WIRELESS INTERACTIVE GAME HAVING BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL ELEMENTS

• US 20150251100A1
• Filed: 05/22/2015
• Published: 09/10/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Inventors: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise Chapman
• Granted Patent: US 9,393,500 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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

1-10. -10. (canceled)

11. A gaming toy for playing a game that combines both physical and virtual gameplay elements, said gaming toy comprising:

a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by a game participant to form a doll, action figure or object relevant to a computer-animated game played by said game participant on a compatible gaming platform;

at least one of said modular components comprising;

(i) a microprocessor;

(ii) non-volatile memory electrically coupled to said microprocessor and storing a first selection of information comprising a unique identifier uniquely identifying said gaming toy within said computer-animated game;

(iii) programmable non-volatile memory electrically coupled to said microprocessor and storing a second selection of information comprising data representing one or more in-game attributes of a corresponding virtual character or object in said computer-animated game;

(iv) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver electrically coupled to said microprocessor and configured to provide short-range two-way wireless communications with said compatible gaming platform over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and wherein said short-range two-way wireless communications include at least said second selection of information; and

(v) an antenna electrically coupled to said RF transceiver and configured to be wirelessly energized by an externally-generated electromagnetic field to thereby electrically power said gaming toy; and

wherein said at least one modular component further comprises an internal cavity and wherein said microprocessor, said non-volatile memory, said programmable non-volatile memory, said RF transceiver, and said antenna are all disposed within said internal cavity and encapsulated within said at least one modular component.

12. The gaming toy of claim 11, wherein said at least one modular component is molded from a transparent plastic material and wherein said non-volatile memory, said programmable non-volatile memory, said RF transceiver, and said antenna are hermetically sealed within said at least one modular component.

13. The gaming toy of claim 11, further comprising a lighting element electrically coupled to said antenna and configured to be wirelessly energized by said externally-generated electromagnetic field.

14. The gaming toy of claim 11, wherein said one or more in-game attributes comprise one or more powers or abilities associated with said corresponding virtual character or object.

15. The gaming toy of claim 11, wherein said at least one modular component further comprises a second RF transceiver configured to provide medium-range two-way wireless communications with one or more wireless-compatible devices over a wireless communication range between 10 and 40 feet and wherein said second RF transceiver is configured to be wirelessly energized by said externally-generated electromagnetic field.

16. The gaming toy of claim 11, wherein said doll, action figure or object is configured to be used by said game participant as a player tracking device in said computer-animated game.

17. The gaming toy of claim 11, wherein said doll, action figure or object is configured to be used by said game participant to selectively access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game.

18. The gaming toy of claim 11, in combination with a wireless reader configured to:

i) wirelessly energize and power said gaming toy;

ii) wirelessly communicate with said RF transceiver, iii) ascertain from said RF transceiver said first and second selections of information, and iv) communicate said first and second selections of information to said compatible gaming platform.

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

a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by a game participant to form a first gaming toy configured to be used by said game participant as a player tracking device in an associated computer-animated game carried out on a compatible gaming platform, said first gaming toy comprising a first radio frequency (RF) transponder comprising a first unique identifier uniquely identifying said first gaming toy and non-volatile programmable memory configured to store a first selection of information comprising selected progress or achievements of said game participant in said computer-animated game;

a second gaming toy configured to be used by said game participant 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 RF transponder comprising a second unique identifier uniquely identifying said second gaming toy and non-volatile memory configured to store a second selection of information relevant to said one or more optional features; and

a wireless reader configured to;

i) wirelessly power and communicate with each of said first and second RF transponders, ii) ascertain from said first and second RF transponders said corresponding first and second selections of information, iii) communicate said first and second selections of information to said compatible gaming platform, and iv) cause said first selection of information to be stored in said non-volatile programmable memory of said first RF transponder based on said selected progress or achievements of said game participant in said computer-animated game.

20. The wireless gaming system of claim 19, wherein said first gaming toy comprises a doll, action figure or object relevant to said computer-animated game.

21. The wireless gaming system of claim 19, wherein said selected progress or achievements comprise points, levels or upgrades attained by said game participant in said computer-animated game while using said first gaming toy.

22. The wireless gaming system of claim 19, wherein said wireless reader is configured to wirelessly communicate with said second RF transponder over a limited wireless communication range of less than 25 cm such that said game participant is able to selectively access said one or more optional features by selectively positioning said second gaming toy within said limited wireless communication range of said wireless reader.

23. The wireless gaming system of claim 19, wherein at least one of said modular components comprises a molded plastic body having a cavity formed therein and wherein said first RF transponder is disposed in said cavity and encapsulated within said molded plastic body.

24. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 23, wherein said molded plastic body is formed from a transparent plastic material and wherein said first RF transponder is hermetically sealed within said molded plastic body.

25. A gaming toy for playing a game that combines both physical and virtual gameplay elements, said gaming toy comprising:

a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by a game participant to form a doll, action figure or object relevant to a computer-animated game played by a game participant on a compatible gaming platform;

at least one of said modular components comprising;

(i) a microprocessor;

(ii) non-volatile memory electrically coupled to said microprocessor and storing a first selection of information comprising a unique identifier uniquely identifying said gaming toy within said computer-animated game;

(iii) programmable non-volatile memory electrically coupled to said microprocessor and storing a second selection of information comprising data representing one or more in-game attributes of a corresponding virtual character or object in said computer-animated game;

(iv) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver electrically coupled to said microprocessor and configured to provide short-range two-way wireless communications with said compatible gaming platform over a limited wireless communication range of less than 60 cm and wherein said short-range two-way wireless communications include at least said second selection of information; and

(v) an antenna electrically coupled to said RF transceiver and configured to be wirelessly energized by an externally-generated electromagnetic field to thereby electrically power said gaming toy; and

wherein said at least one modular component further comprises an internal cavity and wherein said microprocessor, said non-volatile memory, said programmable non-volatile memory, said RF transceiver, and said antenna are all disposed within said internal cavity and encapsulated within said at least one modular component.

26. The wireless gaming toy of claim 25, wherein said portable body comprises a plurality of modular components configured to be selectively and detachably assembled by said game participant to form said doll, action figure or object.

27. The wireless gaming toy of claim 25, further comprising a lighting element electrically coupled to said conductive coil and configured to be wirelessly energized by said externally-generated electromagnetic field.

28. The wireless gaming toy of claim 25 configured to be used by said game participant as a player tracking device in said computer-animated game and wherein said second selection of information is based at least in part on progress or achievements of said game participant in said computer-animated game.

29. The wireless gaming toy of claim 25 configured to be used by said game participant to selectively access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game.

30. The wireless gaming toy of claim 25 in combination with a wireless reader configured to:

i) wirelessly energize said conductive coil;

ii) wirelessly communicate with at least said first RF transceiver, iii) ascertain from said first RF transceiver said first and second selections of information, and iv) communicate said first and second selections of information to said wireless-compatible gaming platform.