COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS FOR A WIRELESS COMPUTER GAMING SYSTEM

• US 20130150155A1
• Filed: 02/01/2013
• Published: 06/13/2013
• 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: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise Chapman
• Granted Patent: US 8,790,180 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/29
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 1/00 Card games aspects of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions showing representations related to the game A63F13/00; card games played on a gaming machine G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/213 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells A63F13/219, A63F13/655 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/219 for aiming at specific areas on the display, e.g. light-guns
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/25 Output arrangements for video game devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• 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 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/428 involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/497 Partially or entirely replaying previous game actions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/69 by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/822 Strategy games; Role-playing games A63F13/825, A63F13/828 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/825 Fostering virtual characters
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2402 Input by manual operation
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2429 IC card, chip card, smart card
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2433 Voice-actuated
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2452 : as a signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/248 : Magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2489 : by radio transmitters, e.g. using RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/485 : using a handle
• 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 2300/1056 : involving pressure sensitive buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1087 : comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 : the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/402 : Communication between platforms, i.e. physical link to protocol
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/403 : Connection between platform and handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 : Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 : Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/36 : Details; Accessories
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 : using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A63J 21/00 : Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0487 : using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2354/00 : Aspects of interface with display user
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2370/16 : Use of wireless transmission of display information
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2370/18 : Use of optical transmission of display information
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/06 : Remotely controlled electronic signs other than labels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/001 : using specific devices not provided for in groups G09G3/02 - G09G3/36, e.g. using an intermediate record carrier such as a film slide; Projection systems; Display of non-alphanumerical information, solely or in combination with alphanumerical information, e.g. digital display on projected diapositive as background slide projectors per se G03B23/00 = 42 HP

Abstract

A computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions for conducting a game on a gaming system having a wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.

Claims

1. Non-transitory storage that stores executable program instructions configured to instruct a computer gaming system to conduct an interactive game, said executable instructions comprising instructions for:

generating a virtual play environment of an interactive game comprising one or more computer animations for display on a display device;

tracking game progress or performance of a game participant playing said interactive game based at least in part on processing input data and a unique identification number wirelessly received by a computer gaming system from at least one game-participant-controlled input device;

adjusting a play experience for a game participant based on said unique identification number and said tracked game progress or performance;

capturing one or more digital images of a game participant playing said interactive game while using said at least one game-participant-controlled input device;

storing said one or more captured digital images in association with said unique identification number of said at least one game-participant-controlled input device such that said one or more captured digital images can be identified and retrieved using said unique identification number; and

providing a visual record of a game participant'"'"'s play experience comprising retrieving and displaying said one or more captured digital images.

2. The non-transitory storage of claim 1 wherein tracking game progress or performance of a game participant comprises accessing a database associated with a data storage device and logging game-relevant information in said database for each of up to a plurality of game participants playing said interactive game substantially simultaneously.

3. The non-transitory storage of claim 2 wherein said game-relevant information comprises points earned, objectives accomplished or levels achieved by a game participant playing said interactive game.

4. The non-transitory storage of claim 1 wherein adjusting said play experience for a game participant comprises producing one or more desired effects in said virtual play environment.

5. The non-transitory storage of claim 1 wherein adjusting said play experience for a game participant comprises allowing or denying access to one or more different game areas or game levels in said virtual play environment.

6. The non-transitory storage of claim 1 wherein said input data comprises motion sensor data corresponding to sensed motions of said at least one game-participant-controlled input device, and said executable program instructions further comprising directing said computer gaming system to track game progress or performance of a game participant playing said interactive game based at least in part on processing said motion sensor data wirelessly communicated to said computer gaming system by said at least one game-participant-controlled input device.

7. The non-transitory storage of claim 6 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that a game participant is producing or controlling one or more effects within said virtual play environment by moving said at least one game-participant-controlled input device in one or more motions that are learned as part of said interactive game.

8. The non-transitory storage of claim 7 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that a game participant is performing magic within said virtual play environment by moving said at least one game-participant-controlled input device in said one or more motions.

9. The non-transitory storage of claim 8 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that said input device is a magic wand.

10. The non-transitory storage of claim 8 wherein said one or more motions comprise waving or shaking.

11. The non-transitory storage of claim 1, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said computer gaming system to cause an effects generator associated with said at least one game-participant-controlled input device to produce one or more light, vibration or sound effects in accordance with said interactive game.

12. The non-transitory storage of claim 1, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said computer gaming system to wirelessly communicate selected game-relevant information to said at least one game-participant-controlled input device and to thereby cause or allow said at least one game-participant-controlled input device to display said selected game-relevant information on an associated display screen.

13. The non-transitory storage of claim 12 wherein said game-relevant information comprises:

i) points earned, levels achieved, or objectives accomplished, or ii) points, performance goals or objectives required to advance in said interactive game.

14. The non-transitory storage of claim 1, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said computer gaming system to teach or train a game participant to use said at least one game-participant-controlled input device to actuate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural, or tactile effects in accordance with said interactive game.

15. The non-transitory storage of claim 1, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said computer gaming system to communicate game-relevant information through a network that communicatively connects multiple computer gaming systems.

16. The non-transitory storage of claim 1, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said computer gaming system to transmit messages between two or more game participants.

17. The non-transitory storage of claim 1, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said computer gaming system to determine a geographic location of said at least one game-participant-controlled input device using a global positioning system (GPS) device associated with said at least one game-participant-controlled input device.

18. A non-transitory storage medium storing executable program instructions that direct an interactive gaming system to implement an interactive game, said executable program instructions comprising instructions for:

creating a virtual play environment of an interactive game by displaying one or more computer animations on an associated display device;

tracking game progress or performance of a game participant playing said interactive game based at least in part on processing motion sensor data and a unique identifier wirelessly received from at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device;

adjusting a play experience for a game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance;

communicating effects information to said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device to thereby cause or allow an associated effects generator to produce one or more light, vibration or sound effects in accordance with said interactive game; and

communicating selected game-relevant information to said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device to thereby cause or allow said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device to display said selected game-relevant information on an associated display screen.

19. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that a game participant is producing or controlling one or more effects within said virtual play environment by moving said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device in one or more motions that are learned as part of said interactive game.

20. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 19 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that a game participant is performing magic within said virtual play environment by moving said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device in said one or more motions.

21. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 20 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that said wireless motion-sensitive input device is a magic wand.

22. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 20 wherein said one or more motions comprise waving or shaking.

23. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18 wherein tracking game progress or performance of a game participant comprises accessing a database using said unique identifier and logging game-relevant information in said database.

24. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 23 wherein said game-relevant information comprises points earned, objectives accomplished or levels achieved by a game participant playing said interactive game.

25. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18 wherein adjusting the play experience for a game participant comprises producing one or more desired effects in said virtual play environment.

26. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18 wherein adjusting the play experience for a game participant comprises allowing or denying access to one or more different game areas or game levels in said virtual play environment.

27. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said interactive gaming system to:

i) capture one or more digital images of a game participant playing said interactive game while using said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device;

ii) store said one or more captured digital images in association with said unique identifier of said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device such that said one or more captured digital images can be identified and retrieved using said unique identifier; and

iii) provide a visual record of a game participant'"'"'s play experience comprising retrieving and displaying said one or more captured digital images.

28. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said interactive gaming system to teach or train a game participant to use said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device to actuate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural, or tactile effects by moving said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device in one or more motions.

29. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said interactive gaming system to establish a wireless communication link between said interactive gaming system and said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device, said wireless communication link being established at least in part by:

i) transmitting a first wireless communication from said interactive gaming system to said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device that includes a first identification number uniquely identifying said interactive gaming system, and ii) receiving a second wireless communication from said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device at said interactive gaming system that includes said first identification number and a second identification number comprising said unique identifier of said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device.

30. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said interactive gaming system to communicate game-relevant information through a network that communicatively connects multiple interactive gaming systems.

31. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said interactive gaming system to transmit messages between two or more game participants.

32. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 18, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said interactive gaming system to determine a geographic location of said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device using a global positioning system (GPS) device associated with said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device.

33. A non-transitory storage medium having stored therein executable program instructions that direct a wireless-compatible gaming system to conduct an interactive game, said executable program instructions comprising instructions for:

creating a virtual play environment of an interactive game through one or more computer animations displayed on an associated display device, wherein said displayed computer animations create an illusion that a game participant is producing or controlling one or more effects within said virtual play environment when moving at least one motion-sensing input device in one or more motions that are learned as part of said interactive game;

tracking game progress or performance of a game participant playing said interactive game based at least in part on processing motion sensor data and an identification number wirelessly received from said at least one motion-sensing input device through one or more wireless RF communications;

adjusting a play experience for a game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance; and

wirelessly transmitting to said at least one motion-sensing input device through one or more wireless RF communications a control signal configured to cause an associated effects generator to produce one or more light, vibration or sound effects complementing the operation of said motion-sensing input device and/or said one or more effects created within said virtual play environment.

34. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that a game participant is performing magic within said virtual play environment by moving said at least one motion-sensing input device in said one or more motions.

35. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 34 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that said motion-sensing input device is a magic wand.

36. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 34 wherein said one or more motions comprise waving or shaking.

37. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33 wherein tracking game progress or performance of a game participant comprises accessing a database using said identification number and logging game-relevant information in said database.

38. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 37 wherein said game-relevant information comprises points earned, objectives accomplished or levels achieved by a game participant playing said interactive game.

39. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33 wherein adjusting the play experience for a game participant comprises modifying said one or more effects created within said virtual play environment.

40. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33 wherein adjusting the play experience for a game participant comprises allowing or denying access to one or more different game areas or game levels in said virtual play environment.

41. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to:

i) capture one or more digital images of a game participant playing said interactive game while using said at least one motion-sensing input device;

ii) store said one or more captured digital images in association with said identification number of said at least one motion-sensing input device such that said one or more captured digital images can be identified and retrieved using said identification number; and

iii) provide a visual record of a game participant'"'"'s play experience comprising retrieving and displaying said one or more captured digital images.

42. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to teach or train a game participant to use said at least one motion-sensing input device to produce or control said one or more effects within said virtual play environment by moving said at least one motion-sensing input device in said one or more motions.

43. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to communicate game-relevant information through a network that communicatively connects multiple gaming systems.

44. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to transmit messages between two or more game participants.

45. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to wirelessly communicate selected game-relevant information to said at least one motion-sensing input device to thereby cause or allow said at least one motion-sensing input device to display said selected game-relevant information on an associated display screen.

46. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 33, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to determine a geographic location of said at least one motion-sensing input device using a global positioning system (GPS) device associated with said at least one motion-sensing input device.

47. Non-transitory storage storing executable program instructions that direct a wireless-compatible gaming system to carry out an interactive game, said executable program instructions comprising instructions for:

creating a virtual play environment of an interactive game through one or more computer animations displayed on an associated display device, wherein said displayed computer animations create an illusion that a game participant is performing magic when moving an associated wand controller in one or more particular motions that are learned as part of said interactive game to thereby produce or control one or more effects created within said virtual play environment;

tracking game progress or performance of a game participant playing said interactive game based at least in part on processing sensor data and identification information wirelessly received from said wand controller through one or more wireless RF communications;

adjusting a play experience for a game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance; and

wirelessly transmitting to said wand controller through said one or more wireless RF communications a control signal configured to cause an associated effects generator to produce one or more light, vibration or sound effects complementing the operation of said wand controller and/or said one or more effects created within said virtual play environment.

48. The non-transitory storage of claim 47 wherein said computer animations create an illusion that said wand controller is a magic wand.

49. The non-transitory storage of claim 47 wherein said one or more particular motions comprise waving or shaking.

50. The non-transitory storage of claim 47 wherein tracking game progress or performance of a game participant comprises accessing a database using said identification information and logging game-relevant information in said database.

51. The non-transitory storage of claim 50 wherein said game-relevant information comprises points earned, objectives accomplished or levels achieved by a game participant playing said interactive game.

52. The non-transitory storage of claim 47 wherein adjusting the play experience for a game participant comprises modifying said one or more effects created within said virtual play environment.

53. The non-transitory storage of claim 47 wherein adjusting the play experience for a game participant comprises allowing or denying access to one or more different game areas or game levels in said virtual play environment.

54. The non-transitory storage of claim 47, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to:

i) capture one or more digital images of a game participant playing said interactive game while using said wand controller;

ii) store said one or more captured digital images in association with said identification information of said wand controller such that said one or more captured digital images can be identified and retrieved using said identification information; and

iii) provide a visual record of a game participant'"'"'s play experience comprising retrieving and displaying said one or more captured digital images.

55. The non-transitory storage of claim 54 wherein at least one of said one or more captured digital images comprises captured video images.

56. The non-transitory storage of claim 47, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to teach or train a game participant to use said wand controller to produce or control said one or more effects within said virtual play environment.

57. The non-transitory storage of claim 47, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to communicate game-relevant information through a network that communicatively connects multiple gaming systems.

58. The non-transitory storage of claim 47, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to transmit messages between two or more game participants.

59. The non-transitory storage of claim 47, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to wirelessly communicate selected game-relevant information to said wand controller to thereby cause or allow said wand controller to display said selected game-relevant information on an associated display screen.

60. The non-transitory storage of claim 59 wherein said selected game-relevant information comprises:

i) points earned, levels achieved, or objectives accomplished, or ii) points, performance goals or objectives required to advance in said interactive game.

61. The non-transitory storage of claim 47, said executable program instructions further comprising directing said wireless-compatible gaming system to determine a geographic location of said wand controller using a global positioning system (GPS) device associated with said wand controller.