System and apparatus for a controlled toy to interact with a computer game

Abstract

A system for a controlled toy to interact with a computer game includes a toy including an unique identity and configurable for controlled movement within a predefined space including at least one predefined location. A controller controls movements the toy. A database stores the unique identity and a registration of the toy with a player of the computer game. A computing device executes the computer game, wherein the computing device controls parameters within the predefined space, instructs the controller to move the toy and records at least one event of the toy moving in the predefined space. At least one sensor detects the unique identity, wherein an arrival of the toy at the at least one predefined location in the predefined space enables the at least one sensor to detect the unique identity and communicate the unique identity and the arrival to the computing device for recording as an event.

1 . A system for a controlled toy to interact with a computer game, the system comprising:
 first means comprising an unique identity for controlled moving within a first predefined space comprising at least one predefined location;   first means for controlling movements of said first moving means;   first means for storing said unique identity and a registration of said first moving means with a first player of the computer game;   first means for executing the computer game and recording events of said first moving means; and   first means for detecting said unique identity, wherein an arrival of said first moving means at said predefined location enables said first detecting means to communicate said unique identity and said arrival to said first executing means for recording as an event.   
   
   
       2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 means for detecting said unique identity of said first moving means for enabling said first executing means to verify said registration of said first moving means.   
   
   
       3 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 means for connecting said first executing means to a network; and   means for serving the computer game, storing said unique identity and said registration, and maintaining said first storing means.   
   
   
       4 . The system as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising:
 means for scanning a moving means to obtain an unique identity; and   means for enabling a user to register said unique identity with a player.   
   
   
       5 . The system as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising:
 second means comprising an unique identity for controlled moving within a second predefined space comprising at least one predefined location;   second means for controlling movements of said second moving means;   second means for storing said unique identity and a registration of said second moving means with a second player of the computer game;   second means for executing the computer game and recording events of said second moving means;   second means for detecting said unique identity, wherein an arrival of said second moving means at said predefined location enables said second detecting means to communicate said unique identity and said arrival to said second executing means for recording as an event; and   means for connecting said second executing means to said network, wherein said first executing means and said second executing means are enabled to substantially execute the computer game simultaneously and said first player and said second player are enabled to compete against each other.   
   
   
       6 . A system for a controlled toy to interact with a computer game, the system comprising:
 a first toy comprising an unique identity and configurable for controlled movement within a first predefined space comprising at least one predefined location;   a first controller for controlling movements said first toy;   a first database for storing said unique identity and a registration of said first toy with a first player of the computer game;   a first computing device for executing the computer game, wherein said first computing device controls parameters within said first predefined space, instructs said first controller to move said first toy and records at least one event of said first toy moving in said first predefined space; and   at least one first sensor for detecting said unique identity, wherein an arrival of said first toy at said at least one predefined location in said first predefined space enables said at least one first sensor to detect said unique identity and communicate said unique identity and said arrival to said first computing device for recording as an event.   
   
   
       7 . The system as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a first entrance scanner for detecting said unique identity of said first toy for enabling said first computing device to verify said registration of said first toy.   
   
   
       8 . The system as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a first connection between said first computing device and a network configurable for supporting a plurality of computing devices; and   a remote server connected to said network for serving the computer game to at least said first computing device and for storing at least said unique identity and said registration in a main database, wherein said remote server communicates with said first computing device for maintaining said first database and said main database.   
   
   
       9 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a registration scanner for scanning a toy to obtain an unique identity; and   a registration terminal for enabling a user to register said unique identity with a player wishing to play the computer game, wherein registration information is communicated to said remote server.   
   
   
       10 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a second toy comprising an unique identity and configurable for controlled movement within a second predefined space comprising at least one predefined location;   a second controller for controlling movements said second toy;   a second database for storing said unique identity and a registration of said second toy with a second player of the computer game;   a second computing device for executing the computer game, wherein said second computing device controls parameters within said second predefined space, instructs said second controller to move said second toy and records at least one event of said second toy moving in said second predefined space;   at least one second sensor for detecting said unique identity, wherein an arrival of said second toy at said at least one predefined location in said second predefined space enables said at least one second sensor to detect said unique identity and communicate said unique identity and said arrival to said second computing device for recording as an event; and   a second connection between said second computing device and said network enabling said remote server to serve the computer game to said second computing device and maintain said second database and said main database, wherein said first computing device and said second computing device are enabled to substantially execute the computer game simultaneously and said first player and said second player are enabled to compete against each other.   
   
   
       11 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said first controller or said second controller is a robotic controller. 
   
   
       12 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said first controller or said second controller is a remote controller. 
   
   
       13 . The system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said unique identity comprises an electronically readable code. 
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for a controlled interaction with a computer game being executed on a computer device, the apparatus comprising:
 a motorized base for movement about a predefined space;   a unique identity joined to said motorized base for identifying the apparatus and a game player to the computer device for enabling the computer device to verify a registration of the apparatus;   a control module for controlling movement of the apparatus in said predefined space; and   an upper portion joined to said motorized base for visually distinguishing the apparatus.   
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said control module comprises autonomous robotic control routines. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said control module comprises a receiver for wireless radio frequency control of the apparatus. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said control module comprises an optical receiver for wireless optical control of the apparatus. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said control module comprises a communication protocol for communicating with the computer device. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising at least one camera for transmitting images during the computer game. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said unique identity is an electronically readable code.