Patent Application
20190046867
This invention relates generally to interactive games and particularly to apparatus for receiving, generating and communicating operative game codes used therein.
Electronic game apparatus have become extremely popular and widespread among consumers and participants in the game arts due in large part to the support provided by the dramatic developments in computer technology, low cost display systems and wireless digital communication systems and apparatus. Underlying much of this development has been the dramatic development of high-speed microprocessors and low cost high capacity memory devices. The corresponding developments of high-speed digital wireless communication has further enhanced the user-friendliness and flexibility of such systems.
The complexity and variety of video games has enjoyed a virtual explosion of expansive development fueled in large part by the above-mentioned rapid advances in the digital electronic arts. As a result, videogame consoles combine high-speed processors and high resolution color displays which facilitate highly complex and entertaining game play. Additionally, wireless communication between such game play consoles and other devices such as game play accessories, controllers and other wireless communication devices including so-called “smart phones”, computers, tablets and so-called “iPads” as further enhanced the scope and complexity of available game play. The ability of such devices to wirelessly communicate provides a multifaceted interactive capability. Users are able to interactively participate in game play employing simultaneous use of multiple devices. Thus, today's game player is able to download a game application, often called an “app” to a smart phone or tablet and play a selected game on the smart phone or tablet alone or in combination with additional apparatus. Additionally, the user of today is able to play a game on a game console and interact with other users smart phones and/or utilize various game play accessories.
Within the broad complex world of today's game play an interesting facet has emerged as game architects have introduced a variety of game codes which constitute coded words or messages that the user obtained by some means, often external to the game, which when entered into the game play unit altered the game play for that particular user. While initially generically described by the name “game codes”, such special coded words or messages also came to be known in the art by various names such as “cheat codes”, “promotional codes”, “reward codes”, and “coupon codes”. The dynamic nature of the world of game play continues to add additional names for such coded words or messages all of which are described under the generic term “game codes”.
The personal and private impression created in game players regarding game codes has prompted practitioners in the game play arts to introduce a virtually endless variety of types of game codes and system responses thereto. For example, game codes may enable the game player to achieve advancement within the game structure, such as movement to higher tiers of game play, increased strength, power or capability of the player, replenish power or ammunition or acquire some other type of game play advantage particular and private to the game player.
The commercial aspects which are ever present in the world of game play have prompted practitioners in the art to expand game codes to include parallel promotion of various products or various additional games. As a result, game codes have been created which encourage or facilitate the purchase of additional products or additional access to coupons and discounts for product purchase.
The great variety and popularity of game codes has been accompanied by a correspondingly great variety of code delivery systems. By way of example, game codes may often be obtained by purchasing certain products sponsored or promoted by the game play creators. In such case, game codes may often be purchased or otherwise obtained which solve certain game play obstacles or problems that otherwise prevent a player from succeeding to a higher game play level. In some instances game codes are published in specialized gaming publications which encourages participation and popularity among game players relating to such publications. Additionally, game codes may be available as a result of directly purchasing one or more game codes.
While the use of game codes provides substantial increase in the amusement, entertainment, challenge and reward of game play, there remains a continuing and unresolved need in the gaming arts for ever more interesting, novel and amusing game code systems and game code distribution apparatus in order to continue to challenge and engage game players.
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved game code system and delivery apparatus by which game players may obtain access to game codes. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved game code system and delivery apparatus in which game players interact in a more interesting and amusing process to obtain access to game codes. It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved game code system and delivery apparatus that includes game play apparatus that participates in the acquisition of game codes.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided game code apparatus constructed of multiple components or units which may be assembled into a correct configuration to provide a properly assembled unit and which may be disassembled entirely to provide a fully disassembled unit. This capability facilitates the novel interactive game code generation and communication which involves the game player in the creation and communication of game codes in a novel manner. In the example set forth, the game code apparatus resembles a weapon in which the disassembly and reassembly of the plurality of components or units is intended to be suggestive of the military operation known generally as “field stripping” of the weapon.
The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:
Game code system 10 further includes a conventional smart phone 15 having a display screen 16 supported there on. Smart phone 15 is an optional device to be used or not used in the operation of system 10 as the user prefers. By way of alternative, game code system 10 may be operated using either game console 11 or smart phone 15 rather than the combined use shown in
Game code system 10 further includes an interactive game code apparatus 20 which is constructed in accordance with the present invention and which is configured to replicate a simplified example of a field weapon. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that while game code apparatus 20 is shown in the form of a field weapon, other types of weapons or other types of devices not related to weapons may be utilized in the function and manner described below in carrying forward the present invention. Thus, it will be appreciated that while a field type weapon, such as a battle rifle, is suggested by game code apparatus 20, this example is provided by way of illustration and not limitation as to the configurations which the present invention may utilize. Accordingly, game code apparatus 20 may be configured as a different type of toy or amusement device without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly it will be recognized that the descriptions of structure and operations set forth below may apply equally well to differently shaped and configured toys and other apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Game code apparatus 20 includes a receiver unit 21 having a handle 25 and trigger 26 supported thereon together with a control circuit 28 supported within receiver unit 21. Game code apparatus 20 further includes a magazine unit 22 which is secured to and removable from receiver unit 21 together with a barrel unit 23 which is also secured to and removable from receiver unit 21. Game code apparatus 20 is completed by a s scope unit 24 and a stock unit 27 each secured to and removable from receiver unit 21. Stock unit 27 further supports a code display 29 which is coupled to control circuit 28 by conventional wiring means (or wireless means) (not shown).
As is set forth below in greater detail, in the preferred fabrication of the present invention the game code apparatus is constructed of multiple components or units which may be assembled into a correct configuration to provide a properly assembled unit and which may be disassembled entirely to provide a fully disassembled unit. This capability facilitates the novel interactive game code generation and communication which involves the game player in the creation and communication of game codes in a novel manner. In the example set forth in
With particular attention to
In operation,
In accordance with an alternate operation of the present invention, the above described game play may be altered to utilize a single time interval for both disassembly and reassembly of game code apparatus 20 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In this alternate game play scenario the game player begins with a fully assembled game code apparatus 20 as utilized in the previous example and by further similarity begins by pressing start button 18. In this scenario however the game player after having fully disassembled game code apparatus 20 does not press stopped button 19. Instead, the system provides a signal such as an audio beep that indicates the complete disassembly of game code apparatus 20 while the timer continues to run. Following the disassembly beep, the game player immediately undertakes to reassemble game code apparatus 20. Once game code apparatus 20 has been reassembled, the game player then presses stop button 19 and a single time interval is obtained. This time interval is then used to determine whether the game player has successfully disassembled and reassembled game code apparatus 20 in order to receive the game code or codes.
Following the completion of a time disassembly and subsequent reassembly of game code apparatus 20, the system determines whether the time intervals required for disassembly and reassembly are sufficiently fast to qualify for one or more game codes. In the event the game player has been too slow in the disassembly and reassembly process, game codes are denied and the game player must retry the entire scenario. If however, the disassembly and reassembly of game code apparatus 20 has been completed with sufficiently brief time intervals, one or more game codes are communicated to control circuit 28 for display upon game code displays 29, 15 and 1129. The game player then enters the displayed game codes into game console 11 and a responsive change within the game play scenario is implemented. Thereafter, the game player is able to carry forward game play in accordance with the altered game scenario and enjoy the advantages of having successfully obtained the game code or codes.
In accordance with an important advantage of the present invention, registration information or a registration code may be made available either directly upon game code apparatus 20 or upon the packaging in which the game code unit is packaged. This registration code may be entered into the game play system in order to download an app specific to the players video game and game code apparatus which, when entered into the game play system, customizes or uniquely configures the game play scenario. While such registration or registration code may be provided in a variety of forms, one convenient method utilizes a so-called “QR code” such as QR code 30 which when scanned automatically inputs the full registration information and downloads the unique app for the game player. In this manner, an impression is created that the version of the game and game play resulting is completely unique and personalized thereby enhancing the game player's experience.
More specifically, game code apparatus 40 includes a receiver unit 41 supporting a handle 42 and a trigger 43. Handle 42 further supports a start button 35 and a stop button 36. Game code apparatus 40 further includes a breach unit 47 joined to receiver unit 41 in the manner set forth below together with a magazine housing 45 both of which are joined to receiver unit 41. A magazine 46 is removably received with then magazine housing 45. A butt stock 44 is joined to receiver unit 41 and a barrel 51 is joined to the forward end of receiver 41. A grip 50 is positioned beneath barrel 51 and is joined to the forward end of receiver 41. An accessory rail 48 is secured to receiver unit 41 and further supports a scope 49.
As mentioned above, game code apparatus 40 is fabricated of a plurality of removably attached units or elements which facilitate the assembly of game code apparatus 40 into the fully assembled configuration shown in
More specifically, game code apparatus 40 includes a receiver unit 41 supporting a handle 42 and a trigger 43. Game code apparatus 40 further includes a breach unit 47 joined to receiver unit 41 in the manner set forth below together with a magazine housing 45 both of which are joined to receiver unit 41. A magazine 46 is removably received within magazine housing 45. A butt stock 44 is joined to receiver unit 41 and a barrel 51 is joined to the forward end of receiver 41. A grip 50 is positioned beneath barrel 51 and is joined to the forward end of receiver 41. An accessory rail 48 is secured to receiver unit 41 and further supports a scope 49.
Game code apparatus 40 includes a plurality of connecting structures 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 which provide the above described functions of mechanical attachment and electric signal sensing of attachment for adjoining units to facilitate the above described game play. As mentioned above, each connecting structure provides a removable mechanical attachment together with an electrical signal condition which is indicative of either unit attachment or separation. For purposes of illustration game code apparatus 40 shows substantially identical connecting structures between each of the units. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of different connecting structures may be utilized to meet the variations of units which form game code apparatus 40. Accordingly, connecting structure 55 joins grip 50 to the forward portion of receiver unit 41. Similarly connecting structure 56 joins breach unit 47 to receiver unit 41. Connecting structure 57 joins magazine housing 45 to receiver unit 41 while connecting structure 58 joins accessory rail 48 to receiver unit 41. Finally, connecting structure 59 joins scope 49 to accessory rail 48. In accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, connecting structures 55 through 59 will be understood to be operatively coupled to controller circuit 60 (seen in
More specifically, game code apparatus 40 includes receiver unit 41 supporting handle 42 and trigger 43. Game code apparatus 40 further includes breach unit 47 aligned with receiver unit 41 and magazine housing 45 both of which are aligned with receiver unit 41. Magazine 46 is removably received within magazine housing 45. Butt stock 44 is aligned with receiver unit 41 and barrel 51 is joined to the forward end of receiver 41. Grip 50 is positioned beneath barrel 51 and is aligned with the forward end of receiver 41. Accessory rail 48 is aligned with receiver unit 41 and is further aligned with scope 49.
As described above, game code apparatus 40 includes a plurality of connecting structures 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 which provide the above described functions of mechanical attachment and electric signal sensing of attachment for adjoining units to facilitate the above described game play. As is also mentioned above, each connecting structure provides a removable mechanical attachment together with an electrical signal condition which is indicative of either unit attachment or separation. Accordingly, connecting structure 55 which normally joins handgrip 50 to the forward portion of receiver unit 41 includes a post 65 and a receptacle 75. Similarly connecting structure 56 which normally joins breach unit 47 to receiver unit 41 includes a post 66 and a receptacle 76. Connecting structure 57 which normally joins magazine housing 45 to receiver unit 41 includes a post 67 and a receptacle 77 while connecting structure 58 which normally joins accessory rail 48 to receiver unit 41 includes a post 68 and a receptacle 78. Finally, connecting structure 59 which normally joins scope 49 two accessory rail 48 includes a post 69 and a receptacle 79. In the fully disassembled configuration of game code apparatus 40 shown in
Once the first timer has been activated, the game player operates at step 108 to fully disassemble the game code apparatus. Following operator disassembly of the game code apparatus at step 108, a determination is made at step 109 as to whether the game code apparatus has been completely disassembled within the specified time limits. If disassembly is not complete within the specified lime limits, the system returns to step 103 and the game player again attempts to fully disassemble the game code apparatus. If a determination is made at step 109 that full disassembly has been achieved the system moves to step 110 and activates timer stop.
Once disassembly is complete and the first timer has been stopped, preparation is made to reassemble the game code apparatus. At step 111 the second start timer is prepared. At step 112 the second start is initiated and at step 113 an audio and visual countdown is given. At step 114 the second timer is automatically activated and thereafter at step 115 the game player reassembles the game code apparatus. At step 116, a determination is made as to whether the game code apparatus has been completely and correctly reassembled. If reassembly is correct and complete, the system moves to step 117 and the stop button is pressed. At step 118 the first and second time intervals are examined and, if within the specified time limits, the system moves to step 119 in which the game code, or codes, are displayed and accessible to the game player. If a determination is made at step 118 that the time intervals exceeded the allowed time interval, the system returns to step 103 for a retry. Once the game player has obtained the desired game code, or codes, at step 119, the game code, or codes, are entered into the game console at step 120 after which at step 121 the game player begins game play at the reconfigured game scenario provided in response to the game code, or codes.
In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the above described game play scenario by which a game player is able to obtain access to a game code or codes may be enhanced by providing a game play aspect known in the art as an “Easter egg”. Such Easter eggs provide hidden exclusive codes which the game player is able to obtain through creative alternative manipulation of the game play elements. In the present invention and by way of example the system may provide that the game player “experiment” with alternative assembly arrangements of the various components of game code apparatus 40. In the anticipated use of an Easter egg facet to game play, the game player undertakes to experiment with alternative assembly of components at the game player's risk. Thus, in most instances changing the arrangement of assembled components within game code apparatus 40 will produce a negative game play result, such as a loss of all ammunition, or similar misfortune. It is preferred that a single alternative component arrangement would have a positive and exciting result all in response to one particular alternative component arrangement. By way of example, in the reassembly of game code apparatus 40 a positive result would be limited solely to installing scope unit 49 in a reverse position. As mentioned, this facet of game play to provide an Easter egg is optional and may be undertaken to increase the game play excitement of the present invention.
In the example of the present invention given in
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the above described examples of embodiments of the present invention utilizing game weapons of a basic structure is fully adequate for illustrating the operation of the present invention. It will be recognized however that the present invention may readily utilize game weapons having additional qualities and capabilities of the type often found in existing game technologies to provide further excitement and enhance game play. For example, the invention may utilize game weapons such as those with capabilities of shooting projectiles such as foam darts, plastic BB's, pellets, balls or paint projectiles. By further example the game weapon utilized in carrying forward the invention may include electronic magazines which provide interchangeable magazines for use with indoor play and rely upon infrared “shooting” rather than other projectile weapons such as plastic BBs or other projectiles. In many instances such infrared type weapons are used in association with responsive targets that transform or change game play.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
