Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements

• US 10,369,463 B2
• Filed: 06/01/2018
• Issued: 08/06/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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:
  US15/995,600
• Publication Number:
  US 20180339226A1
• Time in Patent Office: 431 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 toy for playing a game that combines elements of physical play and virtual play, said gaming toy comprising:

a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably secured to one another to form a modularly constructed toy having one of a variety of possible assembled configurations;

at least one of said modular components comprising a body having an internal cavity formed therein; and

a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag disposed within said internal cavity, said RFID tag comprising;

(i) a unique identifier;

(ii) non-volatile memory storing a first selection of information identifying a virtual game character in a computer-animated game;

(iii) a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide wireless communication with a gaming platform; and

(iv) an antenna configured to power said RF transceiver when said antenna is energized by an externally-generated electromagnetic field,

wherein the modularly constructed toy is configured to communicate with said gaming platform after the plurality of modular components are secured to one another, and

wherein said at least one modular component is configured to be selectively detached and interchanged with one or more like modular components comprising non-volatile memory storing a second selection of information that is different than said first selection of information.

2. The gaming toy of claim 1, wherein said RFID tag is hermetically sealed within said internal cavity.

3. The gaming toy of claim 1, further comprising a lighting effect electrically coupled to said antenna and configured to be powered when said antenna is energized by said externally-generated electromagnetic field.

4. The gaming toy of claim 1, wherein said non-volatile memory has stored therein a second selection of information describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual game character.

5. The gaming toy of claim 1, in combination with an RFID reader configured to:

i) power and communicate with said RFID tag, ii) ascertain said unique identifier and said first selection of information, and iii) communicate said unique identifier and said first selection of information to said gaming platform.

6. The gaming toy of claim 1, in combination with a second gaming toy configured to be used in conjunction with said first gaming toy to enable a game participant to access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game.

7. The gaming toy of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first selection of information is encrypted.

8. A kit for assembling an RFID-enabled gaming toy for playing a game on a gaming platform, said kit comprising:

a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled to form the RFID-enabled gaming toy, wherein the RFID-enabled gaming toy is an assembled multi-component toy comprising said plurality of modular components secured together in one of a variety of possible assembled configurations;

at least one of said modular components comprising a body having an internal cavity formed therein;

a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag disposed within said internal cavity, said RFID tag comprising;

(i) a unique identifier;

(ii) non-volatile memory storing a first selection of information identifying a virtual character or object in a computer-animated game, wherein at least a portion of said first selection of information is encrypted;

(iii) a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide wireless communication between the RFID-enabled gaming toy and the gaming platform; and

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

wherein said at least one modular component is configured to be selectively interchanged with one or more like modular components comprising non-volatile memory storing a second selection of information that is different than said first selection of information.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein said RFID tag is hermetically sealed within said internal cavity.

10. The kit of claim 8, wherein the at least one of said modular components comprises a base component.

11. The kit of claim 8, wherein said non-volatile memory has stored therein a second selection of information describing one or more in-game attributes of said virtual character or object.

12. The kit of claim 8, in combination with an RFID reader configured to:

i) power and communicate with said RFID tag, ii) ascertain said unique identifier and said first selection of information, and iii) communicate said unique identifier and said first selection of information to said gaming platform.

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

a first gaming toy configured to access a virtual game character in a computer-animated game played on a gaming platform, said first gaming toy comprising a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably secured to one another to form a modularly constructed toy having one of a variety of possible assembled configurations 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, wherein the modularly constructed toy is functional when the plurality of modular components are secured to one another;

a second gaming toy configured to be used in conjunction with said first gaming toy to selectively access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game, said second gaming 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

wherein said first and second RFID tags are configured to communicate with an RFID reader that;

i) powers and communicates with said first and second RFID tags, ii) ascertains said first and second selections of information, and iii) communicates said first and second selections of information to said gaming platform.

14. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein said first gaming toy comprises a doll or action figure.

15. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein said first gaming toy comprises a toy wand.

16. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein said at least one modular component comprises a body having an internal cavity and wherein said first RFID tag is encapsulated within said body.

17. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein said second gaming toy comprises a collectible token or trinket.

18. The gaming system of claim 13, in combination with said RFID reader.

19. The gaming system of claim 13, further comprising non-transitory storage storing game software comprising program instructions configured to, when executed, cause said gaming platform to conduct said computer-animated game, said game software further comprising program instructions configured to cause said gaming platform to produce a computer-animation of said virtual game character having attributes identified or described by said first selection of information.

20. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of said first selection of information is encrypted.