WO1997018871A2

WO1997018871A2 - I*doll

Info

Publication number: WO1997018871A2
Application number: PCT/IL1996/000157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oz Gabai; Jacob Gabai; Moshe Cohen
Original assignee: Creator Ltd.
Priority date: 1995-11-20
Filing date: 1996-11-20
Publication date: 1997-05-29
Also published as: JP2000500376A; US5752880A; EP0961645A2; CN1211357A; AU2612097A; US6022273A; WO1997018871A3; EP0961645A4; CA2237812A1; US6075195A

Abstract

Apparatus for a wireless computer controlled toy system is disclosed, the apparatus including a computer system operative to transmit a first transmission via a first wireless transmitter and at least one toy including a first wireless receiver, the toy receiving the first transmission via the first wireless receiver and operative to carry out at least one action based on said first transmission. A method for controlling the toy system is also disclosed.

Description

I * DO LL

The present invention relates to toys in general, and particularly to toys used in conjunction with a computer system.

Toys which are remotely controlled by wireless communication and which are not used in conjunction with a computer system are well known in the art. Typically, such toys include vehicles whose motion is controlled by a human user via a remote control device.

US Patent 4,712,184 to Haugerud describes a computer controlled educational toy, the construction of which teaches the user computer terminology and programming and robotic technology. Haugerud describes computer control of a toy via a wired connection, wherein the user of the computer typically writes a simple program to control movement of a robot.

US Patent 4,840,602 to Rose describes a talking doll responsive to an external signal, in which the doll has a vocabulary stored in digital data in a memory which may be accessed to cause a speech synthesizer in the doll to simulate speech.

US Patent 5,021,878 to Lang describes an animated character system with real-time control.

US Patent 5,142,803 to Lang describes an animated character system with real-time control.

US Patent 5,191,615 to Aldava et al. describes an interrelational audio kinetic entertainment system in which movable and audible toys and other animated devices spaced apart from a television screen are provided with program synchronized audio and control data to interact with the program viewer in relationship to the television program.

US Patent 5,195,920 to Collier describes a radio controlled toy vehicle which generates realistic sound effects on board the vehicle. Communications with a remote computer allows an operator to modify and add new sound effects.

US Patent 5,270,480 to Hikawa describes a toy acting in response to a MIDI signal, wherein an instrument-playing toy performs simulated instrument playing movements.

US Patent 5,289,273 to Lang describes a system for remotely controlling an animated character The system uses radio signals to transfer audio, video and other control signals to the animated character to provide speech, hearing vision and movement in real-time.

US Patent 5,388,493 describes a system for a housing for a vertical dual keyboard MIDI wireless controller for accordionists. The system may be used with either a conventional MIDI cable connection or by a wireless MIDI transmission system.

German Patent DE 3009-040 to Neuhierl describes a device for adding the capability to transmit sound from a remote control to a controlled model vehicle. The sound is generated by means of a microphone or a tape recorder and transmitted to the controlled model vehicle by means of radio communications. The model vehicle is equipped with a speaker that emits the received sounds.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved toy system for use in conjunction with a computer system.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a wireless computer controlled toy system including a computer system operative to transmit a first transmission via a first wireless transmitter and at least one toy including a first wireless receiver, the toy receiving the first transmission via the first wireless receiver and operative to carry out at least one action based on the first transmission.

The computer system may include a computer game. The toy may include a plurality of toys, and the at least one action may include a plurality of actions.

The first transmission may include a digital signal. The first transmission includes an analog signal and the analog signal may include sound.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the computer system includes a computer having a MIDI port and wherein the computer may be operative to transmit the digital signal by way of the MIDI port.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sound includes music, a pre-recorded sound and/or speech. The speech may include recorded speech and synthesized speech.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one toy has a plurality of states including at least a sleep state and an awake state, and the first transmission includes a state transition command, and the at least one action includes transitioning between the sleep state and the awake state.

A sleep state may typically include a state in which the toy consumes a reduced amount of energy and/or in which the toy is largely inactive, while an awake state is typically a state of normal operation.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first transmission includes a control command chosen from a plurality of available control commands based, at least in part, on a result of operation of the computer game.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the computer system includes a plurality of computers.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first transmission includes computer identification data and the second transmission includes computer identification data.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one toy is operative to transmit a second transmission via a second wireless transmitter and the computer system is operative to receive the second transmission via a second wireless receiver.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system includes at least one input device and the second transmission includes a status of the at least one input device.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the at least one toy includes at least a first toy and a second toy, and wherein the first toy is operative to transmit a toy-to-toy transmission to the second toy via the second wireless transmitter, and wherein the second toy is operative to carry out at least one action based on the toy-to-toy transmission.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention operation of the computer system is controlled, at least in part, by the second transmission.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the computer system includes a computer game, and wherein operation of the game is controlled, at least in part, by the second transmission.

The second transmission may include a digital signal and/or an analog signal.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the computer system has a plurality of states including at least a sleep state and an awake state, and the second transmission include a state transition command, and the computer is operative, upon receiving the second transmission, to transition between the sleep state and the awake state.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one toy includes sound input apparatus, and the second transmission includes a sound signal which represents a sound input via the sound input apparatus.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the computer system is also operative to perform at least one of the following actions: manipulate the sound signal; and play the sound signal.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sound includes speech, and the computer system is operative to perform a speech recognition operation on the speech.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second transmission includes toy identification data, and the computer system is operative to identify the at least one toy based, at least in part, on the toy identification data.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first transmission includes toy identification data. The computer system may adapt a mode of operation thereof based, at least in part, on the toy identification data.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one action may include movement of the toy, movement of a part of the toy and/or an output of a sound. The sound may be transmitted using a MIDI protocol.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a game system including a computer system operative to control a computer game and having a display operative to display at least one display object, and at least one toy in wireless communication with the computer system, the computer game including a plurality of game objects, and the plurality of game objects includes the at least one display object and the at least one toy.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one toy is operative to transmit toy identification data to the computer system, and the computer system is operative to adapt a mode of operation of the computer game based, at least in part, on the toy identification data.

The computer system may include a plurality of computers.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a data transmission apparatus including first wireless apparatus including musical instrument data interface (MIDI) apparatus operative to receive and transmit MIDI data between a first wireless and a first MIDI device and second wireless apparatus including MIDI apparatus operative to receive and transmit MIDI data between a second wireless and a second MIDI device, the first wireless apparatus is operative to transmit MIDI data including data received from the first MIDI device to the second wireless apparatus, and to transmit MIDI data including data received from the second wireless apparatus to the first MIDI device, and the second wireless apparatus is operative to transmit MIDI data including data received from the second MIDI device to the first wireless apparatus, and to transmit MIDI data including data received from the first wireless apparatus to the second MIDI device. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second wireless apparatus includes a plurality of wirelesses each respectively associated with one of the plurality of MIDI devices, and each of the second plurality of wirelesses is operative to transmit MIDI data including data received from the associated MIDI device to the first wireless apparatus, and to transmit MIDI data including data received from the first wireless apparatus to the associated MIDI device.

The first MIDI device may include a computer, while the second MIDI device may include a toy.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first wireless apparatus also includes analog interface apparatus operative to receive and transmit analog signals between the first wireless and a first analog device, and the second wireless apparatus also includes analog interface apparatus operative to receive and transmit analog signals between the second wireless and a second analog device, and the first wireless apparatus is also operative to transmit analog signals including signals received from the first analog device to the second wireless apparatus, and to rransmit analog signal including signals received from the second wireless apparatus to the first analog device, and the second wireless apparatus is also operative to transmit analog signals including signals received from the second analog device to the first wireless apparatus, and to transmit analog signals including data received from the first wireless apparatus to the second analog device.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for generating control instructions for a computer controlled toy system, the method includes selecting a toy, selecting at least one command from among a plurali- ty of commands associated with the toy, and generating control instructions for the toy including the at least one command.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the step of selecting at least one command includes choosing a command, and specifying at least one control parameter associated with the chosen command.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one control parameter includes at least one condition depending on a result of a previous command.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one of the steps of selecting a toy and the step of selecting at least one command includes utilizing a graphical user interface.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the previous command includes a previous command associated with a second toy.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one control parameter includes an execution condition controlling execution of the command.

The execution condition may include a time at which to perform the command and/or a time at which to cease performing the command. The execution condition may also include a status of the toy.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one control parameter includes a command modifier modifying execution of the command.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one control parameter includes a condition dependent on a future event.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one command includes a command to cancel a previous command.

There is also provided for in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a signal transmission apparatus for use in conjunction with a computer, the apparatus including wireless transmission apparatus; and signal processing apparatus including at least one of the following analog/digital sound conversion apparatus operative to convert analog sound signals to digital sound signals, to convert digital sound signals to analog sound signals, and to transmit the signals between the computer and a sound device using the wireless transmission apparatus; a peripheral control interface operative to transmit control signals between the computer and a peripheral device using the wireless transmission apparatus; and a MIDI interface operative to transmit MIDI signals between the computer and a MIDI device using the wireless transmission apparatus.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computer system including a computer, and a sound card operatively attached to the computer and having a MIDI connector and at least one analog connecter, wherein the computer is operative to transmit digital signals by means of the MIDI connector and to transmit analog signals by means of the at least one analog connector.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the computer is also operative to receive digital signals by means of the MIDI connector and to receive analog signals by means of the at least one analog connector.

In this application the term "radio" includes all forms of "wireless" communication.

The present invention will be understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Fig. 1A is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1B is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration a preferred implementation of the toy 122 of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 1C is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 2A - 2C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a portion of the system of Fig. 1A in use;

Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 3;

Figs. 5A - 5D taken together comprise a schematic diagram of the apparatus of Fig. 4;

Fig. 5E is an schematic diagram of an alternative implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 5D;

Fig. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred implementation of the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A;

Figs. 7 A - 7F, taken together with either Fig. 5D or Fig. 5E, comprise a schematic diagram o f the apparatus of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for receiving radio signals, executing commands comprised therein, and sending radio signals, within the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A;

Figs. 8B - 8T, taken together, comprise a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation of the method of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 9A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for receiving MIDI signals, receiving radio signals, executing commands comprised therein, sending radio signals, and sending MIDI signals, within the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A;

Figs . 9B 9N, taken together with Figs.

8M, comprise a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation of the method of Fig. 9A;

Figs. 10A - 10C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a signal transmitted between the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 11 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for generating control instructions for the apparatus of Fig. 1A;

Figs. 12A - 12C are pictorial illustrations of a preferred implementation of a graphical user interface implementation of the method of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a first sub-unit of a multi-port multi-channel implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A, which sub-unit resides within computer 100 of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a second sub-unit of a multi-port multi-channel implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A, which sub-unit complements the apparatus of Fig. 13 and resides exteriorly to computer 100 of Fig. 1A;

Figs. 15A - 15E, taken together, form a detailed electronic schematic diagram of the toy control device of Fig. 6, suitable for the multi-channel implementation of Figs. 13 and 14;

Fig. 16 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method by which a computer selects a control channel pair in anticipation of a toy becoming available and starts a game-defining communication over the control channel each time both a toy and a transceiver of the computer radio interface are available;

Fig. 17 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for implementing the "select control channel pair" step of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18A is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for implementing the "select information communication channel pair" step of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18B is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for performing the "locate computer" step of Fig. 18A;

Fig. 19 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of the toy control device 130;

Fig. 20 is a simplified illustration of a remote game server in association with a wireless computer controlled toy system which may include a network computer;

Fig. 21 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the operation of the computer or of the network computer of Fig. 20, when operating in conjunction with the remote server;

Fig. 22 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the operation of the remote game server of Fig. 20;

Fig. 23 is a semi-pictorial semi-block diagram illustration of a wireless computer controlled toy system including a a proximity detection subsystem operative to detect proximity between the toy and the computer;

Figs. 24A - 24E, taken together, form a detailed electronic schematic diagram of a multi-channel implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 3 which is similar to the detailed electronic schematic diagrams of Figs. 5A - 5D except for being multichannel, therefore capable of supporting full duplex applications, rather than single-channel; Figs. 25A - 25F, taken together, form a detailed schematic illustration of a computer radio interface which connects to a serial port of a computer rather than to the soundboard of the computer.

Figs. 26A - 26D, taken together, form a detailed schematic illustration of a computer radio interface which connects to a parallel port of a computer rather than to the soundboard of the computer.

Figs. 27A - 27J are preferred flowchart illustrations of a preferred radio coding technique which is an alternative to the radio coding technique described above with reference to Figs. 8E, 8G - 8M and 10A - C;

Figs. 28A - 28K, taken together, form a detailed electronic schematic diagram of the multi-port multi-channel computer radio interface sub-unit of Fig.

13;

Figs. 29A - 29I, taken together, form a detailed electronic schematic diagram of the multi-port multi-channel computer radio interface sub-unit of Fig. 14;

Fig. 30 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 31 is a block diagram is a simplified block diagram illustrating the combination of the computer radio interface and the toy control device as used in the embodiment of Fig. 30; and

Figs. 32A, 32B and 32C taken together form a simplified block diagram of the EPLD chip of Fig. 28H.

Appendix A is a computer listing of a preferred software implementation of the method of Figs. 9A - 9N, together with the method of Figs. 8D - 8M;

Appendix B is a computer listing of a preferred software implementation of the method of Figs. 8A - 8T;

Appendix C is a computer listing of a preferred software implementation of an example of a computer game for use in the computer 100 of Fig. 1;

Appendix D is a computer listing of a preferred software implementation of the method of Figs. 11 and Figs. 12A - 12C.

Appendices E - H, taken together, are computer listings from which a first, DLL- compatible, functions library may be constructed; and

Appendices I - 0, taken together, are computer listings of a second functions library which may be used to generate a variety of games for any of the computer control systems shown and described herein.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1A which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system of Fig. 1A comprises a computer 100, which may be any suitable computer such as, for example, an IBM-compatible personal computer. The computer 100 is equipped with a screen 105. The computer 100 is preferably equipped with a sound card such as, for example, a Sound Blaster Pro card commercially available from Creative Labs, Inc., 1901 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpi- tas CA 95035 or from Creative Technology Ltd., 67 Ayer Rajah Crescent #03-18, Singapore, 0513; a hard disk; and, optionally, a CD-ROM drive.

The computer 100 is equipped with a computer radio interface 110 operative to transmit signals via wireless transmission based on commands received from the computer 100 and, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, also to receive signals transmitted elsewhere via wireless transmission and to deliver the signals to the computer 100. Typically, commands transmitted from the computer 100 to the computer radio interface 110 are transmitted via both analog signals and digital signals, with the digital signals typically being transmitted by way of a MIDI port. Transmission of the analog and digital signals is described below with reference to Fig. 3.

The transmitted signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal. The received signal may also be an analog signal or a digital signal. Each signal typically comprises a message. A preferred implementation of the computer radio interface 110 is described below with reference to Fig. 3.

The system of Fig. 1A also comprises one or more toys 120. The system of Fig. 1A comprises a plurality of toys, namely three toys 122, 124, and 126 but it is appreciated that, alternatively, either one toy only or a large plurality of toys may be used.

Reference is now additionally made to Fig. 1B, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of the toy 122 of Fig. 1A.

Each toy 120 comprises a power source 125, such as a battery or a connection to line power. Each toy 120 also comprises a toy control device 130, operative to receive a wireless signal transmitted by the computer 100 and to cause each toy 120 to perform an action based on the received signal. The received signal may be, as explained above, an analog signal or a digital signal. A preferred implementation of the toy control device 130 is described below with reference to Fig. 6.

Each toy 120 preferably comprises a plurality of input devices 140 and output devices 150. as seen in Fig. 1B. The input devices 140 may comprise, for example on or more of the following: a microphone 141; a micro-switch sensor 142; a touch sensor (not shown in Fig. 1B); a light sensor (not shown in Fig. 1B); a movement sensor 143, which may be, for example, a tilt sensor or an acceleration sensor. Appropriate commercially available input devices include the following: position sensors available from Hamlin Inc., 612 East Lake Street, Lake Mills, WI 53551, USA; motion and vibration sensors available from Comus International, 263 Hillside Avenue, Nutley, New Jersey 07110, USA; temperature, shock, and magnetic sensors available from Murata Electronics Ltd., Hampshire, England; and switches available from C & K Components Inc., 15 Riverdale Avenue, Newton, MA 02058-1082, USA or from Micro Switch Inc., a division of Honeywell, USA. The output devices 150 may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: a speaker 151; a light 152; a solenoid 153 which may be operative to move a portion of the toy; a motor, such as a stepping motor, operative to move a portion of the toy or all of the toy (not shown in Fig. 1B). Appropriate commercially available output devices include the following: DC motors available from Alkatel (dunkermotoren), Postfach 1240, D-7823. Bonndorf/Schwarzald, Germany; stepping motors and miniature motors available from Haydon Switch and Instruments, Inc. (HSI). 1500 Meriden Road, Waterbury, CT, USA; and DC solenoids available from Communications Instruments, Inc., P.O Box 520, Fairview, North Carolina 28730, USA.

Examples of actions which the toy may perform include the following: move a portion of the toy; move the entire toy; or produce a sound, which may comprise one or more of the following: a recorded sound, a synthesized sound, music including recorded music or synthesized music, speech including recorded speech or synthesized speech.

The received signal may comprise a condition governing the action as, for example, the duration of the action, or the number of repetitions of the action.

Typically, the portion of the received signal comprising a message comprising a command to perform a specific action as, for example, to produce a sound with a given duration, comprises a digital signal. The portion of the received signal comprising a sound, for example, typically comprises an analog signal. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the received signal comprising a sound, including music, may comprise a digital signal, typically a signal comprising MIDI data.

The action the toy may perform also includes reacting to signals transmitted by another toy, such as, for example, playing sound chat the other toy is monitoring and transmitting.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the toy control device 130 is also operative to transmit a signal intended for the computer 100, to be received by the computer radio interface 110. In this embodiment, the computer radio interface 110 is preferably also operative to poll the toy control device 130, that is, transmit a signal comprising a request that the toy control device 130 transmit a signal to the computer radio interface 110. It is appreciated that polling is particularly preferred in the case where there are a plurality of toys having a plurality of toy control devi ces 130.

The signal transmitted by the toy control device 130 may comprise one or more of the following: sound, typically sound captured by a microphone input device l4l; status of sensor input devices 140 as, for example, light sensors or micro switch; an indication of low power in the power source 125; or information identifying the toy.

It is appreciated that a sound signal transmitted by the device 130 may also include speech. The computer system is operative to perform a speech recognition operation on the speech signals. Appropriate commercially available software for speech recognition is available from companies such as: Stylus Innovation Inc., One Kendall Square, Building 300, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; A&G Graphics Interface, USA, Telephone No. (617)492- 0120, Telefax No. (617)427-3625; "Dragon Dictate For Windows", available from Dragon Systems Inc., 320 Nevada Street, MA. 02160, USA, and "SDK" available from Lernout & Hausple Speech Products, Sint-Krispijnstraat 7, 8900 Leper, Belgium.

The signal from the radio control interface 110 may also comprise, for example, one or more of the following: a request to ignore input from one or more input devices 140; a request to activate one or more input devices 140 or to stop ignoring input from one or more input devices 140; a request to report the status of one or more input devices 140; a request to store data received from one or more input devices 140, typically by latching a transition in the state of one or more input devices 140, until a future time when another signal from the radio control interface 110 requests the toy control device 130 to transmit a signal comprising the stored data received from the one or more input devices 140; or a request to transmit analog data, typically comprising sound, typically for a specified period of time.

Typically, all signals transmitted in both directions between the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130 include information identifying the toy.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1C, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a computer control system including a toy, constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system of Fig. 1C comprises two computers 100. It is appreciated that, in general, a plurality of computers 100 may be used. In the implementation of Fig. 1C, all signals transmitted in both directions between the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130 typically include information identifying the computer.

The operation of the system of Fig. 1A is now briefly described. Typically, the computer 100 runs software comprising a computer game, typically a game including at least one animated character. Alternatively, the software may comprise educational software or any other interactive software including at least one animated object. As used herein, the term "animated object" includes any object which may be depicted on the computer screen 105 and which interacts with the user of the computer via input to and output from the computer. An animated object may be any object depicted on the screen such as, for example: a doll; an action figure; a toy, such as, for example, an activity toy, a vehicle, or a ride-on vehicle; a drawing board or sketch board; or a household object such as, for example, a clock, a lamp, a chamber pot, or an item of furniture.

Reference is now additionally made to Figs 2A -2C, which depict a portion of the system of Fig. 1A in use. The apparatus of Fig. 2A comprises the computer screen 105 of Fig. 1A. On the computer screen are depicted animated objects 160 and 165.

Fig. 2B depicts the situation after the toy 122 has been brought into range of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A, typically into the same room therewith. Preferably, the toy 122 corresponds to the animated object 160. For example, in Fig. 2B the toy 122 and the animated object 160, shown in Fig. 2A, are both a teddy bear. The apparatus of Fig. 2B comprises the computer screen 105, on which is depicted the animated object 165. The apparatus of Fig. 2B also comprises the toy 122. The computer 100, having received a message via the computer radio interface 110, from the toy 122, no longer displays the animated object 160 corresponding to the toy 122. The functions of the animated object 160 are now performed through the toy 122, under control of the computer 100 through the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130. Fig. 2C depicts the situation after the toy 126 has also been brought into range of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A, typically into the same room therewith. Preferably, the toy 126 corresponds to the animated object 165. For example, in Fig. 2C the toy 126 and the animated object 165. shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, are both a clock. The apparatus of Fig. 2C comprises the computer screen 105, on which no animated objects are depicted.

The apparatus of Fig. 2C also comprises the toy 126. The computer 100, having received a message via the computer radio interface 110 from the toy 126, no longer displays the animated object 165 corresponding to the toy 126. The functions of the animated object 165 are now performed through the toy 126, under control of the computer 100 through the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130.

In Fig. 2A, the user interacts with the animated objects 160 and 165 on the computer screen, typically using conventional methods. In Fig. 2B the user also interacts with the toy 122, and in Fig. 2C typically with the toys 122 and 126, instead of interacting with the animated objects 160 and 165 respectively. It is appreciated that the user may interact with the toys 122 and 126 by moving the toys or parts of the toys; by speaking to the toys; by responding to movement of the toys which movement occurs in response to a signal received from the computer 100; by responding to a sound produced by the toys, which sound is produced in response to a signal received from the computer 100 and which may comprise music, speech, or another sound; or otherwise.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 which is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A. The apparatus of Fig. 3 comprises the computer radio interface 110. The apparatus of Fig. 3 also comprises a sound card 190, as described above with reference to Fig. 1A. In Fig. 3, the connections between the computer radio interface 110 and the sound card 190 are shown.

The computer radio interface 110 comprises a DC unit 200 which is fed with power through a MIDI interface 210 from a sound card MIDI interface 194, and the following interfaces: a MIDI interface 210 which connects to the sound card MIDI interface 194: an audio interface 220 which connects to an audio interface 192 of the sound card 190; and a secondary audio interface 230 which preferably connects to a stereo sound system for producing high quality sound under control of software running on the computer 100 (not shown).

The apparatus of Fig. 3 also comprises an antenna 240, which is operative to send and receive signals between the computer radio interface 110 and one or more toy control devices 130.

Fig. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 3. The apparatus of Fig. 4 comprises the DC unit 200, the MIDI interface 210, the audio interface 220, and the secondary audio interface 230. The apparatus of Fig. 4 also comprises a multiplexer 240, a micro controller 250, a radio transceiver 260, a connection unit 270 connecting the radio transceiver 260 to the micro controller 250, and a comparator 280.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A - 5D, which taken together comprise a schematic diagram of the apparatus of Fig. 4.

The following is a preferred parts list for the apparatus of Figs. 5A - 5C:

1. K1 Relay Dept, Idee, 1213 Elco

Drive, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94089-2211, USA.

2. U1 8751 microcontroller, Intel

Corporation, San Tomas 4, 2700 San Tomas Expressway,

2nd Floor, Santa Clara 95051, CA USA.

3. U2 CXO - 12MHZ (crystal oscillator), Raltron, 2315 N.W. 107th Avenue, Miami Florida 33172, USA.

4. U4 MC33174. Motorola. Phoenix,

AZ, USA., Tel. No. (602) 897-5056.

5. Diodes 1N914, Motorola, Phoenix,

AZ, USA. Tel. No. (602)897- 5056.

6. Transistors 2N2222 and MPSA14, Motorola, Phoenix. AZ, USA. Tel. No. (602)897-5056.

The following is a preferred parts list for the apparatus of Fig. 5D:

1. U1 SILRAX-418-A UHF radio telemetry receive module, Ginsburg Electronic GmbH, Am Moosfeld 85, D-81829, Munchen, Germany.

Alternatively, U1 of Fig. 5D may be replaced by:

U1 433.92MHz Receive Module

Part No. 0927, available from CEL SALES LTD., Cel House, Unit 2, Block 6, Shenstone Trading Estate, Bromsgrove, Halesowen, West Midlands B36 3XB, UK.

2. U2 TXM-418-A low power UHF radio telemetry transmit module, Ginsburg Electronic GmbH, Am Moosfeld 85, D-1829, Munchen, Germany. Alternatively, U2 of Fig. 5D may be replaced by:

U2 433-92 SIL FM Transmitter

Module Part No, 5229, available from CEL SALES LTD., Cel House, Unit 2, Block 6, Shenstone Trading Estate, Bromsgrove, Halesowen, West Midlands B36 3XB UK.

Reference is now additionally made to Fig. 5E, which is a schematic diagram of an alternative implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 5D. The following is a preferred parts list for the apparatus of Fig. 5E:

1. U1 BIM-418-F low power UHF data transceiver module, Ginsburg Electronic GmbH, Am Moosfeld 85, D-81829, Munchen, Germany.

Alternate 1 U1 S20043 spread spectrum full duplex transceiver, AMI Semiconductors - American Microsystems, Inc., Idaho, USA.

Alternate 1. U1 SDT-300 synthesized transceiver, Circuit Design, Inc., Japan.

Alternatively, U1 may be replaced by:

U1 RY3GB021 RF 900Mhz units, available from SHARP ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS GROUP. 5700 Northwest, Pacific Rim Boulevard #20, Camas, Washington, USA.

U1 RY3GB100 RF Units For

DECT, available from SHARP ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS GROUP 5700 Northwest, Pacific Rim

Boulevard #20, Camas, Washington, USA.

In the parts list for Fig. 5E, one of item 1 or either of the alternate items 1 may be used for U1.

It is appreciated that the appropriate changes will have to be made to all the circuit boards for alternate embodiments of the apparatus.

The apparatus of Fig. 5E has similar functionality to the apparatus of Fig. 5D, but has higher bit rate transmission and reception capacity and is, for example, preferred when MIDI data is transmitted and received.

Figs. 5A - 5E are self-explanatory with regard to the above parts lists.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6 which is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A. The apparatus of Fig. 6 comprises a radio transceiver 260, similar to the radio transceiver 260 of Fig. 4. The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a microcontroller 250 similar to the microcontroller 250 of Fig. 4.

The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a digital input/output interface (digital I/O interface) 290, which is operative to provide an interface between the microcontroller 250 and a plurality of input and output devices which may be connected thereto such as, for example, four input device and four output devices. A preferred implementation of the digital I/O interface 290 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 7A - 7F.

The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises an analog input/output interface (analog I/O interface) 300 operatively connected to the radio transceiver 260, and operative to receive signals therefrom and to send signals thereto. The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a multiplexer 305 which is operative, in response to a signal from the microcontroller 250, to provide output to the analog I/O interface 300 only when analog signals are being transmitted by the radio transceiver 260, and to pass input from the analog I/O interface 300 only when such input is desired.

The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises input devices 140 and output devices 150. In Fig. 6, the input devices 140 comprise, by way of example, a tilt switch operatively connected to the digital I/O interface 290, and a microphone operatively connected to the analog I/O interface 300. It is appreciated that a wide variety of input devices 140 may be used.

In Fig. 6, the output devices 150 comprise, by way of example, a DC motor operatively connected to the digital 1/0 interface 290, and a speaker operatively connected to the analog 1/0 interface 300. It is appreciated that a wide variety of output devices 150 may be used.

The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a DC control 310, a preferred implementation of which is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 7A - 7F.

The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a comparator 280, similar to the comparator 280 of Fig. 4.

The apparatus of Fig. 6 also comprises a power source 125, shown in Fig. 6 by way of example as batteries, operative to provide electrical power to the apparatus of Fig. 6 via the DC control 310.

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A - 7F which, taken together with either Fig. 5D or 5E, comprise a schematic diagram of the toy control device of Fig. 6. If the schematics of Fig. 5E is employed to implement the computer radio interface of Fig. 4, using RY3GB021 as U1 of Fig. 5E, then the same schematics of Fig. 5E are preferably employed to implement the toy control device of Fig. 6 except that RY3GH021 is used to implement U1 rather than RY3GB021.

The following is a preferred parts list for the apparatus of Figs. 7A - 7F:

1. U1 8751 microcontroller, Intel

Corporation, San Tomas 4, 2700 San Tomas Expressway, 2nd Floor, Santa Clara

95051, CA USA.

2. U2 LM78LO5, National Semiconductor, 2900 Semiconductor Drive, Santa Clara, CA.

95052, USA.

3. U3 CXO - 12MHz (crystal oscillator), Raltron, 2315 N.W. 107th Avenue, Miami, FL. 33172. USA.

4. U4 MC33174, Motorola, Phoenix,

AZ, USA. Tel. No. (602) 897-5056.

5. U5 MC34119, Motorola, Phoenix,

AZ. USA. Tel. No. (602) 897-5056.

6. U6 4066, Motorola, Phoenix,

AZ. USA. Tel. No. (602) 897-5056.

7. Diode 1N914, 1N4005, Motorola,

Phoenix, AZ, USA. Tel. No. (602)897-5056.

8. Transistor 2N2222 , 2N3906, Motorola,

Phoenix, AZ, USA. Tel. No. (602)897-5056.

9. Transis tors 2N2907 and MPSA14, Motorola, Phoenix, AZ, USA. Tel. No. (602)897-5056. Figs. 7A - 7F are self-explanatory with reference to the above parts list.

As stated above with reference to Fig. 1A, the signals transmitted between the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130 may be either analog signals or digital signals. It the case of digital signals, the digital signals preferably comprise a plurality of predefined messages, known to both the computer 100 and to the toy control device 130.

Each message sent by the computer radio interface 110 to the toy control device 130 comprises an indication of the intended recipient of the message. Each message sent by the toy control device 130 to the computer radio interface 110 comprises an indication of the sender of the message.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1C described above, messages also comprise the following:

each message sent by the computer radio interface 110 to the toy control device 130 comprises an indication of the sender of the message; and

each message sent by the toy control device 130 to the computer radio interface 110 comprises an indication of the intended recipient of the message.

A preferred set of predefined messages is as fol lows:

Reference is now made to Fig. 8A, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for receiving radio signals, executing commands comprised therein, and sending radio signals, within the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A. Typically, each message as described above comprises a command, which may include a command to process information also comprised in the message. The method of Fig. 8A preferably comprises the following steps:

A synchronization signal or preamble is detected (step 400). A header is detected (step 403).

A command contained in the signal is received (step 405).

The command contained in the signal is executed (step 410). Executing the command may be as described above with reference to Fig. 1A.

A signal comprising a command intended for the computer radio interface 110 is sent (step 420).

Reference is now made to Figs. 8B - 8T which, taken together, comprise a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation of the method of Fig. 8A. The method of Figs. 8B - 8T is self-explanatory.

Reference is now made to Fig. 9A, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method for receiving MIDI signals, receiving radio signals, executing commands comprised therein, sending radio signals, and sending MIDI signals, within the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A. Some of the steps of Fig. 9A are identical to steps of Fig. 8A, described above. Fig. 9A also preferably comprises the following steps:

A MIDI command is received from the computer 100 (step 430). The MIDI command may comprise a command intended to be transmitted to the toy control device 130, may comprise an audio in or audio out command, or may comprise a general command. A MIDI command is sent to the computer 100 (step 440). The MIDI command may comprise a signal received from the toy control device 130, may comprise a response to a MIDI command previously received by the computer radio interface 110 from the computer 100, or may comprise a general command.

The command contained in the MIDI command or in the received signal is executed (step 450). Executing the command may comprise, in the case of a received signal, reporting the command to the computer 100, whereupon the computer 100 may typically carry out any appropriate action under program control as, for example, changing a screen display or taking any other appropriate action in response to the received command. In the case of a MIDI command received from the computer 100, executing the command may comprise transmitting the command to the toy control device 130. Executing a MIDI command may also comprise switching audio output of the computer control device 110 between the secondary audio interface 230 and the radio transceiver 260. Normally the secondary audio interface 230 is directly connected to the audio interface 220 preserving the connection between the computer sound board and the peripheral audio devices such as speakers, microphone and stereo system.

Reference is now made to Figs. 9B - 9N, and additionally reference is made back to Figs. 8D - 8M, all of which, taken together, comprise a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred implementation of the method of Fig. 9A. The method of Figs. 9B - 9M, taken together with Figs. 8D - 8M, is self-explanatory.

Reference is now additionally made to Figs. 10A - 10C, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of a signal transmitted between the computer radio interface 110 and the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A. Fig. 10A comprises a synchronization preamble. The duration T SYNC of the synchronization preamble is preferably .500 millisecond, being preferably substantially equally divided into on and off components.

Fig. 10B comprises a signal representing a bit with value 0, while Fig. 10C comprises a signal representing a bit with value 1.

It is appreciated that Figs. 10B and 10C refer to the case where the apparatus of Fig. 5D is used. In the case of the apparatus of Fig. 5E, functionality corresponding to that depicted in Figs. 10B and IOC is provided within the apparatus of Fig. 5E.

Preferably, each bit is assigned a predetermined duration T, which is the same for every bit. A frequency modulated carrier is transmitted, using the method of frequency modulation keying as is well known in the art. An "off" signal (typically less than 0.7 Volts) presented at termination 5 of U2 in Fig. 5D causes a transmission at a frequency below the median channel frequency. An "on" signal (typically over 2.3 Volts) presented at pin 5 of U2 in Fig. 5D causes a transmission at a frequency above the median frequency. These signals are received by the corresponding receiver U1. Output signal from pin 6 of U1 is fed to the comparator 280 of Figs. 4 and 6 that is operative to determine whether the received signal is "off" or "on", respectively.

It is also possible to use the comparator that is contained within U1 by connecting pin 7 of U1 of Fig. 5D, through pin 6 of the connector J1 of Fig.5D, Pin 6 of connector J1 of Fig. 5A, through the jumper to pin 12 of U1 of Fig. 5A.

Preferably, receipt of an on signal or spike of duration less than 0.01 * T is ignored. Receipt of an on signal as shown in Fig. 10B, of duration between 0.01 * T and 0.40 * T is preferably taken to be a bit with value 0. Receipt of an on signal as shown in Fig. 10C, of duration greater than 0.40 * T is preferably taken to be a bit with value 1. Typically, T has a value of 1.0 millisecond.

Furthermore, after receipt of an on signal, the duration of the subsequent off signal is measured. The sum of the durations of the on signal and the off signal must be between 0.90 T and 1.10 T for the bit to be considered valid. Otherwise, the bit is considered invalid and is ignored.

Reference is now made to Fig. 11, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a method for generating control instructions for the apparatus of Fig. 1A. The method of Fig. 11 preferably includes the following steps:

A toy is selected (step 550). At least one command is selected, preferably from a plurality of commands associated with the selected toy (steps 560 580). Alternatively, a command may be entered by selecting, modifying, and creating a new binary command (step 585).

Typically, selecting a command in steps 560 580 may include choosing a command and specifying one or more control parameters associated with the command. A control parameter may include, for example, a condition depending on a result of a previous command, the previous command being associated either with the selected toy or with another toy. A control parameter may also include an execution condition governing execution of a command such as, for example: a condition stating that a specified output is to occur based on a status of the toy, that is, if and only if a specified input is received; a condition stating that the command is to be performed at a specified time; a condition stating that performance of the command is to cease at a specified time; a condition comprising a command modifier modifying execution of the command, such as, for example, to terminate execution of the command in a case where execution of the command continues over a period of time; a condition dependent on the occurrence of a future event; or another condition.

The command may comprise a command to cancel a previous command.

The output of the method of Fig. 11 typically comprises one or more control instructions implementing the specified command, generated in step 590. Typically, the one or more control instructions are comprised in a command file. Typically, the command file is called from a driver program which typically determines which command is to be executed at a given point in time and then calls the command file associated with the given command.

Preferably, a user of the method of Fig. 11 performs steps 550 and 560 using a computer having a graphical user interface. Reference is now made to Figs. 12A - 12C, which are pictorial illustrations of a preferred embodiment of a graphical user interface implementation of the method of Fig. 11.

Fig. 12A comprises a toy selection area 600, comprising a plurality of toy selection icons 610, each depicting a toy. The user of the graphical user interface of Figs. 12A - 12C typically selects one of the toy selection icons 610, indicating that a command is to be specified for the selected toy.

Fig. 12A also typically comprises action buttons 620, typically comprising one or more of the following:

a button allowing the user, typically an expert user, to enter a direct binary command implementing an advanced or particularly complex command not otherwise available through the graphical user interface of Figs. 12A - 12C;

a button allowing the user to install a new toy, thus adding a new toy selection icon 610; and

a button allowing the user to exit the graphical user interface of Figs. 12A - 12C.

Fig. 12B depicts a command generator screen typically displayed after the user has selected one of the toy selection icons 610 of Fig. 12A. Fig. 12B comprises an animation area 630, preferably comprising a depiction of the selected toy selection icon 610, and a text area 635 comprising text describing the selected toy.

Fig. 12B also comprises a plurality of command category buttons 640, each of which allow the user to select a category of commands such as, for example: output commands; input commands; audio in commands; audio out commands; and general commands.

Fig. 12B also comprises a cancel button 645 to cancel command selection and return to the screen of Fig. 12A.

Fig. 12C comprises a command selection area 650, allowing the user to specify a specific command. A wide variety of commands may be specified, and the commands shown in Fig. 12C are shown by way of example only.

Fig. 12C also comprises a file name area 655. in which the user may specify the name of the file which is to receive the generated control instructions. Fig. 12C also comprises a cancel button 645. similar to the cancel button 645 of Fig. 12B. Fig. 12C also comprises a make button 660. When the user actuates the make button 660, the control instruction generator of Fig. 11 generates control instructions implementing the chosen command for the chosen toy, and writes the control instructions to the specified file.

Fig. 12C also comprises a parameter selection area 665, in which the user may specify a parameter associated with the chosen command.

Reference is now made to Appendix A, which is a computer listing of a preferred software implementation of the method of Figs. 8A - 8T.

Appendix A is an INTEL hex format file. The data bytes start from character number 9 in each line. Each byte is represented by 2 characters. The last byte (2 characters) in each line, should be ignored.

For example, for a sample line:

The original line reads- : 07000000020100020320329F

The data bytes- 02010002032032 (02,01,

00,02,03,20,32) Starting address of the data bytes-

0000 (00,00)

Appendix A may be programmed into the memory of microcontroller 250 of Fig. 6.

Appendix B is a computer listing of a preferred software implementation of the method of Figs. 9A - 9N, together with the method of Figs. 8D - 8M.

Appendix B is an INTEL hex format file. The data bytes start from character number 9 in each line. Each byte is represented by 2 characters. The last byte (2 characters) in each line, should be ignored.

For example, for a sample line:

The original line reads- : 070000000201000205A73216

The data bytes- 0201000205A732 (02,01,

00, 02.05, A7.32) Starting address of the data bytes-

0000 (00,00)

Appendix B may be programmed into the memory of microcontroller 250 of Fig. 4.

Appendix C is a computer listing of a preferred software implementation of an example of a computer game for use in the computer 100 of Fig. 1.

For Appendices C and D, these programs were developed using VISUAL BASIC. To run the programs you need to install the VISUAL BASIC environment first. The application needs a Visual Basic custom control for performing MIDI I/O similar to the one called MIDIVBX.VBX. VISUAL BASIC is manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399. USA. MIDIVBX.VBX is available from Wayne Radinsky, electronic mail address a-wayner@microsoft.com.

The steps for programming the microcontrollers of the present invention include the use of a universal programmer, such as the Universal Programmer, type EXPRO 60/80, manufactured by Sunshine Electronics Co. Ltd., Taipei, Japan.

The method for programming the microcontrollers with the data of Appendices A and B, includes the following steps:

1. Run the program EXPRO.EXE, which is provided with the EXPRO 60/80".

2. Choose from the main menu the EDIT/VIEW option.

3. Choose the EDIT BUFFER option.

4. Enter the string E 0000.

5. Enter the relevant data (given in Appendices A or B), byte after byte, starting from the address 0000. In each line there is a new starting address for each data byte which appears in this line.

6. Press ESC.

7. Enter the letter Q.

8. Choose from the main menu the DEVICE option.

9. Choose the MPU/MCU option.

10. Choose the INTEL option.

11. Choose the 87C51.

12. Choose from the main menu the RUNFUNC option.

13. Choose the PROGRAM optton.

14. Place the 87C51 chip in the programmer's socket.

15. Enter Y and wait until the OK message.

16. The chip is now ready to be installed in the board.

The method for creating the relevant files for the computer 100, with the data of Appendices C and D, includes using a HEX EDITOR which is able to edit DOS formatted files. A typical HEX and ASCII editor is manu- factured by Martin Doppelbauer, Am Spoerkel 17. 44227 Dortmund, Germany, UET401 at electronic mail address hrz.unidozr.uni-dortmund.de.

The steps necessary for creating the files by means of a HEX editor, such as by the Martin Doppelbauer editor include the following:

1. Copy any DOS file to a new file with the desired name and with the extension .EXE. (For example, write COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT T0Y1.EXE).

2. Run the program ME. EXE.

3. From the main menu press the letter L(load file).

4. Write the main menu of the new file (for example TOY1.EXE).

5. From the main menu, press the letter (insert).

6. Enter the relevant data (written in Appendices C or D), byte after byte, starting from the address 0000.

7. Press ESC.

8. From the main menu, enter the letter W(write file).

9. Press the RETURN key and exit from the editor by pressing the letter Q.

The above-described embodiment of Fig. 1C includes a description of a preferred set of predefined messages including a category termed "General commands". Other General Commands are defined by the following description:

In Figs. 13 and 14 there are illustrated block diagrams of multiport multi-channel implementation of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A. Fig. 13 illustrates the processing sub-unit of the computer interface that is implemented as an add-in board installed inside a PC. Fig. 14 is the RF transceiver which is a device external to the computer and connects to the processing subunit by means of a cable. In the present application of the RF unit there are 4 transceivers each capable of utilizing two radio channels simultaneously.

Referring briefly to Fig. 3. it is appreciated that, optionally, both sound and control commands may be transmitted via the MIDI connector 210 rather than transmitting sound commands via the analog connector 220. It is additionally appreciated that the functions of the interfaces 210 and 220 between the computer radio interface 110 and the sound card 190 may, alternatively, be implemented as connections between the computer radio interface 110 to the serial and/or parallel ports of the computer 100, as shown in Figs. 25A - 25F.

If it is desired to provide full duplex communication, each transceiver 260 which forms part of the computer radio interface 110 of Fig. 1A preferably is operative to transmit on a first channel pair and to receive on a different, second channel pair. The transceiver 260 (Fig. 4) which forms part of the toy control device 130 of Fig. 1A preferably is operative to transmit on the second channel and to receive on the first channel.

Any suitable technology may be employed to define at least two channel pairs such as narrow band technology or spread spectrum technologies such as frequency hopping technology or direct sequence technology, as illustrated in Figs. 15A - 15E, showing a Multi-Channel Computer Radio Interface, and in Figs. 24A - 2*tE showing a Multi-Channel Toy Control Device. Appendices E - H, taken together, are computer listings from which a first, DLL-compatible, functions library may be constructed. The DLL-compatible functions library may be subsequently used by a suitable computer system such as an IBM PC to generate a variety of games for any of the computer control systems shown and described herein. Alternatively, games may be generated using the applications generator of Figs. 11 - 12C.

To generate a DLL (dynamic loading and linking) function library based on Appendices E - H, the following operations are performed:

1) Open Visual C++ 4.0

2) Go to File Menu

3) Choose New from File Menu

4) Choose Project Workspace

5) Choose Dynamic-Link Library

6) The Project Name is : DLL32.MDP

7) Press Create button

8) Go to File Menu

9) Choose New from File Menu

10) Choose Text File

11) Now write the Source

12) Write on the current page a file containing the contents of Appendix E

13) Press the mouse right button and choose: Insert File Into Project

14) Click on DLL32 project

15) On the save dialog write CREATOR. C

16) Press the OK button

17) Go to File Menu

18) Choose New from File Menu

19) Choose Text File

20) Write on this page a file containing the contents of Appendix F;

21) Go to File Menu

22 ) Press Save 23) On the save dialog write CRMIDI.H

24) Press the OK button

25) Go to File Menu

26) Choose New from File Menu

27) Choose Text File

28 ) Write on this page a file containing the contents of Appendix G;

29) Go to File Menu

30) Press Save

31) On the save dialog write a file CREATOR. H

32) Press the OK button

33) Go to File Menu

34) Choose New from File Menu

35) Choose Text File

36) Write on this page a file containing the contents of Appendix H;

37) Press the mouse right button and choose: Insert File Into Project

38) Click on DLL32 project

39) On the save dialog write CREATOR. DEF

40) Press the OK button

41) Go to Insert Menu

42) Press File Into Project...

43) On the List Files of Type: Choose Library Files (*.lib)

44) Go to the Visual C++ library directory and choose WINMM.LIB

45) Press the OK button

46) Go to the Build menu

47) Press Rebuild ALL

A description of the commands included in the DLL function library based on Appendices E - H now follows :

A. MIDI input functions 1 - 2: 1. Open MIDI input device

Syntax: long MIDIInOpen(long Device)

This function opens the MIDI device for input.

Return 0 for success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example:

Device : = 0; if MIDIInOpen(Device) < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error opening MIDI input device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

2. Reset MIDI input device

Syntax: long MIDIInReset ( void ) this function resets MIDI input device.

Return 0 for success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example: if MIDIInRest < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error reseting MIDI input device', m t Error , mbOk , 0 ) ;

B. MIDI output functions 3 - 6: 3. Close MIDI input device Syntax: long MIDIInClose(void) This function close MIDI input device

Return 0 for success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example: if MIDIInClose < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error closing MIDI input device', mtError, mbOk, 0),

4. Open MIDI output device

Syntax: long MIDIOutOpen(long Device)

This function opens MIDI output device.

Return 0 if success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example:

Device: = 0; if MIDIOutOpen(Device) < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error opening MIDI output device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

5. Reset MIDI Output device Syntax: long MIDIOutReset(void)

This function resets MIDI output device.

Return 0 if success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example: if MIDIOutReset < > 0 Then MessageDlg('Error reseting MIDI output device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

6. Close MIDI output device

Syntax: long MIDIOutClose(void)

This function close MIDI output device.

Return 0 if success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example:

Device: = 0; if MIDIOutClose < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error opening MIDI output device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

C. General functions 7 - 10:

7. Send Data

Syntax: long SendData(long D a ta )

This function sends 4 bytes to toy card.

Currently used to send 144 for init toy card.

Return 0 if succesful, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example:

If SendData(144) < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error sending data to toy', mtError, mbOk, 0);

8. Send Message

Syntax: long SendMessage(char *Mess)

This function sends string to toy card.

Return 1 if successful, or errorcode otherwise.

Delphi Example:

Mess:= '00 01 00 00 00 00 00 05 00

00 00 01 00 03 00 01 00 00 00';

If SendMessage(Mess) < > 1 Then

MessageDlg('Error opening MIDI output device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

9. Check message Syntax: long CheckMessage(void)

This function returns 0 if no message found from toy card.

Delphi Example:

If CheckMessage Then

Mess:= GetMessage;

10. Get Message Syntax: char * GetMessage(char *Mess)

This function returns 20 chars toy message if present, or "Time Out" otherwise.

Delphi Example:

If GetMessage = "Time Out" Then

MessageDlg('No message received',

mtError, mbOk, 0);

D. Toy control function 11 - 16:

11. Get Toy Number

Syntax: char * GetToyNumber(void)

This function returns Toy Number of last receiving message, or "00 00 00 00" if no message was received.

12. Get Sensor Number

Syntax: long GetSensorNumber(void)

This function returns Sensor Number of last receiving message, or 255 if no message was received.

13. Toy Reset

Syntax: long ToyReset(char *ToyNumber) This function sends a reset string to toy

Return 0 if successful, or -1 otherwise.

14. Toy Transceive

Syntax: char *Toy Tranceive(char *ToyNumber, char *Mess)

This function sends message to toy and waits 3 sec to acknowledge.

Return "Ack. Ok" if received, or "Time Out" if not.

15. Prepare Toy Talk

Syntax: char *PrepareToyTalk(char *ToyNumber, char *WaveFile)

This function prepares toy card to generate sound using toy speaker.

After calling this function, WaveFile may be played and heard at toy speaker.

Return "Ack. Ok" if successful, or "Time Out" otherwise.

16. Go To Sleep Mode

Syntax: char *GoSleep(char *ToyNumber)

This function sends to toy the sleep command.

Return "Ack. Ok" if successful, or "Time Out" otherwise.

Appendices I - O, taken together, are computer listings of a second functions library which may be used to generate a variety of games for any of the computer control systems shown and described herein in conjunction with a Director 5.0 software package, marketed by Macromedia Inc., 600 Townsend St., San Francisco, CA , 94103- To generate an XObject function library based on Append i ces I - O , the f ol l ow ing operat ions are per formed:

1) Create a new directory : C:\XOBJECT\ by writing ( MD C;\XOBJECT\ )

Open Visual C++ 1.5

On the File menu choose NEW

Generate a file which contains the contents of Appendix I;

Choose Save As from the File Menu

Give the file generated in step (4) a name by punching C : \XOBJECT\CREATOR. MAK

Press the OK button

On the File menu choose NEW

Generate a file which contains the contents of Appendix J;

10) On the File menu choose Save As.

11) In the File Name: dialog, write C:\XOBJECT\CREATOR . C 12) Press the OK button

13) On the File menu choose NEW

14) Generate a file which contains the contents of Appendix K;

15) On the File menu choose Save As.

16) In the File Name: dialog write C:\XOBJECT\CREATOR.H

17) Press the OK button

18) On the File menu choose NEW

19) Generate a file which contains the contents of Appendix L;

20) On the File menu choose Save As.

21) In the File Name: dialog write C:\XOBJECT\CRMIDI.H 22 ) Press the OK button

23) On the File menu choose NEW

24) Generate a file which contains the contents of Appen- dix M;

25) On the File menu choose Save As.

26) In the File Name: dialog write C:\XOBJECT\XOBJECT.H

27) Press the OK button

28) On the File menu choose NEW

29) Generate a file which contains the contents of Appendix N;

30) On the File menu choose Save As.

31) In the File Name: dialog write C:\X0BJECT\CREATOR.DEF

32) Press the OK button

33) On the File menu choose NEW

34) Generate a file which contains the contents of Appendix O;

35) On the File menu choose Save As.

36) In the File Name: dialog write C:\X0BJECT\CREAT0R.RC

37) Press the OK button

38) On the Project Menu choose Open

39) In the File Name dialog write C:\XOBJECT\CREATOR.MAK40) Press Rebuild All from the Project Menu

A description of the commands included in the XObject function library based on Appendices I - O now follows:

A. MIDI input functions 1 - 3:

1. Open MIDI input device

Syntax: long MIDIInOpen(long Device)

This function opens the MIDI device for input.

Return 0 for success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example:

Device: = 0; if MIDIInOpen(Device) < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error opening MIDI input device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

2 . Reset MIDI input device

Syntax: long MIDIInReset(void)

This function resets MIDI input device.

Return 0 for success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example: if MIDIInRest < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error reseting MIDI input device', mtError, mbOk, 0 ,

3. Close MIDI input device

Syntax: long MIDIInClose(void)

This function turns off MIDI input device.

Return 0 for success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example: if MIDIInClose < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error closing MIDI input device', mtError, mbOk, 0); B. MIDI output functions 4 - 6:

4. Open MIDI output device

Syntax: long MIDIOutOpen(long Device)

This function opens MIDI output device.

Return 0 if success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example:

Device: = 0; if MIDIOutOpen(Device) < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error opening MIDI output device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

5. Reset MIDI Output device

Syntax: long MIDIOutReset(void)

This function resets MIDI output device.

Return 0 if success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example: if MIDIOutReset < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error reseting MIDI output device', mtError, mbOk, 0);

6. Close MIDI output device Syntax: long MIDIOutClose(void) This function close MIDI output device

Return 0 if success, -1 otherwise.

Delphi Example:

Device: = 0; if MIDIOutClose < > 0 Then

MessageDlg('Error opening MIDI output device', mtError, mbOk , 0);

C. General functions 7 - 11: 7. New

Syntax: Creator(mNew)

This function creates a new instance of the XObject The result is 1 if successful, or error code otherwise

Example: openxlib "Creator.Dll"

Creator(mNew)

.. .

Creator(mDispose)

Claims

C LA I MS

1. A wireless computer controlled toy system comprising:

a computer system operative to transmit a first transmission via a first wireless transmitter; and

al least one toy comprising a first wireless receiver, said toy receiving said first transmission via said first wireless receiver and operative to carry out at least one action based on said first transmission.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the computer system comprises a computer game.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the first transmission comprises a control command chosen from a plurality of available control commands based, at least in part, on a result of operation of the computer game.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one toy is operative to transmit a second transmission via a second wireless transmitter and wherein the computer system is operative to receive the second transmission via a second wireless receiver.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein operation of the computer system is controlled, at least in part, by the second transmission.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one action comprises movement of the toy.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one action comprises movement of a part of the toy.

8. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one action comprises output of a sound.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the sound comprises music.

10. A system according to claim 8 wherein the sound comprises a pre-recorded sound.

11. A system according to claim 8 wherein the sound comprises speech.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein the speech comprises recorded speech.

13. A system according to claim 11 wherein the speech comprises synthesized speech.

14. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one toy comprises a plurality of toys.

15. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one action comprises a plurality of actions.

16. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first transmission comprises a digital signal.

17. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first transmission comprises an analog signal.

18. A system according to claim 17 wherein the analog signal comprises sound.

19. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one toy has a plurality of states comprising at least a sleep state and an awake state, and wherein the first transmission comprises a state transition command, and

wherein the at least one action comprises transitioning between the sleep state and the awake state.

20. A system according to claim 4 wherein the computer system has a plurality of states comprising at least a sleep state and an awake state, and

wherein the second transmission comprises a state transition command, and

wherein the computer is operative, upon receiving the second transmission, to transition between the sleep state and the awake state.

21. A system according to claim 4 wherein the second transmission comprises toy identification data, and

wherein the computer system is operative to identify the at least one toy based, at least in part, on the toy identification data.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein the computer system is operative to adapt a mode of operation thereof based, at least in part, on the toy identification data.

23. A system according to claim 4 wherein the at least one toy comprises sound input apparatus,

wherein the second transmission comprises a sound signal which represents a sound input via the sound input apparatus.

24. A system according to claim 23 wherein the sound comprises speech,

wherein the computer system is operative to perform a speech recognition operation on the speech.

25. A game system comprising:

a computer system operative to control a computer game and having a display operative to display at least one display object; and

at least one toy in wireless communication with said computer system,

wherein the computer game comprises a plurality of game objects, and

wherein the plurality of game objects comprises the at least one display object and the at least one toy.

26. A game system according to claim 25 wherein the at least one toy is operative to transmit toy identification data to the computer system, and

wherein the computer system is operative to adapt a mode of operation of the computer game based, at least in part, on the toy identification data.

27. A data transmitter comprising:

first wireless apparatus comprising musical instrument data interface (MIDI) apparatus operative to receive and transmit MIDI data between a first wireless and a first MIDI device; and

second wireless apparatus comprising MIDI apparatus operative to receive and transmit MIDI data between a second wireless and a second MIDI device,

wherein the first wireless apparatus is operative to transmit MIDI data comprising data received from the first MIDI device to the second wireless apparatus, and to transmit MIDI data comprising data received from the second wireless apparatus to the first MIDI device, and

wherein the second wireless apparatus is operative to transmit MIDI data comprising data received from the second MIDI device to the first wireless apparatus, and to transmit MIDI data comprising data received from the first wireless apparatus to the second MIDI device.

28. A data transmitter according to claim 27 and also comprising a plurality of MIDI devices,

wherein the second wireless apparatus comprises a plurality of wirelesses each respectively associated with one of the plurality of MIDI devices, and

wherein each of the second plurality of wirelesses is operative to transmit MIDI data comprising data received from the associated MIDI device to the first wireless apparatus, and to transmit MIDI data comprising data received from the first wireless apparatus to the associated MIDI device.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the first MIDI device comprises a computer.

30. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the second MIDI device comprises a toy.

31. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the first wireless apparatus also comprises analog interface apparatus operative to receive and transmit analog signals between the first wireless and a first analog de^¬ vice, and wherein

the second wireless apparatus also comprises analog interface apparatus operative to receive and transmit analog signals between the second wireless and a second analog device, and

wherein the first wireless apparatus is also operative to transmit analog signals comprising signals received from the first analog device to the second wireless apparatus, and to transmit analog signal comprising signals received from the second wireless appara tus to the first analog device, and

wherein the second wireless apparatus is also operative to transmit analog signals comprising signals received from the second analog device to the first wireless apparatus, and to transmit analog signals comprising data received from the first wireless apparatus to the second analog device.

32. A method for generating control instructions for a wireless computer controlled toy system, the method comprising:

selecting a toy;

selecting at least one command from among a plurality of commands associated with the toy; and

generating control instructions for the toy comprising said at least one command.

33. A method according to claim 32 wherein the step of selecting at least one command comprises:

choosing a command; and

specifying at least one control parameter associated with said chosen command.

34. A method according to claim 33 wherein said at least one control parameter comprises at least one condition depending on a result of a previous command.

35. A method according to claim 32 wherein at least one of the step of selecting a toy and the step of selecting at least one command comprises utilizing a graphical user interface.

36. A method according to claim 34 wherein said previous command comprises a previous command associated with a second toy.

37. A method according to claim 33 wherein said at least one control parameter comprises an execution condition controlling execution of said command.

38. A method according to claim 37 wherein said execution condition comprises a time at which to perform said command.

39. A method according to claim 33 wherein said execution condition comprises a time at which to cease performing said command.

40. A method according to claim 33 wherein said execution condition comprises a status of said toy.

41. A method according to claim 33 wherein said at least one control parameter comprises a command modifier modifying execution of the command.

42. A method according to claim 33 wherein said at least one control parameter comprises a condition dependent on a future event.

43. A method according to claim 32 wherein said at least one command comprises a command to cancel a previous command.

44. A system according to claim 1 wherein the computer system comprises a plurality of computers.

45. A system according to claim 25 wherein the computer system comprises a plurality of computers.

46. A signal transmitter for use in conjunction wLth a computer, the transmitter comprising:

a wireless transmitter; and a signal processor comprising at least one of the following:

an analog/digital sound converter operative to convert analog sound signals to digital sound signals, to convert digital sound signals to analog sound signals, and to transmit said signals between the computer and a sound device using said wireless transmitter;

a peripheral control interface operative to transmit control signals between the computer and a peripheral device using said wireless transmitter, and a MIDI interface operative to transmit MIDI signals between the computer and a MIDI device using said wireless transmitter.

47. A system according to claim 4 wherein the second transmission comprises a digital signal.

48. system according to claim 4 wherein the second

transmission comprises an analog signal.

49. A computer system comprising: a computer; a sound card operatively attached to the computer and

having a MIDI connector and at least one analog connecter; and

a wireless transceiver operatively connected to the sound card, wherein the computer is operative to transmit digital signals by means of the MIDI connector and to transmit analog signals by means of the at least one analog connector.

50. A system according to claim 49 and wherein the computer is also operative to receive digital signals by means of the MIDI connector and to receive analog signals by means of the at least one analog connector.

51. A system according to claim 4 and also comprising at least one input device and wherein said second transmission includes a status of said at least one input device.

52. A system according to claim 21 wherein the first transmission comprises toy identification data.

53. A method according to claim 44 wherein the first transmission comprises computer identification data.

54. A method according to claim 45 wherein the first transmission comprises computer identification data.

55. A method according to claim 44 wherein the second transmission comprises computer identification data.

56. A method according to claim 45 wherein the second transmission comprises computer identification data.

57. A system according to claim 16 wherein the computer system comprises a computer having a MIDI port and wherein the computer is operative to transmit the digital signal by way of the MIDI port.

58. A system according to claim 8 wherein the sound is transmitted using a MIDI protocol.

59. A system according to claim 23 wherein the computer system is operative to record the sound signal.

60. A system according to claim 59 wherein the computer system is also operative to perform at least one of the following actions: manipulate the sound signal; and play the sound signal.

61. A system according to claim 5 wherein the computer system comprises a computer game, and

wherein operation of the computer game is controlled, at least in part, by the second transmission.

62. A system according to claim 4 wherein the at least one toy comprises at least a first toy and a second toy, and

wherein the first toy is operative to transmit a toy-to-toy transmission to the second toy via said second wireless transmitter, and

wherein the second toy is operative to carry out at least one action based on said toy-to-toy transmission.

63. A system according to any of claims 1 - 24 wherein said first wireless transmitter comprises at least one multi-channel wireless transmitters each operative to transmit over a different one of a plurality of channels.

64. A system according to claim 63 wherein said at least one toy comprises a plurality of toys and wherein said at least one multi-channel wireless transmitter comprises a plurality of multi-channel wireless transmit ters, thereby to provide simultaneous communication with each of the plurality of toys.

65. A system according to any of claims 1 - 24 wherein said first wireless receiver comprises at least one multi-channel wireless receiver each operative to receive over a selected one of a plurality of channels.

66. A system according to claim 4 wherein the first and second transmitters transmit over first and second channels respectively and the first and second receivers receive over said first and second channels respectively, thereby to provide full duplex communication between the computer system and the toy.

67. A system according to claim 64 wherein said computer system is operative to carry out a plurality of programs simultaneously, wherein said plurality of programs comprises a plurality of computer games respectively manipulating said plurality of toys via said plurality of channels.

68. A system according to claim 63 wherein said computer system is operative to transmit over at least one individual channel from among the plurality of channels only after previously identifying that the individual channel is available, thereby to allow simultaneous operation of more than one computer system.

69. A system according to claim 64 wherein said plurality of channels comprises at least one control channel over which the computer system communicates with each of the plurality of toys in order to assign individual toys to individual channels from among said plurality of channels.

70. A system according to any of claims 1 - 24 wherein said computer system comprises a toy-computer proximity detector operative to detect proximity of the toy and the computer.

71. A system according to claim 4 wherein said proximity detector includes a radio energy level determining subsystem operative to determine the level of energy at which said second transmission arrives at the computer system.

72. A system according to claim 4 wherein said proximity detector includes an ultra-sonic receiver associated with one of the toy and the computer system and an ultra-sonic transmitter associated with the other one of the toy and the computer system.

73. A system according to any of claims 1 - 24 wherein the computer system is in communication with a remote game server operative to serve at least a portion of at least one toy-operating game which operates said at least one toy and wherein said computer system is operative to receive at least a portion of said at least one toy-operating game from said remote game server.

74. A system according to claim 73 wherein at least a portion of said game is received from said remote game server off-line, before the game is played.

75. A system according to claim 73 wherein said computer system is operative to receive at least a portion of said at least one toy-operating game from said remote game server on-line as the game is being played.

76. A system according to any of claims 73 - 75 wherein said portion of said game comprises at least one of the following game portions:

a toy action script; and

a sound file.

77. A system according to claim 1 wherein said first wireless transmitter resides in an additional toy controllable by the computer system via wire, said wireless transmitter being connected via wire to said computer system.

78. A wireless toy system comprising:

at least one toy comprising a first wireless receiver;

a network computer in communication with a remote game serving computer network;

wherein the game serving computer network is operative to serve onto the network computer at least a portion of at least one toy-operating game which operates said at least one toy and wherein said network computer comprises a first wireless transmitter operative to transmit a first transmission to said first wireless receiver, and wherein said toy is operative to carry out at least one action based on said first transmission.

79. A method according to claim 32 and also comprising transmitting said control instructions to said toy.

80. A MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) method for operating a radio controlled device, the method comprising:

providing a computer system and a radio interface interfacing between the computer system and the radio controlled device; and

transmitting MIDI control commands and sound between the computer system and the radio interface via a connector of the computer system which is governed by the MIDI protocol.

81. A method for operating a radio controlled device, the method comprising:

providing a computer system and a radio interface interfacing between the computer and the radio controlled device; and

transmitting control commands and sound between the computer system and the radio interface via a serial port of the computer system.

82. A method for operating a radio controlled device, the method comprising:

transmitting control commands and sound between the computer system and the radio interface via a parallel port of the computer system.

83. A system according to any of claims 73 - 75 wherein said portion of said game comprises a text file and wherein said computer system comprises a text-to-speech converter operative to convert said text file to a speech file for transmission to the toy via said first wireless transmitter.