U.S. patent application number 12/473171 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for system and method for facilitating user interaction with a simulated object associated with a physical location.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lucid Ventures, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nova T. Spivack.
Application Number | 20100306825 12/473171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43221793 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100306825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spivack; Nova T. |
December 2, 2010 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING USER INTERACTION WITH A
SIMULATED OBJECT ASSOCIATED WITH A PHYSICAL LOCATION
Abstract
Systems and methods for facilitating user interaction with a
simulated object that is associated with a physical location in the
real world environment is herein disclosed. In one aspect,
embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may
be implemented on a system, of identifying the simulated object
that is available for access based on location data. The location
data can include a location of a device in a time period, the
device for use by a user to access the simulated object. One
embodiment includes, verifying an identity of the user; and in
response to determining that the user is authorized to access the
simulated object, providing the simulated object for presentation
to the user via the device.
Inventors: |
Spivack; Nova T.; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 1208
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1208
US
|
Assignee: |
Lucid Ventures, Inc.
Tarrytown
NY
|
Family ID: |
43221793 |
Appl. No.: |
12/473171 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/4 ;
715/849 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/332 20140902;
G06F 21/31 20130101; A63F 2300/6009 20130101; H04W 4/027 20130101;
H04L 69/28 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101; A63F 13/69 20140902;
H04L 63/102 20130101; A63F 13/217 20140902; G06F 2221/2111
20130101; H04L 67/38 20130101; H04L 67/18 20130101; G06F 3/04842
20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; A63F 13/211 20140902; A63F 13/65
20140902; A63F 2300/69 20130101; A63F 2300/8082 20130101; A63F
13/216 20140902; A63F 13/71 20140902; H04W 4/02 20130101; G06F
16/9535 20190101; G06F 16/9537 20190101; A63F 2300/205
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
726/4 ;
715/849 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048; G06F 21/00 20060101 G06F021/00 |
Claims
1. A method of facilitating user interaction with a simulated
object that is associated with a physical location in a real
environment, the method, comprising: identifying the simulated
object that is available for access based on location data;
wherein, the location data includes a location of a device in a
time period, the device for use by a user to access the simulated
object; verifying an identity of the user; in response to
determining that the user is authorized to access the simulated
object, providing the simulated object for presentation to the user
via the device; rendering a simulated environment in which the
simulated object is provided, the simulated environment presented
to the user via the device; according to external stimulus that
occurs in the real environment, updating characteristics of the
simulated object presented via the device to be perceived by the
user.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the simulated object that is
available for access is further identified using timing data.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein, the external stimulus comprises
environmental factors in the physical location.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein, the external stimulus comprises
user stimulus provided by the user or another user.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: receiving a request
from the user to perform a requested action on the simulated
object; in response to determining the user is authorized to
perform the requested action; updating at least a portion of the
characteristics of the simulated object presented on the device
according to an effect of the requested action such that updates
are perceived by the user.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting motion of
the device; adjusting a perspective of the simulated environment
presented on the device according to the detected motion of the
device;
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, continuously or
periodically determining updated locations of the device;
identifying an updated set of simulated objects available for
access based on the updated locations; accordingly presenting the
updated set of the simulated objects in the simulated environment
to the user through the device.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein, the detecting the motion of the
device comprises, one or more of, detecting velocity and
acceleration.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein, the detecting the motion of the
device comprises, sensing a particular gesture.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein, the simulated object is
controlled at least in part by a real user.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein, the simulated object is not
controlled by a real user.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: rendering a user
interface for display on the device, the user interface having a
map of the physical location depicted in the simulated environment;
receiving a selection of a region on the map made by the user in
the user interface; wherein, the region that is selected
corresponding to a set of selected physical locations; detecting
the simulated objects that are available for access in the region
selected by the user; and presenting the simulated objects to be
perceived by the user via the device.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising, automatically
detecting other simulated objects that are available for access;
wherein, the other simulated objects represent real users or
simulated users.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein, the simulated object is
identified in response to a search request initiated by the
user.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein, the search request includes a
search parameter including, one or more of, the timing data and the
location data.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein, the search parameter further
includes, identification of the user.
17. A system for facilitating user interaction with a simulated
object that is associated with a physical location using location
data, the system, comprising: means for, identifying the simulated
object that is available for access based on the location data;
wherein, the location data is a location of a device in a time
period, the device for use by a user to access the simulated
object; verifying an identity of the user; means for, providing the
simulated object for display on a display of the device, in
response to determining that the user is authorized to access the
simulated object; means for, rendering a simulated environment in
which the simulated object is located, the simulated environment
displayed on the display of the device; means for, updating the
simulated object displayed on the device according to external
stimuli.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising, means for,
searching for the simulated object based on one or more search
parameters.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein, the one or more search
parameters includes the location data.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein, the one or more search
parameters further includes timing data.
21. The system of claim 17, wherein, the device is a portable
device.
22. The system of claim 17, wherein, the simulated objects that are
available for access are further identified using timing data.
23. The system of claim 17, wherein, the external stimuli comprises
environmental factors in the physical location.
24. The system of claim 17, wherein, the external stimuli comprises
user stimuli provided by the user or another user.
25. A method of time-based manipulation of an object that is
associated with a physical location in a real world environment,
comprising: generating the object if qualifying location data and
qualifying timing data are detected; wherein, the object is
implemented using a data structure having a set of metadata;
enabling access of the object to a user via a device, in response
to determining that the user has access permission of the object;
wherein, the qualifying location data includes a location of the
device; wherein, the qualifying timing data includes a time when
the device is located at the location.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein, the object is associated with
a unique identifier; wherein, the unique identifier is associated
with a location data structure having a set of location data that
includes the qualifying location data.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein, the set of metadata includes a
computer program to control actions of the object.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein, the actions of the object can
further be controlled by the user via the device.
29. The method of claim 25, wherein, the set of metadata further
includes the qualifying timing data that satisfy a criterion for
access of the object to be enabled.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein, the set of metadata further
includes the qualifying location data that satisfies the criterion
for access of the object to be enabled.
31. The method of claim 26, wherein, the location data is specified
with a set of longitude and latitude coordinates.
32. The method of claim 26, wherein, the location data is specified
with GPS coordinates.
33. The method of claim 26, wherein, the location data is specified
using relative position.
34. The method of claim 25, wherein, the set of metadata further
includes a link to, one or more of, another virtual object and data
from the Web.
35. The method of claim 25, wherein, the link is a semantic
link.
36. The method of claim 25, wherein, the object is a representation
of a living object.
37. The method of claim 25, wherein, the object is a representation
of an inanimate object.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This technology relates generally to virtual reality and in
particular, to virtual realities representing and associated with a
physical location and applications thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Miniaturization of consumer electronics with sophisticated
graphics capabilities and expansive computing power has augmented
the activities one can engage in via consumer electronics and in
particular, portable electronics such as cell phones, PDAs,
Blackberries, iphones, and the like.
[0003] Further, portable electronics or other electronics devices
now generally include GPS or other types of location sensing
capabilities. Thus, mobile application capabilities and user
experiences can be enhanced with the awareness of location
information, such as location data that includes the real time or
current location of the user or the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of client
devices able to communicate with a host server that generates and
controls access to simulated objects through a network.
[0005] FIG. 2 depicts an example block diagram of the components of
a host server that generates and controls simulated objects.
[0006] FIG. 3A depicts an example functional block diagram of the
host server that generates and controls access to simulated
objects.
[0007] FIG. 3B depicts an example block diagram illustrating the
components of the host server that generates and controls access to
simulated objects.
[0008] FIG. 4A depicts an example functional block diagram of a
client device that presents simulated objects to a user and
processes interactions with the simulated objects.
[0009] FIG. 4B depicts an example block diagram of the client
device that presents simulated objects to a user and facilitates
user interactions with the simulated objects.
[0010] FIG. 5A illustrates a diagrammatic example of a simulated
playing field that is provided via a device.
[0011] FIG. 5B illustrates a diagrammatic example of virtual
performances with a simulated object that is controlled by a real
performer.
[0012] FIG. 5C illustrates an example screenshot on a device
displaying a simulated environment with a simulated object
associated with a physical object in a physical location in the
real world environment.
[0013] FIG. 5D illustrates a diagrammatic example of an arcade game
in a gaming environment that corresponds to a physical location and
real players in a real world environment.
[0014] FIG. 5E illustrates a diagrammatic example of a virtual game
having a simulated combat environment that is played by a real user
in a real world environment via a device.
[0015] FIG. 5F illustrates a diagrammatic example of a simulated
object representing an interactive puzzle or a component
thereof.
[0016] FIG. 5G illustrates a diagrammatic example of simulated
objects that represent real-time or near-real time information/data
projected onto geographical locations in a map.
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for time-based control/manipulation of a simulated object that is
associated with a physical location in a real world
environment.
[0018] FIG. 7A depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for facilitating user interaction with a simulated object that is
associated with a physical location in a real world
environment.
[0019] FIG. 7B depicts a flow chart illustrating example processes
for updating the simulated object and the simulated environment
according to external stimulus.
[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for simulating a virtual sports game played by a real participant
in a real world environment.
[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for simulating a virtual game played by a real user in a real world
environment.
[0022] FIG. 10 a flow chart illustrating an example process for
simulating a virtual performance in a real world environment.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a computer system within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed, according to
one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following description and drawings are illustrative and
are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are
described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.
However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details
are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can
be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment;
and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[0025] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0026] The terms used in this specification generally have their
ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure,
and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms
that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to
the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For
convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using
italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no
influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning
of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is
highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in
more than one way.
[0027] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used
for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any
special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is
elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are
provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the
use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this
specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is
illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope
and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise,
the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this
specification.
[0028] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure,
examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related
results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are
given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit
the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present
document, including definitions will control.
[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and
methods for facilitating user interaction with a simulated object
that is associated with a physical location in the real world
environment.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of client
devices 102A-N able to communicate with a host server 124 that
generates and controls access to simulated objects through a
network 106.
[0031] The client devices 102A-N can be any system and/or device,
and/or any combination of devices/systems that is able to establish
a connection with another device, a server and/or other systems.
The client devices 102A-N typically include a display and/oror
other output functionalities to present information and data
exchanged between among the devices 102A-N and the host server 124.
For example, the client devices 102A-N can be any of, but are not
limited to, a server desktop, a desktop computer, a computer
cluster, or portable devices including, a notebook, a laptop
computer, a handheld computer, a palmtop computer, a mobile phone,
a cell phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a Blackberry device, a Treo, an
iPhone, cover headsets, heads-up displays, helmet mounted display,
head-mounted display, scanned-beam display, wearable computer such
as mobile enabled watches, and/or any other mobile interfaces and
viewing devices, etc. The client devices 102A-N may be
location-aware devices that are able to determine their own
location or identify location information from an external source.
In one embodiment, the client devices 102A-N are coupled to a
network 106. In some embodiments, the devices 102A-N and host
server 124 may be directly connected to one another.
[0032] In one embodiment, the host server 124 is operable to
provide simulated objects (e.g., objects, computer-controlled
objects, or simulated objects) that correspond to real world
physical locations to be presented to users on client devices
102A-N. The simulated objects are typically software entities or
occurrences that are controlled by computer programs and can be
generated upon request when certain criteria are met. The host
server 124 also processes interactions of simulated object with one
another and actions on simulated objects caused by stimulus from a
real user and/or the real world environment. Services and functions
provided by the host server 124 and the components therein are
described in detail with further references to the examples of FIG.
3A-3B.
[0033] The client devices 102A-N are generally operable to provide
access (e.g., visible access, audible access) to the simulated
objects to users, for example via user interface 104A-N displayed
on the display units. The devices 102A-N may be able to detect
simulated objects based on location and/or timing data and provide
those objects authorized by the user for access via the devices.
Services and functions provided by the client devices 102A-N and
the components therein are described in detail with further
references to the examples of FIG. 4A-4B.
[0034] The network 106, over which the client devices 102A-N and
the host server 124 communicate, may be a telephonic network, an
open network, such as the Internet, or a private network, such as
an intranet and/or the extranet. For example, the Internet can
provide file transfer, remote log in, email, news, RSS, and other
services through any known or convenient protocol, such as, but is
not limited to the TCP/IP protocol, Open System Interconnections
(OSI), FTP, UPnP, iSCSI, NSF, ISDN, PDH, RS-232, SDH, SONET,
etc.
[0035] The network 106 can be any collection of distinct networks
operating wholly or partially in conjunction to provide
connectivity to the client devices 102A-N and the host server 124
and may appear as one or more networks to the serviced systems and
devices. In one embodiment, communications to and from the client
devices 102A-N can be achieved by, an open network, such as the
Internet, or a private network, such as an intranet and/or the
extranet. In one embodiment, communications can be achieved by a
secure communications protocol, such as secure sockets layer (SSL),
or transport layer security (TLS).
[0036] In addition, communications can be achieved via one or more
wireless networks, such as, but is not limited to, one or more of a
Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a
Personal area network (PAN), a Campus area network (CAN), a
Metropolitan area network (MAN), a Wide area network (WAN), a
Wireless wide area network (WWAN), Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS),
Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (D-Amps), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
Fixed Wireless Data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G networks, enhanced data rates for
GSM evolution (EDGE), General packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced
GPRS, messaging protocols such as, TCP/IP, SMS, MMS, extensible
messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), real time messaging
protocol (RTMP), instant messaging and presence protocol (IMPP),
instant messaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wireless data networks
or messaging protocols.
[0037] The host server 124 may include or be coupled to a user
repository 128 and/or a simulated object repository 130. The user
data repository 128 can store software, descriptive data, images,
system information, drivers, and/or any other data item utilized by
other components of the host server 124 and/or any other servers
for operation. The user data repository 128 may be managed by a
database management system (DBMS), for example but not limited to,
Oracle, DB2, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL,
MySQL, FileMaker, etc.
[0038] The user data repository 128 and/or the simulated object
repository 130 can be implemented via object-oriented technology
and/or via text files, and can be managed by a distributed database
management system, an object-oriented database management system
(OODBMS) (e.g., ConceptBase, FastDB Main Memory Database Management
System, JDOInstruments, ObjectDB, etc.), an object-relational
database management system (ORDBMS) (e.g., Informix, OpenLink
Virtuoso, VMDS, etc.), a file system, and/or any other convenient
or known database management package.
[0039] In some embodiments, the host server 124 is able to provide
data to be stored in the user data repository 128 and/or the
simulated object repository 130 and/or can retrieve data stored in
the user data repository 128 and/or the simulated object repository
130. The user data repository 128 can store user information, user
preferences, access permissions associated with the users, device
information, hardware information, etc. The simulated object
repository 130 can store software entities (e.g., computer
programs) that control simulated objects and the simulated
environments in which they are presented for visual/audible access
or control/manipulation. The simulated object repository 130 may
further include simulated objects and their associated data
structures with metadata defining the simulated object including
its associated access permission.
[0040] FIG. 2 depicts an example block diagram of the components of
a host server 224 that generates and controls simulated
objects.
[0041] In the example of FIG. 2, the host server 224 includes a
network controller 202, a firewall 204, a multimedia server 206, an
application server 208, a web application server 212, a gaming
server 214, and a database including a database storage 216 and
database software 218.
[0042] In the example of FIG. 2, the network controller 202 can be
a networking device that enables the host server 224 to mediate
data in a network with an entity that is external to the host
server 224, through any known and/or convenient communications
protocol supported by the host and the external entity. The network
controller 202 can include one or more of a network adaptor card, a
wireless network interface card, a router, an access point, a
wireless router, a switch, a multilayer switch, a protocol
converter, a gateway, a bridge, bridge router, a hub, a digital
media receiver, and/or a repeater.
[0043] The firewall 204, can, in some embodiments, govern and/or
manage permission to access/proxy data in a computer network, and
track varying levels of trust between different machines and/or
applications. The firewall 204 can be any number of modules having
any combination of hardware and/or software components able to
enforce a predetermined set of access rights between a particular
set of machines and applications, machines and machines, and/or
applications and applications, for example, to regulate the flow of
traffic and resource sharing between these varying entities. The
firewall 204 may additionally manage and/or have access to an
access control list which details permissions including for
example, the access and operation rights of an object by an
individual, a machine, and/or an application, and the circumstances
under which the permission rights stand.
[0044] Other network security functions can be performed or
included in the functions of the firewall 204, can be, for example,
but are not limited to, intrusion-prevention, intrusion detection,
next-generation firewall, personal firewall, etc. without deviating
from the novel art of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the
functionalities of the network controller 202 and the firewall 204
are partially or wholly combined and the functions of which can be
implemented in any combination of software and/or hardware, in part
or in whole.
[0045] In the example of FIG. 2, the host server 200 includes the
multimedia server 206 or a combination of multimedia servers to
manage images, photographs, animation, video, audio content,
graphical content, documents, and/or other types of multimedia data
for use in or to supplement simulated content such as simulated
objects and their associated deployment environment (e.g., a
simulated environment). The multimedia server 206 is any software
suitable for delivering messages to facilitate
retrieval/transmission of multimedia data among servers to be
provided to other components and/or systems of the host server 224,
for example when rendering a web page, a simulated environment,
and/or simulated objects including multimedia content.
[0046] In addition, the multimedia server 206 can facilitate
transmission/receipt of streaming data such as streaming images,
audio, and/or video. The multimedia server 206 can be configured
separately or together with the web application server 212,
depending on a desired scalability of the host server 224. Examples
of graphics file formats that can be managed by the multimedia
server 206 include but are not limited to, ADRG, ADRI, AI, GIF,
IMA, GS, JPG, JP2, PNG, PSD, PSP, TIFF, and/or BMP, etc.
[0047] The application server 208 can be any combination of
software agents and/or hardware modules for providing software
applications to end users, external systems and/or devices. For
example, the application server 208 provides specialized or generic
software applications that manage simulated environments and
objects to devices (e.g., client devices). The software
applications provided by the application server 208 can be
automatically downloaded on-demand on an as-needed basis or
manually at the user's request. The software applications, for
example, allow the devices to detect simulated objects based on the
location of the device and to provide the simulated objects for
access, based on permissions associated with the user and/or with
the simulated object.
[0048] Additionally, nearby users or players can be also be
automatically detected. The detected users/players can be
represented on the user device for example, as a simulated object
controlled by the nearby users/players. In addition, simulated
objects having a particular set of temporal/spatial attributes may
be detected by the user device. The simulated objects may or may
not represent real-life users. The software applications provided
by the application server 208 can be used by users to access,
manipulate, and/or control simulated objects using their devices.
Additional details related to the functions of the software
applications are described with further reference to the example of
FIG. 4A-B.
[0049] The application server 208 can also facilitate interaction
and communication with the web application server 212, or with
other related applications and/or systems. The application server
208 can in some instances, be wholly or partially functionally
integrated with the web application server 212.
[0050] The web application server 212 can include any combination
of software agents and/or hardware modules for accepting Hypertext
Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests from end users, external systems,
and/or external client devices and responding to the request by
providing the requesters with web pages, such as HTML documents and
objects that can include static and/or dynamic content (e.g., via
one or more supported interfaces, such as the Common Gateway
Interface (CGI), Simple CGI (SCGI), PHP, JavaServer Pages (JSP),
Active Server Pages (ASP), ASP.NET, etc.).
[0051] In addition, a secure connection, SSL and/or TLS can be
established by the web application server 212. In some embodiments,
the web application server 212 renders the user interfaces having
the simulated environment as shown in the example screenshots of
FIG. 5A-FIG. 5C. The user interfaces provided by the web
application server 212 to client users/end devices provide the user
interface screens 104A-104N for example, to be displayed on client
devices 102A-102N. In some embodiments, the web application server
212 also performs an authentication process before responding to
requests for access, control, and/or manipulation of simulated
objects and simulated environments.
[0052] In one embodiment, the host server 200 includes a gaming
server 214 including software agents and/or hardware modules for
providing games and gaming software to client devices. The games
and gaming environments typically include simulations of real world
environments. The gaming server 214 also provides games and gaming
environments such that the simulated objects provided therein have
characteristics that are affected and can be manipulated by
external stimuli (e.g., stimuli that occur in the real world
environment) and can also interact with other simulated objects.
External stimuli can include real physical motion of the user,
motion of the device, user interaction with the simulated object on
the device, and/or real world environmental factors, etc.
[0053] For example, the external stimuli detected at a client
device may be converted to a signal and transmitted to the gaming
server 214. The gaming server 214, based on the signal, updates the
simulated object and/or the simulated environment such that a user
of the client device perceives such changes to the simulated
environment in response to real world stimulus. The gaming server
214 provides support for any type of single player or multiplayer
electronic gaming, PC gaming, arcade gaming, and/or console gaming
for portable devices or non-portable devices. These games typically
have real world location correlated features and may have time or
user constraints on accessibility, availability, and/or
functionality. The objects simulated by the gaming server 214 are
presented to users via devices and can be controlled and/or
manipulated by authorized users.
[0054] The databases 216, 218 can store software, descriptive data,
images, system information, drivers, and/or any other data item
utilized by other components of the host server for operation. The
databases 216, 218 may be managed by a database management system
(DBMS), for example but not limited to, Oracle, DB2, Microsoft
Access, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, FileMaker, etc.
The databases 216, 218 can be implemented via object-oriented
technology and/or via text files, and can be managed by a
distributed database management system, an object-oriented database
management system (OODBMS) (e.g., ConceptBase, FastDB Main Memory
Database Management System, JDOInstruments, ObjectDB, etc.), an
object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) (e.g.,
Informix, OpenLink Virtuoso, VMDS, etc.), a file system, and/or any
other convenient or known database management package.
[0055] In the example of FIG. 2, the host server 200 includes
components (e.g., a network controller, a firewall, a storage
server, an application server, a web application server, a gaming
server, and/or a database including a database storage and database
software, etc.) coupled to one another and each component is
illustrated as being individual and distinct. However, in some
embodiments, some or all of the components, and/or the functions
represented by each of the components can be combined in any
convenient or known manner. Furthermore, the functions represented
by the devices can be implemented individually or in any
combination thereof, in hardware, software, or a combination of
hardware and software.
[0056] FIG. 3A depicts an example functional block diagram of the
host server 324 that generates and controls access to simulated
objects.
[0057] The host server 324 includes a network interface 302, a
simulator module 304, an environment simulator module 306, a
virtual sports simulator 308, a virtual game simulator 310, a
virtual performance simulator 312, an access permission module 314,
an interactions manager module 316, an environmental factor sensor
module 318, an object control module 320, and/or a search engine
322. In one embodiment, the host server 224 is coupled to a user
data repository 328 and/or a simulated object repository 330. The
user data repository 328 and simulated object repository 330 are
described with further reference to the example of FIG. 1.
[0058] Additional or less modules can be included without deviating
from the novel art of this disclosure. In addition, each module in
the example of FIG. 3A can include any number and combination of
sub-modules, and systems, implemented with any combination of
hardware and/or software modules.
[0059] The host server 324, although illustrated as comprised of
distributed components (physically distributed and/or functionally
distributed), could be implemented as a collective element. In some
embodiments, some or all of the modules, and/or the functions
represented by each of the modules can be combined in any
convenient or known manner. Furthermore, the functions represented
by the modules can be implemented individually or in any
combination thereof, partially or wholly, in hardware, software, or
a combination of hardware and software.
[0060] In the example of FIG. 3A, the network interface 302 can be
a networking device that enables the host server 324 to mediate
data in a network with an entity that is external to the host
server, through any known and/or convenient communications protocol
supported by the host and the external entity. The network
interface 302 can include one or more of a network adaptor card, a
wireless network interface card, a router, an access point, a
wireless router, a switch, a multilayer switch, a protocol
converter, a gateway, a bridge, bridge router, a hub, a digital
media receiver, and/or a repeater.
[0061] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes a simulator
module 304. The simulator module 304 can be any combination of
software agents and/or hardware modules able to create, generate,
modify, update, adjust, edit, and/or delete a simulated object.
[0062] A simulated object (or, otherwise referred as, a software
object, a computer-controlled object, a simulated object, an
object, etc.) typically refers to a software entity/software
controlled entity that is controlled by a computer program. A
simulated object can include a simulation of a physical entity, a
concept/idea, an imaginary entity, a software object, an
occurrence, an event, a living object, an inanimate object, and/or
a real or imaginary phenomenon/object with strong, partial, or no
resemblance to the physical appearances, observable properties of
these entities. Simulated objects can be provided for or deployed
in various types of simulated environments also controlled/managed
by software.
[0063] Characteristics and attributes of simulated objects can be
perceived by users in reality via a physical device (e.g., a client
device or device 102 in the example of FIG. 1). For example, a
simulated object typically includes visible and/or audible
characteristics that can be perceived by users via a device with a
display and/or a speaker. Changes to characteristics and attributes
of simulated objects can also be perceived by users in reality via
physical devices.
[0064] In one embodiment, these simulated objects are associated
with physical locations in the real world environment and have
associated accessibilities based on a spatial parameter (e.g., the
location of a device through which the simulated object is to be
accessed). In some instances, the simulated objects have associated
accessibilities based on a temporal parameter as well as
user-specificities (e.g., certain users may be different access
rights to different simulated objects).
[0065] Objects may be simulated by the simulator module 304
automatically or manually based on a user request. For example,
objects may be simulated automatically when certain criterion
(e.g., qualifying location data and/or qualifying timing data) are
met or upon request by an application. Objects may also be newly
created/simulated when an authorized user requests objects that are
not yet available (e.g., object is not stored in the simulated
object repository 330). Generated objects can be stored in the
simulated object repository 330 for future use.
[0066] In one embodiment, the simulated object is implemented using
a data structure having metadata. The metadata can include a
computer program that controls the actions/behavior/properties of
the simulated object and how behaviors of the simulated object are
affected by a user or other external factors (e.g., real world
environmental factors). The metadata can also include location
and/or timing parameters that include the qualifying parameters
(e.g., qualifying timing and/or location data) that satisfy one or
more criteria for access of the simulated object to be enabled. The
location data can be specified with longitude and latitude
coordinates, GPS coordinates, and/or relative position. In one
embodiment, the object is associated with a unique identifier. The
unique identifier may be further associated with a location data
structure having a set of location data that includes the
qualifying location data for the simulated object.
[0067] The metadata can include different criteria for different
types of access of the simulated object. The different types of
accessibility can include, create, read, view, write, modify, edit,
delete, manipulate, and/or control etc. Each of these actions can
be associated with a different criterion that is specified in the
object's metadata. In addition to having temporal and spatial
parameters, some criterion may also include user-dependent
parameters. For example, certain users have edit right where other
users only have read/viewing rights. These rights may be stored as
user access permissions associated with the user or stored as
object access permission rights associated with the simulated
object. In one embodiment, the metadata includes a link to another
simulated object and/or data from an external source (e.g., the
Internet, Web, a database, etc.). The link may be a semantic
link.
[0068] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes an
environment simulator module 306. The environment simulator module
306 can be any combination of software agents and/or hardware
modules able to generate, modify, update, adjust, and/or delete a
simulated environment in which simulated objects are presented.
[0069] In one embodiment, the simulated environment is associated
with a physical location in the real world environment. The
simulated environment thus may include characteristics that
correspond to the physical characteristics of the associated
physical location. One embodiment of the host server 224 includes
the environment simulator module 306 which may be coupled to the
simulator module 304 and can render simulated environments in which
the simulated object is deployed.
[0070] The simulated objects are typically visually provided in the
simulated environment for display on a device display. Note that
the simulated environment can include various types of environments
including but not limited to, a gaming environment, a virtual
sports environment, a virtual performance environment, a virtual
teaching environment, a virtual indoors/outdoors environment, a
virtual underwater environment, a virtual airborne environment, a
virtual emergency environment, a virtual working environment,
and/or a virtual tour environment.
[0071] For example, in a simulated environment with a virtual
concert that is visible to the user using a device, the simulated
objects in the virtual concert may include those controlled by a
real musician (e.g. recorded or in real time). Other simulated
objects in the virtual concert may further include simulated
instruments with audible characteristics such as sound played by
the real instruments that are represented by the simulated
instruments. Additional simulated objects may be provided in the
virtual concert for decorative purposes and/or to provide the
feeling that one is in a real concert. For example, additional
simulated objects may include a simulated audience, a simulated
applause, etc.
[0072] In one example, the simulated environment is associated with
a physical location that is a tourist location in the real world
environment. The simulated object associated with the tourist
location can include video and audio data about the tourist
location. The audio data can include commentary about the
historical value of the site. The simulated object may also include
a link to other simulated objects corresponding to other nearby
tourist attractions or sites and serve as a self-serve travel guide
or personal travel agent.
[0073] In one embodiment, this information is automatically
provided to the user when he or she arrives at or near the real
world tourist location (e.g., implicit request) via the device.
Alternatively, the information is provided upon request by the user
(e.g., explicit request). For example, simulated objects associated
with various attractions in the tourist location in the real world
can be selected by the user (e.g., via input to the device). The
simulated objects that are selected may perform playback of the
textual, video and/or audio data about the attractions in the real
world tourist location.
[0074] In one example, the simulated object is an advertisement
(e.g., an electronic advertisement) and the user to whom the
simulated object is presented is a qualified user targeted by the
advertisement. The user may qualify on a basis of a location,
identity, and/or a timing parameter. For example, the user may be
provided with advertisements of local pizza shops or other late
night dining options when the user is driving around town during
late night hours when other dining options may not be
available.
[0075] In one example, the simulated environment is used for
education and training of emergency services providers and/or law
enforcement individuals. These simulated environments may include
virtual drills with simulated objects that represent medical
emergencies or hostages. The users that access these simulated
virtual drills may include medical service providers, firefighters,
and/or law enforcers.
[0076] In a further example, simulated objects can represent
electronic documents (e.g., files or datasets) that are visible
using the device when the device is in a particular physical
location in the real world environment. For example, a document or
note can be left for a user at a simulated location that
corresponds to a real world location. In one embodiment, the
simulated object represents an electronic document and the user
retrieves the electronic document using the device when the
location of the device satisfies a criteria. For example, the
electronic document is a reference manual for a physical object and
can be accessible to the user when the location of the device is
within a range of the physical object.
[0077] In another example, simulated objects with access
permissions that on spatial and temporal parameters can be used to
data protection. The simulated object that represents the protected
data may only be viewed using devices located at an authorized
location or in an authorized facility. The user viewing the
protected data may also be an authorized user. Thus, the protected
data cannot be viewed by anyone outside the authorized
location/facility or by anyone that is not authorized. The
protected data may only be viewed during a certain period of
time.
[0078] In one example, the simulated environment is a virtual
desktop that includes simulated objects. The simulated objects may
be associated with real physical locations near a user and be
placed in space relative to the user. In one embodiment, access to
the simulated objects may be enabled for those associated with the
real physical locations visible through an imaging unit of the
device (e.g., a camera in a cell phone or PDA). For example, when a
user views physical space with a camera on a cell phone, the user
can see the simulated objects in the virtual desktop displayed on
the cell phone. The virtual desktop appears to the user as if it is
in the surrounding space and may include features that correspond
to the real surrounding space. The device can be moved in space
such that different simulated objects associated with different
physical locations are imaged through the cell phone camera and
thus accessed.
[0079] In another example, a simulated environment can be used for
task management. For example, the simulated object can represent or
include information related to a task. The simulated tasks can be
presented to the user through the device when located at or near
the location where the task is to be performed. For example,
information about deliveries can be placed for a driver at various
real world delivery locations. Thus, the driver can be notified of
this information on their devices when they arrive at the delivery
locations. The information more relevant to their present location
can be displayed as more visible or prominent with higher priority
in the user interface displayed on the device.
[0080] In one embodiment, the simulated object is a virtual
personal assistant of the user. The virtual personal assistant can
be pre-programmed or configured to follow the user around as they
move around in real physical space. The virtual personal assistant
may be visible to the user via the device anywhere they go. The
virtual personal assistance may also be visible to others via
devices with access permissions.
[0081] The simulated environment may be a virtual marketplace
associated with the physical location in the real world
environment. The simulated objects and represent either real goods
or virtual goods for users to sell or purchase when the device is
located in the physical location associated with the virtual market
place. In general, users with a device with the appropriate
software capabilities and/or proper access permissions can see the
simulated objects and buy or sell the corresponding goods.
[0082] In one embodiment, the simulated object represents an
electronic coupon and is accessible to a user using the device when
the device is located at the location during a certain period of
time that satisfies the criteria. The electronic coupon may be
redeemed by the user at a business located at or near the location
in the real world environment.
[0083] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes an access
permission module 314. The access permission module 314 can be any
combination of software agents and/or hardware modules able to
determine availability and accessibility of a simulated object
based on a criterion.
[0084] The criteria can include spatio-temporal criteria having a
timing parameter and/or a location parameter. For example, a
simulated object may be associated with a physical location in the
real world environment. The location parameter may include a set of
locations including the physical location and/or surrounding
regions where the device is to be located to access the simulated
object. In addition, the timing parameter includes a time or set of
times when the simulated object can be accessed. The timing
parameter and the location parameter can be used independently or
in conjunction with each other.
[0085] The access permission module 314 can determine whether a
location data and/or a timing data satisfy the criterion (e.g., a
spatio-temporal criterion). The access permission module 314 is
coupled to the simulator module 304, the environment simulator
module 306, and the simulated object repository 330, where
simulated objects and/or simulated environments are stored. When
the access permission module 314 determines that the location
and/or timing data satisfy the criterion, the access permission
module 314 access of the simulated object in a simulated
environment by a user via a device (e.g., portable or non-portable
device). One embodiment of the access permission module 314
includes a timing module and a location sensor to determine the
current time and/or the current location of a device.
[0086] In one embodiment, location data and/or the timing data that
satisfy the criterion include the location of the device and the
time the device is located at the location. The enable signal may
be sent to the simulator and environmental simulator modules such
that the simulator module 304 an enable access to the simulated
object via a device when the criteria is met. The access permission
module 314 may retrieve the relevant simulated objects and
simulated environments from other modules to be provided to a user
via a device.
[0087] In one embodiment, the access permission module 314
determines the criterion associated with the simulated objects, for
example, by retrieving and/or identifying metadata stored in the
data structure of the simulated object that specifies qualifying
timing data and/or qualifying location data that satisfy the
criteria for object access. In addition, the access permission
module 314 can set the access criteria for a simulated object. For
example, the access permission module 314 can identify metadata of
the simulated object and determine various attributes of the
simulated object to set some access criteria.
[0088] The access permission module 314 can also identify the user
access permission associated with a particular user. For example,
the access permission module 314 can retrieve user information from
the user repository 328. The user repository can be coupled to the
simulated object repository 330 and can have stored therein access
permissions associated with the user. Thus, the criterion to access
a simulated object can further include a user-dependent
parameter.
[0089] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes an
interactions manager module 316. The interactions manager module
316 can be any combination of software agents and/or hardware
modules able to monitor, manage, control user interactions and user
requested interactions with the simulated objects, and interactions
among simulated objects.
[0090] The interactions manager module 316 can be coupled to the
access permission module 314 to determine the criteria for
interacting with the simulated objects and whether the requesting
user has permission to perform such requested actions on the
simulated objects. The interactions manager module 316, upon
receiving a request from the user to perform a requested action on
the simulated object, the manager module 316 determines whether the
user is permitted to perform the requested action on the simulated
object.
[0091] The interactions manager module 316 can identify this
information according to either user access permissions and/or
object access permissions. The requested action is typically
triggered by the user via the device (e.g., portable device,
location-aware device, PDA, cell phone, laptop, etc.) using input
control (e.g., keyboard, mouse, joystick, pointing device, touch
screen sensor, etc.) of the device.
[0092] If the user is permitted to interact with the simulated
object, the manager module 316 can perform the requested action on
the simulated object by updating stored attributes of the simulated
objects and presenting the updated attributes via the device to be
perceived by the user. In one embodiment, the simulator module 304
updates the attributes according to the requested action upon
receiving the commands or signals. The user requested actions can
include, by way of example but not limitation, collecting an item
(e.g., a reward), firing ammunition, throwing an item, eating an
item, attending an event, dialoguing with another character (real
or virtual), surmounting a barrier, hitting a ball, blocking a
ball, kicking a ball, and/or shooting a goblin, etc. These actions
may be requested by the user using an input device or a combination
of input devices.
[0093] Note that user actions requested with regards to simulated
objects can be stored, for later access or to compute statistics
regarding usage, likeability, user preference, etc. User actions
requested pertaining to simulated objects an include one or more
of, adding as a favorite and collecting as a bookmark, sharing the
simulated object, flagging the simulated object, and/or tagging the
simulated object. Additionally, user-generated data for simulated
objects can also be recorded and stored. User-generated data an
include, one or more of, modification of the simulated object,
comment on the simulated object, review of the simulated object,
and/or rating of the simulated object. In some embodiments, the
user modifies the simulated object using the device or another
device. In addition, the user can create or author the simulated
object using any device.
[0094] Simulated objects may interact with one another. The
interactions manager module 316 can control these interactions
according to the computer programs that control the simulated
objects. The simulated objects that interact with one another may
be controlled/manipulated by real users and/or wholly/partially
controlled by computer programs.
[0095] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes an
environmental sensor module 318. The environmental sensor module
318 can be any combination of software agents and/or hardware
modules able to detect, sense, monitor, identify, track, and/or
process environmental factors, physical characteristics and changes
that occur in the real world environment.
[0096] Since simulated environments can be sometimes thought not
always generated to correspond to simulation of a physical location
in a real world environment and/or regions proximal to the physical
location, the environmental sensor module 318 can detect and sense
the environmental factors and physical characteristics in the real
world to facilitate such interactions. The environmental sensor
module 318 is coupled to the environment simulator module 306 and
can provide such information to the environmental simulator module
306 such that simulated environments, when generated, will
correspond to simulation of the physical location and regions
proximal to the physical location.
[0097] In one embodiment, simulated objects and their associated
characteristics depend on stimuli that occur in the real world
environment. For example, the external stimuli that can
change/affect behaviors or appearances of a simulated object
include environmental factors in or near the physical location
associated with the simulated object. The environmental sensor
module 318 can detect these environmental factors and changes and
communicate the information to the simulator module 304 and/or the
environmental simulator module 306 to implement the effects of the
environmental factors on the simulated object in software for
presentation via devices.
[0098] The environmental factors detected by the environmental
sensor module 318 can include, by way of example but not
limitation, temperature, weather, landscape, surrounding people,
cars, animals, climate, altitude, topology, population, etc.
[0099] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes an object
control module 320. The object control module 320 can be any
combination of software agents and/or hardware modules able to
manage the control of simulated objects by real users in the real
world environment.
[0100] Simulated objects, in addition to being manipulated and
interacted with by users, can also be "controlled" by users. In a
simulated environment, there may be simulated objects some of which
are controlled by different users in different physical locations,
for example. Control of a simulated object by a user can be defined
more broadly than manipulation of or interaction with a simulated
object. For example, the movements, behaviors, and/or actions of a
simulated object can be simulations of movement, behaviors, and/or
actions of a real user.
[0101] The movement trajectory of the simulated object in a
simulated environment, when controlled by a user, can be
predominantly governed by movement or behavior of the user. In a
further example, the form/shape of the simulated object may also
depend on the physical appearances of the users. In addition, the
simulated object may include audible characteristics that depend on
the user's voice or speech.
[0102] The object control module 320 determines permissions of
users to control the simulated object. Changes to attributes of the
simulated object caused by user control can be reflected in the
simulated environment and perceived by the same controlling user or
other users via a device. This update can occur with a delay or in
real-time/near real-time. In addition, other simulated objects may
be controlled by other users (e.g., located in the same or
different physical location) and the changes to attributes of the
simulated object caused by control of another user is reflected in
the simulated environment and perceived by the user or other users
using one or more devices.
[0103] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes a virtual
sports simulator 308. The virtual sports simulator 308 can be any
combination of software agents and/or hardware modules able to
simulate a virtual sports game that is played by a real participant
in a real world environment.
[0104] The virtual sports simulator 308 is coupled to the simulator
module 304 and the environment simulator module 306. In one
embodiment, the virtual sports simulator 308 can generate a
simulated playing field that represents a physical location in the
real world environment. The simulated playing field generally has
characteristics that correspond to the physical characteristics of
the physical location where the real participant is located. For
example, if the real participant is located in a real park, the
simulated playing field may include a grass field with trees and
benches. In addition, the size of the simulated playing field can
be determined based on a size of the physical location. One
embodiment of the virtual sports simulator 308 includes a virtual
playing field generator.
[0105] The virtual sports game can be solo or team sports games.
For example, the virtual sports game can be a simulation of virtual
golf in a downtown square or a virtual baseball game on a crowded
street corner. Even though the real street corner may not have
enough room for an actual physical baseball game, the real
participants can stand in various locations with their devices
(e.g., mobile devices or location-aware devices) and the simulated
playing field can automatically resize and readjust based on the
size and other characteristics of the street corner in the real
environment.
[0106] In one embodiment, the virtual sports simulator 308
identifies the user requested action to be performed on a simulated
object in the simulated playing field by detecting user interaction
with the device or by receiving data indicating the nature of the
interaction of the requested action. In general, a simulated object
in the simulated playing field includes a simulated ball with a
type that depends on the type of sports of the virtual sports game.
For example, the simulated ball may be a golf ball, a basketball, a
baseball, a football, and/or a soccer ball. The user requested
action is also typically an action to control the ball that depends
on the type of sports that the virtual game is.
[0107] The virtual sports simulator 308 updating a characteristic
of the simulated object in the simulated playing field according to
the user requested action and can be presented via the device such
that the updated characteristic of the simulated object is
perceived by the user. The continuous or periodic updating of the
simulated object and others provide the perception that a sporting
event is occurring live. In any given virtual sports game, the
simulated object (e.g., simulated ball) can be acted upon by
multiple real participants. In addition, the virtual sports
simulator 308 may provide additional simulated objects in the
virtual sports game including but not limited to, a referee, a
clock, virtual audiences, cheerleaders, living objects, animals,
etc.
[0108] In one embodiment, the virtual sports simulator 308 provides
a simulated participant in the simulated playing field. The
simulated participant is typically programmed to act as a teammate
or opponent of the real participant. In addition, the simulated
participant performs actions on the simulated object. The actions
also generally correspond to the type of game of the virtual sports
game. One embodiment of the virtual sports simulator 308 includes a
participant simulator.
[0109] The virtual sports game simulated by the virtual sports
simulator 308 may also be a non-competitive sports game, such as, a
hike, a scuba diving session, a snorkeling session, a surfing
session, etc.
[0110] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes a virtual
game simulator 310. The virtual game simulator 310 can be any
combination of software agents and/or hardware modules able to
simulate a virtual game that is played by a real participant in a
real world environment. The virtual game simulator 310 may include
the gaming environment generator and the object interaction manager
module.
[0111] The virtual game simulator 310 is coupled to the simulator
module 304 and the environment simulator module 306. Thus, the
virtual game simulator 310 can communicate with the modules to
retrieve the simulated objects and/or a gaming environment to be
provided to a user. In addition the virtual game simulator 310 can
generate the gaming environment to a real user via a device. In
general, the gaming environment to correspond to a physical
location in the real world environment where the real user is
located. For example, the gaming environment can have
characteristics that correspond to physical characteristics of the
physical location.
[0112] In one embodiment, the gaming environment includes a set of
simulated objects; the accessibility of which using a device can
depend on timing, location, and/or user specific parameters. For
example, accessibility of the simulated object via the device
depends on a location of the device; accessibility can further
depend on the time when the device is located at the location. The
simulated objects can include by way of example but not limitation,
reward items, ammunition, barriers, goblins, places, events, and
other characters
[0113] When a simulated object in the gaming environment is
accessible to a real user via a device, the real user can control
the simulated object in the gaming environment. In one embodiment,
the virtual game simulator 310 detects the movement of the real
user and updates a characteristic of the simulated object in the
gaming environment at least partially based on the movement of the
real user.
[0114] In one embodiment, the user requested action on the
simulated object in the gaming environment can be identified by the
virtual game simulator 310 detecting user interactions with the
device. The virtual game simulator 310 can thus update the
characteristic of the simulated object in the gaming environment
according to the user requested action. The updates are typically
presented through the device to be perceived by the user and/or
additional other users participating in the virtual game.
[0115] In addition, the gaming environment can include additional
simulated objects controlled by different real users. For example,
another simulated object may be controlled by another real user and
interacts with other simulated objects controlled by other real
users in the gaming environment. Furthermore, the virtual game
simulator 310 can detect the movement of another real user and
updates the second simulated object in the gaming environment at
least partially based on the movement of the second real user. In
one embodiment, the gaming environment includes an arcade game or a
strategy game. For example, the arcade game can be a Pacman game
and the real user and the second real user control simulated
objects representing Pacman. The gaming environment can also
include other types of arcade games including but not limited to
Centipede, Frogger, etc. The strategy games can include Chess,
Checkers, and/or Othello, etc.
[0116] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes a virtual
performance simulator 312. The virtual performance simulator 312
can be any combination of software agents and/or hardware modules
able to simulate a virtual performance in a real world
environment.
[0117] The virtual performance simulator 312 is coupled to the
simulator module 304 and the environment simulator module 306.
Thus, the virtual performance simulator 312 can communicate with
the modules to retrieve the simulated objects and/or a virtual
performance to be provided to a user.
[0118] In one embodiment, the virtual performance simulator 312
generates a simulated object that is controlled by a real performer
for display on a device located in a physical location in the real
world environment. The real performer may be giving a live
performance in the real world environment and may not necessarily
be located in the physical location where the simulated object is
displayed on the device.
[0119] The virtual performance simulator 312 can update the
simulated object in real time or near real time according to the
live performance given by the real performer in the real world
environment. The updates to the simulated object can be presented
on the device in the physical location, after a delayed period of
time or in real time/near real time. In one embodiment, the device
is suitably sized to display a full-size adult human being such
that the simulated object of the performer can be projected at a
full size to provide the sensation of a real
concert/performance.
[0120] The simulated object can be a simulated version of the real
performer having characteristics similar to that of the real
performer. For example, the simulated object may have visual
characteristics and resemble those of the real performer. In
addition, the simulated object may have audible characteristics
that resemble those of the real performer. In one embodiment, the
simulated object includes audio data that is generated by the real
performer during the performance. The audio data may also include
sound effects or background music generated in the live
performance.
[0121] The live performance can be a concert where the real
performer is a musician. The live performance may be a play where
the real performer is an actor/actress. The live performance may be
a presentation where the real performer is a presenter.
[0122] The virtual performance simulator 312 can generate multiple
simulated objects for display on devices located in various
physical locations in the real world environment. Each of the
multiple simulated objects can represent the real performer giving
the live performance such that the live performance is projected at
each of the multiple physical locations in the real environment.
This way, audiences, instead of having to travel to a concert, can
view the simulated performance at a local or nearby location. One
embodiment of the virtual performance simulator 312 includes an
audio module and/or a performer simulator.
[0123] One embodiment of the host server 324 includes a search
engine 322. The search engine 322 can be any combination of
software agents and/or hardware modules able to search, detect,
and/or identify simulated objects.
[0124] The search engine 322 can search or detect objects either
automatically or in response to user request. For example, the user
can request access to simulated objects and perform a search
request. The search request parameters can include, one or more of,
the user's location, the current time or a time period. The search
that is performed can automatically detect all simulated objects
that are available for access to the user. In one embodiment, the
simulated objects are further filtered based on the permissions
granted to the user and/or the access permissions associated with
the simulated object.
[0125] The host server 324 represents any one or a portion of the
functions described for the modules. More or less functions can be
included, in whole or in part, without deviating from the novel art
of the disclosure.
[0126] FIG. 3B depicts an example block diagram illustrating the
components of the host server 334 that generates and controls
access to simulated objects.
[0127] In one embodiment, host server 334 includes a network
interface 302, a processing unit 334, a memory unit 336, a storage
unit 338, a location sensor 340, and/or a timing module 342.
Additional or less units or modules may be included. The host
server 334 can be any combination of hardware components and/or
software agents for creating, manipulating, controlling, generating
simulated objects and environments. The network interface 302 has
been described in the example of FIG. 3A.
[0128] One embodiment of the host server 334 further includes a
processing unit 334. The data received from the network interface
302, location sensor 340, and/or the timing module 342 can be input
to a processing unit 334. The location sensor 340 can include GPS
receivers, RF transceiver, an optical rangefinder, etc. The timing
module 342 can include an internal clock, a connection to a time
server (via NTP), an atomic clock, a GPS master clock, etc.
[0129] The processing unit 334 can include one or more processors,
CPUs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, ASICs, DSPs, or any combination of
the above. Data that is input to the host server 334 can be
processed by the processing unit 334 and output to a display and/or
output via a wired or wireless connection to an external device,
such as a mobile phone, a portable device, a host or server
computer by way of a communications component.
[0130] One embodiment of the host server 334 further includes a
memory unit 336 and a storage unit 338. The memory unit 335 and a
storage unit 338 are, in some embodiments, coupled to the
processing unit 334. The memory unit can include volatile and/or
non-volatile memory. In generating and controlling access to the
simulated objects, the processing unit 334 may perform one or more
processes related to generating simulated objects and/or
controlling access to simulated objects.
[0131] In some embodiments, any portion of or all of the functions
described of the various example modules in the host server 324 of
the example of FIG. 3A can be performed by the processing unit 334.
In particular, with reference to the host server illustrated in
FIG. 3A, the object simulator, environment simulator, access
permissions functions, interactions manager functions,
environmental sensing functions, object control functions, virtual
sports simulator, virtual game simulator, and/or virtual
performance simulator can be performed via any of the combinations
of modules in the control subsystem that are not illustrated,
including, but not limited to, the processing unit 334 and/or the
memory unit 336.
[0132] FIG. 4A depicts an example functional block diagram of a
client device 402 that presents simulated objects to a user and
processes interactions with the simulated objects.
[0133] The client device 402 includes a network interface 404, a
timing module 406, a location sensor 408, an identification
verifier module 410, an object identifier module 412, a rendering
module 414, a user stimulus sensor 416, a motion/gesture sensor
418, an environmental stimulus sensor 420, and/or an audio/video
output module. The client device 402 may be any electronic device
such as the devices described in conjunction with the client
devices 102A-N in the example of FIG. 1 including but not limited
to portable devices, a computer, a server, location-aware devices,
mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, palmtops, iPhones, cover headsets,
heads-up displays, helmet mounted display, head-mounted display,
scanned-beam display, wearable computer such as mobile enabled
watches, and/or any other mobile interfaces and viewing devices,
etc.
[0134] In one embodiment, the client device 402 is coupled to a
simulated object repository 430. The simulated object repository
430 may be internal to or coupled to the client device 402 but the
contents stored therein can be illustrated with reference to the
example of a simulated object repository 130 described in the
example of FIG. 1.
[0135] Additional or less modules can be included without deviating
from the novel art of this disclosure. In addition, each module in
the example of FIG. 4A can include any number and combination of
sub-modules, and systems, implemented with any combination of
hardware and/or software modules.
[0136] The client device 402, although illustrated as comprised of
distributed components (physically distributed and/or functionally
distributed), could be implemented as a collective element. In some
embodiments, some or all of the modules, and/or the functions
represented by each of the modules can be combined in any
convenient or known manner. Furthermore, the functions represented
by the modules can be implemented individually or in any
combination thereof, partially or wholly, in hardware, software, or
a combination of hardware and software.
[0137] In the example of FIG. 4A, the network interface 404 can be
a networking device that enables the client device 402to mediate
data in a network with an entity that is external to the host
server, through any known and/or convenient communications protocol
supported by the host and the external entity. The network
interface 404 can include one or more of a network adaptor card, a
wireless network interface card, a router, an access point, a
wireless router, a switch, a multilayer switch, a protocol
converter, a gateway, a bridge, bridge router, a hub, a digital
media receiver, and/or a repeater.
[0138] One embodiment of the client device 402 includes a timing
module 406. The timing module 406 can be any combination of
software agents and/or hardware modules able to identify, detect,
transmit, compute, a current time, a time range, and/or a relative
time of a request related to simulated objects/environments.
[0139] The timing module 406 can include a local clock, timer, or a
connection to a remote time server to determine the absolute time
or relative time. The timing module 406 can be implemented via any
known and/or convenient manner including but not limited to,
electronic oscillator, clock oscillator, or various types of
crystal oscillators.
[0140] In particular, since manipulations or access to simulated
objects depend on a timing parameter, the timing module 406 can
provide some or all of the needed timing data to authorize a
request related to a simulated object. For example, the timing
module 406 can perform the computations to determine whether the
timing data satisfies the timing parameter of the criteria for
access or creation of a simulated object. Alternatively the timing
module 406 can provide the timing information to a host server to
determination of whether the criteria are met.
[0141] The timing data used for comparison against the criteria can
include, the time of day of a request, the date of the request, a
relative time to another event, the time of year of the request,
and/or the time span of a request or activity pertaining to
simulated objects. For example, qualifying timing data may include
the time the location of the device 402 satisfies a particular
location-based criteria.
[0142] One embodiment of the client device 402 includes a location
sensor 408. The location sensor 408 can be any combination of
software agents and/or hardware modules able to identify, detect,
transmit, compute, a current location, a previous location, a range
of locations, a location at or in a certain time period, and/or a
relative location of the client device 402.
[0143] The location sensor 408 can include a local sensor or a
connection to an external entity to determine the location
information. The location sensor 408 can determine location or
relative location of the client device 402 via any known or
convenient manner including but not limited to, GPS, cell phone
tower triangulation, mesh network triangulation, relative distance
from another location or device, RF signals, RF fields, optical
range finders or grids, etc.
[0144] Since simulated objects and environments are associated with
or have properties that are physical locations in the real world
environment, a request pertaining to simulated objects/environments
typically include location data. In some instances, access
permissions of simulated objects/environments are associated with
the physical location of the client device 402 requesting the
access. Therefore, the location sensor 408 can identify location
data and determine whether the location data satisfies the location
parameter of the criteria. In some embodiments, the location sensor
408 provides location data to the host server (e.g., host server
324 of FIG. 3A) for the host server to determine whether the
criteria is satisfied.
[0145] The type of location data that is sensed or derived can
depend on the type of simulated object/environment that a
particular request relates to. The types of location data that can
be sensed or derived/computed and used for comparison against one
or more criteria can include, by way of example but not limitation,
a current location of the client device 402, a current relative
location of the client device 402 to one or more other physical
locations, a location of the client device 402 at a previous time,
and/or a range of locations of the client device 402 within a
period of time. For example, a location criterion may be satisfied
when the location of the device is at a location of a set of
qualifying locations.
[0146] One embodiment of the client device 402 includes an
identification verifier module 410. The identification verifier
module 410 can be any combination of software agents and/or
hardware modules able to verify or authenticate an identity of a
user.
[0147] Typically, the user's identities are verified when they
generate a request pertaining to a simulated object/environment
since some simulated objects/environments have user permissions
that may be different for varying types of access. The
user-specific criteria of simulated object access/manipulation may
be used independently of or in conjunction with the timing and
location parameters. The user's identity can be verified or
authenticated using any known and/or convenient means.
[0148] One embodiment of the client device 412 includes an object
identifier module 406. The object identifier module 412 can be any
combination of software agents and/or hardware modules able to
identify, detect, retrieve, present, and/or generate simulated
objects for presentation to a user.
[0149] The object identifier module 412, in one embodiment, is
coupled to the timing module 406, the location sensor 408, and/or
the identification verifier module 410. The object identifier
module 412 is operable to identify the simulated objects available
for access using the device 402. In addition, the object identifier
module 412 is able to generate simulated objects, for example, if
qualifying location data and qualifying timing data are detected.
Availability or permission to access can be determined based on
location data (e.g., location data that can be retrieved or
received form the location sensor 408), timing data (e.g., timing
data that can be retrieved or received form the timing module 406),
and/or the user's identity (e.g., user identification data received
or retrieved from the identification verifier module 410).
[0150] When simulated objects are available and that the access
criteria are met, the object identifier module 410 provides the
simulated object for presentation to the user via the device 402.
For example, the simulated object may be presented via the
audio/video output module 422. Since simulated objects may be
associated with physical locations in the real world environment,
these objects may only be available to be presented when the device
402 is located at or near these physical locations. Similarly,
since simulated objects may be associated with real objects in the
real environment, the corresponding simulated objects may be
available for presentation via the device 402 when near at the
associated real objects.
[0151] One embodiment of the client device 412 includes a rendering
module 414. The rendering module 414 can be any combination of
software agents and/or hardware modules able to render, generate,
receive, retrieve, and/or request a simulated environment in which
the simulated object is provided. The simulated environment is also
provided for presentation to a user via the client device 402.
[0152] In one embodiment, the rendering module 414 also updates
simulated objects or their associated characteristics/attributes
and presents the updated characteristics via the device 402 such
that they can be perceived by an observing user. The rendering
module 414 can update the characteristics of the simulated object
in the simulated environment according to external stimulus that
occur in the real environment surrounding the device 402. The
object characteristics can include by way of example but not
limitation, movement, placement, visual appearance, size, color,
user accessibility, how it can be interacted with, audible
characteristics, etc.
[0153] The external stimulus occurring in the real world that can
affect characters of simulated objects can include, environmental
factors in a physical location, user stimulus, provided by the user
of the device 402 or another user using another device and/or at
another physical location, motion/movement of the device 402,
gesture of the user using the device 402. In one embodiment, the
user stimulus sensor 416 receives a request from the user to
perform a requested action on a simulated object and can updating
at least a portion of the characteristics of the simulated object
presented on the device 402 according to the effect of the
requested action such that updates are perceived by the user. The
user stimulus sensor 416 may determine, for example, using the
identification verifier module 410, that the user is authorized to
perform the requested action before updating the simulated
object.
[0154] In one embodiment, the motion/gesture sensor 418 is operable
to detect motion of the device 402. The detected motion is used by
the rendering module 414 to adjusting a perspective of the
simulated environment presented on the device according to the
detected motion of the device. Motion detecting can include
detecting velocity and/or acceleration of the device 402 or a
gesture of the user handling the device 402. The motion/gesture
sensor 418 can include for example, an accelerometer.
[0155] In addition, based on updated locations of the device (e.g.,
periodically or continuously determined by the location sensor 408
and/or the rendering module 414), an updated set of simulated
objects available for access are identified, for example, by the
object identifier module 412 based on the updated locations and
presented for access via the device 402. The rendering module 414
can thus update the simulated environment based on the updated set
of simulated object available for access.
[0156] The environmental stimulus sensor 420 can detect
environmental factors or changes in environmental factors
surrounding the real environment in which the device 402 is
located. Environmental factors can include, weather, temperature,
topographical characters, density, surrounding businesses,
buildings, living objects, etc. These factors or changes in them
can affect the positioning or characters of simulated objects and
the simulated environments in which they are presented to a user
via the device 402. The environmental stimulus sensor 420 senses
these factors and provides this information to the rendering module
414 to update simulated objects and/or environments.
[0157] In one embodiment, the rendering module 414 generates or
renders a user interface for display on the device 402. The user
interface can include a map of the physical location depicted in
the simulated environment. In one embodiment, the user interface is
interactive in that the user is able to select a region on the map
in the user interface. The region that is selected generally
corresponds to a set of selected physical locations. The object
identifier module 412 can then detect the simulated objects that
are available for access in the region selected by the user for
presentation via the device 402.
[0158] The host server 402 represents any one or a portion of the
functions described for the modules. More or less functions can be
included, in whole or in part, without deviating from the novel art
of the disclosure.
[0159] FIG. 4B depicts an example block diagram of the client
device 402 that presents simulated objects to a user and
facilitates user interactions with the simulated objects.
[0160] In one embodiment, client device 402 includes a network
interface 432, a processing unit 434, a memory unit 436, a storage
unit 438, a location sensor 440, an accelerometer/motion sensor
444, an audio output unit/speakers 446, a display unit 450, an
image capture unit 452, a pointing device/sensor 454, a input
device 456, and/or a touch screen sensor 458. Additional or less
units or modules may be included. The client device 402 can be any
combination of hardware components and/or software agents for that
presenting simulated objects to a user and facilitating user
interactions with the simulated objects. The network interface 432
has been described in the example of FIG. 4A.
[0161] One embodiment of the client device 402 further includes a
processing unit 434. The location sensor 440, motion sensor 442,
and timer 444 have been described with reference to the example of
FIG. 4A.
[0162] The processing unit 434 can include one or more processors,
CPUs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, ASICs, DSPs, or any combination of
the above. Data that is input to the client device 402 for example,
via the image capture unit 452, pointing device/sensor 554, input
device 456 (e.g., keyboard), and/or the touch screen sensor 458 can
be processed by the processing unit 434 and output to the display
unit 450, audio output unit/speakers 446 and/or output via a wired
or wireless connection to an external device, such as a a host or
server computer that generates and controls access to simulated
objects by way of a communications component.
[0163] One embodiment of the client device 402 further includes a
memory unit 436 and a storage unit 438. The memory unit 436 and a
storage unit 438 are, in some embodiments, coupled to the
processing unit 434. The memory unit can include volatile and/or
non-volatile memory. In generating and controlling access to the
simulated objects, the processing unit 434 may perform one or more
processes related to presenting simulated objects to a user and/or
facilitating user interactions with the simulated objects.
[0164] In some embodiments, any portion of or all of the functions
described of the various example modules in the client device 402
of the example of FIG. 4A can be performed by the processing unit
434. In particular, with reference to the client device illustrated
in FIG. 4A, the timing module, the location sensor, the
identification verifier module, the object identifier module, the
rendering module, the user stimulus sensor, the motion gesture
sensor, the environmental stimulus sensor, and/or the audio/video
output module can be performed via any of the combinations of
modules in the control subsystem that are not illustrated,
including, but not limited to, the processing unit 434 and/or the
memory unit 436.
[0165] FIG. 5A illustrates a diagrammatic example 500 of a
simulated playing field 504 that is provided via a device 502.
[0166] The simulated playing field 504 may be a simulation of a
real life playing field 506. In the example of FIG. 5A, the real
life baseball field 506 is simulated in the simulated playing field
504 and presented via the device 502 to the user 508.
[0167] The simulated playing field 504 is a simulated environment
that includes simulated objects that correspond in features and
characteristics of the real life playing field 506. The simulated
objects presented via the device 502 may also include interactive
features and can be interacted with or manipulated by the user 508
such that the user 508 perceives the virtual sports game occurring
in the simulated playing field 504 like a sports game occurring in
the real world environment 506. The user 508 and other users can be
real participants of the virtual sports game that are in the real
life playing field 506 of the real world environment.
[0168] FIG. 5B illustrates a diagrammatic example 510 of virtual
performances 514 with a simulated object 516 that is controlled by
a real performer 512 in a real world environment.
[0169] The virtual performances 514 are simulations of a real
performance performed by the real performer 512, who may be giving
a live performance in the real world environment and may be located
in a physical location distinct from the locations of the devices
502 on which the virtual performances 514 are presented.
[0170] The virtual performance 514 includes a simulated object 516
that is controlled by the real performer 512 and generally has
characteristics that resemble those of the real performer 512. For
example, the simulated object 516 may have rendered visual features
that are similar to those of the facial features of the real
performer 512. In addition, the motion of the simulated object may
be rendered according to the movement of the real performer 512
while giving the real performance.
[0171] In one embodiment, the simulated object 516 includes audio
data that is generated by the real performer 512 or is synthesized
based on the audio generated by the real performer 512 during the
real performance. The audio data may also include sound effects or
background music generated in the live performance and/or
additional simulated/synthesized sounds. The virtual performance
514 including the simulated object 516 may be presented on a device
522 (e.g., a LCD display, a plasma display, etc.) that is suitable
sized to display a fill-sized or a portion of a full-sized adult
human being. The virtual performance may be presented in real time
or near real time when then live performance is being given by the
real performer 512. The virtual performance may also be presented
at a delayed time from the live performance, which may be a
concert, a play, and/or a presentation.
[0172] FIG. 5C illustrates an example screenshot on a device 502
having a simulated environment 520 with a simulated object 522 that
is associated with a physical object 526 in a physical location in
the real world environment 524.
[0173] The motion, behavior, and/or action of the simulated object
522 may partially or wholly depend on the motion, behavior, and/or
action of the physical object 526. For example, the movement of the
simulated object 522 in the simulated environment 520 may
correspond to the movement of the car 526 in the real world 524.
The dependence may be pre-programmed and may be re-configured by
the user.
[0174] FIG. 5D illustrates a diagrammatic example of an arcade game
in a gaming environment 530 that corresponds to a physical location
in a real world environment.
[0175] The arcade game shown in the example of FIG. 5D includes by
way of example but not limitation, a Pacman game 530. The Pacman
game 530 may include simulated objects 532A-C that are associated
with physical objects or real people in the real world environment.
For example, the simulated objects 532A-C may be associated with
real cars on real streets. In addition, the simulated object 532A
may be controlled by a real person walking in the physical location
in the real world environment and the simulated object 532B may be
controlled by another real person. One or more of the simulated
objects 532A-C may also be partially or fully controlled (e.g.,
with little or no dependence on actions of real users) by a
computer program.
[0176] Note that although an example is specifically provided for a
Pacman game, the arcade games that can include simulated objects
that are associated with physical objects or real people in the
real world environment can include other types of arcade games or
strategy games including but not limited to, Centipede, Frogger,
Chess, Checkers, Othello, etc.
[0177] FIG. 5E illustrates a diagrammatic example of a virtual game
540 having a simulated combat environment that is played by a real
user in a real world environment via a device.
[0178] The virtual game 540 generally includes a simulated object
(e.g., simulated object 542) that is controlled or otherwise
operated by a real user (e.g., a user of the device on which the
virtual game 540 is presented). The virtual game 540 can optionally
include a second simulated object (e.g., the simulated object 544),
with which the simulated object 452 interacts. The second simulated
object 544 can be controlled by another real user, a computer
program, or a combination of the above. For example, the second
simulated object 544 may be a real or simulated opponent in the
combat environment with whom the simulated object 542 controlled by
the real user is in combat.
[0179] In general, the simulated combat environment or other
virtual gaming environment 540 can include multiple simulated
objects comprising, one or more of reward items, ammunition,
barriers, goblins, places, events, and other characters. Each
object may be controlled by a real user, simulated purely in
software, or a combination of the above.
[0180] FIG. 5F illustrates a diagrammatic example of a simulated
object representing an interactive puzzle 550 or a component 552
thereof.
[0181] Note that although the interactive puzzle 550 is illustrated
in the form as being a construction 2D puzzle, any other type of
puzzle or, maze, 3D puzzle, or mathematical game having a digital
form, can be represented by a simulated object, including but not
limited to, word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, tower of
Hanoi, stick puzzles, tiling puzzles, transport puzzles, and/or
mechanical puzzles, etc.
[0182] In addition to the simulated object representing the puzzle,
each component or some components of the puzzle 550 can be
represented by simulated objects. In the example of the
construction puzzle 550 that is shown, each component 552 and/or
554 can be represented individually by simulated objects, which may
be controlled by real users and/or by software programs.
[0183] FIG. 5G illustrates a diagrammatic example of simulated
objects that represent real-time or near-real time information/data
projected onto geographical locations in a map 560.
[0184] The example map 560 includes geographical locations spanning
North America. Note that multiple simulated objects that represent
real-time or near real-time information (e.g., information that
changes dynamically), non-real time information (e.g., static
information) can be projected onto the map 560 at the relevant
geographical locations. A map spanning an entire continent and
multiple countries is illustrated as an example and other types of
maps having projected thereon, simulated objects that include
real-time or near real-time information/news or static information
are contemplated. For example, a map of a state, county, city, the
downtown area of a major city, a specific neighborhood can include
simulated objects associated with information about the location or
location range, physical entities in the location, and/or real
people in the location.
[0185] For example, in the map 560, simulated object 562 is
associated with New York City and projected at such a location in
the map 560 of North America. In this example, the simulated object
562 depicts information and news including real time information
and updates regarding the outbreak of the Swine Flu identifying the
number of confirmed cases and suspected cases. Other relevant
information can be depicted including the number of inbound flights
and outbound flights from/to Mexico, respectively, where the
outbreak of the Swine Flu is suspected to have broken out. Other
simulated objects (e.g., objects 564, 566, and 568) can be
associated with other geographical locations and can depict similar
such real time/near real time or static information/data.
[0186] In some embodiments, simulated objects are associated with
real entities or real people (e.g., entities or people at
particular geographical locations). Such simulated objects can
include information or data (which can include real time
information that changes dynamically or static information) about
the people or entities that are in or near a particular
geographical location. Such simulated objects can be spatially
presented (e.g., on a 2D or 3D map) in a manner that corresponds to
the actual physical locations of these entities/individuals.
[0187] In some instances, the simulated objects that are associated
with real (e.g., physical) entities or real people can be accessed
(e.g., viewed and/or interacted with) by users via devices when the
user is physically near or at the real entity or near the real
person.
[0188] For example, when the user is near a physical store, the
user may be able to access a representation of the physical store
via simulated objects. Thus, through the virtual representation and
the simulated objects, the user can see if it is now open, what is
on sale now, how crowded it is now, etc. Similarly, when the user
is near a real person, the user may be able to access a
representation (e.g., simulated object) of a real person. The
representation and virtual objects can allow the user to see
various information associated with the person, including but not
limited to, their name and profile, recent blog or microblog posts,
recent photos or videos or links or documents added or annotated by
them, their recent locations, their current status or interests are
for various topics like dating, shopping, professional networking,
socializing, etc.
[0189] The example map 560 of FIG. 5G includes a simulated object
570 representing a drug store located in Hoboken, N.J. Other
simulated objects including object 572 associated with facemasks
and 574 associated with Tylenol in the drug store can be included.
The object 572 can indicate the up-to-state status on the inventory
of the face masks at the store and the object 574 can indicate that
the item is currently on clearance sale. Potential customers can
access this real time or near real-time information, for example,
before making a trip the physical store to make their purchase to
ensure that the items that they are interested in are either in
stock and/or on sale.
[0190] Note that the simulated object 570 and the associated
objects can be accessed by the user at a remote location. In
addition, the simulated object 570 of the drug store can be
accessed by the user when they are at or near the store (e.g.,
within a predetermined or specified distance from the store).
[0191] In a further embodiment, the map 560 include a simulated
object 576 associated with a real-life pharmacist at the Longs
Drugs in Hoboken. The simulated object 576 can include information
about the real life pharmacist, by way of example but not
limitation, the name of the pharmacist ("Pharmacist Chan"), the
hours that the pharmacist works, his/her position, where the degree
was obtained, and/or other specialties. In general, the information
included in the simulated object 576 can include real time or
non-real time information.
[0192] In most instances, with various types of simulated objects
that represent information at a location, information related to a
particular entity or individual, the user can select the type of
information that they want to see. Note that the simulated object
576 and the associated objects can be accessed by the user at a
remote location. In addition, the simulated object 576 associated
with the pharmacist at the drug store can be accessed and/or viewed
by the user when they are at or near the store (e.g., within a
predetermined or specified distance from the store), or near the
pharmacy section in the drug store, for example. The simulated
object 576 that is available can be automatically detected and
presented to the user using a viewer in a device.
[0193] In general, users can specify parameters to filter the types
of simulated objects that they would like automatically detected
and presented and types of objects that they would not like to see.
The parameters can include, by way of example, the time of day,
location, distance, types of things represented by the simulated
objects, the information contained in the simulated objects,
etc.
[0194] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for time-based control/manipulation of a simulated object that is
associated with a physical location in a real world
environment.
[0195] In process 602, a location data and/or a timing data are
determined. In process 604, it is determined whether the timing
data and location data satisfy a criterion. If so, in process 606,
access of the simulated object to a user in a simulated environment
is enabled via a device. In one embodiment, the location data
includes the location of the device and the timing data includes a
time when the device is located at the location. The simulated
object generally includes attributes that can be perceived by the
user via the device. Generally, the device is any electronic device
including portable devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, laptop
computers that may be location-aware. For example, attributes of
the simulated object can include visible characteristics and/or
audible characteristics of the simulated object.
[0196] In process 608, a request is received from the user to
interact with the simulated object using the device. In process
610, it is determined whether the user is permitted to perform the
requested action. In general, the user is associated with user
access permissions. The object (simulated object) may also be
associated with object access permissions.
[0197] If so, in process 612, the requested action is performed on
the simulated object. In process 614, the attributes of the
simulated object are updated on the device according to the
requested action that is performed to be perceived by the user
using the device. Furthermore, the simulated object can be
controlled by another user located in another physical location.
The changes to attributes of the simulated object caused by control
of another user can be reflected in the simulated environment and
perceived by the user via the device in real-time/near real-time,
or delayed time (e.g., the changes are stored and presented
automatically at a later time or upon request).
[0198] FIG. 7A depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for facilitating user interaction with a simulated object that is
associated with a physical location in a real world
environment.
[0199] In process 702, the simulated objects that are available for
access are identified based on the location data. The location data
can include the location of a device for use by a user to access
the simulated object in a time period. The simulated objects that
are available for access may further be identified using timing
data. In process 704, an identity of the user is verified. In
process 706, it is determined whether the user is authorized to
access the simulated object. If so, in process 708, the simulated
object is provided for display on the device. In process 710, a
simulated environment in which the simulated object is located is
rendered. The simulated environment can be presented on the
device.
[0200] In process 712, characteristics of the simulated object
presented on the device are updated according to external stimulus
that occurred in the real environment to be perceived by the user.
The external stimulus can include environmental factors in the
physical location or user stimulus provided by the user or other
users.
[0201] In process 714, a request is received from the user to
perform a requested action on the simulated object. In process 716,
it is determined whether the user authorized to perform the
requested action. In process 718, a portion of the characteristics
of the simulated object presented on the device according to an
effect of the requested action such that updates are perceived by
the user.
[0202] FIG. 7B depicts a flow chart illustrating example processes
for updating the simulated object and the simulated environment
according to external stimulus.
[0203] In process 722, velocity/acceleration of the device is
detected. In process 714, a gesture of the user using the device is
sensed. In process 726, a motion of the device is detected based on
the detected velocity/acceleration or gesture. In process 728, a
perspective of the simulated environment presented on the device is
adjusted according to the detected motion of the device.
[0204] In process 732, updated locations of the device are
continuously or periodically determined. In process 734, an updated
set of simulated objects available for access are identified based
on the updated locations. In process 736, the updated set of the
simulated objects in the simulated environment are presented to the
user through the device.
[0205] In process 742, a user interface is rendered for display on
the device. The user interface can include a map of the physical
location in the simulated environment. In process 744, a selection
of a region on the map made by the user via the user interface is
received. The region can correspond to a set of selected physical
locations. In process 746, the simulated objects that are available
for access in the region selected by the user are detected. In
process 748, the simulated objects to be perceived by the user are
presented via the device.
[0206] FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for simulating a virtual sports game played by a real participant
in a real world environment.
[0207] In process 802, physical characteristics of the physical
location in the real world environment where the real participant
is located are identified. In process 804, the simulated playing
field is generated for display on the device. The simulated playing
field generally represents a physical location in the real world
environment. In one embodiment, a size of the simulated playing
field is determined based on a size of the physical location. In
process 806, user interaction with the device is detected. In
process 808, a user requested action on a simulated object in the
simulated playing field is identified. The user requested action
typically corresponds to an action that corresponds to a type of
sports of the virtual sports game and the simulated object is a
simulated ball controlled by the user in a manner that corresponds
to the type of sports of the virtual sports game.
[0208] In process 810, a characteristic of the simulated object in
the simulated playing field is updated according to the user
requested action. In process 812, the simulated object is presented
via the device to such that the updated characteristic of the
simulated object is perceived by the user.
[0209] In process 814, a simulated participant in provided the
simulated playing field. The simulated participant can be
programmed to act as a teammate or opponent of the real
participant. The simulated participant can also perform actions on
the simulated object.
[0210] FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process
for simulating a virtual game played by a real user in a real world
environment.
[0211] In process 902, a gaming environment is generated. The
gaming environment corresponds to a physical location in the real
world environment where the real user is located. In addition, the
gaming environment includes characteristics that correspond to the
physical characteristics of the physical location and includes
simulated objects that can be controlled by the real user. In
process 904, a gaming environment is provided to the real user via
the device.
[0212] In process 906, movement of the real user is detected. In
process 908, a characteristic of the simulated object is updated in
the gaming environment at least partially based on the movement of
the real user. In general, the accessibility of the simulated
object via the device depends on the location of the device and/or
a time or time range when the device is located at the
location.
[0213] In process 910, user interaction with the device is
detected. In process 912, a user requested action on the simulated
object in the gaming environment is identified. In process 914, the
simulated object is updated in the gaming environment according to
the user requested action. In process 916, movement of a second
real user is detected. In process 918, the second simulated object
is updated in the virtual gaming environment at least partially
based on the movement of the second real user. The second simulated
object may interact with the simulated object in the gaming
environment.
[0214] In general, the gaming environment includes multiple
simulated objects including but not limited to, reward items,
ammunition, barriers, goblins, places, events, and/or other
characters. The requested user action with the simulated object can
include, collecting a reward item, firing ammunition, throwing an
item, consuming an item, attending an event, dialoguing with
another character, surmounting a barrier, and/or shooting a
goblin.
[0215] FIG. 10 a flow chart illustrating an example process for
simulating a virtual performance in a real world environment.
[0216] In process 1002, a simulated object is generated for display
on a device located in the physical location in the real world
environment. In one embodiment, the simulated object is controlled
by a real performer giving a live performance in the real world
environment. The real performer may or may not be necessarily
located in the physical location where the simulated object is
displayed on the device.
[0217] In process 1004, the live performance given by the real
performer is monitored. In process 1006, the simulated object is
updated in real time or near real time according to the live
performance. Alternatively, the simulated object can be updated
after a delay (e.g., the updates can be stored and presented at a
later time). The real performer may be a musician, an
actor/actress, and/or a presenter.
[0218] In process 1008, updates to the simulated object are
presented on the device in the physical location. Note that the
device can be a portable device or suitably sized to display a
full-size adult human being. The simulated object can include audio
data generated by the real performer or sound effects/background
music generated in the live performance.
[0219] In process 1010, multiple simulated objects are generated
for display on devices located in multiple physical locations. Each
of the multiple simulated objects represent the real performer
giving the live performance such that the live performance is
projected at each of the multiple physical locations in the real
world environment.
[0220] FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a computer system 1100 within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.
[0221] In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a
standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other
machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the
capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0222] The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a
personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web
appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine
capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or
otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
[0223] While the machine-readable medium is shown in an exemplary
embodiment to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable
medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple
media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or
associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of
instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" shall also be
taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or
carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and
that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the
methodologies of the present invention.
[0224] In general, the routines executed to implement the
embodiments of the disclosure, may be implemented as part of an
operating system or a specific application, component, program,
object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as "computer
programs." The computer programs typically comprise one or more
instructions set at various times in various memory and storage
devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or
more processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform
operations to execute elements involving the various aspects of the
disclosure.
[0225] Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the
context of fully functioning computers and computer systems, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are
capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of
forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the
particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to
actually effect the distribution.
[0226] Further examples of machine or computer-readable media
include but are not limited to recordable type media such as
volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other
removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact
Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks, (DVDs),
etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital
and analog communication links.
[0227] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using
the singular or plural number may also include the plural or
singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list
of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations
of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the
list, and any combination of the items in the list.
[0228] The above detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described
above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications
are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled
in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or
blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may
perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in
a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted,
moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide
alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks
may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while
processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in
series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in
parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any
specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative
implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
[0229] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be
applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
[0230] Any patents and applications and other references noted
above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the
disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems,
functions, and concepts of the various references described above
to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.
[0231] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in
light of the above Detailed Description. While the above
description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and
describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the
above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways.
Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation
details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter
disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when
describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not
be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to
be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects
of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In
general, the terms used in the following claims should not be
construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments
disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed
Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the
actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed
embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or
implementing the disclosure under the claims.
[0232] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various
aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For
example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a
means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 96, other
aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or
in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable
medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, 16 will begin with the words "means for".) Accordingly,
the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the disclosure.
* * * * *