Methods and Related Toy and Game Applications Using Encoded Information

• US 20100062819A1
• Filed: 03/09/2009
• Published: 03/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Original Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Inventors: Sharma, Ravi K., Hannigan, Brett T., Rodriguez, Tony F.
• Granted Patent: US 8,615,471 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/9
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/28 Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0021 Image watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0051 Embedding of the watermark in the spatial domain
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0052 Embedding of the watermark in the frequency domain
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0061 Embedding of the watermark in each block of the image, e.g. segmented watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0601 whereby calibration information is embedded in the watermark, e.g. a grid, a scale, a list of transformations
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

Abstract

The presently claimed invention relates generally to toys and games that are enhanced with encoded information. One claim recites a method of playing a computerized game including: receiving image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information steganographically encoded therein, the information is carried by the physical object through alterations to data representing at least some features carried by the physical object; utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to: analyze received image or video to decode information steganographically encoded therein; interrogate a database or storage location with at least some of the information to obtain at least one game attribute associated with information; and modify the at least one game attribute to reflect activity during play of the computerized game. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Claims

1. A method of playing a computerized game comprising:

receiving image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information steganographically encoded therein, the information is carried by the physical object through alterations to data representing at least some features carried by the physical object;

utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to;

analyze received image or video to decode information steganographically encoded therein;

interrogate a database or storage location with at least some of the information to obtain at least one game attribute associated with information; and

modify the at least one game attribute to reflect activity during play of the computerized game.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a game console comprises the multi-purpose processor.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the physical object comprises a game or character card.

4. A programmed computing device storing instructions in memory, said instructions are executable by said programmed computing device to perform the acts of claim 1.

5. A computer readable media comprising instructions stored thereon to cause a multi-purpose computer processor to perform the acts of claim 1.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the image or video is received from a wireless device.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the wireless device comprises a cell phone.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the information is steganographically encoded with digital watermarking.

9. A method of playing a computerized game comprising:

receiving image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information encoded therein;

utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to;

analyze received image or video to decode information encoded therein;

interrogate a database or storage location with at least some of the information to obtain at least one game attribute associated with information; and

allow a game user to program or otherwise specify a response or attribute for the at least one game attribute.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein a game console comprises the multi-purpose processor.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the physical object comprises a game or character card.

12. A programmed computing device storing instructions in memory, said instructions are executable by said programmed computing device to perform the acts of claim 9.

13. A computer readable media comprising instructions stored thereon to cause a multi-purpose computer processor to perform the acts of claim 9.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the image or video is received from a wireless device.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the wireless device comprises a cell phone.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the information is steganographically hidden in the physical object with digital watermarking.

17. A method comprising:

capturing with a portable cell phone, image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information encoded therein, the physical object is associated with a game;

utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to;

control analyzing received image or video to decode information encoded therein;

control obtaining multimedia content associated with the game from a remotely located database or storage location; and

control rendering of the multimedia content via the portable cell phone.

18. A programmed portable cell phone storing instructions in memory, said instructions are executable by said programmed portable cell phone to perform the functions of claim 17.

19. A computer readable media comprising instructions stored thereon to cause a multi-purpose computer processor to perform the acts of claim 17.

20. The method of claim 17, in which the information is encoded in the physical object via steganographic digital watermarking.