RFID Toy Detection for Video Game Character Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video games lack a physical component that allows players to interact with representative objects, creating a distinct separation between the game world and the real world, and do not provide continuous engagement when the gaming device is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and peripheral that use radio frequency identification (RFID) to detect toys, read and write information from their memory, and integrate their game characters into the video game, allowing physical objects to influence game play and status modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video games use only electronic display without physical objects, then device complexity is reduced, but player engagement and immersion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the physical toy world with the virtual game world by enabling bidirectional data communication between physical toys and the game system. Physical toys with embedded identifiers and memory are detected by the game system, allowing players to interact with both physical and virtual elements simultaneously, thereby enhancing engagement without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The game system is designed to handle multiple types of interactions: traditional controller input, physical toy detection via RFID readers, automatic character addition to game world, and bidirectional data synchronization. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to serve both traditional gaming and augmented physical interaction modes
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the gaming device is turned off or unavailable, then energy consumption is reduced, but continuous game experience is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting physical toys and pre-loading their associated game characters into the game world before the player actually needs them. Toy information including identifiers, names, and characteristics are read from toy memory and cached in the game system's memory, so that when the game is launched, characters are already prepared and can be immediately added to the game world without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical toys as game characters. When a physical toy is detected, the system reads its identifier and associated data from the toy's memory, then creates a corresponding digital character representation in the game world. This copy allows the game experience to continue seamlessly, as the virtual character maintains the essence and properties of the physical toy even when the device is unavailable
3Measurement precision
If all toy information is read before game character display, then data accuracy is improved, but response time and player engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data reading by detecting physical toys and reading their identifier information and basic characteristics before the player initiates game play. This pre-loaded data is stored in the game system's memory, so when the game character needs to be displayed or modified, the information is already available, eliminating delays while ensuring data accuracy through prior verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a buffering mechanism where toy data is read ahead of time and stored in the game system's memory. This creates a data buffer that cushions against potential delays during game play, ensuring that character information is ready for immediate display or modification without requiring real-time data retrieval from the physical toy, thus maintaining both accuracy and responsiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances player engagement by bridging the real and virtual worlds through physical objects, providing continuous game experience even when the gaming device is not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification interface configured for sensing toys proximate the peripheral
Data Source
AI summary
A video game includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toys near or on the peripheral. Each of the toys includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. A toy stores information about the status of the corresponding character or object in the game, for example, a character name, a score, and an owner of the toy may be stored in a character toy. The information about the toy is updated during game play. The toys may be sensed, read, and written concurrently.