Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods for constructing an estimated depreciated schedule for a patent are disclosed. The steps for constructing this schedule may include: (1) determining a first function which approximately describes the rate of initial increase in expected forward patent citations over time; (2) determining a second function which approximately describes the rate of eventual decay in expected forward patent citations over time; and (3) constructing an estimated depreciation schedule using a calculated decay coefficient derived from said second function.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring and measuring the performance of intellectual property (IP) law firms are disclosed. These methods are based on but are not limited to the performance of the firm, its attorneys, its clients, and the trends of this performance over time. The methods disclosed provide IP Law firm with analytics to identify performance and service opportunities for the firm, ultimately resulting in higher revenues.

Abstract: 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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of competitive game play is provided utilizing a plurality of balls or other discrete play media. Balls may be tagged or otherwise identified with a differentiating color, size, weight, printed code or other identification/tracking means, as desired. The game is configured such that individual play participants or groups of play participants (e.g., boys vs. girls) can effectively compete with other players or groups of players within the same game based on interactions with various game inputs distributed throughout the game system. The game inputs advantageously enable players to selectively control or direct ball movement and/or other play media movement to various desired collection areas, scoring areas, targets and/or the like. Play participants competitively play and interact with the gaming system and/or with one another to achieve desired goals and/or produce desired effects.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive play structure including an active targeting system for automatically sensing the location of a play participant and spraying or propelling water or other play media at the sensed location. Play participants race against the clock to determine and enter a secret code to disable the active targeting system or otherwise activate a desired self-destruct sequence or other desired sequence of events. But the active targeting system sprays water or shoots other play media at play participants who attempt to approach the structure. The secret code is periodically scrambled so that play participants must act quickly and cooperate with one another to determine and enter the correct code. These and other improvements increase the challenge and enjoyment of interactive play structures incorporating such improvements.

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.