Toy with Video Display Screen
This invention provides a toy, such as a plush stuffed animal, having a video display screen for viewing video content, and optionally including audio playback capabilities. The toy includes a microprocessor, memory, a power supply, and control means for selecting content to be displayed or heard.
1 . A toy having a video screen comprising
a. a toy with a body and a digital video screen incorporated therein;
b. a microprocessor comprising data communication means and memory means for storage of data files, wherein the data files comprise video content and optionally audio content;
c. a power supply; and
d. control means for selecting a data file;
wherein the video screen displays video content stored in the selected data file.
2 . The toy of claim 1 , further comprising audio playback capabilities selected from a speaker incorporated into the body of the toy; an audio output connector for use with external speakers; and a Bluetooth transceiver, or a combination thereof.
3 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the toy is a plush toy.
4 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the toy is a representation of an animal, a humanoid character, a fantasy character, or a fanciful object.
5 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the video screen is oriented in the same direction as the toy is intended to be oriented.
6 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the video content comprises single frame photographic images, or moving action video which are stored in the data files.
7 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the data communication means is selected from a flash memory card reader; a USB connector; a firewire IEEE 1394 connector; an Ethernet connector; and a wireless data connection.
8 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the memory means for the storage of video files is selected from random access memory; flash memory; and a disk drive, or a combination thereof.
9 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the control means is used to select video files to be displayed.
10 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the power supply is selected from a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery, or a power cord for connection to a standard electrical outlet.
11 . The toy of claim 1 , wherein the control means is selected from the group consisting of buttons or switches on the body of the toy; from touch screen controls; and from a remote control.
12 . The toy of claim 2 , wherein the control means is used to select audio files to be displayed.
13 . A method of viewing digital video content, comprising
a. a toy with a body and a video display screen incorporated therein;
b. a microprocessor comprising data communication means and memory for storage of data files, wherein the data files comprise video content and optionally audio content;
c. a power supply; and
d. control means for selecting a data file;
wherein the video screen displays video content stored in the selected data file for viewing.
14 . A method of viewing digital video content and listening to audio content comprising
a. a toy with a body and a video display screen incorporated therein;
b. a microprocessor comprising data communication means and memory means for storage of data files, wherein the data files comprise video content and audio content;
c. a power supply;
d. control means for selecting a data file; and
e. audio playback capabilities selected from a speaker incorporated into the body of the toy, an audio output connector for use with external speakers, a Bluetooth transceiver, or any combination thereof,
wherein the video display screen displays viewable video content and the audio playback capabilities provide listenable audio content, wherein the video and audio content are stored in the selected data file.