Interactive design and amusement system

• US 20040023705A1
• Filed: 11/05/2002
• Published: 02/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Central Research Fund Limited
• Original Assignee: Central Research Fund Limited
• Inventors: Vernall, Christopher John
• Application Number:
  US10/168,697
• Publication Number:
  US 20040023705A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/1
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 25/00 Models for purposes not provided for in G09B23/00, e.g. full-sized devices for demonstration purposes model vehicles, tracks therefor, models in the nature of toys A63H

Abstract

An interactive design and amusement system comprising a plurality of components (12). a data transmitter (20), a data receiver (22) and a display device (26). The components (12) are adapted so that they may be arranged relative to one another on a baseboard (10) which has electrical connections (14) formed thereon. Each component has electrical connections (34,36), identification means (35), orientation means and data transmission means (30). The data transmission means transmits data indicative of the identity of each component (12) and its orientation, relative to another component, to a receiver. The system also includes means for processing the data (18,24) received so that signals are generated for transmission to the display device (26) where images which correspond to the components (12) are displayed. The system may be used, for example, to model buildings, airports etc.

Claims

1. An interactive design and amusement system comprising:

a plurality of components (12), a data transmitter (20), a data receiver (22) and a display device (26);

the components (12) being adapted so that they may be arranged relative to one another on a baseboard (10) having electrical connections (14) formed thereon;

each component having electrical connections (34,36). identification means (28). orientation means and data transmission means (30) whereby, in use, the data transmission means transmits data indicative of the identity of each component (12) and its orientation, relative to another component, to a receiver, and means for processing the data (18,24) received so that, in use, signals are generated for transmission to the display device (26), whereat, in use, images are displayed. said images corresponding to the components (12)

2. An interactive design and amusement system according to claim 1 wherein the orientation means includes a magnetic sensor.

3. An interactive design and amusement system according to claim 1 wherein the orientation means includes a radio frequency device.

4. An interactive design and amusement system according to claim 1 wherein the orientation means includes at least one electronic component.

5. An interactive design and amusement system according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the identification means (28) includes a radio frequency transmitter.

6. An interactive design and amusement system according to claim 5 wherein the identification means (28) further includes an integrated circuit.

7. An interactive design and amusement system according to claim 5 wherein the identification means (28) further includes an ASIC.

8. An interactive design and amusement system according to claim 5 wherein the identification means (28) further includes a VLSI.

9. An interactive design and amusement system according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the identification means (28) includes an inductor.

10. An interactive design and amusement system substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawing.