WO2008100141A1 - Method for controlling an external device via the usb-port of a personal computer - Google Patents

Method for controlling an external device via the usb-port of a personal computer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008100141A1
WO2008100141A1 PCT/NL2008/050078 NL2008050078W WO2008100141A1 WO 2008100141 A1 WO2008100141 A1 WO 2008100141A1 NL 2008050078 W NL2008050078 W NL 2008050078W WO 2008100141 A1 WO2008100141 A1 WO 2008100141A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sound
channel
external device
signals
usb
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2008/050078
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Steven Jacob Arie Streefkerk
Original Assignee
Im Smiling B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from NL1033379A external-priority patent/NL1033379C1/en
Priority claimed from NL2000973A external-priority patent/NL2000973C1/en
Application filed by Im Smiling B.V. filed Critical Im Smiling B.V.
Priority to EP08712604A priority Critical patent/EP2121155A1/en
Publication of WO2008100141A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008100141A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H30/00Remote-control arrangements specially adapted for toys, e.g. for toy vehicles
    • A63H30/02Electrical arrangements
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H3/00Dolls
    • A63H3/28Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for controlling an external device by means of a computer, using an audio signal.
  • an audio signal for controlling an external device is very convenient, because, provided it is used in the manner described herein, no special software or drivers are needed for controlling the external device.
  • the method is in particular attractive in those cases in which the external device must also be capable of producing sound.
  • the invention is tailored to this aspect.
  • An example of such a device is a doll which can move as well as speak, which production of sound and which moving must be synchronised, for example speaking and moving the doll's mouth.
  • an I/O port of the computer for example a COM port, the parallel port or the USB port
  • a special interface card a so-called digital I/O card
  • the sound signal from a sound card is used in that case for having the external device produce sound.
  • This approach requires special software, which controls the sound card and the I/O port or interface card in synchronisation with each other so as to synchronise the movement and the production of sound of the external device.
  • several connections between the computer and the external device are required (one for the digital I/O and one for the sound) . In any case, there is always the difficulty to send a control signal and a sound signal simultaneously to the hardware from a programme.
  • the object of the invention is to have an external device make movement and produce sound in a simple manner via the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port of a computer.
  • the external device is to that end connected to the USB port of the personal computer.
  • a standard USB audio chip is incorporated in the external device.
  • Such a chip of which several models are commercially available, for example the CM102 and the CM108 of C-Media
  • one channel for example the left-hand channel
  • the other channel is decoded by the electronics in the external device and the information is used as control commands for the external device, for example for turning lights on and off or for moving the mouth, the arms, the legs or the eyes.
  • the sound that is played (also called “sample”) must first be encoded, with audio signals being placed on one channel and control commands being placed on the other channel.
  • Said control commands are generated by forming groups of different sinuses having different frequencies for encoding "ones” and “zeros". In this way a doll, for example, can speak and make controlled movements by playing sound.
  • the advantage of this method is that controlling the external device only requires the playing of sound on the computer.
  • the fact is that very much software supports the playing of sounds.
  • a second advantage is that a separate driver is not needed, as most Operating systems (Windows and Macintosh, among other systems), support the USB audio chip as Standard.
  • a third advantage is that the method is very robust; even after compression (for example MP3 compression or WMA compression) the sinuses of the control commands are still recognized by the electronics in the external device.
  • Another advantage is that the external device can make use of the power supply on the USB port and consequently does not require its own power supply (adapter or batteries) .
  • Reference numeral 1 indicates the computer
  • numeral 2 indicates the USB port
  • numeral 3 indicates the USB cable connected to the USB port
  • numeral 4 indicates the electronics in the external device 8
  • numeral 5 indicates the USB audio chip in the electronics 4
  • numeral 6 indicates the loudspeaker
  • numerals 7, 7a, 7b etc indicate the motors and the solenoids via which the external device 8 can be made to move
  • numeral 8 indicates the external device itself
  • numeral 9 indicates a digital sound fragment
  • numeral 10 indicates control commands comprising sinuses or other waveforms characterising ones and zeros
  • numeral 11 indicates the encoded stereo sample.
  • a programme in the computer 1 wants to play an encoded stereo sample in order to thus cause the external device 8 to move and produce sound in synchronisation therewith.
  • the operating system (Windows or Macintosh) will send said encoded stereo sample to the USB audio chip 5 of the electronics 4 via the USB port 2.
  • the USB chip 5 will subsequently convert said digital sample into an analog stereo audio signal.
  • One channel of said analog stereo audio signal is amplified in the electronics 4 (>) and sent to the loudspeaker 6.
  • the other channel is decoded in the electronics 4 (DEC) , and the data is used for controlling the motors and solenoids 7, 7a, 7b, etc.
  • the external device 8 will now move and produce sound in synchronisation therewith.
  • a mono digital sound fragment 9 is placed on the one channel of a stereo sample.
  • the control commands 10 are placed on the other channel of said stereo sample.
  • the stereo sample thus formed therefore comprises audio data on one channel and control commands on the other channel.
  • Said sample is now an encoded stereo sample 11.
  • a doll thus made can pass on information in a very interactive and visual manner, depending on the software being used, and is thus highly suitable for use by way of supplement to learning programmes for young children, to whom a speaking doll appeals more and for whom the instructions the doll gives are easier to accept.
  • a doll may be a welcome addition to the existing peripheral equipment of the computer, since the doll, in combination with the right software, gives the computer a more "personal" feel.
  • Other products, for example an entertainment centre may make use of this method as well.
  • the external device can be used very well in so-called “screensavers”.
  • the external device can for example make comments on what is happening on the screen.
  • the external device can act as a storyteller in a so-called "adventure game”.
  • the external device can tell fairy tales in an animated manner.
  • the external device can become a so-called
  • “virtual pet” an animal that must be taken care of and that can be played with. Normally, such an animal is graphically displayed on the screen.
  • a doll that is physically present can act as a virtual pet.
  • the external device can function very well in combination with the (broadband) Internet, inter-alia by streaming audio.
  • the external device may be a welcome addition to the multitude of chat programmes that exist.
  • Current chat programmes such as MSN Messenger
  • MSN Messenger provide a possibility of sending each other special images (emoticons) and animations (winks) so as to liven up the conversation in this manner.
  • the external device can add a dimension to this, because it is possible to control the external device at the location of the conversation partner during the conversation. Thus it is possible to have a doll at the conversation partner's location heave a sigh, blink, shake its head or laugh.

Abstract

A method to connect an external device to a personal computer (1) via the USB port (2) in order to make the external device produce a sound and move in synchronisation with the sound. The external device comprises a USB audio chip (5) which will be recognised automatically by the computer's operating system (normally Windows). When a coded audio segment is played by a program on the computer the data is sent to the audio chip. The data is converted to an analogue stereo audio signal. The first channel is amplified and reproduced by a loudspeaker provided in the external device. The second channel which contains a control signal is decoded and used to make the external device move.

Description

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN EXTERNAL DEVICE VIA THE USB PORT OF A PERSONAL COMPUTER
The present invention relates to a method for controlling an external device by means of a computer, using an audio signal.
The use of an audio signal for controlling an external device is very convenient, because, provided it is used in the manner described herein, no special software or drivers are needed for controlling the external device. The method is in particular attractive in those cases in which the external device must also be capable of producing sound. The invention is tailored to this aspect. An example of such a device is a doll which can move as well as speak, which production of sound and which moving must be synchronised, for example speaking and moving the doll's mouth.
Usually an I/O port of the computer (for example a COM port, the parallel port or the USB port) is used for such control. It is also possible to make use of a special interface card (a so-called digital I/O card) . In addition to that, the sound signal from a sound card is used in that case for having the external device produce sound. This approach requires special software, which controls the sound card and the I/O port or interface card in synchronisation with each other so as to synchronise the movement and the production of sound of the external device. Furthermore, several connections between the computer and the external device are required (one for the digital I/O and one for the sound) . In any case, there is always the difficulty to send a control signal and a sound signal simultaneously to the hardware from a programme.
The object of the invention is to have an external device make movement and produce sound in a simple manner via the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port of a computer. The external device is to that end connected to the USB port of the personal computer. A standard USB audio chip is incorporated in the external device. Such a chip, of which several models are commercially available, for example the CM102 and the CM108 of C-Media
(www.cmedia.com.tw) is recognized as standard as an "audio device" by Windows and Macintosh operating systems and, once connected, will automatically make the sound that the computer wants to play available as an audio signal in the external device.
Of said stereo audio signal, one channel (for example the left-hand channel) is amplified and reproduced by means of a loudspeaker in the external device. The other channel (the right-hand channel in this example) is decoded by the electronics in the external device and the information is used as control commands for the external device, for example for turning lights on and off or for moving the mouth, the arms, the legs or the eyes.
To that end the sound that is played (also called "sample") must first be encoded, with audio signals being placed on one channel and control commands being placed on the other channel. Said control commands are generated by forming groups of different sinuses having different frequencies for encoding "ones" and "zeros". In this way a doll, for example, can speak and make controlled movements by playing sound.
The advantage of this method is that controlling the external device only requires the playing of sound on the computer. The fact is that very much software supports the playing of sounds. Think in this connection of screensavers, Windows theme sounds, Web pages on the Internet, Messaging programmes, media players, educative programmes, etc, etc. All these programmes can be used for controlling the external device merely by adapting the audio signal (the sample) . A second advantage is that a separate driver is not needed, as most Operating systems (Windows and Macintosh, among other systems), support the USB audio chip as Standard. A third advantage is that the method is very robust; even after compression (for example MP3 compression or WMA compression) the sinuses of the control commands are still recognized by the electronics in the external device.
Another advantage is that the external device can make use of the power supply on the USB port and consequently does not require its own power supply (adapter or batteries) .
The method will not be explained with reference to figures 1 and 2, in which:
Reference numeral 1 indicates the computer, numeral 2 indicates the USB port, numeral 3 indicates the USB cable connected to the USB port, numeral 4 indicates the electronics in the external device 8, numeral 5 indicates the USB audio chip in the electronics 4, numeral 6 indicates the loudspeaker, numerals 7, 7a, 7b etc indicate the motors and the solenoids via which the external device 8 can be made to move, numeral 8 indicates the external device itself, numeral 9 indicates a digital sound fragment, numeral 10 indicates control commands comprising sinuses or other waveforms characterising ones and zeros, and numeral 11 indicates the encoded stereo sample.
The method works as follows: A programme in the computer 1 wants to play an encoded stereo sample in order to thus cause the external device 8 to move and produce sound in synchronisation therewith. The operating system (Windows or Macintosh) will send said encoded stereo sample to the USB audio chip 5 of the electronics 4 via the USB port 2. The USB chip 5 will subsequently convert said digital sample into an analog stereo audio signal. One channel of said analog stereo audio signal is amplified in the electronics 4 (>) and sent to the loudspeaker 6. The other channel is decoded in the electronics 4 (DEC) , and the data is used for controlling the motors and solenoids 7, 7a, 7b, etc. The external device 8 will now move and produce sound in synchronisation therewith.
The encoding of the stereo sample will now be explained with reference to figure 2:
A mono digital sound fragment 9 is placed on the one channel of a stereo sample. The control commands 10 are placed on the other channel of said stereo sample. The stereo sample thus formed therefore comprises audio data on one channel and control commands on the other channel. Said sample is now an encoded stereo sample 11.
A doll thus made can pass on information in a very interactive and visual manner, depending on the software being used, and is thus highly suitable for use by way of supplement to learning programmes for young children, to whom a speaking doll appeals more and for whom the instructions the doll gives are easier to accept. In addition to that, such a doll may be a welcome addition to the existing peripheral equipment of the computer, since the doll, in combination with the right software, gives the computer a more "personal" feel. Other products, for example an entertainment centre, may make use of this method as well.
A number of further possibilities of programmes will be discussed hereinafter:
The external device can be used very well in so- called "screensavers". The external device can for example make comments on what is happening on the screen. The external device can act as a storyteller in a so-called "adventure game".
The external device can tell fairy tales in an animated manner. The external device can become a so-called
"virtual pet", an animal that must be taken care of and that can be played with. Normally, such an animal is graphically displayed on the screen. When using the invention, a doll that is physically present can act as a virtual pet.
The external device can function very well in combination with the (broadband) Internet, inter-alia by streaming audio.
The external device may be a welcome addition to the multitude of chat programmes that exist. Current chat programmes (such as MSN Messenger) provide a possibility of sending each other special images (emoticons) and animations (winks) so as to liven up the conversation in this manner. The external device can add a dimension to this, because it is possible to control the external device at the location of the conversation partner during the conversation. Thus it is possible to have a doll at the conversation partner's location heave a sigh, blink, shake its head or laugh.

Claims

- -CLAIMS
1. A method wherein a device to be connected to a processor, which device is capable of producing sound and of moving, is controlled by the processor via a sound channel and a command channel, respectively.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that said sound channel and said command channel form part of a stereo sound channel.
3. A method according to either one of the claims 1- 2, characterised in that the device reproduces sound from the sound channel, and that one or more commands associated therewith from the command channel activate (s) motion elements incorporated in the device, such as motors, relays, actuators and/or solenoids.
4. A method according to any one of the claims 1-3, characterised in that the command channel comprises encoded information, in particular in the form of sound information, which, after being decoded, is used in the device for causing the device to move.
5. A method according to any one of the claims 1-4, characterised in that the device is connected to the USB connection of the processor incorporated in a personal computer .
6. A method according to claim 5, characterised in that the software that runs on the personal computer displays images and/or text on a screen, and in that the device makes the sounds and movements associated therewith.
7. A system comprising a personal computer, a device provided with sound signals and movement command signals - -
connected to the USP port thereof, which is arranged for making sounds and/or movements, wherein the respective signals have been placed on a left-hand channel and a right-hand channel, which lead to a USB stereo audio chip in the device.
8. A device suitable for being used in the method according to any one of the claims 1-6 and for being incorporated in the system according to claim 7, wherein the device can be connected to the USB output of a personal computer of the system, and wherein the device is arranged for making sound and/or movements on the basis of sound and movement command signals that have been placed on a left- hand channel and a right-hand channel of a USB stereo audio chip incorporated in the device.
9. Signals for use in the method, the system and/or the device as defined in the respective preceding claims, which signals comprise sound signals and movement command signals being part of a stereo audio channel that extends between a personal computer and a device connected to the USB output thereof, which device is capable of making sound and movements.
10. Signals according to claim 9, wherein the movement command signals comprise sound frequencies that have been encoded in groups .
PCT/NL2008/050078 2007-02-12 2008-02-11 Method for controlling an external device via the usb-port of a personal computer WO2008100141A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08712604A EP2121155A1 (en) 2007-02-12 2008-02-11 Method for controlling an external device via the usb-port of a personal computer

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1033379A NL1033379C1 (en) 2007-02-12 2007-02-12 Method for controlling external device e.g. doll, via universal serial bus (USB) of personal computer, involves converting stereo sample from computer into analogue stereo audio signal with sound and command channels for external device
NL1033379 2007-02-12
NL2000973A NL2000973C1 (en) 2007-10-31 2007-10-31 Method for controlling external device e.g. doll, via universal serial bus (USB) of personal computer, involves converting stereo sample from computer into analogue stereo audio signal with sound and command channels for external device
NL2000973 2007-10-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008100141A1 true WO2008100141A1 (en) 2008-08-21

Family

ID=39323654

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NL2008/050078 WO2008100141A1 (en) 2007-02-12 2008-02-11 Method for controlling an external device via the usb-port of a personal computer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2121155A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008100141A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5074821A (en) * 1990-01-18 1991-12-24 Worlds Of Wonder, Inc. Character animation method and apparatus
US5108341A (en) * 1986-05-28 1992-04-28 View-Master Ideal Group, Inc. Toy which moves in synchronization with an audio source
JPH0723829A (en) * 1992-07-10 1995-01-27 Marutaka Iryoki Kk Acoustic appreciation chair
US6012961A (en) * 1997-05-14 2000-01-11 Design Lab, Llc Electronic toy including a reprogrammable data storage device
US6319010B1 (en) * 1996-04-10 2001-11-20 Dan Kikinis PC peripheral interactive doll
US6959166B1 (en) * 1998-04-16 2005-10-25 Creator Ltd. Interactive toy

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5108341A (en) * 1986-05-28 1992-04-28 View-Master Ideal Group, Inc. Toy which moves in synchronization with an audio source
US5074821A (en) * 1990-01-18 1991-12-24 Worlds Of Wonder, Inc. Character animation method and apparatus
JPH0723829A (en) * 1992-07-10 1995-01-27 Marutaka Iryoki Kk Acoustic appreciation chair
US6319010B1 (en) * 1996-04-10 2001-11-20 Dan Kikinis PC peripheral interactive doll
US6012961A (en) * 1997-05-14 2000-01-11 Design Lab, Llc Electronic toy including a reprogrammable data storage device
US6959166B1 (en) * 1998-04-16 2005-10-25 Creator Ltd. Interactive toy

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2121155A1 (en) 2009-11-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5636994A (en) Interactive computer controlled doll
US6572431B1 (en) Computer-controlled talking figure toy with animated features
JP4150061B2 (en) Method for enabling a player to communicate verbally and a system enabling verbal communication
US4846693A (en) Video based instructional and entertainment system using animated figure
US9272228B2 (en) Full-duplex, wireless control system for interactive costumed characters
AU2008264803B2 (en) An audio animation system
US20150138333A1 (en) Agent Interfaces for Interactive Electronics that Support Social Cues
US9089783B2 (en) System and method for a toy to interact with a computing device through wireless transmissions
JPH08503144A (en) Device for operating and talking by controlling video and wireless
JP2010530286A (en) Response cut scenes in video games
KR960018998A (en) Interactive computer game machines
US20130068173A1 (en) Internet communication system for pets
JP2008259808A (en) Robot system, and control method thereof
JP3890646B2 (en) Sound generating apparatus and method in game machine
CN101251875A (en) Method and system of video and audio mingle interaction game
US7395208B2 (en) Integrating external voices
CN103475979A (en) Vocal accompaniment system reducing playback audio delay and method for reducing playback audio delay
WO2008100141A1 (en) Method for controlling an external device via the usb-port of a personal computer
NL1033379C1 (en) Method for controlling external device e.g. doll, via universal serial bus (USB) of personal computer, involves converting stereo sample from computer into analogue stereo audio signal with sound and command channels for external device
NL2000973C1 (en) Method for controlling external device e.g. doll, via universal serial bus (USB) of personal computer, involves converting stereo sample from computer into analogue stereo audio signal with sound and command channels for external device
WO2012139298A1 (en) Erotical control system and method thereof for self entertainment
JP2005177129A (en) Pet communication apparatus
KR20040033517A (en) System and Method to control a toy using Web
JP2000000377A (en) Video game machine having characteristic in voice input type human interface, and program recording medium
JP3740149B2 (en) GAME DEVICE AND PROGRAM

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08712604

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2008712604

Country of ref document: EP