Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090051653 | TOY DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN INTERACTIVE PLAY EXPERIENCE - The invention provides a unique interactive play experience carried out utilizing a toy “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device. In one embodiment the wand incorporates a wireless transmitter and motion-sensitive circuitry adapted to actuate the transmitter in response to particular learned wand motions. The wand allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment simply by pointing, touching and/or using their wands in a particular manner to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects. Various wireless receivers or actuators are distributed throughout the play facility to support such wireless interaction and to facilitate full immersion in a fantasy experience in which participants can enjoy the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic. | 02-26-2009 |
20090259506 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RATING PATENTS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - A statistical patent rating method and system is provided for independently assessing the relative breadth (“B”), defensibility (“D”) and commercial relevance (“R”) of individual patent assets and other intangible intellectual property assets. The invention provides new and valuable information that can be used by patent valuation experts, investment advisors, economists and others to help guide future patent investment decisions, licensing programs, patent appraisals, tax valuations, transfer pricing, economic forecasting and planning, and even mediation and/or settlement of patent litigation lawsuits. In one embodiment the invention provides a statistically-based patent rating method and system whereby relative ratings or rankings are generated using a database of patent information by identifying and comparing various characteristics of each individual patent to a statistically determined distribution of the same characteristics within a given patent population. For example, a first population of patents having a known relatively high intrinsic value or quality (e.g. successfully litigated patents) is compared to a second population of patents having a known relatively low intrinsic value or quality (e.g. unsuccessfully litigated patents). Based on a statistical comparison of the two populations, certain characteristics are identified as being more prevalent or more pronounced in one population group or the other to a statistically significant degree. Multiple such statistical comparisons are used to construct and optimize a computer model or computer algorithm that can then be used to predict and/or provide statistically-accurate probabilities of a desired value or quality being present or a future event occurring, given the identified characteristics of an individual patent or group of patents. | 10-15-2009 |
20100056285 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERACTIVE GAME PLAY USING A PLURALITY OF CONSOLES - A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants. | 03-04-2010 |
20100094781 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VALUING INTANGIBLE ASSETS - The present invention provides a method and system for valuing patent assets based on statistical survival analysis. An estimated value probability distribution curve is calculated for an identified group of patent assets using statistical analysis of PTO maintenance fee records. Expected valuations for individual patent assets are calculated based on a the value distribution curve and a comparative ranking or rating of individual patent assets relative to other patents in the group of identified patents. Patents having the highest percentile rankings would be correlated to the high end of the value distribution curve. Conversely, patents having the lowest percentile rankings would be correlated to the low end of the value distribution curve. Advantageously, such approach brings an added level of discipline to the overall valuation process in that the sum of individual patent valuations for a given patent population cannot exceed the total aggregate estimated value of all such patents. In this manner, fair and informative valuations can be provided based on the relative quality of the patent asset in question without need for comparative market data of other patents or patent portfolios, and without need for a demonstrated (or hypothetical) income streams for the patent in question. Estimated valuations are based simply on the allocation of a corresponding portion of the overall patent value “pie” as represented by each patents' relative ranking or position along a value distribution curve | 04-15-2010 |
20110072024 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROBABILISTICALLY QUANTIFYING AND VISUALIZING RELEVANCE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE CITATIONALLY OR CONTEXTUALLY RELATED DATA OBJECTS - In one embodiment the present invention provides a novel method for probabilistically quantifying a degree of relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects, such as patent documents, non-patent documents, web pages, personal and corporate contacts information, product information, consumer to behavior, technical or scientific information, address information, and the like. In another embodiment the present invention provides a novel method for visualizing and displaying relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects. In another embodiment the present invention provides a novel search input/output interface that utilizes an iterative self-organizing mapping (“SOM”) technique to automatically generate a visual map of relevant patents and/or other related documents desired to be explored, searched or analyzed. In another embodiment the present invention provides a novel search input/output interface that displays and/or communicates search input criteria and corresponding search results in a way that facilitates intuitive understanding and visualization of the logical relationships between two or more related concepts being searched. | 03-24-2011 |
20110081970 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INTERACTIVE GAME PLAY - A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience. | 04-07-2011 |
20110263330 | WIRELESS CHARGING OF ELECTRONIC GAMING INPUT DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel. | 10-27-2011 |
20110289096 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RATING PATENTS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - A statistical patent rating method and system is provided for independently assessing the relative breadth (“B”), defensibility (“D”) and commercial relevance (“R”) of individual patent assets and other intangible intellectual property assets. The invention provides new and valuable information that can be used by patent valuation experts, investment advisors, economists and others to help guide future patent investment decisions, licensing programs, patent appraisals, tax valuations, transfer pricing, economic forecasting and planning, and even mediation and/or settlement of patent litigation lawsuits. In one embodiment the invention provides a statistically-based patent rating method and system whereby relative ratings or rankings are generated using a database of patent information by identifying and comparing various characteristics of each individual patent to a statistically determined distribution of the same characteristics within a given patent population. For example, a first population of patents having a known relatively high intrinsic value or quality (e.g. successfully litigated patents) is compared to a second population of patents having a known relatively low intrinsic value or quality (e.g. unsuccessfully litigated patents). Based on a statistical comparison of the two populations, certain characteristics are identified as being more prevalent or more pronounced in one population group or the other to a statistically significant degree. Multiple such statistical comparisons are used to construct and optimize a computer model or computer algorithm that can then be used to predict and/or provide statistically-accurate probabilities of a desired value or quality being present or a future event occurring, given the identified characteristics of an individual patent or group of patents. | 11-24-2011 |
20110300941 | Motion-sensitive Input Device and Interactive Gaming System - Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel. | 12-08-2011 |
20120004031 | MOTION-SENSITIVE WAND CONTROLLER FOR A GAME - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. | 01-05-2012 |
20120034980 | RETAIL METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN INTERACTIVE PRODUCT TO A CONSUMER - Methods are described for selling, loaning, renting, or otherwise providing a retail product, such as an interactive product, that allows a consumer to participate in one or more venues. The retail product is capable of interfacing with interactive devices in the venues that are capable of producing sensory effects based on communication from and/or to the retail product. Furthermore, the retail product preferably has an independent or intrinsic value apart from the use of the product in the venues, and may include, for example, a toy wand or like toy device, apparel, and/or jewelry. In certain examples, the retail methods include tracking the consumer's use of the retail product in the venue(s). Such tracking information may be used to customize the experience of the user during a subsequent visit to the same venue or another venue. | 02-09-2012 |
20120094759 | MOTION-SENSITIVE GAME CONTROLLER WITH OPTIONAL DISPLAY SCREEN - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 04-19-2012 |
20120122575 | INTERACTIVE GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING MOTION-SENSITIVE INPUT DEVICE - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 05-17-2012 |
20120190452 | MULTI-PLATFORM GAMING SYSTEM USING RFID-TAGGED TOYS - A multi-platform gaming system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game on a gaming platform is described. The multi-platform gaming system can include collectible toys depicting or representing one or more game characters or objects relevant to a game adapted to be played on the gaming platform. The collectible toys can have associated therewith an RFID tag including a corresponding unique tag identification number. The RFID tag can include an antenna, integrated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from an associated RFID tag reader, and non-volatile programmable memory for storing game-relevant information describing skills, abilities or attributes associated with one of said game characters or objects. | 07-26-2012 |
20120208638 | WIRELESS GAMING SYSTEM COMBINING BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL PLAY ELEMENTS - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 08-16-2012 |
20120221580 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROBABILISTICALLY QUANTIFYING AND VISUALIZING RELEVANCE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE CITATIONALLY OR CONTEXTUALLY RELATED DATA OBJECTS - In one embodiment a method for probabilistically quantifying a degree of relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects, such as patent documents, non-patent documents, web pages, personal and corporate contacts information, product information, consumer to behavior, technical or scientific information, address information, and the like is provided. In another embodiment a method for visualizing and displaying relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects is provided. In another embodiment a search input/output interface that utilizes an iterative self-organizing mapping technique to automatically generate a visual map of relevant patents and/or other related documents desired to be explored, searched or analyzed is provided. In another embodiment, a search input/output interface that displays and/or communicates search input criteria and corresponding search results in a way that facilitates intuitive understanding and visualization of the logical relationships between two or more related concepts being searched is provided. | 08-30-2012 |
20120258802 | INTERACTIVE TOYS AND GAMES CONNECTING PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL PLAY ENVIRONMENTS - Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge. | 10-11-2012 |
20120270657 | MOTION-SENSITIVE GAME CONTROLLER - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 10-25-2012 |
20120295710 | INTERACTIVE GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING MOTION-SENSITIVE INPUT DEVICE - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 11-22-2012 |
20120309528 | PORTABLE GAMING DEVICE AND GAMING SYSTEM COMBINING BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL PLAY ELEMENTS - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 12-06-2012 |
20130079141 | WIRELESSLY POWERED GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the invention provide an interactive toy or gaming device for actuating various interactive play effects within a compatible play environment. The gaming device comprises a portable housing having an internal cavity configured to receive one or more batteries or other power sources for powering the device. Optional lighting, laser or sound effects may be provided as well as one or more optionally-powered infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) wireless communications devices. The interactive toy or gaming device may also comprise an optional RFID (radio frequency identification device) transponder that is operable to provide relatively short-range non-battery-powered RF communications with one or more receivers or transceivers provided within a compatible play environment. The interactive toy or gaming device may further include an optional magnetic inductance energy source or motion-generated energy source for wirelessly powering the device by motion and/or using an externally applied electromagnetic field. | 03-28-2013 |
20130116020 | MOTION-SENSITIVE CONTROLLER AND ASSOCIATED GAMING APPLICATIONS - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116051 | MOTION-SENSITIVE INPUT DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED CAMERA FOR SENSING GESTURES - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional lighting element emits a light signal or pattern that can be sensed by an external sensor or camera to interpret one or more movements or gestures made using the input device. | 05-09-2013 |
20130150155 | COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS FOR A WIRELESS COMPUTER GAMING SYSTEM - A computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions for conducting a game on a gaming system having a wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 06-13-2013 |
20130165228 | PORTABLE GAMING DEVICE AND GAMING SYSTEM COMBINING BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL PLAY ELEMENTS - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. | 06-27-2013 |
20130196727 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A VIRTUAL GAME BY SENSING PHYSICAL MOVEMENTS - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional lighting element emits a light signal or pattern that can be sensed by an external sensor or camera to interpret one or more movements or gestures made using the input device. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196770 | CUSTOMIZABLE TOY FOR PLAYING A WIRELESS INTERACTIVE GAME HAVING BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL ELEMENTS - Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge. | 08-01-2013 |
20130303276 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLAYING AN INTERACTIVE GAME - An interactive treasure hunt game is provided. Game participants receive a card, map and/or identification badge configured with an RFID tag, bar-code or a magnetic “swipe” strip or the like. The RFID tag or other identifying device is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or describing certain powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character that the card may represent. Players advance in the game by finding clues and solving various puzzles presented by the game. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the RFID tag or 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, the game can seamlessly transcend from one play environment and/or entertainment medium to the next. | 11-14-2013 |
20140011589 | DUAL-RANGE WIRELESS CONTROLLER - Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel. | 01-09-2014 |
20140067829 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROBABILISTICALLY QUANTIFYING AND VISUALIZING RELEVANCE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE CITATIONALLY OR CONTEXTUALLY RELATED DATA OBJECTS - In one embodiment a method for probabilistically quantifying a degree of relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects, such as patent documents, non-patent documents, web pages, personal and corporate contacts information, product information, consumer to behavior, technical or scientific information, address information, and the like is provided. In another embodiment a method for visualizing and displaying relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects is provided. In another embodiment a search input/output interface that utilizes an iterative self-organizing mapping technique to automatically generate a visual map of relevant patents and/or other related documents desired to be explored, searched or analyzed is provided. In another embodiment, a search input/output interface that displays and/or communicates search input criteria and corresponding search results in a way that facilitates intuitive understanding and visualization of the logical relationships between two or more related concepts being searched is provided. | 03-06-2014 |
20140194206 | DUAL-RANGE WIRELESS INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE - A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience. | 07-10-2014 |
20140235341 | MOTION-SENSITIVE CONTROLLER AND ASSOCIATED GAMING APPLICATIONS - A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics. | 08-21-2014 |
20140256446 | Portable tracking device for entertainment purposes - Embodiments of the invention provide a portable wireless tracking device for tracking a participant as part of an interactive entertainment experience carried out within a wireless-compatible entertainment facility. The tracking device includes multiple wireless transceivers for providing both short-range and medium-range wireless communications with one or more wireless-compatible devices. Multiple fixed transceivers and associated effects are distributed throughout the entertainment facility and are able to communicate with the tracking device and exchange tracking information pertinent to the entertainment experience. The tracking information is reported to a central server which creates a stored database record of the participant's movements and activities within the entertainment facility. This information is then used to adjust the entertainment experience for each participant based on “knowing” where the participant has been, what objectives have been accomplished, and how many points or levels have been reached. | 09-11-2014 |
20140302933 | WIRELESS ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique play experience carried out utilizing an interactive “wand” and/or other seemingly magical actuation/tracking device. The wand or other actuation device allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment(s), thereby giving play participants the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic. Optionally, multiple play participants, each provided with a suitable “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device, may play and interact together, either within or outside one or more compatible play environments, to achieve desired goals, master certain magical spells and/or produce desired seemingly magical effects within the play environment. | 10-09-2014 |
20140329601 | INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique play experience carried out utilizing an interactive “wand” and/or other seemingly magical actuation/tracking device. The wand or other actuation device allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment(s), thereby giving play participants the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic. Optionally, multiple play participants, each provided with a suitable “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device, may play and interact together, either within or outside one or more compatible play environments, to achieve desired goals, master certain magical spells and/or produce desired seemingly magical effects within the play environment. | 11-06-2014 |
20140342831 | MULTI-PLATFORM GAMING SYSTEM USING RFID-TAGGED TOYS - A multi-platform gaming system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game on a gaming platform is described. The multi-platform gaming system can include collectible toys depicting or representing one or more game characters or objects relevant to a game adapted to be played on the gaming platform. The collectible toys can have associated therewith an RFID tag including a corresponding unique tag identification number. The RFID tag can include an antenna, integrated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from an associated RFID tag reader, and non-volatile programmable memory for storing game-relevant information describing skills, abilities or attributes associated with one of said game characters or objects. | 11-20-2014 |
20140357373 | WIRELESS INTERACTIVE GAME HAVING BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL ELEMENTS - Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge. | 12-04-2014 |
20140378233 | INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS - Methods are described for selling, loaning, renting, or otherwise providing a retail product, such as an interactive product, that allows a consumer to participate in one or more venues. The retail product is capable of interfacing with interactive devices in the venues that are capable of producing sensory effects based on communication from and/or to the retail product. Furthermore, the retail product preferably has an independent or intrinsic value apart from the use of the product in the venues, and may include, for example, a toy wand or like toy device, apparel, and/or jewelry. In certain examples, the retail methods include tracking the consumer's use of the retail product in the venue(s). Such tracking information may be used to customize the experience of the user during a subsequent visit to the same venue or another venue. | 12-25-2014 |
20150046420 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROBABILISTICALLY QUANTIFYING AND VISUALIZING RELEVANCE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE CITATIONALLY OR CONTEXTUALLY RELATED DATA OBJECTS - In one embodiment a method for probabilistically quantifying a degree of relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects, such as patent documents, non-patent documents, web pages, personal and corporate contacts information, product information, consumer to behavior, technical or scientific information, address information, and the like is provided. In another embodiment a method for visualizing and displaying relevance between two or more citationally or contextually related data objects is provided. In another embodiment a search input/output interface that utilizes an iterative self-organizing mapping technique to automatically generate a visual map of relevant patents and/or other related documents desired to be explored, searched or analyzed is provided. In another embodiment, a search input/output interface that displays and/or communicates search input criteria and corresponding search results in a way that facilitates intuitive understanding and visualization of the logical relationships between two or more related concepts being searched is provided. | 02-12-2015 |