Reconfigurable surface based video games

• US 20080132332A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 06/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/04/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gesture Technology Partners, LLC
• Original Assignee: Timothy R. Pryor
• Inventors: Pryor, Timothy R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,083,588 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/31
• 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 13/213 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells A63F13/219, A63F13/655 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/428 involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1075 using a touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1087 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/30 characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/308 Details of the user interface
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8011 Ball
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3297 Fairground games, e.g. Tivoli, coin pusher machines, cranes

Abstract

Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a novel video gaming experience on a play surface on which reconfigurable information is displayed.

Claims

1. A method for video gaming in which one or more physical objects are moved on a play surface by the action of at least one game player, comprising the steps of:

displaying reconfigurable graphics visible on the playing surface;

electro-optically determining the position or movement of said physical objects; and

using said determined position or movement, controlling a game parameter.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said game is reconfigured at a later time to another game having different graphics.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said gaming surface display may also be used for conventional TV application.

4. A method according to claim 1 according to claim 1 wherein said game is a game of chance.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said object continues movement after release by said one or more players.

5. A method wherein said display is provided by rear projection onto said surface.