INTERACTIVE TOYS AND GAMES CONNECTING PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL PLAY ENVIRONMENTS

• US 20120258802A1
• Filed: 05/11/2012
• Published: 10/11/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: Creative Kingdoms LLC (Great Wolf Resorts Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Weston, Denise Chapman, Briggs, Rick A., Barney, Jonathan A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,475,275 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• 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 13/10 Control of the course of the game, e.g. start, progess, end
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• 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 13/31 Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/32 using local area network [LAN] connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/327 using wireless networks, e.g. Wi-Fi® or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/45 Controlling the progress of the video game
• 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 13/825 Fostering virtual characters
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/90 Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
• 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 2009/2492 Power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/105 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 : Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5513 : involving billing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5533 : using program state or machine event data, e.g. server keeps track of the state of multiple players on in a multiple player game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 : for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 : Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 : Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• 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 33/26 : Magnetic or electric toys electric drives A63H29/22 ; indoor games played with small balls using magnetic power A63F7/0088, A63F7/068
• CPC Class Codes: A63J 21/00 : Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant'"'"'s experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge.

Claims

1. An interactive game including one or more collectible figures for entertaining a game participant playing a computer-animated game on a compatible gaming platform wherein said collectible figures represent persons, characters or objects associated with said game, said interactive game comprising:

one or more collectable figures depicting or representing persons, characters or objects associated with a computer-animated game, each said collectable figure comprising an electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a unique identification number for uniquely identifying each said corresponding collectable figure;

each said RFID tag further comprising;

i) non-volatile programmable memory configured to store selected game-relevant information associated with each said corresponding collectible figure, ii) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to facilitate two-way wireless communication with one or more compatible RFID reader devices, and iii) a tag antenna configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy through inductive coupling when exposed to an external electromagnetic field to power at least said RF transceiver;

at least one RFID reader device configured to wirelessly power and communicate with each said RFID tag at least in part through inductive coupling with said tag antenna and wherein said wireless communication includes communication of at least said unique identification number; and

game software comprising program instructions stored in a machine readable format and configured to be read and executed by a computing device associated with a compatible gaming platform for conducting a computer-animated game, said game software further comprising program instructions for causing said computing device to;

i) ascertain selected game-relevant information from one or more collectible figures provided within communication range of said RFID reader device, ii) use said selected game-relevant information to determine selected attributes relevant to said corresponding depicted or represented persons, characters or objects, and iii) produce in the computer animation of said game said depicted or represented persons, characters or objects with said relevant selected attributes in accordance with said selected game-relevant information.

2. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein at least one of said one or more collectable figures comprises a doll, stuffed animal, game token or action figure configured to depict or represent a person or character in said game.

3. The interactive game of claim 2 wherein said at least one collectable figure further comprises a lighting effect configured to be powered by electrical energy received through inductive coupling when said at least one collectible figure is exposed to said external electromagnetic field.

4. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein at least one of said one or more collectable figures comprises a simulated crystal and at least one lighting effect configured to be powered by electrical energy received through inductive coupling when said at least one collectible figure is exposed to said external electromagnetic field.

5. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein said one or more collectable figures comprise customizable retail items configured and adapted to be customized or personalized in their fabrication, assembly or detailing by said game participant as part of one or more retail transactions wherein said game participant becomes a purchaser or owner of said one or more collectible figures.

6. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein said RFID tag comprises a 13.56 MHz passive RFID tag comprising a substantially flat spiral wound tag antenna.

7. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein said selected game-relevant information comprises said relevant attributes, experiences or accomplishments of said person, character or object depicted or represented by each said collectable figure.

8. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein said selected game-relevant information comprises identification information identifying said game participant within said game whereby said one or more collectable figures can be electronically associated with said game participant and wherein said game software further comprises program instructions for causing said computing device to use said identification information to score or create a performance record for said identified game participant.

9. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein said RFID reader device comprises an RFID-enabled handheld gaming device configured to conduct said computer-animated game on an associated display screen.

10. The interactive game of claim 9 wherein said RFID-enabled handheld gaming device comprises a portable handheld game unit.

11. The interactive game of claim 1 wherein said RFID reader device comprises an RFID-enabled handheld game controller configured to direct or control said computer-animated game.

12. The interactive game of claim 11 wherein said game controller further comprises a display screen and one or more input command switches.

13. The interactive game of claim 12 wherein said game controller further comprises motion- or position-sensitive circuitry for enabling said game controller to be operated at least in part by moving the entire body of said game controller to thereby direct or control said computer-animated game.

14. The interactive game of claim 13 wherein said motion- or position-sensitive circuitry comprises at least a first sensor for sensing acceleration of said game controller and a second sensor for sensing angular orientation of said game controller.

15. The interactive game of claim 1 further comprising an image capture system configured to automatically capture one or more digital images of said game participant playing said game.

16. A wireless interactive toy for amusing or entertaining a game participant playing a game on a wireless-compatible gaming platform wherein at least a first portion of said game is virtually represented through one or more computer-animated effects and wherein at least a second portion of said game is physically represented through one or more physical play items depicting or representing persons, characters or objects relevant to said game, said wireless interactive toy comprising:

a physical play item depicting or representing a person, character or object that is virtually represented in a game through one or more computer-animated effects;

non-volatile memory associated with said physical play item configured to store selected information, including at least one unique identifier that uniquely identifies said physical play item and/or said represented person, character or object within said game;

an electrically-powered RF transceiver associated with said physical play item configured to wirelessly communicate said selected information with a wireless-compatible gaming platform over a distance greater than about 1 cm and wherein said selected information includes said at least one unique identifier;

an electrically-powered lighting effect generator associated with said physical play item configured to produce at least one lighting effect; and

at least one antenna, inductance coil or wire associated with said physical play item configured to receive electrical energy through inductive coupling when exposed to an external electromagnetic field to thereby wirelessly power said RF transceiver and said lighting effect generator;

wherein said physical play item is further sized and configured to be selectively exposed to said external electromagnetic field to wirelessly power said RF transceiver and said lighting effect generator and thereby cause said selected information stored in said non-volatile memory to be wirelessly communicated to said wireless-compatible gaming platform to activate, control or modify said one or more computer-animated effects in accordance with said game.

17. The wireless interactive toy of claim 16 wherein said physical play item comprises a doll, stuffed animal, game token or action figure.

18. The wireless interactive toy of claim 17 further comprising an associated printed code for identifying or authenticating said physical play item within a compatible game and wherein said code is printed on a corresponding ticket or sticker provided with said physical play item as part of a packaged retail item.

19. The wireless interactive toy of claim 16 wherein said physical play item comprises a simulated crystal.

20. The wireless interactive toy of claim 16 wherein said physical play item comprises a customizable retail item configured and adapted to be customized or personalized in its fabrication, assembly or detailing by said game participant as part of one or more retail transactions wherein said game participant becomes a purchaser or owner of said physical play item.

21. The wireless interactive toy of claim 16 further comprising an associated printed code for identifying or authenticating said physical play item within a compatible game and wherein said code is printed on a corresponding ticket or sticker provided with said physical play item as part of a packaged retail item.

22. The wireless interactive toy of claim 16 wherein said RF transceiver comprises a passive RFID tag and wherein said non-volatile memory comprises a programmable portion thereof further configured to store said selected game-relevant information associated with said represented person, character or object.

23. The wireless interactive toy of claim 22 wherein said selected game-relevant information comprises relevant attributes, experiences or accomplishments of said person, character or object depicted or represented by said physical play item and wherein said selected game-relevant information can be stored, retrieved and updated according to the play of said game.

24. The wireless interactive toy of claim 22 wherein said selected game-relevant information comprises identification information identifying said game participant within said game.

25. The wireless interactive toy of claim 22 wherein said wireless communication is conducted at least in part through inductive coupling between said RFID tag and said wireless-compatible gaming platform.

26. The wireless interactive toy of claim 22 wherein said RFID tag comprises a 13.56 MHz passive RFID tag, comprising:

i) non-volatile memory configured and adapted to store and retrieve said selected game-relevant information, ii) a spiral wound tag antenna sized and configured to receive energy from said external electromagnetic field through inductive coupling for wirelessly powering said RFID tag, and iii) a tag transceiver circuit powered by said tag antenna configured to wirelessly communicate said selected game-relevant information with said wireless-compatible gaming platform.

27. The wireless interactive toy of claim 22 wherein said physical play item comprises a handheld game controller sized and configured to be held in the air and operated by said game participant at least in part by moving the entire body of said game controller in one or more motions to activate or control said one or more computer-animated effects in accordance with said game.

28. The wireless interactive toy of claim 22 in combination with at least one RFID reader device configured to wirelessly power and communicate with said RFID tag at least in part through inductive coupling with said tag antenna.

29. The combination of claim 28 wherein said RFID reader device comprises an RFID-enabled handheld gaming device configured and adapted to produce a computer-generated play environment representing said first portion of said game and wherein said second portion of said game comprises said physical play item positioned and arranged within communication range of said handheld gaming device so as to wirelessly power said RFID tag and thereby cause said selected information stored on said RFID tag to be automatically and wirelessly communicated to said handheld gaming device.

30. The combination of claim 29 wherein said handheld gaming device is further configured and adapted to use said selected information to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects having the appearance, characteristics or traits of said corresponding depicted or represented person, character or object.

31. The combination of claim 30 wherein said handheld gaming device comprises an RFID-enabled portable handheld game unit.

32. The combination of claim 28 wherein said RFID reader device comprises an RFID-enabled handheld game controller configured to direct or control said game.

33. The combination of claim 32 wherein said handheld game controller further comprises a display screen and one or more input command switches.

34. The combination of claim 33 wherein said handheld game controller further comprises motion- or position-sensitive circuitry configured to enable said handheld game controller to be operated at least in part by moving the entire body of said handheld game controller to thereby direct or control said game.

35. The combination of claim 34 wherein said motion- or position-sensitive circuitry comprises at least a first sensor configured to sense acceleration of said handheld game controller and a second sensor configured to sense angular orientation of said handheld game controller.

36. The combination of claim 32 in further combination with a wireless-compatible gaming platform comprising a wireless game console configured and adapted to:

i) produce said computer-animated effects in accordance with said game, ii) wirelessly communicate with said RFID-enabled handheld game controller, and iii) produce in the computer animations of said game the appearance, characteristics or traits of said represented person, character or object corresponding to said physical play item when said physical play item is within communication range of said handheld game controller.

37. The combination of claim 36 in further combination with game software adapted to be executed by said game console to carry out said game, said game software including program instructions for instructing said game console to:

i) conduct an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually and aurally represented through said one or more computer animations, ii) track the game progress or performance of one or more game participants playing said game, and iii) adjust the play experience for said one or more game participants based at least in part on said tracked game progress or performance.

38. An interactive gaming system for entertaining a game participant playing a computer-animated game on a compatible gaming platform, said interactive gaming system comprising:

at least one handheld gaming device comprising one or more user inputs for directing or controlling a computer-animated game;

one or more physical gaming items depicting or representing persons, characters or objects associated with said game, each said gaming item comprising an electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a unique identification number that uniquely identifies each said corresponding gaming item within said game;

each said RFID tag further comprising;

i) non-volatile programmable memory configured to store selected game-relevant information associated with each said corresponding gaming item, ii) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to facilitate two-way wireless communication with one or more compatible RFID reader devices, and iii) a tag antenna configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy through inductive coupling when exposed to an electromagnetic field to thereby power at least said RF transceiver;

at least one RFID reader device configured to wirelessly power and communicate with each said RFID tag at least in part through inductive coupling with said tag antenna and wherein said wireless communication includes communication of said unique identification number and/or said selected game-relevant information; and

game software comprising program instructions stored in a machine readable format and configured to be read and executed by a computing device associated with a compatible gaming platform for conducting said computer-animated game, said game software further comprising program instructions for causing said computing device to;

i) ascertain selected game-relevant information from one or more gaming devices provided within communication range of said RFID reader device, ii) use said selected game-relevant information to determine selected traits or attributes relevant to said corresponding depicted or represented persons, characters or objects, and iii) produce in the computer animation of said game said depicted or represented persons, characters or objects with said relevant selected traits or attributes in accordance with said selected game-relevant information.

39. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein said at least one handheld gaming device and said at least one RFID reader device each comprise a single integrated RFID-enabled handheld gaming device configured to conduct said computer-animated game on an associated display.

40. The interactive gaming system of claim 39 wherein said RFID-enabled handheld gaming device comprises a portable handheld game unit.

41. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein said at least one handheld gaming device and said at least one RFID reader device each comprise a single integrated RFID-enabled handheld game controller configured to direct or control said computer-animated game.

42. The interactive gaming system of claim 41 wherein said game controller is sized and configured to be held and operated in a single hand of a game participant and used by said game participant to selectively actuate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with said game.

43. The interactive gaming system of claim 41 wherein said game controller further comprises a display screen.

44. The interactive gaming system of claim 43 wherein said game controller further comprises motion- or position-sensitive circuitry for enabling said game controller to be operated at least in part by moving the entire body of said game controller to thereby direct or control said computer-animated game.

45. The interactive gaming system of claim 44 wherein said motion- or position-sensitive circuitry comprises at least a first sensor for sensing acceleration of said game controller and a second sensor for sensing angular orientation of said game controller.

46. The interactive gaming system of claim 45 wherein said one or more user inputs comprise one or more touch sensors configured and adapted to sense touching of one or more fingers on one or more surfaces of said game controller.

47. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein at least one of said one or more gaming items comprises a doll, stuffed animal, game token or action figure configured to depict or represent said person or character associated with said game.

48. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein at least one of said one or more gaming items comprises a collectible trading card.

49. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein at least one of said one or more gaming items further comprises a lighting effect configured to be powered by electrical energy received through inductive coupling when said at least one gaming item is exposed to said electromagnetic field.

50. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein said one or more gaming items comprise customizable retail items configured and adapted to be customized or personalized in their fabrication, assembly or detailing by said game participant as part of one or more retail transactions wherein said game participant becomes a purchaser or owner of said one or more gaming items.

51. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein said RFID tag comprises a 13.56 MHz passive RFID tag comprising a substantially flat spiral wound tag antenna.

52. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 wherein said selected game-relevant information comprises identification information identifying said game participant within said game.

53. The interactive gaming system of claim 38 further comprising an image capture system configured to automatically capture one or more digital images of said game participant while said game participant is playing said game.

54. A multi-layered interactive entertainment system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game wherein at least a first layer of said game is conducted in a virtual play environment through one or more computer-animated effects and wherein at least a second layer of said game is conducted in a physical play environment, said interactive game comprising:

a virtual play environment comprising at least one gaming console comprising a computing device configured to provide through computer-animation one or more virtual play effects, games or challenges in accordance with a first game layer conducted in said virtual play environment through one or more computer-animated effects;

a physical play environment comprising a play structure, play space, enter-tainment facility, theme park, or destination resort configured to provide one or more physical play effects, games or challenges in accordance with a second game layer conducted in said physical play environment;

one or more portable gaming items comprising an associated physical manifestation in said physical play environment and an associated virtual manifestation in said virtual play environment, each said gaming item comprising a toy depicting or representing a person, character or object relevant to a game and comprising a unique identifier uniquely identifying said toy within said game, each said gaming item further comprising a transmitter device for wirelessly transmitting a signal containing at least said unique identifier;

one or more receiver devices configured to wirelessly receive said transmitted signal and to determine from said transmitted signal at least said unique identifier; and

a master control system in communication with one or more receiver devices for actuating or controlling one or more virtual play effects, games or challenges in said virtual play environment and one or more physical play effects, games or challenges in said physical play environment to provide an overall interactive entertainment experience, said master control system configured to individually track game progress or performance of one or more game participants playing said game in said physical play environment and said virtual play environment according to said transmitted signals whereby the game progress or performance of a game participant in one game layer can affect the game progress or performance of said game participant in another game layer.

55. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 wherein at least one of said one or more gaming items comprises a doll, stuffed animal, game token or action figure.

56. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 wherein at least one of said one or more gaming items comprises a collectible tradable card.

57. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 wherein at least one of said one or more gaming items comprises an effects generator configured to generate sound, vibration or lighting effects.

58. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 wherein at least one of said one or more gaming items comprises a toy wand comprising an infrared (IR) transmitter and one or more motion- or position-sensors and associated electronic circuitry configured to enable said game participant to cause said IR transmitter to wirelessly transmit an IR signal by moving the entire body of said toy wand in a waving or shaking motion.

59. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 wherein each said gaming item comprises a passive, battery-less RFID tag comprising a substantially flat spiral wound antenna and programmable non-volatile memory configured and adapted to store selected game-relevant information associated with said corresponding depicted or represented person, character or object.

60. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 wherein each said gaming item comprises a customizable retail item configured and adapted to be customized or personalized in its fabrication, assembly or detailing as part of a retail entertainment game layer whereby a game participant becomes a purchaser or owner of said gaming item.

61. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 wherein said game comprises an electronic treasure hunt, scavenger hunt or crime mystery game wherein game participants seek and analyze clues in order to find a treasure or solve a mystery.

62. The interactive entertainment system of claim 54 further comprising an image capture and retrieval system configured to automatically capture and store digital images of each toy and/or said corresponding play participant when said unique identifier is wirelessly transmitted by said toy and received by a receiver device associated with said image capture and retrieval system.

63. The interactive entertainment system of claim 62 wherein said image capture and retrieval system is further configured to store each said captured image in association with each received unique identifier such that said captured images may be subsequently retrieved according to said corresponding unique identifier.

64. The interactive entertainment system of claim 63 wherein said image capture and retrieval system is further configured to assemble and produce a story book or scrap book containing multiple captured images of each toy and/or corresponding play participant based at least in part on said corresponding unique identifier.