Charging and communicating with battery operated toys

摘要

Methods and a system for the recharging of battery-operated devices, whereby the recharging process is made less burdensome and inconvenient to the users of the devices. Embodiments provide for incorporating recharging into the normal usage patterns for the devices using activities consistent with predetermined intended usage of the devices, thereby causing the user to perceive less inconvenience. Other embodiments provide for systematically detecting and wirelessly recharging devices, whereby the burden to the users may be reduced or entirely eliminated.

主权项

1. A method for recharging a battery-operated device associated with one or more users, the method comprising:
issuing, from the battery-operated device and responsive to determining a low battery state of a battery of the battery-operated device, an audible user request to perform an activity associated with a charger device, the requested activity being consistent with a non-charging, predetermined intended usage of the battery-operated device and without explicitly requesting that the battery-operated device be charged; and upon the requested activity being performed, thereby coupling the device to the charger device, charging the battery via the coupling.