Method and apparatus for virtual control of operational scale models
First Claim
1. A toy system comprising:
- a radio controlled (RC) toy vehicle to be operationally controlled, the radio controlled toy vehicle including at least one controllable feature; and
,a radio controller to operate the radio controlled toy vehicle, the radio controller having a microcontroller to;
receive one or more user inputs for control of the at least one controllable feature of the radio controlled toy vehicle;
generate one or more virtually simulated environmental parameters associated with the operation of a toy vehicle;
modify the one or more virtually simulated environmental parameters in response to one or more user inputs during the operation of the radio controlled toy vehicle; and
,modify the one or more user inputs responsive to the current state of the virtually simulated environmental parameters to provide modified control for the toy vehicle;
the radio controller being configured to send the modified control to operate a radio controlled toy vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A virtual scale model operating environment for controlling operational scale models. The virtual scale model operating environment includes a virtual controller that provides simulated environmental parameters normally associated with real operation. The virtual controller can display a simulated measure of the simulated environmental parameters to a user. Control of the operational scale model by a user is altered by the virtual controller in response to the simulated environmental parameters. The simulated environmental parameters vary due to various factors including the operation of the scale model by a user in order to provide more realistic play. The virtual controller further provides sound effects and phrases from a virtual voice through its own speakers or through headphones. The virtual controller has a microcontroller executing software algorithms to provide the simulated environmental parameters and alter actual control of the operational scale model. The virtual scale model operating environment optionally includes a virtual scale model stage depicting a scene ordinarily associated with real-life operation which may include props to set, reset, or adjust the simulated environmental parameters. In the exemplary preferred embodiment, the virtual environment is an automobile race where the virtual controller controls an scale model race car with simulated environmental parameters including fuel tank level, tire conditions, engine temperature and a race track pit as the virtual scale model stage with props including a fuel pump with fuel nozzle, an air compressor with air wrench, and an engine tuner with timing light.
72 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A toy system comprising:
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a radio controlled (RC) toy vehicle to be operationally controlled, the radio controlled toy vehicle including at least one controllable feature; and
,a radio controller to operate the radio controlled toy vehicle, the radio controller having a microcontroller to; receive one or more user inputs for control of the at least one controllable feature of the radio controlled toy vehicle; generate one or more virtually simulated environmental parameters associated with the operation of a toy vehicle; modify the one or more virtually simulated environmental parameters in response to one or more user inputs during the operation of the radio controlled toy vehicle; and
,modify the one or more user inputs responsive to the current state of the virtually simulated environmental parameters to provide modified control for the toy vehicle; the radio controller being configured to send the modified control to operate a radio controlled toy vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification