U.S. patent application number 10/571872 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for mobile telecommunication terminal having electrical compass module and playing network type mobile game method using electrical compass module thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SK TELECOM CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kihak Shim.
Application Number | 20070042823 10/571872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36242144 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070042823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shim; Kihak |
February 22, 2007 |
Mobile telecommunication terminal having electrical compass module
and playing network type mobile game method using electrical
compass module thereof
Abstract
The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal
including an electronic compass module and a method for playing a
network mobile game by using the electronic compass module. The
method for providing the network mobile game service by using a
mobile communication terminal incorporating an electronic compass
module therein, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mobile
game list to the mobile communication terminal connected via a
wireless Internet; (b) clarifying a game mode of a network mobile
game selected by the mobile communication terminal; (c) if the
selected network mobile game is determined to be a dual mode game,
providing a game mode selection screen; (d) if an electronic
compass mode is selected on the mobile communication terminal,
executing the selected network mobile game; (e) controlling a
movement of a user-controlled character; and (f) transmitting a
game screen on which the user-controlled character is moved. The
present mobile communication terminal is used to control the
user-controlled character precisely and easily.
Inventors: |
Shim; Kihak; (Seongnam,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
SK TELECOM CO., LTD.
Seoul
KR
NEXMORE SYSTEMS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
36242144 |
Appl. No.: |
10/571872 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
September 15, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR04/02352 |
371 Date: |
September 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/9 ;
345/660 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/41407 20130101;
A63F 2300/5573 20130101; H04N 21/414 20130101; A63F 2300/50
20130101; A63F 2300/406 20130101; A63F 13/12 20130101; A63F
2300/204 20130101; H04M 2250/12 20130101; H04M 1/72427 20210101;
H04N 21/42202 20130101; H04N 21/4781 20130101; A63F 13/332
20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/009 ;
345/660 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 15, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-0063771 |
Claims
1. A mobile communication terminal for supporting a network mobile
game by using electronic compass function, the mobile game being a
game electronically performed by or at a mobile communication
terminal, comprising: a program memory unit storing a compiler for
performing compilation to execute the mobile game and a wireless
Internet browser for gaining access to a wireless Internet; a
parameter storage unit for storing therein various parameters for
use in performing a data communication; a subscriber identity
module (SIM) for storing therein a mobile identification number
(MIN), an electric serial number (ESN), a personal security key and
various data required to operate the mobile communication terminal;
a key input unit including at least one key button for inputting
commands for selecting, starting, playing and stopping the mobile
game; an electronic compass module incorporating a magnetic sensor
for outputting a sensor output signal proportional to magnitude of
the external geomagnetic field which varies with an upward, a
downward, a leftward and a rightward motion of the mobile
communication terminal, for outputting a horizontal or a vertical
rotation angle value; a microprocessor for controlling the mobile
game based on the key values inputted from the key input unit,
wherein the microprocessor is controlled to transmit the horizontal
or the vertical rotation angle value received from the electronic
compass module while conducting the mobile game to a specific
wireless Internet game server via the wireless Internet as a data
value for controlling movement of a user-controlled character; and
a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit for displaying the mobile game
under the control of the microprocessor.
2. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the
parameter storage unit stores therein parameters to be used in
synchronous, asynchronous and fourth-generation communication
systems defined by 3GPP (3.sup.rd generation partnership project),
3GPP2, ITU (international communication union), OHG (operator
harmonization group).
3. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the
wireless Internet browser is at least one of a WAP (wireless
application protocol) browser coded in WML (wireless markup
language), a Mobile Explorer coded in m-HTML (Microsoft-HTML) and a
Compact Netfront coded in c-HTML (Compact-HTML).
4. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein, if a
network mobile game is selected from the key input unit, the mobile
communication terminal drives the wireless Internet browser to gain
access to the wireless Internet game server via the wireless
Internet and executes the network mobile game.
5. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the
electronic compass module includes: an X-axis magnetic sensor and a
Y-axis magnetic sensor for generating an X-axis magnetic senor
output signal and a Y-axis magnetic sensor output signal depending
on variations in an X-axis and a Y-axis component of the external
geomagnetic field, respectively; an analog/digital converter (ADC)
for receiving the X-axis and/or the Y-axis magnetic sensor signal
and converting received signal into a digital signal; and a
compensation processor for receiving the digital signal from the
ADC, determining whether or not a compensation of the digital
signal is required, performing the compensation of the digital
signal if the compensation is determined to be required, and
transferring compensated digital signal to the microprocessor.
6. The mobile communication terminal of claim 5, wherein the
electronic compass module further includes a constant DC voltage
circuit for supplying a constant DC voltage to the X-axis magnetic
sensor and the Y-axis magnetic sensor.
7. The mobile communication terminal of claim 5, wherein the
compensation processor incorporates therein a compensation
algorithm for use in performing the compensation.
8. The mobile communication terminal of claim 5, wherein the
compensation processor determines that the compensation is required
when the received digital signal has a negative value or a value of
more than or equal to 360.degree..
9. The mobile communication terminal of claim 5, wherein the
compensation processor determines that the compensation is required
when the received digital signal has a value greater than a
predetermined threshold value.
10. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the
user-controlled character is rotated leftward and/or rightward
about a point on a vertical axis of the user-controlled character
in response to the movement of the mobile communication
terminal.
11. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the
user-controlled character is rotated upward and/or downward about a
point on a horizontal axis of the user-controlled character in
response to the movement of the mobile communication terminal.
12. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the
electronic compass module is embedded in a body portion of the
mobile communication terminal in an equilibrium state with the body
of the mobile communication terminal.
13. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, further
comprising a speaker for outputting a sound created in the mobile
game under play.
14. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the
mobile communication terminal is selected a group including a PDA
(personal digital assistant), a cellular phone, a hand-held PC, a
GSM (global system for mobile) phone, a W-CDMA (wideband CDMA)
phone, a CDMA-2000 phone and an MBS (mobile broadband system)
phone.
15. A method for providing a network mobile game service by using a
mobile communication terminal incorporating an electronic compass
module therein in a wireless Internet game system, the mobile game
being a game electronically performed by or at a mobile
communication terminal, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a
mobile game list to the mobile communication terminal connected
through a wireless Internet; (b) presenting a network mobile game
selected by the mobile communication terminal and a game mode
supported by the selected network mobile game; (c) providing a game
mode selection screen, if the selected network mobile game is
determined to be a dual mode game; (d) executing the selected
network mobile game and waiting for control data to be received, if
an electronic compass mode is selected on the mobile communication
terminal; (e) controlling a movement of a user-controlled character
based on the received control data; and (f) transmitting to the
mobile communication terminal a game screen on which the
user-controlled character is moved.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein, in step (a), the mobile game
list includes at least one network mobile game that is executable
through an access to a wireless Internet game server via the
wireless Internet.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein, in step (c), the dual mode
game refers to a mobile game which supports both a key matrix mode
in which the movement of the user-controlled character is
controlled by using at least one key button provided on a key
matrix and the electronic compass module in which the movement of
the user-controlled character is controlled by using the
incorporated electronic compass module.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein, if the selected network mobile
game supports the key matrix mode or the electronic compass mode,
in step (d), the selected mobile game is executed and the control
data to be received is waited for.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein, in step (c), the game mode
selection screen refers to a screen capable of selecting one of the
key matrix mode and the electronic compass mode.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein, in step (d), the control data
contains a horizontal rotation angle value and/or a vertical
rotation angle value transmitted from the mobile communication
terminal.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the control data is data which
is used to control an upward, a downward, a leftward or a rightward
movement of the user-controlled character in the mobile game under
execution based on the received horizontal and/or the received
vertical rotation angle value.
22. The method of claim 15, wherein the network mobile game refers
to a game for allowing the user-controlled character to be
selectively moved along at least one direction selected from an
upward, a downward, a leftward and a rightward direction.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the network mobile game
includes a game for providing a match mode between a user and a
computer endowed with an artificial intelligence classified by at
least one level and a match mode between two users or more.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for playing a game
by using a mobile communication terminal incorporating an
electronic compass module therein; and, more specifically, to a
mobile communication terminal including an electronic compass
module which is operated by the same principle as that of an
electronic compass and a method for playing a network mobile game
on the mobile communication terminal by way of converting a value
outputted from the electronic compass module which varies with a
movement direction of the mobile communication terminal into a
three-dimensional coordinate value for use in playing the network
mobile game.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Recently, with the rapid development in electronics,
communication engineering and various technologies related to
communication terminals, mobile communication terminals are endowed
with diversified functions. That is to say, a user can enjoy
various services including wireless Internet access, video
communication, moving picture message transmission, etc., as well
as voice communication by using a mobile communication terminal.
Such mobile communication terminal represented by a cellular phone
may overcome a greatest drawback of PC (personal computer), i.e.,
immobility, so that it may guarantee mobility of the user
extensively.
[0003] Meanwhile, as a CPU (control processing unit) of the mobile
communication terminal makes faster data processing speed possible
and a color LCD (liquid crystal display) screen and a 64-chord
melody level sound source are supported, it becomes possible to
play various games by using the mobile communication terminal.
Since a game (hereinafter, referred to as a "mobile game") capable
of being played on the mobile communication terminal may be played
anytime, anywhere, and another new game may be played without
replacing the mobile communication terminal unlike other game
machines, the number of mobile game users has been rapidly
increasing.
[0004] Specifically, although stand-alone mobile games downloaded
into the mobile communication terminal has been commonly prevailed
due to a poor performance of the mobile communication terminal,
network mobile games that can be played with other people through
the online are now being widely propagated.
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary screen of a mobile game played by
using a conventional mobile communication terminal.
[0006] In FIG. 1, a game screen of the mobile game which is being
played on the mobile communication terminal is displayed leftward
while functions assigned to key buttons to support the mobile game
are displayed rightward. Specifically, it may be known that a key
button for moving a user-controlled character in the mobile game is
assigned to each of an upward, a downward, a leftward, a rightward
and a jumping motion. Accordingly, the user must learn the
functions assigned to the key buttons which are displayed on the
right portion of FIG. 1 before starting the mobile game.
[0007] For example, the key buttons assigned to the upward, the
downward, the leftward, the rightward and the jumping motion must
be hit continually with both thumbs of the user in order to move
the user-controlled character. Further, since it is difficult to
make a special motion such as "bubble attack" shown in FIG. 1 while
moving the user-controlled character, a great amount of time and
efforts are required to master the mobile game. Specifically, since
key buttons assigned to various motions of user-controlled
characters or special functions depend on respective mobile games,
the difficulty in mastering the mobile games is further
augmented.
[0008] Moreover, while a vertical and/or a horizontal spacing
between the key buttons become narrow due to a small area of a key
matrix installed on an outside of the mobile communication
terminal, each thumb used to press the key buttons has a relatively
wide contact area. Accordingly, other wrong key buttons adjacent to
a desired key button may be frequently pressed in playing the game,
thereby impeding the smooth progress of the game.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a mobile communication terminal including an electronic
compass module which is operated by the same principle as that of
an electronic compass and a method for playing a network mobile
game on the mobile communication terminal by way of converting a
value outputted from the electronic compass module which varies
with a movement direction of the mobile communication terminal into
a three-dimensional coordinate value for use in playing the network
mobile game.
[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a mobile communication terminal for supporting a
network mobile game by using electronic compass function, the
mobile game being a game electronically performed by or at a mobile
communication terminal, comprising: a program memory unit storing a
compiler for performing compilation to execute the mobile game and
a wireless Internet browser for gaining access to a wireless
Internet; a parameter storage unit for storing therein various
parameters for use in performing a data communication; a subscriber
identity module (SIM) for storing therein a mobile identification
number (MIN), an electric serial number (ESN), a personal security
key and various data required to operate the mobile communication
terminal; a key input unit including at least one key button for
inputting commands for selecting, starting, playing and stopping
the mobile game; an electronic compass module incorporating a
magnetic sensor for outputting a sensor output signal proportional
to magnitude of the external geomagnetic field which varies with an
upward, a downward, a leftward and a rightward motion of the mobile
communication terminal, for outputting a horizontal or a vertical
rotation angle value; a microprocessor for controlling the mobile
game based on the key values inputted from the key input unit,
wherein the microprocessor is controlled to transmit the horizontal
or the vertical rotation angle value received from the electronic
compass module while conducting the mobile game to a specific
wireless Internet game server via the wireless Internet as a data
value for controlling movement of a user-controlled character; and
a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit for displaying the mobile game
under the control of the microprocessor.
[0011] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for providing a network mobile game
service by using a mobile communication terminal incorporating an
electronic compass module therein in a wireless Internet game
system, the mobile game being a game electronically performed by or
at a mobile communication terminal, comprising the steps of: (a)
providing a mobile game list to the mobile communication terminal
connected through a wireless Internet; (b) presenting a network
mobile game selected by the mobile communication terminal and a
game mode supported by the selected network mobile game; (c)
providing a game mode selection screen, if the selected network
mobile game is determined to be a dual mode game; (d) executing the
selected network mobile game and waiting for control data to be
received, if an electronic compass mode is selected on the mobile
communication terminal; (e) controlling a movement of a
user-controlled character based on the received control data; and
(f) transmitting to the mobile communication terminal a game screen
on which the user-controlled character is moved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and other objects and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description of a
preferred embodiment given in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary screen of a mobile game
played by using a conventional mobile communication terminal;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for schematically showing an
internal configuration of a mobile communication terminal in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 presents a block diagram for schematically showing an
internal configuration of an electronic compass module in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B set forth graphs for describing a
relationship between an external magnetic field in an X-axis
magnetic sensor and an output value thereof and a relationship
between an external magnetic filed in a Y-axis magnetic sensor and
an output value thereof, respectively, in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate a moving state of a
user-controlled character when the mobile communication terminal is
moved leftward and rightward in an electronic compass mode in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6A and 6B show a moving state of the user-controlled
character when the mobile communication terminal is moved upward
and downward in the electronic compass mode in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for describing a playing sequence
of a network mobile game by using an electronic compass function in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0021] Here, like reference numerals represent like parts in
various drawings. Further, it is notable that detailed description
of known parts or functions will be omitted if there is a concern
that the description of such parts or functions would render the
technical essence of the present invention obscure.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for schematically showing an
internal configuration of a mobile communication terminal 200 in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] The mobile communication terminal 200 includes a program
memory unit 210, a parameter storage unit 211, a key input unit
212, an LCD unit 213, an electronic compass module 214, a mobile
game storage unit 215, a mode state storage unit 216, a subscriber
identity module 217, a microprocessor 220, a digital signal
processor 230, a baseband converter 240, an RF signal processor
250, a speaker 260, a microphone 270 and an antenna 280.
[0024] Stored in the program memory unit 210 are a protocol
software for processing a message transceived through a network and
a compiler for processing a mobile game in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The compiler serves
to compile and execute mobile game contents coded in a programming
language such as C.sup.++, embedded visual C.sup.++ and JAVA. Since
every programming language used to code mobile game contents comes
with its own compiler, in case of executing specific mobile game
contents, file information of the mobile game contents is analyzed
to obtain information on the programming language in which the
mobile game contents are coded so that an appropriate compiler may
be used to execute the mobile game contents.
[0025] Moreover, incorporated in the program memory unit 210 is a
predetermined wireless Internet browser which allows the mobile
communication terminal 200 to gain access to a specific server such
as a wireless Internet server via a wireless Internet to execute a
network mobile game or download mobile game contents. The wireless
Internet browser installed in the mobile communication terminal 200
may be a WAP (wireless application protocol) browser coded in WML
(wireless markup language), a Mobile Explorer coded in m-HTML
(Microsoft-HTML), a Compact Netfront coded in c-HTML
(Compact-HTML), or the like.
[0026] Stored or capable of being stored in the parameter storage
unit 211 are various parameters to be used in a synchronous, an
asynchronous and a fourth-generation communication system defined
by 3GPP (the 3.sup.rd generation partnership project), 3GPP2, ITU
(international telecommunication union), OHG (operator
harmonization group) and so on to cause the mobile communication
terminal to execute audio call and/or data communication.
Accordingly, the protocol software stored in the program memory
unit 210 uses the various parameters stored in the parameter
storage unit 211 to modulate and demodulate audio signals and/or
data signals transceived by the mobile communication terminal
200.
[0027] The key input unit 212 is provided with a number of key
buttons for use in inputting numbers such as telephone numbers or
characters. Typically, such key buttons include twelve number keys
(0 to 9, *, #), a plurality of function keys, a multiplicity of
cursor displacement keys, a scroll key and so forth. Thus, the user
may manipulate the number keys, the function keys, direction keys
and so on provided on the key input unit 212 so as to select and
play a desired mobile game.
[0028] Meanwhile, in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention, the key buttons provided on the key input unit 212 can
be irrelevant to the movement of an image (hereinafter, referred to
as a "user-controlled character") that can be moved by an user
under the mobile game. That is to say, in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention, even though the user can
manipulate the specific key buttons provided on the key input unit
212 to move the user-controlled character, the user can move the
mobile communication terminal itself to move the user-controlled
character. In other words, the user-controlled character may be
moved in proportion to a moving direction and a moving angle by
which the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved. Hereinafter,
the movement of the mobile communication terminal 200 will be
described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] The LCD unit 213 shows operational states of the mobile
communication terminal 200 including a residual battery capacity of
a battery, a receiving intensity of a radio wave, date and time.
Furthermore, in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention, the LCD unit 213 serves to display various
mobile-game-related screens including a game screen, movements of
the user-controlled character, a game score and a game ranking when
the mobile game is being played on the mobile communication
terminal 200.
[0030] The electronic compass module 214 incorporates therein a
magnetic sensor or a geomagnetic sensor so that the electronic
compass module 214 may detect a variation in a geomagnetic field
depending on a moving distance and/or a moving direction, by which
the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved, to generate an
output signal related with the variation in the geomagnetic field.
It is preferable that the electronic compass module 214 is disposed
horizontally with respect to the mobile communication terminal 200
to guarantee a precise operation thereof. Accordingly, the
installation place of the electronic compass module 214 may be
varied depending on whether the mobile communication terminal 200
is of a flip type or a folder type. For example, with regard to a
flip-type mobile communication terminal, since the key input unit
212 and the LCD unit 200 are installed on a same plane so that the
electronic compass module 214 can be equilibrated with respect to
the mobile communication terminal 200 wherever it is installed, the
installation place of the electronic compass module 214 may not be
important. Since, however, in case of a folder-type mobile
communication terminal, the key input unit 212 and the LCD unit 213
may be angled with each other by a predetermined angle under the
execution of the mobile game, it is preferable that the electronic
compass module 214 is mounted at a body portion of the mobile
communication terminal 200, in which the key input unit 212
communicated with both hands of the user is provided.
[0031] The internal configuration of the electronic compass module
214 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention will be described later in further detail with reference
to FIG. 3.
[0032] The mobile game storage unit 215 stores therein at least one
mobile game that is downloaded from a certain wireless Internet
game server through an access to the wireless Internet or received
with other methods by the mobile communication terminal 200.
Meanwhile, in order to apply the technical sprit of the present
invention to a mobile game, there is a user-controlled character in
the mobile game, and a movement of the user-controlled character is
also required, so that a shooting game and so on may be preferable.
Here, the movement of the user-controlled character refers to a
movement by which an angle formed between a reference axis such as
a horizontal axis or a vertical axis and the user-controlled
character at a fixed position is varied about the reference axis
upward, downward, leftward or rightward.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there are shown such movements
of the user-controlled character in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0034] Meanwhile, the mobile game employing the technical sprit of
the present invention is a game for supporting a mode (hereinafter,
referred to as an "electronic compass mode") in which a value of an
output signal outputted from the electronic compass module 214 is
used to control the movement of the user-controlled character.
Specifically, it is more preferable that the mobile game in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention supports
both the electronic compass mode and a mode (hereinafter, referred
to as a "key matrix mode") in which the key buttons are used to
control the movement of the user-controlled character, and the
mobile game also supports a function for allowing a user to select
one of the two modes in case of executing a certain mobile
game.
[0035] The mode state storage unit 216 stores a current operation
mode of the mobile communication terminal 200 selected by the key
input unit 212 as a state flag (for example, 0, 1, 2, . . . ). That
is, the microprocessor 220 assigns an identified state flag to each
mode in order to distinguish a standby mode, a call mode, a
stand-alone mobile game mode and a network mobile game mode, and
updates the mode state storage unit 216.
[0036] The subscriber identify module (SIM) 217 stores therein a
mobile identification number (MIN), an electrical serial number
(ESN), a personal security key and various data required to operate
the mobile communication terminal. The SIM 217, which is also
called as an SIM card because it has a card shape adapted to be
inserted into a slot inside the mobile communication terminal,
serves as an interface between the mobile communication terminal
and a wired or wireless communication network. Various integrated
circuit (IC) cards can be used instead of the SIM card, and an
inner chip capable of being embedded in the mobile communication
terminal may be used to realize the function of the subscriber
identity module 217 without a separate card.
[0037] The microprocessor 220 controls the overall operation of the
mobile communication terminal 200 by referring to the state flag
stored in the mode state storage unit 216. When a key value related
to a request for execution of a stand-alone mobile game is inputted
from the key input unit 212, the microprocessor 220 displays a list
of stand-alone mobile games stored in the mobile game storage unit
215 on the LCD unit 213. Meanwhile, when a key value related to a
request for execution of a network mobile game is inputted from the
key input unit 212, the microprocessor 220 gains access to a
predetermined wireless Internet game server via the wireless
Internet, receives a game list of network mobile games therefrom
and displays the game list on the LCD unit 213.
[0038] If a network mobile game is selected by the user, the
microprocessor 220 plays the game while communicating game data
with the wireless Internet game server via the wireless Internet on
a real-time basis. That is to say, the microprocessor 220 transmits
not only game-control key values inputted from the key input unit
212 but also game-control data received from the electronic compass
module 214 to the wireless Internet game server via the wireless
Internet on the real-time basis. The wireless Internet game server,
which receives the game-control key values and/or the game-control
data from the mobile communication terminal 200 via the wireless
Internet, controls the movement of the user-controlled character
and the like based on rules of the game being played on the mobile
communication terminal 200. Moreover, the wireless Internet game
server provides game screen data of the game being played to the
mobile communication terminal 200 via the wireless Internet on the
real-time basis, thereby allowing the user to check the game screen
data.
[0039] Meanwhile, the technology for supporting a network mobile
game by using the mobile communication terminal, the wireless
Internet, the wireless Internet game server and so forth is well
known to those skilled in the art, and, therefore, the detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0040] Further, the microprocessor 220 may clarify what kind of
modes are supported by the stand-alone mobile game or the network
mobile game and display it on a game list screen. For example,
<key> may be displayed for a game that supports a key matrix
mode only; <compass>, for a game that supports an electronic
compass mode only; and <key & compass>, for a game that
supports both the key matrix mode and the electronic compass
mode.
[0041] When the user selects a mobile game that supports both the
key matrix mode and the electronic compass mode from the game list
screen, the selected mobile game provides a mode selection screen
to allow the user to select a certain mode prior to starting the
game. If a mobile game that supports only an electronic compass
mode is selected or if an electronic compass mode is selected from
the mode selection screen, the microprocessor 220 operates the
electronic compass module 214 and controls the movement of a
user-controlled character in the mobile game under being executed
by using values of output signals transmitted from the electronic
compass module 214. Furthermore, the microprocessor 220 transmits
digital data (TX DATA) for use in performing various functions
requested through the key input unit 212 to the baseband converter
240.
[0042] The digital signal processor (hereinafter, referred to as a
"DSP") 230 is a digital signal processing processor for encoding
and/or decoding a speech signal, serving as an equalizer to
eliminate multiple channel noises and performing audio data
processing function. Further, the DSP 230 exchanges speech data
(SPEECH) with the baseband converter 240 and receives digital data
(RX DATA) from the baseband converter 240.
[0043] The baseband converter 240 converts signals communicated
between the DSP 230 and the RF signal processor 250, the speaker
260 and the microphone 270 into baseband signals and serves as a
digital to analog converter (DAC) and an analog to digital
converser (ADC). Moreover, the baseband converter 240 delivers
transmission data (TXIQ) to the RF signal processor 250 and
controls a power (POWER) of the RF signal processor 250 or
automatically controls an automatic gain control (AGC) of the RF
signal processor 250. Then, the baseband converter 240 receives a
received signal (RXIQ) from the RF signal processor 250.
[0044] The RF signal processor 250 demodulates and amplifies the RF
signal received from the RF antenna 280, and modulates the
transmission signal provided from the baseband converter 240 to
transmit the modulated signal into a wave propagation space. The
speaker 260 receives audio data outputted from the currently played
mobile game through the baseband converter 240 and outputs the
audio data as audible sounds, and the microphone 270 converts a
speech input of the user into an electric signal.
[0045] Meanwhile, the mobile communication terminal 200 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention may be a
PDA (personal digital assistant), a cellular phone, a PCS (personal
communication service) phone, a hand-held PC, a GSM (global system
for mobile) phone, a W-CDMA (wideband CDMA) phone, a CDMA-2000
phone or a MBS (mobile broadband system) phone. Here, the MBS phone
refers to a phone to be used in a fourth generation system
currently being discussed.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for schematically showing the
internal configuration of the electronic compass module 214 in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0047] The electronic compass module 214 in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic
sensor 310, a control circuit 320, a compensation processor 330 and
so forth.
[0048] The magnetic sensor 310 is an element for outputting a
specific signal depending on a direction and a magnitude of an
external magnetic field, and includes an X-axis magnetic sensor 312
and a Y-axis magnetic sensor 314. In general, the magnetic sensor
is a ring-shaped magnetic permalloy with high magnetic permeability
around which an exciting coil is wounded along the entire
circumference thereof and the X-axis magnetic sensor 312 and the
Y-axis magnetic sensor 314 serving as detection coils are wounded
along diametrical directions to be perpendicular to each other,
respectively.
[0049] Meanwhile, a geomagnetic field, i.e., the Earth's magnetic
field, is a magnetic field facing north from south. If a main body
of the mobile communication terminal 200 has a front side which is
substantially flat and faces upward, the X-axis magnetic sensor 312
and the Y-axis magnetic sensor 314 output sensor output signals
with cosine and sine waves as the external magnetic field
fluctuates.
[0050] Here, since the principle in which the magnetic sensor
outputs the sensor output signal in response to the variation in
the external magnetic field is well known to those skilled in the
art, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0051] The control circuit 320 includes an analog to digital
converter (ADC) 322, a constant DC voltage circuit 324 and so
forth. The control circuit 320 serves to process the output signals
provided from the X-axis magnetic sensor 312 and the Y-axis
magnetic sensor 314, to thereby output digital signals.
[0052] The ADC 322 receives the sensor output signal outputted from
each of the X-axis magnetic sensor 312 and the Y-axis magnetic
sensor 314 to convert the received signal into a digital signal.
Here, the value of the digital signal outputted from the ADC 322 is
determined as a vertical or a horizontal rotation angle value about
the reference axis such as the horizontal or the vertical axis due
to a movement of the user-controlled character during the game.
Furthermore, the ADC 322 sends the converted digital signal to the
compensation processor 330.
[0053] The constant DC voltage circuit 324 supplies a constant DC
voltage, whose magnitude is not changed, to the X-axis magnetic
sensor 312 and the Y-axis magnetic sensor 314 connected thereto, to
thereby assist precise sensing operation of the magnetic
sensor.
[0054] The compensation processor 330 receives a digital signal
from the ADC 322 of the control circuit 320; if a compensation of
the digital signal is required, the compensation processor 330
performs the compensation thereof; and transfers the compensated
digital signal to the microprocessor 220. Here, when the digital
signal has a negative value or is equal to or greater than
360.degree., it is determined that the compensation of the digital
signal is required. If the compensation processor 330 determines
the received digital signal to be negative, 360.degree. may be
added to the received digital signal to compensate the rotation
angle value, while, if the compensation processor 330 determines
the received digital signal to be equal to or greater than
360.degree., 360.degree. may be subtracted from the received
digital signal, thereby compensating the rotation angle value.
Thus, the compensated digital signal outputted from the electronic
compass module 214 is always controlled to have a value ranging
from 0.degree. to 360.degree..
[0055] Further, in case a threshold value for the angle of
horizontal rotation or vertical rotation is predetermined in the
currently played mobile game, the compensation processor 330
compares the value of the received digital signal with the
threshold value, and may perform a compensation thereof in the same
manner as described above. For example, if the threshold value for
the angle of horizontal rotation or vertical rotation is set as
90.degree. or 180.degree., digital signals which exceed 90.degree.
or 180.degree. may be subjected to compensation for subtracting
90.degree. or 180.degree. therefrom.
[0056] FIG. 4A and 4B set forth graphs for describing a
relationship between an external magnetic field in an X-axis
magnetic sensor 312 and an output value thereof and a relationship
between an external magnetic filed in a Y-axis magnetic sensor 314
and an output value thereof, respectively, in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] As can be known from FIG. 4, the X-axis magnetic sensor 312
outputs a sensor output value S.sub.x proportional to an X
component of the external magnetic field at a state where the
X-axis magnetic sensor 312 is mounted in the mobile communication
terminal 200. Likewise, the Y-axis magnetic sensor 314 outputs a
sensor output value S.sub.y proportional to a Y component of the
external magnetic field at a state where the Y-axis magnetic sensor
314 is mounted in the mobile communication terminal 200. The X-axis
magnetic sensor 312 and the Y-axis magnetic sensor 314 have same
configuration for allowing them to output signal values
proportionate to the magnitude of magnetic fields in respective
predetermined directions, and are disposed to be perpendicular to a
detecting direction of the magnetic field on a single chip of the
magnetic sensor 310.
[0058] FIG. 5A and 5B describes a moving state of a user-controlled
character 550 when the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved
leftward and rightward in an electronic compass mode in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the mobile
communication terminal 200 is moved rightward by an angle A about a
line perpendicular to the reference axis, i.e., the horizontal axis
510. Here, each of reference numerals 520, 530 and 540 represents a
rotation axis of the mobile communication terminal 200.
Accordingly, when the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved
rightward by the angle A, its precise meaning is that the angle
formed between two rotation axes 520 and 530 is the angle A.
[0060] If the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved rightward
by the angle A, the Y-axis magnetic sensor 314 embedded in the
mobile communication terminal 200 generates a sensor output signal
in proportion to a magnitude change of the external field and
provides the sensor output signal to the microprocessor 220 via the
ADC 322 and the compensation processor 330. The microprocessor 220
reads a compensated digital signal provided from the compensation
processor 330 and moves the user-controlled character 550 in the
game under execution in the same direction and by the same angle as
those by which the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved, as
shown in FIG. 5B. Here, the moving angle of the user-controlled
character 550 may be set to be identical to the real moving angle
of the mobile communication terminal 200, but it may be also
magnified or scaled down at a predetermined ratio by multiplying
the real moving angle of the communication terminal 200 by a preset
weight. Here, it is apparent that the mobile communication terminal
200 moved leftward by an angle B can be explained by the same
principle as the rightward movement of the mobile communication
terminal by the angle A has been explained.
[0061] Accordingly, by moving the mobile communication terminal 200
leftward or rightward with reference to the horizontal axis, the
user can easily execute a leftward and a rightward angular
adjustment of the use-controllable character in the real mobile
game.
[0062] FIG. 6A and 6B shows a moving state of the user-controlled
character 620 when the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved
upward and downward in the electronic compass mode in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the mobile
communication terminal 200 is moved upward by angles A, B and C
about a line perpendicular to the reference axis, i.e., the
vertical axis 610.
[0064] If the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved upward by
the angle A, the X-axis magnetic sensor 312 embedded in the mobile
communication terminal 200 generates a sensor output signal in
proportion to magnitude variations of the external field and
provides the sensor output signal to the microprocessor 220 via the
ADC 322 and the compensation processor 330. The microprocessor 220
reads a compensated digital signal provided from the compensation
processor 330 and moves the user-controlled character 620 in the
game under execution in the same direction and by the same angle as
those by which the mobile communication terminal 200 is moved, as
shown in FIG. 6B. Here, as described above in FIG. 5, the moving
angle of the user-controlled character 620 may be set to be
identical to the real moving angle of the mobile communication
terminal 200, but it may be also magnified or scaled down at a
predetermined ratio by multiplying the real moving angle of the
communication terminal 200 by a preset weight.
[0065] Accordingly, by moving the mobile communication terminal 200
upward or downward with reference to the vertical axis, the user
can easily execute a upward and a downward angular adjustment of
the use-controllable character in the real mobile game.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a flowchart for
describing a playing sequence of a network mobile game by using an
electronic compass function in accordance with the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] A user drives a wireless Internet browser embedded in the
mobile communication terminal 200 to gain access to specific
wireless Internet game server via a wireless Internet (S700). Then,
the user selects a mobile game from a menu screen provided from the
wireless Internet game server and receives a mobile game list
therefrom (S702). Here, mobile games included in the mobile game
list are network mobile games. Moreover, the network mobile games
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention includes
games providing a match mode between the user and a computer
endowed with artificial intelligence identified by at least one
level and/or a match mode between at least two coincident
users.
[0068] If the user selects a certain network mobile game from the
mobile game list displayed on the mobile communication terminal
200, the inputted key value is transmitted to the wireless Internet
game server via the wireless Internet (S704). Then, the wireless
Internet game server uses the received key value to clarify the
selected network mobile game and to clarify a game mode capable of
being supported by the clarified network mobile game (S706). Here,
as descried above, the game mode includes the key matrix mode, the
electronic compass mode, and the dual mode capable of supporting
both the key matrix mode and the electronic compass mode.
[0069] If it is determined that the game mode clarified in the step
S706 is the dual mode supported by a dual mode game, the wireless
Internet game server provides a game mode selection screen for
selecting the game mode to the mobile communication terminal
(S708). When the user selects the electronic compass mode from the
game mode selection screen displayed on the mobile communication
terminal 200, the selected key value is transmitted to the wireless
Internet game server (S710).
[0070] The wireless Internet game server clarifies the received key
value to execute the network mobile game requested to be performed
under the electronic compass mode, and awaits control data to be
received from the mobile communication terminal 200 (S712). Here,
the control data refers to the horizontal and/or the vertical
rotation angle value generated by the movement of the mobile
communication terminal.
[0071] The wireless Internet game server controls upward, downward,
leftward and rightward movements of the user-controlled character
in the network mobile game under execution based on the control
data transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 200 (S714).
The wireless Internet game server generates a game screen in which
the user-controlled character is moved, and sends the generated
game screen to the mobile communication terminal 200 on a real-time
basis via the wireless Internet (S716).
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0072] As descried above, the conventional method of playing a
mobile game by using small key buttons provided on the mobile
communication terminal have many difficulties. However, in
accordance with the present invention, since the user-controlled
character in the mobile game is moved according to the movement of
the mobile communication terminal itself, upward, downward,
leftward and rightward movement of the user-controlled character
can be easily controlled.
[0073] Moreover, since the push count by which the key buttons
provided on a small area of a key matrix are pressed is
comparatively reduced to play the mobile game in accordance with
the present invention, it becomes possible to play the mobile game
faster and more easily with an improved precision.
[0074] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *