Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements

• US 9,039,533 B2
• Filed: 08/20/2014
• Issued: 05/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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): Hylinski, Steven J
• Application Number:
  US14/464,652
• Publication Number:
  US 20140357373A1
• Time in Patent Office: 279 Days
• US Class Current: 463/39
• 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 store that is usable in an interactive game that provides virtual play via computer animation. The toy may include an RFID transponder or tag which is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or character. Players advance in the game by finding clues, casting spells and solving various puzzles presented. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, and the like. All of this information is stored on the RFID tag and/or an associated database such that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like. In this manner, an imaginary role-play character is created and stored on a portable device that is able to seamlessly transcend from one play environment to the next.

Claims

1. A wireless interactive gaming system combining physical and virtual gameplay elements, said wireless interactive gaming system comprising:

a doll or action figure comprising a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising non-volatile memory storing a first selection of information configured to enable a game participant to access and play a computer-animated game on a compatible gaming platform;

a plurality of adjunct gaming items each comprising a second RFID tag comprising non-volatile memory storing a second selection of information configured to enable said game participant to access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game, each said adjunct gaming item comprising a molded plastic body having a cavity formed therein and wherein said second RFID tag is disposed in said cavity and encapsulated within said molded plastic body; and

an RFID reader configured to;

i) wirelessly power and communicate with each of said first and second RFID tags through inductive coupling;

ii) ascertain said corresponding first and second selections of information, and iii) communicate said first and second selections of information to said compatible gaming platform.

2. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first selection of information comprises a unique identifier configured to uniquely identify said doll or action figure within said computer-animated game.

3. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 1, wherein said second selection of information comprises machine-readable data describing one or more in-game attributes of a virtual game character in said computer-animated game.

4. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 1, wherein said one or more optional features comprise modifying the powers or abilities of a virtual game character in said computer-animated game.

5. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 1, wherein said molded plastic body is formed from a transparent plastic material in a shape and color simulating a natural crystal.

6. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 1, wherein said molded plastic body is formed from polymerized methyl methacrylate in a shape and color simulating a natural crystal.

7. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 1, wherein said RFID reader is configured to actuate one or more associated lighting or sound effects.

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

a first gaming item comprising a doll or action figure configured to be used by a game participant as a player tracking device in an associated computer-animated game carried out on a compatible gaming platform comprising a home game console or handheld gaming device, said first gaming item comprising a first radio frequency (RF) transponder comprising a unique identifier uniquely identifying said first gaming item and non-volatile programmable memory configured to store a first selection of information comprising machine-readable data describing selected progress or achievements of said game participant in said computer-animated game;

a second gaming item configured to be used by said game participant in conjunction with said first gaming item to selectively access one or more optional features of said computer-animated game, said second gaming item comprising a second RF transponder comprising non-volatile memory configured to store a second selection of information comprising machine-readable data describing selected powers or abilities of a virtual game character in said computer-animated game; and

a wireless reader configured to;

i) wirelessly 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) store said first selection of information in said non-volatile programmable memory of said first RF transponder based on progress or achievements of said game participant in said computer-animated game.

9. The wireless gaming system of claim 8, wherein said doll or action figure is configured to depict or represent one or more of a person, a character or an object relevant to said computer-animated game.

10. The wireless gaming system of claim 8, 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 item.

11. The wireless gaming system of claim 8, 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 item within said limited wireless communication range of said wireless reader.

12. The wireless gaming system of claim 8, wherein said second gaming item comprises a molded plastic body having a cavity formed therein and wherein said second RF transponder is disposed in said cavity and encapsulated within said molded plastic body.

13. The wireless interactive gaming system of claim 12, wherein said molded plastic body is formed from a transparent plastic material in a shape and color simulating a natural crystal.

14. A wireless interactive toy for storing, transporting and wirelessly communicating information relevant to a virtual game character in an associated game played on one or more wireless-compatible gaming platforms, said wireless interactive toy comprising a toy body molded from a plastic material and formed in a shape and color simulating a natural crystal, said toy body having an internal cavity formed therein configured to house associated electronic circuitry comprising:

a microprocessor;

non-volatile memory electrically coupled to said microprocessor and storing a first selection of information comprising a machine-readable identifier uniquely identifying said wireless interactive toy;

programmable non-volatile memory electrically coupled to said microprocessor and storing a second selection of information comprising machine-readable data describing selected in-game attributes of said virtual game character;

a radio frequency (RF) transceiver electrically coupled to said microprocessor and configured to provide two-way wireless communications with said one or more wireless-compatible gaming platforms and wherein said two-way wireless communications comprise at least said second selection of information; and

an antenna electrically coupled to said RF transceiver and configured to be wirelessly energized by an externally-generated electromagnetic field to thereby electrically power at least said RF transceiver;

wherein said microprocessor, said non-volatile memory, said programmable non-volatile memory, said RF transceiver, and said antenna are all disposed in said internal cavity and encapsulated within said toy body.

15. The wireless interactive toy of claim 14, wherein said toy body 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 toy body.

16. The wireless interactive toy of claim 15, wherein said transparent plastic material comprises polymerized methyl methacrylate.

17. The wireless interactive toy of claim 14, further comprising a lighting element disposed within said internal cavity and wherein said associated electronic circuitry is configured to illuminate said lighting element to produce one or more lighting effects based at least in part on information wirelessly exchanged between said RF transceiver and said one or more wireless-compatible gaming platforms.

18. The wireless interactive toy of claim 14, wherein said selected in-game attributes comprise unique powers or abilities associated with said virtual game character.

19. The wireless interactive toy of claim 14, in combination with a second wireless interactive toy comprising a doll or action figure configured to be used by a game participant as a player tracking device in said associated game, said second wireless interactive toy comprising non-volatile programmable memory storing a third selection of information comprising player tracking information describing selected progress or achievements of said game participant in said associated game.

20. The wireless interactive toy of claim 14, in combination with a wireless reader configured to:

i) wirelessly communicate with said RF transceiver, ii) ascertain from said RF transceiver said first and second selections of information, and iii) communicate said first and second selections of information to said one or more compatible gaming platforms.