Toy Electronic Payload Inductive Power and Effect Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video games lack a physical component that allows players to interact with a representative object, resulting in a distinct separation between the game play world and the real world, limiting the immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A video game system comprising a console, a peripheral device, and a toy with an electronic payload that includes light sources, sound effects, motors, or other devices to create visual, audio, or physical effects, powered by inductive fields or RFID interfaces, allowing the toy to interact with the game environment and player inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video games use only electronic displays and virtual graphics, then the game can be played on standard electronic devices, but the player cannot physically interact with representative objects, creating a separation between the game world and real world
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the virtual game environment with physical toys by combining electronic displays, sensors, and actuators into integrated game systems. The physical toys contain electronic components that communicate with the game console, allowing seamless interaction between virtual and physical domains. This merging enables players to physically manipulate toy objects while the game responds with virtual graphics and effects, eliminating the separation between game world and real world.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses communication interfaces and protocols as intermediaries between the physical toys and the virtual game system. RFID tags, barcodes, or wireless communication modules in the toys serve as mediators that transmit toy identity and state information to the game console, which then translates this into appropriate virtual game responses. This intermediary layer enables complex physical-digital interaction without requiring direct integration of entire systems.
2Illumination intensity
If video games provide only visual display without physical components, then the device structure remains simple, but the immersive experience is limited due to lack of tangible interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic lighting and color-changing effects in both the physical toys and virtual displays to enhance visual impact. The toys contain LEDs or other light sources that change color and intensity based on game events, while the game console displays corresponding visual effects. This synchronized color and light changes create a more intense and immersive visual experience that complements physical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates vibration motors or actuators in the physical toys that provide tactile feedback during gameplay. When specific game events occur, the toys vibrate or move physically, giving players tangible sensation of game actions. This mechanical feedback enhances ease of operation by making the toys more responsive and engaging to manipulate, bridging the gap between visual display and physical interaction.
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 the gaming experience by providing a tangible connection to the game world, allowing players to engage with physical effects and objects that respond to game events, thereby bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral provides an inductive field for powering the electronic payload in the toy
Implementation Method 2
the toy including circuitry to receive inductive power from the radio frequency identification interface
Data Source
AI summary
A video game includes a component that senses the presence and identity of proximate toys. 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. The toys further comprise audio, visual and other effects, wherein said effects are activated when the toy is proximate the gaming platform or a peripheral to the gaming platform. Effects may also be activated based on characteristics of the game character or aspects of the game play sequence thereby enhancing the user's gameplay experience.