Data communication apparatus

• US 6,650,870 B2
• Filed: 06/15/1998
• Issued: 11/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: HASBRO, INC. - RI CORPORATION, NXP USA, Inc. (NXP Semiconductors NV)
• Original Assignee: Innovision Research & Technology PLC (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Borrett, Marc A., White, Andrew W
• Primary Examiner(s): Maung, Nay
• Assistant Examiner(s): PERSINO, RAYMOND B
• Application Number:
  US09/098,071
• Publication Number:
  US 20020068528A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,982 Days
• Field of Search: 455/41, 379/55.1, 340/10.42, 340/825.69, 340/825.75, 340/5.61, 340/5.64, 340/10.1, 340/10.3, 340/10.34, 340/10.4, 375/272, 463/36, 463/43, 463/39, 463/40, 463/46, 273/237
• US Class Current: 455/41.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10336 the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/00 Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/22 Capacitive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/77 for interrogation

Abstract

Data communication apparatus comprises a master unit (2) and at least one physically separate, passive slave unit (4). The master unit (2) has a first part (29) of an inductive communication system, and a processor (20) connected to the first part of the inductive communication system. The slave unit has a second part (40) of the inductive communication system, a data store (48), and a modulator (44,49) responsive to data from the data store and connected to the second part (40) of the inductive communication system. The first and second parts of the inductive communication system (29,40) are constructed so that when the slave unit (4) is brought into proximity with the master unit (2), power is inductively coupled from the master unit to the slave unit via the inductive communication system. The modulator (44,49) in the slave unit (4) is thereby activated to cause data from the store (48) to be inductively communicated from the slave unit (4) to the master unit (2) via the inductive communication system. The processor (20) is responsive to the data supplied to the master unit (2).

Claims

1. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with an output device configured to provide output data to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the output device to provide output data to the user; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the games component comprising;

a memory storing data;

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving the power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the data read by the data reader whereby, in operation, the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes a phase of the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a phase-modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising;

a phase modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the phase-modulated signal and also coupled to receive the drive signal, the phase modulation detector being arranged to compare the drive signal and the phase modulated signal to detect the phase modulation; and

a converter coupled to the phase modulation detector and to the processor to provide to the processor a data signal representing the phase modulation of the drive signal detected by the phase modulation detector and thus representing the data read by the data reader of the games component, the processor being configured to control the output device in accordance with the data signal received from the converter.

2. The games apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second inductive circuit portions comprise a tuned circuit.

3. The games apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tuned circuit is adapted to resonate at a frequency offset from the drive frequency when no data is being transmitted to the base module, such that the tuned circuit resonant frequency is phase shifted relative to the drive frequency.

4. The games apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit is offset by up to 3.5% from the drive frequency.

5. The games apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the modulator is responsive to data from the memory selectively to adjust the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit.

6. The games apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the modulator is responsive to data from the memory selectively to adjust the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit.

7. The games apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the modulator is responsive to binary data from the memory either to adjust or not to adjust the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit in accordance with the value of the data.

8. The games apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the non-adjusted and adjusted resonant frequencies of the tuned circuit are on either side of the drive frequency.

9. The games apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the modulator is responsive to data from the memory selectively to adjust the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit.

10. The games apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the modulator is responsive to binary data from the memory either to adjust or not to adjust the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit in accordance with the value of the data.

11. The games apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory comprises binary data, the games component further comprising a unit for converting each binary digit from the memory into a two bit sequence in which the values of the bits are different, the order within the sequence varying depending upon the value of the binary digit from the memory.

12. The games apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the converting unit comprises an exclusive-OR gate.

13. The games apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the modulator comprises a field effect transistor.

14. The games apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output device is adapted to generate one or more of an electrical, visual, audible and mechanical output under control of the processor, in response to data received from the games component.

15. The games apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of games components are provided, each storing different data in its memory.

16. The games apparatus according to claim 1 in the form of a toy.

17. The games apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the games component is provided as a toy character or model or card.

18. The games apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the games component surface comprises a recess shaped to receive the character, model.

19. The games apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

20. The games apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

21. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for supporting a games component and also associated with a display configured to display output data to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the display; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal;

the games component comprising;

a memory storing display data, a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface, a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion, a data reader configured to read display data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion, and a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the display data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a display data modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising;

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the modulation detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the display data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to control the display to display an image in accordance with the data signal received from the modulation detector and representing display data stored in the memory of the games component.

22. The games apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the memory stores compressed display data and the processor is configured to decompress the compressed data represented by the data signal received from the modulation detector.

23. The games apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the games component is selected from one of a Figure, toy character, model and card.

24. The games apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

25. The games apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

26. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with a loudspeaker configured to output an audio signal to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the loudspeaker; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal;

the games component comprising;

a memory storing audio data;

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read audio data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the audio data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce an audio data modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising;

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the audio data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to control the loudspeaker to emit an audio signal in accordance with the data signal received from the modulation detector and representing audio data stored in the memory of the games component.

27. The games apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the memory stores compressed audio data and the processor is configured to decompress the compressed audio data represented by the data signal received from the modulation detector.

28. The games apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the games component is selected from one of a Figure, toy character, model and card.

29. The games apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

30. The games apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

31. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with an output device comprising a display and a loudspeaker;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the display and loudspeaker; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal;

the games component comprising;

a memory storing speech data in compressed form;

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read compressed speech data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the compressed speech data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a compressed speech data modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising;

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the compressed speech data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to decompress the compressed speech data and to control at least one of the loudspeaker to output an audio signal and the display to provide a visual representation of the speech data stored in the memory of the games component.

32. The games apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the games component is selected from one of a Figure, toy character, model and card.

33. The games apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

34. The games apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

35. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with a mechanical actuator configured to cause a mechanical action to occur;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the mechanical actuator; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal;

the games component comprising;

a memory storing mechanical movement data;

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read mechanical movement data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the mechanical movement data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a mechanical movement data modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising;

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the mechanical movement data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to control the mechanical actuator to cause a mechanical action to occur in accordance with the data signal received from the modulation detector in accordance with the mechanical movement data stored in the memory of the games component.

36. The games apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the mechanical actuator is configured to control a mechanical action of an arm.

37. The games apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the games component is selected from one of a Figure, toy character, model and card.

38. The games apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

39. The games apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

40. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with an output device configured to output data to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the output device; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal;

the games component comprising;

a memory storing program data;

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read program data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the program data read by the data reader whereby the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a program data modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising;

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the program data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to process the program data represented by the data signal received from the modulation detector whereby, in use, the operation of the processor is modified in accordance with the program data stored in the memory of the games component.

41. The games apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising at least one further such game component wherein the memory storing information data rather than program data, and wherein the processor is configured such that when the at least one further games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface information data stored in its memory is supplied to the processor via the inductive coupling by which the at least one further games component derives a power supply and the processor controls operation of at least one of the games apparatus and the output device in accordance with the information data with the operation of the processor being dependent on whether or not the processor has previously been programmed by program data supplied by placing the games component on the games component surface.

42. The games apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

43. The games apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

44. The games apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the games component is selected from one of a Figure, toy character, model and card.

45. The games apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

46. The games apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

47. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with an output device comprising at least one of a display and a loudspeaker configured to output data to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the output device; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal,

the games component comprising;

a memory storing data comprising information data of at least one type selected from audio, display, electrical, mechanical and program data and header data identifying the type of information data;

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a data modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising;

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to identify from the header data the type of information data and to process the information data in accordance with the identified type of data so as to control operation of at least one of the games apparatus and the output device.

48. The games apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the games component is selected from one of a Figure, toy character, model and card.

49. The games apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

50. The games apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

51. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a games component surface for supporting a games component and also associated with a output device configured to output data to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the output device; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal;

the games component comprising

a memory storing data,

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface,

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion,

a data reader configured to read data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion, the data reader comprising a clock signal deriver configured to derive a clock signal from the drive signal and coupled to supply the clock signal to the memory to cause data to be read from the memory in accordance with the clock signal, and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a data modulated signal,

and the base module reader further comprising

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to control the output device to output data in accordance with the data signal received from the modulation detector and representing the data stored in the memory of the games component.

52. The games apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the data reader further comprises an exclusive-OR gate comprising first and second inputs and an output with the first input being coupled to receive the clock signal and the second input being coupled to receive data read from the memory, the clock signal deriver and memory being arranged to cause data to be read from the memory at a rate half a rate of the clock signal whereby when a data bit is read from the memory two bits are output by the exclusive-OR gate so that one of a digital one and zero is represented as 10 and the other is represented as 01.

53. The games apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the games apparatus is a toy and the games component is a toy component.

54. The games apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the games component is a toy or card.

55. A games apparatus comprising a base module and a games component, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with an output device configured to output data to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the output device; and

a first inductive circuit portion coupled to receive the drive signal;

the games component comprising;

a memory storing user-specific data specific to a bearer of the games component,

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed adjacent the base module,

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion,

a data reader configured to read user-specific data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion, and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the user-specific data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a user-specific data modulated signal;

and the base module reader further comprising

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the user-specific data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to compare the user-specific data with at least one of the bearer and information known only to the bearer of the games component.

56. A ball game comprising a base module and a ball, the base module comprising:

a housing associated with a support surface supporting a goal and also associated with an output device configured to output user data to a user;

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the output device; and

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the goal and coupled to receive the drive signal,

the ball comprising;

a memory storing data,

a second inductive circuit portion that couples inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the ball passes through the goal,

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion,

a data reader configured to read data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion, and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the data read by the data reader whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a data modulated signal,

and the base module reader further comprising;

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the modulated signal, the detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the data read by the data reader of the ball, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor to enable the processor to control the output device in response to receipt of the data signal as the ball passes through the goal.

57. A base module for a games apparatus, the base module comprising a housing associated with a games component surface for a games component comprising a memory storing display data and also associated with a display configured to display output data to a user, the base module further comprising:

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the display;

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the first inductive circuit portion being configured to couple inductively to a second inductive circuit portion of the games component when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface to enable the games component to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion and, when powered, to modulate a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the display data read from the memory of the games component whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a display data modulated signal; and

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the display data modulated signal, the modulation detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the display data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to control the display to display an image in accordance with the data signal received from the modulation detector and representing display data stored in the memory of the games component.

58. A games component for use with a games apparatus comprising a base module, the base module comprising a housing, the housing associated with a games component surface for supporting a games component and also associated with a display configured to display output data to a user, the base module further comprising a reader, the reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the display and the base module further comprising a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the games component comprising:

a memory storing display data;

a second inductive circuit portion configured to couple inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit position;

a data reader configured to read display data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the display data read by the data reader whereby, when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface of the base module, the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a display data modulated signal, and the base module detects the modulation to provide a data signal which the processor uses to control the display to display an image in accordance with the data signal and representing display data stored in the memory of the games component.

59. A base module for a games apparatus, the base module comprising a housing, the housing associated with a games component surface for a games component comprising a memory storing audio data and also associated with a loudspeaker configured to output an audio signal to a user, the base module further comprising:

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the loudspeaker;

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the first inductive circuit portion being configured to couple inductively to a second inductive circuit portion of the games component when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface to enable the games component to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion and, when powered, to modulate a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the audio data read from the memory of the games component whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce an audio data modulated signal; and

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the audio data modulated signal, the modulation detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the audio data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to control the loudspeaker to emit an audio signal in accordance with the data signal received from the modulation detector and representing audio data stored in the memory of the games component.

60. A games component for use with a games apparatus comprising a base module, the base module comprising a housing, the housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with a loudspeaker configured to output an audio signal to a user, the base module further comprising a reader, the reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the loudspeaker and the base module further comprising a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the games component comprising:

a memory storing audio data;

a second inductive circuit portion configured to couple inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games components surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read audio data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the audio data read by the data reader whereby, when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games components surface of the base module, the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce an audio data modulated signal, and the base module detects the modulation to provide a data signal which the processor uses to control the loudspeaker to emit an audio signal in accordance with the data signal and representing audio data stored in the memory of the games component.

61. A base module for a games apparatus, the base module comprising a housing, the housing associated with a games component surface for a games component comprising a memory storing mechanical movement data and also associated with a mechanical actuator configured to cause a mechanical action to occur, the base module further comprising:

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the mechanical actuator;

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the first inductive circuit portion being configured to couple inductively to a second inductive circuit portion of the games component when the games component is placed on or is in the proximity to the games component surface to enable the games component to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion and, when powered, to modulate a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the mechanical movement data read from the memory of the games component whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a mechanical movement data modulated signal; and

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the mechanical movement data modulated signal, the modulation detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the mechanical movement data read by the data reader of the games component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to control the mechanical actuator to cause a mechanical action to occur in accordance with the data signal received from the modulation detector and representing mechanical movement data stored in the memory of the games component.

62. A games component for use with a games apparatus comprising a base module, the base module comprising a housing, the housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with a mechanical actuator configured to cause a mechanical action to occur, the base module further comprising a reader, the reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the mechanical actuator and the base module further comprising a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the games component comprising:

a memory storing mechanical movement data;

a second inductive circuit portion configured to couple inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read mechanical movement data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the mechanical movement data read by the data reader whereby, when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games components surface of the base module, the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a mechanical movement data modulated signal, and the base module detects the modulation to provide a data signal which the processor uses to control the mechanical actuator to produce a mechanical movement in accordance with the data signal and representing mechanical movement data stored in the memory of the games component.

63. A base module for a games apparatus, the base module comprising a housing, the housing associated with a games component surface for a games component comprising a memory storing program data and also associated with an output device configured to output data to a user, the base module further comprising:

a reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the output device;

a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the first inductive circuit portion being configured to couple inductively to a second inductive circuit portion of the games component when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface to enable the games component to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion and, when powered, to modulate a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the program data read from the memory of the games component whereby in operation the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a program data modulated signal; and

a modulation detector coupled to the first inductive circuit portion to receive the program data modulated signal, the modulation detector being configured to detect the modulation and to provide a data signal representing the detected modulation and thus the program data read by the data reader of the game component, the modulation detector also being coupled to supply the data signal to the processor, the processor being configured to process the program data represented by the data signal received from the modulation detector whereby in use operation of the processor is modified in accordance with the program data memory of the games component.

64. A games component for use with a game apparatus comprising a base module, the base module comprising a housing, the housing associated with a games component surface for a games component and also associated with an output device configured to output data to a user, the base module further comprising a reader, the reader comprising a processor configured to control the provision of a drive signal at a predetermined frequency and to control operation of the display and the base module further comprising a first inductive circuit portion positioned adjacent the games component surface and coupled to receive the drive signal, the games component comprising:

a memory storing program data;

a second inductive circuit portion configured to couple inductively to the first inductive circuit portion when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface;

a power deriver coupled to the second inductive circuit portion to derive a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion;

a data reader configured to read program data from the memory in response to the power deriver deriving a power supply from the inductive coupling of the drive signal to the second inductive circuit portion; and

a modulator configured to vary a loading on the second inductive circuit portion in accordance with the program data read by the data reader whereby, when the games component is placed on or is in proximity to the games component surface of the base module, the inductive coupling of the first and second inductive coupling portions causes the drive signal in the first inductive circuit portion to be modulated in accordance with the variation in loading on the second inductive circuit portion to produce a program data modulated signal, and the base module detects the modulation to provide a data signal which is processed by the processor to modify the operation of the processor.