Patent Grant
7850527
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to children's' play toys and games and, in particular, to interactive toys, games and play systems utilizing radio frequency transponders and transceivers to provide a unique interactive game play experience.
2. Description of the Related Art
Family entertainment centers, play structures and other similar facilities are well known for providing play and interaction among play participants playing in, or around an entertainment facility and/or play structure. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,332 to Briggs, incorporated herein by reference. A wide variety of commercially available play toys and games are also known for providing valuable learning and entertainment opportunities for children, such as role playing, reading, memory stimulation, tactile coordination and the like.
However, there is always a demand for more exciting and entertaining games and toys that increase the learning and entertainment opportunities for children and stimulate creativity and imagination.
The present invention provides a unique method of game play carried out within either an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes an interactive “wand” and/or other tracking/actuation device to allow play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment(s). The play environment may either be real or imaginary (i.e. computer/TV generated), and either local or remote, as desired. Optionally, multiple play participants, each provided with a suitable “wand” and/or tracking device, may play and interact together, either within or outside the play environment, to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects within the play environment.
In accordance with one embodiment the present invention provides an interactive play system and seemingly magical wand toy for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys and/or to and from various transceivers distributed throughout a play facility and/or connected to a master control system. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/receive radio frequency communication protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magic interactive play experience for play participants who possess and learn to use the magical wand toy.
In accordance with another embodiment the present invention provides an interactive play structure in the theme of a “magic” training center for would-be wizards in accordance with the popular characters and storylines of the children's' book series “Harry Potter” by J. K Rowling. Within the play structure, play participants learn to use a “magic wand” and/or other tracking/actuation device. The wand allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment simply by pointing or using their wands in a particular manner to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects within the play environment. Various receivers or transceivers are distributed throughout the play structure to facilitate such interaction via wireless communications.
In accordance with another embodiment the present invention provides a wand actuator device for actuating various interactive play effects within an RFID-compatible play environment. The wand comprises an elongated hollow pipe or tube having a proximal end or handle portion and a distal end or transmitting portion. An internal cavity may be provided to receive one or more batteries to power optional lighting, laser or sound effects and/or to power long-range transmissions such as via an infrared LED transmitter device or RF transmitter device. The distal end of the wand is fitted with an RFID (radio frequency identification device) transponder that is operable to provide relatively short-range RF communications (<60 cm) with one or more receivers or transceivers distributed throughout a play environment. The handle portion of the wand is fitted with optional combination wheels having various symbols and/or images thereon which may be rotated to produce a desired pattern of symbols required to operate the wand or achieve one or more special effects.
In accordance with another embodiment the present invention provides an RFID card or badge intended to be affixed or adhered to the front of a shirt or blouse worn by a play participant while visiting an RF equipped play facility. The badge comprises a paper, cardboard or plastic substrate having a front side and a back side. The front side may be imprinted with graphics, photos, or any other information desired. The front side may include any number of other designs or information pertinent to its application. The obverse side of the badge contains certain electronics comprising a radio frequency tag pre-programmed with a unique person identifier number (“UPIN”). The UPIN may be used to identify and track individual play participants within the play facility. Optionally, each tag may also include a unique group identifier number (“UGIN”) which may be used to match a defined group of individuals having a predetermined relationship.
In accordance with another embodiment the present invention provides an electronic role-play game utilizing specially configured electronically readable character cards. Each card is configured with an RFID or a magnetic “swipe” strip or the like, that may be used to store certain information describing the powers or abilities of an imaginary role-play character that the card represents. As each play participant uses his or her favorite character card in various play facilities the character represented by the card gains (or loses) certain attributes, such as magic skill level, magic strength, flight ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the card so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like. In this manner, an imaginary role-play character is created and stored on a card that is able to seamlessly transcend from one play medium to the next.
In accordance with another embodiment the present invention provides a trading card game wherein a plurality of cards depicting various real or imaginary persons, characters and/or objects are provided and wherein each card has recorded or stored thereon in an electronically readable format certain selected information pertaining to the particular person, character or object, such as performance statistics, traits/powers, or special abilities. The information is preferably stored on an RFID tracking tag associated with each card and which can be read electronically and wirelessly over a predetermined range preferably greater than about 1 cm when placed in the proximity of a suitably configured RF reader. Optionally, the RFID tag may be read/write capable such that it the information stored thereon may be changed or updated in any manner desired. Alternatively, a magnetic strip, bar code or similar information storage means may be used to store relevant information on the card.
For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.
Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention and its essential features and advantages, certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having reference to the figures that follow, of which:
Basic System and Framework
The play structure itself comprises a multi-level structure constructed using any one of an number of materials and construction techniques well known to those skilled in the art. The structure 100 may be suitable for either outdoor or indoor use, as desired. Preferably, the structure 100 comprises a supporting framework 102 formed from a plurality of interconnected support members 126, comprising columns, pylons, beams, connectors and the like. The support members 126 may be formed from any combination of convenient materials having sufficient strength and durability for safely supporting multiple play participants 105. For example, plastic or PVC pipes, steel pipes, I-beams or channel beams, reinforced concrete beams/columns, and the like may all be used to form the supporting framework 102.
For visual appeal and added safety, optional decorative panels, railings 132 and/or roofing elements 130 may be provided, as desired, to shade play participants 105 from the sun (for outdoor play structures), to prevent play participants from falling off the structure 100, or to complement a particular desired theme of the play structure 100. For instance, in the preferred embodiment shown in
Preferably, a suitable play media, such as foam or rubber balls or similar objects, is provided for use throughout the structure to provide a tactile interactive play experience. A number of conduits 128 or other transport means are preferably provided throughout the framework 102 for transporting play media to and from the various play areas in the play structure 100. The conduits 128 may be formed from plastic hosing or PVC pipes joined together using commercially available fittings, as is well known in the art. Conduits 128 may also be formed from a wide variety of other suitable materials such as steel pipe, ceramic/clay pipe, or they may be formed as open channels and/or runners, as desired. Clear or colored/transparent plastic pipes having an inner diameter of about 2⅛″-6½″, and more preferably about 3-4″, are particularly preferred for aesthetic appeal and added excitement. Alternatively, larger or smaller diameter conduits 128 or conduits 128 having different colors or shapes may be used, as desired, to accommodate various sizes and shapes of balls or other play media 114. Play media 114 may be conveniently transported by use of pressurized air or other suitable means, as desired. Various participant-operated or “magically” actuated conveyors may also be employed to circulate balls or other play media 114 from one area of the structure 100 to another, as desired.
The particular play structure shown in
Other suitable play media 114 may include, without limitation, foam, plastic or rubber balls and similarly formed articles such as cubes, plates, discs, tubes, cones, rubber or foam bullets/arrows, the present invention not being limited to any particular preferred play media. These may be used alone or in combination with one another. For instance, flying discs, such as Frisbees™, may be flung from one location on the play structure 100 while other play participants shoot at the discs using foam balls or suction-cup arrows. Wet or semi-wet play mediums, such as slime-like materials, snow, mud, squirt guns and/or water balloons may also used, as desired, to cool and entertain play participants. Durable plastic or rubber play media are preferable in an outdoor play structure where environmental exposure may prematurely destroy or degrade the quality of certain play mediums such as foam balls. The particular play media used is not particularly important for purposes of carrying out the invention and, optionally, may be omitted altogether, if desired.
Various electronic interactive play elements are disposed in, on and/or around the play structure 100 to allow play participants 105 to create desired “magical” effects, as illustrated in
A spherical, preferably clear, plastic relay 172 acts as a trap and/or filter selectively feeding play media 114 into a holding tank. This tank, in turn, provides play media 114 to the flexible hose 128. Dramatic visual effects are created as multi-colored balls and/or other play media 114 bounce around the interior of the relay 172 and are carried up through the spiraling conduit 128. The relay 172 may also be used to collect and/or filter play media 114 for further transmission along the various conduits 128 or to other play elements or conveyors as desired.
Other interactive play elements may include, for example and without limitation, a wand activated overhead reservoir for dumping balls or other play media 114 onto other play participants, a tray or channel for allowing balls or other play media 114 to roll down onto a target or other play participants, a bucket conveyor for lifting balls or other play media 114 from a lower collection basin to an elevated container for supplying other play elements, and various interactive targets.
The play structure 100 also preferably incorporates a number of other conventional (passive) play elements, such as climbing nets, crawl tunnels, swinging bridges, slides 110, and the like as shown in
Multiple ball pits and the like may also be provided at various locations throughout the play structure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a wide variety of other passive play elements, such as funny mirrors, rotating tunnels, trampolines, climbing bars, swings, etc. may all be used to create a desired play environment for carrying out the features and advantages as of the present invention as taught herein.
While a particular preferred play environment and play structure 100 has been described, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a wide variety of other possible play environments, play structures, entertainment centers and the like may be used to create an interactive play environment within which the invention may be carried out. For instance, a suitable play structure may be constructed substantially entirely of molded or contoured concrete, fiberglass or plastic, as desired. Alternatively, a suitable play structure may be constructed entirely or partially from conduits or pipes which also transport play media to and from various locations throughout the play structure. Alternatively, the play environment need not comprise a play structure at all, but may be simply a themed play area, or even a multi-purpose area such as a restaurant dining facility, family room, bedroom or the like.
Magic Wand
As indicated above, play participants 105 within the play structure 100 learn to use a “Magic wand” 200 and/or other tracking/actuation device. The wand 200 allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment simply by pointing or using their wands in a particular manner to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects within the play environment. Use of the wand 200 may be as simple as touching it to a particular surface or “magical” item within the play structure 100 or it may be as complex as shaking or twisting the wand a predetermined number of times in a particular manner and/or pointing it accurately at a certain target desired to be “magically” transformed or otherwise affected. As play participants play and interact within the play structure 100 they learn more about the “magical” powers possessed by the wand 200 and become more adept at using the wand to achieve desired goals or desired play effects. Optionally, play participants may collect points or earn additional magic levels or ranks for each play effect or task they successfully achieve. In this manner, play participants 105 may compete with one another to see who can score more points and/or achieve the highest magic level.
This information is initially received by RF Module 380, which can then transfer the information through standard interfaces to an optional Host Computer 375, Control Module 385, printer, or programmable logic controller for storage or action. If appropriate, Control Module 385 provides certain outputs to activate or control one or more associated play effects, such as lighting, sound, various mechanical or pneumatic actuators or the like. Optional Host Computer 375 processes the information and/or communicates it to other transceivers 300, as may be required by the game. If suitably configured, RF Module 380 may also broadcast or “write” certain information back to the transponder 335 to change or update one of more of the 80 read/write bits in its memory. This exchange of communications occurs very rapidly (˜70 ms) and so from the user's perspective it appears to be instantaneous. Thus, the wand 200 may be used in this “short range” or “passive” mode to actuate various “magical” effects throughout the play structure 100 by simply touching or bringing the tip of the wand 200 into relatively close proximity with a particular transceiver 300. To provide added mystery and fun, certain transceivers 300 may be hidden within the play structure 100 so that they must be discovered by continually probing around the structure using the wand 200. The locations of the hidden transceivers may be changed from time to time to keep the game fresh and exciting.
If desired, the wand 200 may also be configured for long range communications with one or more of the transceivers 300 (or other receivers) disposed within the play structure 100. For example, one or more transceivers 300 may be located on a roof or ceiling surface, on an inaccessible theming element, or other area out of reach of play participants. Such long-rage wand operation may be readily achieved using an auxiliary battery powered RF transponder, such as available from Axcess, Inc., Dallas, Tex. If line of sight or directional actuation is desired, a battery-operated infrared LED transmitter and receiver of the type employed in television remote control may be used, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate. Of course, a wide variety of other wireless communications devices, as well as various sound and lighting effects may also be provided, as desired. Any one or more of these may be actuated via button 325, as desirable or convenient.
Additional optional circuitry and/or position sensors may be added, if desired, to allow the “magic wand” 200 to be operated by waiving, shaking, stroking and/or tapping it in a particular manner. If provided, these operational aspects would need to be learned by play participants as they train in the various play environments. The ultimate goal, of course, is to become a “grand wizard” or master of the wand. This means that the play participant has learned and mastered every aspect of operating the wand to produce desired effects within each play environment. Of course, additional effects and operational nuances can (and preferably are) always added in order to keep the interactive experience fresh continually changing. Optionally, the wand 200 may be configured such that it is able to display 50 or more characters on a LTD or LCD screen. The wand may also be configured to respond to other signals, such as light, sound, or voice commands as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
RFID Tracking Card/Badge
The obverse side 410 of the badge 400 contains the badge electronics comprising a radio frequency tag 420 pre-programmed with a unique person identifier number (“UPIN”). The tag 420 generally comprises a spiral wound antenna 450, a radio frequency transmitter chip 460 and various electrical leads and terminals 470 connecting the chip 460 to the antenna. Advantageously, the UPIN may be used to identify and track individual play participants within the play facility. Optionally, each tag 420 may also include a unique group identifier number (“UGIN”) which may be used to match a defined group of individuals having a predetermined relationship—either pre-existing or contrived for purposes of game play. If desired, the tag 420 may be covered with an adhesive paper label (not shown) or, alternatively, may be molded directly into a plastic sheet substrate comprising the card 400.
Various readers distributed throughout a park or entertainment facility are able to read the RFID tags 420. Thus, the UPIN and UGIN information can be conveniently read and provided to an associated master control system, display system or other tracking, recording or display device for purposes of creating a record of each play participant's experience within the play facility. This information may be used for purposes of calculating individual or team scores, tracking and/or locating lost children, verifying whether or not a child is inside a facility, photo capture & retrieval, and many other useful purposes as will be readily obvious and apparent to those skilled in the art.
Preferably, the tag 420 is passive (requires no batteries) so that it is inexpensive to purchase and maintain. Such tags and various associated readers and other accessories are commercially available in a wide variety of configurations, sizes and read ranges. RFID tags having a read range of between about 10 cm to about 100 cm are particularly preferred, although shorter or longer read ranges may also be acceptable. The particular tag illustrated is the 13.56 mHz tag sold under the brand name Taggit™ available from Texas Instruments, Inc. (http://www.tiris.com, Product No. RI-103-110A). The tag 420 has a useful read/write range of about 25 cm and contains 256-bits of on-board memory arranged in 8×32-bit blocks which may be programmed (written) and read by a suitably configured read/write device. Such tag device is useful for storing and retrieving desired user-specific information such as UPIN, UGIN, first and/or last name, age, rank or level, total points accumulated, tasks completed, facilities visited, etc. If a longer read/write range and/or more memory is desired, optional battery-powered tags may be used instead, such as available from ACXESS, Inc. and/or various other vendors known to those skilled in the art.
As indicated above, communication of data between a tag and a reader is by wireless communication. As a result, transmitting such data is always subject to the vagaries and influences of the media or channels through which the data has to pass, including the air interface. Noise, interference and distortion are the primary sources of data corruption that may arise. Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that a certain degree of care should be taken in the placement and orientation of readers 500 so as to minimize the probability of such data transmission errors. Preferably, the readers are placed at least 30-60 cm away from any metal objects, power lines or other potential interference sources. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the write range of the tag/reader combination is typically somewhat less (˜10-15% less) than the read range “d” and, thus, this should also be taken into account in determining optimal placement and positioning of each reader device 500.
Typical RFID data communication is asynchronous or unsynchronized in nature and, thus, particular attention should be given in considering the form in which the data is to be communicated. Structuring the bit stream to accommodate these needs, such as via a channel encoding scheme, is preferred in order to provide reliable system performance. Various suitable channel encoding schemes, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK) and spread spectrum modulation (SSM), are well know to those skilled in the art and will not be further discussed herein. The choice of carrier wave frequency is also important in determining data transfer rates. Generally speaking the higher the frequency the higher the data transfer or throughput rates that can be achieved. This is intimately linked to bandwidth or range available within the frequency spectrum for the communication process. Preferably, the channel bandwidth is selected to be at least twice the bit rate required for the particular game application.
Various data buffers or further memory components (not shown), may be provided to temporarily hold incoming data following demodulation and outgoing data for modulation and interface with the transponder antenna 450. Analog Circuitry 535 provides the facility to direct and accommodate the interrogation field energy for powering purposes in passive transponders and triggering of the transponder response. Analog Circuitry also provides the facility to accept the programming or “write” data modulated signal and to perform the necessary demodulation and data transfer processes. Digital Circuitry 540 provides certain control logic, security logic and internal microprocessor logic required to operate central processor 530.
Role Play Character Cards
The RFID card 400 illustrated and described above is used, in accordance with the afore-mentioned preferred embodiment, to identify and track individual play participants and/or groups of play participants within a play facility. However, in another preferred embodiment, the same card 400 and/or a similarly configured RFID or a magnetic “swipe” card or the like may be used to store certain powers or abilities of an imaginary role-play character that the card 400 represents. For example, card 400 may represent the HARRY POTTER character. As each play participant uses his or her favorite character card in various HARRY POTTER play facilities the HARRY POTTER character represented by the card 400 gains (or loses) certain attributes, such as magic skill level, magic strength, flight ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the card 400 so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like. In this manner, an imaginary role-play character is created and stored on a card that is able to seamlessly transcend from one play medium to the next.
For example, character attributes developed during a play a participant's visit to a local HARRY POTTER/Hogwart magic facility are stored on the card 400. When the play participant then revisits the same or another HARRY POTTER play facility, all of the attributes of his character are “remembered” on the card so that the play participant is able to continue playing with and developing the same role-play character. Similarly, various video games, home game consoles, and/or hand-held game units can be and preferably are configured to communicate with the card 400 in a similar manner as described above and/or using other well-known information storage and communication techniques. In this manner, a play participant can use the character card 400 and the role play character he or she has developed with specific associated attributes in a favorite video action game, role-play computer game or the like.
The particular size, shape and theme of the cards 600 are relatively unimportant. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the cards 600 are shaped and themed so as to be used as bookmarks for HARRY POTTER series books. These may be packaged and sold together with each HARRY POTTER book, or they may be sold separately as novelty items or the like. If desired, a hole or eyelet 610 may be provided at the top of each card 600 so as to facilitate wearing the card 600 as a pendant on a necklace 620 or as key-chain trinket. Smaller, pocket-sized cards and/or other similar RFID or magnetic transponder devices may also be used where convenience and market demand dictates. Such transponder devices are commercially available, such as from Texas Instruments, Inc. (http://www.tiris.com, e.g., Prod. Nos. RI-TRP-W9WK, RI-TRP-R9QL, RI-TRP-WFOB).
Master Control System
Depending upon the degree of game complexity desired and the amount of information sharing required, the transceivers 300 may or may not be connected to a master control system or central server 375 (
SRRF may generally be described as an RF-based communications technology and protocol that allows pertinent information and messages to be sent and received to and from two or more SRRF compatible devices or systems. While the specific embodiments descried herein are specific to RF-based communication systems, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the broader interactive play concepts taught herein may be realized using any number of commercially available 2-way and/or 1-way medium range wireless communication devices and communication protocols such as, without limitation, infrared-, digital-, analog, AM/FM-, laser-, visual-, audio-, and/or ultrasonic-based systems, as desired or expedient.
The SRRF system can preferably send and receive signals (up to 40 feet) between tokens and fixed transceivers. The system is preferably able to associate a token with a particular zone as defined by a token activation area approximately 10-15 feet in diameter. Different transceiver and antenna configurations can be utilized depending on the SRRF requirements for each play station. The SRRF facility tokens and transceivers are networked throughout the facility. These devices can be hidden in or integrated into the facility's infrastructure, such as walls, floors, ceilings and play station equipment. Therefore, the size and packaging of these transceivers is not particularly critical.
In a preferred embodiment, an entire entertainment facility may be configured with SRRF technology to provide a master control system for an interactive entertainment play environment using SRRF-compatible magic wands and/or tracking devices. A typical entertainment facility provided with SRRF technology may allow 300-400 or more users to more-or-less simultaneously send and receive electronic transmissions to and from the master control system using a magic wand or other SRRF-compatible tracking device.
In particular, the SRRF system uses a software program and data-base that can track the locations and activities of up to a hundred more users. This information is then used to adjust the play experience for the user based on “knowing” where the user/player has been, what objectives that player has accomplished and how many points or levels have been reached. The system can then send messages to the user throughout the play experience. For example, the system can allow or deny access to a user into a new play area based on how many points or levels reached by that user and/or based on what objectives that user has accomplished or helped accomplish. It can also indicate, via sending a message to the user the amount of points or specific play objectives necessary to complete a “mission” or enter the next level of play. The master control system can also send messages to the user from other users.
The system is preferably sophisticated enough that it can allow multiple users to interact with each other adjusting the game instantly. The master system can also preferably interface with digital imaging and/or video capture so that the users activities can be visually tracked. Any user can locate another user either through the video capturing system or by sending a message to another device. At the end of a visit, users are informed of their activities and the system interfaces with printout capabilities. The SRRF system is preferably capable of sending and receiving signals up to 100 feet. Transmitter devices can also be hidden in walls or other structures in order to provide additional interactivity and excitement for play participants.
Suitable embodiments of the SRRF technology described above may be obtained from a number of suitable sources, such as AXCESS, Inc. and, in particular, the AXCESS active RFID network system for asset and people tacking applications. In another preferred embodiment the system comprises a network of transceivers 300 installed at specific points throughout a facility. Players are outfitted or provided with a reusable “token”—a standard AXCESS personnel tag clipped to their clothing in the upper chest area. As each player enters a specific interactive play area or “game zone” within the facility, the player's token receives a low frequency activation signal containing a zone identification number (ZID). The token then responds to this signal by transmitting both its unique token identification number (TID) along with the ZID, thus identifying and associating the player with a particular zone.
The token's transmitted signal is received by a transceiver 300 attached to a data network built into the facility. Using the data network, the transceiver forwards the TID/ZID data to a host computer system. The host system uses the SRRF information to log/track the guest's progress through the facility while interfacing with other interactive systems within the venue. For example, upon receipt of a TID/ZID message received from Zone 1, the host system may trigger a digital camera focused on that area, thus capturing a digital image of the player which can now be associated with both their TID and the ZID at a specific time. In this manner the SRRF technology allows the master control system to uniquely identify and track people as they interact with various games and activities in a semi-controlled play environment. Optionally, the system may be configured for two-way messaging to enable more complex interactive gaming concepts.
In another embodiment, the SRRF technology can be used in the home. For enabling Magic at the home, a small SRRF module is preferably incorporated into one or more portable toys or objects that may be as small as a beeper. The SRRF module supports two-way communications with a small home transceiver, as well as with other SRRF objects. For example, a Magic wand 200 can communicate with another Magic wand 200.
The toy or object may also include the ability to produce light, vibration or other sound effects based on signals received through the SRRF module. In a more advanced implementation, the magical object may be configured such that it is able to display preprogrammed messages of up to 50 characters on a LCD screen when triggered by user action (e.g. button) or via signals received through the SRRF module. This device is also preferably capable of displaying short text messages transmitted over the SRRF wireless link from another SRRF-compatible device.
Preferably, the SRRF transceiver 300 is capable of supporting medium-to-long range (10-40 feet) two-way communications between SRRF objects and a host system, such as a PC running SRRF-compatible software. This transceiver 300 has an integral antenna and interfaces to the host computer through a dedicated communication port using industry standard RS232 serial communications. It is also desirable that the SRRF transmission method be flexible such that it can be embedded in television or radio signals, videotapes, DVDs, video games and other programs media, stripped out and re-transmitted using low cost components. The exact method for transposing these signals, as well as the explicit interface between the home transceiver and common consumer electronics (i.e. TVs, radios, VCRs, DVD players, A/V receivers, etc.) is not particularly important, so long as the basic functionality as described above is achieved. The various components needed to assemble such an SRRF system suitable for use with the present invention are commercially available and their assembly to achieve the desired functionality described above can be readily determined by persons of ordinary skill in the art. If desired, each SRRF transceiver may also incorporate a global positioning (“GPS”) device to track the exact location of each play participant within one or more play environments.
Most desirably, a SRRF module can be provided in “chip” form to be incorporated with other electronics, or designed as a packaged module suitable for the consumer market. If desired, the antenna can be embedded in the module, or integrated into the toy and attached to the module. Different modules and antennas may be required depending on the function, intelligence and interfaces required for different devices. A consumer grade rechargeable or user replaceable battery may also be used to power both the SRRF module and associated toy electronics.
Interactive Game Play
The present invention may be carried out using a wide variety of suitable game play environments, storylines and characters, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The following specific game play examples are provided for purposes of illustration and for better understanding of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the invention in any way:
An overall interactive gaming experience and entertainment system is provided (called the “Magic” experience), which tells a fantastic story that engages children and families in a never-ending adventure based on a mysterious treasure box filled with magical objects. Through a number of entertainment venues such as entertainment facilities, computer games, television, publications, web sites, and the like, children learn about and/or are trained to use these magical objects to become powerful “wizards” within one or more defined “Magic” play environments. The play environments may be physically represented, such as via an actual existing play structure or family entertainment center, and/or it may be visually/aurally represented via computer animation, television radio and/or other entertainment venue or source.
The magical objects use the SRRF communications system allowing for messages and information to be received and sent to and from any other object or system. Optionally, these may be programmed and linked to the master SRRF system. Most preferably, the “magic wand” 200 is configured to receive messages from any computer software, game console, web site, and entertainment facility, television program that carries the SRRF system. In addition, the magic wand can also preferably send messages to any SRRF compatible system thus allowing for the “wand” to be tracked and used within each play environment where the wand is presented. The toy or wand 200 also preferably enables the user to interact with either a Master system located within a Magic entertainment facility and/or a home-based system using common consumer electronic devices such as a personal computer, VCR or video game system.
The master control system for a Magic entertainment facility generally comprises: (1) a “Icken” (gag, toy, wand 200 or other device) carried by the user 105, (2) a plurality of receivers or transceivers 300 installed throughout the facility, (3) a standard LAN communications system (optional), and (4) a master computer system interfaced to the transceiver network (optional). If a Master computer system is used, preferably the software program running on the Master computer is capable of tracking the total experience for hundreds of users substantially in real time. The information is used to adjust the play for each user based on knowing the age of the user, where the user has played or is playing, points accumulated, levels reached and specific objectives accomplished. Based on real-time information obtained from the network, the system can also send messages to the user as they interact throughout the Magic experience.
The Master system can quickly authorize user access to a new play station area or “zone” based on points or levels reached. It can also preferably indicate, via sending a message to the user, the points needed or play activities necessary to complete a “mission.” The Master system can also send messages to the user from other users. The system is preferably sophisticated enough to allow multiple users to interact with each other while enjoying the game in real-time.
Optionally, the Master system can interface with digital imaging and video capture so that the users' activities can be visually tracked. Any user can then locate another user either through the video capturing system or by sending a message to another device. At the end of a visit, users are informed of their activities and other attributes related to the Magic experience via display or printout.
For relatively simple interactive games, the Master system may be omitted in order to save costs. In that case, any game-related information required to be shared with other receivers or transceivers may be communicated via an RS-232 hub network, Ethernet, or wireless network, or such information may be stored on the want itself and/or an associated RFID card or badge carried by the play participant (discussed later). For retrofit applications, it is strongly preferred to provide substantially all stand-alone receivers or transceivers that do not communicate to a master system or network. This is to avoid the expense of re-wiring existing infrastructure. For these applications, any information required to be shared by the game system is preferably stored on the wand or other RFID device(s) carried by the play participants. Alternatively, if a more complex game experience is demanded, any number of commercially available wireless networks may be provided without requiring rewiring or existing infrastructure.
A computer adventure game is provided in which one or more play participants assume the role of an imaginary character “Pajama Sam” from the popular series of computer games published by Humongous Entertainment, Inc. of Woodinville, W A. A Pajama Sam adventure character card 700, such as illustrated in
The card 700 may be constructed substantially the same as the cards 400, 600 illustrated and described above in connection with
The particular size, shape and theme of the card 700 is relatively unimportant. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the card 700 is shaped and themed similar to a baseball trading card so that they may be collected and stored conveniently in any baseball card album or the like. If desired, a hole or eyelet (not shown) may be provided at the top of the card 700 so as to facilitate wearing the card 700 as a pendant on a necklace or as key-chain trinket. Of course, smaller, pocket-sized cards and/or other similar RFID or magnetic transponder devices may also be used where convenience and market demand dictates. Such alternative suitable transponder devices are commercially available, such as from Texas Instruments, Inc. (http://www.tiris.com, e.g., Prod. Nos. RI-TRP-W9WK, RI-TRP-R9QL, RI-TRP-WFOB).
A specially configured computer, video game, home game console, hand-held gaming device or similar gaming device is provided with a reader, and more preferably a reader/writer such as described above, that is able to communicate with the tag 720 or other information storage means associated with the card 700. As each play participant plays his or her favorite Pajama Sam game the Pajama Sam character represented by the card 700 gains (or loses) certain attributes, such as speed, dexterity, and/or the possession of certain tools or objects associated with the game play. All of this information is preferably stored on the card 700 so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, play facilities, and the like. In this manner, an imaginary role-play character is created and stored on a card that is able to seamlessly transcend from one play medium to the next.
For example, in the course of playing a typical Pajama Sam game, players must “find” certain objects or tools that they will use to solve certain puzzles or tasks presented by the game. Players “pick up” these objects or tools by clicking their mouse on the desired object. The computer game software then keeps a record of which objects have been collected and displays those objects on the computer screen when requested by the player. This is illustrated by
If the player were to quit the game at this point, he or she could save the game on the host computer and return to the same computer later to complete the adventure. But the Pajama Sam character itself, its attributes, experiences and accomplishments are not portable and cannot presently be transferred from one game or gaming environment to another. However, the Pajama Sam adventure card 700 in accordance with the present invention enables a play participant to continue the adventure somewhere else (e.g. at a friends house, or a video arcade facility) without having to restart the game and repeat the steps that the player has already accomplished. With the Pajama Sam adventure card 700, relevant details of the game experience and the Pajama Sam character are stored on the card 700 so that the player can take the card to another computer, game console, hand-held game device or a designated Pajama Sam play facility, to continue the adventure in a new and exciting play environment.
For example, the Pajama Sam play facility could be configured as a physical play space similar to that described above in connection with
Similarly, various other video games, home game consoles, and/or hand-held game units can be and preferably are configured to communicate with the Pajama Sam adventure card 700 in a similar manner as described above and/or using other well-known information storage and communication techniques. In this manner, a play participant can use the Pajama Sam adventure card 700 and the role play character he or she has developed with specific associated attributes in a favorite video action game, role-play computer game, internet adventure game or the like.
A trading card game is provided wherein a plurality of cards depicting various real or imaginary persons, characters and/or objects are provided and wherein each card has recorded or stored thereon in an electronically readable format certain selected information pertaining to the particular person, character or object, such as performance statistics, traits/powers, or special abilities. The information is preferably stored on an RFID tracking tag associated with each card and which can be read electronically and wirelessly over a predetermined range preferably greater than about 1 cm when placed in the proximity of a suitably configured RF reader. Optionally, the RFID tag may be read/write capable such that it the information stored thereon may be changed or updated in any manner desired. Alternatively, a magnetic strip, bar code or similar information storage means may be used to store relevant information on the card.
The obverse side 910 of the card 900 preferably contains the card electronics comprising a radio frequency tag 920 pre-programmed with the pertinent information for the particular person, character or object portrayed on the front of the card. The tag 920 generally comprises a spiral wound antenna 950, a radio frequency transmitter chip 960 and various electrical leads and terminals 970 connecting the chip 960 to the antenna. If desired, the tag 920 may be covered with an adhesive paper label (not shown) or, alternatively, the tag may be molded directly into a plastic sheet substrate from which the card 900 is formed.
Preferably, the tag 920 is passive (requires no batteries) so that it is inexpensive to purchase and maintain. Such tags and various associated readers and other accessories are commercially available in a wide variety of configurations, sizes and read ranges. RFID tags having a read range of between about 10 cm to about 100 cm are particularly preferred, although shorter or longer read ranges may also be acceptable. The particular tag illustrated is the 13.56 mHz tag sold under the brand name Taggit™ available from Texas Instruments, Inc. (http://www.tiris.com, Product No. RI-103-110A). The tag 920 has a useful read/write range of about 25 cm and contains 256-bits of on-board memory arranged in 8×32-bit blocks which may be programmed (written) and read by a suitably configured read/write device. If a longer read/write range and/or more memory is desired, optional battery-powered tags may be used instead, such as available from ACXESS, Inc. and/or various other vendors known to those skilled in the art.
Cards 900 may be collected or traded and/or they may be used to play various games, such as a Pokeman arena competition using an electronic interface capable of reading the card information. Such games may be carried out using a specially configured gaming device or, alternatively, using a conventional computer gaming platform, home game console, arcade game console, hand-held game device, internet gaming device or other gaming device that has been modified to include an RF reader or magnetic “swipe” reader device as illustrated and described above. Advantageously, play participants can use the trading cards 900 to transport a information pertinent to a particular depicted person, character or object to a favorite computer action game, adventure game, interactive play structure or the like. For example, a suitably configured video game console and video game may be provided which reads the card information and recreates the appearance and/or traits of particular depicted person, character of object within the game. If desired, the game console may further be configured to write information to the card in order to change or update certain characteristics or traits of the character, person or object depicted by the card 900 in accordance with a predetermined game play progression.
Of course, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the underlying concept of an RIFD trading card 900 and card game is not limited to cards depicting fantasy characters or objects, but may be implemented in a wide variety of alternative embodiments, including sporting cards, baseball, football and hockey cards, movie character cards, dinosaur cards, educational cards and the like. If desired, any number of other suitable collectible/tradable tokens or trinkets may also be provided with a similar RFID tag device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention as dictated by consumer tastes and market demand.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
This application claims priority to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/792,282, filed on Feb. 22, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,637, issued Jul. 13, 2004, which application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/184,128, filed Feb. 22, 2000.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3395920 | Moe | Aug 1968 | A |
| 3707055 | Pearce | Dec 1972 | A |
| 3997156 | Barlow et al. | Dec 1976 | A |
| 4063111 | Dobler | Dec 1977 | A |
| 4282681 | McCaslin | Aug 1981 | A |
| 4296929 | Meyer et al. | Oct 1981 | A |
| 4318245 | Stowell et al. | Mar 1982 | A |
| 4412205 | Von Kemenczky | Oct 1983 | A |
| 4450325 | Luque | May 1984 | A |
| 4540176 | Baer | Sep 1985 | A |
| 4578674 | Baker et al. | Mar 1986 | A |
| 4678450 | Scolari et al. | Jul 1987 | A |
| 4695058 | Carter et al. | Sep 1987 | A |
| 4695953 | Blair et al. | Sep 1987 | A |
| 4787051 | Olson | Nov 1988 | A |
| 4817950 | Goo | Apr 1989 | A |
| 4839838 | LaBiche et al. | Jun 1989 | A |
| 4858930 | Sato | Aug 1989 | A |
| 4891032 | Davis | Jan 1990 | A |
| 4904222 | Gastgeb et al. | Feb 1990 | A |
| 4910677 | Remedio et al. | Mar 1990 | A |
| 4967321 | Cimock | Oct 1990 | A |
| 4969647 | Mical et al. | Nov 1990 | A |
| 5036442 | Brown | Jul 1991 | A |
| 5045843 | Hansen | Sep 1991 | A |
| 5048831 | Sides | Sep 1991 | A |
| 5059958 | Jacobs et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
| 5068645 | Drumm | Nov 1991 | A |
| 5076584 | Openiano | Dec 1991 | A |
| 5114155 | Tillery et al. | May 1992 | A |
| 5114344 | Fumagalli et al. | May 1992 | A |
| 5128671 | Thomas, Jr. | Jul 1992 | A |
| 5138154 | Hotelling | Aug 1992 | A |
| 5177311 | Suzuki et al. | Jan 1993 | A |
| 5181181 | Glynn | Jan 1993 | A |
| 5194006 | Zaenglein, Jr. | Mar 1993 | A |
| 5194048 | Briggs | Mar 1993 | A |
| 5236200 | McGregor et al. | Aug 1993 | A |
| 5292124 | Carpenter | Mar 1994 | A |
| 5296871 | Paley | Mar 1994 | A |
| 5319548 | Germain | Jun 1994 | A |
| 5320358 | Jones | Jun 1994 | A |
| 5320362 | Bear et al. | Jun 1994 | A |
| 5329276 | Hirabayashi | Jul 1994 | A |
| 5339095 | Redford | Aug 1994 | A |
| 5354057 | Pruitt et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5356343 | Lovetere | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5359348 | Pilcher et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5363120 | Drumm | Nov 1994 | A |
| 5365214 | Angott et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
| 5366229 | Suzuki | Nov 1994 | A |
| 5373857 | Travers et al. | Dec 1994 | A |
| 5378197 | Briggs | Jan 1995 | A |
| 5382026 | Harvard et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
| 5396265 | Ulrich et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
| 5411269 | Thomas | May 1995 | A |
| 5440326 | Quinn | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5453758 | Sato | Sep 1995 | A |
| 5459489 | Redford | Oct 1995 | A |
| 5469194 | Clark et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
| 5482510 | Ishii et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
| 5485171 | Copper et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
| 5488362 | Ullman et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
| 5498002 | Gechter | Mar 1996 | A |
| 5506605 | Paley | Apr 1996 | A |
| 5512892 | Corballis et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
| 5516105 | Eisenbrey et al. | May 1996 | A |
| 5526022 | Donahue et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
| 5550721 | Rapisarda | Aug 1996 | A |
| 5554033 | Bizzi et al. | Sep 1996 | A |
| 5574479 | Odell | Nov 1996 | A |
| 5580319 | Hamilton | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5587558 | Matsushima | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5587740 | Brennan | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5598187 | Ide et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
| 5602569 | Kato | Feb 1997 | A |
| 5603658 | Cohen | Feb 1997 | A |
| 5605505 | Han | Feb 1997 | A |
| 5611731 | Bouton et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5613913 | Ikematsu et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5624117 | Ohkubo et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
| 5627565 | Morishita et al. | May 1997 | A |
| 5640152 | Copper | Jun 1997 | A |
| 5643087 | Marcus et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5647796 | Cohen | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5651049 | Easterling et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5655053 | Renie | Aug 1997 | A |
| 5666138 | Culver | Sep 1997 | A |
| 5674128 | Holch et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5676450 | Sink et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5679004 | McGowan et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5682181 | Nguyen et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5701131 | Kuga | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5702323 | Poulton | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5703623 | Hall et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5734371 | Kaplan | Mar 1998 | A |
| 5739811 | Rosenberg et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
| 5741182 | Lipps et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
| 5746602 | Kikinis | May 1998 | A |
| 5751273 | Cohen | May 1998 | A |
| 5752880 | Gabai et al. | May 1998 | A |
| 5752882 | Acres et al. | May 1998 | A |
| 5757305 | Xydis | May 1998 | A |
| 5757360 | Nitta et al. | May 1998 | A |
| 5770533 | Franchi | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5771038 | Wang | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5772508 | Sugita et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5775998 | Ikematsu et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5785592 | Jacobsen | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5786626 | Brady et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5796354 | Cartabiano et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
| 5810666 | Mero et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 5811896 | Grad | Sep 1998 | A |
| 5819206 | Horton et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5820462 | Yokoi et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5825350 | Case, Jr. et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5830065 | Sitrick | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5831553 | Lenssen et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5833549 | Zur et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5835077 | Dao et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5835156 | Blonstein et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5835576 | Katz | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5836817 | Acres et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5841409 | Ishibashi et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5851149 | Xidos et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
| 5853332 | Briggs | Dec 1998 | A |
| 5854622 | Brannon | Dec 1998 | A |
| 5855483 | Collins et al. | Jan 1999 | A |
| 5865680 | Briggs | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5867146 | Kim et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5874941 | Yamada | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5875257 | Marrin et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5898421 | Quinn | Apr 1999 | A |
| 5902968 | Sato et al. | May 1999 | A |
| 5912612 | DeVolpi | Jun 1999 | A |
| 5913727 | Ahdoot | Jun 1999 | A |
| 5923317 | Sayler et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
| 5924695 | Heykoop | Jul 1999 | A |
| 5929841 | Fujii | Jul 1999 | A |
| 5942969 | Wicks | Aug 1999 | A |
| 5944533 | Wood | Aug 1999 | A |
| 5946444 | Evans et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
| 5947868 | Dugan | Sep 1999 | A |
| 5963136 | O'Brien | Oct 1999 | A |
| 5964660 | James et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
| 5971271 | Wynn et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
| 5980254 | Muehle et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
| 5982352 | Pryor | Nov 1999 | A |
| 5984788 | Lebensfeld et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
| 5989120 | Truchsess | Nov 1999 | A |
| 5991085 | Rallison et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
| 5996033 | Chiu-Hao | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6001015 | Nishiumi et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6009458 | Hawkins et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6011526 | Toyoshima et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
| 6012984 | Roseman | Jan 2000 | A |
| 6013007 | Root et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
| 6025830 | Cohen | Feb 2000 | A |
| 6059576 | Brann | May 2000 | A |
| 6066075 | Poulton | May 2000 | A |
| 6069594 | Barnes et al. | May 2000 | A |
| 6072467 | Walker | Jun 2000 | A |
| 6075443 | Schepps et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
| 6084577 | Sato et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
| 6110039 | Oh | Aug 2000 | A |
| 6115028 | Balakrishnan | Sep 2000 | A |
| 6127990 | Zwern | Oct 2000 | A |
| 6129549 | Thompson | Oct 2000 | A |
| 6144367 | Berstis | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6148100 | Anderson et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6150947 | Shima | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6154723 | Cox et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6155926 | Miyamoto et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6160540 | Fishkin et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6162122 | Acres et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6162123 | Woolston | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6181329 | Stork et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6183365 | Tonomura et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
| 6196893 | Casola et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6198470 | Agam et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6198471 | Cook | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6200216 | Peppel | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6200219 | Rudell et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6206782 | Walker et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6210287 | Briggs | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6220965 | Hanna et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6224486 | Walker et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6231451 | Briggs | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6234803 | Watkins | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6238289 | Sobota et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6239806 | Nishiumi et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
| RE37220 | Rapisarda et al. | Jun 2001 | E |
| 6241611 | Takeda et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
| 6244987 | Ohsuga et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
| 6248019 | Mudie et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
| 6254101 | Young | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6254394 | Draper et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6261180 | Lebensfeld et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6264202 | Briggs | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6264558 | Nishiumi et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6265984 | Molinaroli | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6267673 | Miyamoto et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6273425 | Westfall et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6273819 | Strauss et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6280327 | Leifer et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6280328 | Holch et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6283871 | Briggs | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6290565 | Galyean, III et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6290566 | Gabai et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6302793 | Fertitta, III et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
| 6302796 | Lebensfeld et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
| 6311982 | Lebensfeld et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
| 6320495 | Sporgis | Nov 2001 | B1 |
| 6328648 | Walker et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
| 6328650 | Fukawa et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
| 6330427 | Tabachnik | Dec 2001 | B1 |
| 6332840 | Nishiumi et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
| 6342010 | Slifer | Jan 2002 | B1 |
| 6352478 | Gabai et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
| 6368177 | Gabai et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6369794 | Sakurai et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6369908 | Frey et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6371375 | Ackley et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6375578 | Briggs | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6383079 | Takech et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
| 6400996 | Hoffberg et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
| 6404409 | Solomon | Jun 2002 | B1 |
| 6409379 | Gabathuler et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
| 6414589 | Angott et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6424333 | Tremblay | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6426741 | Goldsmith et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6463257 | Wood | Oct 2002 | B1 |
| 6463859 | Ikezawa | Oct 2002 | B1 |
| 6482067 | Pickens | Nov 2002 | B1 |
| 6490409 | Walker | Dec 2002 | B1 |
| 6492981 | Stork et al. | Dec 2002 | B1 |
| 6494457 | Conte et al. | Dec 2002 | B2 |
| 6509217 | Reddy | Jan 2003 | B1 |
| 6525660 | Surintrspanont | Feb 2003 | B1 |
| 6526158 | Goldberg | Feb 2003 | B1 |
| 6530841 | Bull et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
| 6545661 | Goschy et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
| 6551188 | Toyama et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
| 6554707 | Sinclair et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
| 6565438 | Ogino | May 2003 | B2 |
| 6567536 | McNitt et al. | May 2003 | B2 |
| 6582380 | Kazlausky et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
| 6589120 | Takahashi | Jul 2003 | B1 |
| 6590536 | Walton | Jul 2003 | B1 |
| 6592461 | Raviv et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
| 6626728 | Holt | Sep 2003 | B2 |
| 6629019 | Legge et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
| 6632142 | Keith | Oct 2003 | B2 |
| 6634949 | Briggs et al. | Oct 2003 | B1 |
| 6641482 | Masuyama et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
| 6672962 | Ozaki et al. | Jan 2004 | B1 |
| 6676520 | Nishiumi et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
| 6676524 | Botzas | Jan 2004 | B1 |
| 6681629 | Foxlin et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
| 6682074 | Weston | Jan 2004 | B2 |
| 6693622 | Shahoian et al. | Feb 2004 | B1 |
| 6702672 | Angell et al. | Mar 2004 | B1 |
| 6709336 | Siegel et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
| 6716102 | Whitten et al. | Apr 2004 | B2 |
| 6729934 | Driscoll et al. | May 2004 | B1 |
| 6743104 | Ota et al. | Jun 2004 | B1 |
| 6746334 | Barney | Jun 2004 | B1 |
| 6747690 | Molgaard | Jun 2004 | B2 |
| 6753849 | Curran et al. | Jun 2004 | B1 |
| 6761637 | Weston et al. | Jul 2004 | B2 |
| 6765553 | Odamura | Jul 2004 | B1 |
| 6773325 | Mawle et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
| 6773344 | Gabai et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
| 6786877 | Foxlin | Sep 2004 | B2 |
| 6846238 | Wells | Jan 2005 | B2 |
| 6872139 | Sato et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
| 6882824 | Wood | Apr 2005 | B2 |
| 6894686 | Stamper et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
| 6902483 | Lin | Jun 2005 | B2 |
| 6918833 | Emmerson et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
| 6932706 | Kaminkow | Aug 2005 | B1 |
| 6933923 | Feinstein | Aug 2005 | B2 |
| 6939232 | Tanaka et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
| 6956564 | Williams | Oct 2005 | B1 |
| 6967566 | Weston et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
| 7000469 | Foxlin et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
| 7031875 | Ellenby et al. | Apr 2006 | B2 |
| 7066781 | Weston | Jun 2006 | B2 |
| 7098891 | Pryor | Aug 2006 | B1 |
| 7102616 | Sleator | Sep 2006 | B1 |
| 7126584 | Nishiumi et al. | Oct 2006 | B1 |
| 7183480 | Nishitani et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
| 7220220 | Stubbs et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
| 7223173 | Masuyama et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
| RE39818 | Slifer | Sep 2007 | E |
| 7301648 | Foxlin | Nov 2007 | B2 |
| 7345670 | Armstrong | Mar 2008 | B2 |
| 7395181 | Foxlin | Jul 2008 | B2 |
| 7445550 | Barney et al. | Nov 2008 | B2 |
| 7500917 | Barney et al. | Mar 2009 | B2 |
| 7502759 | Hannigan et al. | Mar 2009 | B2 |
| 7749089 | Briggs et al. | Jul 2010 | B1 |
| 20010034257 | Weston et al. | Oct 2001 | A1 |
| 20010039206 | Peppel | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| 20010054082 | Rudolph et al. | Dec 2001 | A1 |
| 20020005787 | Gabai et al. | Jan 2002 | A1 |
| 20020032067 | Barney | Mar 2002 | A1 |
| 20020038267 | Can et al. | Mar 2002 | A1 |
| 20020052238 | Muroi | May 2002 | A1 |
| 20020058459 | Holt | May 2002 | A1 |
| 20020068500 | Gabai et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
| 20020090985 | Tochner et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
| 20020090992 | Legge et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
| 20020107591 | Gabai et al. | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20020118147 | Solomon | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20020158751 | Bormaster | Oct 2002 | A1 |
| 20020193047 | Weston | Dec 2002 | A1 |
| 20030022736 | Cass | Jan 2003 | A1 |
| 20030027634 | Matthews, III | Feb 2003 | A1 |
| 20030069077 | Korienek | Apr 2003 | A1 |
| 20030096652 | Siegel et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
| 20030106455 | Weston | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20030134679 | Siegel et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030144047 | Sprogis | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030193572 | Wilson et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030195046 | Bartsch | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030234914 | Solomon | Dec 2003 | A1 |
| 20040033833 | Briggs et al. | Feb 2004 | A1 |
| 20040077423 | Weston et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20040092311 | Weston et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
| 20040198517 | Briggs | Oct 2004 | A1 |
| 20040204240 | Barney | Oct 2004 | A1 |
| 20050143173 | Barney et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20050156883 | Wilson et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20050266907 | Weston et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
| 20050277465 | Whitten et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
| 20060030385 | Barney et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
| 20060154726 | Weston et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| 20060234601 | Weston | Oct 2006 | A1 |
| 20070066396 | Weston et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070249425 | Weston et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20080014835 | Weston et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 0 546 844 | Jun 1993 | EP |
| 63-186687 | Aug 1988 | JP |
| 3-210622 | Sep 1991 | JP |
| 8-191953 | Jul 1996 | JP |
| 09-149915 | Jun 1997 | JP |
| 09-164273 | Jun 1997 | JP |
| 10-235019 | Aug 1998 | JP |
| 2000-33184 | Feb 2000 | JP |
| 2000-176150 | Jun 2000 | JP |
| 2000-300839 | Oct 2000 | JP |
| 2000-308756 | Nov 2000 | JP |
| 2001-265521 | Sep 2001 | JP |
| 2002-07057 | Jan 2002 | JP |
| 2002-78969 | Mar 2002 | JP |
| 2002-126375 | May 2002 | JP |
| PCTUS9701811 | Aug 1997 | WO |
| WO 9728864 | Aug 1997 | WO |
| WO 0033168 | Jun 2000 | WO |
| WO 0247013 | Jun 2002 | WO |
| WO 03043709 | May 2003 | WO |
| WO 03044743 | May 2003 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20060030385 A1 | Feb 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60184128 | Feb 2000 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09792282 | Feb 2001 | US |
| Child | 10889974 | US |
