U.S. patent application number 12/396251 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for footpad-based game and gaming system.
Invention is credited to Christine B. Brumback, Molly Casey, Daniel E. Cawley, Patricia L. Christen, Frederick P. Dillon, IV, Nicole Lee Guthrie, Ellen Louise LaPointe, Sven D. Newman, Phong David Ngo, Rajiv Kantilal Patel, Elizabeth Ji-Eun Song, Lalita Kikuyo Suzuki, Richard L. Tate, II, Mark A. Wallace.
Application Number | 20090221372 12/396251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41013597 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090221372 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Casey; Molly ; et
al. |
September 3, 2009 |
FOOTPAD-BASED GAME AND GAMING SYSTEM
Abstract
Described herein are games and game systems including a text
messaging phone keypad foot mat. The phone keypad foot mat
typically includes regions similar to the buttons of an enlarged
telephone keypad. A user can step on these input regions ("buttons"
or "keys") to type a text. Thus, a player "types" a text message by
stepping or dancing on the keyboard foot mat similar to the way
that a text message may be typed by hand on a telephone keypad
(e.g., sending a text message from a cell phone). Various games can
be played using the devices, systems and methods described
herein.
Inventors: |
Casey; Molly; (Denver,
CO) ; Christen; Patricia L.; (Piedmont, CA) ;
Dillon, IV; Frederick P.; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Guthrie; Nicole Lee; (San Francisco, CA) ; LaPointe;
Ellen Louise; (Oakland, CA) ; Suzuki; Lalita
Kikuyo; (San Francisco, CA) ; Tate, II; Richard
L.; (Oakland, CA) ; Wallace; Mark A.; (Redwood
City, CA) ; Song; Elizabeth Ji-Eun; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; Cawley; Daniel E.; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Brumback; Christine B.; (San Francisco, CA) ; Newman;
Sven D.; (Burlingame, CA) ; Patel; Rajiv
Kantilal; (Menlo Park, CA) ; Ngo; Phong David;
(San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHAY GLENN LLP
2755 CAMPUS DRIVE, SUITE 210
SAN MATEO
CA
94403
US
|
Family ID: |
41013597 |
Appl. No.: |
12/396251 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61032854 |
Feb 29, 2008 |
|
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61032876 |
Feb 29, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/42 20140902;
A63F 13/06 20130101; A63F 2300/1068 20130101; A63F 13/235 20140902;
A63F 13/214 20140902; A63F 2300/1012 20130101; A63F 13/212
20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/36 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A text messaging exercise game system, the system comprising: a
keypad foot mat having a plurality of input regions for inputting
alphanumeric characters, wherein the mat is configured to allow a
user to input text by stepping on the input regions; and a game
controller configured to receive data input from the keypad foot
mat as text, and to output the text to be displayed by an output
device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the keypad foot mat resembles a
phone keypad.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the keypad foot mat resembles a
computer keyboard.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising an output device
configured to display the output text.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the output device comprises a
video screen.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the output device comprises a
phone or PDA.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the keypad foot mat is a flexible
mat.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the keypad foot mat comprises
projected images of buttons or button regions.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the foot mat includes an enlarged
image of a phone keypad and the input regions correspond to buttons
on the image of the phone keypad.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the input regions of the keypad
foot mat each comprises a sensor configured to detect a user
stepping on that input region.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the game controller comprises a
processor configured to provide a message output to be responded to
using the keypad foot mat.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the game controller comprises an
output interface for formatting the output.
13. A text messaging exercise game system, the system comprising: a
phone keypad foot mat having a plurality of different regions
corresponding to alphanumeric characters, wherein the mat is
configured to allow a user to input text by stepping on the mat
regions; and a game controller functionally connected to the phone
keypad foot mat, and configured to provide a first text to be
responded to, and further configured to receive a response text
from the phone keypad foot mat, and to output a score based on the
response and the first text.
14. A method of playing a text messaging game, the method
comprising: presenting a first message; receiving a response text
from a keypad foot mat; scoring the response text based on the
first message; and providing an output based on the score or the
response text.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising detecting footsteps
on the phone keypad foot mat to generate a response text.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising timing the receipt
of the response text.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising scoring the response
text based on how similar the response text is to the first
message.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising scoring the response
text based on the timing of the receipt of the response text.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying the first
message, the response text, and the output.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a reward
based on the score.
21. The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying an
animation based on the score or the response text.
22. The method of claim 14, wherein the first message comprises a
text to be copied as the response text.
23. The method of claim 14, wherein the first message comprises a
question to be answered as the response text.
24. The method of claim 14, wherein the first message comprises a
puzzle to be solved as the response text.
25. A text messaging exercise game system, the system comprising: a
keypad foot mat having a plurality of different regions
corresponding to alphanumeric characters, wherein the mat is
configured to allow a first user to input texts by stepping on the
mat regions; a game controller functionally connected to the keypad
foot mat, the game controller configured to transmit a text from
the keypad foot mat to a remote digital game media and to receive
messages from the remote digital game media; and wherein the remote
digital game media is configured to receive input from the first
remote keypad and to transmit the received input to a second
user.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the remote digital game media
comprises a website.
27. The system of claim 25, further comprising a display configured
to display the messages received from the remote digital game
media.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the remote digital game media
is configured to receive input from a plurality of remote keypads
and to transit the received input to a plurality of users.
29. A method of playing a text messaging game, the method
comprising: presenting a first question; receiving a response text
from a keypad foot mat; scoring the response text based on the
first question; and providing an output based on the score or the
response text.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first question is related
to a text based game.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the text based game is a quiz
game.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the text based game is a number
game.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the text based game is a
spelling game.
34. The method of claim 30, wherein the text based game is a
vocabulary game.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/032,854, filed on Feb. 29, 2008,
titled ("TXT IT: A Physical Activity-Promoting Game") and to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/032,876, filed on Feb.
29, 2008, titled ("HONEYCOMB: A Physical Exercise Game").
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Childhood obesity is on the rise both within the United
States and throughout the world. This condition poses a serious
problem not only for the affected children, but for the burden on
public health and the healthcare system at large. Obesity is
associated with many comorbidities, including vascular diseases
such as hypertension and heart disease, chronic inflammation,
depression and metabolic diseases, such as glucose intolerance,
insulin resistance, as well as full blown type 2 diabetes.
[0003] In addition to extensive documentation of the association
between childhood obesity and poor health outcomes, a number of
studies document the positive effects that physical activity has in
reducing the risk of poor health outcomes associated with obesity,
including reductions in the development of diabetes and heart
disease. Physical activity also helps control weight, promotes
psychological well-being, and reduces the risk of premature death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that
young people engage in at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous
physical activity each day to maintain good health.
[0004] While the positive effects of regular physical activity are
well documented, motivation to maintain adequate levels of activity
over the long term is often lacking. Many young people engage in
sedentary behaviors (e.g., watching TV, surfing the Internet) and
do not meet the CDC recommendations for physical activity. Research
has found that physical activity rates decline with age among young
people, with overall levels of physical activity typically
beginning to decrease when children are of middle school age.
[0005] It is recognized that fun, engaging games or related
products that require physical activity can be a way to increase
physical activity among young people. To succeed in increasing
physical activity, games need to appeal to the target population
and to fit easily within the existing social, educational, and
cultural environment.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the commercial and
healthcare product markets for smart games and related products
that address and counter the growing tendency toward sedentary
behaviors and that are directed toward the specific goal of
increasing the overall level of physical activity of those who play
the game or use the product. To succeed in this goal, products need
to be easy to use, and have an immediate and enduring appeal that
can be sustained over the long term. It is further desirable that
such products are safe and require minimal adult supervision. Most
of all, the games must be effective at their fundamental goal,
which is to increase levels of physical activity.
[0007] A number of games have been described including floor mats
such as dance mats. For example, "Dance Dance Revolution" and
similar games use a dancing mat or stage to score the guided motion
of a player. However, these and other, similar, foot-pad or mat
type game systems often do not provide lasting interactivity and
educational benefits. Examples of such dance-mat or foot-pad
inventions may be found in US patents including U.S. Pat. No.
4,720,789, which describes a game including a pressure pad that
inputs foot position on the pad. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.
6,600,477, U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,402 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,600,477
teach methods of inputting data using a sensing pad having a
"support assembly" and "foot motion indicator" on the shoe. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,139,261 also teaches games that use foot position as an
input, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,044 describes a specific way to
determine foot location using a foot pad. In addition, such games
do not provide a networking or online component which is desirable
for ensuring a sustainable and appealing gaming experience.
[0008] Thus, there is a need for a game or game system that can be
both educational and can provide beneficial exercise, particularly
to children. The text messaging game systems described herein
address many of these issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Described herein are games and game systems including a foot
pad based input. For example, the games and game systems may
include a text messaging keypad foot mat; the foot mat may be
configured as a phone-type keypad. The keypad foot mat is typically
a floor mat, stage or area that includes a plurality of regions
representing buttons or inputs. For example, the keypad foot may
include regions similar to the buttons of an enlarged telephone
keypad. The "buttons" of the keypad on the foot mat typically
correspond to an input region on the keypad foot mat. A user can
step on these input regions (buttons) to type a "text message."
Thus, a player "types" text by stepping or dancing on the keyboard
foot mat similar to the way that a text message may be typed by
hand on a telephone keypad (e.g., sending a text message from a
cell phone). The foot mat may be labeled with alphanumeric
characters (e.g., numbers and/or letters), phrases, or functions
(e.g., shift, control, alt, etc.).
[0010] In general, the games and game systems described herein may
also include one or more controllers, for receiving and/or
transmitting signals from the foot mat. The controller may be a
dedicated controller (e.g., connected to the foot pad or part of
the foot pad) and may include a processor, or it may be software,
hardware, and/or firmware that connects to a computer processor.
The computer processor may be a desktop, laptop, or other general
purpose computer. In some variations, the system is configured to
be directly connected to a display such as a television or other
monitor. The system may be configured to plug into phone (including
mobile phones and non-mobile phones), PDA, or any other electronic
communications device.
[0011] In some variations, the game systems include game logic
configured to run or operate the game.
[0012] The games and game systems described herein may be used as
part of an interactive game, in which a subject (e.g., player)
sends or receives messages (responses, questions, etc.) to one or
more other subjects. As used herein a `subject` may include a
player, including `virtual` players (e.g., computer-simulated
players), particularly in multi-player embodiments. In addition,
the games and game systems may include or be operated with a remote
digital game media, such as a website, or other digital media. The
remote digital media may send and transmit messages between users
(e.g., text messages sent by the foot pad) as part of the game. In
some variations, the remote digital media may be used to regulate,
score, and set up the games.
[0013] Thus, a text messaging exercising game may include a text
messaging foot mat for inputting text messages, and a controller
for transmitting signals from the foot mat (and possibly
interfacing with a display and/or a remote digital media). The
controller may also be configured to score the text messages sent
by the user.
[0014] For example, a text messaging exercise game system may
include a keypad foot mat having a plurality of input regions for
inputting alphanumeric characters (wherein the mat is configured to
resemble a keypad, and to allow a user to input text by stepping on
the input regions); and a game controller configured to receive
data input from the keypad foot mat as text, and to output the text
message to be displayed by an output device. The game controller
may be a console. The keypad foot mat may be configured as a phone
keypad.
[0015] In some variations, the system also includes an output
device configured to display the output text message. Any
appropriate output device may be used, including a screen such as a
video screen, a TV monitor, or a cell phone. The system (e.g., the
game controller) may also include an output interface for
formatting or preparing the output for display. For example, the
output interface may configure the output for video display or for
transmission as a text message to another phone Multiple types of
output may be provided by the system, for example, video,
graphical, text, audible (e.g., music, or other sounds), etc.
[0016] The keypad foot mat may be an actual mat (e.g., a flexible
mat) or it may be a stage. In some variations the foot mat is a
projected image from which foot movements can be detected. The
keypad foot mat can include an enlarged image of a phone keypad, in
which the input regions correspond to buttons on the image of the
phone keypad. The input regions of the phone keypad foot mat may
each include one or more sensors configured to detect a user
stepping on that input region. For example, the sensor may be a
pressure sensor. Other devices and methods of detecting foot motion
on the phone keypad foot mat may be used, including visual
detection.
[0017] The game controller may include one or more processors for
controlling the game play, and/or for translating the detected foot
motions into text messages. For example, the game controller may
include a processor configured to provide a first message output
that a player can respond to using the phone keypad foot mat.
[0018] Also described herein are text messaging footpad game
systems including: a phone keypad foot mat having a plurality of
different regions corresponding to alphanumeric characters (wherein
the mat is configured to allow a user to input text by stepping on
the mat regions); and a game controller functionally connected to
the phone keypad foot mat, and configured to provide a first text
message to be responded to, and further configured to receive a
response text message from the phone keypad foot mat, and to output
a score based on the response and the first text message.
[0019] Also described herein are methods of playing a text-based
game. These messages may include the steps of: presenting a first
message; receiving a response text message from a phone keypad foot
mat; scoring the response text message based on the first message;
and providing an output based on the score or the response text
message. Alternatively, the game could require the player to repeat
whatever text is displayed on the screen and provide a score based
on accuracy and speed.
[0020] The step of receiving the response text message may involve
receiving the message letter-by-letter or otherwise. For example,
the game controller may receive each letter as the player types it
(including backspace, delete, corrections, and arrow keys), or the
game controller may wait until a `send` key is pressed. The
response message may be displayed (e.g., on a screen) as the player
types it.
[0021] In some variations, the method also includes the step of
detecting footsteps on the phone keypad foot mat to generate a
response text message. In general, steps ("typing") on the footpad
may be detected in any appropriate manner, as mentioned above. For
example, steps may be detected by sensors on or in the pad (e.g.,
pressure sensors, motion sensors, etc.) or they may be detected
optically (e.g., by a camera).
[0022] Game play may be timed (e.g., based on how long the player
takes to type/respond to the first message). Thus, the method may
also include the step of timing the receipt of the response text
message. Scoring the response text message may be partially based
on the timing of the receipt of the response text message (e.g.,
time to hit `send`). The timing may be adjusted for the length of
the response (number of alphanumeric characters, etc.) and/or for
accuracy of what was sent.
[0023] In some variations, scoring the response text message is
based on how similar the response text message is to the first
message. For example, the game controller may provide a message
(e.g., a text message) to be copied as the response text message.
This may serve as a tutorial on how to text message.
[0024] The game may also include a reward based on the score. For
example, based on score, the player may be rewarded with digital
(e.g., online) rewards, or with free text messages, or the like.
Rewards may be redeemable coupons or points that accumulate over
time and can be cashed in for rewards.
[0025] Animations (e.g., video animation) or video displays may be
shown as part of the scoring or in response to a score. Thus, the
method may include the step of displaying an animation based on the
score or the response text message.
[0026] In general, the method of playing a text message game may
also include the step of displaying the first message, the response
text message, and/or the output. All of these may be displayed or
otherwise represented, or only a subset of them.
[0027] Any appropriate game may be played with the game system as
part of the methods described herein, including trivia games, word
games, letter games, puzzle games, etc. Thus, the game controller
may provide a first message that is a question to be answered as
the response text message (e.g., "What is the capital of
Germany?"). The game controller may provide a first message that is
a puzzle to be solved as the response text message (e.g.,
"Unscramble the animal: arfifge!" or "come up with as many words as
possible from the following letters: DULBMET"). Other examples of
word games similar to hangman, Boggle.TM., Scrabble.TM., etc. The
controller may provide the first line in a well known quote or
phrase that is to be completed as the response text message (e.g.
"Early to bed, early to rise . . . "). The text based (e.g., word)
games that may be played with the game systems described herein may
be educational games, such as games that help improve vocabulary or
spelling. For example, the game may announce (e.g., via sound) a
word to spell and ask the players to spell it correctly.
Alternately, the game could provide a definition and ask the player
to type the corresponding word.
[0028] In particular, the games and the game systems described
herein may be multiplayer games. One or more of the players in the
multiplayer game may be a computer generated or controlled player.
A multiplayer game may be played using a single keypad foot mat, or
a plurality of keypad foot mats. The players may be in the same
location, or they may be located (and playing) remotely of each
other. For example, players may be playing from different locations
after logging into an interactive media (e.g., website or webpage)
to connect to other players. Players may play against each other
simultaneously or sequentially, and may play against each other
individually or as teams. For example, in one variation, multiple
payers could enter text from their own (e.g., multiple) mats,
racing to answer a trivia question the fastest.
[0029] Also described herein are text messaging exercise game
systems that are configured for playing with one or more other
remote players. For example, the players may be networked or may
communicate through a digital game media such as a website or
webpage. The digital game media may include social networking, and
may control aspects of game play, including player selection, game
selection, game operation, scoring, etc. For example, a text
messaging exercise game may include a keypad foot mat having a
plurality of different regions corresponding to alphanumeric
characters (wherein the mat is configured to allow a first user to
input text messages by stepping on the mat regions), a remote
digital game media is configured to receive input from the first
remote keypad and to transmit the received input to a second user,
and a game controller functionally connected to the keypad foot
mat, the game controller configured to transmit a text message from
the keypad foot mat to a remote digital game media and to receive
messages from the remote digital game media.
[0030] As mentioned above, the game system may include a display
that is configured to display the messages received, e.g., from the
remote digital game media. The remote digital game media may be
configured to receive input from a plurality of remote keypads and
to transit the received input to a plurality of users.
[0031] Also described herein are methods of playing one or more
games using the game systems described herein. For example,
described herein are methods of playing a text based (e.g., text
messaging) game including the steps of: presenting a first
question; receiving a response text from a keypad foot mat; scoring
the response text based on the first question; and providing an
output based on the score or the response text. The first question
may be related to the nature of the game. For example, the first
question may be related to a text based game such as hangman,
spelling game, quiz games, number games, vocabulary games, or the
like.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0032] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or
patent application was specifically and individually indicated to
be incorporated by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically one variation of a game
system described herein, including a digital interactive (game)
media.
[0034] FIG. 2A illustrates operation of one variation of a game
system as described herein.
[0035] FIG. 2B shows another variation of the game system.
[0036] FIG. 2C illustrates a variation of a game system including a
desktop keypad widget.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagraph illustrating one variation of
a game system as described herein.
[0038] FIG. 4A is one example of a phone keypad.
[0039] FIG. 4B is an example of a computer keypad that may be use
as a template for the keypad foot mat described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] In general, the games and game systems described herein
include one or more keypad mats that may be used to "type" text by
jumping, stepping, walking or otherwise touching various regions of
the mat. These games and game systems may also include a game
controller configured to receive and transmit signals from the
keypad mat and to pass these signals on (e.g., as text messages) to
an output device. The output device may be a monitor (e.g., screen,
computer monitor, television, phone monitor, etc.). Any of the text
entered by the device may be referred to as text messages.
Shorthand text messages (e.g., "txt msgs") may also be used. In
general, the phrase "text message" may include, but is not limited
to, shorthand text messages.
[0041] A keypad mat may be used to play a variety of games,
particularly games involving text messaging, and may be used to
send text messages as part of the game. For example, a text
messaging game system may include a keypad mat for typing text
messages by foot movement that is configured as a phone keypad. The
phone keypad mat may be configured as a foot or "dance" mat that
looks like a cell phone keypad. The game controller may be a small
game box that is attached to (or integral with) the mat. The game
controller and/or the mat can then connect to an output device,
such a television, computer, cell phone, or other display.
[0042] Some variations of the game systems described herein may be
referred to as "Txt It!" game systems; similarly any of the games
described herein may be referred to as a game of "Txt It!" Other
examples of games that may be played include text based (or word)
games. Non-text based games may also be played. Examples of
non-text message games that may be played can be found in the
co-pending application titled "PHYSICAL EXERCISE VIDEO GAME METHOD
AND APPARATUS", filed concurrently herewith, claiming priority to
U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/032,876, the entire
content of which is herein incorporated by its entirety. Thus, the
game systems described herein may be configured to play one or more
text based (or non-text based) games. For example, the game system
including the controller may be configured to play one or more
games, by having game logic (e.g., software, hardware, firmware)
that is executable by the controller and/or other components of the
game system, including a processor. In some variations the game
systems may be operated with an interactive digital media, such as
a webpage, website, computer software, etc. Thus, a game or game
system may upload or download information to/from the interactive
digital media, including game logic (for running or playing game),
user information (name, age), scoring information, or text
messaging information.
[0043] As part of the text-based games, a player (or players) can
send text messages or text responses using the keypad foot mat. For
example, a user may send or receive a text message by dancing,
walking, stepping on, or otherwise touching the keypad foot mat. A
typical keypad foot may include a plurality of regions which may be
used to define characters, numbers, or control functions (e.g.,
shift, control, etc.). Because the size of the keypad foot mat is
intended to be conducive to physical activity (e.g., exercise), the
keypad foot mat may have a limited number of "keys". For example,
in some variations, less than or about 15 (e.g., 3.times.5) keys
may be used, less than or about 12 keys (e.g., 4.times.3). A keypad
foot mat may also include more than this number of keys; for
example, in one variation, the keypad foot mat includes the same
number of keys as a computer keyboard (e.g., more than 50 keys).
Examples of keypad foot mats are provided below.
[0044] Many different games may be played with the game systems
described herein, including tutorial (e.g., learning) games, word
games, number games, quiz or trivia games, puzzles, and the like.
In all of these games, the player may enhance their skills at text
messaging while moving their body (particularly their feet) to
spell messages. As used herein, "text based games" include number
games and any games using alphanumeric characters.
[0045] The game systems described herein may be played with one or
more users. As mentioned above, the games may be played
interactively with multiple players playing online or in the same
location. For example, any of the games described herein may
communicate with an interactive media such as a website or webpage
that allows multiplayer interaction. FIG. 1 schematically
illustrates one variation of a game system that is configured to
communicate with an interactive media such as a website.
[0046] In FIG. 1, the "first user" 131 may use a game system
including any of the components described herein, such as a keypad
foot mat 100, a controller 103, a processor 121, a display 105, and
an output 123 for transmitting information (e.g., text messages) to
another player or non-player. The keypad foot mat may be configured
as described herein. For example, a keypad foot mat 100 may include
a plurality of regions that are configured to be separately stepped
on. These regions may include a sensor or sensors for determining
when the player steps on them, or a detector (e.g., camera, IR
detector, etc) may be used. In some variations, the detector is a
pressure detector incorporated into the mat 100. The mat 100 may be
labeled indicating the alphanumeric character(s) that can be sent
from that `key` or region, or the function of that region (shift,
control, etc.). They keypad foot mat may be any size and shape,
particularly sizes and shapes appropriate to being selectively
stepped, jumped, or walked on. Thus, each key may be between 6 and
18 inches long, and/or separated by a region that is not pressure
sensitive or does not trigger a keystroke. The keys may be arranged
in any appropriate manner. For example, keys may be arranged in a
grid (e.g., square grid), a radiating circular pattern, or the
like. In some variations, the keys may be arranged in a pattern
similar to a telephone key pad, as described in more detail
below.
[0047] Each key or region of the pad may correspond to one or more
alphanumeric characters or phrases. In some variations the same key
or region may be used to signal a plurality (e.g., three or four)
text characters or numbers, and in operation, a particular
alphanumeric character (or phrase) may be selected by repeatedly
jumping on the key or region, similar to manual text messaging. In
other variations, a combination of keypad `moves` may be used to
select one character (or phrase) from a set of characters or
phrases corresponding to the keys. As mentioned, the keys or
regions of the pad may be labeled or unlabeled. For example, in
some variations the keys or regions are not labeled on the pad, but
are indicated on a display 105.
[0048] As mentioned above, a controller 103 (or controllers) may be
connected to or integral with the keypad foot mat. The controller
typically receives text input from the keypad foot mat and
transmits or forwards it on (e.g., for display and/or
transmission). The controller may include a processor 121, or a
separate processor 121 may be used. The processor 121 may be a
dedicated processor (for running the game logic, software, and/or
firmware), or it may be a general computer (e.g., desktop or
laptop). For example, the processor may be a computer that is
configured to run the game logic (software) and send instructions
to the controller and receive input from the keypad foot mat 100.
Thus game logic (not shown) may be included as part of the system.
In some variations, the processor may also receive instructions
and/or data affecting game play from the interactive media, such as
other software, webpages, or the like.
[0049] Any appropriate display 105 may be used. A display 105 may
be a dedicated display (e.g., part of the game system), or it may
be a monitor, television, etc. For example, when the processor is a
desktop or laptop computer, the monitor for the computer may be
used as the display. For example, the game system may include a
keypad foot mat 100 and a controller 103 that is configured to
connect to a computer for operation. The computer (not shown) may
run the client software for playing a game (e.g., a text game)
using the keypad foot mat 100 and controller 103.
[0050] In some variations, the system may also include an output
123 for sending (and/or receiving) text messages generated by the
keypad foot mat 100 and controller 103. The output may be an output
to a telephone (e.g., cell phone) or a wireless connection, or an
output to an internet or other digital medium. In some variations
the controller may be configured to connect to a cell phone
directly, so that text messages can be generated and sent by the
keypad foot mat and sent/received by the cell phone. Alternatively
or additionally, the game system may be configured so that text
messages may be sent to a target cellular or mobile device (e.g.,
cell phone) or email system as part of the game.
[0051] In FIG. 1, the first user 131 includes at least some of the
components shown in the game system such as the keypad 100,
controller 103, processor 121, display 105, and (optional) output
123. These components may be integral (e.g., parts of a single
component), or they may be wirelessly or wired to connect. The
system may be connected either directly or remotely (e.g.,
wirelessly) to an internet connection and thereby connect to an
interactive media 150 such as a webpage.
[0052] Thus, the game system may be configured for operation with a
website or webpage. In some variations, the game system include
game logic (e.g. programming, software, firmware, etc), that
controls or regulates game play. The game logic may be local (e.g.,
it may be run or executed on the processor 121 of the system), or
it may be distributed. For example, a `client` component may be
executed locally, which may interface with a server (e.g.,
website).
[0053] The interactive media may control aspects of the game play
such as coordinating multiplayer game play. For example, the
interactive media may coordinate communication between multiple
(remotely located) players, picking opponents (players),
maintaining scoring, tournament play, etc. A player or user may log
into the website via a profile that keeps historic information
(e.g., high scores, etc.). The interactive media may include social
networking.
[0054] FIG. 1 also illustrates how the game systems described
herein may be used with multiplayer online play using the keypad
foot mat to send/receive text messages or play other text based
games. In this example, the first user 131 and the second user 132
are remotely located, and game play between the two is coordinated
by the interactive media 150. Additional players 135 may also play,
and may include players that are not using a keypad foot system.
For example, a player may pay using widget (e.g., a desktop tool)
to simulate the keypad foot mat system 143. For example, FIG. 2C
illustrates an example of a desktop widget 252 used by a player
107'. This player 107' may remotely interact with other users who
are using the keypad foot system to play.
[0055] For example, in one variation of the game, which may be
referred to by its own name, such as "What's The Word", multiple
users may interact to solve word puzzles, answer questions (in a
quiz-type format), or the like, by sending text responses using the
keypad foot mats. In some variations a user may also be permitted
to play using a keypad widget 143, as mentioned (this type of play
may be handicapped). The game system could allow the player to
toggle between game play and messaging (e.g., "chatting") using the
same keypad foot mat.
[0056] In addition to the multiplayer formats of play, single-user,
or tutorial modes of play may be included. In general, during game
play, the player composes text messages (which may be shorthand
text messages commonly associated with cellular or mobile phones,
or longhand messages composed of alphanumeric text). In a tutorial,
the system may indicate a first message that the player is supposed
to `copy` as a text message by stepping, jumping or dancing on the
keypad with their feet. The response text message may be timed, and
checked for accuracy to score. FIG. 2A illustrates one variation of
such a game, in which the player 107 is stepping on the phone
keypad mat 101 to copy the message ("Text it!") that is shown in
the upper half of the screen 105. As the player spells the text
message, the response is displayed on the lower half of the screen
105. The system may be configured so that the player can select
different difficulty levels.
[0057] As mentioned, the output device for the game system may be a
computer or a phone (e.g., a cell phone). For example, the game
system may be used to plug into a cell phone, and allow the player
to send text messages to his or her friends while playing.
[0058] Playing with the game systems described herein may involve
the performance of dance-like moves involving moving the feet at a
fast rate across the phone keypad mat. Game levels may include a
text challenges as well as speed challenges, and play may be
single-player or multiple-player, so that players can compete
against each other either remotely, for example, through a website,
or in the same location.
[0059] The interactive media may include multiple games (e.g., a
menu of text based games), as well as allowing social or
interactive elements based on text messaging. For example a
websites dedicated to the game system (and compatible with the game
system) may allow players to play directly against other players,
or to simply text them. The website may also include downloads of
new games, or modifications of games, a bank of high scores, and a
reward system. As mentioned, the devices may also be used as part
of a social networking website. A player may go onto a game system
website and download more games, or upload their high scores, or
play games against other players. The reward system may be based on
the player score, and may provide prizes such as digital prizes
(e.g., additional games, or the like).
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates one variation of a game system, including
various optional components. In FIG. 3, a phone keypad foot mat
input 201 (also referred to as simply a "phone keypad mat" or a
"keypad mat") is connected to a game controller 203. As described
above, the phone keypad foot mat input is typically a foot mat that
includes a plurality of "buttons" or regions that correspond to
alphanumeric characters that may be used to draft and send text
messages. For example, the phone keypad foot mat may be made to
resemble an enlarged phone keypad (e.g., a cell phone key pad)
typically used to text message. The phone keypad foot mat input is
generally sufficiently large so that the matrix (e.g., 3.times.5)
of input regions can fit on it, so that a child and/or an adult can
reach and step on any of the input regions while standing on the
mat. The input regions may be spaced apart sufficiently to allow
the player to jump, dance or hop to step on them.
[0061] The input regions may also be referred to as buttons or
keys. In general, the input regions are sized so that the player's
foot can comfortably step on it without unintentionally activating
adjacent input regions. The input regions may be marked to indicate
the button or key to which they correspond. For example, the input
region may include the alphanumeric keys that can be used to text
message.
[0062] The phone keypad foot mat input may include an enlarged
image of a telephone key pad. FIG. 4A illustrates one variation of
a telephone keypad having buttons that may be used for text
messaging. In addition to the standard 12 buttons (arranged as an
array of 3.times.4 buttons) for a telephone key pad, the phone
keypad mat, the phone keypad foot mat may also include additional
input regions that correspond to other phone and/or cell phone text
messaging keys, such as "send", "shift", arrow keys, alt, delete,
punctuation keys, symbols, talk, or the like. As mentioned, the
keypad foot mat may also be configured in other ways. The keypad
foot mat may also be configured similar to a computer keyboard. For
example, FIG. 4B illustrates the layout of a computer keyboard.
[0063] Returning now to FIG. 3, the phone keypad foot mat 201 may
be a floor mat, or it may be stage or platform. In some variations,
the phone keypad foot mat is a projected mat that can be projected
onto the floor (or another surface). The input regions may include
one or more sensors for detecting footsteps, or the detectors may
be separate from the phone keypad foot mat. For example, an input
region may include a pressure sensor, a motion detector, or the
like. Separate sensors may include one or more cameras for
determining position or motion relative to the mat.
[0064] In some variations, the system may include one or more
sensors for determining the position of a players feet and/or hands
or other body parts. Thus, the system may be configured for the
player to send a text message (or otherwise enter text) by stepping
or gesturing. In some variations the system does not include a
dedicated `mat`, but may project a `mat` on a surface (or
surfaces); individual `buttons` may be projected, allowing the
patient to move to contact these buttons to create and/or send a
text message. For example, the system may include one or more
sensors configured to connect to the subject's body (e.g., ankles,
shoes, feet, wrists, torso, etc.) to determine position of various
body portions. In some variations, the system may include a camera
for determining body movement and/or position.
[0065] The game controller generally includes one or more
processors 215 for receiving and processing input from the phone
keypad foot mat input 101. The processor may provide messages for
the player to respond to, may score the player input (the received
text message) by comparing it to the message provided or the
response expected to the provided message, and may generate a
response (including a score) to the player input. In general, the
game controller regulates game play.
[0066] Processors or other components of the game system may also
include a dictionary and/or thesaurus to aid game play and may
include a dictionary of commonly used text words and phrases, such
as "LOL", "TTYL", "How R U?", etc. This may be particularly helpful
in games having a free-composition or spelling component.
[0067] The game controller 203 may be a stand-alone controller
(e.g., a console), including hardware and/or software, or it may be
completely or partially software configured to run on a general
computer (e.g., a home computer) or on a server (e.g., a website).
In some variations the game controller is integral with the phone
keypad mat 201. In other variations the game controller 203 is a
separate unit, as shown in the example of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B is an
alternatively illustration of one variation of a computer system
being used by a player 107 to send a text message (displayed on a
screen 105).
[0068] The game controller 203 may also receive inputs other than
just the phone keypad foot mat inputs 201. For example, optional
inputs from a user 207 and an external input 209 are indicated in
FIG. 3. A user input may include a button, switch, dial, or the
like that may be on the game system. For example, the game system
may include a control allowing selection of the game variation, the
number of players, the difficulty level, etc. The system may also
include an on/off switch. External inputs may include cell phone
text messages (e.g., received by the system), inputs from a
computer or external server or network (e.g., for networked game
play).
[0069] As mentioned, any appropriate output 205 may be used with
the game system. In some variations the game includes a dedicated
display (e.g., screen, monitor, projector, etc.). The output may
also be a television monitor 211 or computer monitor, or a computer
212 or cell phone 213. The connection to the output device may be
wired (e.g., via a cable or cord), or wireless (using technologies
such as Bluetooth or other wireless communication devices and
methods). Thus, the game controller may also include an output
interface 217 for formatting and/or controlling output. In some
variations the device allows multiple outputs, either
simultaneously or alternatively.
[0070] As mentioned above, the game system may be used to play any
appropriate game. For example, the game system may be used to play
a tutorial type games (e.g., copying a provided word or phrase)
which may be timed or and checked for accuracy. Physical challenges
(e.g., instructing which foot or other body part to use for
texting) may also be part of any of the games using the system.
Other types of games include quiz/answer games, including trivia
games, learning games for learning spelling, vocabulary, other
languages, geography, science, math, and the like. Games may
include word games (e.g., hangman, fill-in-the-blank, "mad libs",
etc.), spelling challenges, or the like. Puzzle games (e.g.,
unscrambling words, crosswords, scrabble, etc.) may also be played.
Typing of words could also lead to shooter activation or other
types of game play. The game system may also be used to communicate
(e.g., send/receive text messages) with other players or with other
text messaging systems (cell phones, PDAs, etc.).
[0071] The game systems described herein may also be used with
other games, including computer games, to control input, e.g., by
providing text message input. For example, the game system may be
used to control the actions of a video or computer game
character.
[0072] While the devices and methods for using them have been
described in some detail here by way of illustration and example,
such illustration and example is for purposes of clarity of
understanding only. It will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein that
certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *