U.S. patent application number 09/796056 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-29 for systems and methods wherein a portion of landscape information is provided to a remote player device.
Invention is credited to Garcia, V. Maximillian, Kunzle, Adrian E..
Application Number | 20020119819 09/796056 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25167158 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020119819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kunzle, Adrian E. ; et
al. |
August 29, 2002 |
Systems and methods wherein a portion of landscape information is
provided to a remote player device
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided wherein a portion of a
landscape is transmitted to a remote player device. According to
one embodiment, a game controller determines landscape information
associated with a game being played by a player. A first portion of
the landscape information is transmitted to a remote player device
without transmitting a second portion. For example, a first portion
of a maze configuration may be transmitted without a second
portion. The game controller then arranges for the player to play
the game via the remote player device in accordance with the first
portion of the landscape information, and a game result will be
based on the first and second portions of the landscape
information.
Inventors: |
Kunzle, Adrian E.; (New
York, NY) ; Garcia, V. Maximillian; (New Haven,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCKLEY, MASCHOFF, TALWALKAR, & ALLISON
5 ELM STREET
NEW CANAAN
CT
06840
US
|
Family ID: |
25167158 |
Appl. No.: |
09/796056 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/30 ;
463/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/552 20130101;
A63F 13/12 20130101; A63F 2300/50 20130101; A63F 13/335 20140902;
A63F 13/35 20140902; A63F 13/792 20140902; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/30 ;
463/33 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of facilitating game play at a game controller,
comprising: determining landscape information associated with a
game being played by a player; transmitting a first portion of the
landscape information to a remote player device via a communication
network without transmitting a second portion; and arranging for
the player to play the game via the remote player device in
accordance with the first portion of the landscape information,
wherein a game result will be based on the first and second
portions of the landscape information.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: updating the first
portion of the landscape information; and transmitting the updated
first portion of the landscape information to the remote player
device via the communication network.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining comprises at
least one of: (i) generating the landscape information, and (ii)
retrieving pre-stored landscape information.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the landscape information is
associated with at least one of: (i) a particular game played by
the player, (ii) a plurality of games, and (iii) a plurality of
players.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the landscape information
comprises at least one of: (i) maze information, (ii) terrain
information, (iii) game item information, (iv) a game item
locations, (v) game prize information, and (vi) a game prize
locations.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the
landscape information comprises at least one of: (i) a portion of a
maze, (ii) a portion of a terrain, (iii) a subset of game item
information, (iv) a subset of game item locations, (v) a subset of
game prize information, and (vi) a subset of game prize
locations.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the
landscape information includes (i) information that is currently
displayed to the player via the remote player device, and (ii)
information that is not currently displayed to the player via the
remote player device.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining the first
portion of the landscape information.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first portion of the
landscape information is determined based on a current game
location associated with the player.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first portion of the
landscape information is further based on at least one of: (i)
direction information, (ii) speed information, and (iii)
acceleration information.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the first portion of the
landscape information is determined based on a prior game location
associated with the player.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: arranging for the
player to provide payment in exchange for game play.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said arranging is performed via
at least one of: (i) a payment identifier, (ii) a credit card
account, (iii) a debit card account, (iv) a bank account, and (v) a
digital payment protocol.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining the
game result based on both the first and second portions of the
landscape information.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: arranging for the
player to receive a prize based on the game result.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the prize comprises payment of
at least one of: (i) a monetary amount, and (ii) an alternate
currency amount.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein game play is associated with a
game of skill.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the game of skill comprises an
arcade-style game in which the player moves within a maze.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote player device
comprises at least one of: (i) a personal computer, (ii) a portable
computing device, (iii) a personal digital assistant, (iv) a
telephone, (v) a wireless telephone, (vi) a game terminal, (vii) an
interactive television device, and (viii) a kiosk.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication network
comprises at least one of: (i) the Internet, (ii) a public network,
(iii) a public switched telephone network, (iv) a proprietary
network, (v) a cable television network, (vi) a wireless network,
and (vii) a local area network.
21. A game controller, comprising: a processor; and a storage
device in communication with said processor and storing
instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: determine
landscape information associated with a game being played by a
player; transmit a first portion of the landscape information to a
remote player device via a communication network without
transmitting a second portion; and arrange for the player to play
the game via the remote player device in accordance with the first
portion of the landscape information, wherein a game result will be
based on the first and second portions of the landscape
information.
22. The game controller of claim 21, wherein said storage device
further stores at least one of: (i) a player database, (ii) a game
database, and (iii) a landscape database.
23. The game controller of claim 21, further comprising: a
communication device coupled to said processor and adapted to
communicate with at least one of: (i) the remote player device, and
(ii) a payment device.
24. A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a
processor to perform a method of facilitating game play at a game
controller, said method comprising: determining landscape
information associated with a game being played by a player;
transmitting a first portion of the landscape information to a
remote player device via a communication network without
transmitting a second portion; and arranging for the player to play
the game via the remote player device in accordance with the first
portion of the landscape information, wherein a game result will be
based on the first and second portions of the landscape
information.
25. A computer-implemented method of facilitating game play at a
game controller, wherein game play is associated with movement
within a maze, comprising: arranging for a player to provide
payment in exchange for game play; determining a first portion of
the maze based on an initial player location within the maze;
transmitting the first portion of the maze to a remote player
device without transmitting a second portion; arranging for the
player to play a game via the remote player device in accordance
with the first portion of the maze; updating the first portion of
the maze based on a current player location within the maze;
transmitting the updated first portion of the maze to the remote
player device; determining a game result based on movement within
the maze by the player; and arranging for the player to receive
payment of a monetary amount based on the game result.
26. A method of facilitating game play at a game controller,
comprising: determining game information associated with a game
being played by a player; arranging for a remote player device to
receive a first portion of the game information without receiving a
second portion; and arranging for the player to play the game at
the remote player device in accordance with the first portion of
the game information, wherein a game result will be based on the
first and second portions of the game information.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the game information comprises
at least one of: (i) text information, (ii) image information,
(iii) audio information, (iv) landscape information, (v) maze
information, (vi) terrain information, (vii) game item information,
(viii) game item locations, (ix) game prize information, and (x)
game prize locations.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the game comprises a game of
skill.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the game of skill comprises an
arcade-style game in which the player moves within at least one of:
(i) a landscape, (ii) a terrain, and (iii) a maze.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the game of skill is associated
with a physics simulation.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the game of skill comprises at
least one of: (i) a golf simulation; (ii) a golf putting
simulation; (iii) an archery simulation; (iv) a moving water
simulation; (v) a racing simulation; (vi) a fishing simulation;
(vii) a baseball simulation; (viii) a basketball simulation; (ix) a
football simulation; (x) a soccer simulation; (xi) a hockey
simulation; (xii) a bowling simulation; (xiii) a billiards
simulation; (xiv) a throwing simulation; (xv) a ring-toss
simulation; (xvi) a shooting simulation; and (xvii) a space
simulation.
32. The method of claim 28, wherein the game of skill comprises at
least one of: (i) a trivia game, and (ii) a puzzle game.
33. A method of facilitating game play at a player device,
comprising: receiving a first portion of game information from a
remote game controller via a communication network without
receiving a second portion of game information; and arranging for a
player to play a game via the player device in accordance with the
first portion of the game information, wherein a game result will
be based on the first and second portions of the game information.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to games. In particular, the
present invention relates to systems and methods wherein a portion
of landscape information is provided to a remote player device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many players enjoy playing computer-based games, such as
fast paced arcade-style games (e.g., games in which a player uses
skill, such as his or her planning and reflexes, to achieve a
goal). Examples of arcade-style games include computer-based maze
games, racing games, fighting games, shooting games, and flying
games. In a computer-based maze game, for example, a player
typically moves about within a two-dimensional or three-dimensional
maze (e.g., by moving an icon or other representation associated
with the player). The player may, for example, provide player
inputs (e.g., "up," "down," "left," or "right") to control his or
her movement within the maze. Generally, the player uses a keyboard
and/or a computer mouse to generate these player inputs.
[0003] Using these player inputs, the player navigates through the
maze in an attempt to achieve one or more goals. For example, the
player may try to exit the maze or collect game items located
within the maze. The player may need to achieve a goal, for
example, within a limited number of moves (or a limited amount of
movement) or a predetermined period of time. In some games, a goal
must be achieved before a player encounters a game item within the
maze (e.g., encountering a monster located within the maze may end
game play).
[0004] Many players also enjoy playing other types of games, such
as games involving simulated physics. In a computer-based golf
game, for example, a physics simulation (e.g., a computer program)
calculates a trajectory of a simulated golf ball in accordance with
a set of player inputs, (e.g., a golf club type, a golf club
velocity, and/or an angular measurement associated with a swing of
a golf club). The player may continue to provide player inputs
(e.g., by taking additional swings) until the simulated golf ball
comes to rest in a simulated golf hole. In this case, a player may
be allowed to shoot the simulated golf ball around, but not
through, an obstacle (e.g., a tree or a windmill).
[0005] One way a player can play a game, such as any of the games
described above, is via a player device. For example, the player
may use his or her Personal Computer (PC) to access a Web site
associated with a game provider.
[0006] Some players, however, may try to use automated game playing
devices to unfairly help them during game play. For example, a
player may create an automated game playing device that captures
information when a maze is displayed on a computer screen. In this
case, the automated game playing device may analyze the captured
information and calculate an optimal path through the maze (e.g., a
path that exits the maze while collecting a maximum number of game
items).
[0007] In a game involving multiple players, such an automated game
playing device may be a concern to other players, who can become
discouraged if they are unable to compete with the automated game
playing device. This will be particularly true if the players have
provided payment in exchange for playing the game and/or are
competing for a prize.
[0008] In addition to being a concern to other players, automated
game playing devices can pose problems for game providers.
Consider, for example, a game provider that promises to pay one
thousand dollars to every player who successfully completes a
computer-based maze game in less than thirty seconds. In this case,
an automated game playing device may result in the game provider
paying out an unfairly large number of prizes.
[0009] To discourage the use of automated game playing devices, the
computer-based maze game may display only a portion of a maze to a
player. In this way, an automated game playing device that captures
information from a game display may be unable to calculate an
optimal path through the maze (e.g., because some of the
information required for such a calculation is included in the game
display). This approach may even make game play more exciting
(e.g., because the player will not know what to expect has he or
she navigates through the maze).
[0010] Such an approach, however, may not prevent all automated
game playing devices from unfairly helping players. For example,
even if the game display does not include information sufficient to
calculate a path through the maze, an automated game playing device
may be able to determine this information in other ways. For
example, an automated game playing device may examine information
stored in computer's memory or hard disk drive to determine a maze
configuration. Similarly, an automated game playing device may
intercept and/or decode information received from a game provider
to determine a maze configuration. Thus, even when a portion of a
maze is not shown in a game display, an automated game playing
device may still be able to unfairly help a player during game play
(e.g., by calculating a path through a maze).
[0011] Similar problems exist with other types of computer-based
games (e.g., an automated game playing device may calculate an
optimal series of simulated golf swings based on terrain
information stored at a player device).
SUMMARY
[0012] To alleviate problems inherent in the prior art, the present
invention introduces systems and methods wherein a portion of
landscape information is provided to a remote player device.
[0013] According to one embodiment, a game controller determines
landscape information associated with a game being played by a
player. A first portion of the landscape information is transmitted
to a remote player device via a communication network without a
second portion. The game controller arranges for the player to play
the game via the remote player device in accordance with the first
portion of the landscape information, and a game result will be
based on the first and second portions of the landscape
information.
[0014] Another embodiment is directed to facilitating game play at
a game controller, wherein game play is associated with movement
within a maze. According to this embodiment, it is arranged for a
player to provide payment in exchange for game play. A first
portion of the maze is determined based on an initial player
location within the maze, and the first portion is transmitted to a
remote player device without a second portion. It is arranged for
the player to play a game via the remote player device in
accordance with the first portion of the maze. The first portion of
the maze is updated based on a current player location within the
maze, and the updated first portion of the maze is transmitted to
the remote player device. A game result is determined based on
movement within the maze by the player, and it is arranged for the
player to receive payment of a monetary amount based on the game
result.
[0015] According to another embodiment, game information associated
with a game being played by a player is determined, and it is
arranged for a remote player device to receive a first portion of
the game information without receiving a second portion. It is also
arranged for the player to play the game at the remote player
device in accordance with the first portion of the game
information, and a game result will be based on the first and
second portions of the game information.
[0016] Another embodiment is directed to facilitating game play at
a player device. According to this embodiment, a first portion of
game information is received from a remote game controller via a
communication network without receiving a second portion of game
information. It is arranged for a player to play a game via the
player device in accordance with the first portion of the game
information, and a game result will be based on the first and
second portions of the game information.
[0017] One embodiment of the present invention comprises: means for
determining landscape information associated with a game being
played by a player; means for transmitting a first portion of the
landscape information to a remote player device via a communication
network without transmitting a second portion; and means for
arranging for the player to play the game via the remote player
device in accordance with the first portion of the landscape
information, wherein a game result will be based on the first and
second portions of the landscape information.
[0018] Another embodiment comprises: means for arranging for a
player to provide payment in exchange for game play; means for
determining a first portion of the maze based on an initial player
location within the maze; means for transmitting the first portion
of the maze to a remote player device without transmitting a second
portion; means for arranging for the player to play a game via the
remote player device in accordance with the first portion of the
maze; means for updating the first portion of the maze based on a
current player location within the maze; means for transmitting the
updated first portion of the maze to the remote player device;
means for determining a game result based on movement within the
maze by the player; and means for arranging for the player to
receive payment of a monetary amount based on the game result.
[0019] Still another embodiment comprises: means for determining
game information associated with a game being played by a player;
means for arranging for a remote player device to receive a first
portion of the game information without receiving a second portion;
and means for arranging for the player to play the game at the
remote player device in accordance with the first portion of the
game information, wherein a game result will be based on the first
and second portions of the game information.
[0020] Yet another embodiment comprises: means for receiving a
first portion of game information from a remote game controller via
a communication network without receiving a second portion of game
information; and means for arranging for a player to play a game
via a player device in accordance with the first portion of the
game information, wherein a game result will be based on the first
and second portions of the game information.
[0021] With these and other advantages and features of the
invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the invention may
be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed
description of the invention, the appended claims, and the drawings
attached herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram overview of a game system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2A is a flow chart of a method for facilitating game
play according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2B illustrates landscape information according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a player device according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a tabular representation of a portion of a game
play database according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a game controller according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of a portion of a player
database according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a tabular representation of a portion of a game
database according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a tabular representation of a portion of a
landscape database according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a computer-implemented method for
facilitating game play at a game controller according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating game
play at a player device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate player devices displaying
game information according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems
and methods wherein a portion of "landscape information" is
provided to a remote player device. As used herein, the phrase
"landscape information" may refer to, for example, game information
that is provided to a player, or to a player device, during game
play. Consider, for example, a computer-based maze game. In this
case, landscape information may comprise a particular maze
configuration and/or game items located within the maze. Other
examples of landscape information include terrain and terrain
features (e.g., mud, sand, and water) and map information (e.g.,
roads and buildings). Note that the landscape information does not
need to be static. Consider, for example, a computer-based space
game. In this case, the landscape information may comprise size,
direction, and velocity information associated with a number of
asteroids and planets that must be avoided (or obtained) during
game play.
[0035] Game System Overview
[0036] Turning now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block
diagram of a game system 100 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The game system 100 includes a game controller
500 in communication with a number of remote player devices 300. As
used herein, devices (such as the player devices 300 and the game
controller 500) may communicate, for example, via a communication
network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Metropolitan Area
Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a proprietary network, a
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Wireless Application
Protocol (WAP) network, a cable television network, or an Internet
Protocol (IP) network such as the Internet, an intranet or an
extranet. Moreover, as used herein, communications include those
enabled by wired or wireless technology. Note that although a
single game controller 500 is shown in FIG. 1, any number of game
controllers 500 may be included in the game system 100. Similarly,
any number of the other devices described herein may be included in
the game system 100 according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0037] In one embodiment, a player device 300 communicates with a
remote, Web-based game controller 500 (e.g., a server) via the
Internet. Although some embodiments are described with respect to
information exchanged via a game provider's Web site, according to
other embodiments information is instead exchanged, for example,
via: a telephone, an Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVRU),
electronic mail, a WEBTV.RTM. interface, a cable network interface,
and/or a wireless communication system.
[0038] The player device 300 and the game controller 500 may be any
devices capable of performing various functions described herein.
The player device 300 may be, for example: a PC, a portable
computing device such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a
wired or wireless telephone, a one-way or two-way pager, a kiosk
(e.g., a game kiosk located at an airport terminal), an interactive
television device, a game terminal (e.g., a SONY PLAY STATION.RTM.
video game terminal), or any other appropriate storage and/or
communication device.
[0039] Note that the devices shown in FIG. 1 need not be in
constant communication. For example, the player device 300 may only
communicate with the game controller 500 via the Internet when
appropriate (e.g., when attached to a "docking" station or "cradle"
coupled to the player's PC). The player device 300 may also
communicate with the game controller 500 via an infrared device
when near a game kiosk.
[0040] A player can use a player device 300 to receive information
associated with game play. For example, a player may view a portion
of a maze via the player device 300. The player device 300 may also
be used to provide or generate player inputs during game play. For
example, a player may use a keyboard or mouse coupled to his or her
PC to navigate through a maze.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, a player may also attempt to use an
automated game playing device 360 to help him or her during game
play. The automated game playing device 360 may be, for example, a
modified game program or a separate software program that is being
executed on the player device 300. For example, a player may create
an automated game playing device 360 that analyzes information
received by, or stored at, the player device 360 in order to
determine a maze configuration. The automated game playing device
360 may then calculate an optimal path through the maze (e.g., a
path that exits the maze while collecting a maximum number of game
items).
[0042] FIG. 2A is a flow chart of a method for facilitating game
play according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flow
charts in FIG. 2A and the other figures described herein do not
imply a fixed order to the steps, and embodiments of the present
invention can be practiced in any order that is practicable.
Moreover, the methods may be performed by any of the devices
described herein. The method shown in FIG. 2A may be performed, for
example, by the game controller 500.
[0043] At 202, landscape information associated with a game being
played by a player is determined. For example, the game controller
500 may generate the landscape information (e.g., using a random
landscape generator) or retrieve pre-stored landscape information.
Note that the landscape information may be associated with the
particular game being played by the player, or with multiple games
and/or players. The landscape information may comprise, for
example, maze information, terrain information, game item
information, game item locations, game prize information (e.g.,
indicating that a particular prize is worth $5.00), and/or game
prize locations.
[0044] At 204, a first portion of the landscape information is
transmitted to a player device 300 without transmitting a second
portion. For example, the game controller 500 may only transmit a
portion of a maze, a portion of a terrain, a subset of game item
information, a subset of game item locations, a subset of game
prize information, and/or a subset of game prize locations. In a
computer-based maze game, the game controller 500 might only
transmit the section of the maze around the player's current
location. In this way, an automated game playing device 300 will be
unable to analyze (and make calculations based on) the other
sections of the maze.
[0045] Note that although the second portion of the landscape
information is not transmitted to the player device 300 at this
point, some or all of this information may eventually be
transmitted during game play. For example, the game controller 500
may update the first portion of the landscape information based on
a player's current location and transmit the updated first portion
to the player device 300. In a computer-based maze game, this may
mean that additional sections of a maze are transmitted to the
player device 300 during game play.
[0046] Also note that some information associated with the second
portion can be transmitted to the player device 300 and/or
displayed to the player. For example, a coarse outline of an entire
maze may be transmitted to the player device 300, but detailed
information (e.g., showing game items within the maze) may only be
transmitted with respect to the first portion.
[0047] It is then arranged for the player to play the game via the
player device 300 in accordance with the first portion of the
landscape information at 206. For example, a player may provide
player inputs in order to move about within a maze. Note that a
game result will eventually be based on the first and second
portions of the landscape information. That is, whether or not the
player is able to exit a maze within a predetermined period of time
may depend on a portion of the maze that is not initially
transmitted to the player device 300.
[0048] By way of example, consider the landscape information 250
shown in FIG. 2B. In this case, the landscape information 250 is a
two-dimensional maze comprising areas "A1" through "19." Although a
two-dimensional maze is shown in FIG. 2B for clarity, embodiments
of the present invention would similarly apply to three-dimensional
mazes. FIG. 2B also shows an indication of the player's current
position 252 and game items 254 that can be collected by the player
during game play.
[0049] As represented by a dashed box in FIG. 2B, only a portion
256 of the landscape information 250 is transmitted to the player
device 300. This portion 256 is then displayed do the player via a
game display 260. That is, only the portion of the landscape
information 250 representing areas "E2" through "I8" is transmitted
to the player device 300. In this way, an automated game playing
device 360 will be unable to calculate an optimal path through the
entire landscape information 250.
[0050] Because additional information will need to be sent to the
player device 300 during game play (e.g., when the player moves to
area "B2"), a game provider may find it difficult to provide
smooth, fast-past game play via the player device 300. That is, the
player device 300 may be prevented from displaying the additional
portions of the maze until those portions are received from the
game controller 500.
[0051] To address such a problem, the game controller 500 may
transmit to the player device 300 both information that will
currently be displayed to the player (i.e., the portion 256) and an
additional portion 258 that will not currently be displayed to the
player (i.e., represented by the shaded area in FIG. 2B). That is,
an additional "fringe" of information representing an area outside
the game display 260 may be transmitted to the player device 300 to
enable smoother and/or faster game play. Note that even in this
case, much of the landscape information 250 is still not
transmitted to the player device 300 (providing protection against
automated game playing devices 360).
[0052] The game controller 500 may determine the displayed portion
256 and/or the additional portion 258 based on a current game
location associated with the player. These portions 256, 258 may
also be determined based on, for example, direction information,
speed information, acceleration information, and/or a prior game
location. For example, if a player is moving slowly to the left
within a maze, the game controller 500 may transmit a small
additional portion 258 representing an area to the left of the
current game display 260. If the player begins to move more
quickly, the game controller 500 would instead transmit a larger
additional portion 258 to the player device 300.
[0053] According to one embodiment, it is arranged for a player to
provide payment in exchange for game play. For example, the game
controller 500 may arrange for a player to provide payment via a
payment identifier associated with a credit card account, a debit
card account, a bank account, and/or a digital payment protocol.
The game controller 500 may also arrange for a player to receive
prize (e.g., payment of a prize amount) based on a game result. As
shown in FIG. 1, a payment device 110 can be used for the player to
provide or receive payment (e.g., payment of a monetary amount or
an alternate currency amount such as a gift certificate).
[0054] As described above, the present invention may be directed to
a game of skill (i.e., a game in which a game result is determined
predominately by skill as opposed to chance) such as an
arcade-style game in which the player moves within a landscape
(e.g., a computer-based maze game). As another example, a player
may move about a terrain (e.g., including hills, forests, and
streams).
[0055] According to another embodiment, the game controller 500
determines other types of game information associated with a game
being played by a player. It is then arranged for a player device
300 to receive a first portion of the game information without
receiving a second portion. The game controller 500 then arranges
for the player to play the game at the player device 300 in
accordance with the first portion of the game information, and a
game result will be based on the first and second portions of the
game information. For example, the game information may comprise
text information, image information, and/or audio information.
[0056] Such an embodiment may be used, for example, in connection
with a game of skill associated with a physics simulation such a
golf simulation (including a golf putting simulation). Other games
that are associated with physics simulations include archery games,
moving water games (e.g., white water rafting), racing games,
fishing or hunting games, sports games (e.g., baseball, basketball,
football, soccer, and hockey games), bowling games, billiards
games, throwing games, ring-toss games, shooting games, and
space-based games. The present invention may also be applicable,
for example, with respect to trivia and puzzle games. Of course, a
single game may incorporate more than one type of game play (e.g.,
by including both arcade-style game play and a physics
simulation).
[0057] Player Device
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a player device 300 that is descriptive
of the device shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The player device 300 comprises a processor 310,
such as one or more INTEL.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors, coupled to
a communication device 320 configured to communicate via a
communication network (not shown in FIG. 3). The communication
device 320 may be used to communicate, for example, with the game
controller 500 and/or the payment device 110.
[0059] The processor 310 is also in communication with an input
device 340. The input device 340 may comprise, for example, a
keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, a microphone, a knob or
a switch (including an electronic representation of a knob or a
switch), an infrared port, a docking station, and/or a touch
screen. Such an input device 340 may be used, for example, to
provide player inputs (e.g., by manipulating a pointer associated
with a computer-based maze game).
[0060] The processor 310 is also in communication with an output
device 350. The output device 340 may comprise, for example, a
display (e.g., a computer monitor), a speaker, and/or a printer.
The output device 350 may be used, for example, to provide game
information to a player (e.g., by displaying a portion of a maze to
a player).
[0061] The processor 310 is also in communication with a storage
device 330. The storage device 330 may comprise any appropriate
information storage device, including combinations of magnetic
storage devices (e.g., magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical
storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as Random
Access Memory (RAM) devices and Read Only Memory (ROM) devices.
[0062] The storage device 330 stores a program 315 for controlling
the processor 310. The processor 310 performs instructions of the
program 315, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention. For example, the processor 310 may receive a first
portion of game information from a game controller 500 without
receiving a second portion of game information. The processor 310
may also arrange for a player to play a game in accordance with the
first portion of the game information, and a game result may be
based on the first and second portions of the game information.
[0063] As used herein, information may be "received" by or
"transmitted" to, for example: (i) the player device 300 from the
game controller 500; or (ii) a software application or module
within the player device 300 from another software application,
module, or any other source.
[0064] FIG. 11A illustrates a PC 302 displaying a computer-based
maze game according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
PC 302 includes a keyboard 342A and a mouse 342B which can be used
by a player to provide player inputs (e.g., moves within a maze).
The PC 302 also includes a computer display 352A and speakers 352B
which can be used, for example, to provide a portion of a maze
configuration to a player.
[0065] FIG. 11B illustrates a PDA 304 displaying a computer-based
racing game according to another embodiment of the present
invention. The PDA 304 includes an input device 344 and an output
device 354 (e.g., a display screen) that may be used by a player
during game play. Similarly, FIG. 11C illustrates a wireless
telephone 306 including an input device 346 and an output device
356 displaying a computer-based space game.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the storage device 330 also stores a
game play database 400. An example of a game play database 400 will
now be described in detail. The illustrations and accompanying
descriptions of the databases presented herein are exemplary, and
any number of other database arrangements could be employed besides
those suggested by the figures.
[0067] Game Play Database
[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, a table represents the game play
database 400 that may be stored at a player device 300 according to
an embodiment of the present invention. The table includes an entry
identifying a game that is being played by a player via the game
system 100. The table also defines fields 402, 404, 406, 408 for
the entry. The fields specify: a game identifier 402, a player
identifier 404, a landscape portion 406, and a current player
location 408. The information in the game play database 400 may be
created and updated, for example, as a player plays a game via the
game system 100.
[0069] The game identifier 402 may be, for example, an alphanumeric
code associated with a game that is being played via the game
system 100. The player identifier 404 represents a player who is
playing the game.
[0070] The landscape portion 406 represents a portion of a
landscape that has been received from the game controller 500. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the landscape portion 406 may represent a
portion of a maze (i.e., areas "E2" through "I8" as shown in FIG.
2B). Note that the landscape portion 406 may be updated by the game
controller 500 during game play. The current player location 408
represents a current location of the player within the landscape
(i.e., area "I5" as shown in FIG. 2B). Because the entire landscape
is not stored at the player device 300, an automated game playing
device 360 may be unable to calculate an optimal strategy for the
player.
[0071] Game Controller
[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates a game controller 500 that is descriptive
of the device shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The game controller 500 comprises a processor
510, such as one or more INTEL.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors,
coupled to a communication device 520 configured to communicate via
a communication network (not shown in FIG. 5). The communication
device 520 may be used to communicate, for example, with one or
more player devices 300 and/or the payment device 110.
[0073] The processor 510 is also in communication with a storage
device 530. The storage device 530 may comprise any appropriate
information storage device, including combinations of magnetic
storage devices (e.g., magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical
storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as RAM
devices and ROM devices.
[0074] The storage device 530 stores a program 515 for controlling
the processor 510. The processor 510 performs instructions of the
program 515, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention. For example, the processor 510 may determine landscape
information associated with a game being played by a player and
transmit a first portion of the landscape information to a player
device 300 without transmitting a second portion. The processor 510
may also arrange for the player to play in accordance with the
first portion of the landscape information.
[0075] According to one embodiment, the processor 510 arranges for
a player to provide payment in exchange for game play. The
processor 510 also determines a first portion of a maze based on an
initial player location within the maze and transmits the first
portion to a player device 300 without transmitting a second
portion. The processor 510 then arranges for the player to play a
game in accordance with the first portion of the maze. For example,
the processor 510 may update the first portion of the maze based on
a current player location and transmit the updated first portion to
the player device 300. The processor 510 may also determine a game
result based on movement within the maze by the player and arrange
for the player to receive payment of a monetary amount based on the
game result.
[0076] According to another embodiment, the processor 510
determines game information associated with a game being played by
a player and arranges for a player device 300 to receive a first
portion of the game information without receiving a second portion.
In this case, the processor 510 arranges for the player to play the
game in accordance with the first portion of the game information,
and a game result will be based on the first and second portions of
the game information.
[0077] The program 515 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled
and/or encrypted format. The program 515 may furthermore include
other program elements, such as an operating system, a database
management system, and/or device drivers used by the processor 510
to interface with peripheral devices.
[0078] As used herein, information may be "received" by or
"transmitted" to, for example: (i) the game controller 500 from the
player device 300; or (ii) a software application or module within
the game controller 500 from another software application, module,
or any other source.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 530 also stores a
player database 600 (described with respect to FIG. 6), a game
database 700 (described with respect to FIG. 7), and a landscape
database 800 (described with respect to FIG. 8). Examples of
databases that may be used in connection with the game controller
500 will now be described in detail with respect to FIGS. 6 through
8.
[0080] Player Database
[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, a table represents the player database
600 that may be stored at the game controller 500 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The table includes entries
identifying players who may play games via the game system 100. The
table also defines fields 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 for each of the
entries. The fields specify: a player identifier 602, a name 604,
contact information 606, a payment identifier 608, and an account
balance 610. The information in the player database 600 may be
created and updated, for example, based on information received
from player when he or she registers with the game controller 500.
The information in the player database 600 may also be based on,
for example, information generated as the player plays games via
the game system 100.
[0082] The player identifier 602 may be, for example, an
alphanumeric code associated with a player who has registered to
use the game system 100. The player identifier 602 may be generated
by, for example, the game controller 500 or the player (e.g., when
he or she provides a user name and password) and may be based on,
or associated with, the player identifier 404 stored in the game
play database 400. The player database 600 also stores the name 604
and contact information 606 (e.g., a postal address, an electronic
mail address, an IP address, or a telephone number) associated with
each player.
[0083] The payment identifier 608 may comprise, for example, a
credit card, debit card or bank account number (e.g., a checking
account number) or digital payment protocol information. The
account balance 610 may represent, for example, an amount that a
player owes to a game provider or an amount that the game provider
owes to the player. The payment identifier 608 and the account
balance 610 may be used, for example, by the game controller 500 to
arrange for the player to provide or receive a payment (e.g., based
on a game result).
[0084] Game Database
[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, a table represents the game database
700 that may be stored at the game controller 500 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The table includes entries
identifying games that are being (or have been) played via the game
system 100. The table also defines fields 702, 704, 706, 708, 710
for each of the entries. The fields specify: a game identifier 702,
a player identifier 704, a landscape identifier 706, a landscape
portion 708, and current player location 710. The information in
the game database 700 may be created and updated, for example, as
players play games via the game system 100.
[0086] The game identifier 702 may be, for example, an alphanumeric
code associated with a game that is being (or has been) played via
the game system 100. The game identifier 702 may be based on, or
associated with, the game identifier 402 stored in the game play
database 400. The player identifier 704 represents a player who is
playing the game and may be based on, or associated with, the
player identifier 502 stored in the player database 500 and/or the
player identifier 404 stored in the game play database 400.
[0087] The landscape identifier 706 is associated with one or more
landscapes that are used during game play. The landscape portion
708 represents a portion (e.g., a subset) of this landscape that is
transmitted to a player device 300. The current player location 710
represents a place in the landscape where the player is currently
located. The current player location 710 may be based on, or
associated with, the current player location 408 stored in the game
play database 400.
[0088] Note that the first entry illustrated in FIG. 7 (i.e.,
having a landscape portion 608 of "E2:I8" and a current player
location 610 of "I5") is associated with the game information
illustrated in FIG. 2B. As shown by the second entry, a player who
is currently located at a different place in the maze will be
associated with a different landscape portion 608 (i.e., the
landscape portion 608 has been shifted up two areas). The third and
fourth entries illustrated in FIG. 7 show other types of landscape
portions 608 and currently player locations 610 according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0089] Landscape Database
[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, a table represents the landscape
database 800 that may be stored at the game controller 500
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The table
includes entries associated with landscapes that may be used during
game play. The table also defines fields 802, 804, 806 for each of
the entries. The fields specify: a landscape identifier 802,
landscape information 804, and an indication of a number of times
the landscape has been used 806 during game play. The information
in the landscape database 800 may be created and updated, for
example, by the game controller 500.
[0091] The landscape identifier 802 may be, for example, an
alphanumeric code associated with a landscape that may be used
during game play. Note that the landscape identifier 802 may be
based on, or associated with, the landscape identifier 706 stored
in the game database 700.
[0092] The landscape information 804 represents information used by
the player device 300 and/or the game controller 500 during game
play. For example, the landscape information 804 may represent a
particular maze configuration. Note that the landscape information
804 may be associated with a particular game or may be associated
with multiple games and/or multiple players (e.g., pre-stored
landscape information 804 may be used during multiple games). The
number of times used 806 associated with the landscape information
804 may prevent the same landscape information 804 from being used
too often.
[0093] Methods that may be used in connection with the game system
100 according to some embodiments of the present invention will now
be described in detail with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0094] Game System Methods
[0095] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a computer-implemented method for
facilitating game play at a game controller 500. In this case, game
play is associated with a game of skill in which a player moves
within a maze. At 902, it is arranged for the player to provide a
payment in exchange for playing a game. For example, the game
controller 500 may transmit a payment identifier 608 to a payment
device 110 to arrange for the player to provide a payment of $1.00
in exchange for game play.
[0096] At 904, the game controller 500 determines a first portion
of the maze based on an initial player location within the maze.
For example, the game controller 500 may use the game database 700
and the landscape database 800 to determine a landscape portion 708
based on a current player location 710. At 906, the game controller
500 then transmits the first portion of the maze to a player device
300 without transmitting a second portion.
[0097] If the game controller 500 determines that a player has
moved at 908 (e.g., based on the current player location 710 stored
in the game database 700), the process returns to 904 allowing the
first portion of the maze to be updated. For example, a new portion
of the maze may be transmitted to the player device 300 whenever
the player has moved within a predetermined distance of a boundary
(e.g., an edge of a previously transmitted first portion).
[0098] The game controller 500 eventually determines a game result
at 910 (e.g., when the player has successfully completed a maze or
when a predetermined period of time has expired). At 910, the game
controller 500 arranges for the player to receive payment of a
monetary amount based on this game result. The game controller 500
may also update the account balance 610 stored in the player
database 600.
[0099] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method that may be performed by
a player device 300 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. At 1002, the player device 300 receives a first portion
of game information from the game controller 500 without receiving
a second portion of game information. For example, the player
device may receive and store a landscape portion 406 in the game
play database 400.
[0100] At 1004, the player device 300 arranges for a player to play
a game in accordance with the first portion of the game
information. For example, a player may begin to move about the maze
portion that has been received from the game controller 500. In
this way, an automated game playing device 360 may be unable to
calculate an optimal path through the entire maze based on the
information available at the player device 300. The landscape
portion 406 may be updated by the game controller 500 during game
play (e.g., as the player moves around within the maze), an a game
result will eventually be determined (e.g., by the player device
300 and/or the game controller 500).
[0101] Additional Embodiments
[0102] The following illustrates various additional embodiments of
the present invention. These do not constitute a definition of all
possible embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand
that the present invention is applicable to many other embodiments.
Further, although the following embodiments are briefly described
for clarity, those skilled in the art will understand how to make
any changes, if necessary, to the above-described apparatus and
methods to accommodate these and other embodiments and
applications.
[0103] As described herein, a game controller 500 may transmit a
first portion of landscape information to a player device 300
without transmitting a second portion. According to another
embodiment, the game controller 500 instead transmits an encrypted
version of the entire landscape to the player device 300. In this
case, the game controller 500 transmits additional information
(e.g., decryption keys) during game play enabling the player device
300 to decrypt portions of the landscape as appropriate.
[0104] Although most of the embodiments described herein are
associated with a game controller 500 transmitting a portion of
landscape information to a player device 300, according to another
embodiment this function is instead performed by a player device
300. Consider, for example, a game in which a first player at a
first player device 300 plays against a second player at a second
player device 300. In this case, the first player device 300 may
transmit a portion of a landscape to the second player device 300.
Similarly, although most of the embodiments described herein are
associated with a game played by a single player, the present
invention can also be used with respect to games involving multiple
players (e.g., teams of players).
[0105] The present invention has been described in terms of several
embodiments solely for the purpose of illustration. Persons skilled
in the art will recognize from this description that the invention
is not limited to the embodiments described, but may be practiced
with modifications and alterations limited only by the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *