED control signals to control the LEDs 90 to light up according to the LED lighting sequence 156. The audio control module 164 generates audio control signals to control the audio converter 130 to output audio according to the audio file 158. The touch detection module 166 analyzes touch signals from the touch sensors 120 and 122 and / or responds to them to detect that the toy 10 has been touched, touched with a specific gesture (e.g., a swipe or slide gesture), or touched for a specific duration. The motion detection module 168 analyzes motion signals from the motion sensor 132 and / or in response to them to detect the movement of the toy 10, or a specific type of movement of the toy 10 (e.g., rocking or tilting). The switch detection module 170 analyzes switch signals that depend on the state of the actuation switch 140 and / or in response to them to detect whether the actuation switch 140 is in the off, intermediate, or on state. The play response module 172 works in conjunction with one or more of the aforementioned modules to encode subroutines that control the toy 10 in response to user interaction. Examples of such subroutines are described in the following embodiments. Any one or more of the subroutines may be implemented in any order and in combination with each other.

[0097] Example 1: Control of a toy in response to the lid being half-open or fully open

[0098] Figure 22 shows a subroutine 200 performed by the controller 150 in response to the lid 50 being half-open, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, or fully open, as shown in Figures 1 to 6. In step 202, the controller 150 analyzes the signal and / or, in response to the signal, determines whether the actuation switch 140 is in an intermediate-on state or a fully-on state, corresponding to the lid 50 being in a half-open or fully-open position, respectively. If the actuation switch 140 is in an off state, the method returns to step 202. Otherwise, if the actuation switch 140 is in an intermediate-on or fully-on state, in step 204, the controller 150 selects one of the LED lighting sequences 156 and, optionally, one of the audio files 158. These selections may be made according to a set of instructions stored in memory 154. In embodiments, the selection can provide different play patterns depending on whether the actuation switch 140 is in an intermediate-on or fully-on state. For example, the LED lighting sequence 156 and sound file 158 selected when the lid 50 is moved to a half-open position that activates the intermediate ON state of the activation switch 140. This can be used to configure the toy 10 into a "try me" phase, allowing the user to view the image or animation displayed by the vibrating LED 10 without fully opening the lid 50 when the toy 10 is displayed on a retail shelf in its retail packaging. In contrast, the LED lighting sequence 156 and sound file 158 selected when the lid 50 is in the fully open position that activates the fully ON state of the activation switch 140 may be different from those used in the "try me" phase. This can be used to facilitate user interaction with the toy 10 in specific ways, such as touching the touch sensors 120, 122 or moving the toy 10, or to configure the toy 10 into a corresponding "play phase". In another embodiment, the controller 150 may be programmed to use one of the LED lighting sequences 156 and one of the audio files 158 without making its own selection, based on the instructions stored in memory 154.In step 206, the controller 150 controls the signal generator 182 to generate a coil control signal to the coil 88, inducing a time-varying magnetic field in the coil 88, which interacts with the magnetically responsive member 20 to induce vibration flapping of the PCB 80 and its LED 90. Step 208 is performed concurrently with step 206. In step 208, the controller 150 generates an LED control signal to control the LED 90 to light up according to the selected LED lighting sequence 156. If the controller 150 selected one of the audio files 158 in step 204, in step 208, the controller 150 further generates an audio control signal to control the audio converter 130 to output sound according to the selected audio file 158. In a variation of the subroutine, step 204 is performed before step 202, and steps 206 and 208 are performed after step 202 if the condition in step 202 is evaluated as true.

[0099] It will be apparent that the subroutine 200 can be enhanced by a further step of deactivating the flapping of the PCB 80 when the lid 50 is closed, thereby turning the actuation switch 140 to the off position. In this way, the enhanced subroutine can control the toy 10 so that the vibrating flapping of the PCB 80 is activated only when the lid 50 is in the half-open and fully open positions, and not activated when the lid 50 is in the closed position.

[0100] Figure 25A shows a typical application example of subroutine 200. Controller 150 selects an LED lighting sequence 156 that displays an animation of a pet dog and an audio file 158 that encodes a spoken greeting "Ruff". LED 90 displays the pet dog, and the voice converter 130 outputs the sound "Ruff" after the lid 50 is opened.

[0101] In other words, toy 10 further optionally includes an actuation switch 140 that can be activated by processor 152 from an off state to a fully on state by moving the lid 50 from a closed position to a fully open position. When actuation switch 140 is in the fully on state, processor 152 is programmed to execute a first set of functions. The first set of functions may be a set of functions related to ownership of toy 10. For example, the first set of functions may include receiving input from at least one touch sensor and generating an LED control signal to control the lighting of LED 90 according to a first lighting sequence of LED lighting sequences based on input from at least one touch sensor. Optionally, actuation switch 140 can be activated from an off state to a partially on state by moving the lid 50 at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees from a closed position to a fully open position, and when actuation switch 140 is in the partially on state, processor 152 is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions. The second set of functions may be a set of functions related to the toy's try-me mode while the toy 10 is not yet owned by a user (for example, while the toy 10 is on display in a store before purchase). For example, the second set of functions may include generating an LED control signal to control the lighting of LED 90 according to a second lighting sequence of the LED lighting sequence, regardless of input from at least one touch sensor. More broadly, the actuation switch 140 can be activated from an off state to a partially on state by moving the lid 50 from a closed position to a half-open position, and when the actuation switch 140 is in a partially on state, the processor 152 is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions, and the actuation switch 140 can further be activated to a fully on state by moving the lid 50 from a half-open position to a fully open position, and the method further includes the step of generating another LED control signal to control the lighting of LED 90 according to another sequence of the LED lighting sequence in response to detection that the actuation switch is in a fully on state.

[0102] Example 2: Control of a toy in response to being touched

[0103] Figure 23 shows a subroutine 300 implemented by the controller 150 in response to one of the touch sensors 120, 122 being touched. In step 302, the controller 150 controls the signal generator 182 to generate a coil control signal to coil 88, inducing a time-varying magnetic field in coil 88, which interacts with the magnetically responsive member 20 to induce vibrational flapping of the PCB 80 and its LED 90. (Step 302 may be performed as a continuation of step 206 of subroutine 200.) In step 304, the controller 150 analyzes the touch signal from the touch sensor and / or in response to it to determine whether the toy 10 has been touched. This evaluation may include determining whether the toy 10 has been touched with a specific gesture (e.g., a swipe gesture in a specific direction) or with a specified touch duration (e.g., 1 second or longer). If no touch signal is received, the method returns to step 304. Otherwise, if a touch signal is received, in step 306, the controller 150 selects one of the LED lighting sequences 156 and, optionally, one of the audio files 158. These selections may depend on the detection of a specific touch gesture in step 304. That is, the detection of different touch gestures may result in the selection of different LED lighting sequences 156 and audio files 158 according to stored rules. Step 308 is performed concurrently with step 302. These selections may be made according to a set of instructions stored in memory 154. In other embodiments, instructions stored in memory 154 may program the controller 150 to use one of the LED lighting sequences 156 and one of the audio files 158 without making its own selection. In step 308, the controller 150 generates an LED control signal to control the lighting of the LED 90 according to the selected LED lighting sequence 156. If the controller 150 selects one of the audio files 158 in step 306, in step 308 the controller 150 further generates an audio control signal to control the audio converter 130 to output sound according to the selected audio file 158.

[0104] Figure 25B shows one typical application of subroutine 300 when the touch sensor 120 on PCB 80 is touched to simulate petting a dog. In response to this touch, controller 150 selects an LED lighting sequence 156 and controls LED 90 to display an animation of a dog expressing an affectionate response, such as symbolized by a heart image.

[0105] Figure 25C shows another typical application example of subroutine 300 when a touch sensor 122 mounted on platform 36 is touched with a swipe gesture. Depending on whether the user swipes the touch sensor 122 to the left or to the right, the controller 150 selects different LED lighting sequences 156 to display different pet toys or rewards. For example, LED 90 is controlled to initially display an image of a tennis ball. If the user swipes to the right, LED 90 displays a hamburger. If the user swipes to the left, LED 90 displays an apple.

[0106] Figure 25D shows yet another typical application example of subroutine 300 when the touch sensor 122 on platform 36 is touched with a swipe gesture. In response to the user swiping alternately left and right on the touch sensor, controller 150 controls LED 90 to select LED lighting sequence 156 to display an animation of a dog playing with a hula hoop, and controls voice converter 130 to select audio file 158 to output the spoken phrase "Let's Hula!".

[0107] Example 3: Control of a toy in response to movement of the toy

[0108] Figure 23 shows an example of a subroutine 400 implemented by the controller 150 in response to the toy 10 being moved. In step 402, the controller 150 analyzes the motion signal received from the motion sensor 132 and / or in response to it, determines whether the toy 10 has been moved. This evaluation may determine whether the toy 10 has been moved in a particular way (e.g., rocked or tilted back and forth in a particular direction). If no movement is detected, the method returns to step 402. Otherwise, if movement is detected, in step 404, the controller 150 selects one of the LED lighting sequences 156 and, optionally, one of the sound files 158. These selections may depend on the detection of movement in step 402; that is, the detection of different movements (e.g., rocking as opposed to tilting) may result in the selection of different LED lighting sequences 156 and sound files 158 according to stored rules. In another embodiment, the instruction stored in memory 154 may simply program the controller 150 to use one of the LED lighting sequences 156 and one of the audio files 158, without making its own selection. In step 406, the controller 150 generates an audio control signal to control the audio converter 130 to output a sound according to the selected audio file 158. Step 406 may be performed when the lid 50 is closed or open, or both. The subroutine then performs steps similar to those of subroutine 200, but it is understood that the LED lighting sequence 156 selected in step 404 is used for the selection in step 204.

[0109] Figure 25E shows one typical application example of the subroutine 400 when the toy 10 is shaken. In response to the detected shaking, the controller 150 selects an LED lighting sequence 156 and controls the LED 90 to display an animation of a dog expressing emotion with a sad face after the lid 50 is opened. The controller 150 also selects two different sound files 158 and controls the voice transducer 130 to output different sounds when the lid 50 is closed and when the lid 50 is fully open. When the lid 50 is closed, the voice transducer 130 outputs the spoken word "Whoaa!" according to the first selected sound file 158. When the lid 50 is closed, the voice transducer 130 outputs the spoken word "Grrr..." according to the second selected sound file 158.

[0110] Figure 25F shows another typical application of subroutine 400 when toy 10 tilts back and forth. In response to the detected tilt, controller 150 controls LED 90 to select LED lighting sequence 156 to display an animation of a dog dancing, and controls audio converter 130 to select audio file 158 to output music, after the lid 50 is opened. [Note 1] It is a toy, Magnetically responsive member and The base and, A printed circuit board (PCB) comprising an electromagnetic coil and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed in a first direction, wherein the PCB is mounted on a base such that it can be flapped relative to the base so as to cause the LEDs to vibrate in a second direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction, At least one touch sensor for generating at least one touch signal when touched by a user, A signal generator operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generating a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil, A controller is provided, and the controller is The PCB, the at least one touch sensor, and the processor operably connected to the signal generator, The system comprises a memory having a non-temporary computer-readable medium, and the memory is Multiple different LED lighting sequences for multiple LEDs, each of which stores multiple LED lighting sequences, including a series of lighting states of the LEDs, To carry out the method, a set of instructions executable by the processor is stored, and the method is (i) The steps of controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil and generating a time-varying fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce vibration flapping of the PCB and the plurality of LEDs attached to the base, (ii) A toy comprising the step of generating an LED control signal during step (i) in response to detecting the touch signal, and controlling the illumination of the LEDs according to at least one of the LED lighting sequences. [Note 2] The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the PCB is a flexible printed circuit board, the toy comprises a pivot member attached to the base, the flexible PCB is cantilevered from the pivot member, and the flexible PCB is flappable relative to the base by bending the PCB relative to the pivot member. [Note 3] The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the PCB is either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, the PCB is pivotally attached to the base, the toy further includes a spring for biasing the PCB toward or toward the base, and the PCB is flappable toward the base by pivoting toward the base. [Note 4] The toy described in Appendix 1, wherein the magnetically responsive member is a permanent magnet. [Note 5] The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the at least one touch sensor comprises a plurality of touch sensors, and the method further comprises the step of selecting at least one of the LED lighting sequences used in step (ii) based on which of the touch sensors generated the touch signal. [Note 6] In step (ii), the detected touch signal indicates that the at least one touch sensor was touched with a swipe gesture, as described in Appendix 1. [Note 7] The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the at least one touch sensor comprises at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor, and the at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor is attached to the PCB such that, when in use, the at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor flaps with respect to the base integrally with the PCB. [Note 8] The toy as described in Appendix 7, wherein at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor is attached to the upward-facing surface of the PCB. [Note 9] The toy described in Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are arranged on the downward-facing surface of the PCB. [Note 10] The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the at least one touch sensor comprises at least one fixed touch sensor fixedly attached to the base. [Note 11] The toy further includes a motion sensor for detecting the toy's motion, The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the method includes, in response to detecting a motion signal generated by the motion sensor, generating another LED control signal during step (i) to control the plurality of LEDs to light up according to another sequence in the LED lighting sequence. [Note 12] The method further comprises the step of selecting another sequence from the LED lighting sequence based on the type of motion indicated by the motion signal, wherein the type of motion includes either rocking or tilting, as described in Appendix 11. [Note 13] The toy further includes a voice converter, The memory further stores multiple different audio files, The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the method includes the step of generating an audio control signal in response to detection of the touch signal generated by the at least one touch sensor, and controlling the audio converter to output a sound according to one of the audio files. [Note 14] The toy as described in Appendix 1, further comprising a lid movably attached to the base, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid covers the PCB and prevents the PCB from being seen from the outside of the housing, and a fully open position in which the housing exposes the PCB so that it can be seen from the outside of the housing, the toy further comprising an operating switch that can be operated by the processor from an off state to a fully on state when the lid moves from the closed position to the fully open position, and the processor being programmed to execute a first set of functions when the operating switch is in the fully on state. [Note 15] The toy as described in Appendix 14, wherein the lid is pivotally attached to the base, and the actuation switch is activated from the off state to the partially on state by the lid moving at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees from the closed position toward the fully open position, and when the actuation switch is in the partially on state, the processor is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions. [Note 16] The aforementioned operating switch can be activated from the off state to the partially on state by the lid moving from the closed position to the half-open position. When the operating switch is in the partially-on state, the processor is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions. The aforementioned operating switch can be activated to the fully ON state by moving the lid from the half-open position to the fully open position. The toy according to Appendix 14, further comprising the step of generating another LED control signal in response to detection that the operating switch is in the fully on state, and controlling the illumination of the LEDs according to another sequence in the LED lighting sequence. [Note 17] The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the base defines a substantially horizontal platform, the PCB extends upward from the platform, and the platform defines a platform recess that receives the LED when the PCB is at the lower limit of its vibration relative to the base, thereby preventing contact between the LED and the platform. [Note 18] The toy as described in Appendix 17, wherein the platform is in contact with the PCB during use to limit the lower limit of its vibration relative to the base. [Note 19] The toy according to Appendix 2, wherein the base defines a substantially horizontal platform, the pivot member extends upward from the platform, and the toy further comprises a clamp member that is horizontally spaced away from the pivot member and presses the PCB downward against the upper surface of the platform and the pivot member. [Note 20] The toy according to Appendix 19, wherein the clamping member defines a channel extending from above the platform to below the platform, and the PCB extends through the channel and is attached to the processor below the platform. [Note 21] The toy as described in Appendix 1, wherein in step (i), the vibration flapping of the PCB comprises the PCB repeatedly moving in a first stroke direction followed by a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction, and in step (ii), the LED control signal is configured to illuminate the LED when the LED moves in either the first stroke direction or the second stroke direction, but not in both the first and second stroke directions. [Note 22] The toy as described in Appendix 1, wherein the PCB overlaps with the electromagnetic coil, extends beyond the periphery of the electromagnetic coil, and includes an internal metal foil layer that dissipates heat from the electromagnetic coil to the portion of the PCB beyond the periphery of the electromagnetic coil. [Note 23] The toy further includes a temperature sensor attached to the PCB for measuring the temperature of the PCB, and a circuit breaker switch for interrupting the coil control signal to the coil. The processor is operably connected to the temperature sensor and the circuit cutoff switch. The toy according to Appendix 1, wherein the method further includes the step of controlling the circuit cutoff switch so that the processor cuts off the coil control signal to the coil in response to the temperature of the PCB or the rate of temperature rise of the PCB exceeding a predetermined threshold. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 10 toys 20 Magnetically Responsive Member 30 base 32 Base unit, battery compartment 34 Base, battery compartment cover 35 Screws for the base and battery compartment cover 36 Base, platform 38 Base, platform recess 39 Base, platform, limiting protrusion 40 Base, Controller Section 42 Base, boss 50 lids 52 Lid, outer shell 53 Lid, outer shell, finger recess 54 Lid, insert 56 Lid, inner layer 57 Lid, inner layer protrusion 58 Lid, audio converter compartment 59 Lid, inner recess for flexible PCB 60 Lid, hole for audio converter 62 Shaft for attaching the lid to the base 64 Lid, Boss 68 Lid, lid spring 70 Lid, spring-loaded latch pin 72 Lid, first hole for spring-loaded latch pin 74 Lid, second hole for spring-loaded latch pin 76. Cam for operating the lid and the operating switch. 80 Flexible PCBs 82 Flexible PCB, fixed terminal 84 Flexible PCB, free end 86 Flexible PCB, middle section 88 Flexible PCBs, electromagnetic coils 90 Flexible PCBs, LEDs 92 Flexible PCB, metal foil layer 94 Flexible PCBs, Temperature Sensors 96 Flexible PCBs, Circuit Break Switches 100 Support Member 110 Clamp member 112 Clamp members, channels 114 Clamp member, foot 120 Touch Sensors, PCB Mounted Type 122 Touch sensor, fixed to the pivot member on the base. 122 Touch sensors and sub-sensors on the circuit board 130 Voice Converter 132 Motion Sensors 140 Actuator switch operated by the lid 150 controllers 152 controllers, processors 154 controllers, memory 156 memory slots, stored LED lighting sequences 158 memory, stored audio files 160 memory, coil control module 162 memory modules, LED control module 164 memory, voice control module 166 memory, touch detection module 168 memory, motion detection module 170 memory, switch detection module 172 memory, play response module 180 Power supply 182 Signal Generator 190 PCB, flexible or rigid 192 PCB holding member 194 connection pins 196 PCB springs (PCB springs) 200-208 Subroutine and steps in response to the opening of a toy lid 300-308 Subroutines and steps in response to a toy being touched 400-406 Subroutines and steps in response to a toy being moved

Claims

1. It is a toy, Magnetically responsive member and The base and, A printed circuit board (PCB) comprising an electromagnetic coil and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed in a first direction, wherein the PCB is mounted on a base such that it can be flapped relative to the base so as to cause the LEDs to vibrate through vibration in a second direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction, At least one touch sensor for generating at least one touch signal when touched by a user, A signal generator operably connected to the electromagnetic coil and generating a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil, Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller The PCB, the at least one touch sensor, and the processor operably connected to the signal generator, It comprises memory with a non-temporary computer-readable medium, The aforementioned memory, A plurality of different LED lighting sequences for the plurality of LEDs, each of which stores a plurality of LED lighting sequences including a series of lighting states of the LEDs, To implement the method, the set of instructions that can be executed by the processor is stored, The aforementioned method, (i) The steps of controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil and generating a time-varying fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce vibration flapping of the PCB and the mounted plurality of LEDs through the vibration relative to the base, (ii) In response to detecting the touch signal, the step of generating an LED control signal during step (i) to control the illumination of the LED according to at least one of the LED illumination sequences, toy.

2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the PCB is a flexible PCB, the toy comprises a pivot member attached to the base, the flexible PCB is cantilevered from the pivot member, and the flexible PCB is flappable relative to the base by bending the PCB relative to the pivot member.

3. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the PCB is either a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB, the PCB is pivotally attached to the base, the toy further includes a spring for biasing the PCB toward or toward the base, and the PCB is flappable toward the base by pivoting toward the base.

4. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the magnetically responsive member is a permanent magnet.

5. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the at least one touch sensor comprises a plurality of touch sensors, and the method further comprises the step of selecting at least one of the LED lighting sequences used in step (ii) based on which of the touch sensors generated the touch signal.

6. The toy according to claim 1, wherein in step (ii), the detected touch signal indicates that the at least one touch sensor has been touched with a swipe gesture.

7. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the at least one touch sensor comprises at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor, and the at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor is attached to the PCB such that, when in use, the at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor flaps integrally with the PCB relative to the base.

8. The toy according to claim 7, wherein the at least one PCB-mounted touch sensor is attached to the upward-facing surface of the PCB.

9. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are arranged on the downward-facing surface of the PCB.

10. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the at least one touch sensor comprises at least one fixed touch sensor fixedly attached to the base.

11. The toy further includes a motion sensor for detecting the toy's motion, The toy according to claim 1, wherein the method includes, in response to detecting a motion signal generated by the motion sensor, generating another LED control signal during step (i) to control the plurality of LEDs to light up according to another sequence in the LED lighting sequence.

12. The toy according to claim 11, further comprising the step of selecting another sequence from the LED lighting sequence based on the type of motion indicated by the motion signal, wherein the type of motion includes either rocking or tilting.

13. The toy further includes a voice converter, The memory further stores multiple different audio files, The toy according to claim 1, wherein the method includes the step of generating an audio control signal in response to detecting the touch signal generated by the at least one touch sensor, and controlling the audio converter to output a sound according to one of the audio files.

14. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising a lid movably attached to the base, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid covers the PCB and prevents the PCB from being seen, and a fully open position in which the lid exposes the PCB so that it can be seen, and further comprising an operating switch that can be operated from an off state to a fully on state by the lid moving from the closed position to the fully open position, and the processor being programmed to execute a first set of functions when the operating switch is in the fully on state.

15. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the lid is pivotally attached to the base, and the actuation switch is activated from the off state to the partially on state by the lid moving at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees from the closed position toward the fully open position, and when the actuation switch is in the partially on state, the processor is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions.

16. The aforementioned operating switch can be activated from the off state to the partially on state by the lid moving from the closed position to the half-open position. When the operating switch is in the partially-on state, the processor is programmed to execute a second set of functions different from the first set of functions. The aforementioned operating switch can be activated to the fully ON state by moving the lid from the half-open position to the fully open position. The toy according to claim 14, further comprising the step of generating another LED control signal in response to detection that the operating switch is in the fully on state, and controlling the illumination of the LEDs according to another sequence in the LED lighting sequence.

17. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the base defines a substantially horizontal platform, the PCB extends upward from the platform, and the platform defines a platform recess that receives the LED when the PCB is at the lower limit of the vibration relative to the base, thereby preventing contact between the LED and the platform.

18. The toy according to claim 17, wherein the platform is in contact with the PCB during use to limit the lower limit of the vibration relative to the base.

19. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the base defines a substantially horizontal platform, the pivot member extends upward from the platform, and the toy further comprises a clamp member that is horizontally spaced away from the pivot member and presses the PCB downward against the upper surface of the platform and the pivot member.

20. The toy according to claim 19, wherein the clamping member defines a channel extending from above the platform to below the platform, and the PCB extends through the channel and is attached to the processor below the platform.

21. The toy according to claim 1, wherein in step (i), the vibration flapping of the PCB includes the PCB repeatedly moving in a first stroke direction followed by a second stroke direction opposite to the first stroke direction, and in step (ii), the LED control signal is configured to illuminate the LED when the LED moves in either the first stroke direction or the second stroke direction, but not in both the first stroke direction and the second stroke direction.

22. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the PCB overlaps with the electromagnetic coil, extends beyond the periphery of the electromagnetic coil, and includes an internal metal foil layer that dissipates heat from the electromagnetic coil to the portion of the PCB beyond the periphery of the electromagnetic coil.

23. The toy further includes a temperature sensor attached to the PCB for measuring the temperature of the PCB, and a circuit breaker switch for interrupting the coil control signal to the electromagnetic coil. The processor is operably connected to the temperature sensor and the circuit cutoff switch. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising the step of controlling the circuit breaker switch so that the processor cuts off the coil control signal to the electromagnetic coil in response to the temperature of the PCB or the rate of temperature rise of the PCB exceeding a predetermined threshold.

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