Artificial Intelligence Responsive Talking Toy

Description

BACKGROUND

Interactive toys can include toys that play pre-recorded statements or audio files to a child. There are options for how the toy can obtain the audio file to play to the child. The toy may record the child and playback the recording, which may or may not be distorted first. The toy may have a preset of pre-recorded options that may be played by the child. The child may select what to play by pressing different parts of the toy or in performing specific commands. The toy may simply play random or a pre-determined order of recording options to the child.

All of the options for the interactive experience, however, become repetitive. The pre-set audio files become exhausted, and the child experiences the same interaction over and over. Even if the toy records the child so that the audio file is not the same each time, the experience is the same in simply replaying what is spoken to the toy.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments described herein provide a unique and dynamic experience for a child when engaging with a toy. Exemplary embodiments may be used to create a unique experience for each interaction and/or may replay preferred or desired interactions based on previous experiences.

Exemplary systems and methods herein are for interacting with a toy. The system and methods may include providing an application stored on a mobile device of a user; receiving prompts at the mobile device of the user through the application; generate dynamic content from the prompts; communicate the dynamic content to the toy; and using the dynamic content to interact with the toy.

The dynamic content may be an audio file of a story and the toy plays the audio file to tell the story.

The dynamic content may include an instruction set to control the toy and the method further includes animating the toy based on the instruction set synchronously with playing the audio file.

The system and methods may also include communicating the prompts from the mobile device of the user to a remote server and generating the dynamic content from the prompts with the remote server.

The system and methods may also include transmitting the dynamic content form the remote server to the toy. Optionally, the system and methods may also include transmitting the dynamic content from the remote server to the toy through the mobile device of the user.

The system and methods may also include saving a copy of the dynamic content in memory as stored dynamic content within the toy, and receiving a user input to replay the stored dynamic content, and replaying the stored dynamic content.

The system and methods may also include using machine learning algorithm to generate the dynamic content.

The system and methods may also include generating the dynamic content using the prompts to generate with the remote server input instructions configured to be used by a large language model to generate a story, inputting the input instructions into a large language model and generating a story as the dynamic content.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system with insight into exemplary internal componentry according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system with insight into exemplary internal componentry according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram according to embodiments of an exemplary method of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. These terms are merely intended to distinguish one component from another component, and the terms do not limit the nature, sequence or order of the constituent components.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

In addition, the terms “unit”, “-er”, “-or”, and “module” described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

In this document, when terms such as “first” and “second” are used to modify a noun, such use is simply intended to distinguish one item from another, and is not intended to require a sequential order unless specifically stated. In addition, terms of relative position such as “vertical” and “horizontal”, or “front” and “rear”, when used, are intended to be relative to each other and need not be absolute, and only refer to one possible position of the device associated with those terms depending on the device's orientation.

An “electronic device” or a “computing device” refers to a device that includes a processor and memory. For example, the flying device may comprise an electronic device and/or a computing device. Each device may have its own processor and/or memory, or the processor and/or memory may be shared with other devices as in a virtual machine or container arrangement. The memory may contain or receive programming instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to perform one or more operations according to the programming instructions.

The terms “memory,” “memory device,” “computer-readable storage medium,” “data store,” “data storage facility” and the like each refer to a non-transitory device on which computer-readable data, programming instructions or both are stored. Except where specifically stated otherwise, the terms “memory,” “memory device,” “computer-readable storage medium,” “data store,” “data storage facility” and the like are intended to include single device embodiments, embodiments in which multiple memory devices together or collectively store a set of data or instructions, as well as individual sectors within such devices.

The terms “processor” and “processing device” refer to a hardware component of an electronic device that is configured to execute programming instructions. Except where specifically stated otherwise, the singular term “processor” or “processing device” is intended to include both single-processing device embodiments and embodiments in which multiple processing devices together or collectively perform a process.

The terms “instructions” and “programs” may be used interchangeably herein. The instructions may be stored in object code format for direct processing by the processor, or in any other computing device language, including scripts or collections of independent source code modules that are interpreted on demand or compiled in advance. Functions, methods, and routines of the instructions are explained in more detail below. The instructions may be any set of instructions to be executed directly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as scripts) by the processor. For example, the instructions may be stored as computing device code on the computing device-readable medium.

The term “data” may be retrieved, stored or modified by processors in accordance with a set of instructions. For instance, although the claimed subject matter is not limited by any particular data structure, the data may be stored in computing device registers, in a relational database as a table having a plurality of different fields and records, XML documents or flat files. The data may also be formatted in any computing device-readable format.

The term “module” refers to a set of computer-readable programming instructions, as executed by a processor, that cause the processor to perform one or more specified function(s).

Although exemplary embodiments are described as using a plurality of units to perform the exemplary process, it is understood that the exemplary processes may also be performed by one or plurality of modules. Additionally, it is understood that the term controller/control unit refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor and is specifically programmed to execute the processes described herein. The memory is configured to store the modules and the processor is specifically configured to execute these modules to perform one or more processes that are described further below.

Further, the control logic of the present disclosure may be embodied as non-transitory computer readable media on a computer readable medium containing executable programming instructions executed by a processor, controller, or the like. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed in network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable media may be stored and executed in a distributed fashion such as, e.g., by a telematics server or a Controller Area Network (CAN).

The following detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include a toy to play dynamic content to provide a unique interactive experience for a user to improve and prolong the engagement of the user with the toy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the toy is configured to receive user input to influence and/or create the dynamic content. The system is then configured to use the user input to generate dynamic content. The system is then configured to communicate the dynamic content to the toy to play the dynamic content.

In an optional configuration, the dynamic content is a story that is generated using story elements that are received as user inputs. Although embodiments of the invention may be described and illustrated herein in terms of a generated story, it should be understood that embodiments of this invention are not so limited, but are additionally applicable to generating other dynamic content such as songs, jokes, trivia, action dialog for playing, games, instructions, sound effects, or a combination thereof.

In an optional configuration, the dynamic content may include audio for the toy to make one or more sounds.

In an optional configuration, the dynamic content may include an instruction set configured to control the toy. The instruction set may control an animation of the toy. The animation may be in the movement of the toy and/or the movement of one or more components of the toy.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system according to embodiments of the invention. The system 100 may include a toy 104 for interactive engagement by the user. The toy 104 may be configured to play dynamic content to provide unique and varied interaction with the child.

The system 100 may include an application run on a mobile device 106 of a user 102 that is configured to communicate with the toy 104 and/or a remote server for receiving dynamic content and/or communicating dynamic content to the toy for playing by the toy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the user 102 is a child and the toy 104 is configured to receive dynamic content for interaction with the child. In an exemplary embodiment, the content may be a story that is created or provided based on one or more user inputs to generate the story.

The system 100 may optionally include an application run on a mobile device 106 of the user 102 in order to receive user inputs to generate the dynamic content of the toy. The application may be configured to communicate with the toy 104 through the mobile device 106 of the user 102. The application may be configured to communicate the dynamic content generated based on the user inputs or parameters the same as or similar to the user inputs to the toy.

The toy 104 may be configured to receive the dynamic content and perform a function in response thereto. For example, the toy 104 may be configured to play an audio file and/or create movements based on the dynamic content.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dynamic content includes an audio file of a story and the toy 104 is configured to play the story. The dynamic content may optionally include animatronic instructions for controlling a movement of the toy 104. The toy 104 may be configured to move with the audio file. In an optional example, the toy 104 may move a mouth, lips, tongue, eyes, head, appendages, or any combination thereof synchronized with the audio file. In an specific example of the optional embodiment, the toy 104 is configured to appear to speak words of a story as an audio file of the story is played by the toy 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system with insight into exemplary internal componentry according to embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, the system may include a toy 104 that may be in communication with an application stored and/or run on a mobile device 106 of a user 102. The toy 104 may include a processor 212 in communication with memory 214, and a communication interface 216. The mobile device 106 of the user may also be configured to communicate through a network 210 to a remote server 208.

In an exemplary embodiment, the user 102 is a child and the system is configured to generate dynamic content to be played by the toy 104 for interaction with the child. In an optional configuration, the content is a story that is created or provided to the toy based on one or more user inputs to generate the story.

The system 100 may optionally include an application run on a mobile device 106 of the user 102 in order to receive user inputs to generate the dynamic content of the toy. The application may be configured to communicate with the toy 104 through the mobile device 106 of the user 102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the application comprises computer readable medium that when executed by the processor of the mobile device 106 of the user 102 performs various functions of the application described herein, such as: displaying a user interface on a screen of the mobile device 106; receiving user inputs from the user 102 through inputs of the mobile device 106 such as buttons or touchscreen; communicating with a remote server to send the user inputs and/or obtain a data set comprising the dynamic content based on the user inputs from the remote server; and/or communicate with the toy 104 to provide the dynamic content to the toy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the toy 104 and the mobile device 106 may be configured to communicate through a communication interface 216 of the toy 104. The communication interface may be, for example, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other communication protocol with sufficient bandwidth to transmit the dynamic content from the mobile device 106 to the toy 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the communication interface is a near field wireless protocol. The toy 104 may therefore be configured to communicate with devices only in close proximity to the toy to reduce access by external sources. Close is understood to be a distance to achieve the protection of the device from outside influence. Therefore, close may be the distance of a room, a house, or other environment in which the toy may likely be used by trusted sources and/or less than a distance in which untrusted sources may become more prominent.

In an exemplary embodiment, the communication interface may be configured to only communicate with trusted devices. This may reduce access to the toy from outside sources. For example, the toy 104 may be configured to only communicate with a known application that is configured to communicate with the given toy that has been properly authenticated. Other or alternative security features may be included to reduce access to the toy from outside or untrusted devices.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dynamic content provided to the toy from the remote server (optionally through the mobile device of the user) can include instructions to operate the toy 104. The dynamic content may, for example, include an audio file to be played by the toy 104. The audio file may be one example of the dynamic content used by the toy. The dynamic content may, as an optional example, include instructions on how to move the toy according to optional embodiments described herein. An optional instruction may include animatronic instructions for moving the mouth of the toy synchronized with the audio file.

The toy may be configured to play the dynamic content for interactive engagement with the user. The toy 104 may be configured with a speaker 220 to audibly play an audio file, such as part of the data set generated and/or received from the remote server, that is generated using the inputs provided by the user 102. The audio file may be stored in one or more memory 214 and when executed by the processor 212 may be configured to play on the speaker 220.

The toy 104 may optionally be configured to animate. For example, the toy 104 may include one or more actuators 218 coupled to internal infrastructure to move portions of the toy. The internal infrastructure may be framing or may be the components themselves to move portions of the toy, such as, for example, appendages, lips, mouth, tongue, eyes, etc. The actuators may be controlled by one or more processors 212. In an optional embodiment, the dynamic content received from the remote server may include animatronic instruction that may be stored in one or more memory 214 of the toy and executed by one or more processors 212 to control the one or more actuators 218 to move the toy. In an optional embodiment, the dynamic content includes instructions configured to play an audio file by the speaker 220 and animate the toy using the one or more actuators 218 synchronized with the audio file.

The toy 104 may optionally be configured to move one or more features of the toy to correspond to the audio file. In an exemplary embodiment, the audio file is a story. However, the invention is not so limited. The audio file may, for example, include a song or game. The configured movement or animatronics of the toy may include movement of a mouth to correspond to words of the audio file. The toy may optionally be configured to appear to tell the story and/or sing the song. Optionally, other or additional animatronics may be included, such as movement of appendages (head, arms, legs, cars, tail, etc.), to further enhance the experience and interaction with the toy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the remote server 208 may include one or more processors and memory and may be configured to generate the data set comprising the dynamic content. The remote server 208 may be a distributed server and/or may include one or more servers. The remote server 208 may comprise the machine learning algorithm defining the artificial intelligence to generate the dynamic content and/or may interface with another artificial intelligence engine to receive data to create all or portions of the dynamic content.

In an exemplary embodiment, the remote server 208 is configured to receive the user inputs from the user obtained through the application on the mobile device. The mobile device 106 may communicate with the remote server 208 through a network 210. The remote server 208 is configured to generate the dynamic content based on the user inputs.

The remote server 208 may be configured to obtain generated output based on the user input. The remote server 208 may be configured to create dynamic content and/or a data set to be communicated to and/or used by the toy and/or mobile device of the user from the generated output.

In an optional embodiment, the remote server comprises a machine learning algorithm that has been trained to generate age appropriate content based on specific inputs.

In an optional embodiment, the remote server is in communication with a machine learning algorithm that is trained to create content based on input instruction. The remote server is configured to generate the input instruction based on the user inputs. The remote server is then configured to communicate the input instructions to the machine learning algorithm and receive generated output back from the algorithm based on the input instructions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the remote server 208 is configured to generate input instructions to generate the desired dynamic content. For example, if the toy is configured to create unique stories to be played by the toy, the remote server may be configured to generate input instructions that comprises a prompt to create age appropriate story with the user inputs incorporated therein. The remote server 208 may therefore be configured to create a prompt to generate a unique story with specific story characteristics including the user inputs that is tailored to limit the resulting content to ensure age appropriate content.

In an exemplary embodiment, the remote server 208 may generate the input instruction having other attributes for the resulting generated output. For example, a length restriction for the resulting story, age appropriate restrictions, and/or other instructional inputs may be incorporated into the input instruction by the remote server.

In an exemplary embodiment, the remote server 208 may be configured to create dynamic content and/or a data set to be communicated to and/or used by the toy and/or mobile device of the user from the generated output. As an optional example, the remote server may be configured to filter the resulting generated output to improve a confidence the resulting content will be age appropriate. As another optional example, the remote server may be configured to use text to speech to generate an audio file to be played by the toy 104. As another optional example, the remote server may be configured to use the text of the story and/or the generated output to generate a control file to animate the toy synchronously with the audio file.

In an exemplary embodiment, the remote server may use an animation algorithm to receive the audio file and/or text file and generate movement instructions for the mouth of the toy from the words of the audio file. The remote server may be configured to synchronize the audio file speed with the animation control instructions in order to generate dynamic content to control the toy to tell the story by playing the audio file while moving the mouth of the toy synchronously with its words.

The remote server may be configured to create a data set to send to the mobile device of the user. The data set may include additional information than the dynamic content for controlling the toy. For example, metadata for the file may be sent to the mobile device, such as a time of creation, time of request, content identifier, content rating, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the application on the mobile device of the user is configured to receive the data set and communicate the dynamic content to the toy. The toy is then configured to play the dynamic content to the user.

The system may include a database 220 for storing information of or about the generated content, dynamic content, user inputs, input instructions, audio file, animation control instructions, user rating, content identifier, or other information described herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the user input is sent to the remote server, the remote server may be configured to search the database to determine if content already exists for the same user inputs. The remote server may send stored information from the database associated with the same user inputs instead of generating new content. The remote server may optionally filter or perform other analysis before sending the content to the user and/or decide to regenerate content even if the same user inputs exist in the system. The optional features are described herein, and may include, for example, checking a user rating, an average user rating, an age recommendation for the content, the user history associated with the content to determine if it is unique to user, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system with insight into exemplary internal componentry according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 may be very similar to FIG. 2, except that the toy is configured to communicate directly to the remote server to obtain dynamic content. The embodiment of FIG. 3 may be combined with that of FIG. 2 and/or may be a separate embodiment. Exemplary embodiments of the toy may be configured to work either only with an intermediate mobile device of a user, only without a mobile device of a user and communicate directly with a remote server, or work either way that may be selected depending on the absence or presence of the mobile device of the user or selected through other user input to the system.

In the example of a system represented by FIG. 3, the communication interface 316 of toy 104 may be configured to communicate directly to remote server 208 through a network 310.

In an exemplary embodiment, the memory 220 of the toy 104 may include instructions stored thereto to control the toy. The instructions stored in memory 220 may also include options for receiving user inputs into the system. The toy 104 may optionally include sensors or other user inputs for receiving user inputs. For example, the toy 104 may optionally include buttons, pressure sensors, and/or proximity sensors on one or more locations of the toy to receive inputs from a user by pressing portions of the toy.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 in which a mobile device may be used to provide user information and/or receive user inputs, the extent of the user selections may be increased. In the embodiment without a user mobile device to receive user inputs, the toy may receive more limited options. For example, the toy may be configured to ask specific user inputs and provide a limited number of options to select based on the number of user input sensors on the toy. As a specific example that is exemplary only and is not intended to be limited or the only or required option, the toy may be configured to ask specific story related questions, such as type of story, location of story, and main character of story. Upon each prompt, the toy may indicate which location to press to make a certain selection. As a specific example that is exemplary only and is not intended to be limited or the only or required option, the toy may provide options for the type of story such as princess fantasy, wild west, under water fantasy, or space fantasy and provide specific locations to press to make a selection. The toy may be configured in this optional configured to store the user input associated with each prompt as the user input to be communicated to the remote server.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram according to embodiments of an exemplary method of the invention. The steps of the flow diagram may be stored as computer ready instructions and/or may be outputs generated by executed computer generated instructions. Some or all of the steps of the flow diagram may be performed by the processor(s) by executing instructions stored on memories of any combination of the toy, the mobile device of a user, the remote server, and/or one or more other servers. The exemplary process of FIG. 4 may be employed with any of the system configurations described herein, such as those show in FIGS. 1-3.

It is understood that different combinations of steps may be used and remain within the scope of the instant disclosure. For example, any step identified and described with respect to FIG. 4 illustrated with a dashed line are optional steps that may be used in any combination with any other optional steps. Accordingly, for example, step 402, while no other steps 406, 408, 410, 416, 418, 420, 424, 426, 428 are used. Alternatively, different embodiments may, for example, include the following combination of optional features: 402, 406, 408, 410, 424, 426, 428 or 402, 406, 408, 410, 416, 424, 426, 428 or 406, 408, 410, 424, 426, 428 or 406, 408, or any other combination. It is understood that the steps may also be performed in any logical order. The steps are illustrated and numbered for reference only. The optional steps are illustrated as concurrently or run in parallel, however, such representation is for illustration purposes only. Any step may be run sequentially or in parallel as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

In an optional configuration not shown in the process steps of FIG. 4, the system may be set up. Any combination of set up features may be used to set up the system. For example, an application may be downloaded and stored on a user's mobile device. As another example, the application on the user's mobile device may be registered to a toy. The registration may be by providing a unique identifier to the system to coordinate the communication of the toy to the user's mobile device. Other configuration and/or authentication steps may be used to permit communication between the toy and the user's mobile device.

At step 402, a user may optionally open an application on the mobile device of the user. As described herein, the use of an application on the user's mobile device is optional. In alternative embodiments, user inputs may be received directly through the toy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the application may be configured to provide a user interface to the user displayed on a screen of the mobile device. The user interface may be configured to receive user inputs from the user.

At step 404, the system may receive story prompts. The story prompts may be any combination of inputs from a user that relate to the story or dynamic content generated by the system.

In an exemplary embodiment, the story prompts may be features of the story. Exemplary features of a story in which a user may provide a user input may include any combination of: story category, character types, ideas, settings, objects, etc. As an optional example, the user may identify a story category such as fantasy, science fiction, fairy tale, etc. As another optional example, the user may select character types, such as, for example, princesses, toys, animals, etc. As another optional example, the user may select the setting, such as, for example, beach, tropical island, outer space, Jupiter, underwater, on a mountain, etc. As another optional example, the user may provide additional ideas or objects to include in the story, such as, for example, rainbows, magic beans, unicorns, leprechauns, gold, mud, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the story prompts may also or alternatively include customizations for the story. For example, the user may enter names for the anticipated characters or provide other information about characters or features of the story. For example, a user may enter the color of a character, name of the character, or other characteristic of the character or other object of the story.

In an exemplary embodiment, the story prompts are entered at step 404 through the user interface on the mobile device of the application that was opened at step 402. The user interface may present the requested information in one or more formats. For example, any combination of selectable buttons, drop downs, text fields, radio buttons, switches, or other indicators may be used for a user to enter user inputs into the system through the application.

In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may present the requested information in certain formats. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, each requested item of information may be selected by a user by selecting buttons representing options. In an optional embodiment, the buttons may include the words for the selection on the button. In an optional embodiment, the buttons may include icons or images representing the idea in place of the word for selection. This configuration may be useful for users that are not yet able to read and/or permit understanding across different languages. The user interface may be configured to permit the user to select a certain number or combination of buttons for a given prompt. The use of selectable buttons or other pre-set option selection (such as radio buttons, switches, selected buttons, etc.) controls the formation of the story and may reduce the story from containing subject matter that is inappropriate for the user.

In an exemplary embodiment, the story prompts received at step 404 may be received through other interfaces and is not limited to the application run on the mobile device. As an optional configuration, the toy may be configured to audibly provide selections to the user that the user can select. Optional configurations for permitting a user to make a selection may include, for example, touching a location on the toy and/or by responding with a vocal selection. As another optional configuration, the toy may use voice prompts that ask for the requested user inputs and may receive voice responses from the user. The user interface may optionally be integrated into the toy, such as with a screen provided on the toy. The user may then make selection on the display of the toy in place of the mobile device.

At optional step 406, if the user is permitted to provide a user input that is not provided by the system, the system may be configured to filter the prompts to verify that the user input is age appropriate. This may be used, for example, when a user is prompted to enter a name of a character. The system may be configured to search the entered user input and variations thereof in order to reduce inappropriate words, subject matter, or material from entering the story.

If the system detects or determines that the entered user information is inappropriate to be used in the story prompts, then the system may respond. In an optional embodiment, the system may delete the user input and not use it when generating the story or the story prompt. The undesirably information would therefore not enter the story. In an optional embodiment, the system may prompt the user to make another or replacement selection for that category or for the unacceptable user input. In an optional embodiment, the system may use an alternative in place of the user input that is similar, but not problematic from an inappropriate subject matter perspective. The system may use any combination of responses. For example, the system may use a combination of different responses depending on which user input is determined to be inappropriate. If the selection is from an entry for objects to include in the story, the system may simply ignore inappropriate object, but if the selection is for a name of a character, the system may request the user reenter a different name.

At optional step 410, the system may take the received story prompts (whether filtered or unfiltered) and search a story database to determine if a story has previously been generating using the same prompts.

In an optional exemplary embodiment, the system may be configured to store any combination of information of or about: the generated content, dynamic content, user inputs, input instructions, audio file, animation control instructions, user rating, content identifier, or other information described herein. After receiving user inputs about features of the story, the system may be configured to search the database to determine if one or more other stories have already been generated.

If the same story prompts have already been used and the system contains a story corresponding to the same prompts, the system may retrieve and use the already generated story instead of generating a new story. In this instance, step 414 described herein below would not generate a story, but instead receive the story retrieved from the database having the same prompts.

In the instance in which a story exists already for the same prompts, additional selection criteria may also be used to select a previous story and/or determine whether a new story should be generated.

In an optional embodiment described herein more fully below with respect to step 426, the system may receive user ratings on a story after the story is presented to the user through the toy. The system may use alternative or additional methods to rate a story, such as by permitting a user to indicate it as a favorite, tracking whether a story is replayed, providing alike or dislike indicator after the story, tracking whether a story is stored to the toy or device, or any combination thereof.

In an optional embodiment, the system may be configured to use the user ratings to determine whether a story should be generated using the prompts or whether the previously generated and stored story with the same prompts should be used. For example, if a story rating is below a threshold, then a new story may be generated. If a story rating is above the threshold, then the previously stored story may be used.

In an optional embodiment, the system may be configured to use the user ratings to determine which previously stored story having have same prompts is used for a user. In this case, more than one story may be stored in the system having the same story prompts. The system may be configured to select the highest rating (and/or the next highest rating if the highest rated story is not selected for some reason, such as another optional feature described herein). In this way, the system may be configured to provide the most favorable (and/or unique) stories to a user.

In an optional embodiment, the system may track and store whether a user has previously had access to a story. The system may be configured to check if the same prompts and/or previously generated story retrieved from the database have been used previously by the same user. If a previous story has already been heard by the same user, the system may be configured to select a different previously generated story and/or to regenerate a story based on the same prompts.

At optional step 408, the system may be configured to generate a story request prompt. This embodiment is used when the system separates the artificial intelligence engine to generate the dynamic content from the rest of the system. This may be useful when a third party AI engine is use or if the AI engine is run on a separate server and/or is segregated for processing, training, or other reason.

The system may be configured to generate a story request prompt to be used by an artificial intelligence engine. In an optional embodiment, the artificial intelligence engine is trained to generate age appropriate content in a presentation style consistent with the toy. In an optional embodiment, the story request prompt provides instructions to create an age appropriate story in a presentation style consistent with the toy, even if the artificial intelligence engine has not been specifically trained to be related to the toy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system may be configured to use the user inputs or other user selections related to the story prompts in order to generate the story request prompt.

In an exemplary embodiment, the generated story request prompt includes features related to the user inputs and/or story prompts of step 404.

At step 414, dynamic content may be obtained. As described herein, the dynamic content may be generated using an artificial intelligence engine and/or may be created at the time of the request and/or may have previously been generated and retrieved from a database.

If a dynamic content is generated at the time of a request, and not previously stored by the system, the system may be optionally configured to determine a uniqueness of the generated dynamic content. In an optional example, the system may be configured to compare the generated dynamic content with previously stored dynamic content having the same story prompts and/or the same story request prompt. The system may therefore determine whether a unique story was generated from the artificial intelligence engine.

In an exemplary embodiment, the comparison may be made to determine if a certain percentage of the dynamic content is similar. The comparison may be made, such as, by using programs that exist for determine whether an author has plagiarized other content. Such systems can compare content and determine if a certain percentage or other characteristic makes the compared content too similar to each other. If the story is not sufficiently unique (either it is the same story or determined to overlap with a previously story by a certain criteria or threshold), then the system may discard the generated dynamic content and either regenerate a unique story request prompt and/or regenerate a unique story using the same story request prompt. In an optional embodiment, the generated story may be used in the unique story request prompt to attempt to create a different story.

At optional step 418, the resulting or generated story may be analyzed to assess an age appropriateness or other criteria of the generated content. As an optional example, the system may be configured to search the resulting generated dynamic content for key words that indicate an inappropriate subject matter. As an optional example, the system may be configured to run the generated dynamic content through an age filter or age assessor such as used in parental control systems to determine an age appropriateness of the resulting content.

If the event the system determines the generated content is inappropriate, the system may not use the generated dynamic content. The system may be configured to respond. The system may optionally respond in different ways. As an optional example, the system may regenerate a different story request prompt. The different story request prompt may take into consideration and/or include whatever was determined to be inappropriate content so that the prompt excludes such content in the prompt. As an optional example, the system may regenerate different dynamic content.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system may be configured to be used in different languages. If the dynamic content is generated in a language different from that selected by the user and/or selected for the toy, the system may be configured at step 416 to translate the dynamic content into another language. In an optional embodiment, the language may be programmed with the toy and/or through the application on the mobile device and provided with the request to generate dynamic content including the story prompts.

At step 422, the resulting dynamic content (whether directly or after one or more of the optional steps to filter, regenerate, translate, or otherwise update or amend the dynamic content) may then be converted to an audio file. In an exemplary embodiment, a text to speech system may be used based on the language of the text to generate an audio file in the final language.

If the toy is also configured to animate, then at step 424 an animation control instruction may be generated to synchronize the toy animation instructions with the audio file. The system may be configured to determine control instructions for the toy in relation to the generated audio file in order to control the animation of the toy as the audio file is played. In this case, the animation may be uniquely determined and/or related to the content of the audio file.

In an optional embodiment, the system may determine the animation at the time the audio file is played and not generate a previous animation control file.

In an optional embodiment, the system may use a pre-configured animation as long as the audio file is playing by the toy. In this case, the animation may not be unique and/or may not be related to the content of the audio file, but instead may be a generic animation if the system determines words or other specific sound is generated in the audio file.

At optional step 426, any combination of the information of or about: the generated content, dynamic content, user inputs, input instructions, audio file, animation control instructions, user rating, content identifier, or other information described herein.

In an optional embodiment, the system may be configured to record or save with which stories the user has played. As an optional example, this information may be used at step 420 (either additionally or alternatively) to determine if the story is unique to the user and not simply unique to the system or previously generated stories.

At step 428, the dynamic content is used by the toy. Before the dynamic content is used by the toy, the dynamic content may be received by the toy. The dynamic content may be generated by the remote server, retrieved by the remote server database, received from an artificial intelligence engine using the generated story request prompt, or any combination thereof. The dynamic content may be communicated to the toy, directly from the remote server and/or through the application running on the mobile device of the user.

In the optional example of the dynamic content being a story, the toy may play an audio file of the dynamic content with a speaker of the toy.

In the optional embodiment of an animated toy, the playing the dynamic content may include animating the toy synchronized with the audio file. The toy may therefore appear to be telling the story and/or may move in relation to the story or other content of the audio file. If both an audio file and animatronic control file are provided to the toy, the toy may be configured to move synchronously with the audio file.

At optional step 430, the system may obtain a user rating for the played dynamic content. The rating may be stored in the system as used by the system, such as described herein.

The system may obtain a user rating in any combination of ways. As an optional example, the system may use the user interface of the application run on the mobile device to receive a user rating after the dynamic content has been played by the toy. The system may use alternative or additional methods to rate a story, such as by permitting a user to indicate it as a favorite, tracking whether a story is replayed, providing alike or dislike indicator after the story, tracking whether a story is stored to the toy or device, or any combination thereof.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may include a toy having a processor, memory in communication with the processor, wherein the memory has machine instructions that are configured to perform functions as described herein.

Optionally, the toy may also or alternatively include any combination of additional components, such as, for example, one or more communication device(s), one or more speaker(s), one or more receiver(s), one or more transmitter(s), one or more actuator(s), or one or more sensor(s), and Bluetooth communication.

Exemplary embodiments of the toy are shown and described as a plush animal (such as a bear). The invention is not so limited, but other examples of a toy are also included herein. Optional embodiments of the toy include a plush. Optional embodiments of the toy include a plush animal. Optional embodiments of the toy include figurines. Optional embodiments of the toy include action figures. Optional embodiments of the toy include a character. Optional embodiments of the toy include vehicles. Optional embodiments of the toy include robots. The toy may be in any configuration, size, shape, character, made up, real, etc.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may include the toy of any configuration described herein and a remote server having stored thereon instructions that when executed by a processor of the remote server perform functions as described herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the toy may perform any combination of the following functions: receive user inputs related to dynamic content; play audio sounds; receive dynamic content and/or other data, information, and/or instructions from an application on a mobile device and/or from a remote server; communicate with an application of a mobile device and/or a remote server; play an audio file; animate the toy; or synchronize the playing of an audio file with the animation of the toy.

Exemplary embodiments of the remote server may perform any combination of the following functions: receive user inputs related to the dynamic content to be generated; filter user inputs; generate a dynamic content request prompt to be used by an artificial intelligence engine; generate generated content with an artificial intelligence engine using user inputs; receive generated content using the user inputs from an artificial intelligence engine; store any combination of the information of or about: the generated content, dynamic content, user inputs, input instructions, audio file, animation control instructions, user rating, content identifier, users, user actions, user usage, or other information described herein; verify the dynamic content as age and/or user appropriate; translate the dynamic content; compare and verify the uniqueness of the generated content and/or dynamic content as compared with previously generated content and/or dynamic content stored in the database of the remote server; translate the generated content using text to speech processing; generate an audio file using the generated content; generate animation control instructions to automate the toy; synchronize the animation control instructions with the audio file; generate dynamic content using the generated content; communicate the dynamic content and/or additional information to other system components, such as, for example, the toy and/or the application of the mobile device.

In an optional embodiment, the system may include an application stored in memory of a mobile device that is executed by the processor of the mobile device to perform functions described herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the application on the mobile device may perform any combination of the following instructions: display a user interface on the display of the mobile device; receive user inputs using input components of the mobile device; filtering the user inputs; requesting additional and/or alternative user inputs; send user inputs to the remote server; receive generated content, dynamic content, data, other information, or any combination thereof from the remote server; send any combination of the generated content, dynamic content, data, other information and/or instructions to the toy; determine when dynamic content was played by the toy; present prompts to the user after the dynamic content was played by the toy; permit the user to enter a rating for the dynamic content played; or sending the rating for the dynamic content to the remote server.

Exemplary embodiments of the system may include an identification of the toy. For example, the toy may know a characteristic about the toy and/or when the toy is registered with the application of the mobile device, the application may determine a characteristic about the toy. The characteristic about the toy may be, for example, any of a name associated with the toy, a character of the toy, an animal type of the toy, etc.

Exemplary embodiments of the system may communicate the characteristic about the toy with the user inputs to generate the dynamic content. The remote server may use the characteristic about the toy in generating the generated content, dynamic content, and/or the dynamic content request prompt.

Exemplary embodiments may generate dynamic content to be played by the toy that is related to the toy.

Exemplary embodiments of the system may include an identification of the user of the toy. For example, the system may permit the user to enter one or more characteristics about the user when the application and/or the toy is registered with the application of the mobile device. The characteristic about the user may be, for example, any of a name, gender, age, favorite color, hair color, etc.

Exemplary embodiments of the system may communicate the characteristic about the user with the user inputs to generate the dynamic content. The remote server may use the characteristic about the user in generating the generated content, dynamic content, and/or the dynamic content request prompt.

Exemplary embodiments may generate dynamic content to be played by the toy that is related to the user.

Specific components are shown and described herein, but the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific examples provided. For example, actuators described herein are intended to encompass all movement controllers including, for example, motors, screw jacks, electroactive polymers, solenoids, etc. For example, sensor described herein are intended to encompass all input and/or output devices for receiving and/or providing data, such as, for example, pressure sensors, buttons, touch screens, switches, lights, audio receivers, microphones, speakers, transmitters, receivers, etc. Communication devices described herein include wireless communication interfaces including, for example, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, infrared, Application Protocol Data Units, radio frequency, cellular communication, etc.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may permit a user to download and/or store dynamic content on the mobile device and/or the toy to replay at a later time.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include a toy configured to communicate with a remote server through an application on a mobile device.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include a remote server for communicating with an artificial intelligence engine to generate dynamic content. The remote server is configured to generate a dynamic content request prompt to be used by the artificial intelligence engine to generate generated content.

Exemplary embodiments of the system are configured to filter the user inputs to determine and/or create age appropriate content.

Exemplary embodiments of the system are configured to determine if the dynamic content is unique.

Exemplary embodiments of the system are configured to determine if the dynamic content is unique to the user.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein permit the user to input selections and/or information to be used in the generation of the dynamic content.

Exemplary embodiments provide preconfigured options to be selected by the user to generate the dynamic content.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include user input options including a user interface of icons for selection by a user to portray the options visually without words.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include systems and methods for generating a dynamic content request prompt that includes characteristics to create age and content appropriate material for a target user. Exemplary embodiments may generate dynamic content request prompt to generate story by known parameters from an artificial intelligence engine.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include a rating system stored with the dynamic content to improve the selection of content served to users over time.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include a database of stored generated content with ratings and/or other information for use by the system.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include may permit a user to identify favorite or saved content.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include optional features to make customizable selections for the toy. For example, the system may receive user selections for selecting a gender of toy, a name of the toy, a voice for the toy, etc. The system may be configured to use the user selections for customizing the toy.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein include a toy that is configured to receive audio and/or animation control instructions for playing unique dynamic content to the user.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein optionally permit the toy to communicate directly with a remote server. In this case, the toy may include by user inputs directly on the toy. For example, a user may play a prestored dynamic content stored on the toy by selecting an input on the toy. For example, the user may use inputs on the toy to make user inputs to generate features to be used in generating the dynamic content.

Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein can be based in software and/or hardware. While some specific embodiments of the invention have been shown the invention is not to be limited to these embodiments. For example, most functions performed by electronic hardware components may be duplicated by software emulation. Thus, a software program written to accomplish those same functions may emulate the functionality of the hardware components in input-output circuitry. The invention is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.

As used herein, the terms “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” for any numerical values, ranges, shapes, distances, relative relationships, etc. indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. Numerical ranges may also be provided herein. Unless otherwise indicated, each range is intended to include the endpoints, and any quantity within the provided range. Therefore, a range of 2-4, includes 2, 3, 4, and any subdivision between 2 and 4, such as 2.1, 2.01, and 2.001. The range also encompasses any combination of ranges, such that 2-4 includes 2-3 and 3-4.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Specifically, exemplary components are described herein. Any combination of these components may be used in any combination. For example, any component, feature, step or part may be integrated, separated, sub-divided, removed, duplicated, added, or used in any combination and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments are exemplary only, and provide an illustrative combination of features, but are not limited thereto.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.