Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements

• US 9,770,652 B2
• Filed: 07/15/2016
• Issued: 09/26/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Inventors: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise Chapman
• Primary Examiner(s): Hylinski, Steven J
• Application Number:
  US15/211,910
• Publication Number:
  US 20170014714A1
• Time in Patent Office: 438 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/10 Control of the course of the game, e.g. start, progess, end
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/31 Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/32 using local area network [LAN] connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/327 using wireless networks, e.g. Wi-Fi® or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/45 Controlling the progress of the video game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/65 automatically by game devices or servers from real world data, e.g. measurement in live racing competition
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/825 Fostering virtual characters
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/90 Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2492 Power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/105 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 : Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5513 : involving billing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5533 : using program state or machine event data, e.g. server keeps track of the state of multiple players on in a multiple player game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 : for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 : Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 : Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 : Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 : using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/26 : Magnetic or electric toys electric drives A63H29/22 ; indoor games played with small balls using magnetic power A63F7/0088, A63F7/068
• CPC Class Codes: A63J 21/00 : Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant'"'"'s experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge.

Claims

1. A gaming system combining physical and virtual gameplay elements, said gaming system comprising:

a first physical toy comprising a doll or action figure configured to enable a game participant to access a virtual game character in a computer-animated game played by said game participant on a compatible gaming platform, said first physical toy comprising a first radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag comprising non-volatile memory storing a first selection of information comprising machine-readable data identifying or describing said virtual game character;

a second physical toy configured to be used in conjunction with said first physical toy to enable said game participant to access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game, said second physical toy comprising a second RFID tag comprising programmable non-volatile memory configured to store a second selection of information comprising machine-readable data identifying or describing said one or more optional features; and

an RFID reader configured to;

i) wirelessly communicate with each of said first and second RFID tags over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm;

ii) ascertain said corresponding first and second selections of information, iii) communicate said first and second selections of information to said compatible gaming platform; and

iv) change said second selection of information based on one or more objectives accomplished by said game participant in said computer-animated game.

2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first selection of information comprises machine-readable data identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual game character.

3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said second selection of information comprises machine-readable data identifying or describing one or more increased powers or special abilities of said virtual game character.

4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said second selection of information comprises machine-readable data identifying or describing one or more access-restricted portions of said computer-animated game.

5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first physical toy comprises a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by said game participant to form said doll or action figure.

6. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein at least one of said modular components comprises a molded plastic body having a cavity formed therein and wherein said first RFID tag is disposed within said cavity.

7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said RFID reader comprises a control module configured to actuate one or more lighting or sound effects in coordination with said computer-animated game.

8. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising non-transitory storage storing game software comprising program instructions configured to cause said compatible gaming platform to conduct said computer-animated game, said game software further comprising program instructions configured to cause said compatible gaming platform to produce a computer-animation of said virtual game character having one or more attributes identified or described by said first and second selections of information.

9. A gaming system combining physical and virtual gameplay, said gaming system comprising:

a first physical toy configured to be used by a game participant to access a virtual game character in a computer-animated game played on a compatible gaming platform, said first physical toy comprising a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by said game participant and wherein at least one of said modular components comprises a first radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag comprising non-volatile memory configured to store a first selection of information comprising machine-readable data identifying or describing said virtual game character;

a second physical toy configured to be used by said game participant in conjunction with said first physical toy to selectively access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game, said second physical toy comprising a second RFID tag comprising non-volatile memory configured to store a second selection of information comprising machine-readable data identifying or describing said one or more optional features; and

an RFID reader configured to;

i) wirelessly power and communicate with said first and second RFID tags over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm, ii) ascertain said first and second selections of information, and iii) communicate said first and second selections of information to said compatible gaming platform.

10. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein said first physical toy comprises a doll or action figure.

11. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein said first selection of information comprises machine-readable data identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual game character.

12. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein said second selection of information comprises machine-readable data identifying or describing one or more in-game powers or abilities of said virtual game character, or one or more access-restricted portions of said computer-animated game.

13. The gaming system of claim 9 wherein said at least one modular component comprises a molded plastic body having an internal cavity and wherein said first RFID tag is hermetically sealed within said internal cavity of said molded plastic body.

14. The gaming system of claim 9, further comprising non-transitory storage storing game software comprising program instructions configured to cause said compatible gaming platform to conduct said computer-animated game, said game software further comprising program instructions configured to cause said compatible gaming platform to produce a computer-animation of said virtual game character having attributes identified or described by said first selection of information.

15. A gaming toy for playing a game that combines both physical and virtual gameplay elements, said gaming toy comprising:

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

at least one of said modular components comprising;

(i) a microprocessor;

(ii) non-volatile memory storing a first selection of information comprising a unique identifier;

(iii) programmable non-volatile memory storing a second selection of information comprising data identifying or describing said corresponding virtual object;

(iv) a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communications with said compatible gaming platform over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm; and

(v) an antenna electrically coupled to said RF transceiver and configured to electrically power said RF transceiver when said antenna is wirelessly energized by an externally-generated electromagnetic field; and

wherein said at least one modular component comprises a plastic body having an internal cavity and wherein said microprocessor, said non-volatile memory, said programmable non-volatile memory, said RF transceiver, and said antenna are all disposed within said internal cavity of said plastic body.

16. The gaming toy of claim 15 wherein said microprocessor, said non-volatile memory, said programmable non-volatile memory, said RF transceiver, and said antenna are hermetically sealed within said internal cavity of said plastic body.

17. The gaming toy of claim 15 further comprising a lighting effect electrically coupled to said antenna and configured to be electrically powered when said antenna is wirelessly energized by said externally-generated electromagnetic field.

18. The gaming toy of claim 15, wherein said virtual object comprises a virtual game character in said computer-animated game and wherein said second selection of information comprises data identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual game character.

19. The gaming toy of claim 15, wherein said virtual object comprises a virtual item in said computer-animated game and wherein said second selection of information comprises data identifying or describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual item.

20. The gaming toy of claim 15 in combination with a wireless reader configured to:

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