System and method for playing an interactive game
First Claim
1. A gaming item for accessing selected features or portions of a game carried out on a compatible gaming platform, said gaming item comprising:
- a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that provides two-way wireless communications with a compatible RFID reader device over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm;
non-volatile memory having stored therein a selection of information uniquely associated with said gaming item;
said selection of information comprising at least one item of encrypted information that can be decrypted or authenticated using a first encryption key, and wherein said encrypted information, when decrypted or authenticated and communicated to said compatible gaming platform, enables a game participant to access one or more features or portions of said game that cannot otherwise be accessed by said game participant; and
wherein said first encryption key is uniquely associated with said gaming item and is ascertainable from said selection of information stored in said non-volatile memory.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interactive treasure hunt game is provided. Game participants receive a card, map and/or identification badge configured with an RFID tag, bar-code or a magnetic “swipe” strip or the like. The RFID tag or other identifying device is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or describing certain powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character that the card may represent. Players advance in the game by finding clues and solving various puzzles presented by the game. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the RFID tag or card so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like. In this manner, the game can seamlessly transcend from one play environment and/or entertainment medium to the next.
1381 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A gaming item for accessing selected features or portions of a game carried out on a compatible gaming platform, said gaming item comprising:
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a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that provides two-way wireless communications with a compatible RFID reader device over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm; non-volatile memory having stored therein a selection of information uniquely associated with said gaming item; said selection of information comprising at least one item of encrypted information that can be decrypted or authenticated using a first encryption key, and wherein said encrypted information, when decrypted or authenticated and communicated to said compatible gaming platform, enables a game participant to access one or more features or portions of said game that cannot otherwise be accessed by said game participant; and wherein said first encryption key is uniquely associated with said gaming item and is ascertainable from said selection of information stored in said non-volatile memory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A gaming item for playing a game on a compatible gaming device, said gaming item comprising:
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a portable body that can be selectively moved or positioned by a game participant while playing said game; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed within said portable body and comprising; an antenna that becomes energized when said gaming item is positioned within communication range of an RFID reader associated with said compatible gaming device; a radio frequency (RF) transceiver electrically coupled to and powered by said antenna that provides two-way wireless communications with said RFID reader over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm; and non-volatile memory storing a unique identification number and at least one item of encrypted information that can be decrypted or authenticated using a first encryption key, and wherein said encrypted information, when decrypted or authenticated and communicated to said compatible gaming platform, enables said game participant to play and progress in said game; and wherein said first encryption key is uniquely associated with said gaming item and is ascertainable from said unique identification number. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A gaming item for playing a game on a compatible gaming platform, said gaming item comprising:
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a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that provides two-way wireless communications with a compatible RFID reader device over a wireless communication range of less than 60 cm; non-volatile memory having stored therein a selection of information uniquely associated with said gaming item; said selection of information comprising at least one item of encrypted information that can be decrypted or authenticated using an encryption key, and wherein said encrypted information, when decrypted or authenticated and communicated to said compatible gaming platform, enables a game participant to play and progress in said game; and wherein said encryption key is unique to said gaming item and is ascertainable from said selection of information stored in said non-volatile memory. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification