Interactive gaming system and method using motion-sensitive input device

• US 8,184,097 B1
• Filed: 12/06/2011
• Issued: 05/22/2012
• 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:
  US13/312,916
• Publication Number:
  US 20120122575A1
• Time in Patent Office: 168 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 motion-based game in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects, said method comprising:

activating or configuring at least one gaming console to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with a user-selectable game, said at least one gaming console comprising a first wireless transceiver adapted to provide two-way wireless communications with one or more associated wireless devices;

activating or configuring at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device to be held and moved freely in the air and to be operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said user-selectable game at least in part by moving the entire body of said at least one input device in a shaking, twisting or waving motion, said at least one input device comprising;

a portable housing comprising an elongated body extending along an axis of elongation from a gripping end adapted to be held or gripped by a single hand of a game participant to a pointing end protruding beyond said gripping end and being in substantial collinear alignment therewith, said portable housing enclosing an internal cavity sized and configured so as to contain one or more energy sources and associated electronics for operating said at least one input device;

processing circuitry comprising a microprocessor having an associated memory, said memory having stored therein at least one address identifier for uniquely identifying said at least one input device to said at least one gaming console and for distinguishing said at least one input device from one or more other input devices;

motion-sensitive circuitry comprising one or more sensors configured and arranged within said housing so as to produce sensor output data responsive to one or more sensed motions of said housing;

command circuitry comprising at least two finger-actuated switches configured and arranged relative to said housing so as to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of said single hand to produce switch output data responsive to various combinations of switch actuations; and

a second wireless transceiver adapted to provide two-way wireless communication with at least said first wireless transceiver;

moving said at least one input device in a shaking, twisting or waving motion while simultaneously selectively actuating one, two or none of said at least two finger-actuated switches using said single hand to produce a control signal based at least in part on said sensor output data, said switch output data and said address identifier; and

causing said second wireless transceiver to wirelessly transmit said control signal from said second wireless transceiver to said first wireless transceiver, wherein said control signal is received by said first wireless transceiver and used to activate, modify or control said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects based, at least in part, on said received control signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one input device comprises a base component adapted to be modularly assembled and functionally intercoupled with one or more auxiliary components and wherein said method further comprises assembling said base component with one or more auxiliary components to selectively create a modified input device having enhanced powers, abilities or functionality.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a light-emitting portion configured and adapted to emit a visible or infrared light signal or pattern and wherein said at least one gaming console is further operatively associated with an external camera configured and adapted to capture one or more digital images of said light signal or pattern and wherein said method comprises the further step of positioning or moving said at least one input device so as to produce a light signal or pattern and wherein said light signal or pattern is used to activate, modify or control said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects based at least in part on said one or more captured digital images.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said gaming console comprises an address storage module configured to store said address identifier of said at least one input device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said received control signal comprises information representative of said address identifier and wherein said gaming console is adapted to compare said address identifier transmitted by said control signal with said address identifier stored in said address storage module to recognize or distinguish control signals originating from multiple associated wireless devices.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one address identifier is configured to facilitate establishing a unique wireless communication link between said first wireless transceiver and said second wireless transceiver, said unique wireless communication link being established at least in part by said first transceiver sending a first wireless 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 signal including said first identification number and a second identification number corresponding to said address identifier for said at least one input device, whereby said control signal may thereafter be based on said address identifier solely by virtue of communicating said control signal using said unique wireless communication link.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein operating at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device comprises operating a first wireless motion-sensitive input device and operating a second 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 user-selectable game at least in part by moving, shaking, twisting or waving said second input device and wherein said second input device further comprises a second address identifier for uniquely identifying said second input device within said user-selectable game.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said second input device comprises a third wireless transceiver adapted to provide two-way wireless communication with at least said second wireless transceiver of said first input device.

9. A motion-based interactive gaming system in which a virtual play environment is represented at least in part through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects, said gaming system comprising:

at least one gaming console configured and adapted to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with a game, said at least one gaming console comprising a first wireless receiver adapted to receive wireless communications from one or more wireless input devices for activating, modifying or controlling said one or more computer-animated effects;

at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air and 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 through the air in a waving or shaking motion, said at least one input device comprising;

a base component comprising an elongated housing extending along an axis of elongation from a gripping end adapted to be grasped by a single hand of a game participant to a pointing end protruding beyond said gripping end and being substantially in coaxial alignment therewith, said housing substantially enclosing an internal cavity containing one or more energy sources and associated electronics for operating said at least one input device;

motion-sensitive circuitry disposed within said housing comprising at least a first sensor and a second sensor, said first and second sensors being configured and arranged so as to generate sensor output data in response to one or more sensed motions of said at least one input device;

processing circuitry comprising a microprocessor electrically coupled to said first and second sensors and adapted to receive and process said sensor output data, said microprocessor further comprising associated memory having stored therein at least one address identifier for uniquely identifying said at least one input device;

a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to said wireless receiver for activating, modifying or controlling said one or more computer-animated effects, said control signal being based at least in part on said sensor output data and said at least one address identifier; and

at least one auxiliary component configured and adapted to be detachably and modularly assembled with said base component for enabling said game participant to selectively create a modified input device having enhanced powers, capabilities or aesthetics; 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 at least one gaming console to;

i) conduct said game as an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is visually/aurally represented through one or more computer animations, ii) use said address identifier to individually track the game progress or performance for each of said one or more game participants playing said game, and iii) substantially simultaneously adjust the play experience for each of said one or more game participants based at least in part on said tracked game progress or performance.

10. The interactive gaming system of claim 9, wherein said game software is further configured and adapted to instruct said gaming system to store selected information identifying or describing certain characteristics, attributes, powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with each of said plurality of game participants playing said game.

11. The interactive gaming system claim 10, wherein said game software is further configured and adapted to instruct said gaming system to update or modify said character information based on:

i) input provided by each said game participant, ii) selected game play information or results, or iii) information confirming the purchase of one or more auxiliary components or other play objects relevant to said game.

12. The interactive gaming system claim 9, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a light bulb, LED or semiconductor laser adapted and arranged so as to produce a detectable light signal or pattern while a game participant is moving said input device through the air and wherein said interactive gaming system further comprises a digital camera configured to be communicatively coupled to said at least one gaming console, said digital camera being configured and adapted to capture one or more digital images of said light signal or pattern and to communicate said one or more digital images to said gaming console, and wherein said gaming console is further configured and adapted to process said one or more digital images by analyzing the position and/or movement of said light signal or pattern and to thereby activate or control said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects based at least in part on said processed digital images.

13. The interactive gaming system of claim 9, wherein said at least one input device further comprises command circuitry comprising at least two finger-actuated switches operatively associated with said housing, said at least two finger-actuated switches being sized, configured and adapted to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of a single hand to selectively control at least two bits of input data provided as part of said control signal while said game participant is simultaneously moving said input device through the air, whereby said game participant is able to hold and use said motion-sensitive input device with a single hand to activate, modify or control various computer-animated effects within said game by moving said input device through the air in a waving or shaking motion while simultaneously actuating one, two or none of said at least two finger-actuated switches.

14. The interactive gaming system of claim 9, further comprising one or more collectible or tradable items comprising a toy, card, trinket, token, doll, action figure or stuffed animal, each said one or more collectible or tradable items physically depicting or representing persons, characters or objects relevant to said game and having associated therewith an electronically-readable tag, each said electronically-readable tag further comprising tag identification information for identifying or tracking each said associated collectible or tradable item and wherein said gaming system is further configured and adapted to:

i) electronically read each said electronically-readable tag when a selected one or more of said collectible or tradable items is presented by one or more came participants to thereby determine said tag identification information,

ii) create one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects having the particular appearance, characteristics and/or traits of said corresponding depicted or represented person, character or object, or

iii) adjust the game experience for one or more game participants according to said one or more presented collectible or tradable items,

whereby said one or more game participants are able to affect the play of said game by selectively presenting said one or more collectible or tradable items.

15. The interactive gaming system of claim 14, wherein at least one of said one or more collectible or tradable items comprises an electronically-readable RFID tag and wherein said tag identification information comprises a tag ID uniquely associated with each said RFID tag.

16. The interactive gaming system of claim 15, wherein said at least one gaming console comprises a first gaming console and a second gaming console and wherein said first gaming console is configured and adapted to produce said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with said game and wherein said second gaming console comprises an RFID reader device configured and adapted to:

i) wirelessly power and electronically read each said electronically-readable RFID tag when a selected one or more of said one or more collectible or tradable items is presented to said second gaming console to thereby determine said tag ID, and

ii) communicate said tag ID to said first gaming console, whereby said first gaming console can adjust the game experience for said one or more game participants according to said selected one or more collectible or tradable items presented to said second gaming console.

17. The interactive gaming system of claim 9, wherein said at least one auxiliary component comprises a third sensor configured and arranged so as to generate additional sensor data in response to one or more sensed motions of said at least one input device when said auxiliary component is assembled with said base component, wherein said additional sensor data is different than said sensor output data generated by said first sensor or said second sensor, and wherein said transmitter is further configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to said wireless receiver based at least in part on said sensor output data, said additional sensor data and said at least one address identifier.

18. The interactive gaming system of claim 9, wherein said at least one auxiliary component comprises multiple auxiliary components and wherein said multiple auxiliary components are interchangeable such that at least one or more of said multiple auxiliary components can be purchased by a user and interchangeably assembled with said base component and/or selected others of said at least one or more auxiliary components to create an individualized input device having enhanced powers, abilities or aesthetics.

19. The interactive gaming system of claim 9, wherein said base component comprises an elongated housing having an axis of elongation extending from a proximal end to a distal end and wherein said at least one auxiliary component is configured and adapted for modular detachable assembly to the proximal end of said elongated housing.

20. The interactive gaming system of claim 9, wherein said at least one input device, when said base component thereof is detachably assembled with said at least one auxiliary component, comprises one or more of the following motion-sensitive toys:

magic wand, sword, staff, scepter, whip, paddle, nunchuk, cricket bat, baseball bat, sporting ball, musical instrument, flute, recorder, drum stick, rope, fishing rod, doll, action figure, or stuffed animal.

21. A wireless motion-sensitive input device for playing an interactive 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 and wherein game play is conducted at least in part by moving the entire body of said input device in one or more particular motions, said input device comprising:

a portable housing sized and configured to be held and moved freely in the air by a game participant using a single hand, said portable housing having an axis of elongation extending from a proximal end comprising a gripping portion sized and shaped so as to be grasped and held in said single hand to a distal end comprising a pointing portion extending from said gripping portion and being oriented in substantial coaxial alignment therewith, said housing further enclosing an internal cavity sized and configured so as to contain one or more energy sources and associated electronics for operating said input device;

processing circuitry comprising a microprocessor and associated memory, said memory being configured and adapted to store at least one address identifier for uniquely identifying said input device to said wireless-compatible game console;

motion- or position-sensitive circuitry comprising a plurality of sensors configured and arranged relative to said portable housing so as to sensed one or more particular motions of said input device and produce sensor output data based thereon, said motion- or position-sensitive circuitry comprising at least one sensor for sensing an acceleration force exerted on said input device and at least one sensor for sensing rotation of said input device relative to said axis of elongation;

command circuitry comprising two or more finger-actuated switches configured and arranged relative to said portable housing so as to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of said single hand to produce and selectively control at least two bits of switch output data; and

a wireless transceiver electrically coupled to said processing circuitry for providing two-way wireless communication with said wireless-compatible game console, said wireless transceiver being configured and adapted to transmit to said game console a control signal based at least in part on said sensor output data, said switch output data and said address identifier;

whereby said input device can be held in the air and operated by a game participant using a single hand to wirelessly activate, modify or control various computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects by moving said input device in one or more particular motions while simultaneously actuating one, two or none of said two or more finger-actuated switches, and wherein control signals transmitted by said input device can be uniquely identified by said game console and distinguished from other control signals transmitted by one or more other wireless input devices.

22. The input device of claim 21, wherein said motion- or position-sensitive circuitry comprises one or more of the following:

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

23. The input device of claim 21, further comprising an effects generator and associated control circuitry configured and arranged so as to enable said input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration in response to a second control signal transmitted by said game console.

24. The input device of claim 21, further comprising at least one light-emitting module configured and adapted to emit a visible or infrared light signal or pattern capable of being detected by an external camera communicatively coupled to said game console.

25. The input device of claim 24, wherein said at least one light-emitting module comprises a light bulb, LED or semiconductor laser adapted and arranged to shine a beam or cone of light from the distal end of said housing.

26. The input device of claim 24, in combination with a wireless-compatible game console and a digital camera, said digital camera being configured and adapted to capture one or more digital images of said light signal or pattern and to communicate said one or more digital images to said game console, and wherein said game console is configured and adapted to process said one or more digital images by analyzing the position and/or movement of said light signal or pattern and to thereby activate or control said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects based at least in part on said processed digital images.

27. The input device of claim 21, wherein said housing comprises a base component adapted to be modularly assembled and functionally interconnected with one or more auxiliary components for enabling a game participant to selectively create or customize a modified input device having enhanced powers, abilities or functionalities.

28. The input device of claim 27, wherein said at least one modified input device, when modularly assembled, comprises one or more of the following:

magic wand, sword, staff, scepter, cane, stick, flower, paint brush, crayon, whip, paddle, bat, nunchuk, sporting ball, musical instrument, flute, recorder, fishing rod, doll, action figure, book, jewelry item, crystal ball, or stuffed animal.

29. The input device of claim 21, in combination with a wireless-compatible game console adapted to produce computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects, said game console further comprising:

i) an address storage module configured and adapted to dynamically store multiple address identifiers corresponding to multiple associated wireless input devices;

ii) an address comparator for recognizing and distinguishing control signals originating from said multiple associated input devices according to each corresponding address identifier; and

iii) a tracking system for tracking game progress or performance of each of a plurality of game participants using said multiple associated wireless input devices to play said interactive game based at least in part on each said recognized address identifier.

30. The input device of claim 21, wherein said memory is further configured and adapted to store selected information identifying or describing certain characteristics, attributes, powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with said interactive game and wherein said microprocessor is further configured to create or update said character information based on:

i) input provided by said game participant, ii) selected game play information or results, or iii) information confirming the purchase of one or more play objects relevant to said interactive game.

31. The input device of claim 21, wherein at least one of said two or more finger-actuated switches comprises a solid-state electronic switch or touch sensor.

32. The input device of claim 21, further comprising a magnetic inductance energy generator disposed within said internal cavity and configured and adapted to generate useable energy from an externally applied electromagnetic field.

48. The input device of claim 21, wherein said address identifier is configured to initialize or enable a unique wireless communication link between said input device and said wireless-compatible game console, said unique wireless communication link being established at least in part by said wireless-compatible game console sending a first wireless signal including a first identification number identifying said game console, and said input device receiving and responding to said first wireless signal by sending a second wireless signal including said first identification number and a second identification number corresponding to said address identifier, wherein once said link is initialized said control signal need not further communicate said address identifier, but said control signal may be based on said address identifier solely by virtue of using said unique wireless communication link.

33. An interactive gaming system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing an interactive game in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects, said interactive gaming system comprising:

at least one gaming console configured and adapted to produce one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with said interactive game, said at least one gaming console comprising a wireless receiver adapted to receive wireless communications from one or more associated wireless input devices for activating, modifying or controlling said one or more computer-animated effects;

at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device sized and configured to be held and operated by a game participant using a single hand to play said interactive game at least in part by moving the entire body of said input device in a particular motion, said at least one input device comprising;

an elongated housing sized and configured to be held and moved in free space by a game participant using a single hand, said housing extending substantially coaxially along an axis of elongation from a proximal end adapted to be grasped to a distal end adapted to be pointed in a direction indicated by said axis of elongation;

processing circuitry comprising a microprocessor and associated memory, said memory being configured and adapted to store at least one address identifier for uniquely identifying said wireless motion-sensitive input device to said gaming console;

motion- or position-sensitive circuitry electrically coupled to said processing circuitry and configured and arranged so as to provide a first user-directed input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said input device, said motion- or position-sensitive circuitry comprising at least one sensor element for sensing an acceleration force exerted on said input device and at least one sensor element for sensing rotation of said input device;

command circuitry electrically coupled to said processing circuitry and comprising at least two finger-actuated switches configured and arranged relative to said housing so as to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of said single hand while simultaneously moving said input device in a particular motion to selectively control at least two corresponding bits of data comprising a second user-directed input signal; and

a wireless transmitter electrically coupled to said processing circuitry for transmitting wireless communications to said at least one gaming console, said wireless transmitter being configured and adapted to transmit to said wireless receiver a control signal based at least in part on said first and second user-directed input signals and said address identifier;

wherein said at least one gaming console further comprises;

i) an address storage module configured and adapted to dynamically store multiple address identifiers corresponding to multiple associated wireless input devices;

ii) an address comparator for recognizing or distinguishing control signals originating from said multiple associated input devices; and

iii) a tracking system for monitoring and tracking game progress of each of said one or more game participants based at least in part on each said recognized address identifier.

34. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein said at least one gaming console further comprises a second wireless transmitter and said at least one input device further comprises a second wireless receiver for providing two-way wireless communications between said at least one gaming console and said at least one input device.

35. The gaming system of claim 34, wherein said at least one input device further comprises an effects generator and associated control circuitry configured and arranged so as to enable said at least one input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration in response to a second control signal transmitted by said at least one gaming console.

36. The gaming system of claim 35, wherein said effects generator comprises at least one light-emitting module configured and adapted to emit a visible or infrared light signal or pattern capable of being detected by an external camera communicatively coupled to said gaming console.

37. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein said at least one light-emitting module comprises a light bulb, LED or semiconductor laser adapted and arranged to shine a beam or cone of light from the distal end of said housing.

38. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein said at least one input device further comprises a light-emitting portion configured and adapted to emit a visible or infrared light signal or pattern capable of being detected by an external camera.

39. The gaming system of claim 38, further comprising a digital camera, said digital camera being configured and adapted to capture one or more digital images of said light signal or pattern and to communicate said one or more digital images to said gaming console, and wherein said gaming console is further configured and adapted to process said one or more digital images by analyzing the position and/or movement of said light signal or pattern and to thereby activate or control said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects based at least in part on said processed digital images.

40. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein said at least one input device comprises a light bulb, LED or semiconductor laser adapted and arranged so as to produce a detectable light signal or pattern while a game participant is moving said input device in a particular motion and wherein said gaming system further comprises a digital camera, said digital camera being configured and adapted to capture one or more digital images of said light signal or pattern and to communicate said one or more digital images to said gaming console, and wherein said gaming console is configured and adapted to process said one or more digital images by analyzing the position and/or movement of said light signal or pattern to thereby activate or control said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects based at least in part on said processed digital images.

41. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein said at least one input devices comprises a base component adapted to be modularly assembled and functionally interconnected with one or more auxiliary components for enabling a game participant to selectively create or customize a modified input device having enhanced powers, abilities or functionality.

42. The gaming system of claim 41, wherein said at least one modified input device, when modularly assembled, comprises one or more of the following:

magic wand, sword, staff, scepter, cane, stick, flower, paint brush, crayon, whip, paddle, bat, nunchuk, sporting ball, musical instrument, flute, recorder, fishing rod, doll, action figure, book, jewelry item, crystal ball, or stuffed animal.

43. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein said tracking system is further configured and adapted to store selected information identifying or describing certain characteristics, attributes, powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with each of said one or more game participants playing said interactive game.

44. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein said tracking system is further configured and adapted to update or modify said character information based on:

i) input provided by each said game participant, ii) selected game play information or results, or iii) information confirming the purchase of one or more auxiliary components or other play objects relevant to said interactive game.

45. The gaming system of claim 33, further comprising an RFID reader device and one or more collectible or tradable items comprising a toy, card, trinket, token, doll, action figure or stuffed animal, each of said one or more collectible or tradable items physically depicting or representing persons, characters or objects relevant to said interactive game and comprising an electronically-readable RFID tag, each said electronically-readable RFID tag further comprising tag identification information for identifying or tracking each said collectible or tradable item and wherein said gaming system is further configured and adapted to:

i) wirelessly power and electronically read each said electronically-readable RFID tag when a selected one or more of said collectible or tradable items is presented to said RFID reader device and thereby determine said tag identification information, and

ii) create one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects having the particular appearance, characteristics and/or traits of said corresponding depicted or represented person, character or object,

whereby said game system is able to adjust the game experience for one or more game participants according to said one or more presented collectible or tradable items, and

whereby said one or more game participants are able to affect the play of said interactive game by selectively presenting said one or more collectible or tradable items to said RFID reader device.

46. The gaming system of claim 45, wherein at least one of said one or more collectible or tradable items comprises a paper, cardboard or plastic substrate imprinted with graphics, photos and/or other information and wherein said tag identification information comprises a tag ID uniquely associated with each of said collectable or tradable items.

47. The gaming system of claim 45, wherein said at least one gaming console comprises a first gaming console and a second gaming console and wherein said first gaming console is configured and adapted to produce said one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects in accordance with said interactive game and wherein said second gaming console comprises an RFID reader device configured and adapted to:

i) electronically read each said electronically-readable RFID tag when a selected one or more of said one or more collectible or tradable items is presented to said second gaming console to thereby determine said tag identification information, and

ii) communicate said tag identification information to said first gaming console,

whereby said first gaming console adjusts the game experience based at least in part on said selected one or more of said one or more collectible or tradable items presented to said second gaming console.

49. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein said address identifier is configured to initialize or enable a unique wireless communication link between said at least one input device and said at least one gaming console, said unique wireless communication link being established at least in part by said gaming console sending a first wireless signal including a first identification number identifying said gaming console, and said input device receiving and responding to said first wireless signal by sending a second wireless signal including said first identification number and a second identification number corresponding to said address identifier, wherein once said link is initialized said control signal need not further communicate said address identifier, but said control signal may be based on said address identifier solely by virtue of using said unique wireless communication link.