Wireless toy systems and methods for interactive entertainment

摘要

A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.

主权项

1. A stuffed toy for playing a wireless interactive game, said stuffed toy comprising:
a fabric material defining an outer skin or covering of said stuffed toy; a stuffing material disposed within said outer skin or covering; a passive radiofrequency identification (“RFID”) tag hermetically sealed within a plastic support structure and affixed to or disposed within said outer skin or covering in such a manner that it cannot be easily removed from the stuffed toy and does not expose any sharp surfaces that could otherwise poke or puncture said outer skin or covering; said RFID tag comprising: i) a microprocessor, ii) a unique identifier configured to uniquely identify said stuffed toy within said wireless interactive game, iii) non-volatile programmable memory configured to store game-relevant information, and iv) a transceiver and associated antenna configured to provide two-way wireless communications with a compatible RFID reader via inductive coupling; and wherein said game-relevant information comprises at least: i) a first selection of information comprising one or more traits, powers or skills associated with said stuffed toy, ii) a second selection of information comprising progress information relevant to said wireless interactive game, and iii) a third selection of information configured to be selected by a game participant.