Patents by Inventor Jonathan A. Barney
Jonathan A. Barney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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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: 8827810Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: MQ Gaming, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A Barney
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Patent number: 8831985Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods by which an investment vehicle can be established that is directed to one or a very limited specific form of content. More specifically, the system and methods of the present invention creates a financial instrument directed to specific content—such as a specific technology or specific artistic or literary work—that may be issued, thereby providing investors with the opportunity to invest in the specific content or aspect of that specific content.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Ocean Tomo LLCInventors: James E. Malackowski, Cameron Gray, Keith M. Cardoza, Jonathan A. Barney, Jason L. Gardner, Stephen C. Yelderman
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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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Patent number: 8818996Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: PatentRatings, LLCInventor: Jonathan A. Barney
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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: 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: 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: 8702515Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: MQ Gaming, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A Barney
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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: 20140067829Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: PatentRatings, LLCInventor: Jonathan A. Barney
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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: 8608535Abstract: An interactive treasure hunt game is provided. Game participants receive a card, map and/or identification badge configured with an RFID tag, barcode 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: MQ Gaming, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney
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Publication number: 20130303276Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney
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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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Patent number: 8504560Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: PatentRatings, LLCInventor: Jonathan A. Barney
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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