Chat Pals
Released:
Feb '99
Client: Mattel Toys
Duties performed:
- Developed Mechanisms for mouth and neck parts.
- Assmebled and developed electric motors and drive components.
- Demonstration of prototypes and submission to Mattel toys.
- Developed 3 distinct variations for characters Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet.
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Following in the wake of Mattel's Furby interactive dolls, these unique animated characters attempted to take user interaction one step further. Inside each foot of the dolls resides a matched infrared emitter and detector pair. These modulated signals transmit through the feet and receive signals from other similarly equipped dolls. Using this method, the dolls are able to synchronize their animated stories and jokes.
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These dolls are able to not only react to each other's presence but also to the user's though use of two strategically placed microphones on opposite sides of the doll. When the doll 'hears' a noise, it will turn to face the user and initiate a dialogue that brings the user into the story. Synchronized mouth and body movements enhance the stories, jokes, and interaction of the dolls. When two "chat pals" dolls are placed in the same vicinity, they are able to synchronize their dialogue and tell a story or joke with the punchline right on cue. |
In certain stories, they even synchronize audio effects to produce a stereo sound effect.
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Some of the circuitry that makes things work. |
The IR sensor/receiver pair inside each foot. |
