You’re using a public version of DrugPatentWatch with 5 free searches available | Register to unlock more free searches. CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Claims for Patent: 8,089,458


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Summary for Patent: 8,089,458
Title:Toy devices and methods for providing an interactive play experience
Abstract: The invention provides a unique interactive play experience carried out utilizing a toy \"wand\" and/or other actuation/tracking device. In one embodiment, the wand incorporates a wireless transmitter and motion-sensitive circuitry adapted to actuate the transmitter in response to particular learned wand motions. The wand allows play participants to electronically and \"magically\" interact with their surrounding play environment simply by pointing, touching and/or using their wands in a particular manner to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects. In other embodiments, a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The seemingly magical wand toy is configured to use a send/receive radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.
Inventor(s): Barney; Jonathan A. (Newport Beach, CA), Weston; Denise Chapman (Wakefield, RI)
Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC (Wakefield, RI)
Application Number:12/261,864
Patent Claims:1. A toy device for use in interactive game play, said toy device comprising: an elongated body having distal and proximal ends; a wireless transmitter; a first motion-sensitive element and a second motion-sensitive element each coupled to said body, wherein said first and second motion-sensitive elements are configured to generate respective first and second signals in response to movement of said body in at least one direction; and a processor in communication with said first and second motion-sensitive elements so as to receive said first and second signals, wherein said processor is configured to determine a duration of time between receiving the first signal and receiving the second signal, and wherein said processor is further configured to cause the wireless transmitter to output a third signal based on said first signal, said second signal and said duration of time, said third signal being adapted to trigger or control at least one effect.

2. The toy device of claim 1, wherein the wireless transmitter comprises an infrared transmitter.

3. The toy device of claim 1, wherein the third signal includes data indicative of said duration of time.

4. The toy device of claim 1, wherein the third signal includes data indicative of an intensity of the at least one effect.

5. The toy device of claim 1, wherein the third signal includes data indicative of a type of the at least one effect.

6. The toy device of claim 1, wherein the first and second motion-sensitive elements comprise tilt sensors.

7. The toy device of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor capable of causing at least one perceptible signal when said proximity sensor is within a predetermined distance of a receiver capable of receiving said third signal.

8. The toy device of claim 7, wherein the at least one effect is disabled if the proximity sensor is located outside of said predetermined distance.

9. The toy device of claim 1, wherein said first and second motion-sensitive elements are configured to generate respective fourth and fifth signals in response to movement of said body in a second direction different than said at least one direction, said processor being further configured to determine a second duration of time between receiving said fourth signal and receiving said fifth signal, and wherein said processor is further configured to cause said wireless transmitter to output a sixth signal based on said fourth signal, said fifth signal and said second duration of time, said sixth signal being adapted to trigger or control a second effect different from the at least one effect.

10. The toy device of claim 1, wherein the wireless transmitter comprises at least a radio frequency (RF) transmitter.

11. The toy device of claim 1, wherein the at least one effect comprises a computer-generated effect.

12. A toy device for use in interactive game play, said toy device comprising: first means for sensing a first motion of a first end of an elongated body of the toy device; second means for sensing a second motion of a second end of the elongated body of the toy device, wherein said first and second sensing means are operably coupled to, respectively, said first and second ends of the elongated body; means for determining a duration of time between a sensing of the first motion by said first sensing means and a sensing of the second motion by said second sensing means; and means for transmitting at least one wireless signal to a remote receiver so as to trigger or control one or more play effects remote to the toy device, wherein said at least one wireless signal is derived from information from said first signal, said second signal and said duration of time.

13. The toy device of claim 12, further comprising means for storing data associated with the user, wherein the at least one wireless signal comprises said data.

14. A wireless motion-sensitive input device for a live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit comprising: a base component comprising an elongated housing sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user and having a distal end and a proximal end, said base component having an internal cavity formed therein sized and adapted to receive and contain one or more batteries or other power sources and associated circuitry for activating and operating said input device, said associated circuitry comprising: a microprocessor; a data storage module operatively associated with said microprocessor and having stored therein at least one address identifier; a data bus operatively associated with said microprocessor adapted to carry at least two bits of input data comprising a first input signal; motion-sensitive circuitry comprising one or more sensors configured and arranged within said housing so as to generate a second input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said base component; a transmitter capable of wireless communication with at least one external receiver associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit, said transmitter being configured to send to said at least one external receiver a command signal based on said address identifier and said first and second input signals; and a receiver capable of wireless communication with at least one external transmitter associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit, said receiver being configured to receive from said at least one external transmitter a data signal containing information relevant to a game selected to be played by said user; wherein said base component is further sized, configured and adapted so as to enable the user thereof to hold and manipulate said base component by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing in a particular manner to thereby control or activate one or more desired effects within said selected game; and at least two input switches operatively associated with said base component, said at least two input switches being sized, configured and adapted to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of said user to selectively control said at least two bits of input data comprising said first input signal while said user is simultaneously moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said base component in a particular manner; whereby a user is able to use said motion-sensitive input device to control or activate at least two different desired effects within said selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing said base component in a particular manner while selectively activating one, two or none of said at least two input switches.

15. The input device of claim 14, wherein said one or more sensors comprise 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.

16. The input device of claim 14, wherein at least one of said sensors is configured and arranged so as to sense axial rotation of said input device.

17. The input device of claim 14, wherein said base component comprises a motion-sensitive wand controller.

18. The input device of claim 17, wherein said motion-sensitive wand controller is further configured and adapted to produce light, vibration or sound effects in response to said received data signal.

19. The input device of claim 18, wherein said motion-sensitive wand controller further comprises a light-emitting module disposed at the distal end thereof adapted to produce a light signal capable of being detected by an external camera associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game.

20. The input device of claim 19, wherein said light-emitting module is adapted and configured to emit a directional light signal comprising visible or infrared light.

21. The input device of claim 14, wherein said input device is further configured and adapted to produce light, vibration or sound effects in response to said received data signal.

22. The input device of claim 14, wherein said storage module has stored therein information or attributes identifying or describing powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with said selected game and wherein said microprocessor is further configured to update said character attribute information based on playing of said selected game on said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit, whereby said character attribute information may be transported to other computer games, video games, home game consoles, or hand-held game units including those upon which a user has not played said selected game.

23. The input device of claim 14, wherein said storage module has stored therein certain information or attributes identifying or describing powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with said selected game and wherein said microprocessor is further configured to update said character attribute information based on information confirming a user's purchase of play objects relevant to said selected game or said imaginary character.

24. The input device of claim 14, wherein said storage module has stored therein at least one unique person identifier for identifying a particular user of said input device.

25. The input device of claim 14, wherein said storage module has stored therein at least one unique group identifier for identifying a particular group of users having a predetermined or desired relationship to a user of said input device.

26. The input device of claim 14, wherein said base component is further configured and adapted to be modularly assembled with one or more auxiliary components, thereby allowing a user to selectively create a modified input device having enhanced powers, abilities or aesthetics.

27. The input device of claim 26, wherein said input device, when modularly assembled, comprises a motion-sensitive toy themed according to a desired play theme and which can be used as an input device for said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit.

28. The input device of claim 26, wherein said input device, when modularly assembled, 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.

29. The input device of claim 26, wherein said input device, when modularly assembled, comprises a motion-sensitive user-wearable item and which can be used as an input device for said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit.

30. The input device of claim 14, further comprising at least one auxiliary component configured and adapted for modular assembly with said base component, said at least one auxiliary component comprising at least one or more additional sensors configured and arranged so as to generate a third input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said auxiliary component when said at least one auxiliary component is modularly assembled with said base component, wherein said third input signal is different than said second input signal, and wherein said transmitter is further configured to send to said at least one external receiver a command signal based on said first input signal, said second input signal and said third input signal when said at least one auxiliary component is modularly attached to said base component.

31. The input device of claim 14, in combination with at least one or more auxiliary components, said at least one or more auxiliary components being interchangeable such that said at least one or more 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.

32. The input device of claim 31, wherein said at least one or more auxiliary components comprises a handle configured and adapted for modular assembly to the proximal end of said base component, said handle being further configured and adapted to be assembled in axial alignment with said housing to thereby extend or lengthen said input device when said handle is modularly assembled with said base component.

33. The input device of claim 14, wherein at least one of said at least two input switches comprises a touch switch.

34. The input device of claim 14, wherein at least one of said at least two input switches comprises a solid-state electronic switch.

35. The input device of claim 14, wherein at least one of said at least two input switches comprises a touch sensor activated by the simple touch of a finger.

36. The input device of claim 14, wherein said associated circuitry further comprises a magnetic inductance energy generator for generating and storing energy from an externally generated electromagnetic field.

37. The input device of claim 36, wherein said magnetic inductance energy generator comprises an inductance coil sized and arranged such that when it is exposed to an externally generated fluctuating magnetic field an alternating current is generated which can be used to charge an associated battery.

38. A motion-control video game system for generating desired play effects comprising one or more computer-generated images, said video game system comprising: at least one game console configured and adapted to play a game selected or activated by a user, said game console further comprising a console receiver configured and adapted to wirelessly receive input command signals from at least two or more wireless input devices operated substantially simultaneously by one or more users, and further comprising a console transmitter configured and adapted to wirelessly transmit at least one data signal containing information relevant to a game selected to be played on said game console by said user; at least one wireless motion-sensitive input device for enabling a user, playing either alone or simultaneously with other users, to control or activate one or more of said desired play effects within said selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said input device in accordance with one or more particular motions, said at least one motion-sensitive input device comprising: a base component comprising an elongated housing sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user and having a distal end and a proximal end, said base component having an internal cavity formed therein sized and adapted to receive and contain one or more batteries or other power sources and associated circuitry; control circuitry comprising a microprocessor, a data storage module operatively associated with said microprocessor and having stored therein at least one address identifier, and a data bus operatively associated with said microprocessor adapted to carry at least two bits of input data comprising a first input signal; motion-sensitive circuitry comprising one or more sensors configured and arranged within said housing so as to generate a second input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said base component; a base transmitter capable of wireless communication with said console receiver, said base transmitter being configured to send to said console receiver a command signal based on said address identifier and said first and second input signals; and a base receiver capable of wireless communication with said console transmitter, said base receiver being configured to receive from said console said at least one data signal containing information relevant to said selected game; and at least two input switches operatively associated with said base component, said at least two input switches being sized, configured and adapted to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of said user to selectively control said at least two bits of input data comprising said first input signal while said user is moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said base component in said particular manner; whereby a user of said motion-control video game system is able to use said at least one motion-sensitive input device to control or activate at least two different desired effects within said selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said base component in a particular manner while substantially simultaneously activating one, two or none of said at least two input switches.

39. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, further comprising a camera configured and adapted to capture a digital image of said user while said user is playing said selected game.

40. The motion-control video game system of claim 39, wherein said at least one motion-sensitive input device is further configured and adapted to produce a light effect in response to said at least one data signal transmitted by said console transmitter and wherein said camera is further configured and adapted to capture image data containing said light effect and wherein said motion-control video game system is further configured and adapted to control, activate or modify said one or more computer-generated images based at least in part on said captured image data.

41. The motion-control video game system of claim 39, wherein said at least one motion-sensitive input device further comprises a light-emitting module disposed at the distal end thereof adapted to produce a light signal and wherein said camera is further configured and adapted to capture image data containing said light signal and wherein said motion-control video game system is further configured and adapted to control, activate or modify said one or more computer-generated images based at least in part on said captured image data.

42. The motion-control video game system of claim 41, wherein said light-emitting module is adapted and configured to emit a directional light signal comprising visible or infrared light.

43. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein said at least one motion-sensitive input device is further configured and adapted to produce light, vibration or sound effects in response to said at least one data signal transmitted by said console transmitter.

44. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein said one or more sensors comprise 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.

45. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein at least one of said sensors is configured and arranged so as to sense axial rotation of said at least one motion-sensitive input device.

46. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein said base component comprises a motion-sensitive wand controller.

47. The motion-control video game system of claim 46, wherein said motion-sensitive wand controller is further configured and adapted to produce light, vibration or sound effects in response to said at least one data signal.

48. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein said storage module has stored therein certain information or attributes identifying or describing powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with said selected game and wherein said microprocessor is further configured to update said character attribute information based on playing of said selected game and said at least one data signal, whereby said character attribute information may be transported to other computer games, video games, home game consoles, or hand-held game units including those upon which a user has not played said selected game.

49. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein said storage module has stored therein information or attributes identifying or describing powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with said selected game and wherein said microprocessor is further configured to update said character attribute information based on information contained in said at least one data signal confirming a user's purchase of certain play objects relevant to said selected game or said imaginary character.

50. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein said base component is further configured and adapted to be modularly assembled with one or more auxiliary components, thereby allowing a user to selectively create a modified input device having enhanced powers, abilities or aesthetics.

51. The motion-control video game system of claim 50, wherein said at least one motion-sensitive input device, when modularly assembled, comprises a motion-sensitive toy themed according to a desired play theme and which can be used as an input device for said motion-control video game system.

52. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, in combination with at least one auxiliary component configured and adapted for modular assembly with said base component, said at least one auxiliary component comprising at least one or more additional sensors configured and arranged so as to generate a third input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said auxiliary component when said at least one auxiliary component is modularly assembled with said base component, wherein said third input signal is different than said second input signal, and wherein said base transmitter is further configured to send to said console receiver a command signal based on said first input signal, said second input signal and said third input signal when said at least one auxiliary component is modularly attached to said base component.

53. The motion-control video game system of claim 50, wherein said at least one motion-sensitive input device, when modularly assembled, 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.

54. The motion-control video game system of claim 50, wherein said at least one motion-sensitive input device, when modularly assembled, comprises a motion-sensitive user-wearable item.

55. The motion-control video game system of claim 50, in combination with one or more video games and wherein said input device, when modularly assembled, comprises a motion-sensitive toy themed according to a play theme associated with said one or more video games.

56. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein at least one of said at least two input switches comprises a touch switch.

57. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein at least one of said at least two input switches comprises a solid-state electronic switch.

58. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, wherein at least one of said at least two input switches comprises a touch sensor activated by the simple touch of a finger.

59. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, further comprising a voice activated control configured and adapted to recognize voice commands and wherein said gaming console is further configured such that at least one of said desired play effects requires voice activation.

60. The motion-control video game system of claim 38, further comprising a proximity sensor operatively associated with said game console and configured and adapted such that at least one of said desired play effects cannot be operated if said proximity sensor is not also actuated.

61. A combination motion-sensitive input device and toy for a live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit comprising: a base component comprising an elongated housing sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user and having a distal end and a proximal end, said base component having an internal cavity formed therein sized and adapted to receive and contain one or more batteries or other power sources and associated circuitry for activating and operating said input device, said associated circuitry comprising: control circuitry comprising a microprocessor, a data storage module operatively associated with said microprocessor and having stored therein at least one address identifier for uniquely identifying said base component, and a data bus operatively associated with said microprocessor adapted to carry at least one bit of input data comprising a first input signal; motion-sensitive circuitry comprising one or more sensors configured and arranged within said housing so as to generate a second input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said base component; a transmitter capable of wireless communication with at least one external receiver associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit, said transmitter being configured to send to said at least one external receiver a command signal based on said address identifier and said first and second input signals; and a receiver capable of wireless communication with at least one external transmitter associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit, said receiver being configured to receive from said at least one external transmitter a data signal containing information relevant to a game selected to be played by said user; wherein said base component is sized, configured and adapted so as to enable the user thereof to hold and manipulate said base component by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing in a particular manner to thereby control or activate one or more desired effects within said selected game and wherein said base component is further configured and adapted to be modularly assembled with one or more auxiliary components for thereby allowing a user to selectively create a modified input device having enhanced powers, abilities or aesthetics; and at least one or more auxiliary components configured and adapted for modular assembly with said base component, said at least one or more auxiliary components being interchangeable such that said at least one or more auxiliary components can be interchangeably assembled with said base component and/or selected others of said at least one or more auxiliary components to create a themed toy having enhanced powers, abilities or aesthetics and which can be used as an input device for said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit.

62. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein at least one of said auxiliary components comprises at least one or more additional sensors configured and arranged so as to generate a third input signal responsive to one or more sensed motions of said auxiliary component when said at least one auxiliary component is modularly assembled with said base component, and wherein said third input signal is different than said second input signal and wherein said transmitter is further configured to send to said at least one external receiver a command signal based on said first input signal, said second input signal and said third input signal when said at least one auxiliary component is modularly attached to said base component.

63. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein at least one of said auxiliary components comprises a handle configured and adapted for modular assembly to the proximal end of said base component, said handle being further configured and adapted to be assembled in axial alignment with said housing to thereby extend or lengthen said input device when said handle is modularly assembled with said base component.

64. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said input device, when modularly assembled, 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.

65. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said base component comprises a motion-sensitive wand controller.

66. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said input device, when modularly assembled, comprises a motion-sensitive user-wearable item.

67. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, in combination with one or more video games and wherein said input device, when modularly assembled, comprises a motion-sensitive toy themed according to a particular play theme associated with said one or more video games.

68. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said base component further comprises at least one input switch operatively associated with said base component, said at least one input switch being sized, configured and adapted to be selectively actuated by one or more fingers of said user to selectively control said at least one bit of input data comprising said first input signal while said user is simultaneously moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said base component in a particular manner, whereby a user is able to use said combination motion-sensitive input device and toy to control or activate at least two different desired effects within said selected game by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing said base component in a particular manner while selectively activating or not activating said at least one input switch.

69. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said one or more sensors comprise 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.

70. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said input device is further configured and adapted to produce light, vibration or sound effects in response to said received data signal.

71. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said base component further comprises a light-emitting module disposed at the distal end thereof adapted to produce a light signal capable of being detected by an external camera associated with said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game.

72. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said storage module has stored therein information or attributes identifying or describing powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with said selected game and wherein said microprocessor is further configured to update said character attribute information based on playing of said selected game on said live-action game, computer game, video game, home game console or hand-held game unit, whereby said character attribute information may be transported to other computer games, video games, home game consoles, or hand-held game units including those upon which a user has not played said selected game.

73. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said storage module has stored therein certain information or attributes identifying or describing certain powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character associated with said selected game and wherein said microprocessor is further configured to update said character attribute information based on information contained in said data signal confirming a user's purchase of certain play objects relevant to said selected game or said imaginary character.

74. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 73, wherein said magnetic inductance energy generator comprises an inductance coil sized and arranged such that when it is exposed to an externally generated fluctuating magnetic field, an alternating current is generated which is used to charge an associated battery.

75. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, wherein said base component further comprises a magnetic inductance energy generator for generating and storing energy from an externally generated electromagnetic field.

76. The combination motion-sensitive input device and toy of claim 61, in combination with a video game system for generating desired play effects comprising one or more computer-generated images displayed on one or more associated computer monitors, TV monitors, DVD display monitors, or computer gaming consoles, said video game system comprising at least one game console configured and adapted to play a game selected by a user.

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.