U.S. patent application number 11/393588 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for method, apparatus, system and computer program product for event triggered games.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nokia Corporation. Invention is credited to Riku Suomela.
Application Number | 20070238525 11/393588 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38576012 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070238525 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suomela; Riku |
October 11, 2007 |
Method, apparatus, system and computer program product for event
triggered games
Abstract
A method of providing event triggered games includes operations
of receiving a subscription to a game service from a subscriber,
providing game content including a game to the subscriber, and
enabling remote execution of the game responsive to receipt of a
trigger associated with an occurrence of a predefined event of
interest.
Inventors: |
Suomela; Riku; (Tampere,
FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Nokia Corporation
|
Family ID: |
38576012 |
Appl. No.: |
11/393588 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/30 20140902;
A63F 13/35 20140902; A63F 13/48 20140902; A63F 13/44 20140902; A63F
13/816 20140902; G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 13/792 20140902; A63F
13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of providing event triggered games, the method
comprising: receiving a subscription to a game service from a
subscriber; providing game content including a game to the
subscriber; and enabling remote execution of the game responsive to
receipt of a trigger associated with an occurrence of a predefined
event of interest.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving
game results from the subscriber; determining performance results
from the game results of the subscriber; and notifying the
subscriber of the performance results.
3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising determining
performance results of a plurality of other subscribers to the game
service and notifying the plurality of other subscribers of the
performance results.
4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising determining
total performance results associated with a plurality of different
game results from the subscriber and the plurality of other
subscribers.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the game content
comprises a plurality of games, and wherein enabling remote
execution comprises providing a particular trigger corresponding to
a particular predefined event of interest.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein triggering execution of
the game comprises manually sending a trigger in response to the
predefined event of interest.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein triggering execution of
the game comprises automatically sending a trigger in response to
the predefined event of interest.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the game
subscription comprises subscribing to a long term game service
defined by one of: a predetermined time; and a predetermined number
of real world events.
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the predefined event of
interest corresponds to a real world event.
10. A computer program product for providing event triggered games,
the computer program product comprising at least one
computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program
code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code
portions comprising: a first executable portion for receiving a
subscription to a game service from a subscriber; a second
executable portion for providing game content including a game to
the subscriber; and a third executable portion for enabling remote
execution of the game responsive to receipt of a trigger associated
with an occurrence of a predefined event of interest.
11. A computer program product according to claim 10, further
comprising: a fourth executable portion for receiving game results
from the subscriber; and a fifth executable portion for determining
performance results from the game results of the subscriber and a
plurality of other subscribers to the game service; and a sixth
executable portion for notifying the subscriber and the plurality
of other subscribers of the performance results.
12. A computer program product according to claim 11, further
comprising a seventh executable portion for determining total
performance results associated with a plurality of different game
results from the subscriber and the plurality of other
subscribers.
13. A computer program product according to claim 10, wherein the
game content comprises a plurality of games, and wherein the third
executable portion comprises instructions for providing a
particular trigger corresponding to a particular predefined event
of interest.
14. A computer program product according to claim 10, wherein the
third executable portion comprises instructions for manually
sending a trigger in response to the predefined event of
interest.
15. A computer program product according to claim 10, wherein the
third executable portion comprises instructions for automatically
sending a trigger in response to the predefined event of
interest.
16. A computer program product according to claim 10, wherein the
first executable portion further includes instructions for
subscribing to a long term game service defined by one of: a
predetermined time; and a predetermined number of real world
events.
17. A computer program product according to claim 10, wherein the
predefined event of interest corresponds to a real world event.
18. An apparatus for providing event triggered games, the apparatus
being configured to be capable of wireless communication with a
mobile terminal, the apparatus comprising: a processing module
capable of receiving a subscription to a game service from the
mobile terminal and directing provision of game content including a
game to the mobile terminal; and a trigger module capable of
enabling remote execution of the game responsive to receipt of a
trigger associated with an occurrence of a predefined event of
interest.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the processing
module is further configured to be capable of: receiving game
results from the subscriber; determining performance results from
the game results of the subscriber; and notifying the subscriber of
the performance results.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising
determining performance results of a plurality of other subscribers
to the game service and notifying the plurality of other
subscribers of the performance results.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the processing
module is further capable of determining total performance results
associated with a plurality of different game results from the
subscriber and the plurality of other subscribers.
22. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the game content
comprises a plurality of games, and wherein the processing module
is further configured to be capable of providing a particular
trigger corresponding to a particular predefined event of
interest.
23. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the trigger module
is further capable of manually sending a trigger in response to the
predefined event of interest.
24. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the trigger module
is further capable of automatically sending a trigger in response
to the predefined event of interest.
25. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the processing
module is capable of receiving a subscription to a long term game
service defined by one of: a predetermined time; and a
predetermined number of real world events.
26. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the predefined
event of interest corresponds to a real world event.
27. A mobile terminal for providing event triggered games, the
mobile terminal comprising: an execution module capable of: sending
a subscription to a game service to a game server; receiving game
content including a game from the game server; and executing the
game in response to receipt of a remotely transmitted trigger, the
trigger being transmitted responsive to an occurrence of a
predefined event of interest.
28. A mobile terminal according to claim 27, wherein the execution
module is further capable of locally determining game results.
29. A mobile terminal according to claim 27, wherein the execution
module is further capable of sending game results to the game
server.
30. A mobile terminal according to claim 27, wherein the execution
module is further capable of receiving performance results from the
game server.
31. A mobile terminal according to claim 27, wherein the execution
module is capable of sending a subscription to a long term game
service defined by one of: a predetermined time; and a
predetermined number of real world events.
32. A mobile terminal according to claim 27, wherein the predefined
event of interest corresponds to a real world event.
33. A system for providing event triggered games, the system
comprising a mobile terminal and a game server, wherein the mobile
terminal comprises an execution module capable of: sending a
subscription to a game service to the game server; receiving game
content including a game from the game server; and enabling remote
execution of the game in response to receipt of a remotely
transmitted trigger, the trigger being transmitted by the game
server responsive to an occurrence of a predefined event of
interest.
34. A system according to claim 33, wherein the game server is
further capable of: receiving game results from the subscriber;
determining performance results from the game results of the
subscriber; and notifying the subscriber of the performance
results.
35. A system according to claim 33, further comprising determining
performance results of a plurality of other subscribers to the game
service and notifying the plurality of other subscribers of the
performance results.
36. A system according to claim 35, wherein the processing module
is further capable of determining total performance results
associated with a plurality of different game results from the
subscriber and the plurality of other subscribers.
37. A system according to claim 33, wherein the game content
comprises a plurality of games, and wherein the processing module
is further configured to be capable of providing a particular
trigger corresponding to a particular predefined event of interest.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
gaming technology and, more particularly, relate to a method,
apparatus, system and computer program product for providing event
triggered games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The modern communications era has brought about a tremendous
expansion of wireline and wireless networks. Computer networks,
television networks, and telephony networks are experiencing an
unprecedented technological expansion, fueled by consumer demand.
Wireless and mobile networking technologies have addressed related
consumer demands, while providing more flexibility and immediacy of
information transfer.
[0003] Current and future networking technologies continue to
facilitate ease of information transfer and convenience to users.
Concurrent with the technological expansion of networking
technologies has been a consumer demand for improved wireless
network based services. For example, web browsing and other web
based services, short message services, email and many services
capable of deployment at a mobile terminal are continuously being
developed. One area in which there is a demand to provide improved
mobile terminal service relates to micro and mini-games. Such games
have been popular with users of mobile terminals, such as mobile
telephones, due to the ability of such games to provide the users
with mobile entertainment. Accordingly, many such games continue to
be developed. Micro-games are typically games that last only a few
seconds, while mini-games last longer, although still a relatively
short period of time.
[0004] In current applications, a user of a mobile terminal who
wishes to play a micro or mini-game at the user's mobile terminal
may launch an application on the mobile terminal to execute the
game. Typically, the game is stored in a memory of the mobile
terminal although the game may also be played, for example, through
a connection to a server hosting the game. Often the game will have
been downloaded by the user, although the game may have been
installed on the mobile terminal during manufacture. Although such
games may be purchased or selected for download in order to provide
entertainment, the scope of the user's participation in most games
is limited to the game itself. In other words, the user is often
engaged in a private diversion. However, it may be desirable to
provide a mechanism by which a game player's experience is tied to
real world events. Thus, the game player's enjoyment of both the
real world event and the game may be enhanced.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are
therefore provided that enables a user of a mobile terminal to
receive and participate in mini or micro-games that are event
triggered. Thus, for example, a micro or mini-game may be
associated with a particular event and execution of the micro or
mini-game may be triggered remotely upon occurrence of the
particular event. Furthermore, multiple users of a same event
triggered micro or mine-game may compete in contests based on a
comparison of performance data of each of the multiple users.
[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a method of providing event
triggered games is provided. The method includes operations of
receiving a subscription to a game service from a subscriber,
providing game content including a game to the subscriber, and
enabling remote execution of the game responsive to receipt of a
trigger associated with an occurrence of a predefined event of
interest.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product
for providing event triggered games is provided. The computer
program product includes at least one computer-readable storage
medium having computer-readable program code portions stored
therein. The computer-readable program code portions include a
first, second and third executable portion. The first executable
portion is for receiving a subscription to a game service from a
subscriber. The second executable portion is for providing game
content including a game to the subscriber. The third executable
portion is for enabling remote execution of the game responsive to
receipt of a trigger associated with an occurrence of a predefined
event of interest.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for providing
event triggered games is provided. The apparatus includes a
processing module and a trigger module. The processing module is
capable of receiving a subscription to a game service from the
mobile terminal and directing provision of game content including a
game to the mobile terminal. The trigger module is capable of
enabling remote execution of the game responsive to receipt of a
trigger associated with an occurrence of a predefined event of
interest.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a mobile terminal for
providing event triggered games is provided. The mobile terminal
includes an execution module. The execution module is capable of
sending a subscription to a game service to a game server,
receiving game content including a game from the game server, and
executing the game in response to receipt of a remotely transmitted
trigger. The trigger is transmitted responsive to an occurrence of
a predefined event of interest.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for providing
event triggered games is provided. The system includes a mobile
terminal and a game server. The mobile terminal includes an
execution module. The execution module is capable of sending a
subscription to a game service to a game server, receiving game
content including a game from the game server, and executing the
game in response to receipt of a remotely transmitted trigger. The
trigger is transmitted by the game server responsive to an
occurrence of a predefined event of interest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0011] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a mobile terminal
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless
communications system according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system for providing
event triggered games at a mobile terminal according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a control flow diagram according to an
exemplary method of providing event triggered games at a mobile
terminal; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a block diagram according to an exemplary method
of providing event triggered games at a mobile terminal according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown.
Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like
reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a mobile terminal 10
that would benefit from the present invention. It should be
understood, however, that a mobile telephone as illustrated and
hereinafter described is merely illustrative of one type of mobile
terminal that would benefit from the present invention and,
therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the present
invention. While several embodiments of the mobile terminal 10 are
illustrated and will be hereinafter described for purposes of
example, other types of mobile terminals, such as portable digital
assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile televisions, laptop computers and
other types of voice and text communications systems, can readily
employ the present invention. Furthermore, mobile gaming devices
such as those sold under the trademark Playstation Portable (PSP)
and Nintendo DS, for example, may also employ embodiments of the
present invention.
[0019] In addition, while several embodiments of the method of the
present invention are performed or used by a mobile terminal 10,
the method may be employed by other than a mobile terminal.
Moreover, the system and method of the present invention will be
primarily described in conjunction with mobile communications
applications. It should be understood, however, that the system and
method of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with
a variety of other applications, both in the mobile communications
industries and outside of the mobile communications industries.
[0020] The mobile terminal 10 includes an antenna 12 in operable
communication with a transmitter 14 and a receiver 16. The mobile
terminal 10 further includes a controller 20 or other processing
element that provides signals to and receives signals from the
transmitter 14 and receiver 16, respectively. The signals include
signaling information in accordance with the air interface standard
of the applicable cellular system, and also user speech and/or user
generated data. In this regard, the mobile terminal 10 is capable
of operating with one or more air interface standards,
communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. By way
of illustration, the mobile terminal 10 is capable of operating in
accordance with any of a number of first, second and/or
third-generation communication protocols or the like. For example,
the mobile terminal 10 may be capable of operating in accordance
with second-generation (2G) wireless communication protocols IS-136
(TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA) or third-generation wireless
communication protocol Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
(WCDMA).
[0021] It is understood that the controller 20 includes circuitry
required for implementing audio and logic functions of the mobile
terminal 10. For example, the controller 20 may be comprised of a
digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and
various analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters,
and other support circuits. Control and signal processing functions
of the mobile terminal 10 are allocated between these devices
according to their respective capabilities. The controller 20 thus
may also include the functionality to convolutionally encode and
interleave message and data prior to modulation and transmission.
The controller 20 can additionally include an internal voice coder,
and may include an internal data modem. Further, the controller 20
may include functionality to operate one or more software programs,
which may be stored in memory. For example, the controller 20 may
be capable of operating a connectivity program, such as a
conventional Web browser. The connectivity program may then allow
the mobile terminal 10 to transmit and receive Web content, such as
location-based content, according to a Wireless Application
Protocol (WAP), for example.
[0022] The mobile terminal 10 also comprises a user interface
including an output device such as a conventional earphone or
speaker 22, a ringer 24, a microphone 26, a display 28, and a user
input interface, all of which are coupled to the controller 20. The
user input interface, which allows the mobile terminal 10 to
receive data, may include any of a number of devices allowing the
mobile terminal 10 to receive data, such as a keypad 30, a touch
display (not shown) or other input device. In embodiments including
the keypad 30, the keypad 30 includes the conventional numeric
(0-9) and related keys (#, *), and other keys used for operating
the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 further includes a
battery 34, such as a vibrating battery pack, for powering various
circuits that are required to operate the mobile terminal 10, as
well as optionally providing mechanical vibration as a detectable
output.
[0023] The mobile terminal 10 may further include a user identity
module (UIM) 38. The UIM 38 is typically a memory device having a
processor built in. The UIM 38 may include, for example, a
subscriber identity module (SIM), a universal integrated circuit
card (UICC), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), a
removable user identity module (R-UIM), etc. The UIM 38 typically
stores information elements related to a mobile subscriber. In
addition to the UIM 38, the mobile terminal 10 may be equipped with
memory. For example, the mobile terminal 10 may include volatile
memory 40, such as volatile Random Access Memory (RAM) including a
cache area for the temporary storage of data. The mobile terminal
10 may also include other non-volatile memory 42, which can be
embedded and/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory 42 can
additionally or alternatively comprise an EEPROM, flash memory or
the like, such as that available from the SanDisk Corporation of
Sunnyvale, Calif., or Lexar Media Inc. of Fremont, Calif. The
memories can store any of a number of pieces of information, and
data, used by the mobile terminal 10 to implement the functions of
the mobile terminal 10. For example, the memories can include an
identifier, such as an international mobile equipment
identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying the
mobile terminal 10.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustration of one type of
system that would benefit from the present invention is provided.
The system includes a plurality of network devices. As shown, one
or more mobile terminals 10 may each include an antenna 12 for
transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from a base site
or base station (BS) 44. The base station 44 may be a part of one
or more cellular or mobile networks each of which includes elements
required to operate the network, such as a mobile switching center
(MSC) 46. As well known to those skilled in the art, the mobile
network may also be referred to as a Base Station/MSC/Interworking
function (BMI). In operation, the MSC 46 is capable of routing
calls to and from the mobile terminal 10 when the mobile terminal
10 is making and receiving calls. The MSC 46 can also provide a
connection to landline trunks when the mobile terminal 10 is
involved in a call. In addition, the MSC 46 can be capable of
controlling the forwarding of messages to and from the mobile
terminal 10, and can also control the forwarding of messages for
the mobile terminal 10 to and from a messaging center. It should be
noted that although the MSC 46 is shown in the system of FIG. 2,
the MSC 46 is merely an exemplary network device and the present
invention is not limited to use in a network employing an MSC.
[0025] The MSC 46 can be coupled to a data network, such as a local
area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a
wide area network (WAN). The MSC 46 can be directly coupled to the
data network. In one typical embodiment, however, the MSC 46 is
coupled to a GTW 48, and the GTW 48 is coupled to a WAN, such as
the Internet 50. In turn, devices such as processing elements
(e.g., personal computers, server computers or the like) can be
coupled to the mobile terminal 10 via the Internet 50. For example,
as explained below, the processing elements can include one or more
processing elements associated with a computing system 52 (two
shown in FIG. 2), origin server 54 (one shown in FIG. 2) or the
like, as described below.
[0026] The BS 44 can also be coupled to a signaling GPRS (General
Packet Radio Service) support node (SGSN) 56. As known to those
skilled in the art, the SGSN 56 is typically capable of performing
functions similar to the MSC 46 for packet switched services. The
SGSN 56, like the MSC 46, can be coupled to a data network, such as
the Internet 50. The SGSN 56 can be directly coupled to the data
network. In a more typical embodiment, however, the SGSN 56 is
coupled to a packet-switched core network, such as a GPRS core
network 58. The packet-switched core network is then coupled to
another GTW 48, such as a GTW GPRS support node (GGSN) 60, and the
GGSN 60 is coupled to the Internet 50. In addition to the GGSN 60,
the packet-switched core network can also be coupled to a GTW 48.
Also, the GGSN 60 can be coupled to a messaging center. In this
regard, the GGSN 60 and the SGSN 56, like the MSC 46, may be
capable of controlling the forwarding of messages, such as MMS
messages. The GGSN 60 and SGSN 56 may also be capable of
controlling the forwarding of messages for the mobile terminal 10
to and from the messaging center.
[0027] In addition, by coupling the SGSN 56 to the GPRS core
network 58 and the GGSN 60, devices such as a computing system 52
and/or origin server 54 may be coupled to the mobile terminal 10
via the Internet 50, SGSN 56 and GGSN 60. In this regard, devices
such as the computing system 52 and/or origin server 54 may
communicate with the mobile terminal 10 across the SGSN 56, GPRS
core network 58 and the GGSN 60. By directly or indirectly
connecting mobile terminals 10 and the other devices (e.g.,
computing system 52, origin server 54, etc.) to the Internet 50,
the mobile terminals 10 may communicate with the other devices and
with one another, such as according to the Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP), to thereby carry out various functions of the
mobile terminals 10.
[0028] Although not every element of every possible mobile network
is shown and described herein, it should be appreciated that the
mobile terminal 10 may be coupled to one or more of any of a number
of different networks through the BS 44. In this regard, the
network(s) can be capable of supporting communication in accordance
with any one or more of a number of first-generation (1G),
second-generation (2G), 2.5G and/or third-generation (3G) mobile
communication protocols or the like. For example, one or more of
the network(s) can be capable of supporting communication in
accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA),
GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, one or more of the
network(s) can be capable of supporting communication in accordance
with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM
Environment (EDGE), or the like. Further, for example, one or more
of the network(s) can be capable of supporting communication in
accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as
Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) network employing Wideband
Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radio access technology. Some
narrow-band AMPS (NAMPS), as well as TACS, network(s) may also
benefit from embodiments of the present invention, as should dual
or higher mode mobile stations (e.g., digital/analog or
TDMA/CDMA/analog phones).
[0029] The mobile terminal 10 can further be coupled to one or more
wireless access points (APs) 62. The APs 62 may comprise access
points configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 10 in
accordance with techniques such as, for example, radio frequency
(RF), Bluetooth (BT), infrared (IrDA) or any of a number of
different wireless networking techniques, including wireless LAN
(WLAN) techniques such as IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b,
802.11g, 802.11n, etc.), WiMAX techniques such as IEEE 802.16,
and/or ultra wideband (UWB) techniques such as IEEE 802.15 or the
like. The APs 62 may be coupled to the Internet 50. Like with the
MSC 46, the APs 62 can be directly coupled to the Internet 50. In
one embodiment, however, the APs 62 are indirectly coupled to the
Internet 50 via a GTW 48. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the BS 44
may be considered as another AP 62. As will be appreciated, by
directly or indirectly connecting the mobile terminals 10 and the
computing system 52, the origin server 54, and/or any of a number
of other devices, to the Internet 50, the mobile terminals 10 can
communicate with one another, the computing system, etc., to
thereby carry out various functions of the mobile terminals 10,
such as to transmit data, content or the like to, and/or receive
content, data or the like from, the computing system 52. As used
herein, the terms "data," "content," "information" and similar
terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being
transmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be
taken to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0030] Although not shown in FIG. 2, in addition to or in lieu of
coupling the mobile terminal 10 to computing systems 52 across the
Internet 50, the mobile terminal 10 and computing system 52 may be
coupled to one another and communicate in accordance with, for
example, RF, BT, IrDA or any of a number of different wireline or
wireless communication techniques, including LAN, WLAN, WiMAX
and/or UWB techniques. One or more of the computing systems 52 can
additionally, or alternatively, include a removable memory capable
of storing content, which can thereafter be transferred to the
mobile terminal 10. Further, the mobile terminal 10 can be coupled
to one or more electronic devices, such as printers, digital
projectors and/or other multimedia capturing, producing and/or
storing devices (e.g., other terminals). Like with the computing
systems 52, the mobile terminal 10 may be configured to communicate
with the portable electronic devices in accordance with techniques
such as, for example, RF, BT, IrDA or any of a number of different
wireline or wireless communication techniques, including USB, LAN,
WLAN, WiMAX and/or UWB techniques.
[0031] Although the term game will be referred to hereinafter, it
should be understood that such term is meant to encompass micro or
mini-games which are well known, and any other recreational and
interactive activity capable of execution by the mobile terminal 10
such as, for example, a riddle, puzzle, trivia question, test of
skill, etc.
[0032] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIG. 3, in which certain elements of a
system for providing event triggered games at a mobile terminal are
displayed. The system of FIG. 3 may be employed, for example, on
the mobile terminal 10 of FIG. 1 and the computing system 52 or the
origin server 54 of FIG. 2. However, it should be noted that the
system of FIG. 3, may also be employed on a variety of other
devices, both mobile and fixed, and therefore, the present
invention should not be limited to application on devices such as
the mobile terminal 10 of FIG. 1. It should also be noted, however,
that while FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a configuration of a
system for providing event triggered games, numerous other
configurations may also be used to implement the present
invention.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3, a system for providing event
triggered games at a mobile terminal is provided. The system
includes at least one game execution module 70 and a game control
module 72. The game execution module 70 may be any means or device
embodied in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and
software that is capable of storing instructions for executing a
game in response to a trigger from the game control module 72 and
thereafter transmitting the results of the game to the game control
module 72. In an exemplary embodiment, the game execution module 70
is software stored at a mobile terminal 10. The game control module
72 may be any means or device embodied in hardware, software or a
combination of hardware and software that is capable of storing
instructions for remotely triggering execution of a game at a
plurality of execution modules responsive to manual or automatic
notification of the occurrence of an event of interest and
thereafter receiving and processing results of the game from the
game execution module or modules. The game control module 72 may
include separate modules for triggering execution of the game and
processing the results. For example, the game control module 72 may
include a trigger module 80 and a processing module 81. In an
exemplary embodiment, the game control module 72 is embodied in
software as instructions that are stored on a network server called
a game server 74 (see FIG. 4). The system of FIG. 3 is a
client-server architecture. As such, the game execution module 70
is a game client and the game control module 72 is a server. In an
exemplary embodiment, the game server 74 is hosted by an organizer
or organizers of a real world event, such as a sporting event or
other live performance.
[0034] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be
practiced in response to a mobile terminal user obtaining a
subscription to a game service. The subscription may be, for
example, for one event, for a given number of events, for a given
time period, for a season, etc. Following subscription of a user of
the game execution module 70 to a game service that provides event
triggered games, the game execution module 70 may receive a trigger
75 from the trigger module 80 of the game control module 72. In an
exemplary embodiment, the trigger 75 is wirelessly transmitted to
the game execution module 70 via any suitable wireless protocol.
The trigger 75 may be embodied, for example, as a short message
service (SMS) message indicating a start of the game, or the
trigger 75 may cause an application to launch and execute the game
if, for example, the game execution module 70 has established a
wireless connection to the game control module 72. Upon receipt of
the trigger 75, the game execution module 70 launches the game and
the mobile terminal user plays the game. Game play typically
involves display of visual and/or audio stimuli at the mobile
terminal and user interaction via the input interface. Game results
76 are then transmitted to the processing module 81 of the game
control module 72 for further processing as described below. It
should be noted that although FIG. 3 only shows one game execution
module 70, the game control module 72 is capable of simultaneous
communication with a plurality of game execution modules.
[0035] The trigger 75 may be transmitted in response to a random
occurrence of a predefined event of interest associated with a
particular real world event such as a sporting event. For example,
the trigger 75 may be transmitted in response to a slam dunk at a
basketball game, a touchdown in a football game, a homerun in a
baseball game, a goal in hockey or soccer, etc. Furthermore, the
trigger 75 may be one of multiple possible triggers, in which each
trigger is associated with a particular game and each trigger is
transmitted in response to the occurrence of a particular event
having a predefined association with the particular game. For
example, a three point competition game may be triggered in
response to a successful three point shot by the home basketball
team, while a bricklaying competition may be triggered when the
opponent misses an easy basket. The trigger 75 may be transmitted
by the trigger module 80 in response to a manual prompt, i.e., an
operator may manually instruct the trigger module 80 to send a
trigger 75. The manual prompt may be executed in response to any
particular event of interest such as the end of a period, a score,
fast break, etc. Alternatively, the trigger 75 may be transmitted
by the trigger module 80 in response to an automatically generated
prompt. For example, statistics normally kept during a sporting
event may be tied to appropriate triggers. In other words, the
trigger module 80 may be in communication with a statistical
database and, responsive to the real-time statistical entries,
transmit appropriate triggers associated with events indicated by
the real-time statistical entries. It should be understood that any
suitable method of causing the trigger 75 to be transmitted in
response to an event or occurrence related to the real world event
with which the subscription is associated is contemplated.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a control flow diagram according to an
exemplary method of providing event triggered games at a mobile
terminal. In FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 10 is assumed to include
an exemplary game execution module 70 and the game server 74 is
assumed to include an exemplary game control module 72. As shown in
FIG. 4, the method of providing event triggered games at the mobile
terminal 10 may be considered to include three states or phases
related to provision of a game service. First, during a pre-game
phase 77, conditions that enable game play are met. In other words,
the pre-game phase 77 is a set up state of the method, in which
mobile terminal users may subscribe to the game service. Next,
during an in-game phase 78, event triggered games are played by
players who subscribed to the game service. The in-game phase 78
may include one or multiple occurrences of either different games
or the same game being played in response to event related
triggers. Finally, during an optional post game phase 79, results
from games played during the in-game phase 78 may be tallied to
determine an overall winner from among the players.
[0037] The pre-game phase 77 may be considered a set-up phase in
which game software is downloaded and installed on the mobile
terminal 10. For example, a MIDP2 application jar packet, or other
game related content associated with an already installed
application (such as a MIDP2 application) may be downloaded during
the pre-game phase 77. The pre-game phase 77 of an exemplary
embodiment may include a subscription 82 to the game service which
may be embodied as a message sent from the mobile terminal 10 to
the game server 74. The subscription 82 may also be accomplished
either before (i.e., when purchasing a ticket) or during the real
world event (however, subscribing during the real world event may
hamper the subscriber's ability to win an overall competition due
to possible missed games). The subscription 82 may be accomplished
by any suitable means, such as by calling a particular telephone
number associated with the game service. The particular telephone
number could be, for example, posted on a billboard at a sporting
event, or on a ticket stub. The subscription 82 may also be
embodied as an SMS message from the mobile terminal 10 to the game
server 74. In an exemplary embodiment, the subscription 82 may be
made in response to an invitation from the game server 74, such as
by an SMS message inviting a user of the mobile terminal 10 to
subscribe. As another alternative, the subscription 82 may be
accomplished by the user of the mobile phone selecting a
subscription to the game service at a web page associated with the
game service. As yet another alternative, the subscription 82 may
be accomplished by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and
an associated reader. Following the subscription 82, game content
is downloaded to the mobile terminal 10 via content data 84. The
content data 84 may be stored in the memory of the mobile terminal
10 waiting for execution responsive to receipt of an event related
trigger. The content data 84 may include one or more games, which
are executable responsive to a particular event related
trigger.
[0038] The in-game phase 78 of an exemplary embodiment may include
an event trigger message 86, which includes a trigger 75 as
described above. Typically, organizers of the real world event
(i.e., sporting event or other performance) may predefine which
occurrences or events will trigger the event trigger message 86.
Additionally, the organizers may configure the game server 74 for
automatic or manual transmission of the event trigger message 86.
Moreover, the organizers may define particular triggers to be
associated with particular triggering events. Upon receipt of the
event trigger message 86, the mobile terminal 10 executes a game
that has been predefined to be associated with the trigger 75
included in the event trigger message 86. In an exemplary
embodiment, the event trigger message 86 may include additional
game content. For example, the additional game content may include
a modification to an existing game, or a completely new game to be
played when an associated trigger is received. In other words, the
event trigger message 86 may reconfigure one or more of the games.
At operation 88, the user of the mobile terminal 10 plays the game
that was triggered by the event trigger message 86. Upon completion
of the game, the mobile terminal 10 sends game results 90 to the
game server 74. The game server 74 collects game results from each
subscriber and processes the game results at operation 92. A
notification message 94 may then be sent to each subscriber to
inform each subscriber of a winner of the game. Alternatively, the
notification message 94 may inform each subscriber of top
performers and their corresponding times or scores. As yet another
alternative, the notification message 94 may inform each subscriber
of their score or time relative to the winner or the top
performers. Additionally, the notification message 94 may inform
each subscriber what the winner or the top performers have won for
their achievement. Sponsorship or other advertisement information
may also be included in the notification message 94. The in-game
phase 78 may include a plurality of sequences of the
above-described operations (i.e., trigger game, play game, send
results, determine winner, notify players).
[0039] The post game phase 79 of an exemplary embodiment includes
calculating total results for all games played during the real
world event at operation 96. In other words, each subscriber's
scores for each of the games are tallied and an overall winner, or
overall top performers are determined. In an exemplary embodiment,
if multiple games of different types were played during the real
world event, then the winner or top performers of each of the
different types of games may be determined. Alternatively, for
example, if the game service included a subscription option lasting
over an entire sports season, or if results from all games over the
entire sports season are considered, a season winner or top
performer list may be determined. Winners or top performers in a
total game or seasonal competition may be announced via a total
game or seasonal notification message 98 that is similar to the
notification message above.
[0040] It should be noted that although the forgoing description
describes embodiments of the present invention in terms of phases
or states, such phases may be arbitrarily defined and it is rather
the operations performed in each of the phases that define
embodiments of the present invention and not the arbitrarily chosen
phases. In addition, the phases and operations described above may
be modified. For example, download of a game and game play could be
conducted simultaneously. In other words, a subscriber could
subscribe to a game and begin downloading the game content and
still play a game in response to receipt of a trigger before the
download is complete. Additionally, the game server 74 may be
programmed to stop receiving game results after a predetermined
time in order to ensure that game results are received and winners
or top performers can be determined in a reasonable time. In other
words, the game server 74 is not required to await receipt of game
results from all subscribers. It should also be noted that game
results may be measured locally at each mobile terminal. Thus,
particularly for timed events, a subscriber who receives the
trigger 75 after a delay of any kind will not be handicapped
relative to other subscribers. In other words, the game results in
one embodiment are locally determined. Alternatively, responses may
be provided by a subscriber to a remote game control module, which
in turn determines the results. If the game is a timed event, the
responses provided by the subscribers may include respective time
stamps associated with the commencement of the game at the
subscriber's mobile terminal and the entry and/or transmission of
the response such that the relevant time may be determined by the
game control module without unfair consideration of transmission or
other delays not attributable to the subscriber's response.
[0041] It should also be noted that there is no need for
subscribers to attend the real world event. In other words, for
example, a subscriber could subscribe to the game service while
watching a sporting event on television. In fact, a subscriber
could subscribe to the game service and participate in event
triggered games even though the subscriber is not watching the
related real world event at all. Accordingly, participation in the
event triggered games (particularly if the event triggered games
are distinct for each event) may present an interesting way for a
fan to monitor a sporting event which the fan cannot attend or
watch on television.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a system, method and program
product according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. It
will be understood that each block or step of the flowcharts, and
combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by
various means, such as hardware, firmware, and/or software
including one or more computer program instructions. For example,
one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by
computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program
instructions which embody the procedures described above may be
stored by a memory device of the mobile terminal or the game server
and executed by a built-in processor in the mobile terminal or the
game server. As will be appreciated, any such computer program
instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable
apparatus (i.e., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the
instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable
apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in
the flowcharts block(s) or step(s). These computer program
instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that
can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function
in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the
computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture
including instruction means which implement the function specified
in the flowcharts block(s) or step(s). The computer program
instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be
performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to
produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the
flowcharts block(s) or step(s).
[0043] Accordingly, blocks or steps of the flowcharts support
combinations of means for performing the specified functions,
combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and
program instruction means for performing the specified functions.
It will also be understood that one or more blocks or steps of the
flowcharts, and combinations of blocks or steps in the flowcharts,
can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer
systems which perform the specified functions or steps, or
combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0044] In this regard, one embodiment of a method for providing
event triggered games includes receiving, at a game server, a
subscription to a game service from a mobile terminal at operation
100. The subscription may be for any suitable time period. For
example, the subscription could be to a short term game service
lasting for only for a few hours or for one real world event (i.e.,
sporting event or other performance). Alternatively, the
subscription may be for a long term game service such as for a
predetermined period of time (i.e., for an hour, a month, a week,
etc.), or a predetermined number of real world events (i.e., for an
entire season, or for a specified number of games). At operation
110, the mobile terminal is provided with game content that
executes responsive to a trigger initiated remotely from the mobile
terminal. The game content is related to the game service. The
trigger is issued responsive to an occurrence of a predefined event
of interest. At operation 120, the trigger is transmitted to the
mobile terminal. The mobile terminal executes the game content
responsive to receipt of the trigger at operation 130. At operation
140, the mobile terminal sends game results to the game server. At
operation 150, the game server calculates performance results
(e.g., a winner or top performers) from among all players or
subscribers. At operation 160, the game server notifies the players
or subscribers of the performance results. Optionally, an
additional operation may involve determining total performance
results associated with a plurality of different game results from
all players or subscribers. Accordingly, a winner or top performers
for a season or at least for multiple real world events covered by
a subscription to the game service may be determined.
[0045] The above described functions may be carried out in many
ways. For example, any suitable means for carrying out each of the
functions described above may be employed to carry out the
invention. In one embodiment, all or a portion of the elements of
the invention generally operate under control of a computer program
product. The computer program product for performing the methods of
embodiments of the invention includes a computer-readable storage
medium, such as the non-volatile storage medium, and
computer-readable program code portions, such as a series of
computer instructions, embodied in the computer-readable storage
medium. It should also be noted, that although the above described
principles have been applied in the context of games related to
sporting events, similar principles would also apply to the
delivery of games related to other live or recorded events.
Moreover, while the forgoing exemplary games have involved
multiplayer competition such games could involve a single
subscriber working to improve his or her own score or competing
against a predefined standard without comparison to other
players.
[0046] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *