WIRELESS CHARGING OF ELECTRONIC GAMING INPUT DEVICES

• US 20110263330A1
• Filed: 01/28/2011
• Published: 10/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: Creative Kingdoms LLC (Great Wolf Resorts Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Weston, Denise Chapman, Barney, Jonathan A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,330,284 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/39
• 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 includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. 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 the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, 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.

Claims

1-6. -6. (canceled)

7. A method for wirelessly charging an input device for a live-action game, computer game, video game, home gaming console or hand-held game unit of the type comprising a housing sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user to control or activate one or more desired play effects within a selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said input device in accordance with one or more particular motions, the housing having an internal cavity formed therein sized and adapted to receive and contain one or more replaceable batteries for powering said input device, said method comprising:

inserting into said internal cavity in place of said one or more replaceable batteries a magnetic inductance energy generator comprising an inductance coil or wire sized and arranged such that when it is exposed to a fluctuating magnetic field an alternating current is generated;

exposing said inductance coil or wire to a fluctuating magnetic field to thereby generate said alternating current;

converting said alternating current into electrical energy; and

storing said electrical energy within said internal cavity of said input device for powering said input device;

whereby said input device can be wirelessly charged and operated by a user without need for wires, electrical connectors or replaceable batteries.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of exposing said inductance coil or wire to a fluctuating magnetic field comprises causing relative back and forth motion between said inductance coil or wire and a permanent magnet.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of exposing said inductance coil or wire to a fluctuating magnetic field comprises exposing said inductance coil or wire to an externally generated electromagnetic field.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of converting said alternating current into electrical energy comprises rectifying said current using a diode or bridge rectifier and using said rectified current to charge a capacitor to a predetermined operating voltage.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said step of converting said alternating current into electrical energy further comprises stabilizing or regulating said operating voltage using a voltage regulator, zener diode or active regulation circuitry.

12. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of storing said electrical energy comprises storing said electrical energy using a capacitor.

13. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of storing said electrical energy comprises storing said electrical energy using a non-replaceable or factory-replaceable rechargeable battery.

14. A wirelessly-chargeable wireless input device for a live-action game, computer game, video game, home gaming console or hand-held game unit, comprising:

a housing sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user to control or activate one or more desired play effects within a selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said input device in accordance with one or more particular motions, said housing having an internal cavity formed therein sized and adapted to receive and contain one or more batteries or other power sources and associated circuitry for activating and operating said input device;

motion-sensitive circuitry comprising one or more sensors configured and arranged within said housing so as to generate an input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said housing;

a transmitter capable of wireless communication with at least one external receiver associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home gaming console or hand-held game unit, said transmitter being configured to send to said at least one external receiver a command signal based at least in part on said input signal;

a receiver capable of wireless communication with at least one external transmitter associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home gaming console or hand-held game unit, said receiver being configured to receive from said at least one external transmitter a data signal containing information relevant to a game selected to be played by said user;

a magnetic inductance energy generator comprising an inductance coil or wire sized and arranged such that when it is exposed to a fluctuating magnetic field electrical energy is generated; and

a capacitor or rechargeable battery disposed within said cavity and electrically coupled to said magnetic inductance energy generator and said associated circuitry for storing said electrical energy for activating and operating said input device;

whereby said input device can be wirelessly charged and wirelessly operated by a user without need for wires, electrical connectors or replaceable batteries.

15. The input device of claim 14 further comprising a permanent magnet sized and arranged relative to said inductance coil or wire so as to allow relative back and forth motion between said inductance coil or wire and said permanent magnet to thereby produce said fluctuating magnetic field.

16. The input device of claim 14 further comprising an externally generated electromagnetic field sized and arranged relative to said inductance coil or wire so as to produce said fluctuating magnetic field.

17. The input device of claim 14 wherein said magnetic inductance energy generator further comprises a rectifier arranged and adapted so as to rectify an alternating current produced by said inductance coil or wire so as to charge said capacitor or rechargeable battery to a desired operating voltage.

18. The input device of claim 17 wherein said magnetic inductance energy generator further comprises a voltage regulator, zener diode or active regulation circuitry electrically coupled to said capacitor or rechargeable battery and arranged and adapted so as to stabilize or regulate said operating voltage.

19. The input device of claim 14 wherein said rechargeable battery comprises a non-replaceable or factory-replaceable rechargeable battery sized and adapted so as to provide long-term energy storage.

20. The input device of claim 14 wherein said one or more sensors comprise one or more of the following:

impact sensors, micro-sensors, gyro-sensors, force sensors, micro-switches, momentum sensors, gravity sensors, accelerometers, tilt sensors, orientation sensors, or reed switches.

21. The input device of claim 14 wherein at least one of said sensors is configured and arranged so as to sense axial rotation of said input device.

22. The input device of claim 14 wherein said input device is further configured and adapted to produce light, vibration or sound effects in response to said received data signal.

23. The input device of claim 22 wherein said input device further comprises a light-emitting module disposed at the distal end thereof adapted to produce a light signal capable of being detected by an external camera associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home gaming console or hand-held game.

24. The input device of claim 14 wherein said input device further comprises a display screen.

25. The input device of claim 14 wherein said housing is further configured and adapted to be modularly assembled with one or more auxiliary components for thereby allowing a user to selectively create a modified input device having enhanced powers, abilities or aesthetics.

26. The input device of claim 25 in combination with at least one or more auxiliary components, said at least one or more auxiliary components being standardized, modularized and interchangeable such that said at least one or more auxiliary components can be purchased by a user and interchangeably assembled with said housing and/or selected others of said at least one or more auxiliary components to create an individualized input device having enhanced powers, abilities or aesthetics.

27. The input device of claim 14 further comprising at least two input switches operatively associated with said housing and electrically coupled to said associated circuitry, said at least two input switches being sized, configured and adapted to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of said user to selectively control said at least two bits of user-selected input data comprising a second input signal while said user is simultaneously moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said input device in a particular manner, whereby a user is able to use said input device to control or activate at least two different desired effects within said selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said input device in a particular manner while selectively activating either one, two or none of said at least two input switches.

28. The input device of claim 27 wherein at least one of said at least two input switches comprises a touch switch, solid-state electronic switch or finger-activated touch sensor.

29. A charging system for wirelessly charging a motion-sensitive input device for a live-action game, computer game, video game, home gaming console or hand-held game unit of the type comprising a housing sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user to control or activate one or more desired play effects within a selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said input device in accordance with one or more particular motions, the housing having an internal cavity formed therein sized and adapted to receive and contain one or more batteries or other power sources for powering said input device, said charging system comprising:

a magnetic inductance energy generator comprising an inductance coil or wire sized and arranged so as to be inserted into said internal cavity, said inductance coil or wire being further sized and arranged such that when it is exposed to a fluctuating magnetic field an alternating current is thereby generated;

a rectifier electrically coupled to said inductance coil or wire and sized and arranged so as to be inserted into said internal cavity, said rectifier being arranged and adapted to convert said alternating current generated by said inductance coil or wire into a rectified current;

a voltage regulator electrically coupled to said inductance coil or wire and said rectifier and sized and arranged so as to be inserted into said internal cavity, said voltage regulator being arranged and adapted to convert said rectified current into useable electrical energy;

a capacitor or rechargeable battery electrically coupled to said voltage regulator and sized and arranged so as to be inserted into said internal cavity for storing said electrical energy and for powering said input device; and

means for generating a fluctuating magnetic field having sufficient intensity and proximity relative to said inductance coil or wire so as to generate said alternating current and to thereby wirelessly charge said input device;

whereby said charging system enables a motion-sensitive input device to be wirelessly charged and operated by a user without need for replaceable batteries.

30. The charging system of claim 29 wherein said means for generating a fluctuating magnetic field comprises a permanent magnet sized and arranged relative to said inductance coil or wire so as to allow relative back and forth motion between said inductance coil or wire and said permanent magnet to thereby produce said fluctuating magnetic field.

31. The charging system of claim 29 wherein said means for generating a fluctuating magnetic field comprises an externally generated electromagnetic field sized and arranged relative to said inductance coil or wire so as to produce said fluctuating magnetic field.

32. The charging system of claim 29 wherein said voltage regulator comprises a zener diode or active regulation circuitry electrically coupled to said capacitor or rechargeable battery and arranged and adapted so as to stabilize or regulate the voltage of said capacitor or rechargeable battery.

33. The charging system of claim 29 wherein said rechargeable battery comprises a non-replaceable or factory-replaceable rechargeable battery sized and adapted so as to provide long-term energy storage.