Universal has published a new patent for an ‘interactive token system’ that would allow guests to collect interactive coins or tokens that communicate with a wearable device to “unlock games or retail experiences”.
The technology includes “one or more interactive tokens, such as an interactive coin”, according to a description. “The interactive token includes a display that displays one or more images,” the patent describes.
“The interactive token may be releasably engaged with a slot disposed on a wearable device or an interactive token station,” it adds.
“Once engaged, the wearable device or interactive token station is able to wirelessly communicate with the interactive token, receive information from the interactive token, display information relating to the interactive token, control actions of the interactive token, and/or use the interactive token as part of a game or trading interaction.”
As above, the interactive tokens could be stored in a wearable device that wirelessly communicates with them. Guests would be able to wear the device during their visit and collect the coins.
Interactive tokens at Universal theme parks
“The wearable device may also include a device display that displays token information related to the engaged tokens as well as onboard lights or other special effect devices,” the patent says.
The system would include collectible tokens that “may be associated with different rides, different characters, and/or different narrative sections of the amusement park”.
Interactive token stations at Universal’s theme parks would allow guests to remove coins and insert them into a “slot of the station to unlock games of retail experiences”. The stations could also let visitors upgrade or unlock “hidden features of an individual interactive token”.
Additionally, some tokens “may be considered to be rare or associated with special achievements, which may also be used as part of interactive experiences within the amusement park to unlock access to restricted areas”.
Last year, Universal filed a patent for technology that would reduce motion sickness, also known as kinetosis, after riding attractions that use screens, such as the Simpsons Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Images: US Patent and Trademark Office
