Sequentially operated modules

• US 10,177,568 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2016
• Issued: 01/08/2019
• 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:
  US15/060,620
• Publication Number:
  US 20160184707A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,040 Days
• Field of Search: 446 91, 446124, 446297, 446318, 446397, 446484
• 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 sensing, and responding to, a physical phenomenon using three or more mechanically attachable and electrically connectable devices, the game set comprising:

a first device comprising, in a first enclosure;

a first connector for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, another device;

a second connector capable of mating with the first connector, for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, another device; and

a sensor having an output coupled to the first or second connector for sensing a physical, chemical, or biological phenomenon;

a second device comprising, in a second enclosure;

a third connector for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, another device;

a fourth connector capable of mating with the third connector, for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, another device; and

a power source coupled to the third or fourth connector for powering another device;

and a third device comprising, in a third enclosure;

a fifth connector for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, another device;

a sixth connector capable of mating with the fifth connector, for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, another device; and

a payload coupled to the fifth or sixth connector to be electrically powered from the power source and for converting an electrical power from the power source to a non-electrical type of energy,

wherein upon electrically connecting and mechanically attaching the first, second, and third devices in any order using the connectors, the payload is operated in response to the physical phenomenon sensed by the sensor, and

wherein the game set is further operative for an over-the-air wireless communication with a fourth device, the game set further comprises 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 payload activation or operation is responsive to data received from the fourth device.

2. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor responsive to a sensed temperature.

3. The game set according to claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises a thermistor or a platinum resistance temperature detector.

4. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is responsive to light, or audio.

5. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a light sensor, a pH probe, a microphone, or a piezoelectric bridge.

6. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a photocell, a voltage detector, a current detector, a pressure detector, a motion detector, a manually operated switch, or an automatically operated switch.

7. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a power sensor, an energy monitor, a smoke detector, a fire detector, or an access sensor.

8. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is responsive to a humidity, pressure, audio, vibration, light, motion, sound, proximity, flow rate, electrical voltage, or electrical current.

9. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a signal conditioning circuit coupled between the sensor output and the first or second connector.

10. The game set according to claim 9, wherein the signal conditioning circuit is operative for attenuating, delaying, filtering, amplifying, digitizing, comparing, or manipulating the sensor output.

11. The game set according to claim 1, further being associated with a theme or shape, and wherein the sensor appearance, location, color, type, shape or functionality is associated with the theme or shape.

12. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third devices are electrically connected and mechanically attached in cascade by connecting and attaching the second connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the fifth connector, to enable the payload to be operated in response to the physical phenomenon sensed by the sensor.

13. The game set according to claim 1, wherein upon electrically connecting and mechanically attaching the first, second, and third devices by connecting and attaching the sixth connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the first connector, the payload is operated in response to the physical phenomenon sensed by the sensor.

14. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first device is identical to the second device.

15. The game set according to claim 14, wherein the first device is identical to the third device.

16. 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.

17. The game set according to claim 16, wherein the first connector is identical to the fifth connector, and the second connector is identical to the sixth connector.

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

19. The game set according to claim 18, wherein each of the first, second, and third signals is an unbalanced signal.

20. The game set according to claim 19, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards.

21. The game set according to claim 18, wherein each of the first, second, and third signals is a balanced signal.

22. The game set according to claim 21, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

23. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the first signal is identical to the second signal and to the third signal.

24. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the first, second, and third signals are the same signal.

25. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the payload is coupled to be activated by the first signal, the second signal, or the third signal.

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

27. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the each of the first, second, and third line receivers is an unbalanced or balanced receiver.

28. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the first signal is identical to the second signal and to the third signal.

29. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the first, second, and third signals are the same signal.

30. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the first device further comprises, in the first 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, the second device further comprises, in the second 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, and the third device further comprises, in the third enclosure, a third timer coupled to the third line receiver for producing a third delayed signal that is delayed by a third time period from the third signal.

31. The game set according to claim 30, wherein the first, second, or third timer comprises a monostable circuit, an RC circuit, or a delay line.

32. The game set according to claim 30, wherein the payload is activated in response to the first, second, or third delayed signal.

33. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the first device further comprises, in the first enclosure, a first timer coupled to the first line receiver for producing a first time signal that represents a first time period after the first signal, the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second timer coupled to the second line receiver for producing a second time signal that represents a first time period after the second signal, and the third device further comprises, in the third enclosure, a third timer coupled to the third line receiver for producing a third time signal that represents a third time period after the third signal.

34. The game set according to claim 33, wherein the payload is activated in response to the first time signal, the second time signal, or the third time signal.

35. The game set according to claim 34, wherein the payload is activated for a first duration that is in response to the first time signal, the second time signal, or the third time signal.

36. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the first device further comprises, in the first enclosure, a first line driver coupled to the second connector for transmitting the second signal to the second line receiver, and wherein the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second line driver coupled to the fourth connector for transmitting the third signal to the third line receiver.

37. The game set according to claim 36, wherein each of the first, second, and third line drivers is an unbalanced or balances driver.

38. The game set according to claim 1, further being associated with a theme or shape.

39. The game set according to claim 38, wherein the payload is associated with the theme or shape.

40. The game set according to claim 39, wherein the payload appearance, location, color, type, shape, or functionality is associated with the theme or shape.

41. The game set according to claim 38, wherein each of the enclosures has a shape associated with the theme or shape.

42. The game set according to claim 38, wherein the devices are attachable to form a structure associated with the theme or shape.

43. The game set according to claim 38, integrated with, or part of, an educational toy construction set or an educational robotics set.

44. The game set according to claim 38, wherein the theme is a toy figure or character, a toy vehicle, a household appliance, an animal, or a musical instrument.

45. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the non-electrical type of energy is a mechanical energy.

46. The game set according to claim 45, wherein the payload is a motor.

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

48. The game set according to claim 47, wherein invisible light is infrared light and the inaudible sound is an ultrasonic sound.

49. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a switch connectable between the power source and the payload, and wherein the payload is activated by switching electrical power from the power source to the payload by the switch.

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

51. The game set according to claim 50, wherein the annunciator comprises a smoke generator.

52. The game set according to claim 50, wherein the annunciator comprises a visual signaling device.

53. The game set according to claim 52, wherein the visual signaling device comprises a visible light emitter.

54. The game set according to claim 53, wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp.

55. The game set according to claim 53, wherein the visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination or for blinking.

56. The game set according to claim 50, wherein the annunciator is operative for audible signaling of a sound.

57. The game set according to claim 56, wherein the annunciator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

58. The game set according to claim 56, wherein the annunciator consists of, or comprises, a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

59. The game set according to claim 56, wherein the annunciator comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

60. The game set according to claim 56, wherein the annunciator is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

61. The game set according to claim 56, 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.

62. The game set according to claim 56, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a song or a melody.

63. The game set according to claim 56, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a human talking voice.

64. The game set according to claim 63, wherein the emitted human voice includes a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

65. The game set according to claim 64, wherein the emitted sound is based on, or uses, a speech synthesis or a pre-recorded sound.

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

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

68. The game set according to claim 67, wherein each one of the connectors is operative to concurrently connect both power and digital data signals.

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

70. The game set according to claim 69, wherein each one of the connectors has only two terminals.

71. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a primary type or a rechargeable type battery, and wherein the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a battery compartment for housing the battery.

72. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first device is electrically powered by a power signal received from the power source via the second connector.

73. The game set according to claim 72, wherein the third device is electrically powered by a power signal received from the power source via the fifth connector.

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

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

76. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising software or firmware and a processor for executing the software or firmware, and wherein the processor is couplable to control or activate the payload.

77. The game set according to claim 76, wherein the processor is housed in the first enclosure.

78. The game set according to claim 76, wherein the processor is housed in the second or third enclosure.

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

80. The game set according to claim 79, 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.

81. The game set according to claim 79, wherein the random signal generator includes software or firmware executed by a processor, and wherein the software or firmware includes an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers.

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

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

84. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, compatible with, or based on, WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), the antenna is a WPAN antenna, and the wireless transceiver is a WPAN transceiver.

85. The game set according to claim 84, 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.

86. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication uses an unlicensed frequency band.

87. The game set according to claim 86, 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.

88. The game set according to claim 87, 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.

89. The game set according to claim 1, 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.

90. The game set according to claim 89, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, 2.5G or 3G.

91. The game set according to claim 90, 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.