CUSTOMIZABLE TOY FOR PLAYING A WIRELESS INTERACTIVE GAME HAVING BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL ELEMENTS

• US 20130196770A1
• Filed: 03/13/2013
• Published: 08/01/2013
• 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: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise Chapman
• Granted Patent: US 8,814,688 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. A customizable toy for playing a game carried out in both a physical play environment and in a virtual play environment, said customizable toy comprising:

a first mating component comprising a first wireless transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communication with a wireless-compatible gaming platform and wherein said first wireless transceiver comprises a first address identifier uniquely identifying said first wireless transceiver;

a second mating component comprising a second wireless transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communication with said wireless-compatible gaming platform and wherein said second wireless transceiver comprises a second address identifier uniquely identifying said second wireless transceiver;

at least one of said first or second mating components comprising programmable non-volatile memory configured to store game-relevant information comprising one or more character attributes possessed by an imaginary game character played by a game participant within a virtual play environment comprising a computer-animated game; and

wherein each said mating component is further configured to be modularly and detachably assembled with one or more corresponding mating components to form an assembled toy comprising at least said first and second mating components.

2. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein said assembled toy comprises one or more of a magic wand, a doll, a stuffed animal, or an action figure.

3. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein said assembled toy is configured such that a game participant can selectively remove and replace at least one of said first or second mating components with a third mating component comprising programmable non-volatile memory and a third wireless transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communication with said wireless-compatible gaming platform and wherein said third wireless transceiver further comprises a third address identifier uniquely identifying said third wireless transceiver.

4. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein said first mating component further comprises a first magnet and wherein said second mating component further comprises a second magnet and wherein said first and second magnets are configured to mate to one another to detachably secure said first and second mating components.

5. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein said first mating component comprises a first snap element and wherein said second mating component comprises a second snap element and wherein said first and second snap elements are configured to mate to one another to detachably secure said first and second mating components.

6. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein said assembled toy is configured to enable a game participant to selectively activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with a game.

7. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises one or more of motion-sensitive or position-sensitive circuitry configured to enable said assembled toy to be operated at least in part by moving said first or second mating component in one or more motions.

8. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises a lighting effect configured to be powered by electrical energy received through inductive coupling when said at least one of said first or second mating components is exposed to an external electromagnetic field.

9. The customizable toy of claim 1 in combination with one or more collectable gaming items, each said collectable gaming item comprising a passive electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to provide short-range wireless radio frequency (RF) communication over a wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and further comprising non-volatile memory configured to store selected game-relevant information, and wherein said one or more collectable gaming items are further configured to be stacked with one another or with similarly configured gaming items and to be read together in said stacked configuration by a compatible RFID reader device.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said one or more collectable gaming items comprise one or more RFID-tagged cards, tokens or coins.

11. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein each said first and second mating components comprises programmable non-volatile memory configured to store game-relevant information comprising one or more character attributes possessed by an imaginary character in a game.

12. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide medium-range wireless RF communication over a wireless communication range of at least 10 feet.

13. The customizable toy of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises a passive electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to provide short-range wireless RF communication over a wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and wherein said RFID tag is configured to be wirelessly powered at least in part, through inductive coupling.

14. The customizable toy of claim 13 in combination with a third mating component comprising a third wireless transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communication with said wireless-compatible gaming platform, and programmable non-volatile memory configured to store selected object-specific game-relevant information unique to said third mating component, and wherein said toy is configured such that a game participant can selectively change said one or more stored character attributes by selectively replacing at least one of said first or second mating components with said third mating component.

15. The customizable toy of claim 13 in combination with an RFID reader/writer device configured to wirelessly power and communicate with said RFID tag and wherein said RFID reader/writer device is further configured to communicate selected game-relevant information to a compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a game console, portable game unit, a personal computer, or a live-action play facility.

16. The combination of claim 15 in further combination with game software comprising executable program instructions configured to cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to:

ascertain selected game-relevant information stored in said programmable non-volatile memory of said assembled toy;

use said selected game-relevant information to determine corresponding attributes relevant to an imaginary game character; and

produce a computer animated game character in a game in accordance with said relevant corresponding attributes.

17. The combination of claim 16 in further combination with a compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a game console, a portable game unit, a personal computer, or a live-action play facility.

18. An interactive game for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a computer-animated game on a compatible gaming platform, said interactive game comprising:

a modular toy configured to be selectively assembled and used by a game participant as a game input device to activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with an interactive game, said modular toy comprising first and second mating components comprising corresponding first and second radio-frequency (RF) transceivers each configured to provide two-way wireless communications with one or more wireless-compatible devices;

at least one of said first or second mating components comprising programmable non-volatile memory configured to store a first selection of game-relevant information comprising one or more character attributes possessed by an imaginary game character played in a computer-animated game;

said first and second mating components configured to be modularly and detachably assembled with one another to form an assembled toy comprising at least said first and second mating components;

a third mating component comprising a third RF transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with one or more wireless-compatible devices and programmable non-volatile memory configured to store a second selection of game-relevant information comprising one or more character attributes possessed by an imaginary game character played in a computer-animated game, and wherein said second selection of game-relevant information is different than said first selection of game-relevant information; and

wherein said modular toy is further configured such that a game participant can selectively change said one or more stored character attributes by selectively replacing at least one of said first or second mating components with said third mating component.

19. The interactive game of claim 18 wherein said assembled toy comprises one or more of a magic wand, a doll, a stuffed animal, or an action figure.

20. The interactive game of claim 18 wherein said first mating component further comprises a first magnet and wherein said second mating component further comprises a second magnet and wherein said first and second magnets are configured to mate to one another to detachably secure said first and second mating components.

21. The interactive game of claim 18 wherein said first mating component comprises a first snap element and wherein said second mating component comprises a second snap element and wherein said first and second snap elements are configured to mate to one another to detachably secure said first and second mating components.

22. The interactive game of claim 18 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises one or more of motion-sensitive or position-sensitive circuitry configured to enable said assembled toy to be operated at least in part by moving said first or second mating components in one or more motions.

23. The interactive game of claim 18 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises a lighting effect configured to be powered by electrical energy received through inductive coupling when said at least one of said first or second mating components is exposed to an external electromagnetic field.

24. The interactive game of claim 18 in combination with one or more collectable gaming items, each said collectable gaming item comprising a passive electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to provide short-range wireless radio frequency (RF) communication over a wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and further comprising non-volatile memory configured to store selected game-relevant information, and wherein said one or more collectable gaming items are further configured to be stacked with one another or with similarly configured gaming items and to be read together in said stacked configuration by a compatible RFID reader device.

25. The interactive game of claim 18 wherein at least one of said first or second RF transceivers is configured to provide medium-range wireless RF communication over a wireless communication range of at least 10 feet.

26. The interactive game of claim 18 wherein at least one of said first or second RF transceivers comprises a passive electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to provide short-range wireless RF communication with a compatible RFID reader/writer device over a wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and wherein said assembled toy is configured to enable a game participant to selectively activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects by selectively positioning said assembled toy within wireless communication range of a compatible RFID reader/writer device communicatively associated with a compatible gaming platform.

27. The interactive game of claim 26 in combination with an RFID reader/writer device configured to wirelessly power and communicate with said RFID tag to thereby ascertain said stored game-relevant information, and wherein said RFID reader/writer device is further configured to communicate said game-relevant information to a compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a game console, a portable game unit, a personal computer, or a live-action play facility.

28. The combination of claim 27 in further combination with game software comprising executable program instructions configured to cause said compatible gaming platform to:

ascertain selected game-relevant information stored in said programmable non-volatile memory of said assembled toy;

use said selected game-relevant information to determine corresponding attributes relevant to an imaginary game character; and

produce a computer animated game character in a game in accordance with said relevant corresponding attributes.

29. The combination of claim 28 in further combination with a compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a game console, a portable game unit, a personal computer, or a live-action play facility.

30. A wireless interactive game for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a computer-animated game on a wireless-compatible gaming platform, said interactive game comprising:

a modular toy configured to be selectively assembled and used by an individual game participant as a wireless input device to activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with an interactive game, said modular toy comprising first and second mating components;

at least one of said first or second mating components comprising a first sensor configured to generate sensor state data responsive to a first sensed motion or orientation in free space of said corresponding at least one of said first or second mating components;

at least one of said first or second mating components comprising a second sensor configured to generate sensor state data responsive to a second sensed motion or orientation in free space of said corresponding at least one of said first or second mating components and wherein said first sensor is different than said second sensor and wherein said first sensed motion or orientation is different than said second sensed motion or orientation;

at least one of said first or second mating components comprising a microprocessor, non-volatile memory, and a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless-compatible devices, and wherein said wireless transmitter is configured to transmit at least said sensor state data and a unique address code uniquely identifying said wireless transmitter;

at least one of said first or second mating components comprising an elongated body extending along an axis of elongation from a gripping end adapted to be grasped by a single hand of a game participant to a pointing end protruding coaxially from said gripping end; and

wherein said first and second mating components are configured to be modularly and detachably assembled with one another to form an assembled toy comprising at least said first and second mating components.

31. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 wherein said assembled toy comprises one or more of a wand controller, a doll, a stuffed animal, or an action figure.

32. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 wherein said first mating component comprises a first magnet and wherein said second mating component comprises a second magnet and wherein said first and second magnets are configured to mate to one another to detachably secure said first and second mating components.

33. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 wherein said first mating component comprises a first snap element and wherein said second mating component comprises a second snap element and wherein said first and second snap elements are configured to mate to one another to detachably secure said first and second mating components.

34. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 wherein said first mating component comprises said first sensor configured to generate sensor state data responsive to said first sensed motion or orientation in free space of said first mating component and wherein said second mating component comprises said second sensor configured to generate sensor state data responsive to said second sensed motion or orientation in free space of said second mating component.

35. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises at least one electrical element configured to be powered by electrical energy received through inductive coupling when said first or second mating components is exposed to an external electromagnetic field.

36. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 in combination with one or more collectable gaming items, each said collectable gaming item comprising a passive electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to provide short-range wireless radio frequency (RF) communication over a wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and further comprising non-volatile memory configured to store selected game-relevant information, and wherein said one or more collectable gaming items are further configured to be stacked with similarly configured gaming items and to be read together in said stacked configuration by a compatible RFID reader device.

37. The combination of claim 36 wherein at least one of said one or more collectable gaming items is configured to provide a game participant with access to certain features of a game or areas of a virtual play environment within a game that cannot otherwise be accessed.

38. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 further comprising a third mating component and wherein said modular toy is further configured such that a game participant can selectively replace at least one of said first or second mating components with said third mating component and wherein said third mating component is configured to provide a game participant with additional powers or abilities in a game played using said third mating component.

39. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 wherein said wireless transmitter comprises a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way medium-range wireless RF communication over a wireless communication range of at least 10 feet.

40. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 wherein at least one of said first or second mating components comprises a passive electronically-readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to store game-relevant information and to provide short-range wireless RF communication with a compatible RFID reader/writer device over a wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and wherein said modular toy is configured to enable a game participant to selectively activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects by selectively positioning said modular toy within wireless communication range of a compatible RFID reader/writer device communicatively associated with a compatible gaming platform.

41. The wireless interactive game of claim 40 in combination with an RFID reader/writer device configured to wirelessly power and communicate with said RFID tag to thereby ascertain said stored game-relevant information, and wherein said RFID reader/writer device is further configured to communicate said game-relevant information to a compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a game console, a portable game unit, a personal computer, or a live-action play facility.

42. The wireless interactive game of claim 30 in combination with game software comprising executable program instructions configured to cause said wireless-compatible gaming platform to ascertain said sensor state data from said first and second sensors, and to use said sensor state data to activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with a game.

43. The combination of claim 42 in further combination with a wireless-compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a game console, a portable game unit, a personal computer, or a live-action play facility.

44. A wireless interactive game for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game wherein at least a portion of said game is physically represented in a physical play environment through one or more physical play items and wherein at least a portion of said game is virtually represented in a virtual play environment through one or more computer animations, said wireless interactive game comprising:

at least one core gaming item comprising a portable toy configured to be used by a game participant as a wireless input device to selectively activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with a game, said portable toy comprising;

a microprocessor;

programmable non-volatile memory configured to store a first selection of game-relevant information including at least one unique identifier uniquely identifying said portable toy; and

a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder configured to provide two-way wireless communication with one or more wireless-compatible devices and wherein said RFID transponder is configured to be wirelessly powered at least in part, through inductive coupling and wherein said wireless communication includes communication of said at least one unique identifier;

one or more adjunct gaming items comprising one or more collectable cards, tokens, or coins, each said adjunct gaming item comprising non-volatile memory configured to store a second selection of game-relevant information, and an RFID transponder configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless-compatible devices, and wherein each said adjunct gaming item is further configured to be stacked with similarly configured gaming items and to wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless-compatible devices while in said stacked configuration; and

at least one RFID reader/writer device configured to wirelessly communicate with each said RFID transponder to thereby ascertain said selected game-relevant information, and wherein said RFID reader/writer device is further configured to communicate said game-relevant information to a compatible gaming platform.

45. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein said portable toy comprises one or more of a magic wand, a doll, a stuffed animal, or an action figure configured to depict or represent one or more of a person, a character or an object relevant to a computer-animated game.

46. The wireless interactive game of claim 45 wherein said portable toy is configured to enable a game participant to selectively activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects by selectively positioning said portable toy within wireless communication range of said at least one RFID reader/writer device.

47. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein said portable toy is configured to represent a game character played by a game participant in a computer-animated game and wherein said first or second selection of game-relevant information comprises one or more of character attributes, characteristics, appearance or traits selected or developed by a game participant while playing a game.

48. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein at least one of said one or more adjunct gaming items is configured to provide a game participant with additional powers or abilities in a game in which a game participant uses said at least one adjunct gaming item.

49. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein said portable toy or adjunct gaming item is configured to provide a game participant with access to certain features or areas of a computer-animated game that cannot otherwise be accessed.

50. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein said portable toy further comprises first and second mating components configured to be modularly and detachably assembled with one another to form an assembled toy comprising at least said first and second mating components and wherein each of said first and second mating components comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless-compatible devices.

51. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein said portable toy further comprises one or more of motion-sensitive or position-sensitive circuitry configured to enable said toy to be operated at least in part by moving the entire body of said toy in one or more motions.

52. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein said portable toy further comprises an effects generator configured to display or produce one or more light, vibration or sound effects.

53. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 wherein said portable toy further comprises a lighting effect configured to be powered by electrical energy received through inductive coupling when said portable toy is exposed to an external electromagnetic field.

54. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 in combination with game software comprising executable program instructions configured to cause said compatible gaming platform to:

ascertain selected game-relevant information from said at least one core gaming item and said one or more adjunct gaming items;

use said selected game-relevant information to determine corresponding attributes relevant to a virtual game character; and

produce a computer animated game character in a game in accordance with said relevant corresponding attributes.

55. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 in combination with game software comprising executable program instructions configured to cause said compatible gaming platform to:

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

track game progress or performance of one or more game participants playing said game based at least in part on identifying or distinguishing one or gaming items played in said game; and

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

56. The wireless interactive game of claim 44 in combination with a compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a game console, a portable game unit, a personal computer, or a live-action play facility.