Level/position sensor and related electronic circuitry for interactive toy

• US 20020196156A1
• Filed: 06/25/2002
• Published: 12/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Peter Sui Lun Fong
• Original Assignee: Peter Sui Lun Fong
• Inventors: Fong, Peter Sui Lun
• Granted Patent: US 6,909,374 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/689
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2489 by radio transmitters, e.g. using RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/49 with provisions for connecting to a part of the body
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 35/025 the switch being discriminative in different directions

Abstract

A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device. The sensor comprises a base member having at least one recess formed therein which is partially defined by a peripheral wall thereof. Disposed within the peripheral wall of the base member is at least one switch. Also disposed within the recess is a trigger ball which is freely movable about the peripheral wall of the base member. The sensor is operative to generate at least two different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane. The movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitates the movement of the trigger ball within the recess, with one state being generated when the trigger ball is in contact with the switch and another state being generated when the trigger ball is not in contact with the switch.

Claims

1. A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device, the sensor comprising:

a base member having at least one recess formed therein which is partially defined by a peripheral wall thereof;

at least one switch disposed within the peripheral wall of the base member; and

at least one trigger ball disposed within the recess and freely movable about the peripheral wall of the base member;

the sensor being operative to generate at least two different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane, the movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitating the movement of the trigger ball within the recess, with one state being generated when the trigger ball is in contact with the switch and another state being generated when the trigger ball is not in contact with the switch.

2. The sensor of claim 1 wherein:

at least two switches are disposed within the peripheral wall in spaced relation to each other; and

the sensor is operative to generate a low state when the trigger ball is not in contact with any of the switches and at least two different high states corresponding to the contact between the trigger ball and respective ones of the switches.

3. The sensor of claim 2 further in combination with programmable electronic circuitry which is in electrical communication with the sensor and is operative to translate at least some of the states generated by the sensor into respective effects.

4. The sensor of claim 3 wherein the electronic circuitry is programmed to compare at least two successive states generated by the sensor to each other.

5. The sensor of claim 4 wherein the electronic circuitry is further programmed to produce a selected effect upon successive states of a prescribed sequence being transmitted thereto from the sensor.

6. The sensor of claim 3 wherein the effects comprise:

visual outputs;

audible outputs; and

combinations thereof.

7. The sensor of claim 3 wherein the effects comprise:

electrical signals of differing frequencies;

electrical signals of differing codings;

infrared signals of differing codings;

radio signals of differing frequencies;

radio signals of differing codings;

microwave signals of differing frequencies;

microwave signals of differing codings; and

combinations thereof.

8. The sensor of claim 3 wherein the peripheral wall of the base member is circularly configured.

9. The sensor of claim 8 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed within the peripheral wall at intervals of approximately 90 degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when the trigger ball is not in contact with any of the switches and at least four different high states corresponding to the contact between the trigger ball and respective ones of the switches.

10. The sensor of claim 3 wherein:

the base member defines first and second axes which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

at least two circularly configured recesses are formed within the base member, with each of the first and second axes extending axially through a respective one of the recesses;

the peripheral wall of each of the recesses includes at least two switches disposed therein in spaced relation to each other; and

at least one trigger ball is disposed within each of the recesses;

the sensor being operative to generate the low state when the trigger balls are not in contact with any of the switches and at least four different high states corresponding to the contact between the trigger balls and respective ones of the switches.

11. The sensor of claim 10 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed within the peripheral wall of each of the recesses at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when the trigger balls are not in contact with any of the switches and at least sixteen different high states corresponding to the contact between the trigger balls and respective ones of the switches.

12. The sensor of claim 3 wherein:

the base member defines first, second and third axes which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

three circularly configured recesses are formed within the base member, with each of the first, second and third axes extending axially through a respective one of the recesses;

the peripheral wall of each of the recesses includes at least two switches disposed therein in spaced relation to each other; and

at least one trigger ball is disposed with each of the recesses;

the sensor being operative to generate the low state when the trigger balls are not in contact with any of the switches and at least eight different high states corresponding to the contact between the trigger balls and respective ones of the switches.

13. The sensor of claim 12 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed within the peripheral wall of each of the recesses at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when the trigger balls are not in contact with any of the switches and at least sixty-four different high states corresponding to the contact between the trigger balls and respective ones of the switches.

14. The sensor of claim 1 wherein the switch comprises:

a resilient primary lead disposed within the peripheral wall and movable between flexed and unflexed positions; and

a secondary lead disposed within the base member;

the primary lead normally residing in the unflexed position, with the movement of the trigger ball into contact with the primary lead facilitating the deflection thereof to the flexed position and resultant electrical contact with the secondary lead.

15. The sensor of claim 1 further comprising a cover plate attached to the base member and enclosing the recess when attached to the base member.

17. The sensor of claim 16 further in combination with programmable electronic circuitry which is in electrical communication with the sensor and operative to translate at least some of the states generated by the sensor into respective effects.

18. The sensor of claim 17 wherein the electronic circuitry is programmed to compare at least two successive states generated by the sensor to each other.

19. The sensor of claim 18 wherein the electronic circuitry is further programmed to produce a selected effect upon successive states of a prescribed sequence being transmitted thereto from the sensor.

20. The sensor of claim 17 wherein the effects comprise:

visual outputs;

audible outputs; and

combinations thereof.

21. The sensor of claim 17 wherein the effects comprise:

electrical signals of differing frequencies;

electrical signals of differing codings;

infrared signals of differing codings;

radio signals of differing frequencies;

radio signals of differing codings;

microwave signals of differing frequencies;

microwave signals of differing codings; and

combinations thereof.

22. The sensor of claim 17 wherein the peripheral wall of the base member is circularly configured.

23. The sensor of claim 22 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed within the peripheral wall at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when the trigger mechanism is not in contact with any of the switches, four different high states corresponding to contact between the trigger mechanism and respective ones of the switches, and four additional different high states corresponding to the trigger mechanism being in simultaneous contact with any pair of the switches separated by a ninety degree interval.

24. The sensor of claim 23 wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a plurality of spherically shaped trigger balls.

25. The sensor of claim 24 wherein the trigger mechanism comprises:

three trigger balls; and

a retainer member rotatably connected to the base member and operative to maintain the trigger balls in side by side relation to each other.

26. The sensor of claim 23 wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a trigger plate rotatably connected to the base member and defining an arcuate outer surface having three protuberances extending radially therefrom at intervals of approximately forty-five degrees.

27. The sensor of claim 17 wherein:

the base member defines first and second axes which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

at least two circularly configured recesses are formed within the base member, with each of the first and second axes extending axially through a respective one of the recesses;

the peripheral wall of each of the recesses includes at least two switches disposed therein in spaced relation to each other; and

a trigger mechanism is disposed within each of the recesses;

the sensor being operative to generate the low state when the trigger mechanisms are not in contact with any of the switches and at least nine different high states corresponding to contact between the trigger mechanisms and at least one of the switches.

28. The sensor of claim 27 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed within the peripheral wall of each of the recesses at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when the trigger mechanisms are not in contact with any of the switches and at least sixty-four different high states corresponding to contact between the trigger mechanisms and at,least one of the switches.

29. The sensor of claim 17 wherein:

the base member defines first, second and third axes which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

three circularly configured recesses are formed within the base member, with each of the first, second and third axes extending axially through a respective one of the recesses;

the peripheral wall of each of the recesses includes at least two switches disposed therein in spaced relation to each other; and

a trigger mechanism is disposed within each of the recesses;

the sensor being operative to generate the low state when the trigger mechanisms are not in contact with any of the switches and at least twenty-seven different high states corresponding to contact between the trigger mechanisms and at least one of the switches.

30. The sensor of claim 29 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed within the peripheral wall of each of the recesses at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when the trigger mechanisms are not in contact with any of the switches and at least five hundred twelve different high states corresponding to the contact between the trigger mechanisms and at least one of the switches.

31. The sensor of claim 30 further in combination with a vehicle, the sensor being mounted to the vehicle and operative to generate the low and high states in response to the movement of the vehicle relative to the reference plane.

32. The sensor of claim 30 further in combination with a device wearable on the body of a user, the sensor being mounted to the device and operative to generate the low and high states in response to the movement of the user wearing the device relative to the reference plane.

33. The sensor of claim 30 further in combination with a pair of gloves wearable by a user, each of the gloves including a sensor mounted thereto, with each of the sensors being operative to generate the low and high states in response to the movement of a respective glove relative to the reference plane by the user.

34. The sensor of claim 30 further in combination with a pair of footwear items wearable on the feet of a user, at least one of the footwear items including a sensor mounted thereto which is operative to generate the low and high states in response to the movement of the corresponding footwear item relative to the reference plane by the user.

35. The sensor of claim 28 wherein:

the base member comprises two separate base member sections which define respective ones of the first and second axes; and

the recesses are formed within respective ones of the base member sections, with the first and second axes extending axially through respective ones of the recesses;

the base member sections being attachable to a device such that the first and second axes extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other.

36. The sensor of claim 30 wherein:

the base member comprises three separate base member sections which define respective ones of the first, second and third axes; and

the recesses are formed within respective ones of the base member sections, with the first, second and third axes extending axially through respective ones of the recesses;

the base member sections being attachable to a device such that the first, second and third axes extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other.

38. The sensor of claim 37 wherein:

at least two switches are attached to the face of the base mount in spaced relation to each other; and

the sensor is operative to generate a low state when neither one of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet and at least two different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet.

39. The sensor of claim 38 further in combination with programmable electronic circuitry which is electrical communication with the sensor and is operative to translate at least some of the states generated by the sensor into respective effects.

40. The sensor of claim 39 wherein the electronic circuitry is programmed to compare at least two successive states generated by the sensor to each other.

41. The sensor of claim 40 wherein the electronic circuitry is further programmed to produce a selected effect upon successive states of a prescribed sequence being transmitted thereto from the sensor.

42. The sensor of claim 39 wherein the effects comprise:

visual outputs;

audible outputs; and

combinations thereof.

43. The sensor of claim 39 wherein the effects comprise:

electrical signals of differing frequencies;

electrical signals of differing codings;

infrared signals of differing codings;

radio signals of differing frequencies;

radio signals of differing codings;

microwave signals of differing frequencies;

microwave signals of differing codings; and

combinations thereof.

44. The sensor of claim 39 wherein:

at least four switches are attached to the face of the base mount in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate a low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet and at least four different high, states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet.

45. The sensor of claim 44 wherein:

at least eight switches are attached to the face of the base mount in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately forty-five degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate a low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet and at least eight different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet.

46. The sensor of claim 39 wherein:

the base mount defines at least first and second faces which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

at least two switches are attached to each of the first and second faces in spaced relation to each other; and

a sensor arm is rotatably connected to each of the first and second faces;

the sensor being operative to generate the low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet of any one of the sensor arms and at least four different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet of respective ones of the sensor arms.

47. The sensor of claim 46 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed on each of the first and second faces in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet of any one of the sensor arms, and at least sixteen different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet of respective ones of the sensor arms.

48. The sensor of claim 47 wherein:

at least eight switches are disposed on each of the first and second faces in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately forty-five degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet of any one of the sensor arms, and at least sixty-four different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet of respective ones of the sensor arms.

49. The sensor of claim 39 wherein:

the base mount defines first, second and third faces which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

at least two switches are attached to each of the first, second and third faces in spaced relation to each other; and

a sensor arm is rotatably connected to each of the first, second and third faces;

the sensor being operative to generate the low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet of any one of the sensor arms and at least eight different high stated corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet of respective ones of the sensor arms.

50. The sensor of claim 49 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed on each of the first, second and third faces in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnetic field of the magnet of any one of the sensor arms, and at least sixty-four different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet of respective ones of the sensor arms.

51. The sensor of claim 50 wherein:

at least eight switches are disposed on each of the first, second and third faces in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately forty-five degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate the low state when none of the switches are exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet of any one of the sensor arms, and at least five hundred twelve different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the magnet of respective ones of the sensor arms.

52. The sensor of claim 37 wherein the switch is selected from the group consisting of:

a Hall effect switch; and

a Reed switch.

16. A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device, the sensor comprising:

a base member having at least one recess formed therein which is partially defined by a peripheral wall thereof;

at least two switches disposed within the peripheral wall of the base member; and

a trigger mechanism disposed within the recess and freely movable about the peripheral wall of the base member;

the sensor being operative to generate at least four different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane, the movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitating the movement of the trigger mechanism within the recess, with a low state being generated when the trigger mechanism is not in contact with either of the switches, two different high states being generated corresponding to contact between the trigger mechanism and respective ones of the switches, and another high state being generated when the trigger mechanism is simultaneously in contact with both of the switches.

37. A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device, the sensor comprising:

a base mount defining at least one face;

at least one switch attached to the face of the base mount;

at least one sensor arm rotatably connected to the face of the base mount; and

at least one magnet which is attached to the sensor arm and produces a magnetic field, the switch being oriented relative to the sensor arm such that the switch may be exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet upon the rotation of the sensor arm;

the sensor being operative to generate at least two different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane, the movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitating the rotation of the sensor arm, with one state being generated when the switch is exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet and another state being generated when the switch is not exposed to the magnetic field of the magnet.

53. A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device, the sensor comprising:

a base mount defining at least one face;

at least two switches attached to the face of the base mount; and

at least one trigger magnet which is rotatably connected to the face of the base mount and produces a magnetic field, the switches being oriented relative to the trigger magnet such that the trigger magnet is passable over the switches upon the rotation of the trigger magnet;

the sensor being operative to generate at least three different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane, the movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitating the rotation of the trigger magnet, with two different high states being generated corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the trigger magnet, and another high state being generated when both of the switches are simultaneously exposed to the magnetic field of the trigger magnet.

54. The sensor of claim 53 further in combination with programmable electronic circuitry which is in electrical communication with the sensor and operative to translate at least some of the states generated by the sensor into respective effects.

55. The sensor of claim 54 wherein the electronic circuitry is programmed to compare at least two successive states generated by the sensor to each other.

56. The sensor of claim 55 wherein the electronic circuitry is further programmed to produce a selected effect upon successive states of a prescribed sequence being transmitted thereto from the sensor.

57. The sensor of claim 54 wherein the effects comprise:

visual outputs;

audible outputs; and

combinations thereof.

58. The sensor of claim 54 wherein the effects comprise:

electrical signals of differing frequencies;

electrical signals of differing codings;

infrared signals of differing codings;

radio signals of differing frequencies;

radio signals of differing codings;

microwave signals of differing frequencies;

microwave signals of differing codings; and

combinations thereof.

59. The sensor of claim 54 wherein:

at least four switches are attached to the face of the base mount in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate four different high states corresponding to the exposure of respective ones of the switches to the magnetic field of the trigger magnet, and four additional different high states corresponding to the simultaneous exposure of any pair of the switches separated by a ninety degree interval to the magnetic field of the trigger magnet.

60. The sensor of claim 59 wherein the trigger magnet defines an arcuate outer surface having three protuberances extending radially therefrom at intervals of approximately forty-five degrees.

61. The sensor of claim 54 wherein:

the base mount defines at least first and second faces which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

at least two switches are attached to each of the first and second faces in spaced relation to each other; and

a trigger magnet is rotatably connected to each of the first and second faces;

the sensor being operative to generate at least nine different high states corresponding to the exposure of at least one of the switches to the magnetic field of at least one of the trigger magnets.

62. The sensor of claim 61 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed on each of the first and second faces in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate at least sixty-four different high states corresponding to the exposure of at least one of the switches to the magnet field of at least one of the trigger magnets.

63. The sensor of claim 54 wherein:

the base mount defines first, second and third faces which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other;

at least two switches are attached to each of the first, second and third faces in spaced relation to each other; and

a trigger magnet is rotatably connected to each of the first, second and third faces;

the sensor being operative to generate at least twenty-seven different high states corresponding to the exposure of at least one of the switches to the magnetic field of at least one of the trigger magnets.

64. The sensor of claim 63 wherein:

at least four switches are disposed on each of the first, second and third faces in a generally circular pattern at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and

the sensor is operative to generate at least five hundred twelve different high states corresponding to the exposure of at least one of the switches to the magnetic field of at least one of the trigger magnets.

65. The sensor of claim 53 wherein the switch is selected from the group consisting of:

a Hall effect switch; and

a Reed switch.

66. A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device, the sensor comprising:

a base member having at least one recess formed therein which is partially defined by a peripheral wall thereof;

at least two switches disposed within the peripheral wall of the base member;

a trigger mechanism disposed within the recess and freely movable about the peripheral wall of the base member; and

programmable electronic circuitry in electrical communication with the sensor;

the sensor being operative to generate at least four different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane, the movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitating the movement of the trigger mechanism within the recess, with the low state being generated when the trigger mechanism is not in contact with either of the switches, two different high states being generated corresponding to contact between the trigger mechanism and respective ones of the switches, and another high state being generated when the trigger mechanism is simultaneously in contact with both of the switches, the electronic circuitry being operative to translate the high states into respective effects and facilitate the production of the effects from the electronic device individually and in any combination.

67. The sensor of claim 66 wherein the trigger mechanism and the switches are each electrically connected to the electronic circuitry such that contact between the trigger mechanism and any one of the switches creates a closed circuit condition which facilitates the generation of a respective one of the high states and transmission thereof to the electronic circuitry.

68. The sensor of claim 67 wherein:

the base member includes first and second support posts which are each fabricated from a conductive material, at least one of the first and second support posts being electrically connected to the electronic circuitry; and

the trigger mechanism is fabricated from a conductive material and rotatably mounted between and electrically connected to the first and second support posts;

the contact between the trigger mechanism and any one of the switches creating the closed loop condition by forming a continuous conductive path between at least one of the first and second support posts, the trigger mechanism, and the switch in contact with the trigger mechanism.

70. The device of claim 69 wherein the improvement further comprises programmable electronic circuitry which is in electrical communication with the sensor and operative to compare at least two successive output signals generated by the sensor to each other.

71. The device of claim 70 wherein:

the sensor generates no output signal when the device resides on the device plane; and

the electronic circuitry is operative to compare at least one of the output signals to the absence of an output signal.

72. The device of claim 70 wherein:

the sensor is operative to generate an initial output signal when the device resides on the device plane and supplemental output signals corresponding to respective ones of the function planes; and

the electronic circuitry is operative to compare at least one of the supplemental output signals to the initial output signal.

73. The device of claim 70 wherein the electronic circuitry is programmed to allow for the generation of the initial output signal from the sensor when the device resides on a selected one of the function planes.

69. In an interactive electronic device which may be oriented to reside on a device plane which extends in generally parallel relation to a reference plane and is selectively movable to reside on any one of a multiplicity of function planes which each extend in non-parallel relation to the reference plane, the improvement comprising:

a sensor disposed within the device and operative to generate a multiplicity of different output signals corresponding to respective ones of the function planes.