Multiply interconnectable environmentally interactive character simulation module method and system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a game, including a first module having a housing, a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and an electrical contact positioned such that access is available to the electrical contact of the first module through the first module housing, and a second module having a housing, a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and an electrical contact positioned such that access is available to the electrical contact of the second module through the second module housing, the electrical contact of the second module configured to contact the electrical contact of the first module, allowing the processor of the first module to communicate with the processor of the second module. Wherein when the processor of the second module is in communication with the processor of the first module, the first module display and the second module display are configured to each display a portion of a the game, each such portion configured to not overlap each other such portion.

1 . A module, comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory unit that stores one or more computer-readable instructions, that when executed by the processor, implement a method, the method comprising:
 selectively displaying a first animation sequence of a first simulated character based on a first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors; 
 receiving connection information indicating a physical connection status of the module with a second module; and 
 in response to the connection status,
 processing module information associated with the second module; 
 modifying the first animation sequence based on the module information and the first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors; and 
 displaying the modified animation sequence. 
 
   
   
   
       2 . The module of  claim 1 , further in response to the connection status, transmitting character animation information to the second module based on the module information and the first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors. 
   
   
       3 . The module of  claim 1 , further in response to the connection status, receiving the module information from the second module. 
   
   
       4 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the module information includes character animation information that enables the display of an animation sequence of a second simulated character based on a second set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors. 
   
   
       5 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the module information includes properties of the second module. 
   
   
       6 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises receiving sensor input information, and in response to the sensor input information, selectively modifying at least one of the animation sequence and the modified animation sequence. 
   
   
       7 . The module of  claim 6  wherein the sensor input information includes at least one of light sensor information, sound sensor information, and orientation sensor information. 
   
   
       8 . A computer program product, the computer program product comprising:
 a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-readable instructions, that, when executed, implement a method for controlling an animation, the method comprising:
 selectively displaying on a first module a first animation sequence of a first simulated character based on a first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors; 
 receiving connection information indicating a physical connection status of the first module with a second module; and 
 in response to the connection status,
 processing module information associated with the second module; 
 automatically modifying the first animation sequence based on the module information and the first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors; and 
 displaying the modified animation sequence. 
 
   
   
   
       9 . The computer program product of  claim 8 , further in response to the connection status, transmitting character animation information to the second module based on the module information and the first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors. 
   
   
       10 . The computer program product of  claim 8 , further in response to the connection status, receiving the module information from the second module. 
   
   
       11 . The computer program product of  claim 8  wherein the module information includes character animation information that enables the display of an animation sequence of a second simulated character based on a second set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors. 
   
   
       12 . The computer program product of  claim 8  wherein the module information includes properties of the second module. 
   
   
       13 . The computer program product of  claim 8  wherein the method further comprises receiving sensor input information, and in response to the sensor input information, selectively modifying at least one of the animation sequence and the modified animation sequence. 
   
   
       14 . The computer program product of  claim 13  wherein the sensor input information includes at least one of light sensor information, sound sensor information, and orientation sensor information. 
   
   
       15 . A method of animating a simulated character, the method comprising:
 selectively displaying on a first module a first animation sequence of a first simulated character based on a first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors;   receiving connection information indicating a physical connection status of the first module with a second module; and   in response to the connection status,
 processing module information associated with the second module;
 automatically modifying the first animation sequence based on the module information and the first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors; and 
 
 displaying the modified animation sequence. 
   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further in response to the connection status, transmitting character animation information to the second module based on the module information and the first set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , further in response to the connection status, receiving the module information from the second module. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the module information includes character animation information that enables the display of an animation sequence of a second simulated character based on a second set of at least one of character attributes and behaviors. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the module information includes properties of the second module. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising receiving sensor input information, and in response to the sensor input information, selectively modifying at least one of the animation sequence and the modified animation sequence. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the sensor input information includes at least one of light sensor information, sound sensor information, and orientation sensor information.