Sequentially operated modules

• US 10,164,427 B2
• Filed: 01/22/2016
• Issued: 12/25/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Original Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Primary Examiner(s): Poos, John W
• Application Number:
  US15/003,823
• Publication Number:
  US 20160136520A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,068 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/35 Details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/54 involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/247 audible, e.g. using a loudspeaker
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/50 Construction set or kit
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/28 Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/042 Mechanical, electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic arrangements; Motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/08 provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/26 Magnetic or electric toys electric drives A63H29/22 ; indoor games played with small balls using magnetic power A63F7/0088, A63F7/068
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 5/00 Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical musical tops A63H1/28; sound-producing dolls A63H3/28; musical toy vehicles A63H17/268; acoustical vehicle-signalling devices A63H17/32; whistling toy locomotive arrangements A63H19/14; music, sound or noise production in general G10
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1656 characterised by programming, planning systems for manipulators
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1694 characterised by use of sensors other than normal servo-feedback from position, speed or acceleration sensors, perception control, multi-sensor controlled systems, sensor fusion
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 17/003 electrically operated apparatus or devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/00 Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0023 Colour matching, recognition, analysis, mixture or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/025 : with electrically operated apparatus or devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 : with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6691 : with built-in signalling means H01R13/717 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 : Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7177 : filament or neon bulb
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 : Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/64 : for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/16 : Fastening of connecting parts to base or case; Insulating connecting parts from base or case
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/00 : Circuit arrangements for dc mains or dc distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/001 : Hot plugging or unplugging of load or power modules to or from power distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00 : Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/00 : Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 : Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/028 : associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 17/00 : Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers piezoelectric or electrostrictive elements in general H10N30/00; details of piezoelectric or electrostrictive motors, generators or positioners H10N30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/00 : Circuits for transducers , loudspeakers or microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/042 : Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/09 : Closed loop, sensor feedback controls arm movement

Abstract

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

Claims

1. A game set for activating a payload in response to sensing a first physical phenomenon, the game set comprising:

a first module comprising;

a sensor for producing an output signal responsive to the first physical phenomenon;

a first connector coupled for transmitting the output signal; and

a first enclosure housing the sensor and the first connector,

a second module comprising;

a first payload for affecting a second physical phenomenon responsive to a first payload activation signal;

a second connector coupled for receiving the first payload activation signal; and

a second enclosure housing the first payload and the second connector,

and a third module comprising;

a third connector for connecting to the first module;

a fourth connector for connecting to the second module;

a firmware and a processor for executing the firmware, the processor is coupled to the third connector for receiving the sensor output signal from the first module and to the fourth connector for transmitting the first payload activation signal to the second module;

a third enclosure housing the firmware, the processor, and the third and fourth connectors; and

a primary or a rechargeable battery and a battery compartment for housing the battery,

wherein upon connecting the first and third modules and connecting the second and third modules, the first payload is activated by the processor in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon,

wherein the third module is mechanically attachable to the first module and to the second module, and

wherein the sensor or the first payload is connectable to be powered by the battery.

2. The game set according to claim 1, for use with a first cable and a second cable, wherein the first and third connectors are connectable to the first cable for electrically connecting the first and third modules, and wherein the second and fourth connectors are connectable to the second cable for electrically connecting the second and third modules.

3. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the third module and the first module are mechanically attachable and electrically connectable using the first and third connectors, and wherein the third module and the second module are mechanically attachable and electrically connectable using the second and fourth connectors.

4. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first payload is an annunciator using visual or audible signaling.

5. The game set according to claim 4, wherein the annunciator comprises a smoke generator.

6. The game set according to claim 4, wherein the annunciator comprises a visual signaling device.

7. The game set according to claim 6, wherein the visual signaling device is a visible light emitter, and wherein two or more of the connectors are standard data connectors or standard power connectors.

8. The game set according to claim 7, wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor component, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp, and wherein part or all of the connectors are standard data connectors or standard power connectors.

9. The game set according to claim 7, wherein the visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination and for blinking, and wherein two or more of the connectors are USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1394, or edge card connectors.

10. The game set according to claim 7, wherein the visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part of or all of an image, and wherein two or more of the connectors are operative to connect power and digital data signals.

11. The game set according to claim 7, wherein illumination by the visible light emitter is associated with a theme or shape of the game set.

12. The game set according to claim 4, wherein the annunciator is operative for emitting a sound.

13. The game set according to claim 12, wherein the annunciator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator, which is a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

14. The game set according to claim 12, wherein the annunciator comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

15. The game set according to claim 12, wherein the annunciator is operative to generate a single tone, multiple tones, a song, or a melody.

16. The game set according to claim 12, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator is a human talking voice that comprises a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

17. The game set according to claim 16, wherein the emitted sound is based on speech synthesis, or is pre-recorded.

18. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the third module further comprising in the third enclosure a line driver coupled between the processor and the fourth connector for transmitting the first payload activation signal to the second module, and wherein the second module further comprising in the second enclosure a line receiver coupled between the second connector and the first payload for receiving the first payload activation signal from the third module.

19. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the first payload activation signal is an unbalanced signal, the line receiver is an unbalanced line receiver and the line driver is an unbalanced line driver.

20. The game set according to claim 19, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards, and wherein the first payload is a motor.

21. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the first payload activation signal is a balanced signal, the line receiver is a balanced line receiver and the line driver is a balanced line driver, and wherein the first payload is a heater or a cooler.

22. The game set according to claim 21, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

23. The game set according to claim 1, further associated with a theme or shape, wherein the first payload is associated with the theme or shape, and wherein the game set is further operative to transmit an invisible light or an inaudible sound.

24. The game set according to claim 23, wherein the invisible light is an infrared light and the inaudible sound is an ultrasonic sound.

25. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a switch connected between the battery and the first payload, wherein the first payload is activated by switching a battery power to the first payload, and wherein the sensor is a temperature, humidity, or pressure sensor.

26. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the second module further comprising in the second enclosure a second payload that is activated in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon and powered from the battery, and wherein the sensor is an audio, vibration, flow-rate, or motion sensor.

27. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the third module further comprising in the third enclosure a second payload that is activated in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon and powered from the battery, and wherein the sensor is a light sensor or a photocell.

28. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the third module further comprising in the third enclosure a third connector for connecting to a second payload external to the third enclosure, and wherein the second payload is activated in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon and powered from the battery, and wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

29. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first module further comprising in the first enclosure a second payload that is activated in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon and powered from the battery, and wherein the sensor is an electrical voltage or electrical current sensor.

30. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the third module further comprising in the third enclosure a second payload that is activated in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon and powered from the battery, and wherein the sensor comprises a manually or an automatically operated switches.

31. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first payload is activated in response to the sensor output signal compared to a set value, and wherein two or more of the connectors are rectangular, square, or circular shaped.

32. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a display for visually displaying information, image or video, coupled to the processor and powered from the battery.

33. The game set according to claim 32, wherein the display is LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), FED (Field Emission Display, or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, and wherein the display is operative to display one or more numbers, letters, or words as a scrolling, static, bold, or flashing display.

34. The game set according to claim 32, wherein the information is displayed in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon.

35. The game set according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the connectors are identical or of the same type, and wherein the first payload is activated in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon according to a programmable logic in the firmware.

36. The game set according to claim 35, wherein all of the connectors are identical or of the same type, and wherein the programmable logic is stored or programmed using a standard programming language.

37. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a random signal generator coupled to the processor and operative to output a random signal or number, and wherein the first payload is activated in response to the random signal or number.

38. The game set according to claim 37, wherein the random signal generator is hardware based, and wherein the modules are mechanically attachable using interlocking, friction fit, or shaped lugs and mating cut-outs.

39. The game set according to claim 38, wherein the random signal generator is based on a physical process, and wherein the modules are mechanically attachable using LEGO®

type attachment whereby the modules are having protrusions and cavities adapted to receive protrusions in a frictional engagement.

40. The game set according to claim 39, wherein the physical process is one of a thermal noise, a shot noise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect, and a quantum phenomenon.

41. The game set according to claim 37, wherein the random signal generator includes software executing an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers executed by the processor.

42. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a DC/DC converter coupled to the battery for converting the battery output voltage.

43. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first module is partly or entirely powered by a DC power signal from the first connector.

44. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the second module is partly or entirely powered by a DC power signal from the second connector.

45. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the third module is partly or entirely powered by a DC power signal from the third or fourth connector.

46. The game set according to claim 1, for use with a first cable and a second cable, wherein the first and third connectors are connectable to the first cable for electrically connecting the first and third modules, and wherein the second and fourth connectors are connectable to the second cable for electrically connecting the second and third modules wherein the first cable or the second cable is connected to concurrently carry a power signal and an information signal.

47. The game set according to claim 46, wherein the information signal is carried over a first wire pair and the power signal is carried over a second wire pair distinct from the first wire pair, and wherein the information signal is a digital data signal.

48. The game set according to claim 46, wherein the information signal and the power signal are carried concurrently over the same wires.

49. The game set according to claim 48, wherein the third module further comprising in the third enclosure a power/data splitter/combiner coupled to the third or fourth connector, the power/data splitter/combiner being operative to substantially pass only the power signal to or from the respective third or the fourth connector, and to substantially pass only the information signal between the processor and the respective third or fourth connector.

50. The game set according to claim 49, wherein the power signal and the information signal are carried together using Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), the power signal is carried at a single frequency and the information signal is carried in a frequency band distinct from the single frequency.

51. The game set according to claim 50, wherein the power/data splitter/combiner comprises a first filter operative to substantially pass only the single frequency and a second filter operative to substantially pass only the frequency band.

52. The game set according to claim 49, wherein the power/data splitter/combiner comprises a center tap transformer having a transformer windings, and a capacitor connected between the transformer windings.

53. The game set according to claim 52 wherein the power signal and the information signal are carried using a phantom channel and the power signal is carried over the phantom channel.

54. The game set according to claim 1 further operative for over-the-air wireless communication with a device, the game set further comprising an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal, and a wireless transmitter coupled to the antenna for producing the wireless signal.

55. The game set according to claim 54 further comprising the device, wherein the device comprises a second payload operative for receiving and responding to a second payload activation signal, the wireless signal including the second payload activation signal, and the game set is operative to transmit the second payload activation signal in response to the sensing of the first physical phenomenon.

56. The game set according to claim 54, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, or based on, standard WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), the antenna is a WPAN antenna and the wireless transmitter is a WPAN transmitter.

57. The game set according to claim 56, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, or based on, ZigBee according to IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard, Bluetooth according to IEEE 802.15.1 standard, or UWB (Ultra-WideBand) according to IEEE 802.15.3 standard.

58. The game set according to claim 54, wherein the wireless communication is using an unlicensed frequency band.

59. The game set according to claim 58, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, or based on, standard WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), the antenna is a WLAN antenna and the wireless transmitter is a WLAN transmitter.

60. The game set according to claim 59, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conforms to, or based on, IEEE 802.11 standard, and are using an Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum band.

61. The game set according to claim 54, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, or based on, cellular communication, the antenna is a cellular antenna and the wireless transmitter is a cellular transmitter, and the wireless communication is using a licensed frequency band.

62. The game set according to claim 61, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, or based on, 2.5G or 3G.

63. The game set according to claim 62, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, or based on, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS, DCS, or PCS.

64. The game set according to claim 1 wherein the modules are releasably mechanically attachable with each other using protrusions and cavities adapted to receive the protrusions in a frictional engagement.

65. The game set according to claim 1 further being a part of an educational robotics toy construction set.