Interactive Game Systems and Methods

Abstract

A game system and method is described which may suitably employ a very inexpensive game mat or course which is printed with detectable markings, such as microdots. A toy housing holds a play pod which senses the sequence of the detectable markings as the toy housing is moved on the game mat. The play pod may be releasably held in the toy housing and transferred to a different housing. In this approach, to change games, a different game mat and toy housing are selected and the play pod is transferred to the new toy housing.

1 . An interactive play system comprising:
 a play surface housing a printed series of detectable markings;   a reader system having a sensor for detecting and a processor for evaluating a sequence of the detectable markings;   a means to provide feedback based on the detected pattern series; and   a toy housing for housing the reader system.   
     
     
         2 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the play surface has a flat surface printed with micro patterns. 
     
     
         3 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the play surface is printed with micro patterns with infused inks. 
     
     
         4 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the play surface is printed with a detectable hue or color pattern. 
     
     
         5 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the toy is a race car and the play surface has a printed race track. 
     
     
         6 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the reader system has a speaker to provide feedback, the speaker being driven by a processor which evaluates the detectable markings and drives the speaker to provide aural user feedback. 
     
     
         7 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the toy housing releasably houses the reader system. 
     
     
         8 . The game system of  claim 7  wherein the reader system stores unique software for multiple different types of toy housing. 
     
     
         9 . The game system of  claim 7  wherein the reader system can store software play scenarios for multiple different types of play surfaces associated with a single toy housing. 
     
     
         10 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the processor communicates with a remote computer to share and receive content. 
     
     
         11 . The game system of  claim 10  wherein player data is transmitted to an online play site. 
     
     
         12 . The game system of  claim 8  wherein the reader further comprises a sensor for sensing a type for the toy housing upon insertion of the reader into the toy housing. 
     
     
         13 . The game system of  claim 12  wherein a processor in the reader retrieves the unique software for the type of housing detected upon insertion. 
     
     
         14 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the sensor for detecting a sequence of the detectable markings is also utilized to sense an identifying marking to identify the play surface. 
     
     
         15 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein the reader system stores software modules for different games to be played with the toy housing and the play surface. 
     
     
         16 . The game system of  claim 15  wherein a particular software module is retrieved and executed in response to detected placement of the toy housing and reader system housed therein on the play surface. 
     
     
         17 . The game system of  claim 1  wherein movement of the toy housing on the play surface is scored by the processor based upon evaluating the sequence of the detectable markings. 
     
     
         18 . A game method comprising:
 placing a play surface having a printed pattern of detectable markings on a surface where the game is to be played;   inserting a play pod into a toy housing, the play pod having a sensor for detecting and a processor for evaluating a sequence of the detectable markings;   sensing the toy housing and loading a software module suitable for the sensed toy housing; and   providing user feedback based upon evaluating the sequence of the detectable markings as the toy housing is moved on the play mat.   
     
     
         19 . A method of providing an interactive play scenario comprising:
 printing a series of micro patterns on a play surface in combination with a printed play scene;   programming a reader to detect each series of micro patterns based on a motion of a toy housing containing the reader; and   providing feedback based on detecting a series of micro patterns relating to the motion of the toy housing.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising:
 providing a series of audible commands; and 
 providing further feedback based on a detected accuracy of following said commands as a child moves the toy housing on the play surface.