U.S. patent application number 11/536386 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for method and system of online gaming organization.
Invention is credited to Todd A. Dagres.
Application Number | 20070072678 11/536386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37894796 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070072678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dagres; Todd A. |
March 29, 2007 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM OF ONLINE GAMING ORGANIZATION
Abstract
An aspect of the present invention relates to methods and
systems for the organization of online computer network gaming
applications. Embodiments of the present invention relate to
providing filtered gaming applications in response to a user's
computer game query. Embodiments of the present invention relate to
providing computer game recommendations to a user by matching
identified computer game characteristics to the user's computer
game preference. Embodiments of the present invention relate to
providing game file updates by tracking a user's actual computer
game interactions and updating the user computer game preference
file and game file with computer game applications that may match
at least one characteristic of the user computer game preference
file. Embodiments of the present invention relate to providing the
user with targeted advertisement that may be based on the at least
one characteristic of the user's computer game preference file.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to aggregating
monetized information from the user computer game preference file
for at least one user computer game characteristic.
Inventors: |
Dagres; Todd A.; (Boston,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRATEGIC PATENTS P.C..
C/O PORTFOLIOIP
P.O. BOX 52050
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
37894796 |
Appl. No.: |
11/536386 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60721921 |
Sep 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of computer game query, comprising: receiving a user's
computer game query, the query including indicia of a user's
preferences with respect to computer games; searching at least one
database and returning computer games that match the user's query;
filtering the returned computer games using at least one user game
preference; and presenting the filtered returned computer games to
the user.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer game is an online
poker game.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer game query is a
natural language text string.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer game query is a
semantic search.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer game query is a
contextual search.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer game query is a game
type.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer game query is a game
player type.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one database is
remotely located on a network.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the network is an Internet.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the network is a local area
network (LAN).
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the network is a wide area
network (WAN).
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the network is a peer-to-peer
network.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one database is
locally located on a computer device.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the computer device is a
desktop computer.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the computer device is a laptop
computer.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the computer device is a tablet
computer.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the computer device is a
server.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the computer device is a
handheld computer.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the computer device is a cell
phone.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
time of day.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
length of time available for play.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
preferred cost of games.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
game's reputation.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
user game parameter.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
game invitation.
26. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
game indicator.
27. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is an
online identity.
28. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
game's popularity.
29. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
paid keyword.
30. The method of claim 1, wherein the user game preference is a
paid game.
31. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the
presented filtered games in a graphical user interface (GUI).
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the GUI presents the filtered
games in a predefined order based on user game preference.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the GUI presents the filtered
games in a user defined order.
34-157. (canceled)
158. A system of computer game query, comprising: a user's computer
game query, the query including indicia of a user's preferences
with respect to computer games; at least one database and returning
computer games from a search of the at least one database that
match the user's query; the returned computer games filtered using
at least one user game preference; and the filtered returned
computer games returned to the user.
159. The system of claim 158, wherein the computer game is an
online poker game.
160. The system of claim 158, wherein the computer game query is a
natural language text string.
161. The system of claim 158, wherein the computer game query is a
semantic search.
162. The system of claim 158, wherein the computer game query is a
contextual search.
163. The system of claim 158, wherein the computer game query is a
game type.
164. The system of claim 158, wherein the computer game query is a
game player type.
165. The system of claim 158, wherein the at least one database is
remotely located on a network.
166. The system of claim 165, wherein the network is an
Internet.
167. The system of claim 165, wherein the network is a local area
network (LAN).
168. The system of claim 165, wherein the network is a wide area
network (WAN).
169. The system of claim 165, wherein the network is a peer-to-peer
network.
170. The system of claim 158, wherein the at least one database is
locally located on a computer device.
171. The system of claim 170, wherein the computer device is a
desktop computer.
172. The system of claim 170, wherein the computer device is a
laptop computer.
173. The system of claim 170, wherein the computer device is a
tablet computer.
174. The system of claim 170, wherein the computer device is a
server.
175. The system of claim 170, wherein the computer device is a
handheld computer.
176. The system of claim 170, wherein the computer device is a cell
phone.
177. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
time of day.
178. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
length of time available for play.
179. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
preferred cost of games.
180. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
game's reputation.
181. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
user game parameter.
182. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
game invitation.
183. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
game indicator.
184. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is
an online identity.
185. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
game's popularity.
186. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
paid keyword.
187. The system of claim 158, wherein the user game preference is a
paid game.
188. The system of claim 158, further comprising the presented
filtered games displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI).
189. The system of claim 188, wherein the GUI presents the filtered
games in a predefined order based on user game preference.
190. The system of claim 188, wherein the GUI presents the filtered
games in a user defined order.
191-314. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following
commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: App. No.
60/721,921 filed on Sep. 28, 2005 and entitled "ONLINE GAME
SEARCH".
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The invention relates to searching and organizing online
computer games for a user based on the user's game preferences, and
more specifically a method and system of modifying the computer
games that are presented to the user by monitoring the users gaming
behavior and adjusting the user's game preferences.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Computer gaming and online computer gaming is becoming
increasingly popular with users who may play games ranging from
solitaire to multi-user online role-playing games. Presently, a
user may use a web search method (e.g. Google) to find the type of
game that is interesting to the user. Even when a game is found,
the user may have to determine on their own if the game is of the
correct skill level, how much the game cost, or how is it rated
verses other games. The user may spend time playing the game just
to find out over time that it is not the game quality the user was
looking for. The user may get involved in an online poker game and
find that it is a high stakes game with minimum bids that are too
high for the user.
[0006] There may also be websites that will allow a user access to
a collection of computer games, but the user may not personalize
game collection. Additionally, the game websites may not provide
game ratings to allow the user to select a game matching the user's
gaming skill without trial and error.
[0007] A need exist for a method and system to automate the search
method for an online game that may be based on the users skill and
likes that may present only games that match the users
preferences.
SUMMARY
[0008] A method and system disclosed herein may include receiving a
user's computer game query, the query may include indicia of a
user's preferences with respect to computer games; searching at
least one database and returning computer games that match the
user's query; filtering the returned computer games using at least
one user game preference; and presenting the filtered returned
computer games to the user. The computer game may be an online
poker game.
[0009] The computer game query may be a natural language text
string, a semantic search, a contextual search, a game type, a game
player type, or the like.
[0010] The at least one database may be remotely located on a
network. The network may be an Internet, a local area network
(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a peer-to-peer network, or the
like.
[0011] The at least one database may be locally located on a
computer device. The computer device may be a desktop computer, a
laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a handheld computer,
a cell phone, or the like.
[0012] The user game preference may be a time of day, a length of
time available for play, a preferred cost of games, a game's
reputation, a user game parameter, a game invitation, a game
indicator, an online identity, a game's popularity, a paid keyword,
a paid game, or the like.
[0013] The method and system may further comprise displaying the
presented filtered games in a graphical user interface (GUI). The
GUI may present the filtered games in a predefined order based on
user game preference, may presents the filtered games in a user
defined order, or the like.
[0014] A method and system disclosed herein may include identifying
at least one computer game from a user's computer game query;
providing a computer game recommendation for each identified
computer game by matching the identified computer game
characteristics to a user's computer game preference; and
presenting the identified computer game with the computer game
recommendations to the user. The computer game may be an online
poker game.
[0015] The computer game query may be a natural language text
string, a semantic search, a contextual search, a game type, a game
player type, or the like.
[0016] The game recommendation may be a number rating, a letter
rating, a star rating, an alphanumeric rating, or the like.
[0017] The computer game characteristic may be the computer game
time, a time required to play the computer game, a cost of the
computer game, the computer game's reputation, an invitation to
play the computer game, a type of computer game, the computer
game's popularity, a paid computer game, a free computer game, or
the like.
[0018] The user game preference may be a time of day, a length of
time available for play, a preferred cost of computer games, a
computer game's reputation, a user computer game parameter, a
computer game invitation, a computer game indicator, an online
identity, a computer game's popularity, a paid keyword, a paid
computer game, or the like.
[0019] A method and system disclosed herein may include providing a
game file storing computer game applications that may match at
least one characteristic of a user computer game preference file;
tracking a user's actual computer game interactions; modifying the
user computer game preference file using the tracked user
interactions; and updating the game file with computer game
applications that match at least one characteristic of the modified
user computer game preference file. The computer game may be an
online poker game.
[0020] The computer game preference file characteristic may be a
preferred computer game, a user's preferred computer game type, a
time of day, a length of time available for play, a computer game
preferred cost, a computer game desired reputation, at least one
computer game parameter, an acceptable computer game invitation, at
least one type computer game indicator, a user's online identity, a
desired computer game popularity, a paid keyword, or the like.
[0021] The stored computer game application may be a result of a
network search for computer games matching at least one
characteristic of the user computer game preference file. The
network may be an Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a peer-to-peer network, or the like.
[0022] The stored computer game application may be a result of a
computer device search for computer games matching at least one
characteristic of the user computer game preference file. The
computer device may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a
tablet computer, a server, a handheld computer, a cell phone, or
the like.
[0023] The user's actual computer game interaction may be the user
playing a computer game, the user selecting a computer game, a
number of times the user plays the computer game, an amount of time
the user plays a computer game, an amount of points the user scores
playing a computer game, an amount of money the user wins playing a
computer game, an advertisement the user views.
[0024] The modification of the user computer game preference file
may replace existing user preference information, may amend
existing user preference information, may delete existing user
preference information, may modify existing data within the user
preference information, or the like.
[0025] The at least one updated computer game application may be a
result of a network search for computer games matching at least one
characteristic of the user updated computer game preference file.
The network may be an Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide
area network (WAN), a peer-to-peer network, or the like.
[0026] The at least one updated computer game application may be a
result of a computer device search for computer games matching at
least one characteristic of the user updated computer game
preference file. The computer device may be a desktop computer, a
laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a handheld computer,
a cell phone, or the like.
[0027] A method and system disclosed herein may include providing a
user computer game preference file that may store at least one user
computer game playing characteristic; monitoring the behavior of
the at least one of a user's computer game playing characteristics
while the user plays a computer game; modifying the at least one
characteristic of the user computer game preference file to match
the user's monitored game playing characteristics; and presenting
to the user a targeted advertisement based on the at least one
characteristic of the user computer game preference file. The
computer game may be an online poker game.
[0028] The computer game preference characteristic may be a
preferred computer game, a user's preferred computer game type, a
time of day, a length of time available for play, a computer game
preferred cost, a computer game desired reputation, at least one
computer game parameter, an acceptable computer game invitation, at
least one type of computer game indicator, a user's online
identity, a desired computer game popularity, a paid keyword, or
the like.
[0029] The modification of the user computer game preference file
may replace existing user preference information, may amend
existing user preference information, may delete existing user
preference information, may modifie existing data within the user
preference information, or the like.
[0030] The targeted advertisement may be a computer game
advertisement, a computer game promotion, a computer game website
advertisement, a computer game merchandise advertisement, or the
like.
[0031] A method and system disclosed herein may include providing a
user computer game preference file that may store at least one user
computer game playing characteristic; monitoring the behavior of at
least one of the user's computer game playing characteristics while
the user plays a computer game; modifying the at least one
characteristic of the user computer game preference file to match
the user's monitored game playing characteristics; and aggregating
monetizing information from the user computer game preference file
for the at least one user computer game characteristic. The
computer game may be an online poker game.
[0032] The computer game preference characteristic may be a
preferred computer game, a user's preferred computer game type, a
time of day, a length of time available for play, a computer game
preferred cost, a computer game desired reputation, at least one
computer game parameter, an acceptable computer game invitation, at
least one of type computer game indicator, a user's online
identity, a desired computer game popularity, a paid keyword, or
the like.
[0033] The modification of the user computer game preference may
file replace existing user preference information, may amend
existing user preference information, may delete existing user
preference information, may modify existing data within the user
preference information, or the like.
[0034] The aggregation of monetized information may be provided to
a computer game agency system, an affiliate system for revenue
sharing with game sites, for merchandizing of a game product to the
user, for a user subscription system, or the like.
[0035] These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment and the drawings. All documents mentioned
herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0036] The invention and the following detailed description of
certain embodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the
following figures:
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall schematic of a game search
process.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a intelligent game
channel guide interface.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a high level schematic of the parameter
interactions that are used to create an intelligent game channel
guide.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a process flow of different aspects of
populating an intelligent channel guide.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates an overview of an online game portal.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an overview of a game search system and
interaction with a universe of connected computer devices.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an overview of a game search method
involving interaction with a universe of connected computer
devices.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of the architecture of
the game organizing application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] An aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming
software application using a client/server network architecture.
The games that may be played on the gaming software application may
reside on any computer device that may be connected to the network.
In certain embodiments, the gaming software application may be used
to search over a network for games that match a user's interest and
provide a listing of all games that match the user's interest. In
an embodiment, the server application may provide overall control
of the gaming application and may include a search engine, a match
engine, and a game infrastructure. In an embodiment, the client
application may provide users access to the gaming software
application and may include a game guide that may provide users
with a list of all games that match their interests. In
embodiments, the gaming software application may also include file
structures for storing users' profile information and gaming
information. Another aspect of the gaming software application
relates to the continual updating of the list of games that may be
of interest to the users. In embodiments, a network crawler may
access the users' game profiles and search the connected network
computer devices for games matching the users' profiles; the names
of the games or links to the games may be saved to a game index. In
embodiments, a search engine may search the game index based on
users' search criteria.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a high level schematic of a game search
and index system 100 is illustrated. The game search and index
system 100 may be capable of searching through a network to locate
a software generated game of interest to the user. The game search
and index system 100 may create and/or maintain an online game
index 102 that may be used to index games resulting from the online
search for games of interest. The online game search index 102 may
be created using a web crawler, for example, to search the web for
games that may be similar to games specified by a user. At the
beginning of the indexing process, a user may define the games that
the user would like to find on a network, the online game search
web crawler may use a user personal filter to assist in the
collection of games, or related history or other information
relating to the user may be used to facilitate the gathering of
games (e.g. the user's browser history may serve as a initial point
for starting the game search). Over time, the web crawler may
monitor the user's history, performance or behavior to determine if
other gaming sites may be of interest (e.g. the browser history may
be monitored for newly visited sites). The web crawler may continue
to update the online game search index 102 based on new sites being
visited, new games played, or based, at least in part, on other
historical or behavioral information.
[0047] In a user defined search, the user may define game targets
by keywords, game specific indicators, popular type of game, game
rating, game reputation, game genre or the like. The web crawler
may then search for games matching or related to the search
criteria. The online game search index 102 may be maintained on the
users computer device, it may be maintained on an online gaming
server that may be located on a different computer device at a
remote location or it may be located at another client or sever
location, for example. The user may also use natural language
search engines, keyword search engines, or other search engines in
the process of looking for games. The user may also indicate game
indicators, popularity, players, level, cost, reward, ratings, or
other parameters in the search process.
[0048] During the search process, sponsors of gaming sites, games,
advertisers or the like may interact with the search and the
presentation of results. For example, the user may initiate a
search and the search may involve keywords. The keywords may be
auctioned in a sponsorship auction with the winners of the auction
being permitted to post their content (e.g. advertisement, game,
game site) with the search results presented to the user.
[0049] Similar to the open network search, after an online game
search index 102 may have been created, the user may be able to
perform a search of the available games within the index. In
embodiments, the user may be able to use search facility 122 to
perform a semantic, contextual or other form of search of the index
of games. In the event a game is not located in the index, the
online game search request may search online to find games matching
the user's request. The index itself may be generated by the search
facility 122.
[0050] The search facility 122 may use any number of search
methodologies including page rank, game rank, keyword matching and
the like. In embodiments, the search facility 122 may use a user's
natural language game search request 104A. A natural language
keyword translator 104A may interpret the natural language search
request in an effort to match a layer of the search. The layers of
the search may be a natural language query 104A, keyword match
104B, game indicator match 104C, popularity match 104D, player
parameter match 104E, paid search keyword match 104F, or game
rating reputation match 104G.
[0051] The game indicator match 104C may find games that match the
type of game the user is looking to play through a matching of game
indicators or descriptions (e.g Poker game). The game indicator
match 104C may interact with an online game specific cue 124 that
may find games that meet the user's indicators. Once the indicators
are identified, the user may be presented with an option to join a
game that is presently forming, already in progress, or to be
formed at a later point in time.
[0052] The popularity match 104D may match a game's popularity with
the user's request. The game may not be an exact match with the
user's request and a match may be created for the user to consider.
The type of match may be given an appropriate user rating based on
the level of matching with the users request for a game.
[0053] The player parameter match 104E may match the user request
for games based on a user's settings for time of the game, cost of
entry for the game, rewards, pot amounts, number of players
available, number of players already joined, number of players
already signed up, projected duration of the game, rules within a
game, or other preferences the user may set. The player parameter
match 104E may interact with the preferences 128 settings for
determination of the user's game preferences.
[0054] The paid search keyword match 104F may match a user's gaming
request with a paid gaming advertisement, paid game, paid game
site. The paid gaming advertisement may interact with an e-commerce
system and/or auction system. For example, a game site may pay to
be part of a user's online game search index 102.
[0055] The game rating reputation match 104G may provide a game
match based on the rating or reputation a game may have. The game
site may provide a maturity rating or may provide a rating of the
game difficulty. The game site reputation may be determined based
on the site quality, reliability, trustworthiness, user feedback,
or third party evaluations. In embodiments, a listing or database
of website reputations may be maintained through the online game
index.
[0056] One or more of the layers of matching may be used to create
a game guide 130 that may contain a listing of gaming sites or
games that match the parameters of the user's search. The game
guide 130 may provide a ranking of the games that meet the users
online game search 122 and may provide a ranking, game name, game
description, game rating, game schedule, game level, cost of the
game, or other like information. This interface may allow the user
to make an informed decision on which game to play, which site to
enter, or the like.
[0057] In embodiments, the game index indexes games, game sites,
game information and the like through referencing the location of
the content. For example, the search process may produce twenty
interesting results and the results may be cataloged in the index.
The index may contain hyperlinks to the games, or the games
themselves may be downloaded to a client associated with the user
so he can gain access to the game.
[0058] Another aspect of the present invention relates to
presenting indexed game information to a user through a graphical
user interface. Information relating to the games, game sites and
the like collected through the online search may be presented in a
way that allows the user to select and/or interact with games, game
sites, or gaming information. Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of
an game guide interface 130 is shown. The game guide interface 130
may be associated with the game index 102. The game guide 130 may
provide information relating to the collected game information and
presented in categories such as a match quality 200, a game name
202, a game description 204, a game rating 208, a game schedule
210, a game level 212, a cost 214, compatible platform, or other
related information. The game population associated with the index
may be presented in an order that may use any of these information
listings or categories. The match quality 200 may provide a rating
system based on a number of stars, a ratings number, or other
indication of rating on a predetermined scale. The game information
may also be segmented by the playing platform such as mobile
device, personal computer, gaming platform or the like. The game
information may also be segmented by type of interaction, such as
broadband, dial up, beeper network, Bluetooth or other connection
type. Game information may also be broken up into online
interactive games and downloadable games, for example.
[0059] There may be hyperlinks, links, references and the like to
the games in the populated list presented in the game guide 130. A
user may be able to select a hyperlink to open up an associated
website or go directly to a game for example.
[0060] An option window 218 may be provided to allow the user
further control over the game guide 130. In embodiments, the option
window may be used to invite players, enter a number of players,
similar skill, stakes, time, or day for a proposed game
arrangement. The user may be able to select one or a combination of
options to modify the order the populated games are displayed in
the game guide 130.
[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates a method used in the population of the
game guide 130. The game guide 130 may be populated with references
from numerous sources. This embodiment shows the game guide 130
being populated through a matching engine 104. The matching engine
104 may be part of the search engine 122 or fed from the search
engine 122. In addition, the matching engine 104 may be operated in
association with the index 102 or fed from the index 102. There may
be a plurality of matching engines 104 (e.g. each directed to a
particular search) feeding the game guide 130. A reputation system
314, including games the user previously played and/or games others
have played and rated, may feed the game guide 130.
[0062] There may be other influences on the population of the game
guide 130 that may provide indexing/ordering information and if a
site is secure and affordable. A reputation system 300 may provide
a list of games and players of that game; this information may
provide input into the game guide 130 to be matched with the user's
preferences. The reputation system 300 may also be independently
browsed by the user to determine what games may be in progress and
which games may be joined.
[0063] The reputation system 300 may also contain a listing of
games that is matched to the user's preferences and the online game
search 122. The information in the reputation system 300 may
contain integration of online and off line data that may include
all games in the user's interest. The reputation system 300 may
provide a "bubble gum" card display that may reflect a player's
statistics for any of the games in the reputation system 300,
display information such as game results, rating, skill level,
reputation, or winnings may be shown.
[0064] Also influencing the population and indexing of the game
guide 130 may be the player profile/preference 302, player history
tracker 304, site security 308, commerce system 310, and an
e-wallet system 312. One or more of these additional influences may
provide information that may influence the games displayed in the
game guide 130. These influences may provide an input into the
rating each game is provided.
[0065] The player profile/preference may be the users profile or
preference or the profile and preferences of the other players of
the game. The online game method and system 100 may determine an
overall average of the preference of the players already in the
game and provide an input to the game guide 130. In an embodiment,
the player profile/preference service may continue to update
information as the game progresses, if the overall average of the
preferences changes, the service may provide a message to the user
stating the change in profile/preference.
[0066] The player history tracker 304 may provide an influence to
the game guide 130 to indicate if a user has played this game in
the past and the user's game performance.
[0067] The security 308 of the game site may be determined and
provide an influence to the game guide 130. In an embodiment, game
sites with low security ratings may be omitted from the game guide
130 population.
[0068] The e-commerce system 310 of the game site may influence the
game guide 130 by the type of payment required for a game or the
charge rates that may be required based on time or other
parameter.
[0069] The e-wallet 312 may influence the game guide 130 by
comparing any spending limits the user may have in the preferences
settings or the amount of money that is in an account as compared
to the charges for a certain game. In an embodiment, if a poker
game requires a starting payment of $100.00 with minimum betting
requirements and the user only has $104.00 in an accessible debit
account, the game may be omitted from the game guide 130, or
flagged as over limit.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates a game search system process 400. In this
illustrative embodiment, criteria for a game search may be entered
through the online game search index 102 and this criterion may in
turn be feed into the search engine 122 where certain matching
layers 104 may be employed. A reputation system 300 may also be
used in the process of aggregating game results and the information
from the search process, including reputation based information may
be used to populate the game guide 130.
[0071] A game site e-commerce system 310, which may include an
advertising system, may provide input into the game collection
process. The e-commerce system 310 may provide information such as
targeted advertising, promotions, agency systems for delivering
players to a game site, affiliate systems for revenue sharing and
fees, affiliate programs, revenue sharing systems with game site
owners, payment methods, merchandising ancillary products, data
mining systems, subscription systems, and certification systems.
All of these systems or costs may be input into the search process
and may influence the games that populate the game guide 130.
[0072] The security system 308 may provide input into the overall
game search process by providing a security rating of the game
site. The security system 308 rating may be determined by
information such as reputation, user reviews, and game site virus
systems in the process.
[0073] The game search process may interact with the web
continually, periodically, at predetermined intervals, during idle
periods or at other times looking for new games, game sites and the
like. Newly located games, game sites and the like may be added to
the online game search index 102.
[0074] Once the game guide 130 is populated, the user may be
presented with several choices: go to a games section 414, play a
game 418, get game information 420 or perform some other function.
Each of these choices may result in a player experience tracking
process. The tracking process may involve tracking likes and
dislikes or it may involve tracking the level and performance of
the game play. For example, the process may involve tracking the
performance of the user during game play to assess the proper level
of the user. If the user is assessed at an improper level, more
appropriate level games may be recommended and/or instructions may
be provided. The instructions may be provided through a software
teaching program adapted to track performance and make suggestions
on how the user may get better.
[0075] Different ratings may be provided by a user playing a game
to assess the experience of the user. The amount of time a user
spent playing a game may be used inference how well the user liked
his experience in the game. For example, the longer a user plays a
game the higher the rating the game may be get. If a game is only
briefly encountered, the game may get a low rating.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, an overview of the game portal 500 is
shown. The game portal 500 may be adapted to allow a user's
computer device to interact with game sites, games, other gamers
and associated facilities. The game portal 500 may allow access to
the online game search index 102, online game search 122, match
layers 104, game guide 130, tracking 502, learn player behavior
504, commerce system 310, advertisement insertion 510, paid search
512, e-wallet 312, affiliate systems 518, and/or tournaments/events
520.
[0077] Tracking as discussed in FIG. 4 may involve how the user
interacts with a game site. The longer a user plays may be a good
indicator and this information may be stored in the users
preferences/behavior settings.
[0078] An information system may be part of the game portal 500
that may provide game information 522, game reviews 524, game cheat
codes 528, game chat groups 530, game product search 532, and news
and information related to gaming. This information may be similar
to information obtained through a gaming magazine or gaming sites
that provide different aspects of the gaming industry. The portal
may be personalized to gather or link to user relevant information.
For example, the system may have assessed the behavior of the user
and understand that the user plays poker predominantly, so the
links and/or information gathered may related predominantly to
poker.
[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates a game search process. The connected
computer devices 600 may be connected through the World Wide Web
with LANs, WANs, Internet, intranets, extranets and the like. The
connected devices may be associated with or capable of associating
with online games 602. The online and connected games 602 may
interact with the online game search index 102 with the web crawler
704 accessing the user's preferences to search the online and
connected games 602 for games that may be of interest. This
interaction between the online game search index 102 and the online
and connected games may be an ongoing process that is continually,
periodically or otherwise updating. In embodiments, this updating
process may mean that every time a user accesses the game guide
130, there may be a different game listing from the previous
access.
[0080] With the updating of the online game search index 102, where
games may be added or removed, the process flow may progress
through the previously discussed steps of online game search 122,
matching layer engines 104, reputation system 300, and/or to
populate the game guide 130. As discussed previously, the game
commerce system 310 may provide additional influence on the
intelligent game channel guide 128 by adding additional game
ratings base on the overall cost of the game site or the system may
provide other functions.
[0081] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the game portal 500 may provide
access for the online game search 102, game matching layers 104,
reputation system 300, intelligent game channel guide 220 and the
game commerce system. The game portal 500 may provide these systems
and engines with connections to information that may be needed by
the system or engine for game selection at each step of the
process. At the same time, the game community 604 may be providing
information that may affect the game site selection process by
providing information such as user reviews, game news, or game
background. This information may be added to the selection process
and may omit a game from making the final game population or may
affect the games rating.
[0082] FIG. 7 illustrates an online search system involving player
behavior searching. In this embodiment, game index criteria 702 may
be generated and used to feed a web crawler 704. The web crawler
704 (e.g. similar to that described in connection with other
embodiments herein) may collect search results and populate an
online game index 102. Other search engines 122 may also feed the
online game index 102. In the course of selecting games, a user may
use a matching engine 104 (i.e. a special search engine) to
generate more search results 128. For example, the matching
criteria may be similar to that shown in connection with matching
criteria 724 and 728. The selection of search results 128 may be
monitored to gauge player behavior 714. The search results 128 may
also be used to generate or update a player profile 720. The player
profile 720 may also be generated through the search engine 122 or
through other related information. The search results 128 and the
player behavior 714 may be used to generate and update a
recommendation engine 718.
[0083] In FIG. 8, aspects of the gaming application pertaining to
gaming application component connectivity are illustrated. As
depicted in FIG. 8, an embodiment of the gaming application may
communicate through a network 800 or a direct component connection,
or it may be one component executing on a server or a client. At a
high level, embodiments of the gaming application may include a
number of components that may provide the aspects of the invention;
some of the components may contain additional components, modules,
or services. For example, components of the gaming application may
include a gaming server 802, a client browser 810, the game index
102, a profile file 804, a sponsor system 812, a network 800, and
the like.
[0084] In embodiments, the gaming application may provide the user
with capability to search, find, and play games. The games may be
any type of game that may be played on a computer device, such as
card games, board games, word games, mobile games, action games,
role-playing games, sports, strategy/tactical games, arcade games,
simulation games, and the like, as will be described in more detail
below. The network 800 may be any network or type of network to
which a user's computer device may be connected, such as a WAN, a
LAN, an intranet, an Internet, a peer-to-peer network, or the like.
The games may reside on any computer device that is connected to
the same network as the user's computer device, such as the user's
own computer device, another computer device, a server, a game
console, or the like.
[0085] Gaming applications as depicted in FIG. 8 may be arranged
using a variety of architectures. In certain embodiments, the
gaming application may be a distributed system with the different
components located on different computer devices that may be
connected to each other either directly or through the network 800.
Alternatively, some of the components may be located on the same
computer device that may be connected to another computer. In
addition, available components of the gaming application may
include a plurality of additional modules or services. For example,
the gaming server 802 may include additional modules such as the
search engine 122, the match engine 104, and a game infrastructure
820.
[0086] In an embodiment, for example, the game index 102 and a
profile file 804 may be included as part of the gaming server on
one computer device. In another embodiment, the gaming server 802,
game index 102, profile file 804, and game guide 130 may all be
located on one computer device. In another embodiment, it is
understood that many of the gaming application components may be
located on the same computer device, or the components may be
directly connected without using a network 800.
[0087] As one example of architecture that may be employed by the
gaming applications depicted in FIG. 8, a game server 802 may
access information stored on other remotely located computer
devices; the stored information may be located on the profile file
804, game index 102, or the like. In this embodiment, a client
browser 810 application may provide access to the game guide 130
that may be located on the client computer device; the game guide
130 may be a user interface to provide access to online games. In
this embodiment, all of the different gaming application components
may be remotely located and may interface with each other through
the network 800 using network paths 824, 828, 830, and 832.
[0088] For example, the direct connection of components may use
connections 834, 838, 840, and 842 to provide access to the
different components. The direct connections may allow the
different gaming application components to function as one computer
device; the direct connections may be provided by a LAN, WAN, or
the like.
[0089] As another example of architecture that may be employed by
the gaming applications depicted in FIG. 8, all of the components
may be located on one computer device; the components may include
the gaming server 802, game index 102, game guide 130, and profile
file 804. The one computer device may act as a server that may be
connected to the network 800; users may be able to connect to the
gaming application using their client browser 810. In this example,
the client browser may provide only user access to the gaming
application without any additional gaming components on the client
device.
[0090] A person knowledgeable in the art would understand that the
gaming application architecture may have many different
implementations and still provide the same aspects of the game
application invention.
[0091] Components of game applications illustrated in FIG. 8 may
include, in certain embodiments, a gaming server 802, the profile
file 804, the client browser 810, and the game index 102. Each
component will be described in more detail, with reference to FIG.
8.
[0092] As depicted in FIG. 8, the gaming server 802 may contain
sub-components such as the search engine 122, the match engine 104,
a game infrastructure 820, and the like. These sub-components may
exchange information and may provide an information flow that may
begin with a user's game search and continue to the creation of a
listing of games that match the user's profile. In FIG. 8, these
components are shown as being within the gaming server 802, but it
should be understood that the components may be connected computer
devices as part of a distributed gaming server 802; the connections
may be provided by a LAN, WAN, or the like. The gaming server 802
may coordinate the connected components, and therefore the
connected gaming server 802 may provide an interface as a single
server device.
[0093] Within the gaming server 802 there may be an information
process flow from the search engine 122 to the match engine 104,
and then to the game infrastructure 820. During the information
flow, the various sub-components may interact with other game
application components such as the profile file 804, the game index
102, or the game guide 130. The component interaction may use the
previously discussed network (824, 828, 830, 832, and/or 848) or
direct connections (834, 838, 840, 842, and/or 844).
[0094] Within the gaming server 802, the information flow may begin
with the search engine 122 that provides the game search capability
to the gaming application. The search engine 122 may include the
network crawler 704, a search user interface 852, a user behavior
service 854, and the like.
[0095] In an embodiment, the search engine 122 network crawler 704
may access user information from the profile file 804 to determine
the user's past game playing behavior. With the user's gaming
behavior accessed, the network crawler 704 may access the network
800 to find all games that match the profile file 804 parameters;
the list of matching games may be stored in the game index 102 for
later searching by the search engine 122. In an embodiment, the
network crawler 704 may continually update the game listing in the
game index 102.
[0096] In an embodiment, the user may initiate a game search by
making a connection between the user's client browser 810 and the
search engine 122 user interface 852. The user may be able to input
search queries into the search user interface 852 to initiate a
search for a matching game or game type on a connected device. The
search engine 122 behavior service 854 may combine the user's
search parameters from the user interface 852 with the user's
profile information from the profile file 804. The search engine
122 may use the combined search parameters and behavior information
to search the game index 102 for all games matching the user's game
request. The game index 102 may have been previously updated with a
game listing by the network crawler 704 based on the user's game
profile and game history. The search of the game index 102 may
result in a listing of all games matching the user's game query.
The resulting game listing may be passed to the matching engine 104
to be reviewed and matched with other parameters.
[0097] In an embodiment, the player behavior service 854 may be a
background service that may continually monitor the user's gaming
activities to maintain the user's profile of game or game type. The
behavior service 854 may maintain at least one file that contains
the user's gaming profile based on observed player gaming behavior.
Initially the profile files 804 may contain user input information
that may relate to game and game types that the user likes to play.
In an embodiment, the user may provide a list of games played
previously or a list of the type of games preferred (e.g.
simulations or card games). The user may also input any preferences
about the time of day for games, the length of time available for
play, the preferred cost of games, and the like. This initial
information may also be provided to the network crawler 704 of the
search engine 122 to allow searching for games based on the user's
profile. The information may be maintained in a file, database,
table, relational database XML, ASCII file, flat file, or the
like.
[0098] As the user plays games using the gaming application, the
player behavior service 854 may monitor the activities of the
user's gaming. The player behavior service 854 may monitor the
games or types of games played, the length of time the game is
played, the time of day the game is played, the cost of the game,
or the like, and the service may update the user profile file 804.
The user behavior service 854 may maintain different user files for
each type of game the user plays, or there may be one file for all
the game types. For example, the player may prefer free simulation
games but also may prefer a high stakes poker game; therefore, the
behavior service 854 may save this information in different game
files. In this manner, as the user's game preference changes over
time, the gaming application may adjust by modifying the user
profile; thus new user game searches may include the new type of
games played by the user without the user having to make changes
manually. The user may also be able to manually update the profile
file 804 by adding or deleting a game, a game type, or other gaming
information.
[0099] The player behavior service 854 may provide information to
the search engine 122 when a user initiates a search for a game.
The behavior service 854 may provide the latest profile of the type
of game for which the user is searching.
[0100] The player behavior service 854 may provide information
about the final selected games and may provide for game ranking or
filtering. For example, after the game search and matching is
completed, the service may create an unranked listing of matching
games. The player behavior service 854 may provide information
about the final search results and add the player's personal
preferences to the list; therefore the games may be ranked
according to the user's personal game preferences. For example, the
user may have searched for poker games, and a significant list of
available games may be returned. The player's preference provided
by the player profile file 804 may contain a preference for Texas
Hold'em with maximum bidding of $100 and games starting after 8 pm.
This information may provide for filtering or ranking of the games
returned to the user.
[0101] The player behavior system 854 may interact with a number of
other gaming application systems such as the player profile file
804, the recommend engine 858, the search results 874 in the game
guide 130, or the like. The player behavior system 854 may track
the user's gaming activities such as games played, game scores,
game sites visited, money paid to games, time spent playing games,
and the like. In an embodiment, as the user plays games or visits
gaming sites, the player behavior system 854 may track the gaming
activities and may modify the user's profile file 804.
[0102] In embodiments, the matching engine 104 of the gaming server
802 may provide game filtering or matching capability to the gaming
application. The matching engine 104 may include a recommendation
service 858, the reputation service 300, a sponsorship service 862,
or the like. In an embodiment, the matching engine 104 may receive
the game listing from the search engine 122 and filter the list
according to a user profile obtained from the profile file 804, the
game recommendation 858, the game reputation 300, the game
sponsorship 862, or the like. In an embodiment, the game list may
flow through each of the services for game filtering based on
predetermined parameters; the predetermined parameters may be
stored in the profile file 804. For example, the recommendation
service 858 may filter the game list based on the rating other
users have given a certain game; a recommendation below a certain
threshold may be used to exclude games from the game listing.
[0103] Game matching may be a method of matching user specific game
preferences with a received total set of games resulting from a
user search; the matching may output only a list of search results
that meet certain user preferences. The matching engine 104 may
control the matching process that may match user specific criteria
or other criteria with the total set of games found during the user
initiated search. There may be a plurality of matching filters or
layers that combined may comprise the entire set of rules for
matching the user preferences with the total set of found games.
The result may be a sub-set of games that may be appropriate
matches with the game or game type for which the user is searching.
Matching may be with, but not limited to, game reputation, user
parameters, user preference, game invitation, game indicator,
online identity, game popularity, paid keyword, paid gaming, or the
like. The game matching may output to a search results file from
which the user may be able to select a game to play. The full game
set that resulted from the user search already may have been
filtered by information from the player profile files 804, and the
matching may provide an additional layer of filtering of the full
set listing of games.
[0104] The game matching may provide ranking information about the
set of games that resulted from the user's game search. The set of
games may be provided with additional information about the best
matches of games for the user. For example, a game may get a
favorable ranking for having a good reputation with other users,
being popular, and having other current user-players whose profiles
are similar to those of the user.
[0105] The recommend system 858 of the match engine 104 may provide
game recommendation information to the game guide 130 that may be
used as part of the game rating or game quality values. The
recommend system 858 may provide information by interfacing with at
least one of the following kinds of information: user's profile,
history tracker, game security, game e-commerce requirements,
e-wallet information, layers of matching, games available, other
users playing a game, or the like.
[0106] For example, the recommend system 858 may review the amount
of funds available in the user's e-wallet account to determine
whether the user is able to pay for a game. Using this example, if
a user has $200 in an e-wallet account used to pay for games, and
the user wishes to play an online poker game with max bids of $100,
the game may get a low rating or match quality because the user may
not be able to play long. In an embodiment, the gaming application
may provide an indication to a user that the e-wallet does not have
sufficient funds to play a game, or the gaming application may give
the user notice to put more money into the e-wallet before playing
a game.
[0107] As another example, the recommend system 858 may review the
games to determine whether a game is still accepting players or is
closed. The recommend system 858 may review the other players
already in the game for skill or other parameter and match the
other players' parameters to the user's parameters. The recommend
system 858 may provide information for the game rating or match
quality based on how well the user matches with the players already
in the game.
[0108] The game reputation 300 match performed by the match engine
104 may match reputations of the full game set with the game's
reputation; the reputation value may be created by the combined
user ratings of the game, industry opinion of the game, magazine
ratings of the game, the number of other users wanting to play the
game, the average skill level of the other users of the game, or
the like.
[0109] A player parameter match may match the full game set with
the matching skill levels of the other players in the game, game
requirements, economics of the game, or other parameters that may
be defined by the user.
[0110] A preference match may match the full game set with a
ranking of the game or game site. The ranking may be based on user
opinions of the game or site, magazine ratings of the game or site,
the number of players on the game or site, money required to play
the game, the amount of money the game pays out, or the like.
[0111] An invitation match may match the full game set with an
electronic invitation to play a game; the invitation may be from a
messenger program or by email. The invitation match may base the
match on the number of other users invited, the game parameters,
the other users' parameters, or the like.
[0112] A game indicator match may match the full game set during
the ad hoc forming of a tournament. The ad hoc tournament may be
formed by the game application matching similar users who may be
searching for the same type of game. The user may be notified in
the search listing that the ad hoc tournament may be forming.
[0113] An online identity match may match the full game set with
the identity of other users online or already playing a game. The
user's parameters may be matched with the other players' capability
parameters to find games with compatible players.
[0114] A popularity match may match the full game set with the
game's popularity; the popularity may be based on the number of
users playing the game, the number of users that have played the
game over a period of time, industry information about the game, or
the like.
[0115] A paid keyword match may match a search keyword with
keywords provided by an enterprise for directing the game set to a
particular game. The paid keywords may be provided by an affiliate
or an agency to assure the affiliate or agency's game will be
included in the final search results. Games that are in the final
search results may have an indication that the game is a result of
a paid keyword match.
[0116] The reputation system 300 may provide information about the
reputation of games or game sites such as game quality, game or
game site reliability, trustworthiness, user feedback, 3.sup.rd
party evaluations, and the like. The reputation system 300 may
provide information used during the game matching process to match
the user's requirements and parameters with the reputation
parameters of the game or game site. The reputation system 300 may
compare at least one of the user's profile values to the searched
game or game site. The reputation system 300 may attempt to match
as many of the user's profile or preference values as possible to
the game or game site. The reputation may also include the
reputation of gaming leagues.
[0117] The reputation system 300 may provide a window of
information about and statistics of the players in a game. In an
embodiment, the window of information and statistics may be
presented in the form of a "bubble-gum" card with information such
as game results, ratings, skill level, reputation, winnings, and
the like. The user may be able to display the window of information
and statistics on any of the players in the game. The reputation
system 300 may also show the information and statistics of the user
compared to those of any of the players in the game or the average
player in the game.
[0118] The reputation system 300 may integrate both offline and
online information on a game. Over time the gaming application may
gather information about games in an offline file that may include
information such as the average number of players; the quality,
statistics, and reputations of players; and the like. This offline
information may be integrated with the current online information,
and the information may be available to the user for viewing. This
information may be helpful to the user in choosing which game to
select.
[0119] The reputation system 300 of the match engine 104 may
determine gaming security of the game or game site to determine if
the game or game site is operating securely. The security may be
determined by the game trustworthiness, site security, other site
links, age of the site, origin of the site, and the like. In an
embodiment, a game or game site with a low security rating may
receive a low game rating or match quality. The reputation system
300 may determine the type of e-commerce the game or game site may
have in order to determine the reliability of receiving money from
the user. In an embodiment, a game or game site with a non-reliable
e-commerce system may get a low game rating or match quality.
[0120] The reputation security system 300 may insure player
security as the user accesses games or game sites. The reputation
security system 300 may provide an alert or warning to inform the
user of any possible security threats from the game or game site.
The user may be able to determine whether the game should be played
based on the security threat level. The reputation security system
300 may prevent access to a game or game site if the threat level
is above a set threshold level. The reputation security system 300
may verify the game or game site's security by checking the site's
trustworthiness, the amount of time the site has been active, the
origin of the site, 3.sup.rd party information about the site,
industry information about the site, game application information
about the site, or the like.
[0121] The reputation security system 300 may also provide a
privacy system that may allow the user to prevent other players
from seeing the user's information. The privacy system may not show
user information based on a user setting in the user's profile or
preferences, the security level of the game site, the type of
information the game site is seeking, or the like. The user or the
reputation security system 300 may be able to prevent some or all
of the user's information from being shown to other players.
[0122] In an embodiment, the reputation service 300 may use a
game's predetermined reputation as a security filter to exclude the
game from the game listing. The game reputation security may be
based on the length of time the game site has been available, the
origin of the game site, the e-commerce used, or the like. The game
reputation security may be predetermined by the security
information stored in a file, or the security reputation may be
determined in real time using security parameters. The reputation
service 300 may access the game site through the network 800 to
determine the game's security reputation.
[0123] In an embodiment, the match engine 104 sponsorship engine
862 may use a network 800 connection to interface with a sponsor
812 to determine if a game is still an actively sponsored game. In
an embodiment, a sponsored game that is no longer active may be
removed from the game listing.
[0124] In an embodiment, the result of the game listing flowing
through each of the match engine 104 filters may result in a
modified game listing that meets requirements of the user's game
parameters, game reputation, game recommendation, and the like. In
an embodiment, games that are removed from the game listing may not
be available to the user for viewing or selection. When the match
engine 104 has completed the filtering of the game listing, the
modified game listing may be passed to the game guide 130.
[0125] In embodiments of the gaming server 802, the game
infrastructure 820 may provide the administrative interfaces of the
gaming application. The game infrastructure may include a security
service 864, an account manager 868, a transaction module 870, a
game hosting module 872, the game portal 500, or the like. The game
infrastructure 820 may interact with the profile file 804 (e.g.
economic profile 888 or account information), game guide 130 (e.g.
game hosting), the game site, or the like. The game infrastructure
820 may also provide the game application services to support the
game guide 130 interface. In an embodiment, as a user selects a
game from the game guide 130, the game request may be directed to
the game infrastructure 820 to determine the security thresholds,
initialize the e-wallet, access the game e-commerce, and the
like.
[0126] In an embodiment, the security service 864 may use the
security settings of the game infrastructure 820, the client
browser 810, user defined security, or the like. The security
service 864 may interact with the user profile in the profile file
804 and/or the client browser 810 to create the overall security
settings. In an embodiment, the security settings may prevent a
user from accessing a game that has security below the overall
security settings. In an embodiment, the game infrastructure 820
account manager 868 and transaction module 870 may interact with
both the profile file 804 (to get economic profile information) and
the game site (to establish the e-commerce for the user at the game
site). For example, when the user selects a game in the game guide
130, the request may be passed to the game infrastructure 820. The
game infrastructure 820 may contact the game site to retrieve the
parameters of the game site e-commerce system. The game
infrastructure 820 may then access the profile file 804 to gather
the appropriate economic profile 888 information in order to
initialize the accounts to be used with the game site.
[0127] In an embodiment, the transaction module 870 of the gaming
server may provide for all the e-commerce management between the
user, the gaming application, and other gaming sites. The
transaction module 870 may provide services such as user profile
tracking, thus providing targeted advertising/promotions to users,
game site advertising, an agency system to bring users to a game
site, an affiliate system for revenue sharing with game sites,
aggregation of game information, a user e-wallet system,
merchandizing of game products to users, mining data from gaming
application sites for monetizing information, a user subscription
system, a certification and rating system for game sites, and the
like. The transaction module 870 may manage the paid site
information that is presented to a user and may provide money
management for the user in the form of a user e-wallet account. The
transaction module 870 may track the user's gaming activities to
determine the type of game the user plays, the amount of time spent
playing, the amount of money spent on a game, and the like. This
information may allow the transaction module 870 to present the
user with advertisements and gaming opportunities based on past
user gaming history and therefore may present a personalized
interface for the user.
[0128] The transaction module 870 may manage receiving of funds for
game advertisements and placement of the advertisement on the game
application interface. The advertisements may include agency
systems that may be used to direct users to certain game sites in
return for a fee. The gaming application interface may also include
affiliate system links that may be associated with game sites for
connecting users to gaming sites or for the forming of online
tournaments. The affiliate game sites may pay a fee for the service
of directing users to games or the organization of game tournaments
using affiliated games.
[0129] The transaction module 870 may provide for an aggregation of
information about a game such as game news, game background,
reviews, cheat codes, download information, and the like. This
information may be available to a user prior to the user beginning
the game. The transaction module 870 may also provide certification
and rating information for the game or game sites that may be
available in the game guide 130. The game or game site may pay a
fee to have its game rated on the gaming application interface.
Merchandise related to a particular game or gaming site may be
provided to a user through the gaming application interface; the
merchandise advertisement may be provided with a fee charged to the
merchandise enterprise.
[0130] The transaction module 870 may provide management of a user
e-wallet account system that may allow a user to have accounts with
user-defined money limits. The user may be able to set up an
e-wallet account; this account may be the account used to pay for
games the user is playing. The user may use the e-wallet account
instead of paying a game or game site directly by using a personal
credit or debit card. This may provide a level of security to the
user in paying for gaming activities. There may be a method of
adding money to the e-wallet account; the e-wallet account may be
associated with the user's credit or debit account. In an
embodiment, the user may be able to set maximum and minimum money
levels for the e-wallet account and may authorize the transaction
module 870 to charge the user's credit or debit card to maintain
the set levels.
[0131] The transaction module 870 may provide for a subscription
system for users to establish a player profile to be used when
playing online games. The subscription may allow the user to set up
a personalized gaming profile and may also allow the setup of the
user's e-wallet account. The subscription may provide, for a fee,
the user with a set amount of gaming time on predetermined games, a
certain amount of gaming time on any available game, or similar
management of gaming.
[0132] The transaction module 870 may also mine data from the
gaming application for the monetization of available user
information. Information may be used to increase billing rates to
advertisers, provide mailing lists, get new advertisers, establish
new affiliations, or the like.
[0133] In an embodiment, the game hosting module 872 of the game
infrastructure 820 may be used to contact other users to indicate
the forming of a game. The game hosting module 872 may maintain a
database of users searching for a certain type of game and may make
users aware of the interest in a game through the game guide 130.
For example, a user may elect to organize a hosted game, and the
game hosting module may notify all the interested users that a user
has elected to organize a game. In this example, the game hosting
module 872 may provide all of the necessary game infrastructure to
organize the game and maintain the game while it is active. In an
embodiment, the game hosting module 872 may save the hosted game
into the game index 102 to be available for future game searches by
the search engine 122. In an embodiment, the user, through the game
guide 130, may select to either join an existing game or to host a
game; the hosted game may either be a game that was set up in
advance or an ad hoc game that may form in real time.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 8, the gaming server 802 may interface with
other components of the game applications, including the profile
file 804, the game index 102, the client browser 810 and the
sponsors 812.
[0135] The gaming server 802 may interface with the profile file
804 for information about the user's gaming preferences, economic
profile 888 (e.g. e-commerce history), gaming history, accounts
(e.g. e-wallet), and the like. In an embodiment, the gaming server
802 may interface to the profile file 804 through the network 800
using connections 824 and 832. In this case, the profile file 804
may be a separately maintained remote file server. In another
embodiment, the gaming server 802 may directly interface with the
profile file 804 through connection 842. In this embodiment, the
profile file 804 may be connected to the gaming server 802 through
a LAN, WAN, or the like and may act as a local device for the
gaming server 802. In an embodiment, there may be a plurality of
profile files 804 that may maintain information for each individual
user, or there may be one profile file 804 to maintain the
information for all the users.
[0136] The gaming server 802 may interface with the game index 102
to either provide a game listing as a result of a search or to get
game information as part of a user search. In an embodiment, the
gaming server 802 may interface with the game index 102 through the
network 800 using connections 824 and 828. In this case, the game
index 102 may be a separately maintained remote file server. In
another embodiment, the gaming server 802 may directly interface
with the game index 102 through connection 834. In this embodiment,
the game index 102 may be connected to the gaming server 802
through a LAN, WAN, or the like and may act as a local device for
the gaming server 802. In an embodiment, there may be a plurality
of game indexes 102 that may maintain information for each
individual user, or there may be one game index 102 to maintain the
information for all the users.
[0137] The gaming server 802 may interface with the client browser
810 to provide the user with an interface to the gaming search, the
game hosting, and the like. In an embodiment, the gaming server 802
may connect to the client browser 810 using connections 824 and
830. In this embodiment, the user may use the client browser 810 to
access the network 800 and connect to the gaming server 802; the
game guide 130 may be a plug-in application for the client browser
810. In another embodiment, the game guide 130 may be directly
associated with the gaming server 802 using connection 844. In this
embodiment, the game guide 130 may be a local device connected to
the gaming server 802; the connection may be provided by a LAN,
WAN, or the like. In this case, the client browser may be used to
access the gaming server 802 and may use the gaming server 802 to
access all the aspects of the gaming application. In this
embodiment, the gaming server 802 may act as a portal to the client
browser 810 where the user may request game searches, maintain
personal preferences, play games, or the like.
[0138] The gaming server 802 may also access sponsors 812 for game
hosting information, promotional information, game searches, and
the like. The gaming server 802 may be connected to the sponsors
812 through the network 800 using connections 824 and 848. There
may be a plurality of sponsors 812 that are connected to the gaming
server 802; each sponsor may connect through a connection similar
to 824 and 848.
[0139] It should be understood that as the gaming server 802 is
searching, matching, or the like, it may interact with any of the
above described components to provide a seamless interface to the
user. It should also be understood that any of the sub-components
of the gaming server 802 may be able to use any of the connections
to the above described components. Therefore the search engine 122,
the match engine 104, and the game interface 820 may have access to
the profile file 804, game index 102, client browser 810, sponsors
812, or the like.
[0140] As depicted in FIG. 8, the profile file 804 may provide
storage access to user profiles to other game application
components such as the gaming server 802, client browser 810, game
guide 130, and the like. In an embodiment, the profile file 804 may
be a remote file server that may connect through the network 800 to
the other connected components. In an embodiment, the profile file
804 may be directly connected to the gaming server 802 through a
connection 842 or to the client browser 810 through another
connection 840. The direct connections may be provided by a LAN,
WAN, or the like. The profile file 804 may also be incorporated
into either the gaming server 802 or the client browser 810 as a
local device. In an embodiment, if the profile file 804 is
incorporated into the gaming server 802, it may store profiles on a
plurality of users. In an embodiment, if the profile file 804 is
incorporated into the client browser 810, it may store only a
single user's profile data.
[0141] The profile file 804 may store the user's personal profile,
game history, or game account information. The profile file 804 may
also contain the economic profile service 888 that may maintain the
user's e-commerce and e-wallet information on the profile file
804.
[0142] In an embodiment, the economic profile service 888 may
interface with the gaming server 802 game infrastructure 820 to
provide a user's e-commerce and e-wallet information at the request
of the game infrastructure 820 account manager 868 or transaction
module 870. The economic profile service 888 may maintain
e-commerce and e-wallet information on the profile file 804; this
information may be updated continually, based on the user's gaming
activities. In an embodiment, the economic profile service 888 may
monitor the game infrastructure 820 transaction module for the
user's spending while playing a game. For example, the user may
join a high stakes poker game with stakes that are higher than
previously played; this may modify the user's economic profile. In
an embodiment, the economic profile may be modified based on the
user's gaming activities or may be modified by the user. The user
may be able to modify the economic profile before a game, during a
game, or after a game.
[0143] In an embodiment, the profile file 804 user profile may
interface with the gaming server 802 to store information about a
user's gaming preferences. For example, when a user creates a
search using the search engine 122, the search engine 122 may
update the information about the user's game preferences. The
changes to the preferences may be based on the player's searching
for a new type of game, repeatedly searching for the same type of
game, or the like.
[0144] In another embodiment, the profile file 804 user profile may
interface with the game guide 130 to store information about the
user's game selection. For example, the profile file 804 may
already store information about the type of poker game the user
likes to play, but if the user starts to select a particular poker
game site more often, indicating a preference for the site, the
user profile may be updated by the game guide 130 to indicate the
preference for this type of poker game. With the user profile
updated, this preferred poker game site may be presented with a
high recommendation on the game guide listing when the user next
searches for a poker game.
[0145] The profile file 804 may also store game history information
about the games the user may play. This information may include the
number of times a game was played, the length of time the game was
played (e.g. shortest time, longest time, and/or average time), a
high score, whether the user is still an active player in a game,
or the like. In an embodiment, the game history file may be updated
by the game infrastructure 820 game hosting module when the user
has finished playing a game; a completed game may be either a user
playing to completion or the user leaving the game early.
[0146] The player history tracker may update the user's profile
file 804 by tracking the user's gaming activities over time. The
player history tracker may monitor the user's game related
activities such as games played, game products purchased, game
advertisements viewed, or the like; it may update the preferences
based on these activities. The player history tracker may monitor
game parameters such as game played, length of time played, game
final score, quality of players in the game, number of players in
the game, or the like.
[0147] The user profile file 804 and history tracker may provide
information on the user's past gaming behavior. These files may be
influenced by the type of game the user plays, the gaming sites the
user visits, gaming reviews viewed, gaming products purchased, and
the like.
[0148] In an embodiment, the game history may be accessed by the
search engine 122 before a game search is performed on the game
index 102 in order to retrieve the user's most recent gaming
search. The search engine 122 may then use the game history as part
of the search of the game index 102.
[0149] In an embodiment, the game history may interface with the
game guide 130 to provide a history of games played in order to
rank games in the game guide 130; the game rank may be provided in
addition to the game listing.
[0150] In an embodiment, the game history may interface with the
match engine 104 for determining whether a game will remain in the
game listing. As part of the match engine 104 recommendation
service 858, the game history may be accessed to provide a match
with the user's most recent preferences among games. The
recommendation service 858 may use the user's game history as one
of the parameters for filtering the game listing.
[0151] As depicted in FIG. 8, the client browser 810 may be an
interface by which the user may access the other aspects of the
game application described herein. The client browser 810 may be
any browser capable of interfacing with the network 800. The client
browser 810 may be on a user's computer device that may be
connected to the network 800. The client browser 810 may have
components of the game application as a plug-in or as an associated
program that may executed by the client browser 810.
[0152] In an embodiment, the game application depicted in FIG. 8
may include a client/server application with the client browser 810
associated with the game guide 130 component, where the game guide
130 may be a user interface that presents a listing of the
available games to the user. In the client/server application the
client browser 810 may access the gaming server 802 for access to
the search engine 122, match engine 104, game infrastructure 820,
profile file 804, or game index 102.
[0153] In an embodiment, the game application depicted in FIG. 8
may be a complete client application with the client browser 810
being associated with all game application components. For example,
the client browser 810 may include the game guide 130, search
engine 122, match engine 104, and the game infrastructure 820. As a
complete client application, the profile file 804 and game index
102 may also be included in the client browser 810.
[0154] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a client/server
embodiment is shown with the client browser 810 associated with the
game guide 130 and with the game server 802 associated with the
search engine 122, match engine 104, and the game infrastructure
820. The client browser 810 may interface with the other game
application components using the network 800.
[0155] For example, the client browser 810 may interface with the
gaming server 802 through the network 800 using connections 830 and
824. By interfacing with the gaming server 802 the client browser
810 may have access to any of the gaming server 802 components such
as the search engine 122, match engine 104, or game infrastructure
820.
[0156] In an embodiment, the client browser 810 may have access to
the profile file 804 through the network 800 using connections 830
and 832.
[0157] In an embodiment, the client browser 810 may have access to
the game index 102 through the network 800 using connections 830
and 828.
[0158] In an embodiment, the client browser 810 may have access to
the sponsors 812 through the network 800 using connections 830 and
848. There may be a plurality of sponsors 812 connected to the
network 800; the client browser 810 may connect to any of the
sponsors 812 using connections similar to 830 and 848.
[0159] In an embodiment, the client browser 810 may be directly
connected to the game application components by either a LAN, WAN,
or the like. For example, the client browser 810 may connect to the
profile file 804 with connection 840, the gaming server 802 with
connection 844, the game index 102 with connection 838, or the
like. There may not be any direct connection between the client
browser 810 and the sponsors 812.
[0160] The client browser 810 may provide a user interface for a
number of the game application components that may allow the user
to navigate to components that permit user interaction. The user
interactions may be searches, preference modification, account
modification, or the like. Using the client browser 810, the user
may be able to access the search engine 122 search user interface
to initiate a game search as described above. The user may also be
able to access the e-commerce and e-wallet files of the profile
file 804 by accessing the game infrastructure 820 account manager
868 or the transaction module 870. The user may be able to transfer
money to accounts, manage credit/debit card associations to the
e-wallet, set gaming monetary limits, and the like. Using the
client browser 810, the user also may be able to access the profile
file 804 directly to make these changes. Using the client browser
810, the user may be able to access any of the game portal
capabilities of the gaming server 802 such as game hosting, sponsor
links, gaming advertisements, gaming merchandise, or the like.
[0161] In an embodiment, the client browser 810 may be associated
with the game guide 130, a user interface that may present game
choices to the user. As shown in FIG. 8, the game guide 130 may
include sub-components such as game results 874, advertisements
878, links 880, sponsor links 882, query capabilities 884, or the
like. These sub-components may be viewed by the user as one large
user interface or may be viewed as a plurality of screens and menus
to be navigated.
[0162] The game guide 130 may include a user interface where the
final game search results 874, after searching and matching, are
displayed. The game guide 130 may present a listing of games to the
user that may include information about match quality, game name,
game description, game rating, game schedule, game level, game
cost, and the like. The user may be able to sort the game listing
by any of the provided columns of information. For example, the
user may wish to view the games ordered by the games rating or by
the schedule time. The user may be able to sort by more than one
column in order to view the games in the user's preferred order.
The game guide 130 may also present the available games by medium
type such as Internet game, mobile game, cable game, and the
like.
[0163] The game guide 130 may provide a match quality value that
may be a result of the combined information from the user search,
the matching layers, user profile, and the like. The match quality
value may present a rating such as a number rating, letter rating,
star rating, or other rating method to indicate a range varying
from excellent to poor.
[0164] The game guide 130 may provide a hyperlink 880 to any of the
games listed in the game guide. To initiate a game, the user may
only have to click on the desired game hyperlink 880 to open the
game. In an embodiment, the game may open as a separate instance,
leaving the gaming application running to allow the user access to
any information in the gaming application.
[0165] The game guide 130 may also allow the user to filter the
games listed to show only games or types of games in which the user
is interested. The game guide 130 may provide preset filters such
as similar skill levels, game cost, time of game, and the like. The
user may also be able to enter a custom filter requirement.
[0166] The game guide 130 may also allow the user to arrange a game
in an ad hoc manner. The user may be able to pick the game to play
and to invite other users to play the game. The user may provide a
time for the game to begin and may define game parameters for the
invited users.
[0167] The game guide 130 may allow the user to modify the user's
profile file 804, which may result in the game listing being
refreshed and may produce differences in the game listing
results.
[0168] In an embodiment, the game guide 130 may include among the
game results 874, for example, the final filtered and matched game
listing that is presented to the user. As discussed above, the user
may have started the game result process by creating a search using
the search engine 122. The search engine 122 may create a listing
of games matching the user's search request and pass the list to
the matching engine 104 for matching to the user's game preference.
The resulting game listing may be displayed as a matched/filtered
game list in the result 874 table in the game guide 130. The gaming
result 874 table may allow the user to select a game to be played
by selecting a game link; this process is further discussed
below.
[0169] In an embodiment, the game guide 130 may include
advertisements 878 that may be displayed as associated or not
associated with games in the results 874 table. The game guide 130
may manage advertisements 878 displayed by sponsors 812. The
advertisements 878 from the sponsors 812 may be a result of a
sponsored game in the result 874 table or may be sponsor links 882
to advertise future games to be played. The advertisements 878 may
be in addition to any sponsor information or links that may be
displayed on the client browser 810 through the connection with the
gaming server 802.
[0170] In an embodiment, the game guide 130 may contain links 880
to games. The links 880 may be integral to the game listing in the
result 874 table. In an embodiment, the game listing may be passed
to the game guide 130 from the matching engine 104; the game guide
130 may create the result 874 table by combining the game listing
with the gaming links 880. The game links 880 may allow the user to
navigate directly to the game site by selecting the game link
880.
[0171] In an embodiment, the game guide 130 may contain sponsor
links 882 that may link to sponsored games or to sponsors' game
sites. The sponsors 812 may pay a fee for the sponsor links 882 to
be associated with the game guide 130. The sponsor links 882 may
allow direct access to the sponsor games or sponsor site. In an
embodiment, the sponsor link 882 may be incorporated into the
result 874 table. If a game in the game listing is a sponsored
game, the result 874 table may provide a sponsor link 882 in the
result 874 table in addition to the game link.
[0172] In an embodiment, the user may be able to query, sort, or
filter the game guide 130 game result 874 table. The game result
874 table may be presented to the user with a number of columns,
such as ranking, number of users playing the game, game cost, game
time of day, or the like. The user may be able to query, sort, or
filter the result 874 table to view the result 874 table in the
order that is of interest to the user. For example, the user may be
able to query the result 874 table about all games that start after
8 pm and cost less than $20 to play; the result may be that the
matching games may be displayed to the user. In a similar manner,
the user may be able to indicate columns to be sorted and the order
in which the columns are to be sorted.
[0173] As depicted in FIG. 8, the game index 102 may be a file that
contains a listing of all the games that may be of interest to the
user; the game index 102 may be a database, a table, a relational
database, a flat file, an ASCII file, an XML file, or the like. The
game index 102 may be a searchable file that the search engine 122
may search in response to a user's game search request. The user
may access the search engine 122 using the client browser 810 to
input a search request. The search engine 122 may then connect to
the game index 102 to search for games matching the user's game
search.
[0174] In an embodiment, the game index 102 may be a separately
maintained file server that may connect to the other game
application components either through a network 800 connection or
by direct connection. The game index 102 may be accessed by other
components through the network 800 using connection 828 and the
network connection of the other components, such as connections
824, 830, or 832.
[0175] In an embodiment, the game index 102 may be incorporated
into either the gaming server 802 or the client browser 810; the
incorporation may be a connection by LAN, WAN, or the like. The
game index 102 may connect directly to the gaming server 802 using
connection 834 or to the client browser 810 using connection
838.
[0176] As discussed above, the search engine 122 network crawler
704 may store the game search results in the game index 102; the
stored games may be a result of the network crawler 704 searching
among known gaming sites for games of interest to the user as
defined by the user's profile and gaming history. For example, the
search engine 122 may connect to the game index 102 to search for
games matching the user's search request.
[0177] In an embodiment, the game index 102 may have housekeeping
capabilities to remove games from the game index 102 when the
user's preferences in the profile file 804 change. In an
embodiment, a user may use the client browser 810 to access and
modify the user's profile stored in the profile file 804. The
change in the user's preferences may send a request to the game
index 102 to remove games from the game index 102 that do not match
the user's preferences.
[0178] The online game index 102 may provide an aggregation of all
gaming sites that may be available to users as defined by their
profiles. The users' profile may be data files that may include
games that have been played, game network sites visited,
advertisements viewed, game products purchased, or the like. The
profile of an individual user may be a file in which the user
defines the type of games that the user prefers to play. The
profile file 804 may be updated over time based on the user's
gaming activities. An online gaming site may be any available game
that can be accessed by the user's computer device through a
network connection (e.g. Internet, LAN, WAN, or the like). The
available games may exist on a user's own computer device, on a
network 800, or on a connected console game such as Xbox,
Playstation, Game Cube, or the like. Any game that is accessible
from a user's computer device may be considered an online game and
therefore may be in the online game index 102.
[0179] The online game index 102 may provide a listing of all the
games that meet the user's gaming, time, and cost profiles or
preferences. The online game index 102 may be a searchable
database, table, text file, relational database, XML file, or the
like. The online game index 102 may consist of a listing of the
games or game sites that may have games in which the user may be
interested.
[0180] The online game index 102 may continually update the game
listing by interfacing with the player behavior system 854, player
profile file 804, and player history data. The online game index
102 may be initialized with a user defined set of parameters,
games, network sites, or the like that the user may prefer to play.
The online game index 102 may also initialize the online game index
102 by scanning the user's computer device for previously played
games or network sites visited. Once the online game index 102 has
been initialized, the online game index 102 may incorporate a
network crawler 704 to search the user's computer device network
connection. The online game index 102 may use the initialized
information about the user to begin the search for online gaming
that may meet the user's profile.
[0181] The process of updating the online game index 102 may be
ongoing; the online game index 102 can be continually updated as
the network crawler 704 finds new network sites and online games.
The network crawler 704 may find new games by discovering a new
game network link on a network site previously found or may look
for new games when the user's profile is updated. The player's
profile file 888 may be updated based on games the user has played,
game sites the user has visited, game advertisements viewed, game
products purchased, or the like. The user may also revise the
profile file 804 to include a new type of game or a new variation
of a game the user already plays. The online game index 102 may
continually review the user profile file 804 for updates; when
updates are detected, the online game index 102 may add the new
game information to the network crawler 704 for additional game
searches on the user's computer device connected to a network. The
network crawler 704 may also search for a game to be added to the
online game index 102 if the search request from the user does not
match any previously requested game or game type.
[0182] Games catalogued within the online game index 102 may be
accessed by using the search engine 122. The search engine 122 may
initiate a search for user-requested games within the known games
of the online game index 102. For example, the user may interact
with the search engine 122 user interface 852 to perform a search
of the online game index 102 to find a game matching one of the
user's search requirements. The search engine 122 may interact and
retrieve information from the player profile file 804 and may
combine this information with the user's search request to find the
games which best match the user. The user may be able to provide
input into at least one search field of the search user interface
852 as a natural language text string, a game name, a game type, a
game player type (e.g. single player or multi-player), or the like
to begin the search for a game. The search engine 122 may use the
natural language translator for converting the natural language
request into a search string that may be compatible with the online
game index 102. The user may be able to input information into more
than one of the search fields to provide a more specific game
search or may enter information into only one search field to
possibly provide the most generic game search.
[0183] The search engine 122 may search the online game index 102
using a plurality of search types such as the natural language
search, the semantic search, the contextual search, or the like.
The search engine 122 may perform a search on only one search field
or may combine multiple search fields to provide the broadest game
search for the user. The user may provide an indication of the
priority of the matching sequence when more than one search field
is entered. For example, the user may provide a number or letter
sequence to indicate which is the first, second, or third search
field to use in the game search.
[0184] The search engine 122 may also search for affiliate or
agency paid games, and the affiliate or agency may pay a fee for
the affiliate or agency game to be added to the user's search
results.
[0185] The search engine 122 may provide a user interface 852 for
entering information to search the online game index 102. The
search engine 122 may also be able to search the user's computer
device connected network for games meeting the search parameters.
This network search performed by the search engine 122 may be
instead of or in combination with the search of the online game
index 102.
[0186] In certain embodiments, the gaming application may provide
the game portal 500 that may provide the connections to a network
800. In an embodiment, the portal 500 may provide access to network
links such as network gaming, gaming information, gaming reviews,
cheat codes, chat rooms, gaming products, gaming product
information and news, paid advertising, or the like.
[0187] The gaming portal 500 may access the player profile file 804
to track the user's gaming behavior; this may allow the game portal
500 to activate or deactivate different links to match the user's
profile. The portal may be able to dynamically load and build
network pages to present to the user based on the media type with
which the user is connected such as broadband access, mobile
access, or the like.
[0188] The gaming portal 500 may contain a meta-menu that may allow
users to maintain access to the gaming application site information
and functions while playing a game at another site. The meta-menu
may be shown as a top level menu over the game, as a window on the
game, as a popup menu with a certain key press, or the like.
[0189] It will be appreciated by skilled artisans that embodiments
of the online gaming applications described herein are compatible
with any number of online games that users may wish to play. Online
games compatible with these gaming applications may be played for a
fee or may be free, depending on the game site and game complexity.
Online games compatible with these gaming applications may be
single player games that may have the user trying to attain a high
score or pitting the user against the computer. Other online games
compatible with these gaming applications may be multiplayer games
that may have a significant number of players from around the world
playing at once. Online games compatible with these gaming
applications may include card games, board games, word games,
mobile games, action games, role playing games, sports,
strategy/tactical games, arcade games, simulation games, and the
like.
[0190] Online card games compatible with these gaming applications
may range from free child-type games to high stakes poker and
blackjack games. Online card games compatible with these gaming
applications may be single player games such as solitaire or
multiplayer games with many players world wide. Online card games
compatible with these gaming applications may include spades,
canasta, poker, solitaire, hearts, blackjack, bridge, gin, go fish,
pinochle, or the like.
[0191] Poker may have many different variations that may be played
online such as Texas Hold'em, 5 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud, Omaha,
Chinese, 5 Card Draw, Lowball, Crazy Pineapple, and the like, any
and all of which may be compatible with these gaming applications.
Online poker games compatible with these gaming applications may be
played for free or may also be played on large game sites with many
players for various stakes, and each game may be defined by the
specific gambling stakes.
[0192] Solitaire may have many different variations that may be
played online such as Klondike, Freecell, Spider, Golf, Pyramid,
Aces and Kings, Cruel, Yukon, or the like, any and all of which may
be compatible with these gaming applications. Solitaire games
compatible with these gaming applications are often played for free
but may also be played for a fee.
[0193] Online board games compatible with these gaming applications
include computer versions of typical board games such as chess,
dominoes, backgammon, Mah Jong, bingo, checkers, go, or the like.
These online board games may be free plays, but some of the board
games such as chess, backgammon, go, or the like may be for fee and
may be played in tournament play.
[0194] Online word games compatible with these gaming applications
may typically be played for free and may include word jumbles,
scrabble, crossword puzzles, or the like.
[0195] Mobile games compatible with these gaming applications may
be versions of online games formatted for mobile computer devices
such as PDAs, cell phones, or the like. The mobile games may have a
restricted selection of games based on the required small format
but may include solitaire, dominoes, hearts, arcade games, action
games, card games, or the like. These games may be played for free
or as a fee based game. Mobile games compatible with these gaming
applications may be played as downloaded games or may be online
games using a mobile network connection.
[0196] Action games compatible with these gaming applications may
be a type of game that a user may play in a simulated environment
against a computer, usually attempting to avoid obstacles and
collect bonuses. The action games typically may have an overall
objective to achieve such as "capturing the bad guy." Action games
may include Aliens vs. Predator, America's Army: Special Forces,
the Battlefield series, Call of Duty, Deer Hunter, Descent 3,
Devastation, the Half-life series, Halo, Jedi Knight, the Medal of
Honor series, Quake, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, SWAT 4, the
Soldier of Fortune series, Star Trek, Star Wars, the Tribes series,
the Unreal Tournament series, Vietcong, the Wolfenstein series, or
the like.
[0197] Role playing games compatible with these gaming applications
may have a user assume a character of the game and may join other
characters to complete a particular objective. The user may
typically play with other players that also have assumed roles
within the game. Depending on the game, the other players may
either be on the same side as or different side from the user. The
characters of the role playing games may have predefined character
traits, or a user may be able to enhance the character's traits by
continued playing. A user may be able to save a character's traits
and later join a game in progress using the saved character traits.
Online role playing games may include Baldur's Gate, Deus Ex,
Lionheart, Neverwinter Nights, or the like.
[0198] Online sports games compatible with these gaming
applications may be simulations of real life sports and may try to
closely simulate the real life game or may be an exaggeration of
the real life sports game. A user may typically control a key
person, a vehicle, or the like in the online sports game and try to
beat a computerized competitor, or the user may be matched against
other players controlling another key person, vehicle, or the like.
Online sports games may include the Deer Hunter series, the Dirt
Track Racing series, F1 Challenge, High Heat Baseball, the Links
series, the Midnight Outlaw series, Midtown Madness, MotoGP,
Motocross, Madness, the NASCAR series, the NFL Fever series, Need
for Speed, Pro Bass Fishing, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, or the like.
[0199] Online strategy and tactical games compatible with these
gaming applications may be games with large scope that may be
designed to require strategy over fast pace. These games may
require a user to command many different aspects of the game, such
as commanding an entire army, to achieve an overall objective. The
user may be required to take actions toward the objective while
other users or the computer may make similar actions to stop the
objective from being completed. Online strategy and tactical games
may include Age of Empires, Age of Wonders, Army Men, Axis &
Allies, Civilization, Close Combat, Command & Conquer,
Conquest, Empire Earth, Kohan, MechCommander, Medieval, Myth III,
Railroad Tycoon, Real War, Rise of Nations, Soldiers, Star Trek,
Star Wars, Stronghold, Total Annihilation, or the like.
[0200] Online arcade games compatible with these gaming
applications may be intended to simulate arcade games that may be
found in a real arcade. These games may typically be played as a
single player, but the games may track the high scores of players
over time. Arcade games may include Breakout, Pac man, Pinball, or
the like.
[0201] Online simulation games compatible with these gaming
applications may intend to provide activity as close as possible to
a real experience. These games may simulate controls and
communications very similar to the controls and communications of
the real activity. These games may try to simulate planes, cars,
ships, or the like. Online simulation games may include Combat
Flight Simulator, the Jane's series, Microsoft Flight Simulator
series, Race Driver 2, or the like.
[0202] The elements depicted in flow charts and block diagrams
throughout the figures imply logical boundaries between the
elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering
practices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may be
implemented as parts of a monolithic software structure, as
standalone software modules, or as modules that employ external
routines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of
these, and all such implementations are within the scope of the
present disclosure. Thus, while the foregoing drawings and
description set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems,
no particular arrangement of software for implementing these
functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions
unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context.
[0203] Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps
identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of
steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques
disclosed herein. All such variations and modifications are
intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the
depiction and/or description of an order for various steps should
not be understood to require a particular order of execution for
those steps, unless required by a particular application, or
explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context.
[0204] The methods or processes described above, and steps thereof,
may be realized in hardware, software, or any combination of these
suitable for a particular application. The hardware may include a
general-purpose computer and/or dedicated computing device. The
processes may be realized in one or more microprocessors,
microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital
signal processors or other programmable device, along with internal
and/or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be
embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a
programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other
device or combination of devices that may be configured to process
electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more
of the processes may be realized as computer executable code
created using a structured programming language such as C, an
object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other
high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly
languages, hardware description languages, and database programming
languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or
interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as
heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures,
or combinations of different hardware and software.
[0205] Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and
combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code
that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the
steps thereof. In another aspect, the methods may be embodied in
systems that perform the steps thereof, and may be distributed
across devices in a number of ways, or all of the functionality may
be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other
hardware. In another aspect, means for performing the steps
associated with the processes described above may include any of
the hardware and/or software described above. All such permutations
and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0206] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with
the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various
modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent
to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of
the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing
examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable
by law.
[0207] All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by
reference.
* * * * *