SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A VIRTUAL GAME BY SENSING PHYSICAL MOVEMENTS

• US 20130196727A1
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Published: 08/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2004
• 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 9,675,878 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/7
• 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 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 lighting element emits a light signal or pattern that can be sensed by an external sensor or camera to interpret one or more movements or gestures made using the input device.

Claims

1. A gaming system wherein a user'"'"'s movements in a physical play environment are sensed as part of an immersive interactive gaming experience conducted in a virtual play environment, said gaming system comprising:

an image preparation device configured to generate one or more computer-animated images in accordance with a virtual play environment;

a wireless-compatible gaming device comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory medium storing instructions to direct said one or more processors to direct said image preparation device to prepare or modify said one or more computer-animated images in accordance with a game;

at least one wireless game controller configured to be held and operated by a user as an input device to play or direct said game at least in part by moving the entire body of said controller in free space, said controller comprising;

a housing configured to be held and moved by a user in free space;

one or more switches configured to generate switch state data responsive to selective actuations thereof by said user;

one or more sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to one or more sensed motions or orientations of said controller;

a wireless transmitter configured to transmit to said wireless-compatible gaming device a first wireless signal that is based at least in part on said sensor state data and said switch state data; and

a light emitter configured to emit visible or infrared light capable of being detected by a camera; and

at least one camera configured to electronically communicate with said gaming device and to produce captured image data comprising information indicating one or more of position or movement of said emitted light within a physical play environment;

wherein said gaming device is configured to process said first wireless signal and said captured image data and, based at least in part thereon, to direct said image preparation device to prepare or modify said one or more computer-animated images in accordance with said game.

2. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said image preparation device is further configured to be communicatively coupled with a display device comprising a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or a projector.

3. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said wireless-compatible gaming device comprises a wireless-compatible game control system, game console, portable game unit, or personal computer.

4. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said wireless game controller further comprises a wand input device sized and configured to be held and operated by a single hand of a user, and wherein said one or more switches are further configured to be actuated by one or more fingers of said single hand.

5. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said one or more switches comprise at least two finger-actuated switches sized and arranged relative to said housing so as to be selectively actuated by a user while simultaneously holding and moving said entire body of said controller in free space.

6. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is selected from the following group consisting of:

tilt sensor, orientation sensor, gyro-sensor, and accelerometer.

7. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said wireless game controller further comprises a touch-sensor configured to generate user input data responsive to sensed touching by a user.

8. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said wireless game controller further comprises:

a wireless receiver configured to receive a second wireless signal from a wireless-compatible device; and

an effects generator configured to cause said wireless game controller to produce at least one light, sound or vibration effect based at least in part on said second wireless signal.

9. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said light emitter comprises a light emitting diode (LED).

10. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising a translucent or reflective material configured and arranged so as to intercept or reflect said emitted light and wherein said at least one camera is further configured to produce captured image data comprising information indicating said one or more of position or movement of said emitted light as it is intercepted or reflected by said translucent or reflective material.

11. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said at least one camera comprises a first camera configured to produce first captured image data from a first camera angle, and a second camera configured to produce second captured image data from a second camera angle, and wherein said first camera angle is different than said second camera angle.

12. The gaming system of claim 11 wherein said gaming device is further configured to analyze one or more of said first captured image data or said second captured image data to determine one or more of position or movement of said game controller within said physical play environment.

13. The gaming system of claim 12 wherein at least one of said first or second cameras is arranged within a line of site of said light emitter.

14. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said gaming device is further configured to store one or more captured digital images of a user playing a game using said game controller;

and to cause said one or more captured digital images to be displayed on an associated display device.

15. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said game controller or said gaming device is further configured to receive and respond to one or more voice commands provided by a user as part of a game.

16. The gaming system of claim 1 in combination with game software stored in a non-transitory medium comprising instructions to direct said gaming device to carry out an immersive interactive game wherein one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects are produced in a virtual play environment based at least in part on said sensor state data, said switch state data and said information indicating said one or more of position or movement of said game controller.

17. The combination of claim 16 in further combination with voice recognition software configured to cause or enable said gaming device to recognize one or more voice commands provided by a user as part of a game.

18. A computer-implemented method for sensing a user'"'"'s movements in a physical play environment to direct or control a virtual game conducted in a virtual play environment, said computer-implemented method comprising:

displaying one or more computer-animated images in accordance with a virtual play environment;

sensing a user'"'"'s movements in a physical play environment using at least one camera and a wireless motion-sensitive game controller configured to be held and operated by a user as a wireless input device, said game controller comprising;

a housing configured to be held and moved by a user in free space;

one or more switches configured to generate switch state data responsive to selective actuations by said user;

one or more sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to one or more sensed motions or orientations of said game controller;

a wireless transceiver configured to provide one or more wireless communications with a wireless-compatible device, including communication of at least said sensor state data and said switch state data; and

a light source configured to generate visible or infrared light capable of being detected by said at least one camera;

capturing image data using at least one camera, said image data comprising information indicating one or more of position or movement of said light source within said physical play environment;

processing said one or more wireless communications to obtain said sensor state data and said switch state data;

analyzing said captured image data to determine said one or more of position or movement of said light source within said physical play environment; and

modifying said one or more computer-animated images in accordance with one or more of said determined sensor state data, said switch state data, or said information indicating said one or more of position or movement of said light source within said physical play environment.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 further comprising displaying computer-animated images of game characters, mythical creatures, or magical objects.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 further comprising sensing shaking motions of said game controller and using said sensed shaking motions at least in part to direct or control a game.

21. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 further comprising sensing rotational motions of said game controller and using said sensed rotational motions at least in part to direct or control a game.

22. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 wherein said game controller further comprises a touch sensor configured to generate user input data responsive to sensed touching by a user, and said computer-implemented method further comprises sensing touching of said touch sensor and using said sensed touching at least in part to direct or control a game.

23. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 wherein said wireless game controller further comprises an effects generator configured to cause said controller to produce at least one light, sound or vibration effect based at least in part on said one or more wireless communications, and said computer-implemented method further comprises causing said controller to produce said at least one light, sound or vibration effect in accordance with a game.

24. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 wherein a translucent or reflective material is arranged in a path of said light source so as to intercept or reflect said visible or infrared light, and comprising configuring said at least one camera to produce captured image data comprising information indicating said one or more of position or movement of said visible or infrared light as it is intercepted or reflected by said translucent or reflective material.

25. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 wherein a first camera is arranged so as to produce first captured image data from a first camera angle and wherein a second camera is arranged so as to produce second captured image data from a second camera angle that is different than said first camera angle, and said computer-implemented method further comprises analyzing one or more of said first captured image data or said second captured image data to determine one or more of position or movement of said game controller within said physical play environment.

26. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 further comprising receiving and recognizing one or more voice commands provided by a user as part of a game.

27. The computer-implemented method of claim 18 further comprising:

storing one or more captured digital images of a user playing a game using said game controller; and

causing said one or more captured digital images to be displayed on an associated display device.

28. The computer-implemented method of claim 27 wherein at least one of said one or more captured digital images comprises captured video images.

29. A motion-sensitive input device for directing or controlling an interactive game conducted in a virtual play environment by sensing a user'"'"'s movements in a physical play environment, said motion-sensitive input device comprising:

a housing configured to be held and moved by a user in free space, said housing comprising an internal cavity sized and configured to contain one or more internal power sources and associated circuitry for powering and operating said input device;

one or more switches configured to generate switch state data responsive to selective actuations thereof by a user;

a plurality of sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to one or more sensed motions or orientations of said input device in free space, said plurality of sensors comprising a first sensor configured to sense a first motion or orientation of said input device and a second sensor configured to sense a second motion or orientation of said input device;

a light source configured to emit visible or infrared light capable of being detected by a camera to determine a position or motion of said input device within a physical play space;

an effects controller configured to produce one or more of light, vibration or sound effects in accordance with an interactive game; and

electronic circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate data to and from a wireless-compatible gaming platform, said electronic circuitry comprising;

a microprocessor;

non-volatile memory configured to store at least one unique identifier; and

a wireless radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to transmit to said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals comprising said at least one unique identifier, said sensor state data and said switch state data, and to receive from said wireless-compatible gaming platform one or more wireless signals comprising one or more instructions for directing or causing said effects controller to produce one or more light, vibration or sound effects in accordance with a game.

30. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 wherein said input device is configured to be held and operated in a single hand, and wherein said one or more switches are configured to be actuated by one or more fingers of said single hand.

31. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 wherein said one or more switches comprise at least two finger-actuated switches sized and arranged relative to said housing so as to be selectively actuated by a user while simultaneously holding and moving the entire input device in free space to control or direct a game.

32. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 further comprising a touch-sensor configured to generate user input data responsive to sensed touching by a user.

33. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 wherein said first and second sensors are selected from the following group consisting of:

tilt sensor, orientation sensor, gyro-sensor, and accelerometer.

34. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED).

35. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 34 wherein said LED is configured to emit a beam or cone of light.

36. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 further comprising at least one user-selectable button configured to activate at least one optional function.

37. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 36 wherein said optional function comprises initiating a wireless transmission.

38. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 wherein said input device is further configured to receive or respond to one of more voice commands.

39. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 in combination with at least one auxiliary component configured to be modularly attached and detached to said input device to thereby enable a user to selectively create a modified input device having improved or additional functional capabilities.

40. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 in combination with a wireless-compatible gaming platform comprising one or more of a wireless-compatible game console, a portable game unit, or a personal computer.

41. The motion-sensitive input device of claim 29 in combination with at least one camera configured to capture image data comprising information indicating one or more of position or movement of said light source within a physical play environment.

42. The combination of claim 41 wherein said at least one camera comprises a first camera configured to produce first captured image data from a first camera angle and a second camera configured to produce second captured image data from a second camera angle and wherein said first camera angle is different than said second camera angle.

43. The combination of claim 42 wherein at least one of said first or second cameras is configured to be arranged within a line of site of said light source.

44. The combination of claim 43 in further combination with a wireless-compatible gaming platform configured to receive and analyze said captured image data to thereby determine one or more of position or movement of said input device within a physical play environment.

45. The combination of claim 44 in further combination with game software stored in a non-transitory medium comprising instructions to direct said wireless-compatible gaming platform to carry out an immersive interactive game wherein one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects are produced in a virtual play environment based at least in part on said sensor state data, said switch state data and said determined one or more of position or movement of said input device.

46. The combination of claim 44 wherein said wireless-compatible gaming platform is further configured to store one or more captured digital images of a user playing an interactive game using said input device;

and cause said one or more captured digital images to be displayed on an associated display device.

47. The combination of claim 46 wherein at least one of said one or more captured digital images comprises captured video images.

48. Non-transitory storage that stores executable program instructions configured to instruct one or more computer processors of a computer gaming system to conduct an interactive game, said executable instructions comprising instructions for:

displaying one or more computer-animated images in accordance with an interactive game conducted in a virtual play environment;

sensing a user'"'"'s movements in a physical play environment using at least one camera and a wireless motion-sensitive game controller configured to be held and operated by a user as a wireless input device, said game controller comprising;

a housing configured to be held and moved by a user in free space;

one or more switches configured to generate switch state data responsive to selective actuations thereof by said user;

one or more sensors configured to generate sensor state data responsive to one or more sensed motions or orientations of said game controller;

a wireless transceiver configured to provide one or more wireless communications with a wireless-compatible device, including communication of at least said sensor state data and said switch state data; and

a light source configured to generate visible or infrared light capable of being detected by said camera;

capturing image data using at least one camera, said image data comprising information indicating one or more of position or movement of said light source within said physical play environment;

processing said one or more wireless communications to obtain said sensor state data and said switch state data;

analyzing said captured image data to determine said one or more of position or movement of said light source within said physical play environment; and

modifying said one or more computer-animated images in accordance with one or more of said sensor state data, said switch state data, or said information indicating said one or more of position or movement of said light source within said physical play environment.

49. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein said executable instructions comprise instructions for displaying computer-animated images of game characters, mythical creatures, or magical objects.

50. The non-transitory storage of claim 49 wherein said computer-animated images create an illusion that a user is producing or controlling one or more effects within a virtual play environment at least in part by moving said game controller in one or more motions that are learned as part of an interactive game.

51. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein said executable instructions further comprise instructions for capturing, storing and displaying one or more digital images of a user playing an interactive game while using said game controller.

52. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein said executable instructions further comprise instructions for allowing or denying a user access to one or more different game areas or game levels within a virtual play environment.

53. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein said executable instructions further comprise instructions for directing said computer gaming system to wirelessly communicate selected game-relevant information to at least one wireless-compatible hand-held gaming device comprising a display screen configured to display said selected game-relevant information.

54. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein said executable instructions further comprise instructions for causing or enabling said computer gaming system to recognize one or more voice commands as part of a game.

55. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein said executable instructions further comprise instructions for directing said computer gaming system to transmit messages between two or more game participants.

56. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein said wireless game controller further comprises an effects generator configured to cause said controller to produce at least one light, sound or vibration effect based at least in part on said one or more wireless communications, and wherein said executable instructions further comprise instructions for causing said controller to produce said at least one light, sound or vibration effect in accordance with a game.

57. The non-transitory storage of claim 48 wherein a first camera is arranged so as to produce captured image data from a first camera angle and a second camera is arranged so as to produce captured image data from a second camera angle that is different than said first camera angle, and wherein said executable instructions further comprise instructions for analyzing said captured image data to determine the position or movement of said game controller within said physical play environment.