Abstract:
The invention relates to model cars that incorporate design elements that modify the vehicle properties and the design elements incorporate RFID tags that have preprogrammed information. The invention is not limited to model cars but to any toy such as a doll that can incorporate design elements such as a dress, jewelry, or anthropomorphic feature. Additionally, the design elements may incorporate RFID tags that are programmable and connect to a computer via USB docking stations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/922,711 filed Dec. 31, 2013 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is in the field of amusement devices and gaming and pertains to model cars and toys that are customizable with RFID encoded components. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The gaming industry has developed many games based upon customizing and racing cars both as board and video games. Despite the prevalence of car games there is no game which allows players to have both a physical and virtual model of their customized car that can also be used in play. Several variations of customized computerized cars have been disclosed that sought to address these limitations. Similarly, transportable gaming toys have become popular so that an operator can play at home or a friend&#39;s place. Social gaming continues to grow and there are numerous examples, such as Hero Portal™. 
         [0004]    Although various improvements are known to the art, all, or almost all of them suffer from one or more than one disadvantage. Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved RFID computerized vehicle. 
       RELEVANT ART REFERENCES 
       [0005]    United States Patent Publication No. 2003/0220144A1 Brown discloses a collectable electronic multimedia trading card and portable card reader. 
         [0006]    United States Patent Publication No. 2008/0311983 Koempel discloses a vehicle entertainment and gaming system. 
         [0007]    United States Patent Publication No. 2009/0005139A1 Morimoto discloses a program for racing game device, storage medium storing the program and racing game device. 
         [0008]    United States Patent Publication No. 2010/0062819 Hannigan discloses methods and related toy and game applications using encoded information. 
         [0009]    United States Patent Publication No. 2010/0062848A1 Ballay discloses a vehicle entertainment system operable by a remote device and method for remotely operating a vehicle entertainment system. 
         [0010]    United States Patent Publication No. 2010/0227679 Konishi discloses a game terminal device and game terminal device game environment setting method. 
         [0011]    United States Patent Publication No. 2011/0018200A1 Facchini discloses a board game. 
         [0012]    United States Patent Publication No. 2012/0130892 Ronayne discloses a toy with indicia of stored value. 
         [0013]    United States Patent Publication No. 2012/0914420A1 Osterhout discloses ar glasses with event triggered user action control of ar eyepiece facility. 
         [0014]    These publications and all other referenced patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is an incorporated reference here, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein the definition of the term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, it is the object of this invention to provide a computerized vehicle. The present invention is directed to an RFID encoded custom car. Customized pre-programmed RFID tags are used to simplify the end user experience. The RFID tags have pre-printed, easy to understand graphical icons that allow the user to easily identify vehicle components. No special codes or complicated numbering systems are needed. The pre-printed icon labeled RFID tags are automatically recognized by a tracking software that can operate on a smartphone or computer. For example, if a “12 Cylinder Motor” tag is used, the user only needs to place this tag on an engine component and scan it using an RFID transceiver. The tracking software automatically recognizes that the Motor tagged item belongs in the ENGINE category in a database. For the example of “High Performance Tire” the user would place a Tire RFID tag with a Tires icon onto that car part, scan it and then the tracking software would automatically categorize the item in the WHEELS inventory. 
         [0016]    It is further an object of the invention that the operation of the system be simple and user friendly without the requirement that the end-user manually input data into the system interface. 
         [0017]    It is further an object of the invention that the system be portable. 
         [0018]    It is further an object of the invention that the system use color coded RFID tags for easy recognition by the user. 
         [0019]    It is further an object of the invention that the RFID transceiver be adapted for sending and receiving signals up to one feet. 
         [0020]    It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not to be viewed as being restrictive of the present invention, as claimed. Further advantages of this invention will be apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of a computerized vehicle with a range of customizable components depicted according to the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a preferred embodiment of a computerized vehicle in a top down view where the sizes of two versions of the vehicle are depicted according to the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a preferred embodiment of a computerized vehicle in model form with a range of custom components disposed upon the vehicle according to the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a preferred embodiment of a computerized vehicle mounted upon a docking station that contains an RFID antenna USB connector and can be connected by USB cable to a computing device according to the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a preferred embodiment of the computerized vehicle mounted upon a docking station that contains a USB connector and can be connected by USB cable to a computing device according to the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a preferred embodiment of a computerized vehicle mounted upon a docking station connected by USB cable to a computing device and represented in virtual form upon the computer according to the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  shows a preferred embodiment of a computerized vehicle mounted in a virtual representation as seen in a screenshot according to the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  shows a preferred embodiment of a computerized vehicle mounted upon a docking station connected by USB cable to a computing device such as a game console and represented in virtual form within a videogame according to the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  shows a preferred embodiment of the board game component of the computerized vehicle according to the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  shows a preferred embodiment of a board game component of the computerized vehicle where the rules are printed on cards according to the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  shows a preferred embodiment of a board game component of the computerized vehicle where the rules are printed on cards according to the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  shows a preferred embodiment of a board game component of the computerized vehicle where the rules are printed on cards according to the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  shows a preferred embodiment of a board game component of the computerized vehicle where the rules are printed on cards according to the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  shows a preferred embodiment of a board game component of the computerized vehicle where parts of the game board may be connected or obstructed by additional pieces according to the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  shows a preferred embodiment of a board game component of the computerized vehicle where the surface of the board can have additional levels added according to the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  shows a preferred embodiment of a smart doll communicating with a smart phone. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  shows a preferred embodiment with a software application activated by a love tap. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  shows a smart phone with a music creation software application running. 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  shows a preferred embodiment with a smart doll with audio jacks and a speaker. 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  shows a series of smart dolls linked together with speakers to increase music volume. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, A first embodiment of the invention is a computerized vehicle illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a model vehicle  20 , the model vehicle  20  is customizable with RFID design elements encoded in several body styles  21 , chassis  22 , engines  23 , wheels  24 , front  25 , rear  26 , hood  27 , roof  28  and undercarriage  29  weapons and accessories. Many of the customization design elements will be physically attachable and removable to the vehicle body using magnets or snapping connectors. Alternatively, design elements could be permanently affixed with household glue or epoxy resin. RFID design elements may be preprogrammed and read only. However in other embodiments RFID design elements may be programmable with both read and write capability. In a version of the game design elements can be collected using a lottery system. 
         [0042]    Top down views of two variations of model vehicle  20  are illustrated in  FIG. 2  where the model vehicle  20  is either 1/64 scale of Hotwheels® cars or is sized at the ATOMIX® scale and may also have door mounted guns  30 . 
         [0043]    A second embodiment of the invention is a computerized vehicle illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a model vehicle  30 , where the model vehicle  30  is in model form with a range of custom components disposed upon the vehicle body including several body styles  31 , wheels  32 , front bumper mounted ramming device  33 , rear oil slick and mine dispenser  34 , roof mounted Gatling gun  35  according to the invention. Design elements for modifying vehicles are well known and include commercially available aftermarket vehicle products such as shock absorbers, exhaust systems, and nitric oxide systems that enhance vehicle performance. Additionally, design elements include ornamental features such a wheels, grilles, body kits, lift kits, roll bars, truck steps, and spoilers for example. Design elements that are intended to be used as weapons or defensive countermeasures do not have to be limited to actual commercial or military grade weapons. For example, weapon design elements could include futuristic rail guns or lasers. 
         [0044]    A third embodiment of the invention is a computerized vehicle illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a model vehicle  40 , which is mounted upon a docking station  41  that contains an RFID antenna/transceiver  42  powered by a USB cable  43  and can be connected to a computing device (not shown). Alternately, a battery operated portable RFID transceiver is used to read the RFID tags and wirelessly transmit the data to a handheld or personal computer. The RFID antenna/transceiver  42  will scan the RFID tag and then read the information that is stored within the RFID tag. When the user positions the computerized vehicle upon the docking station, or activates the portable RFID antenna/transceiver  42  to start scanning, the integrated antenna of the RFID antenna/transceiver  42  emits radio frequency (RF) signals in a relatively short range. The transmitted RF signal does two things, first the RF signal provides a means of communicating with the RFID tag and second, the RF signal provides the RFID tag with the energy to transmit the encoded data back to the RFID antenna/transceiver  42 . When the RFID tag passes through the transmitted RF field of the scanning antenna, the RFID tag detects the activation signal from the antenna. This activates the RFID tag electronics and the RFID tag transmits the information by the scanning antenna of the RFID antenna/transceiver  42 . The RFID antenna/transceiver  42  then decodes the information and transmits this data wirelessly to a handheld computer or personal computer. The RFID antenna/transceiver  42  has an audible and visible light indicator that is activated when a valid RFID tag is read successfully. An LCD display also indicates status of the RFID antenna/transceiver  42 . 
         [0045]    A fourth embodiment of the invention is a computerized vehicle illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a model vehicle  50 , which is mounted upon a docking station  51  that contains a USB connector  52  and can be connected by USB cable  53  to a computing device. In the present embodiment design elements can be added or deleted to the model vehicle  50  via connection to a computing device. For example, the model vehicle  50  would have a microprocessor and/or flash memory for storing information about the model vehicle  50  and design elements associated with the model vehicle  50 . The model vehicle  50  is portable and can be docked on a docking station at a remote location and the design elements would still be accessible. 
         [0046]    A fifth embodiment of the invention is a computerized vehicle illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a model vehicle  60 , which is mounted upon a docking station  61  that is connected by USB cable  62  to a computing device  63 . The computing device  63  maintains a virtual representation of the model vehicle  60 . The computing device  63  is used to communicate with an RFID transceiver and to operate a database tracking application software. Alternatively, computing device  63  need not be limited to a laptop or personal computer, computing device  63  could include a handheld portable computer, such as a smartphone. computing device  63  will have wireless interface capability, such a Bluetooth® wireless that can interface with an RFID transceiver. When the RFID transceiver reads a valid RFID tag, the RFID transceiver decodes the information that will be transmitted by the USB cable or wirelessly to the connected computing device  63 . The storage and processing of this transmitted information is performed by the database application software operating on the computing device  63 . The computing device  63  serves to record the RFID tag data and allows a user to interaction with the data. A graphical display screen will be provided, a screenshot view of model vehicle  60  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 , to allow the user to view and operate the database application. In addition, the computing device  63  has a keyboard to allow the user to type customized data to provided tracking database program. For maximum portability, a handheld computer like a smartphone will provide the user the ability to have the program available for use in many locations. For example, the RFID tagged items record could be viewed on the computer graphical screen at a store. This would allow the user to determine if particular items need to be re-purchased and prevent redundant purchases of the same item. Design elements could also be added via a computing device, for example by purchasing design elements through an online store. 
         [0047]    A sixth embodiment of the invention is a computerized vehicle illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a model vehicle  70 , which is mounted upon a docking station  71  that is connected by USB cable  72  to a gaming system  73  where the vehicle can be operated using a gaming controller  74  and displayed on a television or other display  75  in competition, including on-line gaming. 
         [0048]    A seventh embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  is a board game map card system, accessories  80  for users to compete in a race or a battle or both . . . The board game map  80  could illustrate famous race tracks, destinations around the world, fictitious scenes and need not be limited to a flat surface. The board game map  80  could comprise several surfaces to incorporate three-dimensional play, such as in a multi-level parking garage. 
         [0049]    The vehicle of the present invention is not limited to cars. Many vehicle types are amenable to the present invention including land, sea, air, amphibious and intergalactic vehicles could be adapted. Board game map  80  could be adapted for different vehicle types. 
         [0050]    An eighth embodiment comprises a smart doll that is able to store digital information and in particular to game play.  FIG. 16  shows a smart doll that uses near field communication such as WiFi or Blue Tooth to communicate with portable devices like tablets, iPad, iPhone, and android operating system phones. In this embodiment a tap from the smart doll activates a software application on the portable device. The software application is used for game play and upon a subsequent tap from the smart doll the data from the mobile device is transferred back to the smart doll for later play or retrieval.  FIGS. 16-17  illustrate a mobile device on a home screen and subsequent to a tap from a smart doll automatically turns the software application on and a new user interface is visible. The novel aspect of this portable game play is the ability for the user to have a customizable smart doll that can have a decorative façade for the underlying computer. 
         [0051]    A ninth embodiment,  FIGS. 18-19 , comprises a smart doll with audio in and audio out jacks and a speaker. The smart doll that uses near field communication such as WiFi or Blue Tooth to communicate with portable devices like tablets, iPad, iPhone, and android operating system phones. In this embodiment a tap from the smart doll activates a software application on the portable device. The software application is used for music composition and upon a subsequent tap from the smart doll the data from the mobile device is transferred back to the smart doll for later play or retrieval.  FIG. 20  shows that the smart doll can be linked in a series so that multiple speakers operate simultaneously. When multiple smart dolls are linked the audio experience is enhanced for higher volume and stereo surround sound effect. The music composition software application allows the user to create music, an example is Caustic 3 available for composing music on Android platform devices. 
         [0052]    In the above embodiments the smart dolls could be designed to be water resistant. The speakers, battery packs, and audio jacks could be sealed by using rubber O-rings. A water resistant smart doll would add safety to the device and the user. One alternative to reduce the number of potential openings and size of openings for water intrusion would be to use an internal rechargeable battery. Another way to eliminate the need for O-rings or other sealing materials would be to incorporate wireless charging, thus eliminating the need for a battery door or recharging opening entirely. Wireless charging techniques are used in certain home applications such as toothbrushes. Generally, an induction coil could be used to charge a battery in the smart doll body. 
         [0053]    The foregoing description is, at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments of the present discovery. However, it is contemplated that various changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made without departing from the present discovery. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to cover all such changes and modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present discovery, including all equivalent aspects. Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein in intended to represent only one embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.