INTERACTIVE GAMING TOY

• US 20170065879A1
• Filed: 09/16/2016
• Published: 03/09/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Inventors: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise C.
• Granted Patent: US 9,993,724 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 1/04 Card games combined with other games
• 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 13/21 characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
• 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 13/25 Output arrangements for video game devices
• 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 13/327 using wireless networks, e.g. Wi-Fi® or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/57 Simulating properties, behaviour or motion of objects in the game world, e.g. computing tyre load in a car race game A63F13/56 takes precedence
• 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 13/69 by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• 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 13/90 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 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• 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 2003/00665 : using inductance
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/00826 : Changeable playing pieces
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2489 : by radio transmitters, e.g. using RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2492 : Power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2011/0072 : Indicating values other than scores, e.g. handicap, initial settings, coefficients
• 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 2300/405 : being a wireless ad hoc network, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Pico net
• 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 2300/807 : Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 : Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/16 : made of parts that can be put together facial parts only A63H3/365
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/46 : Connections for limbs
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 : using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures

Abstract

An interactive gaming toy is provided for playing a game having both physical and virtual gameplay elements. The gaming toy comprises a physical toy, such as a toy wand, doll or action figure, having an RFID tag pre-programmed with a unique identifier that identifies the toy within an associated computer-animated game. The RFID tag stores information describing certain attributes or abilities of a corresponding virtual character or object in the computer-animated game. Additional information may be stored on the RFID tag as the corresponding virtual character evolves or changes over time based on player performance and/or gameplay progression. The interactive gaming toy thus allows developed character attributes and the like to be stored and easily transported to other games and compatible gaming platforms. One or more optional auxiliary components may be attached to the gaming toy to selectively create a modified gaming toy having additional desired functionality and/or aesthetics.

Claims

1-6. -6. (canceled)

7. A gaming toy for playing a game having both physical and virtual gameplay elements, said gaming toy comprising:

a plurality of interchangeable modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by a game participant to form a physical object corresponding to a virtual object in a computer-animated game played by said game participant on a compatible gaming platform;

a first at least one of said interchangeable modular components comprising a base component comprising a first attachment interface;

a second at least one of said interchangeable modular components comprising an auxiliary component comprising a second attachment interface configured to detachably mate with said first attachment interface; and

wherein said base component further comprises a passive RFID tag comprising;

(i) a microprocessor, (ii) non-volatile memory storing a first selection of information comprising a unique identifier, (iii) programmable non-volatile memory storing a second selection of information comprising data identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said corresponding virtual object, (iv) a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with said compatible gaming platform over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 centimeters, and (v) an inductance coil electrically coupled to said RF transceiver and configured to electrically power said RF transceiver when said inductance coil is exposed to an externally-generated electromagnetic field.

8. The gaming toy of claim 7 wherein said first attachment interface comprises a first magnet and wherein said second attachment interface comprises a second magnet configured to mate with said first magnet.

9. The gaming toy of claim 7 wherein said base component further comprises an internal cavity and wherein said RFID tag is disposed within said internal cavity.

10. The gaming toy of claim 7 further comprising a light emitting module secured in fixed relation with said base component storing instructions to emit a directional infrared light signal capable of being detected by a camera or an infrared sensor.

11. The gaming toy of claim 7 wherein said programmable non-volatile memory comprising a module with instructions to receive and then store a third selection of information comprising data identifying said game participant.

12. The gaming toy of claim 7 wherein said base component and said auxiliary component forms an assembled gaming toy comprising a doll, an action figure, or a toy wand.

13. The gaming toy of claim 7 in combination with an RFID reader comprising memory storing instructions to:

i) wirelessly communicate with said RF transceiver, ii) ascertain said first and second selections of information, and iii) communicate said first and second selections of information to said compatible gaming platform.

14. A gaming toy for playing a game having both physical and virtual gameplay elements, said gaming toy comprising:

a base component comprising an internal cavity and a first attachment interface;

a plurality of auxiliary components each comprising a second attachment interface configured to detachably mate with at least said first attachment interface, said base component and said plurality of auxiliary components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by a game participant to form a physical object corresponding to a virtual object in a computer-animated game played by said game participant on a compatible gaming platform; and

an RFID tag disposed in said internal cavity of said base component and comprising;

(i) a microprocessor, (ii) non-volatile memory storing a first selection of information comprising a unique identifier, (iii) programmable non-volatile memory storing a second selection of information comprising data identifying or describing said corresponding virtual object, (iv) a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with said compatible gaming platform over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 centimeters, and (v) an inductance coil electrically coupled to said RF transceiver and configured to electrically power said RF transceiver when said inductance coil is exposed to an externally-generated electromagnetic field.

15. The gaming toy of claim 14 wherein said first attachment interface comprises a first magnet and wherein said second attachment interface comprises a second magnet configured to mate with said first magnet.

16. The gaming toy of claim 14 wherein said virtual object comprises a virtual game character in said computer-animated game and wherein said second selection of information comprises data identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual game character.

17. The gaming toy of claim 14, wherein said virtual object comprises a virtual item in said computer-animated game and wherein said second selection of information comprises data identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual item.

18. The gaming toy of claim 14 wherein said programmable non-volatile memory comprising a module with instructions to receive and then store a third selection of information comprising data identifying said game participant.

19. The gaming toy of claim 14 wherein said base component and said plurality of auxiliary components are configured to form an assembled gaming toy comprising a doll, an action figure, or a toy wand.

20. The gaming toy of claim 14 wherein said base component further comprises a touch sensor and memory storing instructions for generating sensor state information based on sensed touching thereof by said game participant.

21. A gaming toy for playing a game having both physical and virtual gameplay elements, said gaming toy comprising:

a base component comprising an internal cavity configured to house one or more electrical components and associated circuitry, said base component further comprising a first attachment interface;

a first non-volatile memory disposed within said internal cavity and storing a first selection of information comprising a unique identifier;

a first radiofrequency (RF) transceiver electrically coupled to said first non-volatile memory and configured to provide first two-way wireless communications with a first wireless-compatible device, and wherein said first two-way wireless communications include at least said first selection of information; and

an auxiliary component configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by a game participant with said base component to form a physical object corresponding to a virtual object in a computer-animated game played by said game participant on a compatible gaming platform, said auxiliary component comprising;

i) a second attachment interface configured to mate with said first attachment interface, ii) a second non-volatile memory storing a second selection of information identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said corresponding virtual object in said computer-animated game, and iii) a second RF transceiver electrically coupled to said second non-volatile memory and configured to provide second two-way wireless communications with a second wireless-compatible device, and wherein said second two-way wireless communications include at least said second selection of information.

22. The gaming toy of claim 21 wherein said base component and said plurality of auxiliary components are configured to form an assembled gaming toy comprising a doll, an action figure, or a toy wand.

23. The gaming toy of claim 21 wherein said base component further comprises an inductance coil electrically coupled to said first RF transceiver, said inductance coil configured to generate electrical energy when exposed to an electromagnetic field to thereby power at least said first RF transceiver.

24. The gaming toy of claim 21 wherein said base component further comprises a touch sensor configured to generate sensor state information based on sensed touching thereof.

25. The gaming toy of claim 21 in combination with an RFID reader configured to:

i) wirelessly communicate with said first and second RF transceivers, ii) ascertain said first and second selections of information, and iii) communicate said first and second selections of information to said compatible gaming platform.

26. The gaming toy of claim 21 wherein said first RF transceiver is configured to provide said first two-way wireless communications over a first wireless communication range greater than 10 meters and less than 100 meters and wherein said second RF transceiver is configured to provide said second two-way wireless communications over a second wireless communication range less than 60 centimeters.