Abstract:
Character based games and methods of play are provided. In preferred embodiments, the character based games include hydrophobic game boards that use characters formed from water or other liquids with surrounded or suspended character features. In a preferred embodiment, a method of play is provided. The method of play comprises: adding a character feature to water; placing the water including the character feature on a hydrophobic play surface such that the water forms a bead surrounding the character feature; and manipulating the hydrophobic play surface to cause the bead of water including the character feature to move to different locations on the play surface.

Description:
[0001]    The present patent document relates to character based games and methods of play. In preferred embodiments, the character based games include hydrophobic game boards that use characters formed from water or other liquids with surrounded or suspended character features. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Games with hydrophobic properties are known in the art. However, those games do not take advantage of all of the properties of the water droplet within the game. Consequently, the games do not take advantage of a lot of very desirable play patterns. To this end, more advanced types of hydrophobic games and other character based games are desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    In view of the foregoing, an object according to one aspect of the present patent document is to provide character based games and methods of play. In particular, the character based games involve manipulating beads of water with imbedded character features around a playset. Preferably the methods and apparatuses address, or at least ameliorate one or more of the problems described above. To this end, a method of play is provided. In one embodiment the method of play comprises: adding a character feature to water; placing the water including the character feature on a hydrophobic play surface such that the water forms a bead surrounding the character feature; and manipulating the hydrophobic play surface to cause the bead of water including the character feature to move to different locations on the play surface. 
         [0004]    In preferred embodiments, the character feature includes a facial feature. The facial feature may be any facial feature including eyes, noses, ears, mouths or any other facial feature. In preferred embodiments, googly eyes are used. 
         [0005]    In addition to a character feature, the water may also be colored with a coloring agent such as food coloring or some other coloring agent. In yet other embodiments, glitter or confetti may be added. 
         [0006]    In preferred embodiments, the bead of water including at least one character feature is manipulated around a playset. In operation, a sound may be played when the bead of water passes over a specific location on the play surface. In some embodiments, the play surface includes electronic switches that can detect the passage of the bead of water over a specific portion of the play surface and cause the sound to play. In embodiments that play sound, different sounds may be played when the bead of water passes over different locations on the play surface. 
         [0007]    Lots of different themes are available for the playsets and character features. As just a few examples, pirates, astronauts, monsters and pets may all support a theme. In some embodiments, the play surface imitates an interior of a building. In some embodiments, the play surface is part of a maze. In yet other embodiments, the play surface is part of a chain reaction apparatus. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, another method of play is provided. The method of play comprises: adding a character feature to a container; adding water to the container; coloring the water in the container; pouring the contents of the container onto a hydrophobic surface to form a bead of water including a character feature; and manipulating the play surface to cause the bead of water including the character feature to move to different locations on the play surface. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the container is sealable and allows transport of the bead of water and character feature. In preferred embodiments, the container is a small container. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, another method of play is provided. The method of play comprises: adding a character feature to a small amount of a liquid; placing the liquid including the character feature onto a play surface designed to repel the liquid such that a bead of liquid surrounding the character feature is formed; and manipulating the play surface to cause the bead of liquid including the character feature to move to different locations on the play surface. In preferred embodiments, the liquid is water and the play surface is hydrophobic. 
         [0011]    As described more fully below, the character based games and methods of play may include further aspects, objects, desirable features, and advantages. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein will be better understood from the detailed description and drawings that follow in which various embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the claimed invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a water-pet that includes a bead of water and a character feature; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a plurality of different embodiments of character features; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a container with one embodiment of a character feature within the container; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a water-pet including a droplet of water and a character feature on a hydrophobic play surface in a playset; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a playset designed to imitate the interior space of a building; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a pin ball playset; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a pirate ship playset; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a rock stage playset; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a chain reaction playset; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a playset for use with characters in the form of water droplets; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of a happiness meter  60  for use with embodiments of the playset. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    The present patent document relates to character based games and in particular, character based games with a hydrophobic play surface. When water comes in contact with a hydrophobic surface, it beads up into a spheroidal shape in order to minimize surface contact with the hydrophobic surface. The hydrophobic surface allows the water to “bead-up” creating a round, blob-like shape. To this end, the droplets of water are easily manipulated around the play surface as they try and retain their spherical shape and repel the hydrophobic play surface. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a water-pet  10  that includes a bead of water  12  and a character feature  14 . As referred to herein, a droplet or bead of water simply means a small amount of water. Droplet is not limited to a single drop but may be composed of multiple drops of water. Droplet is used because of the spherical shape taken when the water interacts with the hydrophobic surface. However, bead of water may be used interchangeably with droplet. In addition, while throughout the document, water may be used as the exemplary liquid of choice, any substance in liquid form may be used. However, the substance used in liquid form should be matched with the repelling properties of the play surface. 
         [0025]    As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , a character feature  14  is added to the bead of water  12 . Adding the character feature  14  to the droplet/bead of water transforms the droplet into a character such as a pet-like character  10  consisting of a bead of water resting on top of a hydrophobic playset surface. 
         [0026]    In embodiments described herein, the bead of water or droplet of water  12  is the main portion of the water-pet  10 . The bead of water  12  surrounds the character feature  14  on all sides and the character feature  14  simply rests on top of or is located within the bead of water  12  as it slides around the hydrophobic play surface. This is not the same as wetting the surface of an object and placing the object on a hydrophobic surface. In such examples, the water is simply used as a lubricant for the object rather than the bead of water  12  being the main component. In embodiments described herein, enough water is used to make the bead of water  12  the main portion of the water-pet  10 . The fact that when a smaller character feature  14  is added to a larger bead of water  12  the character feature  14  will remain with the bead of water  12  even when the bead of water  12  is quickly manipulated around a playset is an unexpected result. 
         [0027]    The character feature  14  may be any item that provides the droplet of water  12  with some type of character or personality. In some embodiments, the character feature  14  may be an item that gives the droplet  12  a human character. In some embodiments, the character feature  14  may be an item that gives the droplet  12  a pet character such as a dog, cat, or other animal. In yet other embodiments, the character feature  14  may be an item that gives the droplet  12  a mythical character such as a goblin, dragon or warlock, to name a few. In yet other embodiments, the water-pet  10  may take on other character types. In some embodiments, more than one character feature  14  may be include in a single bead of water  12 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates a plurality of different examples of character features  21 - 29 . As may be seen, many different types of character features  21 - 29  may be used. As just a few examples, a character feature may be in the form of a pirate  21 ,  25 , a creature  22 ,  29 , a bird  23 , an astronaut  24 , eyes  26 , a princess  27  or a cowboy  28 , to name a few. 
         [0029]    In preferred embodiments, the character feature  14  is or includes a facial feature  15 . A facial feature  15  is any portion of the character feature  14  that is associated with a face such as eyes, nose, mouth, ears, face, mustache, beard, tongue or any other facial feature. Using the character feature of the astronaut  24  shown in  FIG. 2  as an example, it may be seen that the astronaut  24  includes a helmet. The helmet is part of the astronaut character feature  24  and could be a character feature  14  by itself but is not a facial feature. The astronaut  24  also includes eyes which are a facial feature  15 . An exemplary facial feature  15  is googly eyes. As may be seen in  FIG. 2 , character features may include non-facial features such as hats, crowns, bandanas, or helmets to name a few. Lots of other character features are possible including bodies, horns, clothes and sunglasses just to name a few. 
         [0030]    In preferred embodiments, the character features  14  are small such that they can be contained within the droplet of water  12 . In many embodiments, the character feature  14  may remain on the surface of the droplet of water  12  due to the surface tension of the droplet. The character feature  14  may remain on top of the water bead  12  even when the water bead  12  moves across the surface of the playset. In other embodiments, the character feature  14  may just be contained within the droplet of water  12  as it travels around the playing surface. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates a container  30  with a character feature  12  within the container  30  without any water added. In some embodiments, a container  30  may be provided to allow mixing the water and the character feature  14 . In addition to the character feature  14 , other items may be added to the water droplet  12 . For example, in some embodiments, coloring or tinting may be added to the water droplet  12 . In yet other embodiments, glitter, confetti or other decorative items may be added to the water droplet  12 . In preferred embodiments, the container  30  may be sealable such that the water droplet  12  and character feature  14  may be completely contained and safely transported. In some embodiments, the container  30 , or at least the inside surface of the container  30 , may be hydrophobic. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a water-pet  10  including a droplet of water  12  and a character feature  14  on a hydrophobic play surface  16 . In operation, the water-pet  10  is introduced onto the hydrophobic play surface  16  within the playset  13 . The water-pet  10  may then be manipulated around the playset  13 . Embodiments of the present invention give users a “video game” experience in a tangible handheld form. Users can create their own characters, make or manipulate character personalities, unlock special content, and discover and build different environments. 
         [0033]    The playset  13  may be any type of playset with a hydrophobic surface  16 . The user can manipulate the playset  13 , changing its orientation, such that gravity rolls or slides the bead of water  12  including a character feature  14  around the playset  13 . In some embodiments, the playset  13  may include movable gates to control the movement of the water-pet  10 . The user may manipulate the gateways to redirect the water-pet  10  as it travels. 
         [0034]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the playset is a maze like play set with a number of action areas. In operation, the bead of water  12  including the character feature  14  may be manipulated around the playset maze by tilting the playset  13  in the user&#39;s hands. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the character aspects of the water-pet  10  are further enhanced with an electronically interactive playset  13  that gives the water-pet  10  a voice or makes other noises depending on where the water-pet  10  is located. The playset  13  may also interactively produce music and sound effects. In preferred embodiments, the electronics may include character development programing to create various different play patterns including allowing the user to interact in a story based on how the user chooses to manipulate the water-pet  10  within the playset. In some embodiments, the playset&#39;s electronic interactivity may take the form of a game that challenges the user to move the bead of water  12  including a character feature  14  around the playset  13  to gain points or accomplish goals. 
         [0036]    In preferred embodiments, the playset  13  is in a form that can be manipulated by the user thereby changing its orientation such that gravity rolls or slides the water-pet  10  around the playset  10  to trigger sensors/switches. The sensor/switches may be formed by two electronic sensor points embedded in the surface of the hydroponic surface  16  such that the water completes the circuit when placed over both sensor points. 
         [0037]    As may be seen in  FIG. 4 , the playset represents an interior with a bathroom, track, kitchen, bedroom and entertainment area. In each location within the playset  13  may include its own sensor or sensors that activate a response when triggered by the water-pet  10 . For example, when the water-pet  10  enters the bathroom, the sound of a toilet flushing may be triggered by the corresponding sensor. As another example, when the water-pet enters the bed within the bedroom, the sound of snoring may be created. These are just a couple examples of sounds that may be played based on the location of the water-pet  10  and as explained in more detail below, many other responses are possible. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of a playset  13  designed to imitate the interior space of a building. The building may be a normal house, a themed house, a DJ house, an under sea house, a fun house, a pirate&#39;s layer, the inside of a spaceship or any other interior space. As may be seen in both  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in preferred embodiments, the hydrophobic surface  16  of the playset  13  is decorated to appear to be an interior space or some other desired space. Barriers  104  may be constructed rising up perpendicular to the hydrophobic surface  16  to create a maze like structure. The barriers  104  prevent movement of the water-pet  10  across certain boundaries and force the user to manipulate the playset  13  to move the water-pet  10  to the desired location. In addition to barriers  104 , ramps  102  may be constructed within the playset to add additional play patterns. Other structures or barriers are also possible such as bridges, boxes, holes or any other type of structure that limits or directs the movement of the water-pet  10 . 
         [0039]    In various different embodiments, the playsets may include different modes of play like chase mode, explore mode or any other type of mode. Modes may be selected manually, automatically, or may turn on based on some sequence of events. For example, modes may start at a random time or they may start after a routine is played and successfully completed. In addition, a mode change may be triggered by missing or failing to complete a task or arriving at a wrong location. In some embodiments, a new mode may begin within a fixed amount of time after the unit is woken up or the water-pet  10  enters the playset  13 . For each mode, a specific background music or soundtrack may be played to indicate the mode. In addition, different sounds than normal may be associated with each sensor to indicate that a particular mode sequence is still occurring. 
         [0040]    In preferred embodiments, the playset  13  may include a chase mode. When the chase sequence game mode is activated, different areas or rooms of the playset  13  may have LED lights that illuminate in different sequences. The user would be required to manipulate the water-pet  10  to a particular illuminated location to trigger the sensor in an allotted amount of time and then continue onto another 1-3 locations to receive an audio payoff and cumulative points in the game. In preferred embodiments, the chase sequence the user is required to complete may be varied such that the same sequence is not required each time. 
         [0041]    In preferred embodiments, rewards and/or penalties may be associated with each step of a chase sequence and/or the overall sequence. For example, if the playset is manipulated and the water-pet  10  arrives at the final destination under a certain allotted time, the user may receive a reward. Rewards may include a change in mode, points, increase in mood or any other trackable reward. In contrast, not arriving at a specific destination in time or arriving at a wrong location may cause the user to be penalized. Penalties may include wrong move sounds, blinking lights or all lights blinking, points loss, mood loss, change in mood, or any other type of trackable penalty. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the playset and accompanying electronics may allow players to unlock secret novelty audio tracks by triggering the sensors in specific sequenced combinations. As just one example, the character can audibly transform into another character at any time during play. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the playset may include a vibrator that is in communication with the hydrophobic surface of the playset. In operation, the vibrator is activated when the bead of water character is located above the vibrator causing the bead of water to bounce around. In other embodiments, other actions may activate the vibrator. 
         [0044]    The hydrophobic quality of the playset  13 , surface of the playset  16 , or container  30  may be accomplished by applying a texture or chemical coating. Depending on the type of playset  13 , one or more surfaces may be made hydrophobic. In some embodiments, both the surface  16  and the maze walls  104  are made hydrophobic. In preferred embodiments, any surface that will come in contact with the water-pet  10  are made hydrophobic. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a pin ball playset  13 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the water-pet  10  may be manipulated throughout the pinball play field. Flippers  106  may be used to bat the water-pet  10  around the pinball field. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a pirate ship playset  13 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a rock stage playset  13 . In preferred embodiments, different numbers or types of sensors may be made removable such that regular and deluxe version of any playset  13  may be sold. In addition to pirate ships and rock stages, any number of other themes may exist for playsets  13 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a chain reaction playset  13 . A chain reaction playset includes a plurality of separate apparatus like, slides, shoots, buckets and teeter totters in which completion of one apparatus causes the next apparatus to be initiated. 
         [0049]    In preferred embodiments, the playsets include unlock opportunities. With unlock opportunities, kids can get special content, go online to learn about where the hidden content is, how to unlock it, pay to unlock it, or access top-secret files. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a playset  13  for use with characters in the form of water droplets. Playsets  13  may be sold with various accessories that are used with the playset including a water dropper, holders, and other accessories. To this end, the playset  13  may include storage  52  for such accessories. In addition, playsets  13  that include electronics may have a card slot  42  to allow different programmable cards to be inserted. Each programmable card may contain different versions of software or different software all together. The various different software can cause the playset to perform and act differently such that the entire experience and/or play patterns experience with the playset  13  may be changed simply by changing the programmable card in the card slot  42 . 
         [0051]    As part of the experience, some playsets  13  may include mode and/or character buttons  48 . In operation, pressing one of the character buttons may change the character associated with the current game. To this end, users may be able to select different character profiles by pressing a character button. Different character profiles may elicit different responses as the users interact with the playset  13 . 
         [0052]    In addition to selecting different character profiles for any particular session, a playset  13  may also include a mode button  48  that allows users to change the mode of play. Changing the mode of play may change the play patterns of the playset  13 . For example, different modes may be chase mode, explore mode, dance mode or any other number of modes. Each mode may encourage and/or reward a user for interacting with the playset in a different manner. Mode buttons  48  allow a user to manually select a mode. 
         [0053]    Playsets  13  may also include a point counter  46 . A point counter  46  may be implemented using led lights or another type of display. Point counters  46  may tally or accumulate points based on a user&#39;s particular performance during play. For example, the point counter  46  may accumulate points for character health, character power, levels, character achievement, tasks accomplished or any number of other identified criteria. 
         [0054]    In order to provide the various different experiences to the user, the playset  13  may have a plurality of switches, sensors, vibrators, speakers or lights  44  embedded in the surface  16  of the board. The switches and/or sensors  44  may be able to detect the position of the water-pet  10  and cause an appropriate electronic response. In some embodiments, one or more sound libraries may be included as part of the electronics. To this end, each sensor  44  may be associated with a sound library and when the sensor  44  is activated, may cause one or more sounds from the sound library to be played. The sound may be a specific sound or may be randomly selected from the library. Vibrators, speakers and lights may be activated to provide feedback to the user. 
         [0055]      FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of a happiness meter  60  for use with embodiments of the playset. A happiness meter  60  may be incorporated into any playset  13  and integrated with the electronics. The happiness meter  60  may contain a number of happiness levels  62  and may associate a happiness level  62  with the current game in progress. Based on the associated happiness level  62 , the game may respond differently to user actions. Moreover, user actions may change the status of the happiness level. For example, if the water-pet  10  has not eaten in a while, and the user takes the water-pet  10  to a specific location within the playset  13  associated with eating, the happiness level  62  may be increased. Alternatively, other actions or non-actions may cause the happiness level  62  to be decreased. In preferred embodiments, the happiness level  62  may be displayed by various different facial icons that may be illuminated with LEDs to indicate the current happiness level  62 . Each facial icon may have a different facial expression to indicate the happiness level  62 . In some embodiments, the happiness level  62  may automatically decrease based on inactivity of the game. To this end, if the user does not play with the game for 4 to 24 hours, the happiness level  62  may decrease 1 level. If the user does not play with the game for more than 24 hours, the happiness level  62  may revert back to the lowest level. In other embodiments, different time spans may be used and different penalties may be accessed. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, different levels on the happiness meter  60  will require different types of activity to level up. For example, leveling up in levels 1 and 2 may be based on time play while leveling up at higher levels may require the user to engage and complete specific tasks or activities with the playset  13 . In a similar manner, leveling down on the happiness meter  60  may occur if the use does not play for too long a period of time or fails to complete a required task. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the playsets  13  and accompanying electronics may include additional levels or modes not immediately recognizable from the exterior of the playset. These “hidden” levels or “hidden” modes may be achieved by securing online unlocks and tapping into a social community. The online community may include leader boards and other rankings to help encourage extended play. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, the chase sequences or tasks the user needs to complete may not be indicated by the game. For example, in some embodiments of chase mode, the playset  13  may not indicate to the user which area to try and move to next. To this end, the sequence may be learned by the user through trial and error or the instructions may be hidden online or through other media. Instructions or recipes may be planted within brand websites, hidden in packaging, released on specific release day events, planted within blogger sites, or even given away during radio or television commercials. 
         [0059]    Although primarily explained above with respect to a bead of water on a hydrophobic surface, in alternative embodiments the bead of water is replaced by a rolling object such as a ball with character features. In such embodiments, the playsets may still have some or all of the features described above including the ability to thematically and electronically interact with the ball character such that the character has the effect of producing speech and sound effects. In a similar manner to the water droplet, the embodiments using a rolling ball character may use photo sensors or electrical contacts to progress the character&#39;s personality or life points. Lights and/or sounds may be played depending on the location and manipulation of the ball character within the playset. The playset may have moveable gates to control access of the ball to various different locations. The playset can preferably be manipulated by a user changing its orientation such that gravity rolls or slides the ball character around the playset. The electronic game designed to challenge the user to move the ball character around the playset to acquire points or accomplish goals. 
         [0060]    Although the embodiments have been described with reference to preferred configurations and specific examples, it will readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and adaptations of the character games and methods of play described herein are possible without departure from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as claimed hereinafter. Thus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the embodiments as claimed below.