Interactive Token System
The interactive token system addresses the lack of interactivity in amusement park souvenirs by enabling customizable and functional tokens that enhance customer engagement through wireless communication and zone-crossing interactions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing amusement park souvenirs lack interactivity and functionality across multiple zones or themed environments, limiting their appeal and utility.
An interactive token system comprising wearable devices and tokens with displays, wireless communication, and controllers that allow tokens to be engaged and disengaged, enabling customizable interactions and functionalities across different park zones.
Enhances customer engagement by providing interactive and customizable experiences, allowing tokens to unlock special effects, games, and access to restricted areas, thereby enriching the amusement park experience.
Smart Images

Figure 112023002125559-PCT00002_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] Cross-reference regarding related applications
[0002] This application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 036,762, filed on June 9, 2020, under the title “INTERACTIVE TOKEN SYSTEM”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of interactive collectible items. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for interactive and / or functional tokens (e.g., smart coins) for use in amusement parks, events, and attractions. Background Technology
[0004] This background art is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of the art that may be related to the various aspects of the present art described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion will provide the reader with background information to help them understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the description of this background art should be interpreted in this light and should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of prior art.
[0005] Customers of amusement parks or similar entertainment facilities often enjoy purchasing themed souvenirs, such as toys or collectibles. However, these items may not be interactive or may have limited functionality within the themed environment. For example, interactive items designed to operate within a specific zone of an amusement park featuring a particular ride may not function when customers are in other zones of the park that do not share a common narrative or overall theme. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a system of collectible souvenirs that has functionality or applicability across multiple zones or themed environments of the amusement park.
[0006] The following description summarizes specific embodiments corresponding to the scope of the initial claim. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In practice, the disclosure may encompass various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments described below.
[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an interactive token system comprising a plurality of interactive tokens is provided. Each of the plurality of interactive tokens comprises a display, a memory for storing at least one image configured to be displayed on the display, and a wireless communication circuit. The system also comprises a wearable device having a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality of interactive tokens is disengaged from each slot of the plurality of slots. The wearable device also comprises a wearable device wireless communication circuit configured to communicate with the wireless communication circuit of the plurality of interactive tokens to receive interactive token information from the plurality of interactive tokens. The wearable device also comprises a controller configured to control the display of an individual interactive token of the plurality of interactive tokens based on the interactive token information so that an image is displayed on the display of the individual interactive token.
[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an interactive token system comprising an interactive token is provided. The interactive token comprises a display, a memory for storing at least one image configured to be displayed on the display, and a wireless communication circuit. The system also comprises an interactive token station having at least one slot configured to be disengaged from the interactive token. The interactive token station further comprises a station wireless communication circuit configured to receive interactive token information from the interactive token by communicating with the wireless communication circuit of the interactive token, and a station display. The interactive token station further comprises a controller configured to initiate one or more operations of a game displayed on the station display based on the interactive token information, receive user input for playing the game, and provide a new image to the memory of the interactive token based on the user input.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided comprising the steps of: receiving a signal indicating that an interactive token is engaged within a slot; supplying power to the interactive token based on the reception of the signal so that the display of the interactive token displays one or more images stored in the memory of the interactive token; receiving interactive token information through a wireless communication circuit of the interactive token; and providing a command to the display of the interactive token to switch from one or more images to a new image based on the interactive token information. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0010] The foregoing features and other features, embodiments, and advantages of the present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same components. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an amusement park including an interactive token system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device of an interactive token system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an interactive token of an interactive token system and a wearable device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a method for activating an interactive token of an interactive token system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an interactive token station of an interactive token system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an interactive token trading station of an interactive token system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an interactive token system according to the present embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. For the sake of a brief description of these embodiments, not all features of actual implementations may be described in this specification. During actual implementation development, such as in engineering or design projects, numerous implementation-related decisions must be made to achieve specific goals of the developer (which may vary for each implementation), such as compliance with system and business-related constraints. Furthermore, while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, it is important to note that to those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, these may be routine design, assembly, and manufacturing activities. Additionally, it should be understood that, insofar as specific terms such as parallel, perpendicular, etc., are used in this specification, these terms allow for specific deviations from strict mathematical definitions, for example, to allow for deviations related to manufacturing defects and associated tolerances.
[0012] The present disclosure relates to an interactive token system that can be used as part of an entertainment experience (e.g., for customers of an amusement park). The interactive token system provides an interactive complement to a customer's journey within the park by including collectible smart tokens that can be associated with different rides, different characters, and / or different narrative areas of the amusement park. Because each customer's journey is variable, the interactive token system and the customer's personal collection of interactive tokens are customized according to the customer's preferences and experiences. One customer may prefer to collect interactive tokens associated only with one narrative area of the amusement park, while another customer may enjoy collecting interactive tokens indicating that the customer has visited all areas of the amusement park. Additionally, the interactive token system facilitates an additional level of customer-centric and customer-controlled interaction within an immersive experience. In one embodiment, a specific subset of interactive tokens may be considered associated with rare or special achievements, which can also be used as part of an interactive experience within the amusement park to unlock access to restricted areas.
[0013] When activated, the interactive token displays an image or a series of images (e.g., animations) that are unique to the interactive token itself or to a specific type of interactive token. Thus, each interactive token may have different features that encourage collection for customers who enjoy having souvenirs. The interactive token includes an onboard display that allows customers and visitors to review a collection of interactive tokens for transaction or interactive use. The interactive token system may also include a functional holder for the interactive token, such as a wearable device worn or carried by a customer, which can communicate with each interactive token placed within the holder to receive interactive token information or control the interactive token display. In one embodiment, the wearable device includes a slot into which the interactive token can be inserted to activate one or more functions of the wearable device and / or individual interactive tokens. In one embodiment, the interactive token system may also include interactive token stations distributed across a geographical area. At each station, customers can unlock a game or sales experience by removing the interactive token from a wearable holder and inserting the interactive token into a slot on the station. The interactive token station may also facilitate upgrading or unlocking hidden features of individual interactive tokens. While specific embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in the context of interactive tokens implemented as interactive coins, other configurations, such as interactive chips, cards, or rings, are also included in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the size and shape of the interactive token may be selected to match a specific narrative theme.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an amusement park (10) including an interactive token system (12). The system (12) may include a wearable device (14) associated with an individual customer (16). The wearable device (14) may act as a holder for one or more interactive tokens (20). The tokens (20) and / or wearable devices (14) may be distributed as gifts or prizes or purchased at a store (30). The interactive tokens (20) may be carried by the customer (16) throughout the park (10) and used in various environments. For example, the interactive tokens may be used with an interactive token station (40). The interactive token stations (40) may be distributed throughout the park (10). The interactive token stations (40) may receive the interactive tokens (20) in a slot (42) to activate the station's functions, such as games as provided herein. The interactive token (20) may be associated with a reward that can be claimed at a restaurant (50) or claimed to access an attraction (52) (e.g., a ride (54), a show) and / or to skip an attraction queue (56). The interactive token (20) and / or wearable device (16) may communicate wirelessly with a reader (60) located at various locations in the park (10) as part of an interaction authenticated by the interactive token information associated with a specific interactive token or tokens (20). In one embodiment, the reader (60) is associated with an entrance, an attraction entrance, an interactive feature area, and a multiplayer game site (64) for an area of the park (10). Additionally, the interactive token (20) may influence special effects (water spray, bubbles, confetti) at various locations in the park. In one example, the interactive token slots (42) can be distributed throughout the park (10), and when an interactive token (20) is inserted into the slot (42), a local special effect is activated based on the interactive token information wirelessly communicated from the interactive token (20), for example.Specific interactive tokens (20) can trigger special effects of various types or degrees.
[0015] The interactive token system (12) may include a central controller (70) which can be implemented as a distributed server or computer system (72). The central controller (70) may communicate with the interactive token station (40) or wearable device (20) through a network such as a wireless network (76) and may allow operator input through an operator interface (78).
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device (16) including an interactive token (20). The interactive token (20) may engage with a corresponding slot (42) formed on a surface (80) facing the user on the body (82) of the wearable device (16). The wearable device (16) may include one or more slots (42). Each slot (42) may be the same size and shape as all other existing slots (42) so that any interactive token (20) can be inserted into any slot (42), or, in one embodiment, the wearable device (16) may include slots (42) of various sizes and / or shapes formed to accommodate a specific type of interactive token (20). The interactive token (20) is inserted into an individual slot (42) and engages with the wearable device (16), and in one embodiment, may enable a specific function of the interactive token (20) as provided herein. The interactive token (20) clicks into the slot (42) and can provide an engagement signal to the wearable device by engaging with one or more engagement features of the slot (42). In one embodiment, the interactive token includes a magnetic housing (86) that magnetically engages with a corresponding magnetic slot housing (88).
[0017] To enable a customer to collect different types of interactive tokens (20) having different images, each interactive token (20) includes a display (90) that displays one or more images (e.g., still images, short video files, or animations) characteristic of the interactive token (20). In one embodiment, the display (90) of the interactive token (20) is activated even when the interactive token (20) is not engaged with a wearable device so that the token type is visible. In this way, the customer can select their preferred token type at the store. In another embodiment, engagement between the interactive token (20) and the wearable device (16) activates the display (90) of the interactive token so that the image is not visible before engagement, and the interactive token (20) is idle or in sleep mode while separated. In this embodiment, the customer can collect an unknown type of token and activate the interactive token (20) using their wearable device (16). As provided in the specification, an image may reside (i.e., be stored) in the interactive token (20) to facilitate the appropriate transaction or use of a specific type of interactive token (20) in an interactive environment.
[0018] The wearable device (16) may also include a digital interactive button (92) configured as an onboard display in the shape of a token. The digital interactive button (92) may be used as an auxiliary token display to access a customer's stored digital token associated with a customer profile. The digital interactive button (92) may also be used as a game control input in an interactive environment. The wearable device may also include a device display (94) that displays token information associated with the engaged token, as well as an onboard light (96) or other special effects device. To allow the wearable device (16) to be worn in a manner preferred by the customer (e.g., over the shoulder, as a bracelet, or as a necklace), the wearable device (16) may include a detachable or reconfigurable strap (98) or other attachment features.
[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable device (16) engages with a plurality of interactive tokens (20), each having a different characteristic image or images. The wearable device can activate special functions of one or more interactive tokens (20) based on a combination of the engaged interactive tokens (20). For example, having a set of interactive tokens (20) indicating visiting all areas of an amusement park can trigger the activation of special functions of one or more interactive tokens (20).
[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an interactive token system (12) comprising a wearable device (16) and at least one interactive token (20). The interactive token (20) includes an onboard display (90) and a controller (100). The controller (100) includes a control circuit for driving the display (90) and may include a memory device (104) for storing instructions executable by a processor (102) to perform the method and control operations described herein. For example, the processor (102) may execute instructions to drive the display of one or more images stored in the memory (104) of the interactive token (20). Additionally, the processor may receive a signal from the wearable device (16) or other components of the system (20) to store a new image in the memory (104) or select from a library of stored images to display on the display (90).
[0021] The interactive token (20) is inserted into a slot (42) of the wearable device (16) and engages with and communicates with the wearable device (16). Engaging the interactive token (20) within the slot (42) can trigger a mechanical sensor, complete an electrical circuit, or generate a detectable change in magnetic force that provides a signal to the controller (118) of the wearable device. When engaged, the wearable device can activate a specific function stored in memory (122) under the control of the processor (120) of the controller (118).
[0022] A processor (e.g., processor (102), processor (120)) may include one or more processing devices, and a memory (e.g., memory (104), memory (122)) may include one or more types of tangible non-transient machine-readable media. For example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a processor or other processor-based device. The interactive token (20) and the wearable device (16) include communication circuits (e.g., communication circuits (108, 123)) such as antennas, radio transceiver circuits and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A / D converters, multiplexer amplifiers) or combinations thereof, and the communication circuits may be configured to communicate via a wireless communication path via IR radio communication, radio frequency transmission, Bluetooth, NFC, etc. In one embodiment, the interactive token (20) is configured to communicate with a receiver or transceiver of the communication circuit (123) of the wearable device (16) and other components of the system (12) using NFC. The wearable device (16) may include additional communication functions that enable medium-range and / or long-range communication in addition to NFC communication. In one embodiment, the interactive token (20) may include only short-range communication functions via NFC. The display (90) may be an e-ink or other low-power display or an OLED display.
[0023] The engagement of the interactive token (20) can activate power for the interactive token (20) from the power source (124) of the wearable device (16). The interactive token (20) may not contain onboard power or may contain limited onboard power that is charged through engagement. Power may be used to drive the display (90) of the interactive token (90), and said power may replace the internal power during engagement to preserve the battery life of the interactive token (20) in an embodiment where the interactive token (20) has internal power. The power source (124) may provide wireless charging to the interactive token (20).
[0024] The wearable device (16) may also include onboard features that operate even when there is no engagement of an interactive token, and such onboard features include a digital button (92) and an onboard display (126) that can function to display, for example, any digital token of a customer. The digital button (92) and the display (126) may be capacitive touchscreen displays that respond to touch input. In one embodiment, the button (92) operates to receive input during an interactive game and the button may update to display different game input options. The display (126) may operate to provide game-related or token-related information. For example, each interactive token (20) may be associated with a characteristic point value. The display (126) may operate to receive a point value from the memory (104) of each interactive token (20) in the controller (118) and generate a cumulative point sum on the display (126). In one embodiment, the wearable device (16) may also include an onboard effect device (128), such as an LED, which is activated with interactive events. The wearable device (16) may include other input / output devices (129) for user input, such as additional buttons, soft keys, notification devices, audio input / output devices, etc.
[0025] The wearable device (16) may also include one or more sensors (130), such as a pressure sensor, an ambient light sensor (as an input for adjusting display brightness), an accelerometer, or an inertial measurement unit sensor. In one embodiment, a signal from the sensor (130) drives the orientation of the display (90) on any engaged interactive token. The interactive token display (90) can be easily rotated by the user to view the displayed image or images vertically when active and when the interactive token (20) is not engaged with the wearable device (16). However, when the interactive token (20) is inserted into the slot (42), rotation of the display through the movement of the interactive token (20) is more difficult. Thus, in one embodiment, the wearable device (16) can control the display (90) so that all displays on the engaged interactive token (20) have the same orientation. In this way, the interactive token (20) can be placed by the user in any direction within the slot (42) of the wearable device (16). As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the wearable device (16) is worn in the form of a bracelet, the alignment may differ from when the user takes on a configuration such as a sash. A signal from the accelerometer can be used to identify the correct orientation for the display of the engaged interactive token (20), depending on how the wearable device (16) is worn.
[0026] As provided in this specification, once an interactive token (20) is coupled with a wearable device (16), it may communicate interactive token information through the communication circuit (108) of the interactive token and the receiving communication circuit (123) of the wearable device. The interactive token information may include token identity, token status, token total points, and / or token image. A controller (118) of the wearable device may receive the token information and trigger an activity based on the received interactive token information. In one embodiment, the activity may additionally or alternatively be based on feedback from the interactive environment received through the communication circuit (123).
[0027] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process (150) for operating a wearable device (16) according to the present technology. It should be understood that the steps discussed herein are merely examples, certain steps may be omitted or added, and steps may be performed in a different order. In one embodiment, the steps of the process (150) may be executed by other components of the system (12), such as a wearable device (16), an interactive token (20), and / or an interactive token station (40).
[0028] The process includes the step (block (152)) of receiving a signal indicating that the interactive token (20) is engaged within a slot (e.g., a slot (42) of the wearable device (16) or the interactive token station (40). The signal may be an engagement signal based on physical detection. In another embodiment, engagement may be based on receiving a wireless signal from the interactive token (20) which is moved to a position within range so that the wearable device (16) receives an NFC signal from the interactive token (20). Receiving the signal may activate the interactive token (20) so that the display (90) of the interactive token (20) is activated to display one or more images stored in the memory (104) of the interactive token (20) (block (154)). The signal received from the NFC communication circuit may include token information received by the controller (118) of the wearable device (16) (block (156)). Based on token information, the controller (118) generates a control signal (block (158)) that is communicated to one or more interactive tokens (20) to change the display (90). The control signal may include a new image that is written to and accessed in memory (104) and displayed on the display (90). The control signal may include a command to access an image stored in memory (104) or a command to select an image or images from an existing library stored in memory (104) to display on the display (90).
[0029] In one example, a controller (118) receives conversational token information regarding a combination of conversational tokens (20) coupled with a wearable device (16). Based on the combination, the controller may execute a command to switch an existing image on the display of one or more conversational tokens (20) to a new image. The logic for evaluating the combination may reside in the controller (118) or in a central controller that communicates wirelessly with the wearable device (16). The combination may be a set of specific characters or places. Based on the presence of a specific combination, one of the conversational tokens (20) may be switched to a new image. For example, a conversational token (20) associated with a specific character may be switched to an image associated with a new version of the character. In another example, the combination may cause some or all of the conversational tokens (20) to temporarily display a reward indication for an upgraded state of the ride or a clue that is part of the conversational game. The switch to the new indication may be time-limited.
[0030] The interactive token (20) can be used with interactive token stations (40) distributed at various locations within a theme park or entertainment venue. An exemplary interactive token station (40) is illustrated in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, a customer can insert the interactive token into the slot (42) to start a game on the display (172). The interactive token station may include a pillar (178) that accommodates hardware associated with reading the interactive token (20) and communicating with a central controller via wired or wireless means. Based on token information from the interactive token (20), the interactive token station (40) selects a game associated with a specific token (20). For example, if the token is part of a specific themed environment, the interactive token station (40) selects a game having the same theme. The customer can interact with the game via input on the pillar (178), input on the display (172), or the customer's wearable device (16). Additionally, the interactive token (20) may be a character token, and the customer avatar may be based on that character. A specific game may allow multiplayer interaction with multiple tokens (20) received in the slot (42). Based on the game results, the station (40) may store a new image or reward in the customer's interactive token (20) or write to the interactive token (20) to increase the sum of points associated with the interactive token (20). When the game play ends, the customer removes the interactive token (20) from the slot (42), and the interactive token station may display other park-related information.
[0031] The interactive token station (40) may also be configured as a sales space (30), a trading station and / or a multiplayer game space, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Customers who wish to compete against each other in the game environment (180) can use their wearable device (16) to control the movement of actual game elements (illustrated as unmanned aerial vehicles (182) in FIG. 6).
[0032] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the system (12) showing the interaction between the various components of the system (12). In the illustrated embodiment, different customers' wearable devices (16a, 16b) may communicate via Bluetooth or wireless communication to facilitate the transaction or game interaction disclosed herein. The wearable devices (16a, 16b) may also communicate with the interactive token station (40) or communicate directly with the central controller (70) via a wireless network. The customer associated with the wearable device (16a) may have a user profile indicating a desire to collect and / or trade specific interactive tokens (20). The central controller (70) may identify another customer with the wearable device (16b) having the desired type of interactive token (20) when they are within a preset geographical distance. The central controller may send a notification to both customers, and they are instructed to go to the nearest interactive token station (40). The interactive token station (40) can mediate any potential transaction and can award points to both customer profiles if they agree to the transaction.
[0033] The interactive token station (40) may include a controller (200) having a processor (202) and memory (204), as well as an input / output device (208), a display (210), and a communication circuit (212). In one example, the interactive token station (40) includes a slot (42) (Fig. 5) for receiving a token. Based on the interactive token information read from the interactive token (20), the station (40) provides a command to activate a local special effect using a special effect system (214). In one example, the special effect is a water spray effect. If the total points of the interactive token (20) are high, the spray may be larger than that of the interactive token (20) with a low total points. That is, the control of the water spray power setting of the special effect system (214) is based on the total points of the interactive token. In another example, the special effect is selected from a number of potential effects based on the category of the interactive token (20). If the interactive token (20) is a villain character, smoke or fire effects may be activated. If the interactive token is a hero character, bubble or light special effects may be activated. The interactive token station (40) may serve as an access point for a restricted area and may allow access only to specific types of interactive tokens (20). It should be understood that different interactive token stations (40) may have different functions and may include more or fewer components than disclosed in FIG. 7.
[0034] Although only specific features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to encompass all modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
[0035] The technology described and claimed in this specification refers to and applies to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that clearly improve the present art, and is therefore not merely abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Additionally, where a claim appended to the last part of this specification includes one or more components designated as “means for [performing] a function” or “steps for [performing] a function”, such components shall be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f). In the case of a claim including components designated in a different manner, such components shall not be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f). Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. [Exemplary Embodiment] (Embodiment 1) An interactive token system comprises a plurality of interactive tokens and a wearable device, wherein each of the plurality of interactive tokens comprises a display, a memory for storing at least one image configured to be displayed on the display, and a wireless communication circuit, and the wearable device comprises a plurality of slots—each of the plurality of interactive tokens is disengaged with each of the plurality of slots—a wearable device wireless communication circuit configured to receive interactive token information from the plurality of interactive tokens by communicating with the wireless communication circuit of the plurality of interactive tokens, and a controller configured to control the display of an individual interactive token of the plurality of interactive tokens based on the interactive token information so that an image is displayed on the display of the individual interactive token. (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, the wearable device comprises a touch-sensitive digital token display configured to display a digital interactive token accessed from the wearable device memory.(Embodiment 3) In the second embodiment, the wearable device is connected to a user profile, and the digital interactive token is stored in the user profile and communicated from the central controller to the wearable device memory via the wearable device wireless communication circuit. (Embodiment 4) In the first embodiment, the wearable device includes a power source configured to provide power to a plurality of interactive tokens when engaged with a plurality of slots. (Embodiment 5) In the first embodiment, the plurality of interactive tokens includes an interactive coin. (Embodiment 6) In the first embodiment, the wearable device includes an auxiliary onboard display configured to display interactive token information. (Embodiment 7) In the first embodiment, each of the plurality of interactive tokens includes a magnetic housing configured to magnetically engage with each slot of the plurality of slots. (Embodiment 8) In the first embodiment, the controller sends a signal when each of the plurality of interactive tokens engages with each slot of the plurality of slots. It is configured to receive and, in response to the reception of a signal, activate the display of each of the multiple interactive tokens. (Embodiment 9) In the first embodiment, the wireless communication circuit includes a short-range communication circuit. (Embodiment 10) In the first embodiment, the wireless communication circuit of the wearable device includes at least a short-range communication circuit or a Bluetooth communication circuit. (Embodiment 11) In the first embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the display to display an animation of an individual interactive token based on the interactive token information. (Embodiment 12) In the eleventh embodiment, the controller is configured to select an animation based on the interactive token information indicating an achievement or action performed by the wearer of the wearable device. (Embodiment 13) In the eleventh embodiment, the controller is configured to select an animation based on the interactive token information indicating a combination of interactive tokens existing in the multiple interactive tokens engaged in the multiple slots.(Embodiment 14) In the first embodiment, the controller is configured to receive a transaction indication of at least one of a plurality of interactive tokens and to display information related to the transaction on an auxiliary onboard display. (Embodiment 15) An interactive token system comprises an interactive token and an interactive token station, wherein the interactive token comprises a display, a memory storing at least one image configured to be displayed on the display, and a wireless communication circuit, and the interactive token station comprises at least one slot configured to be disengaged from the interactive token, a station wireless communication circuit configured to communicate with the wireless communication circuit of the interactive token to receive interactive token information from the interactive token, a station display, and a controller, and the controller is configured to initiate one or more operations of a game displayed on the station display based on the interactive token information, receive user input for playing the game, and provide a new image to the memory of the interactive token based on the user input. (Embodiment 16) In the 15th embodiment, the new image represents an upgraded state of the interactive token. (Embodiment 17) In the 15th embodiment, the station display is activated by engaging an interactive token in at least one slot. (18) A method of operating an interactive token system comprises: receiving a signal indicating that an interactive token is engaged in a slot; supplying power to the interactive token based on the reception of the signal to cause the display of the interactive token to display one or more images stored in the memory of the interactive token; receiving interactive token information through the wireless communication circuit of the interactive token; and providing a command to the display of the interactive token to switch from one or more images to a new image based on the interactive token information. (19) In the 18th embodiment, the new image is stored in the memory of the interactive token.(Effect 20) In the 18th embodiment, the method further includes the steps of receiving a second signal indicating that a second interactive token is engaged within a second slot, receiving second interactive token information through a second wireless communication circuit of the second interactive token, and providing a command to cause a second display of the second interactive token to display an image selected based on the interactive token information and the second interactive token information.
Claims
Claim 1 An interactive token system comprising a plurality of interactive tokens and a wearable device, wherein each of the plurality of interactive tokens comprises a display, a memory storing at least one image configured to be displayed on the display, and a wireless communication circuit; and the wearable device comprises a main body including a surface, a wearable device wireless communication circuit configured to communicate with the wireless communication circuit of the plurality of interactive tokens to receive interactive token information from the plurality of interactive tokens, and a controller configured to control the display of an individual interactive token of the plurality of interactive tokens based on the interactive token information so that the image is displayed on the display of the individual interactive token, wherein the surface comprises a plurality of slots formed on the surface—each of the plurality of interactive tokens is disengagedly with each slot of the plurality of slots so that when engaged, the display of each interactive token is positioned on or within the surface—and a wearable device display configured to display a digital interactive token accessed from the wearable device memory. An interactive token system including Claim 2 delete Claim 3 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is connected to a user profile, and the digital interactive token is stored in the user profile and communicated from a central controller to the wearable device memory through the wearable device wireless communication circuit. Claim 4 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device comprises a power source configured to provide power to the plurality of interactive tokens when engaged with the plurality of slots. Claim 5 A conversational token system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of conversational tokens includes conversational coins. Claim 6 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device includes an auxiliary onboard display configured to display the interactive token information. Claim 7 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of interactive tokens comprises a magnetic housing configured to magnetically engage with each of the slots of the plurality of slots. Claim 8 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal when each of the plurality of interactive tokens engages with each of the plurality of slots and, in response to the reception of the signal, activate the display of each of the plurality of interactive tokens. Claim 9 In claim 1, the wireless communication circuit comprises a short-range communication circuit, in an interactive token system. Claim 10 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication circuit of the wearable device comprises at least a short-range communication circuit or a Bluetooth communication circuit. Claim 11 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to cause the display of the individual interactive token to display an animation of the individual interactive token based on the interactive token information. Claim 12 In claim 11, the controller is configured to select the animation based on the interactive token information indicating an achievement or action performed by the wearer of the wearable device, in an interactive token system. Claim 13 In claim 11, the controller is configured to select the animation based on the interactive token information representing a combination of interactive tokens existing in the plurality of interactive tokens coupled to the plurality of slots, in an interactive token system. Claim 14 An interactive token system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive a indication of a transaction of at least one of the plurality of interactive tokens and to display information related to the transaction on an auxiliary onboard display. Claim 15 An interactive token system comprising an interactive token configured to be placed in a releaseable slot of a wearable band, and an interactive token station, wherein the interactive token comprises a display, a memory storing at least one image configured to be displayed on the display, and a wireless communication circuit, and the interactive token station comprises at least one slot configured to receive the interactive token and to be releaseably engaged, a station wireless communication circuit configured to communicate with the wireless communication circuit of the interactive token to receive interactive token information from the interactive token when the interactive token is engaged in the at least one slot, a station display, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to initiate one or more operations of a game displayed on the station display based on the interactive token information, receive user input for playing the game, and provide a new image to the memory of the interactive token based on the user input. Claim 16 In paragraph 15, the above new image represents an upgraded state of the above interactive token, an interactive token system. Claim 17 In paragraph 15, the station display is an interactive token system that is activated by engaging the interactive token with the at least one slot. Claim 18 A method for operating an interactive token system comprising: receiving a signal indicating that an interactive token is engaged within a slot formed on the surface of a wearable device; supplying power to the interactive token based on the reception of the signal to cause the display of the interactive token to display one or more images stored in the memory of the interactive token; receiving interactive token information through a wireless communication circuit of the interactive token; providing a command based on the interactive token information to cause the display of the interactive token to switch from the one or more images to a new image, wherein the new image is accessed from the memory of the interactive token; and causing a digital interactive token accessed from the memory of the wearable device to be displayed on the display of the wearable device. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 A method according to claim 18, further comprising the steps of: receiving a second signal indicating that a second interactive token is engaged within a second slot; receiving second interactive token information through a second wireless communication circuit of the second interactive token; and providing a command to cause a second display of the second interactive token to display an image selected based on the interactive token information and the second interactive token information.