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 PDFInfo
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H30/00—Remote-control arrangements specially adapted for toys, e.g. for toy vehicles
- A63H30/02—Electrical arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/28—Arrangements 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
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 .
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 |
---|---|---|---|
NL1033379 | 2007-02-12 | ||
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 |
NL2000973 | 2007-10-31 | ||
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 |
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)
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 |
-
2008
- 2008-02-11 EP EP08712604A patent/EP2121155A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-02-11 WO PCT/NL2008/050078 patent/WO2008100141A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
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 |
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