Sequentially operated modules

• US 10,230,237 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2017
• Issued: 03/12/2019
• 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:
  US15/594,610
• Publication Number:
  US 20170246547A1
• Time in Patent Office: 667 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 an over-the-air wireless communication with a device and for sequentially activating multiple payloads associated with three or more mechanically attachable and electrically connectable modules, the game set comprising:

a wireless transceiver for wirelessly receiving from, or wirelessly transmitting to, the device;

a first module comprising, in a first enclosure;

a first connector for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, an identical or interchangeable module;

a second connector for electrically connecting to, and for releasably mechanically attaching to, a connector identical to, or interchangeable with, the first connector; and

a first payload coupled to be powered from the first or second connector;

a second module comprising, in a second enclosure;

a third connector for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, an identical or interchangeable module;

a fourth connector for electrically connecting to, and for releasably mechanically attaching to, a connector identical to, or interchangeable with, the third connector; and

a second payload coupled to be powered from the third or fourth connector, and

a third module comprising, in a third enclosure;

a fifth connector for electrically connecting to, and for mechanically attaching to, an identical or interchangeable module;

a sixth connector for electrically connecting to, and for releasably mechanically attaching to, a connector identical to, or interchangeable with, the fifth connector; and

a third payload coupled to be powered from the fifth or sixth connector,

wherein each of the first connector, the third connector, and the fifth connector is electrically connectable to, and mechanically releasably attachable to, each of the second, the fourth, or the sixth connector of another module, and

wherein upon electrically connecting and releasably mechanically attaching 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 module via the first connector, to transmit a second signal in response to the first signal via the second connector to the second module, to receive the second signal by the second module via the third connector, to transmit a third signal in response to the second signal via the fourth connector to the third module, and to receive the second signal by the third module via the fifth connector, and the first, second, or third payload is activated is responsive to data received from the device.

2. The game set according to claim 1, wherein upon electrically connecting and releasably mechanically attaching the second connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the fifth connector, the first payload is activated, followed by the second payload activation, followed by the third payload activation.

3. The game set according to claim 2, wherein upon connecting the sixth connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the first connector, the third payload is activated, followed by the second payload activation, followed by the first payload activation.

4. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first module is identical to, or interchangeable with, the second module.

5. The game set according to claim 4, wherein the first module is identical to, or interchangeable with, the third module.

6. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is identical to, or interchangeable with, the third connector, and the second connector is identical to, or interchangeable with, the fourth connector.

7. The game set according to claim 6, wherein the first connector is identical to, or interchangeable with, the fifth connector, and the second connector is identical to, or interchangeable with, the sixth connector.

8. The game set according to claim 1, further for passing signals between the modules, wherein upon connecting the second connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the fifth connector.

9. The game set according to claim 8, wherein each of the first, second, and third signals is an unbalanced signal.

10. The game set according to claim 8, wherein each of the first, second, and third signals is a balanced signal.

11. The game set according to claim 8, wherein the first signal is identical to, or interchangeable with, the second signal and to the third signal.

12. The game set according to claim 8, wherein the first, second, and third signals are the same signal.

13. The game set according to claim 8, wherein the first payload is coupled to be activated by the first signal, the second payload is coupled to be activated by the second signal, and the third payload is coupled to be activated by the third signal.

14. The game set according to claim 8, wherein the first module further comprises, in the first enclosure, a first line receiver coupled to the first or second connectors for receiving a first signal, the second module further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second line receiver coupled to the third or fourth connectors for receiving a second signal, and the third module further comprises, in the third enclosure, a third line receiver coupled to the third or fourth connectors for receiving a third signal.

15. The game set according to claim 14, wherein the each of the first, second, and third line receivers is an unbalanced or balanced receiver.

16. The game set according to claim 14, wherein the first signal is identical to, or interchangeable with, the second signal and to the third signal.

17. The game set according to claim 14, wherein the first, second, and third signals are the same signal.

18. The game set according to claim 14, wherein the first module 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 module 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 module 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.

19. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the first, second, or third timer comprises a monostable circuit, an RC circuit, or a delay line.

20. The game set according to claim 18, wherein the first, second, or third payload is activated in response to the first, second, or third delayed signal.

21. The game set according to claim 14, wherein the first module 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 module further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second timer coupled to the second line receiver for producing a second time signal that represents a second time period after the second signal, and the third module 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.

22. The game set according to claim 21, wherein the first payload is activated in response to the first time signal, the second payload is activated in response to the second time signal, and the third payload is activated in response to the third time signal.

23. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the modules are mechanically releasably attachable based on, or using, an interlocking fit, friction fit, or shaped lugs and mating cut-outs, or protrusions and cavities adapted to receive the protrusions in a frictional engagement.

24. 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 fourth payload is operated in response to the order in which the modules are connected.

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

26. The game set according to claim 25, wherein the respective payload appearance, location, color, type, shape, or functionality is associated with the theme or shape.

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

28. The game set according to claim 27, wherein the non-electrical type of energy is a mechanical energy.

29. The game set according to claim 28, wherein the first, second, or third payload is a motor.

30. The game set according to claim 1, further being associated with a theme or shape, and further comprising a motor associated with the theme or shape.

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

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

35. The game set according to claim 33, wherein the visual signaling device comprises a visible light emitter.

36. The game set according to claim 35, wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp.

37. The game set according to claim 35, wherein the visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination or for blinking.

38. The game set according to claim 35, wherein the visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part of, or all of, a shape or of an image.

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

40. The game set according to claim 35, wherein the illumination by the visible light emitter is associated with a theme or a shape of the game set.

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

42. The game set according to claim 41, wherein the annunciator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

43. The game set according to claim 41, wherein the annunciator comprises a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

44. The game set according to claim 41, wherein the annunciator comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

45. The game set according to claim 41, wherein the annunciator is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

46. The game set according to claim 41, 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.

47. The game set according to claim 41, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a song or a melody.

48. The game set according to claim 41, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a human talking voice.

49. The game set according to claim 48, wherein the emitted sound is based on, or uses, a speech synthesis or a pre-recorded sound.

50. The game set according to claim 41, wherein the emitted sound is associated with a theme or a shape of the game set.

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

52. The game set according to claim 51, wherein the sensor is enclosed in the first, second, or third enclosure.

53. The game set according to claim 52, wherein the sensor comprises a light sensor, a photocell, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, an electrical current sensor, or an electrical voltage sensor.

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

55. The game set according to claim 54, wherein each one of the connectors is a standard data connectors or a standard power connector.

56. 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.

57. The game set according to claim 56, wherein each one of the connectors is operative to concurrently connect both power and digital data signals.

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

59. The game set according to claim 58, wherein each one of the connectors has only two terminals.

60. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a battery couplable for powering the first payload, and a battery compartment for housing the battery.

61. The game set according to claim 60, wherein the battery is a primary type or a rechargeable type, and is further couplable for powering the second and third payloads.

62. The game set according to claim 60, wherein the battery or the battery compartment is housed in the first enclosure.

63. The game set according to claim 60, further comprising a first switch in the first enclosure connectable between the battery and the first payload, wherein the first payload is activated by switching battery power to the first payload by the first switch.

64. The game set according to claim 63, further comprising a second switch in the second enclosure connectable between the battery and the second payload, wherein the second payload is activated by switching battery power to the second payload by the second switch.

65. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first module is electrically powered by a power signal received from the first or second connector.

66. The game set according to claim 65, wherein the second module is electrically powered by a power signal received from the third or fourth connector.

67. 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.

68. 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.

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

70. The game set according to claim 69, wherein all of the connectors are rectangular, square, or circular shaped.

71. 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 first payload.

72. The game set according to claim 71, wherein the processor is couplable to control or activate the second and the third payloads.

73. The game set according to claim 71, wherein the processor is housed in the first enclosure.

74. The game set according to claim 71, wherein the processor is housed in the second or third enclosure.

75. 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 payload in response to the random signal or number.

76. The game set according to claim 75, 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.

77. The game set according to claim 75, 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.

78. The game set according to claim 1, further associated with a theme, wherein each of the enclosures has a shape associated with the theme.

79. The game set according to claim 78, further associated with a theme, wherein the modules are attachable to form a structure associated with the theme.

80. The game set according to claim 78, integrated with, or part of, an educational toy construction set or an educational robotics set.

81. The game set according to claim 78, wherein the theme is a toy figure or character, a toy vehicle, a household appliance, an animal, or a musical instrument.

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

83. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication substantially conforms to, is compatible with, or is 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.

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

85. The game set according to claim 84, wherein the wireless communication is according to, is compatible with, or is based on, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and the wireless transceiver is a WLAN transceiver.

86. The game set according to claim 85, wherein the wireless communication substantially conforms to, is compatible with, or is based on, IEEE 802.11 standard, and uses an Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum band.

87. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is according to, is compatible with, or is based on, cellular communication that uses a licensed frequency band.

88. The game set according to claim 87, wherein the wireless communication substantially conforms to, is compatible with, or is based on, 2.5G or 3G.

89. The game set according to claim 88, wherein the wireless communication substantially conforms to, is compatible with, or is based on, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS, DCS, or PCS.