Patents Assigned to Creative Kingdoms, LLC
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Patent number: 9039533Abstract: 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 store that is usable in an interactive game that provides virtual play via computer animation. The toy may include an RFID transponder or tag which is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or character. Players advance in the game by finding clues, casting spells and solving various puzzles presented. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8961312Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8915785Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8913011Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20140302933Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20140256446Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise C. Weston
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Patent number: 8814688Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20140235341Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8790180Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20140194206Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8711094Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8708821Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8686579Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20140011589Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise C. Weston
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Patent number: 8531050Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise C. Weston
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Publication number: 20130217453Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventor: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
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Publication number: 20130196770Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventor: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
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Publication number: 20130196727Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventor: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLC
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Patent number: 8491389Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC.Inventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney
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Patent number: 8475275Abstract: 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 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 other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Rick A. Briggs, Jonathan A. Barney