Interactive action figures for gaming schemes

• US 20050059483A1
• Filed: 07/02/2004
• Published: 03/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ganz
• Original Assignee: Ganz
• Inventors: Borge, Michael D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,862,428 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/29
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/46 Computing the game score
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/49 Saving the game status; Pausing or ending the game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/493 Resuming a game, e.g. after pausing, malfunction or power failure
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/58 by computing conditions of game characters, e.g. stamina, strength, motivation or energy level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/65 automatically by game devices or servers from real world data, e.g. measurement in live racing competition
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/69 by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/792 for payment purposes, e.g. monthly subscriptions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/80 Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/833 Hand-to-hand fighting, e.g. martial arts competition A63F13/837 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/201 Playing authorisation given at platform level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5513 involving billing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5526 Game data structure
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/554 by saving game or status data
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/61 Score computation
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/636 : involving process of starting or resuming a game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/65 : for computing the condition of a game character
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/69 : Involving elements of the real world in the game world, e.g. measurement in live races, real video
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8029 : Fighting without shooting
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 13/02 : imitating natural actions, e.g. catching a mouse by a cat, the kicking of an animal

Abstract

An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules. The game character'"'"'s traits, powers, and other features may be enhanced or otherwise modified by purchasing preferably-three-dimensional accessories and inputting serial numbers into the gaming system that are also supplied with the accessories.

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising:

a first three-dimensional figure;

a first primary access code packaged with the first figure; and

an interactive gaming platform which is adapted to restrict play of a first character unless the first primary access code is entered into the gaming platform.

2. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the first character has an appearance which is similar to the first figure.

3. The gaming system of claim 2 wherein the first figure and first primary access code are packaged in such a manner that the primary access code cannot be seen by an outside observer until a package containing the first figure and the primary access code is opened.

4. The gaming system of claim 3 wherein the first primary access code is written on the first figure.

5. The gaming system of claim 3 wherein the gaming platform comprises a computer network.

6. The gaming system of claim 5 wherein the computer network is the Internet.

7. The gaming system of claim 6 further comprising:

a figure accessory; and

a secondary access code packaged with the accessory;

wherein the gaming platform is further adapted to grant an ability to the first character after the secondary access code is entered into the gaming platform.

8. The gaming system of claim 6 further comprising:

a figure accessory; and

a secondary access code packaged with the accessory;

wherein the gaming platform is further adapted to change the appearance of the first character after the access code is entered into the gaming platform so that the first character has an appearance similar to that of the first figure with the accessory placed on the first figure.

9. The gaming system of claim 6 further comprising:

a second three-dimensional figure; and

a second primary access code packaged with the first figure;

wherein the gaming platform is adapted to restrict play of a second character unless the second primary access code is entered into the gaming platform.

10. The gaming system of claim 7 further comprising:

a second three-dimensional figure; and

a second primary access code packaged with the second figure;

wherein the gaming platform is adapted to restrict play of a second character unless the second primary access code is entered into the gaming platform.

11. The gaming system of claim 9 wherein the gaming platform is a sports game.

12. The gaming system of claim 9 wherein the gaming platform is a fighting game.

13. A gaming system comprising:

an interactive gaming platform comprising a first character and programming which restricts play of the first character unless a first primary access code is inputted into the gaming platform;

wherein the first primary access code is packaged with a first three-dimensional figure.

14. The gaming system of claim 13 wherein the first character resembles the first figure.

15. The gaming system of claim 14 wherein the gaming platform comprising further programming that utilizes the Internet.

16. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein the first primary access code and the first three-dimensional figure are packaged in such a manner that the first primary access code cannot be seen by a person until the package is opened.

17. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the gaming platform further comprises a second character and programming that restricts play of the second character unless a second primary access code is inputted into the gaming platform;

wherein the second primary access code is packaged with a second three-dimensional figure.

18. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming which stores ability scores of the first character.

19. The gaming system of claim 17 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming which stores ability scores of the first character.

20. The gaming system of claim 18 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming which changes the ability scores of the first character after a secondary access code is inputted into the gaming platform;

wherein the secondary access code is packaged with a figure accessory.

21. The gaming system of claim 19 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming which changes the ability scores of the first character after a secondary access code is inputted into the gaming platform;

wherein the secondary access code is packaged with a figure accessory.

22. The gaming system of claim 17 wherein the gaming platform is a sports game.

23. The gaming system of claim 22 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming which causes play to end after a predetermined period of time.

24. The gaming system of claim 23 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming which causes play to resume after a secondary access code is inputted into the gaming platform;

wherein the secondary access code is packaged with a figure accessory.

25. The gaming system of claim 23 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming which causes play to resume after a payment is made to a manager of the gaming platform.

26. The gaming system of claim 20 wherein the gaming platform is a fighting game.

27. The gaming system of claim 26 wherein the gaming platform further comprises programming to grant the character a fighting ability after the secondary access code is inputted into the gaming platform.

28. The gaming system of claim 14 wherein the first primary access code is further packaged with software.

29. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the first primary access code is further packaged with software.

30. The gaming system of claim 17 wherein the first primary access code is further packaged with software.

31. The gaming system of claim 14 wherein the first primary access code is printed on the figure.

32. The gaming system of claim 16 wherein the first primary access code is printed on the figure.

33. The gaming system of claim 28 wherein the first primary access code is printed on the figure.

34. A method of playing a game comprising:

a first user inputting a first primary access code which is packaged with a first three-dimensional figure that has a form selected from the group consisting of human, superhero, animal, god, mythical person, mythical beast, and robot; and

the first user playing an electronic game.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein the first user plays the electronic game by controlling a character in the electronic game which resembles the figure.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the first user plays the electronic game on the Internet.

37. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

the first user inputting a secondary access code which is packaged with a figure accessory; and

the electronic game changing a characteristic of the character.

38. The method of claim 35 further comprising:

a second user inputting a second primary access code which is packaged with a second three-dimensional figure; and

the second user playing the electronic game.

39. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

a second user inputting a second primary access code which is packaged with a second three-dimensional figure; and

the second user playing the electronic game.

40. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

a second user inputting a second primary access code which is packaged with a second three-dimensional figure; and

the second user playing the electronic game.

41. The method of claim 39 wherein the electronic game is a sports game.

42. The method of claim 41 further comprising ending play after a certain period of time.

43. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

the first user inputting a secondary access code which is packaged with a figure accessory; and

resuming play.

44. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

the first user making a payment to a manager of the electronic game; and

resuming play.

45. The method of claim 39 wherein the electronic game is a one-on-one fighting game.

46. A method comprising the steps of:

distributing a first three-dimensional figure to a first consumer, wherein the first three-dimensional figure is has a form selected from the group consisting of human, superhero, animal, god, mythical person, mythical beast, and robot;

providing the first consumer with a first access code in conjunction with distributing the first figure to the first consumer;

providing a computer game accessible via a computer network; and

allowing the first consumer who inputs the first access code into the computer game to participate in the computer game.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein allowing the first consumer to participate in the computer game comprises allowing the first consumer to control a character which resembles the figure.

48. The method of claim 47 further comprising distributing software to the first consumer.

49. The method of claim 47 further comprising:

distributing a second three-dimensional figure to a second consumer;

providing the second consumer with a second access code in conjunction with distributing the second figure to the second consumer; and

allowing the second consumer who inputs the second access code into the computer game to participate in the computer game.

50. The method of claim 49 further comprising distributing software to the first consumer and distributing software to the second consumer.

51. The method of claim 49 wherein:

providing the first consumer with the first access code comprises attaching the first access code to the first figure; and

providing the second consumer with the second access code comprises attaching the second access code to the second figure.

52. The method of claim 47 further comprising allowing the first consumer to choose from a plurality of computer games to participate in.

53. The method of claim 48 further comprising allowing the first consumer to choose from a plurality of computer games to participate in.

54. The method of claim 49 further comprising allowing the first consumer to choose from a plurality of computer games to participate in.

55. The method of claim 50 further comprising allowing the first consumer to choose from a plurality of computer games to participate in.

56. The method of claim 46 further comprising:

distributing a figure accessory to the first consumer, said figure accessory selected from the group consisting of armor, weapons, clothing, ground vehicles, air vehicles, water vehicles, horses, medallions, and badges;

providing the first consumer with a third access code in conjunction with distributing the accessory to the first consumer; and

allowing the first consumer who inputs the third access code into the computer game to receive in-game benefits which were not allowed before he inputted the third access code into the computer game.

57. The method of claim 47 further comprising:

distributing a figure accessory to the first consumer;

providing the first consumer with a third access code in conjunction with distributing the accessory to the first consumer; and

changing the mode of play for the first consumer.

58. The method of claim 48 further comprising:

distributing a figure accessory to the first consumer;

providing the first consumer with a third access code in conjunction with distributing the accessory to the first consumer; and

allowing the first consumer who inputs the third access code into the computer game to receive in-game benefits which were not allowed before he inputted the third access code into the computer game.

59. The method of claim 49 further comprising:

distributing a figure accessory to the first consumer;

providing the first consumer with a third access code in conjunction with distributing the accessory to the first consumer; and

allowing the first consumer who inputs the third access code into the computer game to receive in-game benefits which were not allowed before he inputted the third access code into the computer game.

60. The method of claim 50 further comprising:

distributing a figure accessory to the first consumer;

providing the first consumer with a third access code in conjunction with distributing the accessory to the first consumer; and

allowing the first consumer who inputs the third access code into the computer game to receive in-game benefits which were not allowed before he inputted the third access code into the computer game.

61. The method of claim 51 further comprising:

distributing a figure accessory to the first consumer;

providing the first consumer with a third access code in conjunction with distributing the accessory to the first consumer; and

allowing the first consumer who inputs the third access code into the computer game to receive in-game benefits which were not allowed before he inputted the third access code into the computer game.

62. The method of claim 52 further comprising:

distributing a figure accessory to the first consumer;

providing the first consumer with a third access code in conjunction with distributing the accessory to the first consumer; and

allowing the first consumer who inputs the third access code into the computer game to receive in-game benefits which were not allowed before he inputted the third access code into the computer game.