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WO2003032880A2 - Computer game - Google Patents

Computer game Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003032880A2
WO2003032880A2 PCT/GB2002/004675 GB0204675W WO03032880A2 WO 2003032880 A2 WO2003032880 A2 WO 2003032880A2 GB 0204675 W GB0204675 W GB 0204675W WO 03032880 A2 WO03032880 A2 WO 03032880A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
computer
model
character
game
appliance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2002/004675
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2003032880A3 (en
Inventor
Steven John Andrews
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU2002334169A priority Critical patent/AU2002334169A1/en
Publication of WO2003032880A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003032880A2/en
Publication of WO2003032880A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003032880A3/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A63F13/02—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S1/00—Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith
    • G01S1/72—Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/30—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device
    • A63F2300/302—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to computer games.
  • a computer game in which a physical model of a character, machine or appliance is coupled to the computer and images of the character, machine or appliance are displayed on the computer monitor when playing the game, and the model is provided with a number of accessories selectively attachable to it and providing an identifying signal to the computer, so that the displayed images of the character, machine or appliance include images of the accessory attached to the model.
  • the player is able to decide which accessory (or accessories) to attach to the model.
  • the corresponding images displayed on the computer monitor will include the same accessory or accessories.
  • the model may be of a commando or action man, to which a variety of different weapons may be attached: if a hand-gun is attached to the hand of the model, then the commando appearing in the visual display will include, and use, a corresponding hand-gun.
  • the model may be of any human character, or of an animal, or a vehicle, aircraft or any other machine or appliance.
  • the accessories may be of any appropriate form and attach to the model at any appropriate positions.
  • the model includes a circuit arranged to provide an output signal identifying the accessory (or accessories) attached to it (and also, if appropriate, the position on the model at which these are attached) .
  • the output signal may be coupled to the computer over a lead connected to its serial port, or over a radio or infra red link.
  • a games package as marketed comprises the model, means for coupling the model to a computer, and games software to run on the computer: the package may comprise one or more accessories for attaching to the model; further accessories may be purchased separately.
  • the game may be arranged to be played on-line via the internet. Alternatively, the game may be arranged to be played on a stand-alone computer.
  • the computer monitor will display an environment in which the displayed character, machine or appliance will take an active part.
  • the model or toy may be played with independently of the computer game, and vice versa.
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic view showing a toy character and a personal computer with which it is used, in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a schematic block diagram of a games apparatus in accordance with the invention.
  • a toy character 10 in the form of a commando or action man.
  • a number of accessories for use by the toy character 10 are also shown, namely a hand-gun 11, an automatic gun 12, a knife 13 and a hand-grenade 1 : a variety of other accessories may be provided or obtained separately.
  • each of the accessories may be physically attached to the hand of the toy character 10: the character 10 includes an internal electrical circuit C which is arranged to provide an output signal S, identifying the accessory attached to the character, at an output port on the back of the toy character 10.
  • the toy character is used with a personal computer, shown at 20 with its monitor at 22.
  • a lead L is provided to couple the output port of the toy character 10 to the serial port of the computer 20: an 8-port hub may be used, to enable up to 8 different toy characters to be coupled to the computer, the player selecting which of these toys to use at any given time; a number of such hubs can be cascaded together, to further increase the number of characters which can be coupled to the computer.
  • a radio link or an infra red link may be used to communicate the output signal S from the toy character 10 to the computer 20.
  • the computer 20 includes internet access for playing a game on-line, the game involving the display of an environment in which the toy character 10 takes part.
  • the character 10 is supplied with corresponding software, typically on CD-ROM, to run on the computer.
  • the computer monitor 22 displays active images 10 of the character 10 X these images 10" including which accessory is currently attached to the toy: thus, if the hand-gun 11 is attached to the hand of the toy character, then the images 10' seen on the monitor 22 will include the hand-gun 11 X The game is then played, with the virtual character holding and using the hand-gun.
  • the toy character may take any alternative form. Further, the principles of the invention are applicable to toys or models other than human character, and may be applied to toy animals, toy vehicles, toy aircraft etc.
  • the toy character or other model may be played with independently of the computer.
  • the computer game may be played independently of the toy character or other model : in particular, the computer may be controlled directly, via the mouse or keyboard, to select the accessory attached to the character or model as appearing in the game.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A computer game in which a physical model (10) of a character, machine or appliance is coupled to a computer (20) and images (10') of the character, machine or appliance are displayed on the computer monitor (22) when playing the game, and the model (10) is provided with a number of accessories (11, 12, 13, 14) selectively attachable to it and providing an identifying signal to the computer, so that the displayed images (10') of the character, machine or appliance include images (e.g. 11') of the accessory attached to the model.

Description

Computer Game
The present invention relates to computer games.
Computer games are increasing popular with children and the value of such activity is increasingly recognised. I have now devised a computer game which substantially enhances the enjoyment and value to be obtained from its play.
.In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a computer game in which a physical model of a character, machine or appliance is coupled to the computer and images of the character, machine or appliance are displayed on the computer monitor when playing the game, and the model is provided with a number of accessories selectively attachable to it and providing an identifying signal to the computer, so that the displayed images of the character, machine or appliance include images of the accessory attached to the model.
The player is able to decide which accessory (or accessories) to attach to the model. The corresponding images displayed on the computer monitor will include the same accessory or accessories. For example, the model may be of a commando or action man, to which a variety of different weapons may be attached: if a hand-gun is attached to the hand of the model, then the commando appearing in the visual display will include, and use, a corresponding hand-gun.
The model may be of any human character, or of an animal, or a vehicle, aircraft or any other machine or appliance. The accessories may be of any appropriate form and attach to the model at any appropriate positions.
The model includes a circuit arranged to provide an output signal identifying the accessory (or accessories) attached to it (and also, if appropriate, the position on the model at which these are attached) . The output signal may be coupled to the computer over a lead connected to its serial port, or over a radio or infra red link.
Typically a games package as marketed comprises the model, means for coupling the model to a computer, and games software to run on the computer: the package may comprise one or more accessories for attaching to the model; further accessories may be purchased separately.
The game may be arranged to be played on-line via the internet. Alternatively, the game may be arranged to be played on a stand-alone computer.
It will be appreciated that the computer monitor will display an environment in which the displayed character, machine or appliance will take an active part. The model or toy may be played with independently of the computer game, and vice versa.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a schematic view showing a toy character and a personal computer with which it is used, in accordance with the present invention; and
FIGURE 2 is a schematic block diagram of a games apparatus in accordance with the invention.
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a toy character 10 in the form of a commando or action man. A number of accessories for use by the toy character 10 are also shown, namely a hand-gun 11, an automatic gun 12, a knife 13 and a hand-grenade 1 : a variety of other accessories may be provided or obtained separately. In the example shown, each of the accessories may be physically attached to the hand of the toy character 10: the character 10 includes an internal electrical circuit C which is arranged to provide an output signal S, identifying the accessory attached to the character, at an output port on the back of the toy character 10. For playing a computer game, the toy character is used with a personal computer, shown at 20 with its monitor at 22. A lead L is provided to couple the output port of the toy character 10 to the serial port of the computer 20: an 8-port hub may be used, to enable up to 8 different toy characters to be coupled to the computer, the player selecting which of these toys to use at any given time; a number of such hubs can be cascaded together, to further increase the number of characters which can be coupled to the computer. In an alternative, either a radio link or an infra red link may be used to communicate the output signal S from the toy character 10 to the computer 20. The computer 20 includes internet access for playing a game on-line, the game involving the display of an environment in which the toy character 10 takes part. The character 10 is supplied with corresponding software, typically on CD-ROM, to run on the computer. The computer monitor 22 displays active images 10 of the character 10 X these images 10" including which accessory is currently attached to the toy: thus, if the hand-gun 11 is attached to the hand of the toy character, then the images 10' seen on the monitor 22 will include the hand-gun 11 X The game is then played, with the virtual character holding and using the hand-gun.
Whilst the above-description concerns a game played over the internet, it may instead be self-contained on a standalone computer.
Whilst the above-description concerns the use of a toy character in the form of a commando, the toy character may take any alternative form. Further, the principles of the invention are applicable to toys or models other than human character, and may be applied to toy animals, toy vehicles, toy aircraft etc. The toy character or other model may be played with independently of the computer. Likewise, the computer game may be played independently of the toy character or other model : in particular, the computer may be controlled directly, via the mouse or keyboard, to select the accessory attached to the character or model as appearing in the game.

Claims

Claims
1) A computer game in which a physical model of a character, machine or appliance is coupled to the computer and images of the character, machine or appliance are displayed on the computer monitor when playing the game, and the model is provided with a plurality of accessories selectively attachable to it and providing an identifying signal to the computer, so that the displayed images of the character, machine or appliance include images of the accessory attached to the model.
2) A computer game as claimed in claim 1, in which said model includes a circuit arranged to provide an output signal identifying the accessory or accessories attached to it.
3) A computer game as claimed in claim 2, in which said output signal also identifies the position on said model at which the or each accessory is attached.
4) A computer game as claimed in claim 2 or 3 , further comprising a lead for coupling said signal to the serial port of the computer.
5) A computer game as claimed in claim 2 or 3 , in which said circuit comprises means for coupling said signal to the computer over a radio or infra red link.
6) A computer games package comprising a model of a character, machine or appliance, said model being arranged for a selected accessory to be attached to it and to provide a signal to the computer, said signal identifying the accessory attached to the model, and games software to run on the computer such that images of said character, machine or appliance are displayed on the computer monitor when playing the game, the displayed images of the character, machine or appliance including images of the accessory attached to the model .
7) A computer games package as claimed in claim 6, further comprising one or more accessories for selective attachment to said model .
PCT/GB2002/004675 2001-10-12 2002-10-14 Computer game Ceased WO2003032880A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002334169A AU2002334169A1 (en) 2001-10-12 2002-10-14 Computer game

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0124476.3A GB0124476D0 (en) 2001-10-12 2001-10-12 Computer game
GB0124476.3 2001-10-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003032880A2 true WO2003032880A2 (en) 2003-04-24
WO2003032880A3 WO2003032880A3 (en) 2003-10-16

Family

ID=9923674

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2002/004675 Ceased WO2003032880A2 (en) 2001-10-12 2002-10-14 Computer game

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002334169A1 (en)
GB (1) GB0124476D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2003032880A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006008573A1 (en) * 2004-07-10 2006-01-26 Nokia Corporation A device and system for playing a game and a method for controlling a game

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3091135B2 (en) * 1995-05-26 2000-09-25 株式会社バンダイ Game equipment
JP2988923B2 (en) * 1997-10-28 1999-12-13 株式会社エス・エヌ・ケイ Game system
US6628264B1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2003-09-30 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Entertainment system, entertainment apparatus, recording medium, and program

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006008573A1 (en) * 2004-07-10 2006-01-26 Nokia Corporation A device and system for playing a game and a method for controlling a game
US8926437B2 (en) 2004-07-10 2015-01-06 Nokia Corporation Device and system for playing a game and a method for controlling a game
EP2837416A3 (en) * 2004-07-10 2015-09-02 Nokia Technologies Oy A device and system for playing a game and a method for controlling a game

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002334169A1 (en) 2003-04-28
GB0124476D0 (en) 2001-12-05
WO2003032880A3 (en) 2003-10-16

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