U.S. patent application number 11/970243 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for dynamic gaming environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB. Invention is credited to David Desmond MIDDLETON.
Application Number | 20090149250 11/970243 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40139257 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090149250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIDDLETON; David Desmond |
June 11, 2009 |
DYNAMIC GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
A method and device are provided for providing a dynamic gaming
environment. Physical circumstance information relating to a gaming
device, such as ambient conditions or geographic location
information, may be identified. A gaming application executing on
the gaming device may provide or modify a gaming environment based
on the identified physical circumstances information.
Inventors: |
MIDDLETON; David Desmond;
(Malmo, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARRITY & HARRITY, LLP
11350 RANDOM HILLS ROAD, SUITE 600
FAIRFAX
VA
22030
US
|
Assignee: |
SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
AB
Lund
SE
|
Family ID: |
40139257 |
Appl. No.: |
11/970243 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61012240 |
Dec 7, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/35 20140902;
A63F 13/92 20140902; A63F 2300/8017 20130101; A63F 13/217 20140902;
A63F 13/332 20140902; A63F 13/12 20130101; A63F 13/65 20140902;
A63F 2300/406 20130101; A63F 13/216 20140902; A63F 2300/5573
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/31 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: identifying physical circumstances
information associated with a gaming device; and providing or
modifying a gaming environment on the gaming device based on the
identified physical circumstances information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical circumstances
information comprises ambient condition information representative
of a physical environment associated with the gaming device.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the ambient condition information
comprises at least one of ambient light information or received
sound information.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the gaming environment is
dynamically provided based on the ambient condition
information.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical circumstances
information comprises location identification information
associated with a geographic location of the gaming device.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein identifying the location
identification information comprises: receiving location-related
information from a global positioning system; and calculating the
location identification information based on the received
location-related information.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein identifying the location
identification information comprises: identifying a geographic
location corresponding to a closest cellular transmission tower
wirelessly connected to the gaming device; and determining the
location identification information based on the identified
geographic location corresponding to the closest cellular
transmission tower.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein identifying the location
identification information comprises: identifying a geographic
location corresponding to a service provider access point connected
to the gaming device; and determining the location identification
information based on the identified geographic location
corresponding to the service provider access point.
9. The method of claim 5, further comprising: retrieving
location-related gameplay information based on the identified
location identification information; and providing the gaming
environment on the gaming device based on the retrieved
location-related gameplay information.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the location-related gameplay
information includes one of: demographics information, time of day
information, terrain information, weather condition information,
traffic information, laws and regulations information, day of week
information, month information, or language information.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the location-related gameplay
information is retrieved from local storage on the gaming
device.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the location-related gameplay
information is retrieved from a remote resource via one or more
networks.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the remote resource comprises
one of a server, a website, or a database.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving changes to
the physical circumstances information; and dynamically modifying
the gaming environment based on the received changes.
15. A gaming device, comprising: logic to identify information
associated with an environment of the gaming device; and a
processor to: execute a gaming application; receive the information
associated with an environment of the gaming device from the logic;
and provide a gaming environment in the gaming application based on
the received information.
16. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the logic comprises at
least one of a microphone, a light sensor, or a compass, wherein
the logic is configured to identify ambient conditions associated
with the gaming device.
17. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the logic is configured
to identify a geographic location of the gaming device.
18. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the processor is further
configured to: retrieve location-related gameplay elements based on
the identified geographic location; and provide the gaming
environment in the gaming application based on the retrieved
location-related gameplay elements.
19. A device, comprising: means for identifying at least one of
ambient condition information or geographic location information
associated with a gaming device; means for executing a gaming
application on the gaming device; means for providing a gaming
environment in the gaming application based on the identified at
least one of the ambient condition information or geographic
location information; means for receiving changes to the identified
at least one of the ambient condition information or geographic
location information; and means for providing an updated gaming
environment based on the received changes.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the gaming device comprises one
of a mobile telephone or a handheld gaming device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/012,240, filed Dec. 7, 2007,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Modern portable electronics devices, such as cellular
telephones can perform various types of functions/applications,
such as making telephone calls, sending and receiving messages,
browsing the Internet, receiving different types of feeds like RSS
(really simple syndication) feeds, etc. Other applications
increasingly more common on portable electronics devices include
gaming applications. Portable gaming applications may include a
wide variety of styles of games, such as simulation games, role
playing games, puzzle games, strategy games, online games, first
persons shooter (FPS) games, etc.
[0003] Typically, gaming environments provided by such gaming
applications are based solely on static elements (e.g., maps,
scenes, levels, etc.) included with the gaming application and
controller interfaces for receiving commands from a user.
Unfortunately, aside from user controls, typical gaming
applications do not provide for dynamic gaming environments adapted
to reflect a user's physical environment.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect a method may include identifying
physical circumstances information associated with a gaming device;
and providing or modifying a gaming environment on the gaming
device based on the identified physical circumstances
information.
[0005] Additionally, the physical circumstances information may
include ambient condition information representative of a physical
environment associated with the gaming device.
[0006] Additionally, the ambient condition information may include
at least one of ambient light information or received sound
information.
[0007] Additionally, the gaming environment may be dynamically
provided based on the ambient condition information.
[0008] Additionally, the physical circumstances information may
include location identification information associated with a
geographic location of the gaming device.
[0009] Additionally, identifying the location identification
information may include receiving location-related information from
a global positioning system; and calculating the location
identification information based on the received location-related
information.
[0010] Additionally, identifying the location identification
information may include identifying a geographic location
corresponding to a closest cellular transmission tower wirelessly
connected to the gaming device; and determining the location
identification information based on the identified geographic
location corresponding to the closest cellular transmission
tower.
[0011] Additionally, identifying the location identification
information may include identifying a geographic location
corresponding to a service provider access point connected to the
gaming device; and determining the location identification
information based on the identified geographic location
corresponding to the service provider access point.
[0012] Additionally, the method may include retrieving
location-related gameplay information based on the identified
location identification information; and providing the gaming
environment on the gaming device based on the retrieved
location-related gameplay information.
[0013] Additionally, the location-related gameplay information may
include one of: demographics information, time of day information,
day of week information, month information, terrain information,
weather condition information, traffic information, laws and
regulations information, or language information.
[0014] Additionally, the location-related gameplay information may
be retrieved from a remote resource via one or more networks.
[0015] Additionally, the remote resource may include one of a
server, a website, or a database.
[0016] Additionally, the method may include receiving changes to
the physical circumstances information; and dynamically modifying
the gaming environment based on the received changes.
[0017] In a second aspect, a gaming device may include logic to
identify information associated with an environment of the gaming
device; and a processor. The processor may be configured to execute
a gaming application; receive the information associated with an
environment of the gaming device from the logic; and provide a
gaming environment in the gaming application based on the received
information.
[0018] Additionally, the logic may include at least one of a
microphone, a light sensor, etc., wherein the logic is configured
to identify ambient conditions associated with the gaming
device.
[0019] Additionally, the logic may me configured to identify a
geographic location of the gaming device.
[0020] Additionally, the processor may be further configured to
retrieve location-related gameplay elements based on the identified
geographic location; and provide the gaming environment in the
gaming application based on the retrieved location-related gameplay
elements.
[0021] In a third aspect, a device may include means for
identifying at least one of ambient condition information or
geographic location information associated with a gaming device;
means for executing a gaming application on the gaming device;
means for providing a gaming environment in the gaming application
based on the identified at least one of the ambient condition
information or geographic location information; means for receiving
changes to the identified at least one of the ambient condition
information or geographic location information; and means for
providing an updated gaming environment based on the received
changes.
[0022] Additionally, the gaming device may include one of a mobile
telephone or a handheld gaming device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment
of the invention and, together with the description, explain the
invention. In the drawings,
[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary gaming device with which
the systems and methods described below may be implemented;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram of exemplary components of the gaming
device of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary gaming environment
provided to a user of the gaming device of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary system including the
gaming device of FIG. 1; and
[0028] FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts of exemplary processes for
providing a dynamic gaming environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different
drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the
following detailed description does not limit the invention.
[0030] A system and a method are described for providing a dynamic
gaming experience to a user of a gaming device. In one embodiment,
physical circumstance information and/or environment-related
information, such as ambient condition or geographical location
information may be sensed, received, or retrieved by a gaming
device. The physical circumstances information may then be
integrated into a gaming experience provided to a user of the
gaming device.
Exemplary Gaming Device
[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary gaming device
100 in which systems and methods described herein may be
implemented. As illustrated in FIG. 1, gaming device 100 may
include may include a display 110, a keypad 115, a speaker 120, a
microphone 125, and a light sensor 130. Gaming device 100 may
include additional components and features commensurate with their
respective functions.
[0032] Display 110 may facilitate presentation of graphical
information to a user of gaming device 100 as well as facilitate
the reception of information, via graphical user interfaces
provided on display 110. Keypad 115 may include a collection of
buttons or other input devices (e.g., a touchscreen,
touch-sensitive elements, etc.) that may receive information from a
user of gaming device 100. Speaker 120 may include any device
capable of converting electrical signals into emitted sounds.
Microphone 125 may include any device capable of receive audible
sounds and converting the audible sounds into one or more
electrical signals. Light sensor 130 may include a device for
detecting ambient light or light directed toward light sensor 130.
In one implementation, light sensor 130 may be sensitive to
variations in detected light using any suitable technology, such as
photodiodes or other photoelectric components.
[0033] Gaming device 100 may include various devices designed to
facilitate game play by a user. In one implementation, gaming
device 100 may include various devices or elements configured to
enable gaming device 100 to communicate with other devices, e.g.,
other gaming devices 100, server computers, network resources,
etc., to enable data transmission therebetween. Examples of
suitable devices may include cellular radiotelephones; Personal
Communications System (PCS) devices that may combine a cellular
radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile and data
communications capabilities; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
that can include a radiotelephone, pager, Internet/intranet access,
Web browser, organizer, calendar and/or a global positioning system
(GPS) receiver; portable gaming devices, such as the Nintendo
DS.RTM. or Gameboy.RTM. from Nintendo Corporation and the
Playstation Portable.RTM. (PSP) from Sony Electronics Inc.; console
gaming devices, such as the Xbox.RTM. or Xbox 360.RTM. from
Microsoft Corporation, the Playstation.RTM. family of consoles from
Sony Electronics Inc., the Gamecube.RTM. or Wii.RTM. from Nintendo
Corporation; a desktop, laptop, and/or palmtop computing devices;
and/or other similar types of devices configured to provide a
gaming environment to users.
[0034] In one implementation described in additional detail below,
gaming device 100 may receive ambient condition information via one
or more sensors (e.g., light sensor 130) or clocks. The ambient
condition information may be integrated into or otherwise used by a
gaming application executing on the gaming device to provide a
dynamic gaming environment representative of the received ambient
condition information.
[0035] In another implementation, gaming device 100 may communicate
with one or more other devices (not shown) using a wired or
wireless connection. For example, gaming device 110 may communicate
with other devices or entities using a wireless telecommunications
protocol, such as GSM (global system for mobile communications),
CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple
access) cellular telephone networks, etc. Additionally, shorter
range wireless protocols, such as the Bluetooth.RTM. protocol, the
802.11x family of wireless protocols, the WiMax protocol, the
UltraWideband protocol, etc. Gaming device 100 may communicate with
other devices to identify or retrieve location identification
information associated with a geographic location of gaming device
100. For example, gaming device 100 may communicate with a
collection of global position system satellites to receive
facilitate the calculation or identification of its geographic
location.
[0036] As described in additional detail below, gaming device 100
may be configured to execute one or more gaming applications that
are responsive to the physical condition information received,
retrieved, or sensed by gaming device 100.
Exemplary Gaming Device Configuration
[0037] FIG. 2 is a first exemplary diagram of gaming device 100. In
other implementations, gaming device 100 may be configured to
include more or fewer elements. One embodiment of gaming device 100
will be described in additional detail below. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, gaming device 100 may include processing logic 205, a
memory 210, an input device 215, an output device 220, a power
supply 225, location identifying logic 230, a light sensor 235,
wireless logic 240, and antennas 245 and 250. It will be
appreciated that gaming device 100 may include other components
(not shown) that aid in receiving, transmitting, and/or processing
data. Moreover, it will be appreciated that other configurations
are possible.
[0038] Processing logic 205 may include any type of processor or
microprocessor that may interpret and execute instructions. In
other implementations, processing logic 205 may be implemented as
or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. In one
implementation, processing logic 205 may be configured to maintain
a clock corresponding to a local time associated with gaming device
100. A gaming application executing on processing logic 205 may use
the time maintained by the clock to dynamically adjust elements in
a gaming environment. For example, a time of day in the gaming
environment may be adjusted based on the clock value provided by
processing logic 205. Alternatively, lighting conditions in the
gaming environment or other gameplay aspects may be adjusted based
on the clock value provided by processing logic 205.
[0039] Memory 210 may include a random access memory (RAM) or
another type of dynamic storage device that may store information
and instructions for execution by processing logic 205, a read only
memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device that may
store static information and instructions for the processing logic
205, and/or some other type of magnetic or optical recording medium
and its corresponding drive for storing information and/or
instructions.
[0040] Input device 215 may include a device that permits a user to
input information to gaming device 100, such as a keypad or
collection of buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen, a pen,
a microphone, a compass, one or more biometric mechanisms, and the
like. In one implementation, a gaming application executing on
processing logic 205 may use input received via input device 215 to
dynamically adjust elements in a gaming environment. For example,
sounds or sound levels received by a microphone (e.g., microphone
125) and provided to processing logic 205 may be used to
dynamically adjusted gameplay elements, such as a character's
ability to communicate, a character's ability to avoid detection,
etc. Alternatively, input device 215 may include a compass or other
device for monitoring a geophysical orientation of gaming device
100, such as a direction, etc. Information regarding the
geophysical orientation of gaming device 100 may be provided to
processing logic 205 and may result in additional dynamically
adjusted gameplay elements.
[0041] Output device 220 may include a device that outputs
information to the user, such as a display, a printer, a speaker,
etc. Power supply 225 may include a battery, or the like, for
providing power to the components of gaming device 100.
[0042] Location identifying logic 230 may include a GPS receiver or
other chipset suitable for tracking or otherwise acquiring or
calculating a geographic or spatial position of gaming device 100.
In other exemplary implementations, location identifying logic 230
may include logic configured to use multiple cellular
radiotelephone signals or tower locations to calculate a geographic
location. Location identifying logic 230 may interface with
processing logic 205, memory 210, and power supply 225 by way of
one or more busses (not shown). Additionally, location identifying
logic 230 may also interface with one or more antennas 245 and 250
to receive one or more location-related signals. In yet another
implementation consistent with embodiments described herein,
location identifying logic 230 may include logic configured to
receive location information from a service provider associated
with gaming device 100. For example, a location of a service
provider or server provider network access point connected to
gaming device 100 may be associated with a general location of
gaming device 100 in the absence of more specific location
information.
[0043] Upon determination of a location associated with gaming
device 100, a signal (or signals) indicative thereof may be
transmitted to processing logic 205. Processing logic 205 may then
use the identified location to provide information to a gaming
application executing on processing logic 205. For example, the
gaming application may be configured to provide a gaming
environment that corresponds to the physical location identified by
location identifying logic 230. Alternatively, gameplay options or
features may be provided based at least in part on the location
identified by location identifying logic 230. For example, a user
of a driving game may be provided with a left-hand drive car or a
right-hand drive car based on the identified location. Similarly, a
virtual location or a direction of traffic flow in the driving game
may be manipulated based on the identified location.
[0044] Even more specifically, micro-level features of the
identified location may be mapped to the gaming environment. For
example, upon receipt of the location information or signals from
location identifying logic 230, the gaming application may identify
physical features corresponding to the identified location. For
example, a terrain, population density, demographic features,
weather conditions, etc., may be identified and used to provide
corresponding or related aspects of the gaming environment provided
to the user. This information may be retrieved from local storage
(e.g., memory 210), or alternatively, from a remote device or
server accessed via wireless logic 240. In the case of weather
conditions, information relating current weather conditions in a
location corresponding to the identified location may be retrieved
from a remote resource, such as a weather related website or other
information source. By providing identified location information to
a gaming application executing on gaming device 100, a user's
physical location or environment may be integrated into the gaming
environment provided to the user.
[0045] In one specific implementation, location identifying logic
230 may include a twelve-channel GPS (global positioning system)
receiver capable of receiving up to twelve simultaneous GPS
satellite signals via antenna 245. As is known in the art, the GPS
system is comprised of 27 GPS satellites (24 active and 3 backups)
each configured to orbit the earth twice each day. The positions of
the satellites are such that at least four GPS satellites are
"visible" in the sky at any one time. Each satellite generates a
radio signal include time and date, latitude, longitude, satellite
identification information and ephemeris data. Ephemeris data may
include information such as satellite health, position in the sky,
and availability.
[0046] In order to accurately track the location of gaming device
100 in two dimensions (e.g., no altitude or z-direction) signals
from at least three satellites should be received, thus resulting
in a known location on the Earth's surface using a concept known as
3-D trilateration. In generally, trilateration works because the
speed of the satellite signals and their respective locations are
known. By accurately synchronizing the clocks on the mobile devices
and the satellites, a time taken for the GPS receiver to "receive"
a signal from each satellite may be used to identify the distance
from the satellite to the receiver. Once distances from at least
three satellites have been determined, the receiver's location may
be determined, since there will be only one point on the Earth's
surface that meets each of these distances. For more precise
location identification including the receiver's altitude, a fourth
satellite signal may be required. It should be understood that
signals from more than four satellites may also be received at any
one moment, thereby enhancing the performance of location
identifying logic 230.
[0047] In one implementation, location identifying logic 230 may
include a local memory (not shown) for storing satellite ephemeris
or other data for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively,
location identifying logic 230 may interconnect with memory 210 for
storage of this information.
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary gaming environment 300
provided to a user of gaming device 100. As illustrated, gaming
environment 300 depicts a driving game environment having weather
conditions (e.g., rain) corresponding to weather conditions
associated with the geographic location of gaming device 100. In
the manner described above, gaming device 100, upon executing of a
gaming application, may retrieve local condition information using
location identification information determined by gaming device
100. The local condition information may be retrieved from a remote
resource, such as a website or database. Alternatively, local
condition information may be retrieved locally from, e.g., memory
210. In one implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the local
condition information may include weather information. The
retrieved weather information may be used by the gaming application
to provide gaming environment 300 that mimics the local conditions
corresponding to gaming device 100.
[0049] Referring back to FIG. 2, light sensor 235 may include a
detector or sensor for detecting ambient light or light directed
toward light sensor 235. In one implementation, light sensor 235
may be sensitive to variations in detected light using any suitable
technology, such as photodiodes or other photoelectric components.
In response to light detection, a signal indicative thereof may be
transmitted to processing logic 205. In one implementation, light
sensor 235 may be used to monitor a level of ambient light in an
environment. Processing logic 205 may then use the monitored
ambient light level to provide information to a gaming application
executing thereon. For example, the gaming application may be
configured to provide lighting in a gaming environment that is
similar to the sensed ambient light. Alternatively, manipulation of
the sensed ambient light may result in a modified gaming
experience. For example, lower levels of sensed ambient light may
provide an increased chance of a user's character avoiding
detection in the gaming environment. Alternatively, high levels of
sensed ambient light may result in an increased ability to see
and/or discover items presented or hidden in the gaming
environment. In this manner, a user's physical environment may be
used to enhance a gaming environment provided to the user.
[0050] Wireless logic 240 may include a transceiver device capable
of transmitting and receiving data and control signals using a
wireless communications protocol such as a cellular radiotelephone
protocol (e.g., GSM (global system for mobile communications), PCS
(personal communication services), FDMA (frequency division
multiple access), CDMA, TDMA, etc.). In additional implementations,
wireless logic 240 may use short distance wireless communication
protocols such as the Bluetooth protocol, one or more of the IEEE
802.11 protocols, the WiMax protocol, the Ultra Wideband protocol,
or any other suitable wireless communication protocol.
[0051] Antennas 245 and 250 may include, for example, one or more
directional antennas and/or omni-directional antennas.
Exemplary Systems
[0052] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first exemplary system 400 in
which systems and methods described herein may be implemented. As
illustrated, system 400 may include a gaming device 100, a server
device 410 interconnected by a network 420. System 400 may further
include a cellular transmission tower/mobile telephone switching
office (MTSO) 430, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 440, and a
GPS satellite constellation 450. Gaming device 100, server device
410, and/or ISP 440 may connect to network 420 via wired and/or
wireless connections. A single gaming device, server device,
cellular tower/MTSO, and ISP have been illustrated in FIG. 4 for
simplicity. In practice, there may be any number of gaming devices,
server devices, cellular towers/MTSOs, ISPs, and/or networks. Also,
in some instances, one or more of gaming device 100 and/or server
device 410 may perform one or more functions described as being
performed by another one or more of gaming device 100 and/or server
device 410.
[0053] As described above in relation to FIG. 1, gaming device 100
may include various devices designed to facilitate game play by a
user. For example, gaming device 100 may include a mobile
radiotelephone configured to support gaming applications and
provide one or more gaming environments; a handheld gaming device,
such as a Nintendo DS.RTM. or Playstation Portable.RTM.; a console
gaming device, such as an Xbox 360.RTM., a Playstation 3.RTM., or a
Nintendo Wii.RTM.; or a personal computing device, such as a
desktop computer, or a laptop/notebook/palmtop computer.
[0054] Server device 410 may include one or more server entities,
or other types of computation or communication devices, that
gather, process, search, and/or provide information in a manner
described herein. In one implementation, server device 410 may
include a server (e.g., a computer system or an application)
capable of servicing requests for location-related information from
gaming device 100. For example, server device 410 may receive a
request from gaming device 100 via network 420 relating to current
weather conditions corresponding to a geographic location. In
another implementation, server device 410 may receive a request for
other location-related information, such as population information,
demographic information, time of day information, day of week
information, month of year information, etc.
[0055] Network 420 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide
area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), an intranet,
the Internet, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a telephone
network, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or a
cellular telephone network (e.g., wireless GSM, wireless CDMA,
etc.), or a combination of networks. In one implementation, network
420 may include a combination of a cellular telephone network and a
data network, such as the Internet, wherein the location-related
information requests from gaming device 100 are initially received
and forwarded by a cellular transmission tower/MTSO 430. In an
alternative implementation, network 420 may include a local wired
or wireless data network (e.g., a 802.11x (Wi-Fi) wireless network)
and a data network, such as the Internet, wherein location-related
information requests are initially received and forwarded by an
Internet Service Provider (ISP) 440 associated with the local data
network.
[0056] In another implementation consistent with aspects described
herein, gaming device 100 may determine the location identification
information using GPS satellite constellation 450 in the manner
described in detail above. Alternatively, gaming device 100 may
determine the location identification information using known
geographic location information associated with one or more
cellular towers/MTSO's to which it is communicating.
[0057] As discussed above in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3, physical
circumstances information, such as ambient condition or location
information, received or identified by gaming device 100 may be
used to form the basis of additional location-related information
requests directed to server device 410 via network 420.
Exemplary Processing
[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a first exemplary process for
providing a dynamic gaming environment. Processing may begin with
gaming device 100 executing a gaming application provided, for
example, in memory 210 (block 510). The execution of the gaming
application may be based on a request received from a user or based
on other elements, such as a time of day, previous power-state of
gaming device 100, etc. Ambient condition information relating to a
physical or temporal conditions associated with gaming device 100
may be identified (block 515). For example, ambient light levels
may be determined by, for example, light sensor 235. A time of day
may be determined based on a clock associated with processing unit
205. Ambient sound levels may be determined by processing logic 205
based on signals generated by input device 215 (e.g., via
microphone 125). A geophysical orientation of gaming device 100 may
be identified by a compass or other device (not shown). For
example, a geophysical orientation such as a direction a user (or
gaming device 100) is facing may be used to provide the gaming
environment.
[0059] The gaming application may provide a gaming environment to
the user based on the received ambient condition information (block
520). Changes to the ambient condition information may be received
(e.g., changes in sensed light levels, changes in sound levels,
time changes, etc.) (block 525). The received ambient condition
information changes may reflect physical changes sensed or
determined by gaming device 100. The gaming environment may be
adjusted based on the received changes (block 530). For example, a
change in sensed light input may result in a modified lighting in
the gaming environment. In one implementation, a gaming application
may provide a virtual 3D world environment. The gaming environment
may be provided differently based on a level of ambient light in
the user's real world environment. For example, a high levels of
ambient light may be required to enable a user to discover a needed
object in the environment. Alternatively, a low level of ambient
light may enable the user to hide from an enemy in the gaming
environment.
[0060] A change in local time may result in modified lighting,
traffic patterns or congestion in a driving gaming environment,
etc. In one example, time of day information may be used to provide
the gaming environment to reflect time-based driving conditions.
For example, a morning time may result in sunrise conditions in the
east, an evening time may result in twilight conditions requiring
headlights to see.
[0061] A change in sensed sound input may result in an increased or
decreased ability to communicate with aspects of gaming
environment. For example, low levels of sound input may enable a
user to remain hidden in the gaming environment, while high levels
of sound input may facilitate communication within the gaming
environment.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a second exemplary process for
providing a dynamic gaming environment. Processing may begin with
gaming device 100 executing a gaming application provided, for
example, in memory 210 (block 610). The execution of the gaming
application may be based on a request received from a user or based
on other elements, such as a time of day, previous power-state of
gaming device 100, etc. Location identification information
relating to a geographical location of gaming device 100 may be
received by the gaming application (block 615). As described above,
location identifying logic 230 may provide the location identifying
information to processing logic 200 executing the gaming
application. The location identifying information may be based on
GPS data, cellular tower data, Internet service provider location,
or any combination thereof. For example, the location identifying
information may be determined in response to data received from a
GPS satellite constellation 450 of FIG. 4.
[0063] The gaming application may retrieve location-related
gameplay information corresponding to the received location
identification information (block 620). In one implementation, the
location-related gameplay information may be maintained locally to
gaming device 100, e.g., in memory 210. In such an implementation,
the location-related gameplay information may be maintained in a
database and retrieved based on a database query including the
location identification information.
[0064] In another implementation described herein, the
location-related information may be retrieved from a remote
resource (e.g., server device 410) via a network (e.g., network
420). In this implementation, the location-related information may
be retrieved from a variety of sources, such as websites,
databases, etc. and may include current or dynamic information,
such as weather conditions, traffic density or patterns, time of
day information, etc. as well as more static information, such as
laws and regulations, languages, etc. associated with the location
identification information.
[0065] The gaming application may provide a gaming environment to
the user having aspects based (at least in part) on the retrieved
location-related gameplay information (block 625). For example, a
time of day experienced in the gaming environment may be identified
based on a time of day identified in the retrieved location-related
gameplay information. In addition, location-related gameplay
features may be provided based on the retrieved location-related
gameplay information. For example, driving laws and conventions in
a driving game may be based on the received location identification
information. The gaming environment may be based on geographic
features (e.g., terrain) associated with the location identified in
the received location identification information. For example, a
location's population, demographics, terrain, etc. may be used to
provide the gaming environment.
[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, a driving game application may
provide a gaming environment based on the retrieved
location-related gameplay information. For example, the
location-related gameplay information may include weather
information retrieved from a weather application provided on gaming
application or from a remote resource (e.g., server device 410).
The retrieved weather information may result in a corresponding
gaming environment, such as wet road conditions during rain, icy
road conditions during snow or ice storms, etc. Each factor may
have a corresponding impact on game difficulty or performance.
[0067] In another exemplary implementation, the driving game
application may retrieve location-relating gameplay information
that includes details relating to the geographic location of gaming
device 100. For example, a mountainous geographic location may
correspond to a mountainous gaming environment in the driving game,
etc. Alternatively, locality information, such as a city or country
in which gaming device is located may be used to provide a
corresponding gaming environment. In another implementation, a
location of gaming device 100 may be integrated into a mapping
element of the gaming environment, enable a user to mimic a real
world route in the gaming world.
[0068] Changes to the location identification information may be
received (e.g., changes in terrain, geographic location, etc.)
(block 630). The received location identification information
changes may reflect a change in a geographic location of gaming
device 100. The gaming environment may be adjusted based on the
received location identification information changes (block 635).
For example, a change in location may result in gaming application
receiving modified terrain information corresponding to the
modified location.
[0069] An enhanced gaming environment may be provided by
incorporating ambient condition and/or location information.
Conclusion
[0070] Implementations described herein may provide a system and
method for significantly enhancing gameplay on a gaming device. In
one implementation, ambient condition information may be received
and used to generate a gaming environment. In another
implementation, location-related information may be received that
relates to a geographic location of a gaming device. The received
location-related information may be used to generate the gaming
environment.
[0071] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments provides
illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention.
[0072] For example, although much of the above-descriptions relates
to mobile or wireless gaming devices and networked gaming devices,
systems and methods consistent with embodiments described herein
also include wired and/or stand-alone (e.g., not networked) gaming
devices. While series of acts have been described with regard to
FIGS. 5 and 6, the order of the acts may be modified in other
implementations. Further, non-dependent acts may be performed in
parallel.
[0073] It will be apparent that embodiments, as described herein,
may be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware,
and hardware in the implementations illustrated in the figures. The
actual software code or specialized control hardware used to
implement embodiments described herein is not limiting of the
invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the embodiments were
described without reference to the specific software code--it being
understood that one would be able to design software and control
hardware to implement the embodiments based on the description
herein.
[0074] Further, certain portions of the invention may be
implemented as "logic" that performs one or more functions. This
logic may include hardware, such as an application specific
integrated circuit or a field programmable gate array, software, or
a combination of hardware and software.
[0075] Even though particular combinations of features are recited
in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these
combinations are not intended to limit the invention. In fact, many
of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited
in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification.
[0076] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising"
when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of
stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,
integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.
[0077] No element, act, or instruction used in the present
application should be construed as critical or essential to the
invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used
herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items.
Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language
is used. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based,
at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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