FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present specification relates generally to devices for creating an entertainment attraction, more particularly a live interactive adventure game module that can change and modify as the user progresses through the game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Interactive Adventure Games (IAGs) are a new concept in entertainment. They consist of a group of challenges which can be puzzles of various kinds, skill games and others in which an individual or team of players try to solve each one by using clues, common knowledge or natural intuition to complete the game within a specific amount of time. These games are supported by advanced technology and smart computerized systems in order to provide players with a unique gaming experience that distinguishes them from other types of games. Players enter a space or area as their time begins and explore the environment with the goal to discover challenges, find clues and solve puzzles that allow them to progress further through the game until it is completed, or their time runs out. As the players progress through each stage the following challenges could adjust their difficulty depending on player performance. These puzzles can comprise of logic, chemistry, mathematics, geography and basic understanding of type of subjects.
Current gaming experiences such as Escape Rooms generally comprise multiple rooms throughout a small or large building wherein the players progress from room to room as the puzzles are solved. Early versions of these types of games were done on pencil and paper and evolved into physical locks with combinations and hidden keys and codes. These types of ideas and games have evolved into automated technology, and immersive decorations with elaborate storylines to make the puzzles more interactive and to create a more theatrical and atmospheric experience. These games usually require large rooms with furniture, books, pictures, and other items that the user can interact with to solve the puzzles created by the game maker. However, these types of games are limited to what can be done within the rooms, are stationary and once a player has gone through the rooms the player knows how to solve each puzzle which makes the entire game unappealing for recurrent play.
Therefore, there is a need for a live interactive adventure game module that can deliver players with a different experience every time they play it, as well as having the ability to react and adjust the experience based on player performance during game play.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present a live interactive adventure game module comprising a plurality of segments having a top, a bottom, and a side. A first horizontal panel and a second horizontal panel that can form the top and the bottom. A first vertical panel and a second vertical panel that can form the side. A compartment residing in at least some of the panels, the compartments having a door. The first horizontal panel and second horizontal panel can be mirror images. The plurality of segments is at least eight and form an octagon or similar shape. The first horizontal panel and second horizontal panel can comprise a first and second compartment removably attached to the first horizontal panel and/or the second horizontal panel. The first and second compartment can be a box with a door on at least one side wherein the door can open to reveal at least one contents inside. The contents can be a puzzle, game or riddle that a user solves. The first horizontal panel and second horizontal panel can further comprise a top frame and a bottom frame.
The top frame and the bottom frame can be coupled together forming a space for the first compartment by at least one middle frame wherein the top frame, bottom frame and middle frame can be coupled to each other. The top frame and the bottom frame can have at least one first attachment point extending partially or fully from the top frame and/or bottom frame. The side comprises at least one first vertical panel and at least one second vertical panel. The first vertical panel and the second vertical panel each comprise an outer frame and an inner frame wherein the outer frame can be attached to the inner frame by a horizontal support. The first vertical panel and second vertical panel can comprise a second compartment removably attached to the first horizontal panel and/or the second horizontal panel. The plurality of segments at least one side can be a first door wherein the side is on at least a top hinge and a bottom hinge.
The invention also includes a method for controlling the game module, which comprises an operating system and a central management system. The operating system includes a security system, a maintenance system, a communications system, and an operations system. The security system verifies secure communication with the central management system, monitors security sensors, and executes security procedures. The maintenance system monitors and processes updates from the central management system. The communication system validates communication from the central management system and services communication requests. The operations system captures and processes all user events during the gameplay and processes and executes remote commands upon request. This comprehensive control system ensures smooth operation of the game module and a seamless gaming experience for the user.
Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for” and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . , without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of molding a . . . , step for performing the function of molding a . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view with the door open of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 3a is a front view of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3a of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 4a is a front view of a segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4a of a segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 5a is a back view of a segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 5b is a detailed view of FIG. 5a of a segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 6a is a isometric view of a segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 6b is a isometric view of a segment with panels omitted of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 7 is a isometric view of a top segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 8a is a side view of a top segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8a of a top segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 9 is a top view of a top segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a top segment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 11 is a isometric view of a side of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 12a is a front view of the side of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 12A of the side of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the side of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 14 is a back view of the side of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 15a is a front view of another embodiment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 15b is a cross sectional view of FIG. 15a of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 15c is a detailed view of FIG. 15b of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of one section of another embodiment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 17 is a isometric view of another embodiment of the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a security system for the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a maintenance system for the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments;
FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a communications system for the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and
FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an operations system for the live interactive adventure game module in accordance to one, or more embodiments.
Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.
Referring initially to FIGS. 1-10, a live interactive adventure game module is shown generally at 5. The live interactive adventure game module 5 can comprise a plurality of segments 10 having a top 12, a bottom 80, and a side 40. A first horizontal panel 16 and a second horizontal panel 18 forming the top 12 and the bottom 80 wherein the top and bottom can be mirror images of each other. The plurality of segments 10 can be a suitable shape but in the preferred embodiment the segments form an octagon. Each of the plurality of segments 10 can have a first horizontal panel 16 and a second horizontal panel 18. The first horizontal panel 16 and second horizontal panel 18 can have the same or similar components wherein the first horizontal panel can be shorter than the second horizontal panel and in other embodiments the first horizontal panel can be longer than the second horizontal panel. The first horizontal panel 16 and second horizontal panel 18 can comprise a first compartment 14 removably attached to the first horizontal panel and/or the second horizontal panel.
The first compartment 14 can be a box with a door 20 on at least one side. The first compartment 14 can be in the shape of a wedge or partial wedge but in other embodiments the shape can be such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or the like. In certain embodiments the first compartment 14 can have at least one handle 54 attached to it, as shown in FIG. 13. In embodiments, the door 20 can be such as, for example, a retractable door, a roll up door, foldable door, hinged door or the like wherein the user can selectively or randomly access the contents inside the first compartment 14. The door 20 can be coupled to a motor 53 with gear 52, like as shown in FIG. 13 or hydraulics wherein the motor or hydraulics can roll up, extend, or retract the door revealing the contents inside the first compartment 14. In certain embodiments, the door can be replaced by a privacy window wherein the privacy window can allow visual access the contents. In embodiments, the contents inside can be such as, for example, puzzles, games, riddles or the like for the user to solve and progress through the game. The door 20 can be shaped like such as, for example, rectangular, square, wedge, triangular, or the like in shape or the door can be smart glass wherein it can change transparency when an electric charge is applied. In other embodiments, the door 20 can be glass or solid that is stationary and does not open. The compartment 14 can have a light coupled to its inside wherein when the light is off the user cannot see the compartment's contents and when the light is on the contents are revealed through the glass. The door 20 can be glass wherein the glass can be such as, for example, mirrored glass, tinted glass, coated glass, uranium glass, ultraviolet glass, or the like.
The first horizontal panel 16 and second horizontal panel 18 can further comprise a top frame 22 and a bottom frame 24 wherein the top frame and the bottom frame can be made from such as, for example, sheet metal, channel, structural framing, t-slot frame, pipe and rail frame, I-beams, box beams, or the like and in the preferred embodiment the top and bottom frame can be made from bent sheet metal as shown in FIG. 15a through 15c and the top frame and the bottom frame can be omitted and can be replaced with a bended sheet metal 23 having a body with a bent top and bottom as shown in FIG. 16. The top frame 22 and the bottom frame 24 can be coupled together forming a space for the first compartment 14 by at least one middle frame 26 wherein the top frame, bottom frame and first frame can be coupled to each other by such as, for example, weld, fasteners, slide on fittings, or the like or in other embodiments at least one bended sheet metal 23 can form a space for the first compartment as shown in FIG. 16. The middle frame 26 can be vertical or angled as shown in FIG. 7. The first compartment 14 can be removably attached or permanently attached by its anchors 33 by at least one first support 28 or directly to the first horizontal panel 16 and/or the second horizontal panel 18. In other embodiments the first compartment 14 can be attached to a first hinge 25 allowing the first compartment to lower easily and be replaced. In embodiments, the first support 28 can partially or fully extend horizontally from the top frame 22 and/or the bottom frame 24 and can be made from the same or similar materials as the top frame and in the preferred embodiment it can be made from sheet metal. The middle frame 26 and the first support 28 can be such as, for example, welded, fastened, coupled, attached, riveted or the like to the top frame 22 and/or the bottom frame 24.
The first attachment point 30 can be such as, for example, sheet metal, bar stock, strut channel, angle iron, brackets, or the like. The first attachment point 30 can couple to panel 34 or in other embodiments the panel can be coupled to the bent portion of the sheet metal. A first panel 34 can be attached to the bottom frame 24 and/or top frame 22 and can surround the door 20. The first panel 34 can be attached or coupled to the bottom frame 24 and/or top frame 22 by the first attachment point 58 by such as, for example, fastener, weld, rivets, snaps, or the like or by the bent portion of the sheet metal. The first panel 34 can be made from such as, for example, metal, plastic, carbon fiber, wood, or the like and can support an individual's weight when on the second horizontal panel 18 on the bottom 80. Each of the plurality of segments 10 can be joined together by at least one attachment point 47 and/or the top frame and bottom frame by such as, for example, weld, fasteners, slide on fittings, or the like or in other embodiments the bent portion of the sheet metal frame. A second panel 36 can be coupled to the outside of the first horizontal panels 16 and the second horizontal panels 18 covering the space between the first horizontal panels and the second horizontal panels. The top 12, bottom 80, and side 40 can be made from sheet metal having channels and accesses to facilitate wiring for the electrical components.
Referring to FIGS. 11-14, the side 40 can comprise at least one first vertical panel 42 and at least one second vertical panel 44 and in the preferred embodiment two first vertical panels and two second vertical panels can be stacked on each other forming the side. The first vertical panel 42 and the second vertical panel 44 can each comprise an outer frame 48 and an inner frame 46 wherein the outer frame can be attached to the inner frame by at least one horizontal support 50. The horizontal support 50 can be such as, for example sheet metal, channel, structural framing, t-slot frame, pipe and rail frame, I-beams, box beams, or the like and in the preferred embodiment the horizontal support can be made from bent sheet metal bent on the inner wall and the outer wall as shown in FIG. 15a through 17.
The first vertical panel 42 and the second vertical panel 44 can be in the shape of such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, or the like. The first vertical panel 42 and second vertical panel 44 can be mirror images of each other having the same or similar components or in other embodiments the first horizontal panel 16 and second horizontal panel 18 can have different components having an inner or outer structure attached to or forming the first vertical panel and the second vertical panel. The first vertical panel 42 and second vertical panel 44 can comprise a second compartment 60 removably attached to the first horizontal panel and/or the second horizontal panel.
The inner frame 46 and an outer frame 48 can be made from such as, for example, bent sheet metal, channel, structural framing, t-slot frame, pipe and rail frame, I-beams, box beams, or the like as shown in FIG. 5b. The inner frame 46 and the outer frame 48 can be coupled together forming a space for the second compartment 60 by at least one horizontal support 50 wherein the outer frame, inner frame and horizontal support can be coupled to each other by such as, for example, weld, fasteners, slide on fittings, rivets, or the like. The horizontal support 50 can be horizontal or in other embodiments can be angled. The second compartment 60 can be removably attached or permanently attached by at least two brackets 51 directly to the first vertical panel 44 and/or the second vertical panel 42 wherein the bracket can be such as, for example, sheet metal, L-bracket, angle bracket, slide on brackets, or the like. The horizontal support 50 can partially or fully extend horizontally from one side of the inner frame 46 and outer frame 48 to its other side. The inner frame 46 and outer frame 48 can be made from the same or similar materials as the top frame. In certain embodiments, a vertical support can be such as, for example, welded, fastened, coupled, attached, riveted, or the like to the outer frame 48 and/or the inner frame 46.
The inner frame 46 and the outer frame 48 can be coupled to the top frame 22 and/or the bottom frame 24 by at least one second attachment point 47 extending partially or fully from the top frame and/or bottom frame as shown in FIG. 7a or in other embodiment the top frame and the bottom frame can be coupled together by at least one bent portion of the sheet metal. The second attachment point 47 can be such as, for example, bar stock, strut channel, angle iron, brackets, or the like. A third panel 43 can be attached to the inner frame 46 and surround the door 20 and a fourth panel 45 can be coupled to the outer frame 48. The third panel 43 can be coupled to the inner frame 46 and the fourth panel 45 can be attached to the outer frame 48 by the third attachment point 58 by such as, for example, fastener, weld, rivets, snaps, or the like. The first vertical panel 44 can be made from such as, for example, sheet metal, metal, plastic, carbon fiber, wood, or the like. Each of the plurality of segments 10 can be joined together by the attachment point 47 and/or the inner frame 46 and outer frame 48 by such as, for example, weld, fasteners, slide on fittings, hinges, hinge on sheet metal, or the like. A second panel 36 can be coupled to the outside of the first horizontal panel 16 and the second horizontal panel 18 and/or first vertical panel 42 covering the space between the first horizontal panel and the vertical panel.
In embodiments, at least one of the plurality of segments 10 side 40 can be a first door 56 wherein the side is on at least one hinge 49 which can be spaced at the top and bottom of the first door as shown in FIGS. 1b, 4c and 4d. The first door 56 can be hidden from a user's sight wherein when looking at the segment a user will not be able to see that it is a first door from either the inside or outside of the live interactive adventure game module 5 as shown in FIG. 2. The plurality of segments 10 can have a plurality of sensors around the top 12, bottom 80, side 40, and compartment doors 20. The sensors can be such as, for example, temperature, pressure, position, force, vibration, humidity, cameras, or the like wherein the sensor can monitor every aspect of the game and user's inside of the live interactive adventure game module 5. The first door 56 structural components can be made from the same or similar components of the inner frame 46 and the outer frame 48 and it can be made from sheet metal.
Referring to FIGS. 18-21 in embodiments, the live interactive adventure game module 5 can be controlled by a computing system wherein the computing system controls which opens and closes the doors as the game progresses and can control the level of difficulty within the interactive adventure game module. For example, the live interactive adventure game module 5 can have its own independent and autonomous computing system comprising of at least one node unit wherein each node can regularly communicate with a Central Management System (“CMS”) which can use a pull architecture to update system code as well as system status through standard commands. Each node can be responsible for their own operations but can assist and respond to requests from other interactive adventure game modules 5 wherein if the user wants to add multiple modules to one game the system can communicate with each one and create one complete game for the user. The interactive adventure game module 5 can have an operating system (“OS”) that can comprise security, maintenance, communications, and operations.
As shown in FIG. 18, a security system flowchart can run both online and offline security procedures and commands during regular and emergency operations and reporting on the system activity to the CMS. The security system can verify secure communications with the CMS, regularly monitor security sensors (access point sensors, emergency power, position, temperature, or the like, and can execute security procedures during power outages, fires or other emergencies. The security system can further notify the CMS immediately of localized security issues such as, access points are not functioning correctly, large disruption detection, or the like and can notify the CMS of any relevant event and perform failure tolerance procedures. The security system can start 102 processes and then check all the 104 sensors. If there is any incident detected 106, then a response is executed 108, the event is reported 112 and a recovery is executed 114 and then a status report 116 is sent. If an incident is not detected then the system listens for a remote command 110, then checks if the request is valid 118, and then the request is executed.
As shown in FIG. 19, a maintenance system flowchart starts 130 by checking for requests 132, if there is a valid request found 134, then it downloads any updates 136 and installs the updates 138, the system is rebooted 140 and the startup status is reported 142. The maintenance system can listen for and process the OS updates from the CMS.
As shown in FIG. 20, a communications system can compute all the communications between the node and CMS or any other node if required by the system. The communications system's primary functions are validating communication from CMS (Central Management System), servicing communication requests from the CMS or other systems to any other node, execution of communication failure tolerance and resilience procedures. The communications system 150 starts and listens for local requests 152, if a valid request is found 154 then the request is executed 156, the event is reported 158 and a response is sent 160. If there is not a valid request found the system continues to listen for remote requests 162, if a valid request is found 164 then the request is executed 166 and a response is sent 168.
As shown in FIG. 21, an operations system flowchart can be responsible for capturing and processing all user events during game play; as well as processing and executing remote commands upon request and depending on game design requirements, the OS could be centralized to the main node processing unit, distributed among multiple processing units attached to the individual challenges, or a hybrid of both. The operations system can start 170 and then check for any user's input 172, if input is found 174 then the event is processed 176, the response is executed 178, the status is updated 180, and the event is reported 182. If there is not any input found then it will listen for a remote request 184, if a valid request is found 186, the request is then processed 188, the response is then executed 190, the status is updated 192 and the event is then reported 194. The first compartments and the second compartments can each have a separate game or puzzle inside of it and as the user progresses and solves the puzzle within the first and second compartments the system determines how long it took the user to solve the puzzle and adjust the difficulty level of the next experience or game. The live interactive adventure game module can have at least thirty-two different combinations of games within the module and its first and second compartments.
In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.
Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Patent Application
20240269542
