Interactive toy system

Abstract

An interactive networked toy system comprised of objects that enter into meaningful and entertaining dialog with each other and with the Child that plays with them.

1 . A system comprised of circuits, software, and operating methods by which at least two nodes of an interactive toy generate the illusion of interaction with each other and with a human participant. 
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  in which interaction between the system and the human participant is via electronic speech recognition circuitry by the system and via normal hearing by the human. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein a single central node of said interactive toy includes all necessary data storage, data processing, microphone, speech detection, text-to-speech conversion, and a radio transmitter. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  in which each of the other nodes of said interactive toy includes only a radio receiver, amplifier, and speaker. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4  in which each of the other nodes of said system also includes a transmitter function that permits the central node to know when each of the satellite nodes is proximate and turned on. 
   
   
       6 . Software of  claim 1  that controls the radio signals transmitted by the central node of  claim 3  to the satellite nodes of  claim 4 . 
   
   
       7 . An externally-programmable database of responses and comments contained in the central node of  claim 3 , with associated text-to-speech circuitry. 
   
   
       8 . A pseudo-random number generator contained in the central node of  claim 3  that randomizes the selection of responses to identified phrases and words generated either by the human participant and detected by speech detection of  claim 3  or by the previous phrases and words generated by other nodes. 
   
   
       9 . A wireless or wired connection between the system of  claim 1  and an external computer, by which the programming of the central node can be modified, updated, or replaced.