Abstract: The connected avatar is a virtual participant or assistant in an interactive game or entertainment attraction that recognizes players or items carried by players, and visually and/or audibly engages with the player throughout the interactive game or entertainment attraction to provide assistance, aid, guidance, or direction to them through the environment, provide items, information or clues, and/or pose challenges or games. The player may summon or enlist the connected avatar to perform tasks or retrieve information or items. In one embodiment, the connected avatar lives in a virtual parallel world that is connected to the real world through portals (such as mirrors, windows, or holographic displays) that can be accessed throughout the interactive game or entertainment attraction. The connected avatar combines the two worlds in an interactive manner and contributes to the connectivity of the player to the interactive game or entertainment attraction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Smart Entertainment Technology uses technology to create an enhanced, real-world experience or adventure, and helps users explore, communicate, learn, and solve puzzles, creating a richer, more immersive experience. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a plurality of patrons in an entertainment attraction using a contactless sensor. The entertainment attraction comprises a room, and each wall of the room comprises modular, interconnected, adaptable full-wall digital displays. The method further includes determining a digital attraction experience suitable for each of the patrons based on the age and attraction preferences of each of the patrons. The method additionally includes formatting for display on the modular full-wall digital displays content associated with the determined digital attraction experience.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Smart Entertainment Technology uses technology to create an enhanced, real-world experience or adventure, and helps users explore, communicate, learn, and solve puzzles, creating a richer, more immersive experience. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a plurality of patrons in an entertainment attraction using a contactless sensor. The entertainment attraction comprises a room, and each wall of the room comprises modular, interconnected, adaptable full-wall digital displays. The method further includes determining a digital attraction experience suitable for each of the patrons based on the age and attraction preferences of each of the patrons. The method additionally includes formatting for display on the modular full-wall digital displays content associated with the determined digital attraction experience.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The immersive, interactive system according to the present disclosure employs interconnected hardware, firmware, software, and mixed technology comprising projection systems, smart entertainment technologies, tracking systems, sound, light, visual displays, and other physical and/or special effect displays to create an entertainment experience that brings people together to enjoy a common story, theme, music, or game. In one embodiment, the system takes the form of a magical campfire that interacts with members of the audience to present an interactive and customized visual and audio display and story. The system may connect and interact with other technological platforms and smart devices to supplement the processing and experience, and may be updated to maintain relevant and timely content, and add additional features. The system may exist in a large scale environment, such as a theatre, theme park, or museum, or may be condensed to a smaller-scale version for home use.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing a retail product that allows a consumer to participate in a personalized interactive entertainment experience in one or more venues. The retail product is capable of wirelessly 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, apparel, and/or jewelry. In certain examples, the 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.

Abstract: Like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Book, the infinite tracking system allows for an amusement park ride or attraction to identify a user or participant based on unique characteristics, track them throughout the ride or attraction, and modify the experience based on the user or participant's chosen preferences. For example, a user or participant may choose outer space as their preferred theme. The tracking system may employ a variety of sensors to identify and distinguish the user or participant based on characteristics such as their physical size and clothing, and locates them throughout the amusement park ride or attraction. The system associates the outer space theme preference with the user or participant. As the user or participant travels throughout the amusement park ride or attraction, the system displays relevant effects, and the user or participant enjoys a unique and customized visual, audio, and physical experience that features their preferred theme.

Abstract: Regenerative and Sustainable Energy Structures are integrated systems that harness the energy in the surrounding environment and the energy created by the structure itself to offset the energy required to operate the system. The systems can combine various sources of energy, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and physical power, and direct or store that energy to be used to power the system. For example, a water play attraction can utilize a solar panel shade structure, a hydroelectric generator under a fountain, wind turbines, and generators that can be cranked by participants. The energy generated by each of these components may be returned to the system to operate the water pump that fuels the fountain, for example. The aggregated energy is sufficient to offset the energy consumption of the system in whole or in part, and may even generate a surplus of energy that can be returned to the electrical grid.

Abstract: The connected avatar is a virtual participant or assistant in an interactive game or entertainment attraction that recognizes players or items carried by players, and visually and/or audibly engages with the player throughout the interactive game or entertainment attraction to provide assistance, aid, guidance, or direction to them through the environment, provide items, information or clues, and/or pose challenges or games. The player may summon or enlist the connected avatar to perform tasks or retrieve information or items. In one embodiment, the connected avatar lives in a virtual parallel world that is connected to the real world through portals (such as mirrors, windows, or holographic displays) that can be accessed throughout the interactive game or entertainment attraction. The connected avatar combines the two worlds in an interactive manner and contributes to the connectivity of the player to the interactive game or entertainment attraction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Smart Entertainment Technology uses technology to create an enhanced, real-world experience or adventure, and helps users explore, communicate, learn, and solve puzzles, creating a richer, more immersive experience. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a plurality of patrons in an entertainment attraction using a contactless sensor. The entertainment attraction comprises a room, and each wall of the room comprises modular, interconnected, adaptable full-wall digital displays. The method further includes determining a digital attraction experience suitable for each of the patrons based on the age and attraction preferences of each of the patrons. The method additionally includes formatting for display on the modular full-wall digital displays content associated with the determined digital attraction experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present disclosure provide a costume of a puppet or a character having customizable mixed technology interactive components that enables the wearer of the costume to interact with stimuli in the costume's or wearer's surrounding environment as the puppet or character.