Figurines having interactive communication

• US 20040259465A1
• Filed: 05/12/2004
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stupid Fun Club LLC (Electronic Arts Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Stupid Fun Club LLC (Electronic Arts Incorporated)
• Inventors: Wright, Will, Winter, Michael, Sibigtroth, Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 7,252,572 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 446/297
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/28 Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds

Abstract

The invention provides a method for figurines to form and join a network of figurines by setting them near other figurines, by activating them via a power switch, or by placing them in communication with a central hub. A communications path using radio or IR frequency is used to form the network, such that only one figurine can transmit data while the others receive data at any time. Once the network has been formed, the figurines can formulate behaviors based on the attributes, requests, and actions of the others. These behaviors are based on the data transpired between the figurines and can include meaning of spoken words, current state, etc. Each figurine has a personality controlled by its internal data, which also controls its relationships with others. Each figurine can spontaneously create a speech or action based on the reply given by another coupled with data stored within its databank.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a hub coupled to a plurality of sensors via a plurality of spokes;

at least one figurine having an identification tag that provides information about the identity and characteristics of said figurine;

sensing means in said hub for detecting the presence of a figurine at one of said sensors and for reading said identification tag.