Sequentially operated modules

• US 10,158,227 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2017
• Issued: 12/18/2018
• 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:
  US15/456,536
• Publication Number:
  US 20170182404A1
• Time in Patent Office: 646 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 sequentially activating multiple payloads associated with first, second, and third mechanically attachable and electrically connectable modules, the game set comprising:

a first module that comprises, in a first enclosure;

a battery couplable for supplying DC power;

a battery compartment for housing the battery;

software or firmware and a processor for executing the software or firmware, the processor is coupled to the battery for being powered by the DC power; and

a first connector for electrically connecting to, and for releaseably mechanically attaching to, another module, the first connector is coupled to the battery for providing DC power to the another module;

a second module that comprises, in a second enclosure;

a second connector for electrically connecting to, and for releaseably mechanically attaching to, the first connector;

a first payload coupled to the second connector for being powered from the DC power; and

a third connector for electrically connecting to, and for releaseably mechanically attaching to, another module, the third connector is coupled to the second connector for providing DC power to the another module;

and a third module that comprises, in a third enclosure;

a fourth connector for electrically connecting to, and for releaseably mechanically attaching to, the third connector;

a second payload coupled to the fourth connector for being powered from the DC power; and

a fifth connector for electrically connecting to, and for releaseably mechanically attaching to, another module, the fifth connector is coupled to the fourth connector for providing DC power to the another module,

wherein upon electrically connecting and releseably mechanically attaching the second connector to the first connector and the fourth connector to the third connector, the first and second payloads are powered from the battery and are controlled or activated by the processor.

2. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth module that comprises, in a fourth enclosure:

a sixth connector for electrically connecting to, and for releaseably mechanically attaching to, the fifth connector;

a third payload coupled to the sixth connector for being powered from the DC power; and

a seventh connector for electrically connecting to, and for releaseably mechanically attaching to, another module, the seventh connector is coupled to the sixth connector for providing DC power to the another module,

wherein upon electrically connecting and releseably mechanically attaching the second connector to the first connector, the fourth connector to the third connector, and the sixth connector to the fifth connector, the first, second, and third payloads are powered from the battery and are controlled or activated by the processor.

3. The game set according to claim 2, wherein upon electrically connecting and releseably mechanically attaching the second connector to the first connector, the fourth connector to the third connector, and the sixth connector to the fifth connector, the payloads are sequentially operated.

4. The game set according to claim 3, wherein upon electrically connecting and releseably mechanically attaching the second connector to the first connector, the fourth connector to the third connector, and the sixth connector to the fifth connector, the first payload is activated, followed by the second payload activation, followed by the third payload activation.

5. The game set according to claim 3, wherein upon electrically connecting and releseably mechanically attaching the second connector to the first connector, the fourth connector to the third connector, and the sixth connector to the fifth connector, the third payload is activated, followed by the second payload activation, followed by the first payload activation.

6. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first module further comprises a third payload that is powered from the battery and is controlled or activated by the processor.

7. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first module is identical to the second module.

8. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is identical to the third connector, and the second connector is identical to the fourth connector.

9. The game set according to claim 8, wherein the first connector is identical to the fifth connector.

10. The game set according to claim 1, further for passing signals between the modules, wherein upon connecting the first connector to the second connector and the third connector to the fourth connector, the game set is operative to receive a first signal by the second module via the second connector, to transmit a second signal in response to the first signal via the third connector to the third module, to receive the second signal by the third module via the fourth connector.

11. The game set according to claim 10, wherein each of the first and second signals is an unbalanced signal.

12. The game set according to claim 11, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards.

13. The game set according to claim 10, wherein each of the first and second signals is a balanced signal.

14. The game set according to claim 10, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

15. The game set according to claim 10, wherein the first signal is identical to the second signal.

16. The game set according to claim 10, wherein the first and second signals are the same signal.

17. The game set according to claim 10, wherein the first payload is coupled to be activated by the first signal, and the second payload is coupled to be activated by the second signal.

18. The game set according to claim 10, wherein the second module further comprises, in the second enclosure, a first line receiver coupled to the second connector for receiving the first signal, and the third module further comprises, in the third enclosure, a second line receiver coupled to the fourth connector for receiving the second signal.

19. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the each of the first and second line receivers is an unbalanced or balanced receiver.

20. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the second module further comprises, in the second enclosure, a first timer coupled to the first line receiver for producing a first delayed signal that is delayed by a first time period from the first signal, and the third module further comprises, in the third enclosure, a second timer coupled to the second line receiver for producing a second delayed signal that is delayed by a second time period from the second signal.

21. The game set according to claim 20, wherein the first or second timer comprises a monostable circuit, an RC circuit, or a delay line.

22. The game set according to claim 20, wherein the first or second payload is activated in response to the respective first or second delayed signal.

23. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the modules are mechanically releaseably attachable based on, or using, an interlocking fit, friction fit, or shaped lugs and mating cut-outs.

24. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the modules are mechanically attachable based on, or using, protrusions and cavities adapted to receive the protrusions in a frictional engagement.

25. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the modules are configured to be connected and attached in any order, so that when the modules are connected and attached in series, a third payload is operated in response to the order in which the modules are connected.

26. The game set according to claim 1, further being associated with a theme or shape, wherein the first or second payload is associated with the theme or shape.

27. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the respective payload appearance, location, color, type, shape, or functionality is associated with the theme or shape.

28. The game set according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second payloads is operative to convert an electrical energy to a non-electrical type of energy.

29. The game set according to claim 28, wherein the non-electrical type of energy is a mechanical energy.

30. The game set according to claim 29, wherein the first or second payload comprises an electrical motor.

31. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first or second payload comprises an annunciator that emits an invisible light or an inaudible sound.

32. The game set according to claim 31, wherein the invisible light is an infrared light and the inaudible sound is an ultrasonic sound.

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

34. The game set according to claim 33, wherein each of the first and second payloads comprises an annunciator using visual or audible signaling.

35. The game set according to claim 33, wherein the annunciator comprises a smoke generator.

36. The game set according to claim 33, wherein the annunciator comprises a visual signaling device.

37. The game set according to claim 36, wherein the visual signaling device comprises a visible light emitter.

38. The game set according to claim 37, wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp.

39. The game set according to claim 37, wherein the visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination or for blinking.

40. The game set according to claim 37, wherein the visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part of, or all of, a shape or of an image.

41. The game set according to claim 40, wherein the shape or the image is associated with the respective payload operation.

42. The game set according to claim 37, wherein the illumination by the visible light emitter is associated with a theme or a shape of the game set.

43. The game set according to claim 33, wherein the annunciator is operative for audible signaling of a sound.

44. The game set according to claim 43, wherein the annunciator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

45. The game set according to claim 43, wherein the annunciator comprises a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

46. The game set according to claim 43, wherein the annunciator comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

47. The game set according to claim 43, wherein the annunciator is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

48. The game set according to claim 43, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator is a characteristic sound of a household appliance, a vehicle, an emergency vehicle, an animal, or a musical instrument.

49. The game set according to claim 43, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a song or a melody.

50. The game set according to claim 43, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a human talking voice.

51. The game set according to claim 50, wherein the emitted human voice includes a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

52. The game set according to claim 50, wherein the emitted sound is based on, or uses, a speech synthesis or a pre-recorded sound.

53. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor producing an output signal responsive to a physical phenomenon, and wherein the first or second payload is coupled to the sensor for being activated or operated in response to the sensor output signal.

54. The game set according to claim 53, wherein the sensor is enclosed in the first, second, or third enclosure.

55. The game set according to claim 53, wherein the sensor comprises a light sensor, a photocell, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, an electrical current sensor, or an electrical voltage sensor.

56. The game set according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the connectors are standard data connectors or standard power connectors.

57. The game set according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the connectors are operative to concurrently connect both DC power and digital data signals.

58. The game set according to claim 57, wherein each one of the connectors is operative to concurrently connect both power and digital data signals.

59. The game set according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the connectors have only two terminals.

60. The game set according to claim 59, wherein each one of the connectors has only two terminals.

61. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a first switch in the first enclosure coupled between the battery and a third payload, wherein the third payload is activated by switching battery power to the third payload by the first switch.

62. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a first switch in the second enclosure connected to switch the DC power to the second payload, wherein the second payload is activated by switching the DC power to the second payload by the second switch.

63. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the second module is electrically powered only by the DC power received via the second connector.

64. The game set according to claim 63, wherein the third module is electrically powered only by the DC power received via the fourth connector.

65. The game set according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the connectors are rectangular, square, or circular shaped.

66. The game set according to claim 65, wherein all of the connectors are rectangular, square, or circular shaped.

67. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first, third, and fifth connectors are plugs, and wherein the second and fourth connectors are receptacles.

68. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first, third, and fifth connectors are receptacles, and wherein the second and fourth connectors are plugs.

69. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a random signal generator for outputting a random signal or number couplable to the first payload for activating the first or second payload in response to the random signal or number.

70. The game set according to claim 69, wherein the random signal generator is based on a physical process that is one of a thermal noise, a shot noise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect, and a quantum phenomenon.

71. The game set according to claim 69, wherein the random signal generator is part of the software or firmware, and wherein the software or firmware includes an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers.

72. The game set according to claim 1, integrated with, or part of, an educational toy construction set or an educational robotics set.

73. The game set according to claim 72, wherein the theme is a toy figure or character, a toy vehicle, a household appliance, an animal, or a musical instrument.

74. The game set according to claim 1, further operative for an over-the-air wireless communication with a device, the game set further comprising an antenna for coupling to a wireless signal, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the antenna for receiving or transmitting the wireless signal, and wherein the first or second payload control or activation is responsive to data received from the device.

75. The game set according to claim 74, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), the antenna is a WPAN antenna, and the wireless transceiver is a WPAN transceiver.

76. The game set according to claim 74, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, ZigBee protocol according to IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard, Bluetooth protocol according to IEEE 802.15.1 standard, or UWB (Ultra-WideBand) according to IEEE 802.15.3 standard.

77. The game set according to claim 74, wherein the wireless communication uses an unlicensed frequency band.

78. The game set according to claim 77, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), the antenna is a WLAN antenna, and the wireless transceiver is a WLAN transceiver.

79. The game set according to claim 78, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, IEEE 802.11 standard, and use an Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum band.

80. The game set according to claim 74, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, cellular communication, the antenna is a cellular antenna and the wireless transceiver is a cellular transceiver, and the wireless communication uses a licensed frequency band.

81. The game set according to claim 80, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, 2.5G or 3G.

82. The game set according to claim 81, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS, DCS, or PCS.