Motion-sensitive game controller with optional display screen

• US 8,164,567 B1
• Filed: 12/08/2011
• Issued: 04/24/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: MQ Gaming LLC
• Original Assignee: Creative Kingdoms LLC (Great Wolf Resorts Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Barney, Jonathan A., Weston, Denise Chapman
• Primary Examiner(s): ABDULSELAM, ABBAS I
• Application Number:
  US13/314,980
• Publication Number:
  US 20120094759A1
• Time in Patent Office: 138 Days
• Field of Search: 345/158, 345/161, 345/179, 463/30, 463 36- 39, 434 18- 24, 715701-702, 725/133
• US Class Current: 345/158
• 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 display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.

Claims

1. A method for playing an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually/aurally represented through one or more computer animations displayed on an associated display device and wherein the game progress or performance for one or more game participants is substantially simultaneously tracked, said method comprising:

operating at least one gaming system to produce one or more computer-animated visual or aural effects on said associated display device in accordance with said interactive game, said at least one gaming system comprising a first wireless RF transceiver provided at a first location within a physical play environment and adapted to provide medium-range two-way wireless RF communications with one or more portable wireless input devices located within a communication range of said first transceiver;

holding at least one portable wireless motion-sensitive input device freely in the air using a single hand, said at least one input device comprising;

an elongated body extending along an axis of elongation from a first end adapted to be held or gripped by a single hand of a game participant to a second end extending from said first end and being in substantial collinear alignment therewith;

a unique identification number for uniquely identifying said at least one input device within said game and for distinguishing said at least one input device from one or more other wireless input devices that may be used with said at least one gaming system;

a second wireless RF transceiver adapted to provide medium-range, two-way wireless RF communications with said first transceiver or one or more other wireless input devices, wherein said two-way wireless RF communications include at least communication of said unique identification number; and

an effects generator configured to selectively produce one or more light, vibration or sound effects based on one or more wireless communications received from said at least one gaming system;

causing a wireless communication link to be established between said first transceiver and said second transceiver when said at least one input device is operated within a communication range of said first transceiver, said wireless communication link being automatically established at least in part by said first transceiver sending a first wireless RF signal including a first identification number identifying said first transceiver and said second transceiver receiving and responding to said first transceiver by sending a second wireless RF signal including said first identification number and a second identification number corresponding to said unique identification number for said at least one input device, and wherein said wireless communication link allows said first and second transceivers to uniquely identify and wirelessly communicate with one another; and

operating said at least one input device to send one or more wireless input signals to said at least one gaming system at least in part by holding said at least one input device in the air using a single hand and moving it in a waving or shaking motion to thereby wirelessly actuate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects within said interactive game, and wherein said at least one gaming system tracks the game progress or performance of said one or more game participants playing said game substantially simultaneously based at least in part on identifying and distinguishing one or more wireless input signals from each said game participant and adjusts the play experience for each said game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said operating at least one gaming system comprises operating at least one personal computer, video gaming system, home-based gaming system, or web-based gaming system.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said operating at least one gaming system comprises operating a first gaming system in a first play environment and operating a second gaming system in a second play environment and causing a network connection to be established between said first and second play environments for communicating game-relevant data between said first gaming system and said second gaming system.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device configured to determine and track the global position of said at least one input device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a display screen and wherein game-relevant information is received and displayed on said display screen based on one or more wireless communications transmitted by said at least one gaming system or one or more other communicatively coupled wireless input devices.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said game-relevant information includes the communication of participant-specific objectives or performance goals required to advance in the game.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising learning, as part of playing said interactive game or training to play said interactive game, how to move said at least one input device to wirelessly actuate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects within said game.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one gaming system is configured and adapted to track the game progress or performance of a game participant by executing software instructions on a computer device that uses a database to independently log and keep track of game-relevant information for each of said one or more game participants playing said game substantially simultaneously.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one gaming system is configured and adapted to adjust the play experience for each of said one or more game participants by allowing or denying access to one or more different game levels in said game based on said tracked game progress or performance.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said holding and operating at least one portable wireless motion-sensitive input device comprises holding and operating a first portable wireless motion-sensitive input device and holding and operating a second portable wireless motion-sensitive input device sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said game at least in part by moving said second input device in a particular manner, and wherein said second input device is adapted to wirelessly communicate with said first input device.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating a digital camera configured to automatically capture one or more digital images of a game participant while said game participant is playing said game.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said one or more digital images are stored in association with certain identifying information relevant to said game participant.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said one or more digital images are displayed on a display screen.

14. An interactive entertainment system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game in which at least a portion of the game is visually/aurally represented through computer animations displayed on an associated display device and wherein game progress or performance for each individual game participant is substantially simultaneously tracked as said game is played, said entertainment system comprising:

at least one gaming system comprising a computing device configured and adapted to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with a user-selectable game, said at least one gaming system comprising a first wireless transceiver adapted to provide medium-range two-way wireless communications with one or more wireless input devices; and

at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said game at least in part by moving substantially the entire input device through the air in a waving or shaking motion, said at least one input device comprising;

an elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be held or gripped by a single hand of a game participant to a second end protruding from said first end and being oriented in substantial collinear alignment therewith;

at least one motion sensor configured and arranged relative to said elongated so as to sense one or more waving or shaking motions of said elongated body;

an effects generator for selectively producing one or more light, vibration or sound effects based on one or more wireless communications received from said at least one gaming system;

a unique identification number for uniquely identifying said at least one input device within said game and for distinguishing said at least one input device from other wireless input devices that may be operated by other game participants; and

a second wireless transceiver adapted to provide medium-range two-way wireless communications with said first transceiver or one or more other associated wireless input devices, wherein said two-way wireless communications include communication of at least said unique identification number;

wherein said at least one gaming system is further configured and adapted to execute game software to carry out said user-selectable game, said game software including program instructions for instructing said gaming system to;

i) conduct an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually/aurally represented through computer animation;

ii) establish a wireless communication link with said at least one input device when said at least one input device is operated within a communication range of said first transceiver, said wireless communication link being established at least in part by said first wireless transceiver sending a first wireless signal including a first identification number identifying said first wireless transceiver and said second wireless transceiver receiving and responding to said first wireless transceiver by sending a second wireless signal including said first identification number and a second identification number comprising said unique identification number of said at least one input device;

iii) track the game progress or performance of each game participant playing said game based at least in part on identifying and distinguishing one or more wireless input signals from each said game participant; and

iv) adjust the play experience for each said game participant based on said tracked game progress or performance.

15. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said at least one gaming system comprises a personal computer, video gaming system, home-based gaming system, or web-based gaming system.

16. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said at least one gaming system comprises multiple gaming systems provided in one or more play environments and wherein a network connection is provided between said multiple gaming systems for communicating selected game-relevant data between said multiple gaming systems and wherein said game-relevant data comprises at least game progress or performance information for up to hundreds of game participants playing said game substantially simultaneously.

17. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device for determining and tracking the global position of said at least one input device.

18. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a display screen configured and adapted for displaying game-relevant information based on one or more wireless communications received from said at least one gaming system or one or more other wireless input devices.

19. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said at least one motion sensor is configured and arranged relative to said elongated body so as to sense one or more waving, shaking, stroking or tapping motions of said elongated body.

20. The entertainment system of claim 19, wherein said at least one motion sensor is configured and arranged relative to said elongated body so as to sense and distinguish one or more waving, shaking, stroking or tapping motions of said elongated body.

21. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said game software further comprises program instructions for teaching or training a game participant how to move said at least one input device to wirelessly actuate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects within said game.

22. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said game software further comprises program instructions for adjusting the play experience for a game participant by allowing or denying access to one or more different game levels in said game based on said tracked game progress or performance.

23. The entertainment system of claim 14, wherein said at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device comprises a first wireless motion-sensitive input device and a second wireless motion-sensitive input device, said second input device sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said game at least in part by moving said second input device in a particular desired manner, and wherein said second input device is further adapted to wirelessly communicate with said first input device.

24. The entertainment system of claim 14, further comprising an image capture system adapted to be triggered at least in part by said at least one gaming system for capturing one or more digital images of a game participant playing said game.

25. The entertainment system of claim 24, further comprising an image storage-retrieval-display system for storing, retrieving and displaying said one or more captured digital images.

26. An interactive entertainment system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game in which at least a portion of the game is visually/aurally represented through one or more computer animations displayed on a display device, said entertainment system comprising:

at least one gaming system having a computing device configured and adapted to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with a game, said at least one computer gaming system comprising a first wireless transceiver adapted to be provided at a first location within a play environment and providing two-way wireless communications with one or more associated portable wireless input devices provided within a wireless communication range of said first wireless transceiver, said wireless communication range extending at least 10 feet from said first location;

at least one portable wireless motion-sensitive input device sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant to play said game at least in part by moving said at least one input device through the air in a desired manner, said at least one input device comprising;

a unique identification number for uniquely identifying said at least one input device within said game and for distinguishing said at least one input device from one or more other wireless input devices that may be operated by other game participants;

a second wireless transceiver adapted to provide two-way wireless communications with said first wireless transceiver, and wherein said two-way wireless communications include at least communication of selected information uniquely identifying said at least one input device to said at least one gaming system;

at least one motion sensor configured and arranged so as to sense one or more motions of said at least one input device;

at least one display screen for displaying selected messages or other game-relevant information based on one or more wireless communications received from said at least one gaming system; and

an effects generator for selectively producing one or more light, vibration or sound effects based on one or more wireless communications received from said at least one gaming system; and

game software adapted to be executed by said gaming system to carry out said game, said game software including program instructions for instructing said gaming system to conduct an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually/aurally represented through one or more computer animations, track the game progress or performance of one or more game participants playing said game, wirelessly transmit selected messages or other game-relevant information to be displayed on said at least one display screen, and adjust the play experience for said one or more game participants based at least in part on said tracked game progress or performance.

27. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said at least one gaming system comprises multiple gaming systems provided in multiple play environments and wherein a network connection is provided between said multiple gaming systems for communicating selected game-relevant data between said multiple gaming systems and wherein said game-relevant data comprises at least game progress or performance information for up to hundreds of game participants playing said game substantially simultaneously.

28. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said at least one input device comprises an elongated body sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said game, said elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be held or gripped by a single hand of a game participant to a second end protruding beyond said first end and being oriented in substantial collinear alignment therewith.

29. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device for determining and tracking the global position of said at least one input device.

30. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said at least one motion sensor is configured and arranged so as to sense one or more waving, shaking, stroking or tapping motions of said at least one input device.

31. The entertainment system of claim 30, wherein said at least one motion sensor is configured and arranged so as to sense and distinguish one or more waving, shaking, stroking or tapping motions of said at least one input device.

32. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said game software further comprises program instructions for teaching or training a game participant how to move said at least one input device to wirelessly actuate or control one or more desired computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects.

33. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said game software further comprises program instructions for instructing said gaming system to wirelessly and automatically establish a wireless communication link with said at least one input device when said at least one input device is operated within a communication range of said first wireless transceiver, said wireless communication link being established at least in part by said first wireless transceiver sending a first wireless signal including a first identification number identifying said first wireless transceiver and said second wireless transceiver receiving and responding to said first wireless transceiver by sending a second wireless signal including said first identification number and a second identification number comprising said unique identification number of said at least one input device, and wherein said wireless communication link allows said first and second transceivers to uniquely identify and wirelessly communicate with one another.

34. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said at least one portable wireless motion-sensitive input device comprises a first portable wireless motion-sensitive input device and a second portable wireless motion-sensitive input device, said second input device being sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said game at least in part by moving said second input device through the air in a waving or shaking motion, said second input device comprising an elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be held or gripped by a single hand of a game participant to a second end protruding from said first end and being oriented in substantial collinear alignment therewith, and wherein said second input device is adapted to wirelessly communicate with said at least one gaming system or said first portable wireless motion-sensitive input device.

35. The entertainment system of claim 32, further comprising a third portable wireless motion-sensitive input device sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said game at least in part by moving said third input device in a desired manner, and wherein said third input device is adapted to wirelessly communicate with at least said second input device.

36. The entertainment system of claim 26, further comprising an image capture system adapted to be triggered at least in part by said at least one gaming system for capturing one or more digital images of a game participant.

37. The entertainment system of claim 36, further comprising an image storage-retrieval-display system for storing, retrieving and displaying said one or more captured digital images.

38. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein said at least one gaming system comprises a personal computer, video gaming system, home-based gaming system, or web-based gaming system.

39. A live-action interactive entertainment system for amusing or entertaining multiple game participants playing a game wherein at least a portion of said game is physically represented in a physical play environment and wherein at least a portion of said game is visually/aurally represented in a virtual play environment through computer animation, said entertainment system comprising:

a physical play environment comprising a play structure, dedicated play space or entertainment facility configured and adapted to produce one or more physical play effects, said physical play environment having a size and operating capacity capable of supporting game participants and being themed in accordance with a game desired to be played;

a virtual play environment comprising at least one gaming system having a computing device configured and adapted to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with said game;

at least one wireless receiver adapted to receive wireless input signals from one or more associated wireless input devices and to communicate said wireless input signals to said physical play environment and/or said virtual play environment;

at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said game at least in part by moving said at least one input device in a waving or shaking motion, said at least one input device comprising;

an elongated body having an axis of elongation extending from a first end adapted to be held or gripped by a single hand of a game participant to a second end protruding from said first end and being oriented in substantial collinear alignment therewith;

at least one motion sensor configured and arranged relative to said elongated body so as to sense one or more waving or shaking motions of said elongated body;

a unique identification number for uniquely identifying said at least one input device within said game and for distinguishing said at least one input device from one or more other associated wireless input devices that may be operated by other game participants; and

a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit one or more wireless input signals to said receiver, and wherein said one or more wireless input signals include communication of at least said unique identification number; and

a master control system for actuating or controlling one or more physical play effects in said physical play environment and one or more computer-animated effects in said virtual play environment so as to provide an overall interactive game in which the game progress or performance of multiple game participants playing said game in both said physical play environment and said virtual play environment can be individually tracked according to the received wireless input signals, and wherein said master control system is further able to adjust the game experience for each said game participant in both said physical play environment and said virtual play environment based on said tracked game progress or performance.

40. The entertainment system of claim 39, wherein said at least one gaming system comprises multiple gaming systems provided in one or more physical play environments and wherein a network connection is provided between said multiple gaming systems for communicating selected game-relevant data between said multiple gaming systems and wherein said game-relevant data comprises at least game progress or performance information for up to hundreds of game participants playing said game substantially simultaneously.

41. The entertainment system of claim 39, wherein said wireless receiver and said wireless transmitter comprise medium range wireless communication devices configured and adapted to wirelessly and electronically exchange information over a communication medium selected from the group consisting of:

RF, infrared, laser, visual, audio, and ultrasonic.

42. The entertainment system of claim 39, wherein said at least one motion sensor is configured and arranged relative to said elongated body so as to sense and distinguish one or more waving or shaking motions of said elongated body.

43. The entertainment system of claim 39, wherein said master control system is further configured and adapted to actuate or control said one or more physical play effects in said physical play environment or said one or more computer-animated effects in said virtual play environment so as to teach or train a game participant how to move said at least one input device to wirelessly actuate or control one or more physical play effects or computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects.

44. The entertainment system of claim 39, wherein said master control system is further configured and adapted to adjust the play experience for a game participant by allowing or denying access to one or more different game areas or game levels in said physical or virtual play environment based on said tracked game progress or performance.

45. The entertainment system of claim 39, further comprising an image capture system for automatically capturing one or more digital images of a game participant while said game participant is playing said game.

46. The entertainment system of claim 45, further comprising an image storage and retrieval system for storing, retrieving and displaying said one or more digital images.