System and apparatus for a controlled toy to interact with a computer game

Abstract

A system for a controlled toy to interact with a computer game includes a toy including an unique identity and configurable for controlled movement within a predefined space including at least one predefined location. A controller controls movements the toy. A database stores the unique identity and a registration of the toy with a player of the computer game. A computing device executes the computer game, wherein the computing device controls parameters within the predefined space, instructs the controller to move the toy and records at least one event of the toy moving in the predefined space. At least one sensor detects the unique identity, wherein an arrival of the toy at the at least one predefined location in the predefined space enables the at least one sensor to detect the unique identity and communicate the unique identity and the arrival to the computing device for recording as an event.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61 / 055,111 filed on 21 May 2008 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.COPYRIGHT NOTICE[0004]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0005]The present invention relates generally to the field of interactive entertainment attractions. More part...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The entertaining experience provided by these devices is usually limited to an individual user controlling and observing a single toy.

The presently available games have limited scoring options, are slow paced and require significant group organization and expense to play.

Some of the robots involved in these competitions can cost several hundreds or thousands of dollars and require several days or weeks of assembly and programming work.

The true robotic competitions have been limited in participation to sophisticated users with strong engineering skills such as high school teams and science clubs.

The features that make video and computer games attractive also result in the following drawbacks, lack of mental and physical activity, limited or no social interaction and detachment from reality.

Internet based games and game related forums provide some social interaction and networking; however, these games and forums are still detached from reality and offer little mental or physical activity.

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