Importance

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Abstract

Talking toys perform simulated conversations with one another. The toys each include a forest of decision graphs. The forest of decision graphs is the same for each toy. Each of the decision graphs corresponds to a conversation and includes a number of nodes, each of which corresponds to a portion of the conversation. The nodes also include one or more contexts which connect the nodes to children nodes. As a result, the selection of the context directs the progression of conversation. The toys select a decision graph/conversation that includes all or most of the toys as participants. The conversation is then performed as the toys traverse the selected decision graph. The toys transfer messages back and forth via a wireless transmission and reception arrangement as they traverse the decision graph. The toys play the portions of the conversation through a speaker. Each of the toys includes an architecture including a physical layer, which includes the transmission and reception circuitry, and an application layer that contains the forest of decision graphs as well as a participant list and identification information for a conversation manager. The conversation manager toy broadcasts updates to the participant list and the current conversation node. The architecture also includes a messenger layer that verifies and passes messages between the application the physical layers.

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First Claim