Interactive device enclosing a hidden prize

Interactive hidden-prize toy device hardware (granted).

A device for use by a user includes a power source, a compartment enclosing a prize, a transceiver powered by the power source, the transceiver configured to receive data identifying a progress by the user toward a completion of an activity, and a progress indicator powered by the power source, the progress indicator configured to display the progress by the user toward the completion of the activity, in accordance with the received data. The transceiver is further configured to receive additional data indicating the completion of the activity by the user. The device is configured to open the compartment enclosing the prize, in response to the transceiver receiving the received additional data indicating the completion of the activity by the user.

BACKGROUND (1) In order to retain their appeal to users, consumer products must periodically evolve in ways that offer users new experiences through use of those products. One potential evolutionary path for an otherwise well-known type of consumer product is to imbue it with certain interactive features that incentivize participation in or completion of a desirable activity. For example, such an interactive consumer product could be used by a parent at home to encourage an uncooperative child to spend more time reading a book, or to complete a heretofore neglected homework assignment. Other possible use cases include educational settings in which an interactive product such as a toy or consumer electronics device could be used to encourage a student to complete a project in a subject the student finds challenging or unenjoyable, or to encourage a shy or introverted student to take part in group activities.