Retail methods for providing an interactive product to a consumer

• US 20070066396A1
• Filed: 08/22/2006
• Published: 03/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Creative Kingdoms LLC (Great Wolf Resorts Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Creative Kingdoms LLC (Great Wolf Resorts Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Weston, Denise Chapman, Briggs, Rick, Barney, Jonathan
• Application Number:
  US11/507,934
• Publication Number:
  US 20070066396A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/39
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/216 using geographical information, e.g. location of the game device or player using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/323 between game devices with different hardware characteristics, e.g. hand-held game devices connectable to game consoles or arcade machines
• 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 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/75 Enforcing rules, e.g. detecting foul play or generating lists of cheating players
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/822 Strategy games; Role-playing games A63F13/825, A63F13/828 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• 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 2300/636 involving process of starting or resuming a game
• 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 2300/807 Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00145 Board games concerning treasure-hunting, fishing, hunting capturing fishing games A63F9/305
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 : Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 : using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/009 : Toy swords or similar toy weapons; Toy shields
• CPC Class Codes: A63J 21/00 : Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 : Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Abstract

Methods are described for selling, loaning, renting, or otherwise providing a retail product, such as an interactive product, that allows a consumer to participate in one or more venues. The retail product is capable of interfacing with interactive devices in the venues that are capable of producing sensory effects based on communication from and/or to the retail product. Furthermore, the retail product preferably has an independent or intrinsic value apart from the use of the product in the venues, and may include, for example, a toy wand or like toy device, apparel, and/or jewelry. In certain examples, the retail methods include tracking the consumer'"'"'s use of the retail product in the venue(s). Such tracking information may be used to customize the experience of the user during a subsequent visit to the same venue or another venue.

Claims

1. A method of providing interactive entertainment, the method comprising:

providing a first interactive device in a first venue, the first interactive device configured to produce a first sensory response;

providing a second interactive device in a second venue, the second interactive device configured to produce a second sensory response, wherein the second venue differs from the first venue;

providing to a consumer a retail product configured to generate a first wireless signal to interface in the first venue with the first interactive device to cause the first sensory response, the retail product being further configured to generate a second wireless signal in the second venue with the second interactive device to cause the second sensory response; and

tracking the use of the retail product by the consumer in the first or second venues.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the retail product comprises at least one of a toy, apparel and a collector'"'"'s item.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first venue comprises at least one of an entertainment or leisure facility, a restaurant, and a hotel.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said providing to the consumer comprises selling the retail product.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said providing to the consumer comprises renting the retail product.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said providing to the consumer comprises loaning the retail product.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sensory response comprises at least one of providing discounts or rewards, enhancing an interactive play experience, and providing clues to a particular challenge.

8. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising providing the consumer with an option of purchasing or returning the retail product after the consumer uses the retail product in at least one of the first and second venues.

9. The method of claim 8, additionally comprising selling the consumer the retail product after the consumer uses the retail product in at least one of the first and second venues.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second venues are geographically separated.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said providing to the consumer comprises allowing the consumer to customize the design of the retail product.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the retail product further comprises an intrinsic value that is independent of a use of the retail product by the consumer in the first or second venues.

13. A method of providing interactive entertainment, the method comprising:

providing an interactive toy to a consumer;

providing a first reader device in a first entertainment facility, the first reader device configured to electrically interface with the interactive toy to produce a first sensory response;

providing a second reader device in a second facility, the second reader device configured to electrically interface with the interactive toy to produce a second sensory response, wherein the second facility is distinct from the first entertainment facility; and

electronically tracking the use of the interactive toy in at least one of the first entertainment facility and the second facility.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the interactive toy comprises a memory.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the interactive toy comprises a wand.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the interactive toy comprises a stuffed animal.

17. A method of marketing a retail product to a consumer, the method comprising:

providing at least one interactive device in a venue, the at least one interactive device configured to produce at least one effect;

providing to a consumer a retail product configured to generate a wireless signal to interface in the venue with the at least one interactive device to trigger the at least one effect, the retail product comprising an intrinsic value that is independent of a use of the retail product by the consumer in the venue;

allowing the consumer to use the retail product in the venue for a period of time; and

offering for sale, after the period of time, the retail product to the consumer.

18. The method of claim 17, additionally comprising electronically tracking the use of the retail product by in the venue.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the retail product is configured to store information indicative of the use of the retail product in the venue.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the intrinsic value comprises at least one of a play value, an artistic value, and a collectible value.

21. The method of claim 17, additionally comprising allowing the consumer to customize the design of the retail product.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the retail product comprises a memory.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the memory is configured to store an identification associated with the consumer.