Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
DETAILED ACTION
This office action is in response to the RCE filed 5/6/2026 in which Claims 1-5, 8-15, 17, 18, 21-25 are pending.
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
2. A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 5/6/2026 has been entered.
Response to Arguments
3. Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1, 14, 18 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
8. Claim(s) 1-5, 9, 22-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0001176 to Barney et al (“Barney”) in view of U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0304216 to Mendelson et al (“Mendelson”) in further view of WIPO Patent Publication 2019/143512 to Yeh et al (“Yeh”).
As to Claim 1, Barney teaches a system, comprising: an interactive object, comprising: a special effect system disposed in or on a housing of the interactive object, wherein the interactive object is handheld (The wand [interactive object] or other actuation device allows play participants to electronically and "magically" interact with their surrounding play environment(s), thereby giving play participants the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering "real" magic, see ¶ 0008; Use of the wand may be as simple as touching it to a particular surface or "magical" item within a suitably configured play environment or it may be as complex as shaking or twisting the wand a predetermined number of times in a particular manner and/or pointing it accurately at a certain target desired to be "magically" transformed or otherwise affected, see ¶ 0102; An internal cavity 116 is preferably provided to receive and safely house various circuitry for activating and operating the wand and various wand-controlled effects [special effect system] (described later). Batteries, optional lighting, laser or sound effects and/or the like may also be provided and housed within cavity 116, see ¶ 0107);
a controller disposed in or on the housing of the interactive object that controls operation of the special effect system (An internal cavity 116 is preferably provided to receive and safely house various circuitry [controller] for activating and operating the wand and various wand-controlled effects [special effect system] (described later). Batteries, optional lighting, laser or sound effects and/or the like may also be provided and housed within cavity 116, see ¶ 0107; the wand activation circuit 115 in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment is essentially only activated (and transponder 118 is only enabled) when a user actively moves the wand 100 in such particular way as to impart different transient acceleration forces on the distal and proximal ends of the wand 100 (or wherever the sensors are located if not at the distal and proximal ends), see ¶ 0115);
identify a movement pattern of the interactive object, wherein the movement pattern of the interactive object is based on collected data from the environmental sensors (the transponder 118 can essentially only be activated when the wand is in a non-static condition or, in other words, when the wand is in motion. More specifically, the placement and orientation of the tilt sensors 122, 124 [environmental sensors] is preferably such that different accelerations or motions are required at the proximal and distal ends 112 and 114, see ¶ 0113; the user performs a predetermined pattern or movement of the wand 100 [movement pattern of the interactive object] to initiate a “magic spell”, see ¶ 0241); determine a quality metric for the movement pattern relative to one or more stored movement patterns (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time [quality metric] that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user…if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, see ¶ 0123; The receiver then processes the duration of time in determining which effect, or which level of an effect, is caused by the particular wand activation motions [quality metric for the movement pattern] and associated duration(s) of time, see ¶ 0126; the microprocessor accesses a look-up table that associates specific durations of time, or ranges of durations of time, with the intensity or the type of the spell being cast, see ¶ 0127; Spells may be actuated, for example, by waving wand 100 in one or more particular learned motions [stored movement patterns] selected to produce a desired play effect or spell, see ¶ 0254),
communicate instructions to the controller of the interactive object to activate a special effect of the special effect system at a selected intensity level (the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 [controller] based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells [activate a special effect at a selected intensity level], see ¶ 0123; the microprocessor may associate simultaneous or shorter durations of time between the activations of the two sensors 122, 124 with a more advanced, or higher-level, spell. Thus, the user that operates the wand 100 so as to activate each of the sensors 122, 124 within a relatively short period of time is able to cast higher-level spells. On the other hand, if there is a greater delay between the activations of the sensors 122, 124, the microprocessor assigns a lower intensity level to the spell being cast…the time during or between the sensor activations is used by the microprocessor to determine which of a variety of spells is achieved by the user, see ¶ 0124), wherein the instructions to select the intensity level are based on the user profile of the plurality of user profiles and the quality metric of the movement pattern of the interactive object (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user. For instance, if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, the microprocessor may assign a particular level or intensity to the spell being cast. Thus, the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells, see ¶ 0123; the user that operates the wand 100 so as to activate each of the sensors 122, 124 within a relatively short period of time is able to cast higher-level spells. On the other hand, if there is a greater delay between the activations of the sensors 122, 124, the microprocessor assigns a lower intensity level to the spell being cast. In yet other embodiments, the time during or between the sensor activations is used by the microprocessor to determine which of a variety of spells is achieved by the user, see ¶ 0124; if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125).
Barney does not expressly disclose a plurality of environmental sensors disposed throughout an area of an interactive environment and configured to generate sensor data associated with the area of the interactive environment; and a central controller configured to: receive a plurality of user profiles for a plurality of users; receive the sensor data associated with the area of the interactive environment; identify a subset of users of the plurality of users based on the sensor data; access a user profile of the user from the plurality of user profiles.
Mendelson teaches a plurality of environmental sensors disposed throughout an area of an interactive environment and configured to generate sensor data associated with the area of the interactive environment (the tracking hardware associated with a user (e.g., a wristband) is configured to send a transmission and/or where such transmission may be sensed by multiple sensors or receivers of the system at the same or similar time (e.g., sensors positioned at different locations, but still capable of picking up a transmission of a user at a particular position), see ¶ 0073; a system that includes a plurality of sensors or receivers disposed at different positions around a destination or location, a particular user and/or object may be tracked or sensed by multiple sensors or receivers for a given time, even though the user and/or object is physically only located at one particular location, see ¶ 0090); and a central controller configured to: receive a plurality of user profiles for a plurality of users (Users may interface with the system (e.g., setup or modify a user profile or preferences, make purchases or modify reservations using the system, etc.) through a software application that runs on a mobile device, such as a smart phone and/or via software that runs upon one or more components of the tracking device, and/or by interfacing with kiosks or other hardware that is fixed or positioned at particular locations throughout the destination, see ¶ 0065; The system that is engaged with or interfaces with the software application having the UI screen 1700 with user profile UI element 1730 may be configured to allow a user to establish and/or modify a variety of profile personalization data, see ¶ 0135);
receive the sensor data associated with the area of the interactive environment (a mobile device may execute software and/or cooperate with an external device (e.g., via one or more of its hardware ports) for providing track capabilities by transmitting and/or receiving signals configured to be received and/or sent by sensors positioned around the location, see ¶ 0107); identify a subset of users of the plurality of users based on the sensor data (trackable hardware (e.g., one or more of the plurality of wristbands (1005, 1010, 1015) may be associated with a user (e.g., worn by a user) so that the user's movement and/or activities can be sensed/tracked as the user participates in activities at a particular destination, see ¶ 0099).
access a user profile of the user from the plurality of user profiles (A user may position themselves or some trackable hardware associated with the user within a proximity (e.g., short-range, such as within a few inches) of a receiver 825 of the kiosk that senses the trackable hardware and starts software instructions using a processor 805, see ¶ 0095; The kiosk may also be connected (e.g., via wireless and/or through wired connections) with a server 830, such as a local server associated with the destination and/or a master or global server as discussed throughout. This connection with the server 830 may allow for syncing of data, lookup of data, and/or other communication of data between the server and kiosk, for example, when a user enters a proximity of the kiosk to be sensed by the kiosk and begin use, the data on the local and/or master or global servers is available for display and/or interaction by the kiosk, see ¶ 0096; The processor 805 may also be in communication with a display 815 (e.g., a touchscreen display) associated with the kiosk, for example, in order to display information and/or receive input or data and/or provide capability for operation, manipulation, or other features by a user interacting with the kiosk, see ¶ 0097);
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Barney with Mendelson to teach a plurality of environmental sensors disposed throughout an area of an interactive environment and configured to generate sensor data associated with the area of the interactive environment; and a central controller configured to: receive a plurality of user profiles for a plurality of users; receive the sensor data associated with the area of the interactive environment; identify a subset of users of the plurality of users based on the sensor data; access a user profile of the user from the plurality of user profiles. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order for trackable hardware to be carried and/or worn or otherwise associated with the users so that the users' movement and activities may be tracked at the geographic location or destination (see Abstract).
Barney and Mendelson do not expressly disclose associate a user of the subset of users with the interactive object based on the sensor data being indicative that the user is a closest user of the subset of users to the interactive object.
Yeh teaches associate a user of the subset of users with the interactive object based on the sensor data being indicative that the user is a closest user of the subset of users to the interactive object (the interactive game elements 63 may sense proximity of each user-associated device 20 or may wirelessly (e.g., via a transceiver) capture identification information from user-associated devices 20 in range of the interactive game element 63 [associate a user with the interactive object based on sensor data indicative that the user is the closest to the interactive object]. Sensed interactions with the interactive game element 63 that are time-stamped together with a captured identification code or information are associated together to link the interaction to the player 22 and the player’s user-associated device 20. For example, the characteristic of the interaction may be that the player 22 has moved to a correct location in the game environment. Other types of interactive game elements 63 may include optical sensors, pressure sensors, cameras, etc, see ¶ 0033).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Barney and Mendelson with Yeh to teach associate a user of the subset of users with the interactive object based on the sensor data being indicative that the user is a closest user of the subset of users to the interactive object. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order for the interactive game elements 63 may pass the interaction information and the associated identification information of the player 22 that performed the interaction to the control system 12 to update the dynamic user profile 24 (see ¶ 0033).
As to Claim 2, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Yeh teaches wherein the plurality of environmental sensors comprise facial; recognition sensors, 3D time of flight sensors, radio frequency sensors, optical sensors, or any combination thereof (Other types of interactive game elements 63 may include optical sensors, pressure sensors, cameras, etc, see ¶ 0033).
As to Claim 3, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Yeh teaches wherein the sensor data comprises facial recognition data, optical data, radio frequency data, motion data, or any combination thereof (the interaction of the user-associated devices 20 with interactive game elements 63 of the game environments may generate the signals that are indicative of the interaction…Other types of interactive game elements 63 may include optical sensors, pressure sensors, cameras, etc, see ¶ 0033).
As to Claim 4, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney teaches wherein the interactive object comprises one or more on-board sensors (the wand 100 essentially comprises an elongated hollow pipe or tube 110 having a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114, see ¶ 0107; the placement and orientation of the tilt sensors 122, 124 is preferably such that different accelerations or motions are required at the proximal and distal ends 112 and 114 in order to trigger both tilt sensors 122, 124 to their ON positions (or OFF positions, as the case may be), see ¶ 0113. Figure 1 illustrates tilt sensors 122 and 124 at different ends of the wand 116).
As to Claim 5, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney teaches wherein the interactive object comprises a handheld object, wherein the handheld object is a sword, wand, token, book, ball, or figurine (The wand [interactive object] or other actuation device allows play participants to electronically and "magically" interact with their surrounding play environment(s), thereby giving play participants the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering "real" magic, see ¶ 0012).
As to Claim 9, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney teaches wherein the central controller is configured to track the movement pattern in real-time and dynamically change the intensity level of the activated special effect of the special effect system based on the corresponding changes to the quality metric of the tracked movement pattern (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user. For instance, if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, the microprocessor may assign a particular level or intensity to the spell being cast. Thus, the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells, see ¶ 0123; if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125).
As to Claim 10, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney teaches wherein the quality metric is based on an accuracy of the movement pattern relative to a stored movement pattern of the one or more stored movement patterns (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time [quality metric] that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user…if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, see ¶ 0123; The receiver then processes the duration of time in determining which effect, or which level of an effect, is caused by the particular wand activation motions [quality metric for the movement pattern] and associated duration(s) of time, see ¶ 0126; the microprocessor accesses a look-up table that associates specific durations of time, or ranges of durations of time, with the intensity or the type of the spell being cast, see ¶ 0127; Spells may be actuated, for example, by waving wand 100 in one or more particular learned motions [stored movement patterns] selected to produce a desired play effect or spell, see ¶ 0254).
As to Claim 11, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 10, Barney teaches wherein a first special effect is activated when the quality metric is above a threshold and a second special effect is activated when the quality metric is below the threshold (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user. For instance, if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, the microprocessor may assign a particular level or intensity to the spell being cast. Thus, the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells, see ¶ 0123; if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time [below a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time [above a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125).
As to Claim 12, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 9, Barney teaches wherein the intensity level of the activated special effect increases when the quality metric increases and decreases when the quality metric decreases (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user. For instance, if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, the microprocessor may assign a particular level or intensity to the spell being cast. Thus, the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells, see ¶ 0123; if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time [below a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time [above a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125).
As to Claim 22, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney teaches wherein the user profile comprises one or more user preferences input by the user (magic wands are particularly preferred because they are highly versatile, can transcend a wide variety of different play themes and play environments, and wands can be customized and personalized, see ¶ 0106; the handle 120a and knob 123a are slightly modified, as these elements are preferably uniquely customized/personalized for each wand and/or wand use, see ¶ 0121).
As to Claim 23, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney teaches wherein the sensor data comprises biometric data indicative of the user (the user may use certain voice commands, such as a particular magic word or phrase, to cause the “hover” effect, see ¶ 0161).
Claim(s) 8, 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0001176 to Barney et al (“Barney”) in view of U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0304216 to Mendelson et al (“Mendelson”) in further view of WIPO Patent Publication 2019/143512 to Yeh et al (“Yeh”) and in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0220635 to Yeh et al (“Yeh 2”).
As to Claim 8, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh do not expressly disclose wherein the special effects system further comprises one or more of a haptic feedback device, a light source, or a sound system, that are activated in response to the instructions. Yeh 2 teaches wherein the special effects system further comprises one or more of a haptic feedback device, a light source, or a sound system, that are activated in response to the instructions (The LEDs 54a, 54b and/or the sensors 56 receive control signals from the microcontroller 38, and may also receive power from the power circuitry 42. The LEDs 54a, 54b emit light in response to control signals from the microcontroller 38, and the emitted light may then be detected by the detector 20. The sensors 56 may include an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a pressure sensor, a sound sensor, or a light detector [environmental sensors], for example, see ¶ 0025).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Barney, Mendelson and Yeh with Yeh 2 to teach wherein the special effects system further comprises one or more of a haptic feedback device, a light source, or a sound system, that are activated in response to the instructions. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to detect an interaction between the wearable device and an element of an attraction based on the received identification information and the received signal (see ¶ 0006).
As to Claim 13, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh depending on Claim 1, Barney, Mendelson and Yeh do not expressly disclose wherein the interactive object comprises an optical power harvester that powers the special effect system. Yeh 2 teaches wherein the interactive object comprises an optical power harvester that powers the special effect system (the wearable device has a sensor coupled to the power harvesting circuit and configured to utilize the power to monitor a condition of the wearable device, see Abstract).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Barney, Mendelson and Yeh with Yeh 2 to teach wherein the interactive object comprises an optical power harvester that powers the special effect system. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to utilize the power to monitor a condition of the wearable device (see Abstract).
Claim(s) 14, 21, 24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0304216 to Mendelson et al (“Mendelson”) in view of WIPO Patent Publication 2019/143512 to Yeh et al (“Yeh”) in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0001176 to Barney et al (“Barney”).
As to Claim 14, Mendelson teaches a method, comprising: receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors disposed throughout an area of an interactive environment, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to generate sensor data associated with the area of the interactive environment; identifying a plurality of interactive objects and a plurality of users within the area of the interactive environment based on the sensor data (The hardware (e.g., a wristband or other wearable or other device with a tracking module or component) may be provided to a user as the user enters the destination and returned by the user as the user exits the destination…Sensors configured to detect and/or track the hardware may have different ranges (e.g., sensors may have a short-range, such as corresponding to a max of a few inches, while other sensors may have a long-range, such as corresponding to roughly 90 ft) and may be placed throughout the destination at locations to sense and track the movement of users and/or objects, see ¶ 0064; a system that includes a plurality of sensors or receivers disposed at different positions around a destination or location, a particular user and/or object may be tracked or sensed by multiple sensors or receivers for a given time, even though the user and/or object is physically only located at one particular location, see ¶ 0090).
Mendelson teaches tracking movement of the identified interactive object using the sensor data (when a user is within a particular destination, location, or area that the system is configured to track user and/or object movement and/or activity. At step 710, tracking data for the user is obtained at a particular location within the destination [generating sensor data associated with the area]. For example, this tracking data may result from tracking or sensing the user by way of RFID and/or any of a variety of other possible detection methods as discussed throughout this application (e.g., tracking of hardware worn or carried by a user via one or more sensors or receivers, tracking of a user or crowd of users [identify a plurality of users based on the sensor data], such as via motion detection, visual recognition [sensors disposed throughout an area of an interactive environment], etc.), see ¶ 0090).
Mendelson does not expressly disclose wherein the interactive objects are handheld; matching an identified user of the plurality of users with an identified interactive object of the plurality of interactive objects using rules-based matching, wherein the rules-based matching determines that the identified user is a most likely user of the plurality of users to be associated with the identified interactive object based on the sensor data.
Yeh teaches wherein the interactive objects are handheld; matching an identified user of the plurality of users with an identified interactive object of the plurality of interactive objects using rules-based matching, wherein the rules-based matching determines that the identified user is a most likely user of the plurality of users to be associated with the identified interactive object based on the sensor data (the interactive game elements 63 may sense proximity of each user-associated device 20 or may wirelessly (e.g., via a transceiver) capture identification information from user-associated devices 20 in range of the interactive game element 63 [rules-based matching determines that the identified user is a most likely user of the plurality of users to be associated with the identified interactive object based on the sensor data]. Sensed interactions with the interactive game element 63 that are time-stamped together with a captured identification code or information are associated together to link the interaction to the player 22 and the player’s user-associated device 20. For example, the characteristic of the interaction may be that the player 22 has moved to a correct location in the game environment. Other types of interactive game elements 63 may include optical sensors, pressure sensors, cameras, etc, see ¶ 0033).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Mendelson with Yeh to teach wherein the interactive objects are handheld; matching an identified user of the plurality of users with an identified interactive object of the plurality of interactive objects using rules-based matching, wherein the rules-based matching determines that the identified user is a most likely user of the plurality of users to be associated with the identified interactive object based on the sensor data. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order for the interactive game elements 63 may pass the interaction information and the associated identification information of the player 22 that performed the interaction to the control system 12 to update the dynamic user profile 24 (see ¶ 0033).
Mendelson and Yeh do not expressly disclose identify a movement pattern of the interactive object, wherein the movement pattern of the interactive object is based on collected data from the environmental sensors; determine a quality metric for the movement pattern relative to one or more stored movement patterns; communicating instructions to the identified interactive object to activate a first on-board special effect of the identified interactive object based on the movement pattern and a user profile of the identified user responsive to the quality metric being above a threshold and a second on-board special effect responsive to the quality metric being below the threshold, wherein the first on-board special effect is different than the second on-board special effect.
Barney teaches identify a movement pattern of the interactive object, wherein the movement pattern of the interactive object is based on collected data from the environmental sensors (the transponder 118 can essentially only be activated when the wand is in a non-static condition or, in other words, when the wand is in motion. More specifically, the placement and orientation of the tilt sensors 122, 124 [environmental sensors] is preferably such that different accelerations or motions are required at the proximal and distal ends 112 and 114, see ¶ 0113; the user performs a predetermined pattern or movement of the wand 100 [movement pattern of the interactive object] to initiate a “magic spell”, see ¶ 0241); determine a quality metric for the movement pattern of the identified interactive object relative to one or more stored movement patterns (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time [quality metric] that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user…if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, see ¶ 0123; The receiver then processes the duration of time in determining which effect, or which level of an effect, is caused by the particular wand activation motions [quality metric for the movement pattern] and associated duration(s) of time, see ¶ 0126; the microprocessor accesses a look-up table that associates specific durations of time, or ranges of durations of time, with the intensity or the type of the spell being cast, see ¶ 0127; Spells may be actuated, for example, by waving wand 100 in one or more particular learned motions [stored movement patterns] selected to produce a desired play effect or spell, see ¶ 0254),
communicating instructions to the identified interactive object to activate a first on-board special effect of the identified interactive object based on the movement pattern and a user profile of the identified user responsive to the quality metric being above a threshold and a second on-board special effect responsive to the quality metric being below the threshold, wherein the first on-board special effect is different than the second on-board special effect (the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells [activate a special effect at a selected intensity level], see ¶ 0123; the microprocessor may associate simultaneous or shorter durations of time between the activations of the two sensors 122, 124 with a more advanced, or higher-level, spell. Thus, the user that operates the wand 100 so as to activate each of the sensors 122, 124 within a relatively short period of time is able to cast higher-level spells. On the other hand, if there is a greater delay between the activations of the sensors 122, 124, the microprocessor assigns a lower intensity level to the spell being cast…the time during or between the sensor activations is used by the microprocessor to determine which of a variety of spells is achieved by the user, see ¶ 0124; if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time [below a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time [above a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Mendelson and Yeh with Barney to teach identify a movement pattern of the interactive object, wherein the movement pattern of the interactive object is based on collected data from the environmental sensors; determine a quality metric for the movement pattern relative to one or more stored movement patterns; communicating instructions to the identified interactive object to activate a first on-board special effect of the identified interactive object based on the movement pattern and a user profile of the identified user responsive to the quality metric being above a threshold and a second on-board special effect responsive to the quality metric being below the threshold, wherein the first on-board special effect is different than the second on-board special effect. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to achieve one or more special effects (see Abstract).
As to Claim 21, Mendelson, Yeh and Barney depending on Claim 14, Barney teaches wherein the first on-board special effect comprises a different intensity, hue, or interval pattern of light activation relative to the second on-board special effect (if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time [below a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time [above a threshold], the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125).
Claim(s) 15, 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0304216 to Mendelson et al (“Mendelson”) in view of WIPO Patent Publication 2019/143512 to Yeh et al (“Yeh”) in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0001176 to Barney et al (“Barney”) and in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2015/0338548 to Cortelyou et al (“Cortelyou”).
As to Claim 15, Mendelson, Yeh and Barney depending from Claim 14, Mendelson, Yeh and Barney fail to disclose comprising emitting electromagnetic radiation into the interactive environment and detecting reflection of the electromagnetic radiation by retroreflective markers of the plurality of interactive objects, wherein tracking the movement of the identified interactive object comprises tracking a retroreflective marker associated with the identified interactive object. Cortelyou teaches emitting electromagnetic radiation into the interactive environment and detecting reflection of the electromagnetic radiation by retroreflective markers of the plurality of interactive objects, wherein tracking the movement of the identified interactive object comprises tracking a retroreflective marker associated with the identified interactive object (tracking systems may use sensors disposed in an environment to actively generate outputs received by a main controller. The controller may then process the generated outputs to determine certain information used for tracking. One example of such tracking may include tracking the motion of an object to which a sensor is fixed…a system might also utilize one or more devices used to bathe an area in electromagnetic radiation, a magnetic field, or the like, where the electromagnetic radiation or magnetic field is used as a reference against which the sensor’s output is compared by the controller, see ¶ 0026; a sensing device configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation retro-reflected back from objects within the field of view, and a controller configured to perform various processing and analysis routines including interpreting signals from the sensing device and controlling automated equipment based on the detected locations of the objects or markers, see ¶ 0029; the retro-reflective marker 24 is positioned on an object 26, see ¶ 0036; (the control unit 18 of the tracking system 10 may be able to identify an object in the detection area 30 of the tracking system 10 [identified interactive object]… the control unit 18 may receive data indicative of the electromagnetic radiation reflected back from the detection area 30, see ¶ 0111).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Mendelson, Yeh and Barney with Cortelyou to teach emitting electromagnetic radiation into the interactive environment and detecting reflection of the electromagnetic radiation by retroreflective markers of the plurality of interactive objects, wherein tracking the movement of the identified interactive object comprises tracking a retroreflective marker associated with the identified interactive object. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to provide a tracking system to distinguish between participants and objects (see ¶ 0022).
As to Claim 17, Mendelson, Yeh, Barney and Cortelyou depending from Claim 15, Cortelyou teaches comprising associating the identified interactive object with the retroreflective marker by identifying a closest retroreflective marker based on the sensor data to an origin of a wireless signal associated with identification information of the identified interactive object (the control unit 18 may be configured to identify certain objects that are expected to cross the path of the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 within the detection area 30…the control unit 18 may receive data indicative of the electromagnetic radiation reflected back from the detection area 30, and the control unit 18 may compare a digital signature of the detected radiation to one or more possible data signatures stored in memory 22. That is, if the signature of electromagnetic radiation reflected back to the detector 16 matches closely enough to the signature of a person 70 or known object 32, then the control unit 18 may determine that the person 70 or object 32 is located in the detection area 30 [identifying a closest retroreflective marker based on sensor data to an original wireless signal], see ¶ 0072).
Claim(s) 18 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0143204 to Aman et al (“Aman”) in view of WIPO Patent Publication 2019/143512 to Yeh et al (“Yeh”) in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2015/0338548 to Cortelyou et al (“Cortelyou”) in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0001176 to Barney et al (“Barney”).
As to Claim 18, Aman teaches a handheld interactive object, comprising: a housing; communication circuitry on or in the housing and configured to: receive a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the environment; transmit interactive object identification information of the interactive object responsive to receiving the second portion of the electromagnetic radiation (The present invention additionally provides for the use of passive micro RFID devices embedded within destination products, where at the point-of-purchase the gamer ID information maintained within the gamer tracking system is either written to the embedded micro RFID and/or associated with the unique RFID code, such that destination products useable as game props are also identifiable by detecting the embedded RFID at a game access point, see ¶ 0019; RFID wristband 16-wb or RFID anklet 16, where the presence of electronic devices 2c, 16-wb and 16 are detectable by a reader outputting, receiving and analyzing exciter field 20-ef [reflecting a first portion of electromagnetic radiation and receiving a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation], see ¶ 0042; gamer 2s holding an article 12, wearing clothing 19 and having a secret message book 13, where each of article 12, clothing 19 and book 13 are mobile game devices 60 and comprise an electronic device such as micro-RFID 4-rfid [power harvester]... a gamer/device detection 30-det sub-component capable of detecting the encoded information imparted to the electronic device 4-rfid, where the detected encoded information is usable at least in part by the any game access point 30 for providing to gaming system 48 to uniquely identify gamer 2s, see ¶ 0045); and
a controller on or in the housing and configured to receive the special effect instructions and to generate a special effect command (The device 22 optionally included means for detecting the presence and identity of a guest as well as tracking the gestures of an article 12 [activated in response to the instructions] such as a wizard's wand being moved by the guest, where the gestures where interpretable as commands...other local environment sensors 32 for sensing any of a number of conditions in the local environment as well as an environment control system 34 for actuating or controlling any number of devices for creating local environment effects, see ¶ 0063; where at the point-of-purchase the gamer ID information maintained within the gamer tracking system is either written to the embedded micro RFID and/or associated with the unique RFID code, such that destination products useable as game props are also identifiable by detecting the embedded RFID at a game access point, see ¶ 0019);
Aman does not expressly disclose wherein the second portion of the electromagnetic radiation is indicative, at least in part, of matching a user from a plurality of users in the environment to the interactive object based on a relative proximity of the user to the interactive object.
Yeh teaches wherein the second portion of the electromagnetic radiation is indicative, at least in part, of matching a user from a plurality of users in the environment to the interactive object based on a relative proximity of the user to the interactive object (the interactive game elements 63 may sense proximity of each user-associated device 20 or may wirelessly (e.g., via a transceiver) capture identification information from user-associated devices 20 in range of the interactive game element 63 [matching a user from a plurality of users in the environment to the interactive object based on a relative proximity of the user to the interactive object]. Sensed interactions with the interactive game element 63 that are time-stamped together with a captured identification code or information are associated together to link the interaction to the player 22 and the player’s user-associated device 20. For example, the characteristic of the interaction may be that the player 22 has moved to a correct location in the game environment. Other types of interactive game elements 63 may include optical sensors, pressure sensors, cameras, etc, see ¶ 0033).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Aman and Mendelson to teach wherein the second portion of the electromagnetic radiation is indicative, at least in part, of matching a user from a plurality of users in the environment to the interactive object based on a relative proximity of the user to the interactive object. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order for the interactive game elements 63 may pass the interaction information and the associated identification information of the player 22 that performed the interaction to the control system 12 to update the dynamic user profile 24 (see ¶ 0033).
Aman and Yeh do not expressly disclose a retroreflective marker disposed on or in the housing and configured to reflect a first portion of electromagnetic radiation from an environment to generate sensor data indicative of a movement pattern of the interactive object; receive special effect instructions, wherein the special effect instructions are received responsive to transmitting the interactive object identification information and generating the sensor data.
Cortelyou teaches retroreflective marker disposed on or in the housing and configured to reflect a first portion of electromagnetic radiation from an environment to generate sensor data indicative of a movement pattern of the interactive object (tracking systems may use sensors disposed in an environment to actively generate outputs received by a main controller. The controller may then process the generated outputs to determine certain information used for tracking. One example of such tracking may include tracking the motion of an object to which a sensor is fixed…a system might also utilize one or more devices used to bathe an area in electromagnetic radiation, a magnetic field, or the like, where the electromagnetic radiation or magnetic field is used as a reference against which the sensor’s output is compared by the controller, see ¶ 0026; a sensing device configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation retro-reflected back from objects within the field of view, and a controller configured to perform various processing and analysis routines including interpreting signals from the sensing device and controlling automated equipment based on the detected locations of the objects or markers, see ¶ 0029; the retro-reflective marker 24 is positioned on an object 26, see ¶ 0036);
receive special effect instructions, wherein the special effect instructions are received responsive to transmitting the interactive object identification information and generating the sensor data (the control unit 18 of the tracking system 10 may be able to identify an object in the detection area 30 of the tracking system 10 …the control unit 18 may receive data indicative of the electromagnetic radiation reflected back from the detection area 30, and the control unit 18 may compare the signature of the reflected radiation to one or more possible data signatures stored in memory 22…the control unit 18 may include a thermal signature stored in the memory 22, this thermal signature corresponding to the light from the flame effect 200 that is expected to reach the detector 16 when the flame effect 200 is operating properly [transmitting interactive object identification information], see ¶ 0111; The control unit 18 may trigger one or more pyrotechnic show effects based on a comparison made between the actual thermal signature detected via the detector 16 and the expected thermal signature [receive special effect instructions responsive to transmitted interactive object identification information], see ¶ 0112; the ride vehicle 204 may include one or more retro-reflective markers 24 disposed thereon for tracking the motion of the ride vehicle 204 via the same tracking system 10 [generating sensor data] that monitors the flame effect 200, as long as the frequency of light reflected by the retro-reflective marker 24 is distinguishable from the flame effect signature, see ¶ 0113; the tracking system 10 may be used to control a firework (or ordinance) show 240 performed in a pyrotechnic show area, for example to enable enhanced monitoring and control of firework timing. Indeed, the tracking system 10 may use aspects relating to surveying (e.g., distance measurement) as well as flame monitoring in controlling the firework show 240, see ¶ 0117).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Aman and Yeh with Cortelyou to teach retroreflective marker disposed on or in the housing and configured to reflect a first portion of electromagnetic radiation from an environment to generate sensor data indicative of a movement pattern of the interactive object; wherein the special effect instructions are received responsive to transmitting the interactive object identification information and generating the sensor data. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to enable detection of markers and/or objects within the field of view of the tracking system (see ¶ 0029).
Aman, Yeh and Cortelyou do not expressly disclose wherein the special effect instructions comprise an intensity of activation of a special effect, wherein the intensity is selected based on a quality metric of the movement pattern; a special effect system configured to be activated at different intensity levels and configured to receive the special effect command and to activate the special effect at the selected intensity based on the special effect command.
Barney teaches wherein the special effect instructions comprise an intensity of activation of a special effect, wherein the intensity is selected based on a quality metric of the movement pattern (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user. For instance, if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, the microprocessor may assign a particular level or intensity to the spell being cast. Thus, the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells, see ¶ 0123; if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125); and
a special effect system configured to be activated at different intensity levels and configured to receive the special effect command and to activate the special effect at the selected intensity based on the special effect command (the microprocessor may correlate the duration of time that a sensor 122, 124 is activated (for example, in an ON state) with an intensity, level, or type of a “spell” being cast by the user. For instance, if the user, while “casting a spell,” is able to move the wand 100 so as to keep at least one of the sensors 122, 124 activated for a certain period of time, the microprocessor may assign a particular level or intensity to the spell being cast. Thus, the microprocessor may output different signals, which represent different spells or spell intensities, to the transmitter module 150 based on the length of time of the sensor activation. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may associate longer durations of sensor activation with higher intensity spells, see ¶ 0123; if the duration of time between successive activations is less than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher intensity level. If the duration of time between successive activations is greater than the predetermined time, the “spell” may be assigned a higher lower level, see ¶ 0125).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Aman, Yeh and Cortelyou with Barney to teach wherein the special effect instructions comprise an intensity of activation of a special effect, wherein the intensity is selected based on a quality metric of the movement pattern; a special effect system configured to be activated at different intensity levels and configured to receive the special effect command and to activate the special effect at the selected intensity based on the special effect command. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to achieve one or more special effects (see Abstract).
Claim(s) 24 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0304216 to Mendelson et al (“Mendelson”) in view of WIPO Patent Publication 2019/143512 to Yeh et al (“Yeh”) in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0001176 to Barney et al (“Barney”) and in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0318539 to Weston.
As to Claim 24, Mendelson, Yeh and Barney depending on Claim 14, Mendelson, Yeh and Barney do not expressly disclose wherein the rules-based matching comprises an image recognition feature, wherein the image recognition feature links to a user profile based on a user image. Weston teaches wherein the rules-based matching comprises an image recognition feature, wherein the image recognition feature links to a user profile based on a user image (a camera may capture images of the participant's silhouette, or other attributes of the participant and attempt to identify the participant and distinguish from other participants based on those images. For example, the tracked information may include height, weight, size, hair color, clothing, shoes, etc. As another example, the scanning and participant information detection capabilities may be connected to outside processes or databases that further determine information regarding the participant and return that information to the controller for additional processing, see ¶ 0026).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Mendelson, Yeh and Barney with Weston to teach wherein the rules-based matching comprises an image recognition feature, wherein the image recognition feature links to a user profile based on a user image. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to enable detection of markers and/or objects within the field of view of the tracking system (see ¶ 0029).
Claim(s) 25 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0001176 to Barney et al (“Barney”) in view of U.S. Patent Publication 2019/0304216 to Mendelson et al (“Mendelson”) in further view of WIPO Patent Publication 2019/143512 to Yeh et al (“Yeh”) and in further view of U.S. Patent Publication 2021/0325580 to Yeh et al (“Yeh 2”).
As to Claim 25, Mendelson, Yeh and Barney depending on Claim 1, Mendelson, Yeh and Barney do not expressly disclose wherein the rules-based matching comprises a grip recognition feature, wherein the grip recognition feature links to a user profile based on grip data from the interactive object. Yeh teaches wherein the rules-based matching comprises a grip recognition feature, wherein the grip recognition feature links to a user profile based on grip data from the interactive object (The object controller 39, in an embodiment, operates to receive control signals to control operation of the special effect system 36 to selectively active the light sources 114, 116 in a particular pattern or order. In one example, the sword 100 includes an array 124 of individual pressure or grip sensors 126 that provide pressure information (via internal communication leads 128) to the object controller 39, see ¶ 0048; The object controller 39, under passive power, can use the signals from the array 124 to calibrate based on sensor data indicative of a characteristic grip biometric for a particular user, see ¶ 0049).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Barney, Mendelson and Yeh with Yeh 2 to teach wherein the rules-based matching comprises a grip recognition feature, wherein the grip recognition feature links to a user profile based on grip data from the interactive object. The suggestion/motivation would have been in order to detect an interaction between the wearable device and an element of an attraction based on the received identification information and the received signal (see ¶ 0006).
Conclusion
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/EBONI N GILES/Examiner, Art Unit 2622
/PATRICK N EDOUARD/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2622
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