WO2006133063A2

WO2006133063A2 - Electronic tag game

Info

Publication number: WO2006133063A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/021689
Authority: WO
Inventors: Binh Luong
Original assignee: Mattel, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-06-03
Filing date: 2006-06-05
Publication date: 2006-12-14
Also published as: US20060287114A1; WO2006133063A3

Abstract

Toys having a light projector or a light receiver are disclosed, including ways of using the toys. Toys having a light projector are configured to emit a coded light beam, and toys having a light receiver are configured to receive a coded light beam and respond appropriately. A game may be played with the toy light projector and light receiver such that competing players or teams may attempt to activate their opponent's light receiver with their own light projector, scoring points in the process.

Description

Electronic Tag Game

Cross-reference to related applications This application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/687,376, filed June 3, 2005. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/687,376 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Summary The present disclosure relates generally to game components used in an interactive game of electronic tag and more specifically to game components used in a game of tag where players compete with one another to score points. The disclosure also includes various rules and apparatuses for playing a game of tag, including games played with multiple users utilizing multiple types of weapons. In an exemplary embodiment, the game components include a toy light projector and a toy light receiver. In addition, the exemplary embodiment may include game components that may be handheld or worn on a player's body and which have a number of capabilities.

Background

Examples of related games with transmitters and receivers are found in U.S. Patent numbers: 4,533,144, 4,844,475, 5,253,068, 5,672,108, 5,741,185, 5,904,621, 6,261,180, 6,293,869, and 6,302,796. Each of the disclosures of the aforementioned patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a front view of a first toy light projector according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a first toy light projector according to the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is a back view of a first toy light projector according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a front view of a second toy light projector according to the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a side view of a second toy light projector according to the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a back view of a second toy light projector according to the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a front view of two toy light receivers according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a back view of a toy light receiver according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a top view of a toy light receiver according to the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a bottom view of a toy light receiver according to the present disclosure.

Figure 11 is a block diagram of operational elements of a toy light projector and a toy light receiver of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to game components usable by players playing a shooting game. In the described embodiment, a first player may compete to score points by using a toy light projector to cause the toy light receiver of a second player to receive electromagnetic energy. The player who first scores a pre-determined number of points through accurate shooting may be declared the winner of the game. Alternatively, a game may proceed for a predetermined period of time or for a predetermined number of accumulated points. During the course of a game, a goal of a first player may be to score points against a second player while simultaneously keeping the second player from scoring points. Although the toy device of the disclosure is shown as being implemented as separate projector and receiver bodies, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the two components, the toy light projector and the toy light receiver, could be housed within a single toy body.

Figures 1-6 give an overview of two exemplary embodiments of a toy light projector for use in playing a game described in the present disclosure. The game components of the present disclosure may be used in any area which allows for competitive movement of a plurality of players. The game components may be used in an open area or they may be used in an area containing obstructions which may be used in a strategic manner by the players. Players may each be equipped with a toy light projector and a toy light receiver. The goal of a game utilizing the disclosed components may be for a first player to attempt to transmit an electromagnetic energy beam toward, or "shoot," a toy light receiver of a second player, striking the target with the electromagnetic energy beam to tally one or more points in the first player's favor. In an illustrated embodiment, the electromagnetic beam is a light beam.

A toy light projector 1 may have a body 10 that may provide a supporting structure for many components that make the toy light projector functional in a game using the disclosed game components. Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5 show that the body 10 of a toy light projector may include a front surface 11 from which extends a gun-type barrel 20. Barrel 20 may provide a location for an aperture 21 and an effect location 22 that house light emitting devices (LEDs). Aperture 21 may provide an opening into an interior space of body 10. Aperture 21 may include appropriate optical devices to manipulate the electromagnetic energy beam emitted from the transmitter. Typically, an optical device may be a lens that can substantially focus light from an infrared light emitting device 23 that projects a non- visible light beam toward a target 2 (shown in Figures 7-10). The electromagnetic energy may be manipulated, or directed, by any appropriate optical device, including a single lens, more than one lens, other focusing or manipulation systems, etc. If the toy light projector is properly aimed so that aperture 21 is directed toward a toy light receiver, then the radiated energy may activate the toy light receiver. For example, an infrared transmitter may, if properly aimed, activate a toy light receiver containing an infrared receiver.

Effect location 22 may house a light emitting device that projects a visible light beam. Though shown as including two apertures and LEDs, the barrel of the toy gun may include more apertures and LEDs, or fewer, according to various design preferences, while still holding true to the present disclosure. Also, although the effect location 22 of the present disclosure houses a visible LED that is used to visually signify when infrared LED 23 is activated, the effect location may house another type of visual signifier, or the aperture may not be present at all if no visual effect from the front of the toy light projector is desired. The effect location may also be placed at a different position on the toy body.

Figures 3 and 6 show an internal space 12 that may be present inside a toy body 11 of the toy light projector. Internal space 12 may house various portions of the toy device useful for playing the disclosed game, and it may provide access to internal electronics of the toy light projector device; these electronics may be housed in an electronics compartment 36 in a portion of the toy light projector. Internal space 12 may house a grip 30 that may be used by a player to hold the toy light projector during game play. Grip 30 may include a handle 31, stalk 32, and base 33. The base 33, or another portion of the toy light projector, may include support structures for batteries to provide power for the toy light projector. The handle 31, or another portion of the grip, may include an on/off switch 34 for operation of the toy light projector and one or more other toy interfaces 35 on a different or the same portion of the grip. For example, one possible interface 35 is a trigger, placed on a forward surface of the handle and used to activate the circuitry of the toy light projector. Another possible interface 35 is a feedback mechanism to inform a user about operation of the toy light projector. For example, interface 35 could be a haptic feedback device configured to provide direct feedback to a user via, for example, a mild electric shock provided through grip 30. Such feedback could be implemented if, for example, a first player's toy light projector was equipped with a light receiver (discussed below) and was capable of responding to a "hit" from a second user's toy light projector.

In addition to integral controls 35 in the toy light projector, the projector may also be configured to respond to a modification device that could be attached removably to a modification slot 50 on the toy light projector. Modification slot 50 may house electronic connections that allow an inserted modification device to alter the performance of the toy device. For example, modification slot 50 may house connections for internal electrical circuitry of the toy device, such that a modification device could alter an electrical characteristic (e.g. the overall resistance of the circuit) and thereby alter an operational characteristic of the toy device. Such capacity for modification of the toy device might also be implemented on the toy light receiver (see Figure 8). Other modification devices could be attached in various ways to the body of the toy light projector.

Batteries housed within the toy light projector may provide needed electrical energy to power an electromagnetic transmitter of the toy light projector (below). Electronics associated with the toy light projector may provide for internal connections or for feedback to a game player. For example, internal electronics may connect one or more batteries to the LEDs or to an associated activation device (such as the trigger). In addition, internal electronics may connect one or more batteries to various feedback mechanisms in the toy light projector. For example, the toy light projector may contain one or more of light devices, sound producers, etc., that may be activated when a first game player uses the toy light projector to send an electromagnetic energy beam toward the toy light receiver of a second player.

Activation of the feedback mechanisms of the toy light projector may be altered based on the performance characteristics of the toy light projector. For example, a game player may insert or remove modification cards into reversible connection slots 50 provided on body 10 of the toy light projector. Similar reversible connection slots may be available on toy light receiver body 40 (below). Modification cards may be reversibly inserted into the connection slots of the game components as a way of providing game-to-game variation when those components are used. Modification cards may alter various functions of the toy light projector and toy light receiver. For example, some modification cards may provide more "power" to the toy light projector, such that a given hit on a toy light receiver of a second player provides a first player with more points. Other modification cards may "reload" a toy light projector. Some modification cards may make a target "stronger" by requiring more hits to activate the toy light receiver. Alternatively, modification cards may alter the performance of a toy light projector. For example, one type of modification card may cause a toy light projector to shoot more slowly, while another type of modification card may cause a toy light projector to assume a "rapid-fire" mode. Other types of modification cards are possible.

Each toy light projector may be operated to activate a toy light receiver 2. Figures 7- 10 show in more detail an embodiment of a toy light receiver described in the present disclosure. A given toy light receiver may include at least a receiver body 40, various output devices 46, an electromagnetic receiver 47, and one or more straps 44 and connection slots 45.

Figure 7 shows two examples of designs for a toy light receiver. Receiver body 40 of a toy light receiver may be constructed of any appropriate material. For example, the receiver body may be formed from a hardened plastic to provide a solid support structure for an associated power source (such as one or more batteries), for electronics used to operate the toy light receiver, or for one or more reversible connection slots. Alternatively, receiver body 40 may be formed from a soft material that may allow the toy light receiver 2 to conform to a body part of a player if the toy light receiver is worn during a game. The soft material may be formed to support the above-noted associated components, or it may contain internal structures of a more-solid material to support those components.

Body 40 of the toy light receiver may include a shell 41 that has at least a forward surface 42 and a back surface 43. As the toy light receiver may be a target moving with a player during game play, the toy light receiver may be equipped with a series of straps 44 and attachment slots 45 that provide a way for a player to fasten the toy light receiver to their body during game play. Typically, a user would wear the target on their chest area, though other locations are possible. To hold a toy light receiver firmly to a body part of a player, straps 44 may be provided on a main body 40 of the toy light receiver. The straps of the toy light receiver may be of any suitable number to provide secure attachment to a body part of a player. Straps 44 may be constructed of any appropriate material or fastening system. For example, straps may be constructed of nylon webbing, or a fastening system may include hook-and-loop fasteners. Alternatively, straps may be constructed of rubber or plastic material, or may include a buckle or clip fastener. Many strapping options are possible. A forward surface 42 of the toy light receiver may include a number of LEDs 46 and a light receiver 47. In the illustrated embodiment, LEDs 46 present a visually cognizable signal to a user when a light receiver 47 detects a specific type of light signal. For example, when LED 23 is an infrared LED, light receiver 47 may be configured to receive infrared light having the characteristics of infrared light sent from LED 23. A light receiver may interconnect with associated electronics within the toy light receiver. In this configuration, each time the toy light receiver receives electromagnetic energy from a toy light projector, electronics within the toy light receiver may signify that reception by activating one or more of a light response, a sound response, a combination of those or other responses, etc. Effects, including activation of LEDs 46, may also be activated after light receiver 47 receives a predetermined number of the appropriate light signals, or at any other preferred time.

Figure 8 shows that the back surface 43 of a toy light receiver 2 may include a compartment cover 49 housing a number of batteries used as an energy source for the toy light receiver. Compartment cover 49 may be fastened to back surface 43 by a screw-type fastener 47. Back surface 43 may also include a location for an on/off switch used to activate or deactivate internal electronics of the toy light receiver. The internal electronics of the toy light receiver may be accessed through the compartment cover, or back surface 43 and front surface 42 may be completely separated to expose internal electronic components of the toy light receiver.

As noted above for the toy light projector, and shown in Figure 8, a modification slot 50 may be available on toy light receiver 2. Modification devices may be reversibly inserted into the modification slot as a way of providing game-to-game variation in a game using the described game components. For example, some modification devices may provide more "protection" to a toy light receiver, such that a given hit on the toy light receiver of a player scores fewer points. Alternatively, modification devices may alter the performance of a toy light receiver. For example, some modification devices may cause the toy light receiver to be active for shorter or longer periods of time. Other types of modification devices are possible.

Figures 9 and 10 show top and bottom views, respectively, of the toy light receiver.

A top surface of the toy light receiver may include a slot 60 that houses a reset button 61.

Placing the reset button at the bottom of a slot may serve to protect the reset button from accidental activation during game play or other handling of the toy light receiver. The reset button may interface with the internal electronics of the toy light receiver and ready those electronics for new game play after a first game has been played. For example, in a given game, the toy light receiver may be set to stop registering "hits" from the toy light projector after a predetermined number of "hits" have been made, and to provide sensory effects signaling a "game over" status of the game. The reset button may function to clear the "game over" status and ready the toy light receiver for new game play, and it may cause an internal hit counter in a controller of the toy light receiver to be set back to zero, for a toy light receiver that adds hits to reach a number, or to a maximum value, for a toy light receiver that subtracts hits to reach a new number. Figure 10 shows an effect location 62 that may house a sensory effects device that may, in conjunction with LEDs 46, signal a hit or the end of a game, or may signal any other game condition. In the illustrated embodiment, effect location 62 is the location of a speaker that communicates with, and is activated by, internal electronics of the toy light receiver. A speaker at effect location 62 may be activated to produce words and/or sounds to provide entertaining and informative game play. Although shown as being at the bottom of the toy light receiver, effect location 62 and any associated effect devices could be placed at any convenient location on the body 40 of toy light receiver 2.

Figure 11 presents block diagrams of components of a toy light projector and a toy light receiver constructed according to the present disclosure. In a basic game, a toy light projector 1 may formulate and send a coded light signal to be received and processed by toy light receiver 2.

Toy light projector 1 may include a controller 100, a trigger 102 (an example of a toy interface 35), a sensory output device (one example of which is an LED 22), and a light source 23 (such as, but not only, an infrared LED) that projects light through an aperture 21. Optionally, the toy light projector 1 may receive an input from a modification device 106 that may interact with the toy light projector at a modification slot 50 (seen in Figures 3 and 6). The controller 100 may include a processor or other appropriate logic circuit(s) configured to determine a unique code for a given toy light projector and to send an electrical signal containing that code through a circuit within the toy light projector. Sending the coded electrical signal through the circuitry of the toy light projector may be initiated through depression of, for example, a trigger 102 on a handgrip of the toy light projector. A code for a toy light projector may be unique among only a few toy light projectors, or it may be unique among a large number of toy light projectors. In one of the simplest embodiments, and the one illustrated, a set of toys may include two toy light projectors and two toy light receivers, and the code for a given toy light projector may be unique in the set of two toy light projectors.

When the electrical signal containing the toy light projector's code is sent from the controller to the light source, the controller may also activate a sensory output device 104. Activation of the sensory output device (such as, for example, a visible-light LED) may serve to notify a game player that the toy light projector has successfully "fired" the light source. Alternatively, the sensory output device may provide feedback to a game player regarding other game activities. For example, if a toy light receiver is integrated into the toy light projector, the sensory output may provide feedback to the game player that the toy light projector received a coded light signal from another toy light projector. In any case, the sensory feedback could be visual feedback (as noted above) or it could be haptic feedback or electrical feedback, or any other suitable type of feedback to be sensed by a game player.

As noted earlier, another input into the operation of the toy light projector, or of the toy light receiver, may be a modification device 106. Modification device 106 may interact with the toy light projector or with the toy light receiver via a modification slot 50 on the body of either of those two devices. A modification device, as one example, could be an electrical component that alters an electrical characteristic of a circuit operating either the toy light projector or the toy light receiver. Alternatively, the modification device could be a self-contained information module that contains information usable by the controller 100 in determining the operation of the toy light projector or the toy light receiver. Many constructions of a modification device are possible, including both devices that interact operatively with the controller and those that modify a physical characteristic of the toy light projector or the toy light receiver. As an example of this latter type of modification device, it is possible that a diffuser-type of device could be placed in operative contact with, for example, an aperture on a toy light projector to make a light beam less-focused, perhaps making it easier to send a coded light beam to a toy light receiver. A modification device could be used to alter any one or more of many characteristics of the toy light projector, including the aiming characteristics of the projector, or the point value associated with each hit from the toy light projector, or the speed with which the toy light projector will fire, etc.

Figure 11 also shows a block diagram of a toy light receiver 2. A toy light receiver 2 may include a controller 200 that is in communication with a light receiver 47 and a sensory output device 202 (such as, but solely, LEDs 46). Controller 200 may also be in communication with a modification device 204, if one is provided. The details of how a modification device 204 may operate in the toy light receiver may be substantially the same as for the operation of a modification device on a toy light projector. Here, too, a modification device could be used to alter any one or more of many characteristics of the toy light receiver, including the point value added or taken with each hit from the toy light projector (making it harder to reach a "game over" status), or the sensitivity of the toy light receiver, or the capacity to receive coded light from more than one toy light projector, etc.

The toy light receiver may receive a coded light signal from the toy light projector at a compatible light receiver 47. For example, if the light source 23 of the toy light projector sends a beam substantially containing infrared light, then the light receiver will optimally be an infrared light sensor. Coded light detected by the light receiver may be converted into an electrical signal that is received by controller 200. The controller of a toy light projector may be configured such that it can discriminate a received coded light signal from a background light signal and it may discriminate one coded light signal from a second coded light signal. In this way, the controller of a first player may be able to differentiate a hit signal from background radiation and may be able to respond appropriately if the controller determines that the hit signal came from the toy light projector of a second player and that second player is on a different team. When a controller receives a coded light signal that it determines should be a "hit"

(i.e. that the coded light signal came from an opponent's gun, rather than the player's), it may perform a number of different actions. First, the controller may record the hit in an ongoing tally of the total number of hits received, or of the total number of hits received since the reset button (Figure 9) was last utilized. As well, the controller may activate one or more sensory outputs 202 such that an output signal is given that can be sensed by one or more game players. A sensory output may be a visible light output such as is given off by one or more LEDs 46 on the body 40 of the toy light receiver. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensory output may be a sound output, such as from a speaker in effect location 62. As another possibility, the sensory output may be a haptic output similar to that which could be implemented as part of the sensory output in the toy light projector.

Having described game components in the present disclosure, there follows an exemplary use of the game components. The game components may be used by a plurality of players in a competitive game of tag, wherein each player is assigned a toy light projector and a toy light receiver. Each player may wear a toy light receiver such that its electromagnetic receiver is amenable to receiving the electromagnetic energy beam projected from the toy light projector of each other player. For example, a player may wear a toy light receiver on his or her chest, with an electromagnetic receiver facing outward. Each player may also have a toy light projector that they carry as desired. For example, a toy light projector may be designed so that it may be carried in one hand of a player. Alternatively, a larger toy light projector may be designed to be carried in two hands of a player.

Each player, once assigned a toy light projector and a toy light receiver, may choose any special capabilities that they desire for those devices. Recalling the aforementioned modification cards, each player may choose a modification card for each of their toy light projector and toy light receiver. For example, a player may wish to use a card giving a toy light projector a higher "power" value, and a toy light receiver a higher "protection" value. Alternatively, a player may desire that a toy light projector be modified to fire rapidly and a toy light receiver be modified so that at periodic times it is unavailable to receive electromagnetic energy. These different possibilities may be assigned randomly among the players, or they may be assigned based on a player's capabilities. For example, a younger or less-experienced player may use a higher-powered toy light projector and/or a higher- protection toy light receiver, while an older or more-experienced player may use a weaker- powered toy light projector and/or a lower-protection toy light receiver. In this manner, the disclosed game components may be adapted to accommodate players of various skill levels and provide for a more enjoyable game-playing experience. In addition to accommodating different player skill levels, modification cards or an inherent feature of the toy light projectors or toy light receivers could alter game play. One possibility may be that one or more modification cards, or other game components, could allow team formation during game play. Another possibility may be that one or more modification cards, or other game components, could provide a countdown function to measure progress of a game. Grouping of players into teams could be accomplished through use of modification cards or through use of devices integral with one or more of a toy light projector and a toy light receiver. For example, a toy light projector or toy light receiver may have a depressible switch on its body, or within an aperture, allowing teams to be chosen. Alternatively, one or more modification cards may be used to assemble groups of players into teams. For team play, modification cards or integral devices may alter performance of game components in a defined way. For example, toy light projectors may provide for transmission of electromagnetic beams coded in a team-specific manner. In addition, or alternatively, the toy light receivers may verify, and respond to, the reception of electromagnetic beams containing an appropriate team code. In the illustrated embodiment, two teams may be formed with a set of two toy light projectors and toy light receivers, with each team employing toy light projectors capable of emitting an electromagnetic beam with a different code. A first team may be equipped with toy light receivers able to receive and respond to a code projected by toy light projectors of a second team. A counting function may be enabled within a toy light projector and/or toy light receiver to measure the length of an exemplary . game. A counting function may be implemented through use of modification cards or through use of settings inherent in a toy light projector and/or in a toy light receiver. A counting function may be based on time progression or on accumulation of points or on any other appropriate measure. For example, a game may begin with activation of either or both of toy light projectors and toy light receivers. A counting device, in a game based on time, may count from a beginning time to an ending time, upon which occurrence game play will terminate. Progress of a game may be based on incremental accumulation of time or decremental loss of time. Alternatively, in a game based on points, a counting device may track accumulation of points until a set point value is reached, resulting in termination of the game. As above, progress of a game may be based on incremental accumulation of points or decremental loss of points. The end of a game may be signified by inactivation of a toy light projector and/or toy light receiver, or it may be signified by an emission of light and/or sound from one or more of toy light projectors and toy light receivers. In the illustrated embodiment, the toy light receiver may be configured to receive coded light signals from a compatible toy light projector a total of six times. Upon the sixth reception, the toy light receiver may respond with a sound and light effect and may need to be reset by depression of a reset button before a new game can begin.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein.

Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to a same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to any original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A toy light projector (1) for playing a shooting game, comprising: a toy body (10); and a light projection device supported by the toy body, comprising: a light source (23) configured to emit light not within the visible light spectrum in response to a received first electrical signal; a controller (100) configured to provide a coded electrical signal to the light source and to energize the light source (23) to emit a beam of light including the code and to provide a second electrical signal; a trigger (35) manually actuatable to actuate the controller; and an output device (22), operatively connected to the controller (100), configured to output a humanly cognizable output when the light source (23) is energized.

2. The toy of claim 1 wherein the light beam comprises infrared light.

3. The toy of claim 1 wherein the toy body (10) comprises plastic.

4. The toy of claim 1 wherein the output device (22) comprises a second light source configured to emit light in the visible light spectrum.

5. The toy of claim 4 wherein the controller (100) is configured to energize the first light source (23) and the second light source (22) approximately simultaneously.

6. The toy of claim 1 further comprising a modification device (106) manually removably coupled to the toy body.

7. The toy of claim 6 wherein the modification device (106) is configured to connect electrically to the controller (100) and to alter operation of the controller (100).

8. The toy of claim 1 wherein the toy body (10) includes an externally accessible grip (30) enclosed substantially within an inner space (12) of the toy body (10).

9. The toy of claim 8 wherein the trigger (35) is disposed on a surface of the grip (30).

10. A set of toys for playing a shooting game, comprising: a light energy projector (1), comprising: a first light source (23) responsive to a first electrical signal and configured to emit a beam of light not within the visible light spectrum, the beam of light being representative of the first electrical signal; and a first controller (100) configured to provide the first electrical signal having a code to the first light source (23) and to energize the first light source (23) to emit a beam of light including the code, comprising: a trigger (35) manually actuatable to actuate the controller (100); and an output device (22) operatively connected to the controller (100) and configured to produce a humanly cognizable output when the light source (23) is energized; and an emission aperture (21) configured substantially to focus the beam of light; and a light energy receiver (2), comprising: a first light receiver (47) configured to sense the beam of light including the code and to convert the coded light into a second coded electrical signal; a second circuit configured to provide the second coded electrical signal to a second controller, comprising; the second controller (200) responsive to the second coded electrical signal and configured to recognize the second code and to activate at least one second light source (46) in response to reception of the second code; and an output device (46) configured to produce a humanly cognizable output in response to recognition of the second code.

11. The toy of claim 10 wherein the second coded electrical signal is at least substantially identical to the first coded electrical signal.

12. The toy of claim 10 further comprising a modification device (106) configured removably to couple to at least one of the light projector (1) and the light receiver (2).

13. The toy of claim 12 wherein the modification device (106) is configured electrically to alter operation of at least one of the first controller (100) and the second controller (200).

14. A method of playing a shooting game, comprising: providing a light projector (1) having a first controller (100); providing a light receiver (2) physically separated from the light projector (1) having a second controller (200); activating the first controller (100) to produce a first coded electrical signal; converting the first coded electrical signal into a coded light signal; projecting the coded light signal; receiving the coded light signal at the light receiver (2); converting the coded light signal into a second coded electrical signal; receiving the second coded electrical signal at the second controller (200); discriminating the second coded electrical signal from other electrical signals; and activating an output device (46) in response to recognition of the second coded electrical signal.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the first coded electrical signal and the second coded electrical signal are at least substantially identical.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the coded light signal consists essentially of light not within the visible light spectrum.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the output device (46) is configured to provide a visible light output.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of providing a light projector (1) having a first controller (100) further includes a step of connecting a modification device (106) to the light projector (1) to alter operation of the first controller (100).

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of providing a light receiver (2) physically separated from the light projector (1) having a second controller (200) further includes a step of connecting a modification device (204) to the light receiver (2) to alter operation of the second controller (200).

20. The method of claim 14 wherein the output device (46) is configured to provide an audible output.