The system, Lightspace Play, is capable of storing and running a potentially limitless variety of LED games and interactive LED programs that can be used by any number of participants simultaneously. Lightspace Play creates an engaging experience that will draw young children, teenagers and adults alike. Lightspace Play provides significant return on investment by generating the repeat-customer business so critical for family entertainment center growth and profitability.

Lightspace Play includes an interactive floor surface comprised of 16x16 programmable LED lit and pressure sensitive tiles constructed to fit a 10 foot square space. Each tile consists of sixteen 4 x 4 pixels that can display any color, pattern or image. The surface is able to detect location, movement and density of players to give a realistic gaming experience. Reactions to player movements are displayed on the surface and are accompanied by sound effects.

The Lightspace Play software is housed in a durable kiosk station that is located next to the platform. Kiosks can be formatted to collect different forms of payment (i.e. coins, tokens, bills, credit or magnetic token cards) and to distribute coupons if Lightspace Play is used as a redemption game. The Play software not only stores and runs a vast array of games, but also provides a simple touch screen interface for players to choose and pay for the games they wish to play. New games can be downloaded quickly and easily to the system enabling entertainment center managers to keep their Play system up to date and its appeal fresh without the need to purchase new hardware.

Advantages of Interactive Gaming

Ideal for birthday parties.
Over the last several years, birthday parties and similar group events have become one of the largest sources of revenue for entertainment centers (2003 Annual FEC Industry Report). Lightspace Play provides an activity that all party guests can do together. Groups of friends can compete against or cooperate with one another in a wide variety of games.

Promotes healthy social interaction among children.
Most video games offer a solo experience. Even multi-player games usually require players to concentrate on the screen in front of them instead of the people with whom they are playing. Lightspace Play activities are conducted on the surface and require players to coordinate their movements. The nature of the experience fosters communication between children.

Integrates physical activity and electronic entertainment.
The media has drawn a great deal of attention to the dangers associated with the increasing rate of obesity in America, especially among children. In contrast, physically interactive video games have made headlines recently as a popular and effective form of exercise. The combination of physical movement and the compelling nature of video games have led many formerly sedentary people to spend several hours a week engaging in aerobic activity and enjoying it. Lightspace Play provides not only a multifaceted source of entertainment, but also a fun way to keep fit.

Fits in with recent trends in consumer interest in video games.
The popularity of violent video games is giving way to interactive, more physically challenging games such as paintball and laser tag (Amusement Business Magazine, 9/16/2002). Many entertainment centers do not have sufficient space to install paintball or laser tag facilities. Lightspace Play provides a way to reap the benefits of this trend toward interactive games without having to invest in new real estate.