Interactive action figures for gaming systems

• US 8,585,497 B2
• Filed: 10/27/2008
• Issued: 11/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ganz
• Original Assignee: Ganz
• Inventors: Borge, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): DEODHAR, OMKAR A
• Application Number:
  US12/258,885
• Publication Number:
  US 20090054155A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,849 Days
• Field of Search: 463/29
• US Class Current: 463/29
• 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 13/335 using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/46 Computing the game score
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/49 Saving the game status; Pausing or ending the game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/493 Resuming a game, e.g. after pausing, malfunction or power failure
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/58 by computing conditions of game characters, e.g. stamina, strength, motivation or energy level
• 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 13/792 for payment purposes, e.g. monthly subscriptions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/80 Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/833 Hand-to-hand fighting, e.g. martial arts competition A63F13/837 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/201 Playing authorisation given at platform level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5513 involving billing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5526 Game data structure
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/554 by saving game or status data
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/61 Score computation
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/636 : involving process of starting or resuming a game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/65 : for computing the condition of a game character
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/69 : Involving elements of the real world in the game world, e.g. measurement in live races, real video
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8029 : Fighting without shooting
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 13/02 : imitating natural actions, e.g. catching a mouse by a cat, the kicking of an animal

Abstract

An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules. The game character'"'"'s traits, powers, and other features may be enhanced or otherwise modified by purchasing preferably-three-dimensional accessories and inputting serial numbers into the gaming system that are also supplied with the accessories.

Claims

1. A computer gaming system comprising:

a first three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of a first character of a computer game, said first character of said computer game being a controllable character of a story defined by said computer game such that a game player maneuvers said first character in said computer game to decide a fate of said first character in said story of said computer game;

a first primary access code packaged with said first three-dimensional figure; and

an interactive computer gaming platform that plays said computer game, said interactive computer gaming platform restricting play of said computer game such that said first character is not available for play in said computer game until said first character is activated for play by accepting entry of said first primary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform.

2. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first three-dimensional figure has a form that comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

human, superhero, animal, god, mythical person, mythical beast, and robot.

3. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

Internet gaming interface, computer, computer with compact disc (CD), Play Station 2, X-Box, and other dedicated computer gaming system.

4. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first character of said computer game has an appearance which visually corresponds to said first three-dimensional figure.

5. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first three-dimensional figure and said first primary access code are packaged together such that said primary access code cannot be seen by an outside observer until a package containing said first three-dimensional figure and said primary access code is opened.

6. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first primary access code is physically incorporated as part of said first three-dimensional figure.

7. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first primary access code is physically incorporated as part of said first three-dimensional figure by means that comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

writing, etching, incorporated as part of a mold, label attached with adhesive, label attached via other attachment means, and tied-on label.

8. The computer gaming system of claim 6, wherein said computer game is played by controlling said first character of said computer game.

9. The computer gaming system of claim 1 further comprising:

a remote server that manages said computer game being played on said interactive computer gaming platform; and

a computer gaming electronic communication network that connects said remote server to said interactive computer gaming platform.

10. The computer gaming system of claim 9, wherein said computer gaming electronic communication network is the Internet.

11. The computer gaming system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms connected to said remote server via said computer gaming electronic network such that said remote server manages game play for said computer game played between said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms and said interactive computer gaming platform, and such that said interactive computer gaming platform plays said computer game actively against a plurality of opponents playing on said plurality of additional interactive gaming platforms.

12. The computer gaming system of claim 11, wherein at least one of said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms has at least one additional character of said computer game that is an additional controllable character of said computer game activated by an additional primary access code packaged with an additional three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of said at least one additional character of said computer game.

13. The computer gaming system of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms connected together and to said interactive computer gaming platform such that said interactive computer gaming platform plays said computer game actively against a plurality of opponents playing on said plurality of additional interactive gaming platforms; and

a computer gaming electronic communication network that connects said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms and said interactive computer gaming platform together.

14. The computer gaming system of claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms has at least one additional character of said computer game that is an additional controllable character of said computer game activated by an additional primary access code packaged with an additional three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of said at least one additional character of said computer game.

15. The computer gaming system of claim 1, further comprising:

a figure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said first character of said computer game, said figure accessory being scaled such that said figure accessory is realistically proportional in size to said first three-dimensional figure; and

a secondary access code packaged with said figure accessory;

wherein

said interactive computer gaming platform further adds an ability associated with said figure accessory to said first character of said computer game when said added ability is activated by accepting entry of said secondary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform.

16. The computer gaming system of claim 15, wherein said added ability associated with said figure accessory comprises at least changing an appearance of said first character such that said appearance of said first character in said computer game is made similar to that of said first three-dimensional figure united with said figure accessory.

17. The computer gaming system of claim 15, wherein said figure accessory has a form that comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

armor, chest armor, arm armor, leather couplet, chain mail, helmet, face mask, sword, gun, knife, weapons, laser weapons, grenades, clothing, boots, ground vehicles, air vehicles, water vehicles, motorcycles, tanks, helicopters, horses, book, name plate, banner, tag, medallions, and badges.

18. The computer gaming system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one additional three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of a corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game, said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game being a controllable character of a story defined by said computer game such that a game player maneuvers said corresponding at least one additional character in said computer game to decide a fate of said corresponding at least one additional character in said story of said computer game; and

an additional primary access code packaged with said at least one additional three-dimensional figure;

wherein

said interactive computer gaming platform restricts play of said computer game such that said corresponding at least one additional character is not available for play in said computer game until said corresponding at least one character is activated for play by accepting entry of said additional primary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform.

19. The computer gaming system of claim 18, further comprising:

at least one additional figure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game, said figure accessory being scaled such that said figure accessory is realistically proportional in size to said at least one additional three-dimensional figure; and

an additional secondary access code packaged with said at least one additional figure accessory;

wherein

said interactive computer gaming platform further adds an ability associated with said at least one additional figure accessory to said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game when said added ability is activated by accepting entry of said additional secondary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform.

20. The computer gaming system of claim 19, wherein said added ability associated with said at least one additional figure accessory comprises at least changing an appearance of said corresponding at least one additional character such that said appearance of said corresponding at least one character in said computer game is made similar to that of said at least one additional three-dimensional figure united with said at least one additional figure accessory.

21. The computer gaming system of claim 15, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform stores ability scores of said first character of said computer game and said interactive computer gaming platform retrieves said stored ability scores of said first character when reinitializing said computer game for renewed game play after game play has been stopped.

22. The computer gaming system of claim 19, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform stores ability scores of said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game and said interactive computer gaming platform retrieves said stored ability scores of said corresponding at least one additional character when reinitializing said computer game for renewed game play after game play has been stopped.

23. The computer gaming system of claim 21, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform further changes said ability scores of said first character after said secondary access code is entered into said interactive computer gaming platform.

24. The computer gaming system of claim 22, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform further changes said ability scores of said corresponding at least one additional character after said additional secondary access code is entered into said interactive computer gaming platform.

25. The computer gaming system of claim 15, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform ends game play after a predetermined period of time.

26. The computer gaming system of claim 25, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform resumes game play after said secondary access code associated with said figure accessory is entered into said interactive computer gaming platform.

27. The computer gaming system of claim 25, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform resumes game play after a payment is made to a manager of said computer game.

28. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said computer game comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

a fighting game, a sports game, a children'"'"'s game, an action game, an adventure game, a team game, a soccer game, a rugby game, a war game, a combat game, a hand-to-hand combat game, a street fighting game, and a battle game.

29. The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first primary access code is further packaged with software.

30. The computer gaming system of claim 18, wherein said additional primary access code is further packaged with software.

31. The computer gaming system of claim 18, wherein said additional primary access code is physically incorporated as part of said at least one additional three-dimensional figure.

32. A method of playing a computer game comprising the steps of:

providing a first three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of a first character of a computer game, said first character of said computer game being a controllable character of a story defined by said computer game such that a game player maneuvers said first character in said computer game to decide a fate of said first character in said story of said computer game;

providing a first primary access code;

packaging said first primary access code with said first three-dimensional figure;

providing an interactive computer gaming platform that plays said computer game;

restricting play by said interactive computer gaming platform of said computer game such that said first character is not available for play in said computer game until said first character is activated for play;

accepting entry of said first primary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

activating said first character by said interactive computer gaming platform based on said primary access code entered into said interactive computer gaming platform; and

playing said computer game on said interactive computer gaming platform with said first character activated.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said first three-dimensional figure has a form that comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

human, superhero, animal, god, mythical person, mythical beast, and robot.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

Internet gaming interface, computer, computer with compact disc (CD), Play Station 2, X-Box, and other dedicated computer gaming system.

35. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of making said first character of said computer game have an appearance which visually corresponds to said first three-dimensional figure.

36. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of packaging said first three-dimensional figure and said first primary access code together such that said primary access code cannot be seen by an outside observer until a package containing said first three-dimensional figure and said primary access code is opened.

37. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of physically incorporating said first primary access code as part of said first three-dimensional figure.

38. The computer gaming system of claim 37, wherein said first primary access code is physically incorporated as part of said first three-dimensional figure by means that comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

writing, etching, incorporated as part of a mold, label attached with adhesive, label attached via other attachment means, and tied-on label.

39. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of playing said computer game by controlling said first character of said computer game.

40. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of:

providing a remote server;

providing a computer gaming electronic communication network;

managing said computer game being played on said interactive computer gaming platform by said remote server; and

connecting said remote server to said interactive computer gaming platform via said computer gaming electronic communication network.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein said computer gaming electronic communication network is the Internet.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms;

connecting said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms to said remote server via said computer gaming electronic network;

interactive computer gaming platform playing said computer game actively against a plurality of opponents playing on said plurality of additional interactive gaming platforms; and

managing game play by said remote server of said computer game played between said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms and said interactive computer gaming platform.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein at least one of said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms has at least one additional character of said computer game that is an additional controllable character of said computer game activated by an additional primary access code packaged with an additional three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of said at least one additional character of said computer game.

44. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms;

providing a computer gaming electronic communication network;

connecting said interactive computer gaming platform and said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms together via said computer gaming electronic communication network; and

playing said computer game on said interactive computer gaming platform actively against a plurality of opponents playing on said plurality of additional interactive gaming platforms.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of said plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms has at least one additional character of said computer game that is an additional controllable character of said computer game activated by an additional primary access code packaged with an additional three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of said at least one additional character of said computer game.

46. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of:

providing a figure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said first character of said computer game, said figure accessory being scaled such that said figure accessory is realistically proportional in size to said first three-dimensional figure;

providing a secondary access code;

packaging said secondary access code with said figure accessory;

accepting entry of said secondary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

activating an ability associated with said figure accessory to said first character of said computer game based on said entered secondary access code; and

adding said activated ability associated with said figure accessory to said first character of said computer game during game play of said computer game.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said added ability associated with said figure accessory comprises at least changing an appearance of said first character such that said appearance of said first character in said computer game is made similar to that of said first three-dimensional figure united with said figure accessory.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein said figure accessory has a form that comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

armor, chest armor, arm armor, leather couplet, chain mail, helmet, face mask, sword, gun, knife, weapons, laser weapons, grenades, clothing, boots, ground vehicles, air vehicles, water vehicles, motorcycles, tanks, helicopters, horses, book, name plate, banner, tag, medallions, and badges.

49. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one additional three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of a corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game, said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game being a controllable character of a story defined by said computer game such that a game player maneuvers said corresponding at least one additional character in said computer game to decide a fate of said corresponding at least one additional character in said story of said computer game;

providing an additional primary access code;

packaging said additional primary access code with said at least one additional three-dimensional figure;

restricting play by said interactive computer gaming platform of said computer game such that said corresponding at least one additional character is not available for play in said computer game until said corresponding at least one additional character is activated for play;

accepting entry of said additional primary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

activating said corresponding at least one additional character by said interactive computer gaming platform based on said additional primary access code entered into said interactive computer gaming platform; and

playing said computer game on said interactive computer gaming platform with said corresponding at least one additional character activated.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one additional figure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game, said at least one additional figure accessory being scaled such that said at least one additional figure accessory is realistically proportional in size to said at least one additional three-dimensional figure;

providing an additional secondary access code;

packaging said additional secondary access code with said at least one additional figure accessory;

accepting entry of said additional secondary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

activating an ability associated with said at least one additional figure accessory to said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game based on said entered additional secondary access code; and

adding said activated ability associated with said at least one additional figure accessory to said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game during game play of said computer game.

51. The method of claim 40, wherein said added ability associated with said at least one additional figure accessory comprises at least changing an appearance of said corresponding at least one additional character such that said appearance of said corresponding at least one additional character in said computer game is made similar to that of said at least one additional three-dimensional figure united with said at least one additional figure accessory.

52. The method of claim 46, further comprising the steps of:

storing ability scores by said interactive computer gaming platform of said first character of said computer game; and

retrieving said stored ability scores of said first character by said interactive computer gaming platform when reinitializing said computer game for renewed game play after game play has been stopped.

53. The method of claim 49 further comprising the steps of:

storing ability scores by said interactive computer gaming platform of said corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game; and

retrieving said stored ability scores of said corresponding at least one additional character by said interactive computer gaming platform when reinitializing said computer game for renewed game play after game play has been stopped.

54. The method of claim 52, further comprising the step of changing said ability scores of said first character by said interactive computer gaming platform after said secondary access code is entered into said interactive computer gaming platform.

55. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of changing said ability scores of said corresponding at least one additional character by said interactive computer gaming platform after said additional secondary access code is entered into said interactive computer gaming platform.

56. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of ending game play after a predetermined period of time by said interactive computer gaming platform.

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising the step of resuming game play by said interactive computer gaming platform after said secondary access code associated with said figure accessory is entered into said interactive computer gaming platform.

58. The method of claim 56, further comprising the step of resuming game play by said interactive computer gaming platform after a payment is made to a manager of said computer game.

59. The method of claim 32, wherein said computer game comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

a fighting game, a sports game, a children'"'"'s game, an action game, an adventure game, a team game, a soccer game, a rugby game, a war game, a combat game, a hand-to-hand combat game, a street fighting game, and a battle game.

60. The method of claim 49, further comprising the steps of:

packaging said first primary access code with software; and

packaging said additional primary access code with software.

61. The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of physically incorporating said additional primary access code as part of said at least one additional three-dimensional figure.

62. A computer gaming system comprising the steps of:

means for providing a first three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of a first character of a computer game, said first character of said computer game being a controllable character of a story defined by said computer game such that a game player maneuvers said first character in said computer game to decide a fate of said first character in said story of said computer game;

means for providing a first primary access code for packaging said first primary access code with said first three-dimensional figure;

means for providing an interactive computer gaming platform that plays said computer game;

means for restricting play by said interactive computer gaming platform of said computer game such that said first character is not available for play in said computer game until said first character is activated for play;

means for accepting entry of said first primary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

means for activating said first character by said interactive computer gaming platform based on said primary access code entered into said interactive computer gaming platform; and

means for playing said computer game on said interactive computer gaming platform with said first character activated.

63. A computer gaming system comprising:

a first three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of a first character of a computer game, said first character of said computer game being a controllable character of a story defined by said computer game such that the system allows a first character to be maneuvered in said computer game in said story;

a first primary access code packaged with said first three-dimensional figure;

an interactive computer gaming platform that plays said computer game, said interactive computer gaming platform restricting play of said computer game such that said first character is not available for play in said computer game until said first character is activated for play by accepting entry of said first primary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

a figure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said first character of said computer game; and

a secondary access code packaged with said figure accessory;

wherein

said interactive computer gaming platform further adds an ability associated with said figure accessory to said first character of said computer game when said added ability is activated by accepting entry of said secondary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform.

64. A method of playing a computer game comprising the steps of:

providing a first three-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions of a first character of a computer game, said first character of said computer game being a controllable character of a story defined by said computer game such that the computer game allows said first character to be maneuvered in the story of said computer game;

providing a first primary access code;

packaging said first primary access code with said first three-dimensional figure;

providing an interactive computer gaming platform that plays said computer game;

restricting play by said interactive computer gaming platform of said computer game such that said first character is not available for play in said computer game until said first character is activated for play;

accepting entry of said first primary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

activating said first character by said interactive computer gaming platform based on said primary access code entered into said interactive computer gaming platform;

providing a figure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said first character of said computer game;

providing a secondary access code;

packaging said secondary access code with said figure accessory;

accepting entry of said secondary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;

activating an ability associated with said figure accessory to said first character of said computer game based on said entered secondary access code; and

adding said activated ability associated with said figure accessory to said first character of said computer game during game play of said computer game.