Multiple-user interactive audio/video apparatus with automatic response units

• US 4,930,019 A
• Filed: 11/29/1988
• Issued: 05/29/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chi Wai Chu
• Original Assignee: Chi Wai Chu
• Inventors: Chu, Chi Wai
• Primary Examiner(s): Stephan, Steven L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Swayze, Wilson D.
• Application Number:
  US07/277,548
• Time in Patent Office: 546 Days
• Field of Search: 364/410, 364/411, 364/412, 434/307, 434/308, 434/321, 434/323, 434/335, 434/336, 434/337, 434/352, 360/19.1, 360/12, 360/27, 360/18, 358/335, 358/341
• US Class Current: 386/230
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/065 Combinations of audio and video presentations, e.g. videotapes, videodiscs, television systems

Abstract

A video cassette recorder plays an audio/video tape prerecorded with a video signal, three voice signals and three audio control signals. One of the voice signals is modulated with a carrier higher in frequency than the other voice signals for recording. The video image is displayed on a television monitor. The audio signals are coupled to a control unit which broadcasts one of the voice signals and transmits the other two with associated control signals to remotely located dolls. The dolls broadcast the voice signals according to the corresponding control signals. Hand-held switch units allow individuals to preempt broadcasting by the dolls to permit the individuals to interject their own vocal responses.

Claims

1. A player-interactive audio/video apparatus usable with a video monitor and a video cassette player connectable to the monitor for displaying a video signal comprising:

an audio/video tape having an audio track and a video track, playable on the player and prerecorded with video display information on the video track for producing the video signal when played back on the player, said tape also being prerecorded with an audio signal on the audio track comprising a first voice signal associated with the video signal, a second voice signal not associated with the video signal, and three control signals, the two voice signals and three control signals being recorded with separate bandwidths of the audio track;

a control unit connectable to the player for receiving the audio signal when said tape is played on the player, said control unit comprising;

a decoder for decoding the audio signal into separate voice signals and control signals;

a first voice speaker responsive to the first voice signal for broadcasting the first voice signal;

means for detecting a first of the control signals in the audio signal;

first voice switch means disposed between said decoder means and said first voice speaker and controllable for selectively coupling the first voice signal to said first voice speaker;

first transmitter means for transmitting the second voice signal and the second and third control signals remotely from said control unit;

second voice switch means controllable for selectively coupling the second voice signal and the second and third control signals to said first transmitter means;

means for generating a disabling signal distinct from the first, second and third control signals;

third switch means controllable for selectively coupling the disabling-signal generating means to said first transmitter means;

first receiver means for receiving an indicating signal remotely transmitted;

detector means coupled between said first receiver means and said third switch means and responsive to a received indicating signal for operating said third switch means in a manner transmitting the disabling signal for a predetermined period of time when the indicating signal is received;

a plurality of automatic response units positionable remotely from said control unit, each comprising;

a second receiver means for receiving the transmitted second voice signal and second and third control signals;

a second speaker means for broadcasting said second voice signal;

fourth switch means controllable for selectively connecting said second receiver means to said second speaker means;

a detector means responsive to a predetermined one of the second and third control signals for operating said fourth switch means in a manner connecting said second receiver means to said second speaker means when the predetermined one of the control signals occurs; and

a plurality of manually operable indicator units positionable remotely from said control unit and said response units, each indicator unit comprising;

manually operable switch means;

means for generating an indicating signal;

indicator transmitter means for transmitting the indicator signal remotely of said indicator unit;

first indicator switch means controllable for selectively coupling said indicator signal generating means to said indicator transmitter means;

second indicator switch means controllable for selectively coupling said manual switch means to said first indicator switch means; and

indicator receiver means responsive to a received disabling signal for controlling operation of said first indicator switch means in such a manner that said first indicator switch means is open when said disabling signal is received by said indicator receiver means, thereby preventing transmission of the indicating signal when said manual switch is operated.