# US 11,027,211 B2 · Sequentially operated modules > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,027,211 B2 - Document ID: US11027211B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/510,998 - Filed: 2019-07-15 - Published: 2019-11-21 - Granted: 2021-06-08 - Earliest claimed: 2009-07-15 - Assignees: May Patents Ltd. - Applicants: May Patents Ltd. - Inventors: Yehuda Binder - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11027211B2 ## CPC - A63F 9/24: Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for - A63F 13/211: using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes - A63F 13/235: using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet - A63F 13/30: Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers - A63F 13/332: using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks - A63F 13/35: Details of game servers - A63F 13/54: involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall - A63H 3/28: Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds - A63H 5/00: Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical (musical tops A63H1/28; {sound-producing dolls A63H3/28; musical toy vehicles A63H17/268; acoustical vehicle-signalling devices A63H17/32; whistling toy locomotive arrangements A63H19/14}; music, sound or noise production in general G10) - A63H 33/042: {Mechanical, electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic arrangements; Motors} - A63H 33/08: provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails - A63H 33/26: Magnetic or electric toys (electric drives A63H29/22 {; indoor games played with small balls using magnetic power A63F7/0088, A63F7/068}) - B25J 9/1656: {characterised by programming, planning systems for manipulators} - B25J 9/1694: {characterised by use of sensors other than normal servo-feedback from position, speed or acceleration sensors, perception control, multi-sensor controlled systems, sensor fusion} - G05B 15/02: electric - G09B 5/06: with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied - G09B 17/003: {electrically operated apparatus or devices} - G09B 19/00: Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass (teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26) - G09B 19/0023: {Colour matching, recognition, analysis, mixture or the like} - G09B 19/025: {with electrically operated apparatus or devices} - H01R 9/16: Fastening of connecting parts to base or case; Insulating connecting parts from base or case - H01R 13/6691: {with built-in signalling means (H01R13/717 takes precedence)} - H01R 13/7175: {Light emitting diodes (LEDs)} - H01R 13/7177: {filament or neon bulb} - H01R 24/64: for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45 - H02J 1/00: Circuit arrangements for DC mains or DC distribution networks - H02J 1/001: {Hot plugging or unplugging of load or power modules to or from power distribution networks} - H02J 3/00: Circuit arrangements for AC mains or AC distribution networks - H02J 13/00: Circuit arrangements for providing remote monitoring or remote control of equipment in a power distribution network - H04L 5/14: Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex - H04L 12/2803: {Home automation networks} - H04R 1/028: {associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles} - H04R 3/00: Circuits for transducers (arrangements for producing a reverberation or echo sound G10K15/08; amplifiers H03F) - H04R 17/00: Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers (piezoelectric or electrostrictive elements in general H10N30/00; details of piezoelectric or electrostrictive motors, generators or positioners {H10N30/00}) - H04W 4/80: Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication - A63F 2009/247: {audible, e.g. using a loudspeaker} - A63F 2250/50: Construction set or kit - H01R 2107/00: Four or more poles - H04W 84/042: {Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems} - H04W 84/12: WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks] - Y10S 901/09: Closed loop, sensor feedback controls arm movement - A63F: CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - A63H: TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS - B25J: MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES ({manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery A61B34/70; manipulators used in cleaning hollow articles B08B9/04}; manipulators associated with rolling mills B21B39/20; manipulators associated with forging machines B21J13/10; {manipulators associated with picking-up and placing mechanisms B23P19/007}; means for holding wheels or parts thereof B60B30/00; {vehicles with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members B62D57/02, B62D57/032; devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials between conveyors B65G47/90, B65G47/91; manipulators with gripping or holding means for transferring packages B65H67/065}; cranes B66C; {manipulators used in the protection or supervision of pipe-line installations F17D5/00; walking equipment adapted for nuclear steam-generators F22B37/006}; manipulators specially adapted for, or associated with, nuclear reactors G21C; {apparatus used for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor H10P72/50}) - G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G) - G09B: EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS (devices for psychotechnics or for testing reaction times A61B5/16; games, sports, amusements A63; projectors, projector screens G03B) - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS - H02J: ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY - H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) - H04R: LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS (producing sounds with frequency not determined by supply frequency G10K) - H04W: WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (broadcast communication H04H; communication systems using wireless links for non-selective communication, e.g. wireless extensions H04M1/72) - Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS ## Abstract Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A game set for sensing, and responding to, a physical phenomenon using three or more devices, the game set comprising: a first device comprising, in a first enclosure: a first connector for electrically connecting to another device; a second connector capable of mating with the first connector, for electrically connecting to another device; and a sensor having an output coupled to the first or second connector for sensing a physical, chemical, or biological phenomenon; a second device comprising, in a second enclosure: a third connector that is identical to the first connector for electrically connecting to another device; a fourth connector that is identical to the second connector capable of mating with the third connector, for electrically connecting to another device; and a power source coupled to the third or fourth connector for powering another device; and a third device comprising, in a third enclosure: a fifth connector that is identical to the first connector for electrically connecting to another device; a sixth connector that is identical to the second connector and is capable of mating with the fifth connector, for electrically connecting to another device; and a payload coupled to the fifth or sixth connector to be electrically powered from the power source and for converting an electrical power from the power source to a non-electrical type of energy, wherein the game set further comprising a switch connectable between the power source and the payload, wherein upon electrically connecting the first, second, and third devices in any order using the connectors, the payload is operated or activated by switching electrical power from the power source to the payload via the switch in response to the physical phenomenon sensed by the sensor, and wherein two or more of the connectors are operative to concurrently connect both power and digital data signals between the respectively connected devices. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor responsive to a sensed temperature. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The game set according to claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises a thermistor or a platinum resistance temperature detector. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is responsive to light, or audio. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a light sensor, a pH probe, a microphone, or a piezoelectric bridge. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a photocell, a voltage detector, a current detector, a pressure detector, a motion detector, a manually operated switch, or an automatically operated switch. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a power sensor, an energy monitor, a smoke detector, a fire detector, or an access sensor. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is responsive to a humidity, pressure, audio, vibration, light, motion, sound, proximity, flow rate, electrical voltage, or electrical current. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a signal conditioning circuit coupled between the sensor output and the first or second connector. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The game set according to claim 9, wherein the signal conditioning circuit is operative for attenuating, delaying, filtering, amplifying, digitizing, comparing, or manipulating the sensor output. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, further being associated with a theme or shape, and wherein the sensor appearance, location, color, type, shape or functionality is associated with the theme or shape. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third devices are electrically connected and mechanically attached in cascade by connecting and attaching the second connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the fifth connector, to enable the payload to be operated in response to the physical phenomenon sensed by the sensor. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein upon electrically connecting and mechanically attaching the first, second, and third devices by connecting and attaching the sixth connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the first connector, the payload is operated in response to the physical phenomenon sensed by the sensor. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first device is identical to the second device. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The game set according to claim 14, wherein the first device is identical to the third device. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, further for passing signals between the devices, wherein upon connecting the second connector to the third connector and the fourth connector to the fifth connector, the game set is operative to receive a first signal by the first device via the first connector, to transmit a second signal in response to the first signal via the second connector to the second device, to receive the second signal by the second device via the third connector, to transmit a third signal in response to the second signal via the fourth connector to the third device, and to receive the third signal by the third device via the fifth connector. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The game set according to claim 16, wherein each of the first, second, and third signals is an unbalanced signal. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The game set according to claim 17, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The game set according to claim 16, wherein each of the first, second, and third signals is a balanced signal. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The game set according to claim 19, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards. ### Claim 21 (depends on 16) The game set according to claim 16, wherein the first signal is identical to the second signal and to the third signal. ### Claim 22 (depends on 16) The game set according to claim 16, wherein the first, second, and third signals are the same signal. ### Claim 23 (depends on 16) The game set according to claim 16, wherein the payload is coupled to be activated by the first signal, the second signal, or the third signal. ### Claim 24 (depends on 16) The game set according to claim 16, wherein the first device further comprises in the first enclosure a first line receiver coupled to the first or second connector for receiving the first signal, the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second line receiver coupled to the third or fourth connector for receiving the second signal, and the third device further comprises, in the third enclosure, a third line receiver coupled to the third or fourth connector for receiving the third signal. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The game set according to claim 24, wherein the each of the first, second, and third line receivers is an unbalanced or balanced receiver. ### Claim 26 (depends on 24) The game set according to claim 24, wherein the first signal is identical to the second signal and to the third signal. ### Claim 27 (depends on 24) The game set according to claim 24, wherein the first, second, and third signals are the same signal. ### Claim 28 (depends on 24) The game set according to claim 24, wherein the first device further comprises, in the first enclosure, a first timer coupled to the first line receiver for producing a first delayed signal that is delayed by a first time period from the first signal, the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second timer coupled to the second line receiver for producing a second delayed signal that is delayed by a second time period from the second signal, and the third device further comprises, in the third enclosure, a third timer coupled to the third line receiver for producing a third delayed signal that is delayed by a third time period from the third signal. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The game set according to claim 28, wherein the first, second, or third timer comprises a monostable circuit, an RC circuit, or a delay line. ### Claim 30 (depends on 28) The game set according to claim 28, wherein the payload is activated in response to the first, second, or third delayed signal. ### Claim 31 (depends on 24) The game set according to claim 24, wherein the first device further comprises, in the first enclosure, a first timer coupled to the first line receiver for producing a first time signal that represents a first time period after the first signal, the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second timer coupled to the second line receiver for producing a second time signal that represents a first time period after the second signal, and the third device further comprises, in the third enclosure, a third timer coupled to the third line receiver for producing a third time signal that represents a third time period after the third signal. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The game set according to claim 31, wherein the payload is activated in response to the first time signal, the second time signal, or the third time signal. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The game set according to claim 32, wherein the payload is activated for a first duration that is in response to the first time signal, the second time signal, or the third time signal. ### Claim 34 (depends on 24) The game set according to claim 24, wherein the first device further comprises, in the first enclosure, a first line driver coupled to the second connector for transmitting the second signal to the second line receiver, and wherein the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a second line driver coupled to the fourth connector for transmitting the third signal to the third line receiver. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) The game set according to claim 34, wherein each of the first, second, and third line drivers is an unbalanced or balances driver. ### Claim 36 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, further being associated with a theme or shape. ### Claim 37 (depends on 36) The game set according to claim 36, wherein the payload is associated with the theme or shape. ### Claim 38 (depends on 37) The game set according to claim 37, wherein the payload appearance, location, color, type, shape, or functionality is associated with the theme or shape. ### Claim 39 (depends on 36) The game set according to claim 36, wherein each of the enclosures has a shape associated with the theme or shape. ### Claim 40 (depends on 36) The game set according to claim 36, wherein the devices are attachable to form a structure associated with the theme or shape. ### Claim 41 (depends on 36) The game set according to claim 36, integrated with, or part of, an educational toy construction set or an educational robotics set. ### Claim 42 (depends on 36) The game set according to claim 36, wherein the theme is a toy figure or character, a toy vehicle, a household appliance, an animal, or a musical instrument. ### Claim 43 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the non-electrical type of energy is a mechanical energy. ### Claim 44 (depends on 43) The game set according to claim 43, wherein the payload is a motor. ### Claim 45 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the payload comprises an annunciator that emits an invisible light or an inaudible sound. ### Claim 46 (depends on 45) The game set according to claim 45, wherein invisible light is infrared light and the inaudible sound is an ultrasonic sound. ### Claim 47 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the devices are mechanically attachable to each other using the connectors. ### Claim 48 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the payload comprises an annunciator using visual or audible signaling. ### Claim 49 (depends on 48) The game set according to claim 48, wherein the annunciator comprises a smoke generator. ### Claim 50 (depends on 48) The game set according to claim 48, wherein the annunciator comprises a visual signaling device. ### Claim 51 (depends on 50) The game set according to claim 50, wherein the visual signaling device comprises a visible light emitter. ### Claim 52 (depends on 51) The game set according to claim 51, wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp. ### Claim 53 (depends on 51) The game set according to claim 51, wherein the visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination or for blinking. ### Claim 54 (depends on 48) The game set according to claim 48, wherein the annunciator is operative for audible signaling of a sound. ### Claim 55 (depends on 54) The game set according to claim 54, wherein the annunciator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator. ### Claim 56 (depends on 54) The game set according to claim 54, wherein the annunciator consists of, or comprises, a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer. ### Claim 57 (depends on 54) The game set according to claim 54, wherein the annunciator comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker. ### Claim 58 (depends on 54) The game set according to claim 54, wherein the annunciator is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones. ### Claim 59 (depends on 54) The game set according to claim 54, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator is a characteristic sound of a household appliance, a vehicle, an emergency vehicle, an animal, or a musical instrument. ### Claim 60 (depends on 54) The game set according to claim 54, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a song or a melody. ### Claim 61 (depends on 54) The game set according to claim 54, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a human talking voice. ### Claim 62 (depends on 61) The game set according to claim 61, wherein the emitted human voice includes a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story. ### Claim 63 (depends on 62) The game set according to claim 62, wherein the emitted sound is based on, or uses, a speech synthesis or a pre-recorded sound. ### Claim 64 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the connectors are standard data connectors or standard power connectors. ### Claim 65 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein each one of the connectors is operative to concurrently connect both power and digital data signals. ### Claim 66 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the connectors have only two terminals. ### Claim 67 (depends on 66) The game set according to claim 66, wherein each one of the connectors has only two terminals. ### Claim 68 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a primary type or a rechargeable type battery, and wherein the second device further comprises, in the second enclosure, a battery compartment for housing the battery. ### Claim 69 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first device is electrically powered by a power signal received from the power source via the second connector. ### Claim 70 (depends on 69) The game set according to claim 69, wherein the third device is electrically powered by a power signal received from the power source via the fifth connector. ### Claim 71 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first, third, and fifth connectors are plugs, and wherein the second, fourth, and sixth connectors are receptacles. ### Claim 72 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the first, third, and fifth connectors are receptacles, and wherein the second, fourth, and sixth connectors are plugs. ### Claim 73 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, further comprising software or firmware and a processor for executing the software or firmware, and wherein the processor is couplable to control or activate the payload. ### Claim 74 (depends on 73) The game set according to claim 73, wherein the processor is housed in the first enclosure. ### Claim 75 (depends on 73) The game set according to claim 73, wherein the processor is housed in the second or third enclosure. ### Claim 76 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a random signal generator for outputting a random signal or number couplable to the payload for activating the payload in response to the random signal or number. ### Claim 77 (depends on 76) The game set according to claim 76, wherein the random signal generator is based on a physical process that is one of a thermal noise, a shot noise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect, and a quantum phenomenon. ### Claim 78 (depends on 76) The game set according to claim 76, wherein the random signal generator includes software or firmware executed by a processor, and wherein the software or firmware includes an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers. ### Claim 79 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the devices are mechanically releaseably attachable based on, or using, an interlocking, friction fit, or shaped lugs and mating cut-outs. ### Claim 80 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, wherein the devices are mechanically attachable based on, or using, protrusions and cavities adapted to receive protrusions in a frictional engagement. ### Claim 81 (depends on 1) The game set according to claim 1, further operative for an over-the-air wireless communication with a device, the game set further comprises an antenna for coupling to a wireless signal, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the antenna for receiving or transmitting the wireless signal, and wherein the payload activation or operation is responsive to data received from the device. ### Claim 82 (depends on 81) The game set according to claim 81, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, compatible with, or based on, WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), the antenna is a WPAN antenna, and the wireless transceiver is a WPAN transceiver. ### Claim 83 (depends on 81) The game set according to claim 81, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, ZigBee protocol according to IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard, Bluetooth protocol according to IEEE 802.15.1 standard, or UWB (Ultra-WideBand) according to IEEE 802.15.3 standard. ### Claim 84 (depends on 81) The game set according to claim 81, wherein the wireless communication uses an unlicensed frequency band. ### Claim 85 (depends on 84) The game set according to claim 84, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), the antenna is a WLAN antenna, and the wireless transceiver is a WLAN transceiver. ### Claim 86 (depends on 85) The game set according to claim 85, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, IEEE 802.11 standard, and use an Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum band. ### Claim 87 (depends on 81) The game set according to claim 81, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, cellular communication, the antenna is a cellular antenna and the wireless transceiver is a cellular transceiver, and the wireless communication uses a licensed frequency band. ### Claim 88 (depends on 87) The game set according to claim 87, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, 2.5G or 3G. ### Claim 89 (depends on 88) The game set according to claim 88, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS, DCS, or PCS.