GB2419827A

GB2419827A - Electronically interactive action figures

Info

Publication number: GB2419827A
Application number: GB0424373A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter James Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-04
Filing date: 2004-11-04
Publication date: 2006-05-10
Also published as: GB0424373D0

Abstract

Action figures which incorporate a computerised system for supporting the implementation of a game with a plurality of participants by means of wireless communications link enabling interaction with similar figures. Each figure incorporates a player interface including a visual display screen 1 and a keypad 2, and is digitally endowed with certain characteristics eg strength and defence, that enter into the resolution of a given event such as a battle or other interface between the figures. Utilising wireless technology, a player's figure may challenge and enter into combat with another player's figure. By operation of a series of keystrokes the player may initiate electronically displayed combat moves. The outcome of the combat has an impact on the character's attributes, which may be developed over a period of time.

Description

1 2419827

ELECTRONICALLY INTERACTIVE ACTION FIGURES

The invention relates to a series of collectable action figures each incorporating a system for supporting the implementation of a game with a plurality of participants, wherein the system is a computer based system with facility to communicate with similar action figures by means of a wireless communications link.

Collectable action figures and dolls, although popular, are limited in their game play.

Computer games tend to lack human to human interface and have limited elements of individuality and collectability. Combat fantasy games tend to be tabletop systems that require preparation and lack portability. The current invention combines the popular elements of the three game genres without the disadvantages.

The invention combines a series of collectable action figures and accessories with a computerised, interactive, fantasy combat game whereby the figures represent characters in the game.

Each action figure incorporates a computer games system and player interface which is built in to, but possibly removable from, the action figure. Although each figure is designed for interactive play with similar figures by wireless link, there exists the option for lone play, and potentially for communication and interaction with a more powerfiui computer or games machine which has been programmed with appropriate software in order to enhance game play.

Before one embodiment of the invention is explained, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments for example, by utilising different methods of player interface from the one described.

The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows an example of a typical action figure.

The present invention relates to action figures or dolls having special joints between articulated limb segments. The figures are flexible enough and designed so that accessories such as clothing, equipment and weapons may be may be physically introduced to the character.

Each figure incorporates a DC power supply, a microcomputer, and a wireless communication system. Figure 1 shows that the figure's torso incorporates a fold out visual display screen 1 and keypad 2 (similar to those found on modern mobile telephones) that enables the player to interface with the action figure.

Each figure is digitally endowed with certain characteristics or attributes, e.g., strength abilities and defence abilities, that enter into the resolution of a given event, such as a battle or other interface between the action figures. The player may enter information to personalise the character and interrogate character attributes and player history via the keypad and display screen.

By operation of a series of keystrokes, requiring a level of dexterity and skill, the player may initiate electronically displayed combat moves that may include offensive and defensive actions utilising available weapons or spells. Combat moves may be practised and developed in lone play utilising a single combat figure, or performed in real time combat with another action figure via the wireless interface.

Utilising wireless technology, a player's action figure may remotely challenge, and potentially enter into combat with, another player's figure. Success in combat may increase a character's attributes whilst defeat or surrender may deplete attributes.

Thereby a player's action figure may develop its attributes and scores over a period of time.

As a player's character develops, the achievement of defined attribute scores may result in the option to enhance weapons, armour and spells. Increasing other attributes may entitle the character to adopt titles such as serf, warrior or lord.

The series of collectable action figures may include, but are not limited to, character types such as wizards or warriors from a selection of mythical races of either sex.

Initial character attributes may be pre-programmed to levels appropriate to the character type, race or sex.

Claims

CLAiMS I. A computerised action figure or doll incorporating a system for

supporting the implementation of a game with a plurality of participants, wherein the system is a computer based system with facility to communicate with similar action figures by means of a wireless communications link.
2. A computerised action figure or doll as claimed in claim I wherein the player interface is comprised of a visual display screen and keypad.
3. A computerised action figure or doll as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein the display screen and keypad are embedded and hidden in the figure's torso and may be hinged open to facilitate operation.
4. A computerised action figure or doll as claimed in claim 3 wherein the computer system including the visual display screen and keypad may be removed from the action figure to facilitate independent play.
5. A computerised action figure or doll as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the in-built computer system also has the facility to communicate with a more powerful computer or games machine programmed with appropriate software in order to enhance game play by utilising its improved processing power, sound and visual display systems.
6. A computensed action figure or doll as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5 wherein the player may interact with the computer system by moving the figure's limbs or joints.