U.S. patent application number 14/751221 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for effectuating modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to detection of a token associated with a single client computing platform.
This patent application is currently assigned to Disney Enterprises, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Disney Enterprises, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kirk BAUM, Robert NELSON, Terry PENN, Justin TOWNS, Robert ZOBELL.
Application Number | 20150294508 14/751221 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50389205 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150294508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NELSON; Robert ; et
al. |
October 15, 2015 |
EFFECTUATING MODIFICATIONS WITHIN AN INSTANCE OF A VIRTUAL SPACE
PRESENTED VIA MULTIPLE DISPARATE CLIENT COMPUTING PLATFORMS
RESPONSIVE TO DETECTION OF A TOKEN ASSOCIATED WITH A SINGLE CLIENT
COMPUTING PLATFORM
Abstract
Exemplary implementations may facilitate effectuating
modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via
multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to
detection of a token associated with a single client computing
platform. In some implementations, tokens may be detected based on
signals received from token readers associated with individual ones
of the multiple client computing platforms. A given token may be a
standalone physical object. The given token may be detectable based
on a signal conveying information associated with the given token.
The information associated with the given token conveyed by the
signal may be devoid of virtual space content.
Inventors: |
NELSON; Robert; (Salt Lake
City, UT) ; TOWNS; Justin; (Draper, UT) ;
BAUM; Kirk; (American Fork, UT) ; ZOBELL; Robert;
(North Salt Lake, UT) ; PENN; Terry; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Disney Enterprises, Inc. |
Burbank |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Disney Enterprises, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
50389205 |
Appl. No.: |
14/751221 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14513512 |
Oct 14, 2014 |
9092114 |
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14751221 |
|
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|
13838060 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
8904298 |
|
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14513512 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/10 20130101;
A63F 2300/5553 20130101; G06T 19/006 20130101; A63F 13/10 20130101;
G06F 3/04847 20130101; G06T 2215/16 20130101; A63F 2300/609
20130101; A63F 13/12 20130101; H04L 67/42 20130101; G06F 3/04815
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06T 19/00 20060101
G06T019/00; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06 |
Claims
1. A system configured to effectuate modifications within an
instance of a virtual space presented via multiple disparate client
computing platforms responsive to detection of a token associated
with a single client computing platform, the system comprising: one
or more processors configured to execute computer program modules,
the computer program modules: a space module configured to
implement the instance of the virtual space to determine views of
the virtual space, the instance of the virtual space being
presented via a plurality of separate and distinct client computing
platforms, the plurality of client computing platforms including a
first client computing platform; a token detection module
configured to detect tokens based on signals received from token
readers associated with individual ones of the plurality of client
computing platforms, a given token being a standalone physical
object, the tokens including a first token associated with the
first client computing platform, the first token being detectable
based on a first signal conveying information associated with the
first token, the information associated with the first token
conveyed by the first signal being devoid of virtual space content;
and a virtual space modification module configured to effectuate a
first modification within the instance of the virtual space
responsive to detection of the first token, the first modification
being observable via multiple ones of the plurality client
computing platforms.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first modification includes
one or more of (1) a modification to a first character within the
virtual space, (2) a modification to a first virtual item within
the virtual space, or (3) a modification to one or more aspects of
the virtual space.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the modification to the first
character includes a modification to one or more of a behavior of
the first character, an ability of the first character, an
appearance of the first character, or a relationship of the first
character.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the modification to the first
virtual item includes a modification to one or more of a function
of the first virtual item, an effectiveness of the first virtual
item, or an appearance of the first virtual item.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more aspects include
objectives associated with the virtual space, a given objective
being a purpose or goal that efforts or actions within the virtual
space are intended to attain or accomplish.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more aspects include
an environment of the virtual space, the environment being an
aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more aspects include a
theme of the virtual space, the theme of the virtual space being a
unifying subject associated with the virtual space.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to
be removably attached to a first physical accessory, and wherein
the first token must be attached to the first physical accessory
for the modification within the instance of the virtual space to be
effectuated.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein detection of the first token in
combination with detection of one or more other tokens associated
with the first client computing platform effectuates another
modification within the instance of the virtual space.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of client
computing platforms further include a second client computing
platform; the tokens further include a second token associated with
the second client computing platform, the second token being
detectable based on a second signal conveying information
associated with the second token, the information associated with
the second token conveyed by the second signal being devoid of
virtual space content; and the virtual space modification module is
further configured to effectuate a second modification within the
instance of the virtual space responsive to detection of the second
token, the second modification being observable via multiple ones
of the plurality client computing platforms including the first
client computing platform and the second computing platform.
11. A computer-implemented method for effectuating modifications
within an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple
disparate client computing platforms responsive to detection of a
token associated with a single client computing platform, the
method comprising: implementing, with one or more processors, the
instance of the virtual space to determine views of the virtual
space, the instance of the virtual space being presented via a
plurality of separate and distinct client computing platforms, the
plurality of client computing platforms including a first client
computing platform; detecting, with one or more processors, tokens
based on signals received from token readers associated with
individual ones of the plurality of client computing platforms, a
given token being a standalone physical object, the tokens
including a first token associated with the first client computing
platform, the first token being detectable based on a first signal
conveying information associated with the first token, the
information associated with the first token conveyed by the first
signal being devoid of virtual space content; and effectuating,
with one or more processors, a first modification within the
instance of the virtual space responsive to detection of the first
token, the first modification being observable via multiple ones of
the plurality client computing platforms.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first modification includes
one or more of (1) a modification to a first character within the
virtual space, (2) a modification to a first virtual item within
the virtual space, or (3) a modification to one or more aspects of
the virtual space.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the modification to the first
character includes a modification to one or more of a behavior of
the first character, an ability of the first character, an
appearance of the first character, or a relationship of the first
character.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the modification to the first
virtual item includes a modification to one or more of a function
of the first virtual item, an effectiveness of the first virtual
item, or an appearance of the first virtual item.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more aspects include
objectives associated with the virtual space, a given objective
being a purpose or goal that efforts or actions within the virtual
space are intended to attain or accomplish.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more aspects include
an environment of the virtual space, the environment being an
aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more aspects include
a theme of the virtual space, the theme of the virtual space being
a unifying subject associated with the virtual space.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the first token is configured
to be removably attached to a first physical accessory, and wherein
the first token must be attached to the first physical accessory
for the modification within the instance of the virtual space to be
effectuated.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising effectuating another
modification within the instance of the virtual space responsive to
detection of the first token in combination with detection of one
or more other tokens associated with the first client computing
platform.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein: the plurality of client
computing platforms further include a second client computing
platform; the tokens further include a second token associated with
the second client computing platform, the second token being
detectable based on a second signal conveying information
associated with the second token, the information associated with
the second token conveyed by the second signal being devoid of
virtual space content; and the method further comprises
effectuating a second modification within the instance of the
virtual space responsive to detection of the second token, the
second modification being observable via multiple ones of the
plurality client computing platforms including the first client
computing platform and the second computing platform.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/513,512, filed Oct. 14, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/838,060, filed
Mar. 15, 2013, entitled "Effectuating Modifications Within An
Instance Of A Virtual Space Presented Via Multiple Disparate Client
Computing Platforms Responsive To Detection Of A Token Associated
With A Single Client Computing Platform", both of which are
incorporated by reference herein their entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates to effectuating modifications within
an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple disparate
client computing platforms responsive to detection of a token
associated with a single client computing platform.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventionally, modifications within an instance of a
virtual space may be limited to modifications made in response to
in-space actions. For example, a user may select from an in-space
menu providing available modification options. As another example,
modifications may be made in response to actions performed by a
character in a virtual space.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect of the disclosure relates to a system configured
to effectuate modifications within an instance of a virtual space
presented via multiple disparate client computing platforms
responsive to detection of a token associated with a single client
computing platform, in accordance with one or more implementations.
Exemplary implementations may facilitate effectuating modifications
within an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple
disparate client computing platforms responsive to detection of a
token associated with a single client computing platform. In some
implementations, a physical accessory may depict a character in the
virtual space. By way of non-limiting example, the physical
accessory may include a toy figurine resembling the character. A
detectable token (i.e., a physical object) may be removably
attached to the physical accessory. According to some
implementations, responsive to the physical accessory being
detected along with the removably attached token, a modification
within the virtual space may be effectuated. In some
implementations, detection of the token alone may effectuate such a
modification.
[0005] The system may include one or more virtual space platforms.
A token may be configured to be detected to effectuate
modifications within an instance of the virtual space, in
accordance with one or more implementations. The token may be
configured to be detectable by a token reader. According to some
implementations, token reader may be a peripheral device configured
to be communicatively coupled with one or more components of the
system.
[0006] The virtual space platform(s) may be configured to execute
one or more computer program modules. The computer program modules
may include one or more of a user module, a space module, a token
detection module, a virtual space modification module, and/or other
modules. The user module may be configured to access and/or manage
one or more user profiles and/or user information associated with
users of the system. The space module may be configured to
implement the instance of the virtual space executed by the
computer modules to determine views of the virtual space.
[0007] The token detection module may be configured to detect
tokens based on signals received from token readers associated with
individual ones of the client computing platforms. For example, a
first token may be associated with a first client computing
platform, whereas a second token may be associated with a second
client computing platform. Detecting the token may include
receiving a signal conveying information associated with the token.
Such information may be utilized to identify the token, a character
associated with the token, a virtual item associated with the
token, and/or other information associated with the token.
[0008] The virtual space modification module may be configured to
effectuate a first modification within the instance of the virtual
space responsive to detection of the first token. The first
modification may be observable via multiple ones of the client
computing platforms. The observeability of the first modification
via the multiple ones of the client computing platforms may occur
immediately upon detection of the first token, or at a later time.
The first modification may include one or more of (1) a
modification to a first character within the virtual space, (2) a
modification to a first virtual item within the virtual space, (3)
a modification to one or more aspects of the virtual space, and/or
other modifications.
[0009] A character (e.g., the first character) may be a
user-controlled character or a non-user-controlled character. A
modification to the character may include a modification to one or
more of a behavior of the character, an ability of the character,
an appearance of the character, a relationship of the character,
and/or other modifications associated with the character. A
modification to a virtual item (e.g., the first virtual item) may
include a modification to one or more of a function of the virtual
item, an effectiveness of the virtual item, an appearance of the
virtual item, and/or other modifications associated with the
virtual item. A given objective may be a purpose or goal that
efforts or actions within the virtual space are intended to attain
or accomplish. The environment of the virtual space may be an
aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space. The
theme of the virtual space may be a unifying subject associated
with the virtual space.
[0010] These and other features, and characteristics of the present
technology, as well as the methods of operation and functions of
the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description and the appended claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a
part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and in the claims, the singular form of "a", "an",
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to effectuate
modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via
multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to
detection of a token associated with a single client computing
platform, in accordance with one or more implementations.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a method for effectuating modifications
within an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple
disparate client computing platforms responsive to detection of a
token associated with a single client computing platform, in
accordance with one or more implementations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Exemplary implementations may facilitate effectuating
modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via
multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to
detection of a token associated with a single client computing
platform. In some implementations, a physical accessory may depict
a character in the virtual space. By way of non-limiting example,
the physical accessory may include a toy figurine resembling the
character. A detectable token (i.e., a physical object) may be
removably attached to the physical accessory. According to some
implementations, responsive to the physical accessory being
detected along with the removably attached token, a modification
within the virtual space may be effectuated. In some
implementations, detection of the token alone may effectuate such a
modification.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to effectuate
modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via
multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to
detection of a token associated with a single client computing
platform, in accordance with one or more implementations. The
system 100 may include one or more virtual space platforms 102. In
some implementations, virtual space platform(s) 102 may be one or
more servers (e.g., server(s) 104) configured to communicate with
one or more client computing platform (e.g., client computing
platforms 106) according to a client/server architecture. According
to some implementations, virtual space platform(s) 102 may be one
or more client computing platforms (e.g., client computing
platforms 106). In some implementations, virtual space platform(s)
102 may communicate with other virtual space platform(s) 102
according to a peer-to-peer architecture. The users may access
system 100 and/or the virtual space via the virtual space
platform(s) 102 and/or client computing platform(s) 106.
[0015] A token 108 may be configured to be detected to effectuate
modifications within an instance of the virtual space, in
accordance with one or more implementations. The token 108 may be a
standalone physical object. Examples of token 108 may include one
or more of a toy figurine, a toy accessory, a coin, a disk, a card,
and/or other form factors suitable to be tokens as described
herein. The token 108 may be configured to depict a given character
and/or a given virtual item. By way of non-limiting example, the
given character may be Captain Jack Sparrow, the fictional
character and protagonist of the Pirates of the Caribbean film
series. The given virtual item may be an accessory associated with
Captain Jack Sparrow, such as a sword. The token 108 may be a toy
figurine embodying the appearance of Captain Jack Sparrow and/or
the sword. The token 108 may include an image of Captain Jack
Sparrow and/or the sword. The token 108 may include an emblem
associated with Captain Jack Sparrow and/or the sword.
[0016] The token 108 may be configured to be detectable by a token
reader 110. In some implementations, detection of token 108 may be
based on a shape of a portion of token 108 and/or an overall shape
of token 108. In some implementations, token 108 may be detectable
based on a signal conveying information associated with token 108.
The information associated with token 108 conveyed by the signal
may be devoid of virtual space content (described further herein).
Detection of token 108 may be facilitated by electronics embedded
within or otherwise included in token 108. For example, token 108
may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip configured
to emit radio-frequency electromagnetic fields responsive to token
108 being disposed in a proximity of token reader 110. As another
example, token 108 may include an integrated circuit configured to
transfer information associated with token 108 responsive to token
108 being placed in contact with a portion of token reader 110.
[0017] According to some implementations, virtual space content
associated with one or more of a character, a virtual item, the
virtual space, a modification to the character, a modification to
the virtual item, a modification to the virtual space, and/or other
virtual space content may be stored at a location other than token
108. That is, token 108 may not store virtual space content. The
token 108 may store information used to detect token 108. In some
implementations, token 108 may not store information other than
what may be used to detect the given token. Virtual space content
may include information used to affect views and/or gameplay of the
virtual space. Such virtual space content may be stored by virtual
space platform(s) and/or by one or more other components of the
system described in connection with FIG. 1.
[0018] The physical accessory 112 may be a standalone physical
object. Examples of physical accessory 112 may include one or more
of a toy figurine, a toy accessory, a coin, a card, and/or other
form factors suitable to be a physical accessory as described
herein. The physical accessory 112 may be configured to depict one
or both of a character and/or a virtual item. By way of
non-limiting example, a given character may be Buzz Lightyear, the
fictional character and deuteragonist of the Toy Story film series.
A given virtual item may be the handheld "Blaster" used by Buzz
Lightyear in the Toy Story film series.
[0019] In some implementations, physical accessory 112 may itself
be a token that is the same as or similar to token 108. For
example, physical accessory 112 may be detectable.
[0020] The token 108 may be configured to be removably attached to
physical accessory 112. In some implementations, token 108 must be
attached to physical accessory 112 for the modification to one or
more of a character, a virtual item, and/or one or more aspects of
the virtual space to be effectuated. By way of non-limiting
illustration, token 108 may be removably attached to a bottom
surface of physical accessory 112. Responsive to token 108 and
physical accessory 112 being detected together, a modification may
be made to one or both of (1) the character depicted by physical
accessory 112 or (2) a virtual item associated with the character
depicted by physical accessory 112. As another example, where
physical accessory 112 depicts Captain Jack Sparrow and token 108
depicts the Blaster of Buzz Lightyear, detection of token 108 and
physical accessory 112 may effectuate a modification of Captain
Jack Sparrow's sword such that the sword takes on some
characteristics of the Blaster (e.g., shooting laser beams).
[0021] The token reader 110 may be configured to detect token 108.
The token reader 110 may be configured to provide signals
associated with individual tokens (e.g., token 108). For example, a
given signal associated with a given token may convey information
associated with the given token. In some implementations, token
reader 110 may be configured to provide a first signal responsive
to one or more of (1) a first token abutting a portion of the token
reader, (2) the first token being disposed in a proximity of the
token reader, and/or other actions configured to facilitate
detection of the first token. In some implementations, token 108
may be configured to be removably attached to a surface of token
reader 110.
[0022] According to some implementations, token reader 110 may be a
peripheral device configured to be communicatively coupled with one
or more components of the system described in connection with FIG.
1. In some implementations, token reader 110 may be integrated so
as to form a singular device with a component of the system
described in connection with FIG. 1.
[0023] The virtual space platform(s) 102 may be configured to
execute one or more computer program modules. The computer program
modules may include one or more of a user module 114, a space
module 116, a token detection module 118, a virtual space
modification module 120, and/or other modules.
[0024] The user module 114 may be configured to access and/or
manage one or more user profiles and/or user information associated
with users of system 100. The one or more user profiles and/or user
information may include information stored by virtual space
platform(s) 102 and/or other storage locations. The user profiles
may include, for example, information identifying users (e.g., a
username or handle, a number, an identifier, and/or other
identifying information) within the virtual space, security login
information (e.g., a login code or password), virtual space account
information, subscription information, virtual currency account
information (e.g., related to currency held in credit for a user),
relationship information (e.g., information related to
relationships between users in the virtual space), virtual space
usage information, demographic information associated with users,
interaction history among users in the virtual space, information
stated by users, purchase information of users, browsing history of
users, a client computing platform identification associated with a
user, a phone number associated with a user, and/or other
information related to users.
[0025] The space module 116 may be configured to implement the
instance of the virtual space executed by the computer modules to
determine views of the virtual space. In some implementations, the
views may then be communicated (e.g., via streaming, via
object/position data, and/or other information) from server(s) 104
to client computing platform(s) 106 for presentation to users. The
view determined and presented to a given user may correspond to a
user character being controlled by the given user. The view
determined and presented to the given user may correspond to a
location in the virtual space (e.g., the location from which the
view is taken, the location the view depicts, and/or other
locations), a zoom ratio, a dimensionality of objects, a
point-of-view, and/or view parameters. One or more of the view
parameters may be selectable by the user.
[0026] The instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated
space that is accessible by users via virtual space platform(s) 102
and/or clients (e.g., client computing platform(s) 106) that
present the views of the virtual space to a user. The simulated
space may have a topography, express ongoing real-time interaction
by one or more users, and/or include one or more objects positioned
within the topography that are capable of locomotion within the
topography. In some instances, the topography may be a
2-dimensional topography. In other instances, the topography may be
a 3-dimensional topography. The topography may include dimensions
of the space, and/or surface features of a surface or objects that
are "native" to the space. In some instances, the topography may
describe a surface (e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at
least a substantial portion of the space. In some instances, the
topography may describe a volume with one or more bodies positioned
therein (e.g., a simulation of gravity-deprived space with one or
more celestial bodies positioned therein). The instance executed by
the computer modules may be synchronous, asynchronous, and/or
semi-synchronous.
[0027] The above description of the manner in which views of the
virtual space are determined by space module 116 is not intended to
be limiting. The space module 116 may be configured to express the
virtual space in a more limited, or richer, manner. For example,
views determined for the virtual space may be selected from a
limited set of graphics depicting an event in a given place within
the virtual space. The views may include additional content (e.g.,
text, audio, pre-stored video content, and/or other content) that
describes particulars of the current state of the place, beyond the
relatively generic graphics. For example, a view may include a
generic battle graphic with a textual description of the opponents
to be confronted. Other expressions of individual places within the
virtual space are contemplated.
[0028] Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by
space module 116, users may control characters, objects, simulated
physical phenomena (e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other
phenomena), and/or other elements within the virtual space to
interact with the virtual space and/or each other. The user
characters may include avatars. As used herein, the term "user
character" may refer to an object (or group of objects) present in
the virtual space that represents an individual user. The user
character may be controlled by the user with which it is
associated. The user controlled element(s) may move through and
interact with the virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the
virtual space, other objects in the virtual space). The user
controlled elements controlled by and/or associated with a given
user may be created and/or customized by the given user. The user
may have an "inventory" of virtual goods and/or currency that the
user can use (e.g., by manipulation of a user character or other
user controlled element, and/or other items) within the virtual
space.
[0029] The users may participate in the instance of the virtual
space by controlling one or more of the available user controlled
elements in the virtual space. Control may be exercised through
control inputs and/or commands input by the users through virtual
space platform(s) 102 and/or clients (e.g., client computing
platform(s) 106). The users may interact with each other through
communications exchanged within the virtual space. Such
communications may include one or more of textual chat, instant
messages, private messages, voice communications, and/or other
communications. Communications may be received and entered by the
users via their respective virtual space platform(s) 102 and/or
client(s) (e.g., client computing platform(s) 106). Communications
may be routed to and from the appropriate users through virtual
space platform(s) 102 (e.g., through space module 116).
[0030] The token detection module 118 may be configured to detect
tokens (e.g., token 108) based on signals received from token
readers (e.g., token reader 110) associated with individual ones of
client computing platforms 106. For example, a first token may be
associated with a first client computing platform, whereas a second
token may be associated with a second client computing platform.
Detecting token 108 may include receiving a signal conveying
information associated with token 108. Such information may be
utilized to identify token 108, a character associated with token
108, a virtual item associated with token 108, and/or other
information associated with token 108.
[0031] The virtual space modification module 120 may be configured
to effectuate a first modification within the instance of the
virtual space responsive to detection of the first token (e.g.,
token 108). The first modification may be observable via multiple
ones of client computing platforms 106. The observeability of the
first modification via the multiple ones of client computing
platforms 106 may occur immediately upon detection of the first
token, or at a later time. The first modification may include one
or more of (1) a modification to a first character within the
virtual space, (2) a modification to a first virtual item within
the virtual space, (3) a modification to one or more aspects of the
virtual space, and/or other modifications.
[0032] A character (e.g., the first character) may be a
user-controlled character or a non-user-controlled character. A
modification to the character may include a modification to one or
more of a behavior of the character, an ability of the character,
an appearance of the character, a relationship of the character,
and/or other modifications associated with the character. By way of
non-limiting example, a modification to a behavior of the character
may include a modification to how the character acts when idle
and/or other behavior modifications. A modification to an ability
of the character may include a modification to a speed at which the
character can run and/or other ability modifications. A
modification to an ability of the character may include addition of
abilities (e.g., flying). A modification to an appearance of the
character may include a change to apparel worn by the character
and/or other appearance modifications. A modification to a
relationship of the character may include becoming friends with
another character and/or other relationship modifications. In some
implementations, a character modification may include introducing a
new character to the instance of the virtual space.
[0033] A modification to a virtual item (e.g., the first virtual
item) may include a modification to one or more of a function of
the virtual item, an effectiveness of the virtual item, an
appearance of the virtual item, and/or other modifications
associated with the virtual item. By way of non-limiting example, a
modification to a function of the virtual item may include
extending a range of shots fired by the virtual item and/or other
function modifications. A modification to a function of the virtual
item may include addition of functions (e.g., shooting laser beams
in addition to normal shots). A modification to an effectiveness of
the virtual item may include decreasing the number of shots from
the virtual item required to defeat a foe and/or other
effectiveness modifications. A modification to the appearance of
the virtual item may include a change to the color or size of the
virtual item and/or other appearance modifications.
[0034] Aspects of the virtual space may include one or more of
objectives associated with the virtual space, an environment of the
virtual space, a theme of the virtual space, and/or other aspects
of the virtual space. A given objective may be a purpose or goal
that efforts or actions within the virtual space are intended to
attain or accomplish. By way of non-limiting example, a
modification to an objective may include a modification to a set of
actions that must be performed by a user character in order to
advance to a next level of gameplay in the virtual space.
[0035] The environment of the virtual space may be an aggregate of
surroundings and conditions of the virtual space. By way on
non-limiting example, a modification to the surroundings of the
virtual space may include a modification to one or more of the
appearance of the virtual space, a color scheme of the virtual
space, a sound and/or soundtrack associated with the virtual space,
and/or other aspects of the surroundings of the virtual space. A
modification to the conditions of the virtual space may include a
modification to one or more of laws of nature (e.g., gravity) of
the virtual space, weather depicted in the virtual space, and/or
other aspects of the conditions of the virtual space. Modifying the
environment may include modifying one or both of the surroundings
or the conditions of the virtual space.
[0036] The theme of the virtual space may be a unifying subject
associated with the virtual space. A given character may be one of
a plurality of characters associated with a given theme. By way of
non-limiting example, where the character is Captain Jack Sparrow,
the theme may relate to Pirates of the Caribbean. A modification to
the theme of the virtual space may include a modification to one or
more attributes of the theme of the virtual space. Examples of such
attributes may include one or more of objects, designs, symbols,
color schemes, music, and/or other attributes that identify the
theme of the virtual space.
[0037] According to some implementations, detection of a token
(e.g., token 108) associated with the first client computing
platform in combination with detection of one or more other tokens
associated with the first client computing platform may effectuate
another modification within the instance of the virtual space. In
some implementations, detection of both a first token associated
with a first character and a second token associated with a second
theme may effectuate a modification to the first character based on
the second theme. By way of non-limiting example, where the first
character is Captain Jack Sparrow and the second theme relates to
the Toy Story film series, the first character may be modified such
that Captain Jack Sparrow sings the theme song of Toy Story.
[0038] In some implementations, client computing platforms 106 may
include a second client computing platform. The tokens may include
a second token associated with the second client computing
platform. The second token may be similar to token 108. The second
token may be detectable based on a second signal conveying
information associated with the second token. The information
associated with the second token conveyed by the second signal may
be devoid of virtual space content. The virtual space modification
module 120 may be configured to effectuate a second modification
within the instance of the virtual space responsive to detection of
the second token. The second modification may be observable via
multiple ones of client computing platforms 106 including the first
client computing platform and the second computing platform.
[0039] In some implementations, two or more components of system
100 (e.g., virtual space platform(s) 102, server(s) 104, client
computing platform(s) 106, token reader 110, and/or external
resources 122) may be operatively linked via one or more electronic
communication links. For example, such electronic communication
links may be established, at least in part, via a network such as
the Internet and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that
this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this
disclosure includes implementations in which two or more components
of system 100 may be operatively linked via some other
communication media.
[0040] A given server 104 may include one or more processors
configured to execute computer program modules. The computer
program modules may be configured to enable an expert or user
associated with the given server 104 to interface with system 100
and/or external resources 122, and/or provide other functionality
attributed herein to server(s) 104.
[0041] A given client computing platform 106 may include one or
more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The
computer program modules may be configured to enable an expert or
user associated with the given client computing platform 106 to
interface with system 100 and/or external resources 122, and/or
provide other functionality attributed herein to client computing
platform(s) 106. By way of non-limiting example, the given client
computing platform 106 may include one or more of a desktop
computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a NetBook, a
Smartphone, a gaming console, and/or other computing platforms.
[0042] The external resources 122 may include sources of
information, hosts and/or providers of virtual environments outside
of system 100, external entities participating with system 100,
and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the
functionality attributed herein to external resources 122 may be
provided by resources included in system 100.
[0043] The virtual space platform(s) 102 may include electronic
storage 124, one or more processors 126, and/or other components.
The virtual space platform(s) 102 may include communication lines,
or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network
and/or other computing platforms. Illustration of virtual space
platform(s) 102 in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting. The
virtual space platform(s) 102 may include a plurality of hardware,
software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide
the functionality attributed herein to virtual space platform(s)
102. For example, virtual space platform(s) 102 may be implemented
by a cloud of computing platforms operating together as virtual
space platform(s) 102.
[0044] Electronic storage 124 may comprise electronic storage media
that electronically stores information. The electronic storage
media of electronic storage 124 may include one or both of system
storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially
non-removable) with virtual space platform(s) 102 and/or removable
storage that is removably connectable to virtual space platform(s)
102 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port,
etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 124
may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g.,
optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g.,
magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical
charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state
storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other
electronically readable storage media. The electronic storage 124
may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud
storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage
resources). Electronic storage 124 may store software algorithms,
information determined by processor(s) 126, information received
from one or more other components of system 100, and/or other
information that enables virtual space platform(s) 102 to function
as described herein.
[0045] The processor(s) 126 may be configured to provide
information processing capabilities in virtual space platform(s)
102. As such, processor(s) 126 may include one or more of a digital
processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to
process information, an analog circuit designed to process
information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for
electronically processing information. Although processor(s) 126 is
shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative
purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s) 126 may
include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may
be physically located within the same device, or processor(s) 126
may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices
operating in coordination. The processor(s) 126 may be configured
to execute modules 114, 116, 118, 120, and/or other modules. The
processor(s) 126 may be configured to execute modules 114, 116,
118, 120, and/or other modules by software; hardware; firmware;
some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or
other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on
processor(s) 126.
[0046] It should be appreciated that although modules 114, 116,
118, and 120 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a
single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s)
126 includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules 114,
116, 118, and/or 120 may be located remotely from the other
modules. The description of the functionality provided by the
different modules 114, 116, 118, and/or 120 described herein is for
illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any
of modules 114, 116, 118, and/or 120 may provide more or less
functionality than is described. For example, one or more of
modules 114, 116, 118, and/or 120 may be eliminated, and some or
all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules
114, 116, 118, and/or 120. As another example, processor(s) 126 may
be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may
perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of
modules 114, 116, 118, and/or 120.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for effectuating
modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via
multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to
detection of a token associated with a single client computing
platform, in accordance with one or more implementations. The
operations of method 200 presented below are intended to be
illustrative. In some embodiments, method 200 may be accomplished
with one or more additional operations not described, and/or
without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the
order in which the operations of method 200 are respectively
illustrated in FIG. 2 and described below is not intended to be
limiting.
[0048] In some embodiments, method 200 may be implemented in one or
more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog
processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an
analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine,
and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information).
The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices
executing some or all of the operations of method 200 in response
to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage
medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more
devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to
be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the
operations of method 200.
[0049] At an operation 202, an instance of a virtual space may be
implemented to determine views of the virtual space. The instance
of the virtual space may be presented via a plurality of separate
and distinct client computing platforms. The plurality of client
computing platforms may include a first client computing platform.
Operation 202 may be performed by one or more processors configured
to execute a space module that is the same as or similar to space
module 116, in accordance with one or more implementations.
[0050] At an operation 204, one or more tokens may be detected
based on signals received from token readers associated with
individual ones of the plurality of client computing platforms. A
given token may be a standalone physical object. The tokens may
include a first token associated with the first client computing
platform. The first token may be detectable based on a first signal
conveying information associated with the first token. The
information associated with the first token conveyed by the first
signal may be devoid of virtual space content. Operation 204 may be
performed by one or more processors configured to execute a token
detection module that is the same as or similar to token detection
module 118, in accordance with one or more implementations.
[0051] At an operation 206, a modification may be effectuated
within the instance of the virtual space responsive to detection of
the first token. The first modification may be observable via
multiple ones of the plurality client computing platforms.
Operation 206 may be performed by one or more processors configured
to execute a virtual space modification module that is the same as
or similar to virtual space modification module 120, in accordance
with one or more implementations.
[0052] Although the present technology has been described in detail
for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently
considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations,
it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose
and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed
implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover
modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be
understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the
extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be
combined with one or more features of any other implementation.
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