MOTION-SENSITIVE CONTROLLER AND ASSOCIATED GAMING APPLICATIONS

• US 20130116020A1
• Filed: 12/21/2012
• Published: 05/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: Creative Kingdoms LLC (Great Wolf Resorts Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise Chapman
• Granted Patent: US 9,707,478 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/3
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 1/00 Card games aspects of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions showing representations related to the game A63F13/00; card games played on a gaming machine G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• 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 13/219 for aiming at specific areas on the display, e.g. light-guns
• 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 13/25 Output arrangements for video game devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• 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 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• 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 13/497 Partially or entirely replaying previous game actions
• 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 13/822 Strategy games; Role-playing games A63F13/825, A63F13/828 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/825 Fostering virtual characters
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2402 Input by manual operation
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2429 IC card, chip card, smart card
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2433 Voice-actuated
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2452 : as a signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/248 : Magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2489 : by radio transmitters, e.g. using RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/485 : using a handle
• 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 2300/1056 : involving pressure sensitive buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1087 : comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 : the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/402 : Communication between platforms, i.e. physical link to protocol
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/403 : Connection between platform and handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 : Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 : Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/36 : Details; Accessories
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 : using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A63J 21/00 : Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0487 : using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2354/00 : Aspects of interface with display user
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2370/16 : Use of wireless transmission of display information
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2370/18 : Use of optical transmission of display information
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/06 : Remotely controlled electronic signs other than labels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/001 : using specific devices not provided for in groups G09G3/02 - G09G3/36, e.g. using an intermediate record carrier such as a film slide; Projection systems; Display of non-alphanumerical information, solely or in combination with alphanumerical information, e.g. digital display on projected diapositive as background slide projectors per se G03B23/00 = 42 HP

Abstract

A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics.

Claims

1. A motion-sensitive input device configured to be used with a wireless-compatible gaming platform comprising a live-action game, computer game, video game or home gaming console, said motion-sensitive input device comprising:

a base component sized and configured to be held and operated by a single hand of a user to play or direct a game at least in part by moving an elongated body of said base component in free space, said elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be grasped by a single hand of a user to a second end protruding from said first end and being in substantial coaxial alignment therewith, said elongated body substantially enclosing an internal cavity sized and configured to receive or contain one or more internal power sources and circuitry configured to power and operate said base component;

at least one auxiliary component configured to be modularly assembled with said base component to enable a user to selectively create a modified input device having different or additional functional capabilities;

a first arrangement of one or more sensors configured to generate sensor output data responsive to at least a first sensed motion of said motion-sensitive input device;

a second arrangement of one or more sensors configured to generate sensor output data responsive to at least a second sensed motion of said motion-sensitive input device, wherein said second sensed motion is different than said first sensed motion; and

electronic circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless-compatible gaming platform, said electronic circuitry comprising;

i) a microprocessor, ii) memory configured to store a unique identifier, iii) a wireless transmitter configured to transmit to said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals comprising said unique identifier and said sensor output data, and iv) a wireless receiver configured to receive from said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals comprising selected game-relevant information.

2. The input device of claim 1, wherein said base component comprises a wireless wand input device configured to enable a user to single-handedly play or direct a computer-animated game carried out on the wireless-compatible gaming platform.

3. The input device of claim 1, wherein said base component further comprises at least two finger-actuated switches sized and arranged so as to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of a user'"'"'s single hand while simultaneously holding and moving the elongated body of said base component in free space, said at least two finger-actuated switches being further configured to generate switch output data responsive to selective actuations thereof and wherein said wireless transmitter is configured to transmit to said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals comprising said unique identifier, said sensor output data and said switch output data.

4. The input device of claim 3, wherein at least one of said finger-actuated switches comprises a touch-sensor element configured to generate switch output data responsive to sensed touching of a user'"'"'s finger thereon.

5. The input device of claim 1, wherein said first arrangement of one or more sensors is disposed in said base component and wherein said second arrangement of one or more sensors is disposed in said at least one auxiliary component.

6. The input device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said electronic circuitry is disposed externally to said based component.

7. The input device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first or second sensed motions comprises rotational motion about the axis of elongation of said elongated body.

8. The input device of claim 1, wherein said first or second arrangement of one or more sensors comprises one or more of the following:

tilt sensor, orientation sensor, gyro-sensor, and accelerometer.

9. The input device of claim 1, wherein said memory is further configured to store selected game-relevant information pertaining to a role-play character associated with a game or a user of said motion-sensitive input device.

10. The input device of claim 1, wherein said motion-sensitive input device is configured in the shape, form or theme of a magic wand, sword, paint brush, crayon, paddle, nunchuk, bat, ball, book, musical instrument, fishing rod, doll, action figure, or stuffed animal.

11. The input device of claim 1, further comprising an effects generator and control circuitry configured and arranged so as to cause said motion-sensitive input device to generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect in response to receiving said one or more wireless signals comprising selected game-relevant information

12. The input device of claim 1, further comprising a display screen configured to display the selected game-relevant information.

13. The input device of claim 1, wherein the motion-sensitive input device is configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless-compatible game console adapted to produce computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects, said game console further comprising:

i) an address storage module configured to dynamically store multiple unique identifiers corresponding to multiple input devices;

ii) an address comparator for recognizing and distinguishing wireless signals originating from said multiple input devices according to each corresponding unique identifier; and

iii) a tracking system for tracking game progress or performance of each of a plurality of game participants using each said input device to play a game, based at least in part on each said recognized unique identifier.

14. The input device of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic inductance energy generator configured to generate useable energy from an externally applied electromagnetic field.

15. The input device of claim 14, wherein said magnetic inductance energy generator comprises at least one inductance coil sized and arranged so as to generate pulses of electricity when exposed to an externally-generated electromagnetic field, and a rectifier electrically coupled to said at least one inductance coil arranged and adapted to convert said pulses of electricity into storable electrical energy adapted to be stored in said one or more internal power sources.

16. The input device of claim 1, wherein said wireless transmitter and said wireless receiver comprise a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with a wireless-compatible device over a wireless communication range of at least 10 feet.

17. The input device of claim 16, wherein said RF transceiver is configured to establish a wireless communication link with a wireless-compatible gaming platform when said motion-sensitive input device is operated within a wireless communication range of said wireless-compatible gaming platform, said wireless communication link being established at least in part by:

i) receiving from said wireless-compatible gaming platform a first wireless communication that includes a first identification number identifying said wireless-compatible gaming platform, and ii) responding to said first wireless communication by transmitting a second wireless communication that includes said first identification number and a second identification number comprising said unique identifier of said motion-sensitive input device.

18. The input device of claim 1, further comprising a transmit timer for causing said wireless transmitter to repeatedly and periodically transmit said one or more wireless signals comprising said unique identifier and said sensor output data.

19. The input device of claim 1, in combination with game software comprising program instructions stored on non-transitory storage that direct or cause a wireless-compatible gaming platform to:

i) conduct an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually and aurally represented through computer animation;

ii) track game progress or performance of a game participant playing said game based at least in part on identifying said one or more wireless signals transmitted by said motion-sensitive input device; and

iii) adjust a play experience for said game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance.

20. The combination of claim 19, wherein said base component and said auxiliary component, when modularly assembled, comprise a modified input device themed in accordance with said virtual play environment.

21. The combination of claim 20, wherein said auxiliary component comprises a handle sized and shaped so as to be gripped by a user of said modified input device.

22. A wireless wand input device configured to be used with a wireless-compatible gaming console, said wand input device comprising:

a housing sized and configured to be held and operated by a user using a single hand to play or direct a game at least in part by moving the entire body of said housing in free space, said housing comprising an elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be gripped by a single hand of a user to a second end protruding from said first end and being in substantial coaxial alignment therewith, said elongated body substantially enclosing an internal cavity sized and configured to receive or contain one or more internal power sources and circuitry configured to power and operate said wand input device;

a first arrangement of one or more sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to at least a first sensed motion of said wand input device;

a second arrangement of one or more sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to at least a second sensed motion of said wand input device, wherein said second sensed motion is different than said first sensed motion;

at least two finger-actuated switches sized and arranged so as to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of a user'"'"'s single hand while simultaneously holding and moving the entire body of said housing in free space using said single hand, said at least two finger-actuated switches being configured to generate switch state data responsive to selective actuation thereof; and

electronic circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate data to and from a wireless-compatible gaming console, said electronic circuitry comprising;

i) a microprocessor, ii) memory configured to store a unique identifier, iii) a wireless transmitter configured to transmit to said wireless-compatible gaming console one or more wireless signals comprising said unique identifier, said sensor state data and said switch state data, and iv) a wireless receiver configured to receive from said wireless-compatible gaming console one or more wireless signals comprising selected game-relevant information.

23. The wand input device of claim 22, wherein said housing is configured in the shape, form or theme of a magic wand, scepter, sword, paint brush, crayon, paddle, nunchuk, bat, book, musical instrument, fishing rod, doll, or action figure.

24. The wand input device of claim 22, wherein at least one of said finger-actuated switches comprises a touch-sensor element configured to generate switch state data in response to sensed touching of a user'"'"'s finger on said touch-sensor element.

25. The wand input device of claim 22, wherein at least one of said first or second sensed motions comprises rotational motion about the axis of elongation of said elongated body.

26. The wand input device of claim 22, wherein said first or second arrangement of one or more sensors comprises one or more of the following:

tilt sensor, orientation sensor, gyro-sensor, and accelerometer.

27. The wand input device of claim 22, wherein said wireless transmitter and said wireless receiver comprise a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with a wireless-compatible device over a wireless communication range of at least 10 feet.

28. The wand input device of claim 27, further comprising a transmit timer for causing said RF transceiver to repeatedly and periodically transmit said one or more wireless signals comprising said unique identifier, said switch state data and said sensor state data.

29. The wand input device of claim 22, wherein said first arrangement of one or more sensors or said second arrangement of one or more sensors is disposed externally to said housing.

30. The wand input device of claim 22, further comprising at least one auxiliary component configured to be modularly assembled with said wand input device to selectively create a modified wand input device having different or additional functional capabilities or aesthetics.

31. The wand input device of claim 22, in combination with a second input device configured to be held and operated by a single hand of a user and responsive to one or more motions, said second input device further configured to communicate with said wand input device.

32. The wand input device of claim 22, further comprising an effects generator and control circuitry configured to cause or direct said wand input device to generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect in response to receiving one or more wireless signals comprising selected game-relevant information.

33. The wand input device of claim 22, further comprising a display screen configured to display the selected game-relevant information.

34. The wand input device of claim 22, in combination with a home gaming console adapted to produce computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in response to receiving one or more wireless signals from said wand input device.

35. The wand input device of claim 22, in combination with game software comprising program instructions stored on non-transitory storage that direct or cause a wireless-compatible gaming console to:

i) conduct an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually and aurally represented through computer animation;

ii) track the game progress or performance of a game participant playing said game based at least in part on said unique identifier; and

iii) adjust the play experience for said game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance.

36. The combination of claim 35, in further combination with at least one auxiliary component configured to be modularly assembled with said wand input device to selectively create a modified wand input device themed in accordance with said virtual play environment.

37. The wand input device of claim 22, in combination with game software stored in non-transitory storage that stores executable program instructions that direct or cause a wireless-compatible gaming console to carry out a game wherein one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects are produced that create an illusion that a user is performing magic when the wand input device is moved in one or more different motions.

38. The combination of claim 37, in further combination with a book, and wherein said executable program instructions further cause or direct said wireless-compatible gaming console to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects that create an illusion that said book is talking or telling a story.

39. The combination of claim 38, wherein said wireless-compatible gaming console is configured to produce computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in response to receiving one or more wireless signals from said wand input device.

40. An interactive game wherein a game participant uses a motion-sensitive wireless wand input device to direct or control one or more computer animations to produce a desired illusion or effect, said interactive game comprising:

a wireless-compatible gaming platform comprising a live-action game, computer game, video game or home game console configured to generate one or more computer animations in accordance with said game;

at least one motion-sensitive wireless wand input device configured to be held and operated by a user using a single hand to play or direct a game at least in part by moving the entire body of said wand input device, said wand input device comprising;

an elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be gripped by a single hand of a user to a second end protruding from said first end and being in substantial coaxial alignment therewith;

one or more sensors configured to provide sensor state data responsive to one or more sensed motions or orientations of said wand input device in free space;

one or more finger-actuated switches sized and arranged so as to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of a user'"'"'s single hand while simultaneously holding and moving the entire body of said wand input device, said one or more finger-actuated switches configured to provide switch state data; and

electronic circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate data to and from said wireless-compatible gaming platform, said electronic circuitry comprising;

i) a microprocessor, ii) memory configured to store a unique identifier, iii) a wireless transmitter configured to transmit to said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals communicating at least said unique identifier, said sensor state data and said switch state data, and iv) a wireless receiver configured to receive from said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals comprising selected game-relevant information; and

game software stored in non-transitory storage comprising executable program instructions that direct or cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to carry out a game wherein one or more computer animations are produced that create an illusion or effect based at least in part on said sensor state data and said switch state data.

41. The interactive game of claim 40, wherein said wand input device is configured in the shape, form or theme of a magic wand, scepter, sword, paint brush, or crayon.

42. The interactive game of claim 40, wherein said illusion or effect comprises an illusion that a game participant is performing magic by moving said wand input device.

43. The interactive game of claim 40, wherein at least one of said finger-actuated switches comprises a touch-sensor element configured to generate switch state data in response to sensed touching of a user'"'"'s finger on said touch-sensor element.

44. The interactive game of claim 40, wherein at least one of said sensed motions comprises rotational motion about the axis of elongation of said elongated body.

45. The interactive game of claim 40, wherein said wireless transmitter and said wireless receiver comprise a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with a wireless-compatible device over a wireless communication range of at least 10 feet.

46. The interactive game of claim 40, further comprising a transmit timer for causing said wireless transmitter to repeatedly and periodically transmit said one or more wireless signals comprising said unique identifier, said switch state data and said sensor state data.

47. The interactive game of claim 40, further comprising at least one auxiliary component configured to be modularly assembled with said wand input device to selectively create a modified wand input device having different or additional capabilities or aesthetics.

48. The interactive game of claim 47, wherein said at least one auxiliary component comprises one or more sensors configured to generate additional sensor state data responsive to one or more sensed motions or orientations of said auxiliary component and wherein said auxiliary component is configured to communicate said additional sensor state data to said wand input device.

49. The interactive game of claim 40, wherein said game software comprises program instructions stored on non-transitory storage that direct or cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to:

i) conduct an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually and aurally represented through computer animation;

ii) track the game progress or performance of a game participant playing said game based at least in part on receiving and identifying said one or more wireless signals transmitted by said wand input device; and

iii) adjust the play experience for said game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance.

50. The interactive game of claim 40, wherein said wireless-compatible gaming platform comprises a wireless home game console adapted to produce computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in response to receiving one or more wireless signals transmitted by said wand input device.

51. The combination of claim 50, in further combination with a book, and wherein said game software comprises executable program instructions that direct or cause said home game console to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects that create an illusion that said game participant is performing magic using said book or that said book is talking or telling a story.

52. The interactive game of claim 40, in combination with a book, and wherein said game software comprises executable program instructions that direct or cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects that create an illusion that said game participant is performing magic using said book or that said book is talking or telling a story.

53. An interactive game wherein a game participant uses a motion-sensitive wireless wand input device to direct or control one or more computer animations to produce a desired illusion or effect, said interactive game comprising:

a wireless-compatible gaming platform comprising a live-action game, computer game, video game or home game console configured to generate one or more computer animations in accordance with said game;

at least one motion-sensitive wireless wand input device configured to be held and operated by a user using a single hand to play or direct a game at least in part by moving the entire body of said wand input device, said wand input device comprising;

an elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be held or gripped by a single hand of a user to a second end extending from said first end and being in substantial coaxial alignment therewith;

a first arrangement of one or more sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to at least a first sensed motion of said wand input device;

a second arrangement of one or more sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to at least a second sensed motion of said wand input device, wherein said second sensed motion is different than said first sensed motion; and

electronic circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate data to said wireless-compatible gaming platform over a range of at least 10 feet, said electronic circuitry comprising;

i) a microprocessor, ii) memory configured to store a unique identifier, and iii) a wireless transmitter configured to transmit to said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals communicating at least said unique identifier and said sensor state data;

at least one physical play object comprising object data stored or recorded thereon and configured such that said object data can be wirelessly read or ascertained by said wireless-compatible gaming platform over a range of at least 1 cm; and

game software stored in non-transitory storage comprising executable program instructions that direct or cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to carry out a game wherein one or more computer animations are produced based at least in part on said sensor state data and said object data.

54. The interactive game of claim 53, wherein said wand input device is configured in the shape, form or theme of a magic wand, scepter, sword, paint brush, or crayon.

55. The interactive game of claim 54, wherein said illusion or effect comprises an illusion that a game participant is performing magic by moving said wand input device.

56. The interactive game of claim 53, wherein said wireless-compatible gaming platform comprises a first radio-frequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with a wireless-compatible device over a range of at least 10 feet and a second RF transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with a wireless-compatible device over a range greater than 1 cm and less than 200 cm.

57. The interactive game of claim 56, wherein said second RF transceiver comprises an RFID reader device and wherein said at least one physical play object comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having non-volatile memory to store said object data.

58. The interactive game of claim 53, wherein said wireless-compatible gaming platform comprises a visual-, laser- or infrared-based medium-range wireless communication system.

59. The interactive game of claim 58, wherein said wireless-compatible gaming platform comprises a digital camera configured to capture one or more digital images.

60. The interactive game of claim 59, wherein said digital camera is configured and arranged to capture one or more digital images of a game participant playing said interactive game.

61. The interactive game of claim 53, wherein said at least one physical play object comprises a doll, action figure, collectible card, book, diary, or clothing item.

62. The interactive game of claim 61, wherein said at least one physical play object is wireless and batteryless.

63. The interactive game of claim 53, wherein said object data comprises information identifying or describing said physical play object or a person, character or object in said game portrayed or represented by said physical play object.

64. The interactive game of claim 53, wherein said object data comprises a unique index identifier identifying or referencing associated information stored on a database accessible by said wireless-compatible gaming platform.

65. The interactive game of claim 64, wherein said unique index identifier is recorded in a printed code associated with said at least one physical play object, and wherein said printed code is adapted to be wirelessly read or ascertained by said wireless-compatible gaming platform.

66. The interactive game of claim 65, wherein said game software comprises executable program instructions that direct or cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to:

i) wirelessly and electronically read said printed code from said at least one physical play object and thereby determine said unique index identifier;

ii) use said unique index identifier to retrieve from a database selected information describing the appearance or traits of a person, character or object associated with said game; and

iii) recreate in said one or more computer animations the appearance or traits of said person, character or object.

67. The interactive game of claim 66, wherein said at least one physical play object comprises a book, and wherein said game software comprises executable program instructions that direct or cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects that create an illusion that the game participant is performing magic or that said book is talking or telling a story.

68. The interactive game of claim 53, wherein said at least one physical play object comprises a book, and wherein said game software comprises executable program instructions that direct or cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects that create an illusion that the game participant is performing magic using said wand input device or that said book is talking or telling a story.