Portable tracking device for entertainment purposes

• US 9,138,650 B2
• Filed: 03/11/2014
• Issued: 09/22/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Inventors: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise C.
• Primary Examiner(s): NASRI, JAVAID H
• Application Number:
  US14/204,945
• Publication Number:
  US 20140256446A1
• Time in Patent Office: 560 Days
• Field of Search: 290/1.R, 290/7, 463/37, 463/39, 463/40
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/10 Control of the course of the game, e.g. start, progess, end
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/31 Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/32 using local area network [LAN] connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/327 using wireless networks, e.g. Wi-Fi® or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/45 Controlling the progress of the video game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/65 automatically by game devices or servers from real world data, e.g. measurement in live racing competition
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/825 Fostering virtual characters
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/90 Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2492 Power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/105 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 : Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5513 : involving billing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5533 : using program state or machine event data, e.g. server keeps track of the state of multiple players on in a multiple player game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 : for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 : Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 : Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 : Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 : using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/26 : Magnetic or electric toys electric drives A63H29/22 ; indoor games played with small balls using magnetic power A63F7/0088, A63F7/068
• CPC Class Codes: A63J 21/00 : Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a portable wireless tracking device for tracking a participant as part of an interactive entertainment experience carried out within a wireless-compatible entertainment facility. The tracking device includes multiple wireless transceivers for providing both short-range and medium-range wireless communications with one or more wireless-compatible devices. Multiple fixed transceivers and associated effects are distributed throughout the entertainment facility and are able to communicate with the tracking device and exchange tracking information pertinent to the entertainment experience. The tracking information is reported to a central server which creates a stored database record of the participant'"'"'s movements and activities within the entertainment facility. This information is then used to adjust the entertainment experience for each participant based on “knowing” where the participant has been, what objectives have been accomplished, and how many points or levels have been reached.

Claims

1. A wireless tracking device for tracking a participant in an interactive entertainment experience conducted within a wireless-compatible entertainment facility, said wireless tracking device comprising:

a portable body configured to be carried or worn by said participant, said portable body comprising one or more batteries and associated electronic circuitry configured to power and operate said wireless tracking device;

non-volatile memory storing at least one identifier uniquely identifying said wireless tracking device;

at least one antenna configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy via inductive coupling with a first wireless-compatible device located at a first location within said entertainment facility;

a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver powered by said electrical energy and configured to provide short-range wireless communications with said first wireless-compatible device over a first communication range of less than 60 cm;

a second RF transceiver powered by said one or more batteries and configured to provide medium-range wireless communications with a second wireless-compatible device over a second communication range of greater than 10 feet and wherein said second wireless-compatible device is located at a second location within said entertainment facility; and

wherein said short-range wireless communications and said medium-range wireless communications comprise information uniquely identifying said wireless tracking device.

2. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 wherein said portable body is selected from the group consisting of:

a toy wand, a doll, a stuffed animal, and an action figure.

3. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 wherein said portable body is selected from the group consisting of:

a badge, a bracelet, a wristband, and a necklace.

4. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 wherein said information uniquely identifying said wireless tracking device comprises one or more items of information selected from the following:

said at least one identifier, a tracking identifier uniquely associated with said participant, and the name of said participant.

5. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 wherein said interactive entertainment experience comprises a game and wherein said portable body comprises an input device configured to enable said participant to control or direct said game.

6. The wireless tracking device of claim 5 wherein said input device further comprises at least one motion sensor selected from the group consisting of:

a tilt sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.

7. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 wherein said first RF transceiver is further configured to provide short-range wireless communication with a third wireless-compatible device located at a third location outside of said entertainment facility and wherein said third wireless-compatible device comprises a home game console.

8. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 further comprising programmable non-volatile memory, and wherein information relevant to said participant or said interactive entertainment experience is configured to be stored in said programmable non-volatile memory.

9. A wireless tracking device for tracking a participant in an entertainment experience carried out within a wireless-compatible entertainment facility, said wireless tracking device comprising:

a portable body configured to be carried or worn by said participant;

non-volatile memory configured to store at least one unique identifier identifying said wireless tracking device;

a first radio frequency (RF) transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a first RF signal at a first carrier frequency;

a second RF transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a second RF signal at a second carrier frequency that is higher than said first carrier frequency;

a third RF transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a third RF signal at a third carrier frequency that is higher than said second carrier frequency;

said first, second and third RF signals each comprising information uniquely identifying said wireless tracking device; and

wherein said first RF transmitter has a communication range of less than 60 cm, and wherein said third RF transmitter has a communication range of greater than 10 m.

10. The wireless tracking device of claim 9 wherein said portable body comprises a bracelet configured to be worn on the wrist of said participant.

11. The wireless tracking device of claim 9 wherein said first carrier frequency comprises 134.2 kHz, said second carrier frequency comprises 13.56 MHz, and said third carrier frequency comprises 915 MHz.

12. The wireless tracking device of claim 9 wherein said information uniquely identifying said wireless tracking device comprises one or more items of information selected from the following:

said at least one unique identifier, a tracking identifier uniquely associated with said participant, and the name of said participant.

13. The wireless tracking device of claim 9 wherein said second RF transmitter has a communication range of less than 10 m.

14. The wireless tracking device of claim 9 further comprising at least one antenna configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy via inductive coupling with a wireless-compatible device and wherein said electrical energy powers at least said first RF transmitter.

15. The wireless tracking device of claim 9 further comprising at least one motion sensor configured to sense a motion of said portable body selected from the group consisting of:

a tilt sensor, an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

16. The wireless tracking device of claim 9 further comprising one or more touch-sensor elements arranged on an outer surface of said portable body and configured to sense touching thereof by one or more fingers of said participant.

17. A method for wirelessly tracking a participant in an interactive entertainment experience carried out within an entertainment facility, said method comprising:

providing first and second radio frequency (RF) transceivers at first and second locations, respectively, within said entertainment facility;

providing said participant with a portable tracking device configured to be carried or worn by said participant as said participant moves within said entertainment facility, said portable tracking device comprising;

non-volatile memory storing at least one identifier uniquely identifying said portable tracking device;

a third RF transceiver configured to provide short-range wireless communication with said first RF transceiver over a first communication range of less than 60 cm;

a fourth RF transceiver configured to provide medium-range wireless communication with said second RF transceiver over a second communication range of greater than 10 feet;

wirelessly communicating tracking information from said portable tracking device to said first or second RF transceiver when said portable tracking device comes within said first or second communication range of said first or second RF transceiver, respectively;

using said tracking information to create or maintain a computer database record of said participant'"'"'s movements within said entertainment facility; and

adjusting said interactive entertainment experience based, at least in part, on said computer database record for said participant.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein adjusting said interactive entertainment experience comprises selectively triggering one or more different effects based, at least in part, on said computer database record for said participant.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein adjusting said interactive entertainment experience comprises selectively allowing said participant to access a portion of said interactive entertainment facility based, at least in part, on said computer database record for said participant.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising triggering one or more effects based, at least in part, on receiving said tracking information from said portable tracking device.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein said portable tracking device comprises a wearable item and wherein said participant wears said portable tracking device as said participant moves within said entertainment facility.

22. The method of claim 17 wherein said tracking information comprises one or more items of information selected from the following:

said at least one identifier, a tracking identifier uniquely associated with said participant, and the name of said participant.

23. The method of claim 17 wherein said interactive entertainment experience comprises a game and wherein using said tracking information to create or maintain a computer database record comprises using said tracking information to create or maintain a computer database record of said participant'"'"'s progress or performance in said game.

24. The method of claim 17 wherein said portable tracking device comprises programmable non-volatile memory and further comprising communicating a selection of information from said first RF transceiver to said portable tracking device and storing said selection of information in said programmable non-volatile memory.

25. The method of claim 17 wherein said portable tracking device is configured to receive one or more attachable components and further comprising providing a selection of said one or more attachable components and allowing said participant to customize or personalize said portable tracking device by selectively attaching said one or more attachable components to said portable tracking device.