US20160051904A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20160051904A1
Application number: US14/877,058
Authority: US
Inventors: Eyall Abir
Original assignee: Digisense Ltd; Expro3 LLC
Current assignee: Digisense Ltd; Expro3 LLC
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2014-04-07
Publication date: 2016-02-25
Also published as: WO2014167565A1

Abstract

A system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy, the system comprising: a sensor configured to sense proximity between two or more interlocking pieces, and an electronic circuit configured to detect an interlocking status of said pieces according to the proximity sensed by said sensor, wherein said electronic circuit is further configured to transmit an acoustic communication signal from an acoustic transmitter upon detection of a change in the interlocking status of said pieces, said acoustic communication signal being indicative of the pieces interlocking status; and a receiving device configured to receive said acoustic communication signal and issue an alert indicative of the pieces interlocking status.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of interactive toys.

BACKGROUND

The ability of infants and very young children to learn through interaction with properly designed toys is widely recognized. The normal toys for this age group have included busy-boxes, musical toys, stuffed animals and the like. Computer toys for infants and very young children, however, are generally not common. While computer games for older children (i.e. over two years of age) are widely marketed, they are generally not appropriate for infants or very young children. In action-type computer games, for example, the player must perform quick, dexterous actions in response to sudden events occurring on-screen. These events occur at times and in a manner determined by the computer, with the tempo and the character of the events intensifying to the point that a very young child would become overwhelmed. In computer puzzle and word games the player must match wits with the computer or another player to such a degree that the educational background of a very young child would be insufficient.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,339 to Cohen discloses an educational computer toy for an infant or very young child, in which the computer toy provides audiovisual stimuli simulating the creation of a picture (e.g., painting a picture, fitting together the pieces of a picture puzzle, connecting a prearranged pattern of dots to form a picture, etc.) in response to input by an infant or very young child. The computer toy of the present invention requires the use of a computer (or processor), a display screen, and a keyboard (or input wand or other input device). During play, the user provides an input signal by banging on the keyboard (or shaking the input wand or activating other input devices). The computer processor in turn, responds to each input signal by presenting on the display screen another portion of the picture properly positioned, whereby an audiovisual simulation of creating a picture automatically progresses. According to a computer toy of this type, an infant or very young child can easily interact with a computer controlling the progression of the creation of a picture.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0070204A1 to McEachen et al. discloses a toy comprising a host structure, a plurality of attachable items which can be selectively attached to the host structure, and a radio frequency identification device. The radio frequency identification device comprises at least one reader and a plurality of tags which, when read by a reader, provide identification information particular to that tag. Each reader is housed by the host structure and the tags are each housed by one of the plurality of attachable items. The reader reads the identification information from a particular tag when the corresponding attachable item is attached to the host structure and a different output is generated depending upon which item has been attached.

EP Patent Application Publication No. 2369563A2 to Owen discloses a manually manipulable device adapted to present a changeable individual characterization to a user comprises a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity and relative position of a similar device. One of the figures in the application illustrates how a user manipulating the device can generate a sensory response in the response generator or otherwise in a response generator of another, at least similar, device based on proximity and relative position of said other device and the individual characterization presented on and by that other similar device at the time of interaction.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,963 to Atsmon et al. discloses a plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.

SUMMARY

There is provided, in accordance with some embodiments, an interactive toy interlocking pieces proximity detector, comprising: a sensor configured to sense proximity between said pieces, and an electronic circuit configured to detect interlocking status of said pieces according to proximity sensed by said sensor.

In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) configured to sense light amount between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a resistance to voltage converter.

In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter comprises an operational amplifier configured to output voltage linear to said LDR resistance.

In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said LDR resistance.

In some embodiments, said resistance to voltage converter comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said LDR resistance.

In some embodiments, said sensor comprises an inductive proximity circuit comprising a LC oscillating component, a signal evaluator and a switching amplifier embedded in one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense electromagnetic field frequency depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.

In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said electromagnetic field frequency.

In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said electromagnetic field frequency.

In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a Hall Effect detector comprising a magnet embedded in one interlocking piece, and a Hall Effect sensor embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense magnetic field flux density depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.

In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said magnetic field flux density.

In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said magnetic field flux density.

In some embodiments, said sensor comprises an acoustic detector comprising a acoustic signal source embedded in one interlocking piece, and a acoustic sensor embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense acoustic signal frequency depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.

In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a transistor configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said acoustic signal frequency.

In some embodiments, said voltage conditioner comprises a comparator configured to output two logic voltage levels depending on said acoustic signal frequency.

In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a magnetic detector comprising a switch configured to change state under the presence of magnetic field embedded in one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to change state depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity.

In some embodiments, said sensor comprises a color detector comprising one or more filtered photodiodes, A/D converter and control function embedded in one interlocking piece, and one or more color signs embedded in second interlocking piece, configured to sense light wavelength depending on said interlocking piece color coding to identify said interlocking piece.

In some embodiments, said electronic circuit comprises an A/D (Analog to Digital) converter configured to convert analog output voltage of said sensor to digital data.

In some embodiments, said electronic circuit comprises a microcontroller configured to process the proximity data received from sensor and to perform computations determining the interlocking status of said pieces.

There is further provided, in accordance with some embodiments, a system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy, the system comprising: (a) interactive toy interlocking pieces proximity detector, comprising: a sensor configured to sense proximity between two or more pieces of an interactive toy, and an electronic circuit configured to detect interlocking status of said pieces according to the proximity sensed by said sensor, wherein said electronic circuit is further configured to transmit an acoustic communication signal from said acoustic transmitter upon detection of the pieces interlocking status change, said acoustic communication signal being indicative of the pieces interlocking status; and (b) a receiving device configured to receive said acoustic communication signal and issue an alert indicative of the pieces interlocking status.

In some embodiments, said system is further configured to transmit said acoustic communication signal with varying parameters such as frequency, periodicity, amplitude, duration, and duty cycle, according to interlocking pieces proximity detected by the sensor.

In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal is in frequency range of 1 Hz to 22 KHz.

In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal is in frequency range of above 22 KHz (ultrasonic range).

In some embodiments, said acoustic communication signal utilizes a communication protocol in which data packets (similar to IP protocols) are produced.

In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes an acoustic sensor, such as a microphone.

In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes a display module, such as a screen.

In some embodiments, said receiving device utilizes a sound producing module, such as a speaker.

In some embodiments, said receiving device converts the pieces interlocking status to a visual signal, an audio signal, and/or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, said receiving device is further configured to provide feedbacks, hints and/or instructions to the user, regarding the pieces interlocking status.

In some embodiments, said receiving device is portable, within the acoustic signal range from said transmitter.

In some embodiments, said receiving device is further configured to communicate with one or more remote devices, utilizing a technology selected from the group consisting of: USB, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication and push notification protocol.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of exemplary puzzle interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of exemplary Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of other exemplary Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to operational amplifier converter/conditioner option, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to transistor converter/conditioner, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to comparator converter/conditioner, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic inductive sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic Hall Effect sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic acoustic sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic magnetic sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 12 shows a schematic color sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy.

Children generally enjoy toys which allow them to manipulate different parts to produce a certain result and/or changing characteristics. For example, children enjoy catching items, dressing up stuffed animals and/or putting together puzzles. These activities typically help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, a parent usually needs to be participating to correct the child for placement errors, to congratulate the child for placement successes, to encourage the child to try new things, and/or to provide any other type of educational feedback. Thus, versatile and affordable interactive toys, reducing the need of parent involvement, may be highly advantageous.

The present system may be better understood with reference to the accompanying figures. Reference is now made toFIG. 1, which shows an illustration of an exemplary system, demonstrated by way of puzzle interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that the present system relates to any type of toy which includes multiple pieces which need to be assembled together. Apuzzle100 may be assembled of multiple interlocking pieces. Each of the interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or more proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface to one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking status of the pieces. For simplicity of discussion, three interlocking pieces and their corresponding proximity detectors are depicted in detail. Apiece102 may interlock with apiece104 and apiece106. Whenpiece102 may be assembled to interlock withpiece104,proximity detector108 and/orproximity detector112 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, whenpiece102 may be assembled to interlock withpiece106,proximity detector110 and/orproximity detector114 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching piece in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong placing.

Reference is now made toFIG. 2, which shows an illustration of an exemplary system, demonstrated by way of Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. These Lego bricks are given as a representative example of bricks games, which are intended to be in the scope of the present disclosure. Each of the Lego bricks interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or more proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface to one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking status of the pieces. In the depicted example, apiece200 may interlock with apiece202, which in turn may interlock with apiece204, which in turn may interlock with apiece206. Whenpiece200 may be assembled to interlock withpiece202,proximity detector208 and/orproximity detector210 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, whenpiece202 may be assembled to interlock withpiece204,proximity detector210 and/orproximity detector212 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status (sincepiece204 may be symmetric and may be assembled bilaterally,proximity detector214 may be also utilized to determine proximity betweenpiece202 and piece204). Similarly, whenpiece204 may be assembled to interlock withpiece206,proximity detector214 and/orproximity detector216 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status (sincepiece204 may be symmetric and may be assembled bilaterally,proximity detector210 may be also utilized to determine proximity betweenpiece204 and piece206). Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching piece in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong placing.

Reference is now made toFIG. 3, which shows an illustration of another exemplary system, demonstrated by way of Lego bricks interlocking pieces with embedded proximity detectors. Each of the Lego bricks interlocking pieces may be equipped with one or more proximity sensors embedded in each piece's physical interface to one or more other pieces, enabling detection of interlocking status of the pieces. In the depicted example, apiece300 may interlock with apiece302, which in turn may interlock with apiece306, which in turn may interlock with apiece310, which in turn may interlock with apiece312.Piece300 may also interlock with apiece304, which in turn may interlock with apiece308. Whenpiece300 may be assembled to interlock withpiece302,proximity detector314 and/orproximity detector318 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, whenpiece302 may be assembled to interlock withpiece306,proximity detector318 and/orproximity detector322 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, whenpiece306 may be assembled to interlock withpiece310,proximity detector322 and/orproximity detector328 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, whenpiece310 may be assembled to interlock withpiece312,proximity detector328 and/orproximity detector330 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, whenpiece300 may be assembled to interlock withpiece304,proximity detector316 and/orproximity detector320 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Similarly, whenpiece304 may be assembled to interlock withpiece308,proximity detector320 and/orproximity detector324 may detect it and report of positive interlocking status. Proximity detectors may also recognize the matching piece in a univalent manner, for implying the user of piece wrong placing.

Reference is now made toFIG. 4, which shows a schematic block diagram of the system. The system may include one or more of multiple sensors: an LDR (Light Dependant Resistor)sensor400, aninductive sensor402, aHall Effect sensor404, anacoustic sensor406, amagnetic sensor408, and acolor sensor410. These sensors will be described in further detail below. Due to the fact that the sensors might measure physical phenomena, there might be a need to convert the measured physical value to voltage, and condition this voltage for processing. Thus, a physical value to voltage converter/conditioner may be utilized. The converter/conditioner may include multiple options: anoperational amplifier412 which outputs voltage level which is linear to the measured physical phenomena, atransistor414 which outputs two logic voltage levels (high or low), and/or acomparator416 which outputs two logic voltage levels (high or low). These options are described in further detail below.

The LDR sensor option will be now described in detail: the LDR may be based on the principle of a decreasing resistance when light incidence increases. A LDR and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece. When the pieces are far one from another, the LDR may have a steady state resistance. As the pieces are assembled, the amount of light reaching the LDR may decrease, since a greater portion of the light may now be blocked by the opposing piece. Reference is now made toFIG. 5 which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to operational amplifier converter/conditioner. Theoperational amplifier500 may have high input impedance and unity gain, and the principle may be based on a voltage divider between afixed resistor502, referred also as R_m, andLDR504, referred also as R_photo. The output voltage V_outmay be given by

V_{out} = \frac{V_{cc}}{(1 + R_{m} / R_{photo)}},

i.e. output voltage is rather linear to LDR resistance. Reference is now made toFIG. 6 which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to transistor converter/conditioner. AnLDR600 and a2MΩ resistor602 may serve as a voltage divider. When light level is low (in our case, when pieces are interlocked), the resistance ofLDR600 may be high. This may prevent current from flowing to the base of thetransistor604. Consequently, the output voltage may be low, commonly close to 0 volts. However, when light illuminates the LDR without much interference (in our case, when pieces are not interlocked) the resistance may fall and current may flow into the base oftransistor604, increasing the output voltage to high level (about 5 volts). Reference is now made toFIG. 7 which shows a schematic circuit of LDR sensor connected to comparator converter/conditioner.Resistor700, referred also as R₁, andResistor702, referred also as R₂, may serve as voltage divider with a known preset level. TheLDR704 andresistor706, also referred as R₃, may also serve as voltage divider. When the voltage of the negative pole (−) of theoperational amplifier708 may be smaller than the positive pole input voltage (+), then V_outmay be set to high level. When the voltage of the negative pole (−) may be greater than the positive pole input voltage (+), then V_outmay be set to low level.

The inductive sensor option will be now described in detail: Reference is now made toFIG. 8 which shows a schematic inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include an LC (coil-capacitor) oscillatingcircuit800, asignal evaluator802, and/or a switchingamplifier804. The coil of oscillatingcircuit800 may generate a high frequency electromagnetic alternating field. This field may be emitted at the sensing face of the sensor. If attenuating material may near the sensing face, eddy currents may be generated in the case of non-ferrite metals. In the case of ferromagnetic metals, hysteresis and eddy current loss may also occur. These losses may draw energy from oscillatingcircuit800 and reduce oscillation frequency.Signal evaluator802 may detect this reduction and may convert it into an analog voltage, which may be approximately linear to the oscillation change, and switchingamplifier804 may amplify the output voltage. The inductive sensor may be implemented as follows: the electronic circuit containingLC oscillating circuit700,signal evaluator802, and switchingamplifier804 may be mounted on one interlocking piece, and aferromagnetic metal plate806 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. Since the inductive sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to the oscillation change, operational amplifier converter/conditioner might not be needed. The inductive sensor output may be connected to a transistor or comparator converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be required.

The Hall Effect sensor option will be now described in detail: The Hall Effect sensor output voltage may be a function of magnetic field density around it. When the magnetic flux density around the sensor may exceed a certain preset threshold, the sensor may detect it and may generate an output voltage called Hall Voltage, or V_H, which may be approximately linear to the magnetic flux density. Reference is now made toFIG. 9 which shows a schematic Hall Effect sensor. AHall Effect sensor900 and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece and amagnet902 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. Since the Hall Effect sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to the magnetic flux change, operational amplifier converter/conditioner might not be needed. The Hall Effect output may be connected to a transistor or comparator converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be required.

The acoustic sensor option will be now described in detail: Reference is now made toFIG. 10 which shows a schematic acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor may be apiezoelectric crystal1000 configured to convert air vibrations (i.e. acoustic signal) to output voltage which may be approximately linear to the frequency of the vibrations. Amicrophone1002 which relies on this principal may be utilized. Apiezoelectric crystal1004 configured to do the opposite (i.e. convert output voltage to air vibrations) may be used as an acoustic source. Aspeaker1006 which relies on this principal may be utilized. The acoustic sensor may be implemented as follows:acoustic source1002 may be mounted on one interlocking piece andacoustic sensor1000 may be mounted on second interlocking piece. The puzzle interlocking pieces may be acoustically coded in a way that may ensure univalent recognition of each piece (e.g. each piece might transmit acoustic signal with unique frequency). Since the acoustic sensor output voltage may be approximately linear to the acoustic signal frequency, operational amplifier converter/conditioner might not be needed. The acoustic sensor output may be connected to a transistor or comparator converter/conditioner, if discrete voltage level may be required.

The magnetic sensor option will be now described in detail: the magnetic sensor may be a switch configured to change state under the presence of magnetic field (i.e. Reed switch). Reference is now made toFIG. 11 which shows a schematic magnetic sensor. The switch may comprise two thin wires in a sealed glass tube. When no magnetic field is applied, the switch may be open1100. When amagnetic field source1102 may near the switch, its two magnetized wire ends may be attracted one to each other1104, until finally they may touch one another, and the switch may be closed1106. The magnetic sensor may be implemented as follows: switch and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate may be mounted on second interlocking piece. When the interlocking pieces may be close enough, the switch may close. Since the magnetic sensor output may be binary (on or off), converter/conditioner of any kind may not be needed.

The color sensor option will be now described in detail: Reference is now made toFIG. 12 which shows a schematic color sensor. The color sensor may include one or more photodiodes filtered to sensered light1200, one or more photodiodes filtered to sensegreen light1202, one or more photodiodes filtered to senseblue light1204, one or more photodiodes configured to sense clear light1206 (i.e. with no filters), and/or one or more A/D (Analog to Digital)converters1208 for each photodiodes color channel. When a color object may be in front of the sensor, the combination of light intensity received by photodiodes may reflect the object color, and may be converted to digital value by the A/D converters. The color sensor may be implemented as follows: the sensor and electronic circuit may be mounted on one interlocking piece and one or more color signs (e.g dots) may be drawn and/or placed on second interlocking piece. The puzzle interlocking pieces may be color coded in a way that may ensure univalent recognition of each piece. Since the color sensor output may be digital, converter/conditioner of any kind might not be needed.

Reference is now made back toFIG. 2. After process-able voltage has been achieved, an A/D (Analog to Digital)converter418 may be needed in order to convert the analog voltage to a quantized digital value, to allow further processing by amicro controller420.Micro controller420 may include software that may perform computations on input data and may output data in a form of a communication protocol to anacoustic transmitter422 that may broadcast the data through aspeaker424. The acoustic signal may then be received by adevice426 equipped with a microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, gaming console, TV screen, video streamer, etc.Device426 may include display and sound modules, and dedicated software application that may display to the user the puzzle status (which pieces are interlocked or not, wrong placed pieces), and supply user with hints and/or directions for correct assembling. The data may be supplied by visual and/or vocal manner.Device426 may also further distribute the data toother device428 equipped with display and sound modules (e.g. TV, laptop, computer, etc.), by wired or wireless communication technologies such as USB, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication, push notification protocol, etc. In another embodiment,device426 may be embedded indevice428, or may be in a form of a dongle attached todevice428, similar to cellular transceiver (i.e “netstick”), for example.

In the description and claims of the application, each of the words “comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated. In addition, where there are inconsistencies between this application and any document incorporated by reference, it is hereby intended that the present application controls.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An interactive toy proximity detector comprising:

a sensor configured to sense proximity between two or more pieces of an interactive toy; and

an electronic circuit configured to detect an interlocking status of said pieces according to proximity sensed by said sensor.

2. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) configured to sense light amount between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a resistance to voltage converter.

3.-5. (canceled)

6. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said sensor comprises:

an inductive proximity circuit comprising a LC oscillating component, a signal evaluator and a switching amplifier embedded in a first interlocking piece; and

a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in a second interlocking piece;

said sensor configured to sense electromagnetic field frequency depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity; and a voltage conditioner.

7.-8. (canceled)

9. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a Hall Effect detector comprising a magnet embedded in a first interlocking piece, and a Hall Effect sensor embedded in a second interlocking piece, configured to sense magnetic field flux density depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity, and a voltage conditioner.

10.-11. (canceled)

12. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said sensor comprises:

an acoustic detector comprising a acoustic signal source embedded in a first interlocking piece; and

an acoustic sensor embedded in a second interlocking piece;

said sensor configured to sense acoustic signal frequency depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity; and

a voltage conditioner.

13.-14. (canceled)

15. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a magnetic detector comprising a switch configured to change state under the presence of magnetic field embedded in a first interlocking piece, and a ferromagnetic metal plate embedded in a second interlocking piece, configured to change state depending on distance between said interlocking pieces to determine proximity.

16. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said sensor comprises:

a color detector comprising one or more filtered photodiodes, A/D converter and control function embedded in a first interlocking piece; and

one or more color signs embedded in a second interlocking piece;

said sensor configured to sense light wavelength depending on said interlocking piece color coding to identify said interlocking piece.

17. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said electronic circuit comprises an A/D (Analog to Digital) converter configured to convert analog output voltage of said sensor to digital data.

18. The detector according toclaim 1, wherein said electronic circuit comprises a microcontroller configured to process the proximity data received from sensor and to perform computations determining the interlocking status of said pieces.

19. A system for detecting proximity of two or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy, the system comprising:

a sensor configured to sense proximity between two or more pieces of an interactive toy, and an electronic circuit configured to detect an interlocking status of said pieces according to the proximity sensed by said sensor, wherein said electronic circuit is further configured to transmit an acoustic communication signal from an acoustic transmitter upon detection of a change in the interlocking status of said pieces, said acoustic communication signal being indicative of the pieces interlocking status; and

a receiving device configured to receive said acoustic communication signal and issue an alert indicative of the pieces interlocking status.

20. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said system is further configured to transmit said acoustic communication signal with varying parameters such as frequency, periodicity, amplitude, duration, and duty cycle, according to interlocking pieces proximity detected by the sensor.

21. (canceled)

22. The system according toclaim 20, wherein said acoustic communication signal

is in frequency range of above 22 KHz.

23. (canceled)

24. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said receiving device utilizes an

acoustic sensor, such as a microphone.

25. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said receiving device utilizes a display module, such as a screen.

26. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said receiving device utilizes a sound producing module, such as a speaker.

27. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said receiving device converts the pieces interlocking status to a visual signal, an audio signal, and/or any combination thereof.

28. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said receiving device is further configured to provide feedbacks, hints and/or instructions to the user, regarding the pieces interlocking status.

29. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said receiving device is portable, within the acoustic signal range from said transmitter.

30. The system according toclaim 19, wherein said receiving device is further configured to communicate with one or more remote devices, utilizing a technology selected from the group consisting of: USB, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, SMS, cellular data communication and push notification protocol.