U.S. patent application number 16/289181 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-03 for apparatus, systems and methods for initiating community member participation.
The applicant listed for this patent is DISH Network L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Srinath Raghavan, Swapnil Tilaye.
Application Number | 20200276498 16/289181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005031087 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200276498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tilaye; Swapnil ; et
al. |
September 3, 2020 |
APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INITIATING COMMUNITY MEMBER
PARTICIPATION
Abstract
An interaction facilitator system is operable acquire community
member dialogue videos generated by community members, wherein each
community member dialogue video includes dialogue spoken by the
community member that describes their viewpoints and opinions
regarding an associated subject media content event. A community
member dialogue video is acquired from a community member while the
community member plays a uniquely generated geo-activity game
wherein the community member completes an activity at each of a
plurality of game play locations that lie along a game play route.
At the end of play of the geo-activity game, the community member
receives an incentive.
Inventors: |
Tilaye; Swapnil; (Thornton,
CO) ; Raghavan; Srinath; (Parker, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DISH Network L.L.C. |
Englewood |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005031087 |
Appl. No.: |
16/289181 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/33 20140902;
G06Q 30/0224 20130101; G06F 16/9536 20190101; A63F 13/216
20140902 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/216 20060101
A63F013/216; A63F 13/33 20060101 A63F013/33; G06F 16/9536 20060101
G06F016/9536; G06Q 30/02 20060101 G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1. A method performed by an interaction facilitator system that
acquires community member dialogue videos generated by community
members of a social media platform, wherein each community member
dialogue video includes audible dialogue spoken by the community
member that describes their viewpoints and opinions regarding an
associated subject media content event, the method comprising:
determining, at the interaction facilitator system, that a
community member has consumed the subject media content event;
receiving location information from a mobile device that is
currently in possession of the community member; determining a
current location, at the interaction facilitator system, of the
participating community member based on the location information
received from the mobile device; generating a geo-activity game, at
the interaction facilitator system, based on the determined current
location of the community member, wherein the geo-activity game is
defined by: a game play route that defines a path that the
community member is to traverse while they are playing the
geo-activity game; a plurality of game play locations that the
community member is to travel to, wherein each of the plurality of
game play locations lie along the game play route; and a plurality
of activities, wherein one of the plurality of activities are
associated with one of the plurality of game play locations, and
wherein each activity is to be completed by the community member
while at the corresponding game play location; communicating a
geo-activity game play list from the interaction facilitator system
to the mobile device of the community member, wherein the
geo-activity game play list specifies a location of each of the
plurality of game play locations, wherein the geo-activity game
play list specifies the activity that is to be performed at the
associated game play location, and wherein an activity of one of
the plurality of game play locations requires the community member
to generate their community member dialogue video using their
mobile device; and receiving the generated community member
dialogue video at the interaction facilitator system.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of game play
locations is a second plurality of game play locations that are
members of a first plurality of game play locations, and wherein
generating the geo-activity game comprises: defining a game play
geographic region, wherein the game play geographic region is based
on a predefined maximum travel distance, and wherein the determined
current location of the community member lies within the defined
game play geographic region; accessing a location attribute for
each of the first plurality of game play locations, wherein the
location attribute includes information that identifies a
geographic location of the associated game play location; and
identifying a third plurality of game play locations from the first
plurality of game play locations, wherein the geographic location
of each one of the identified third plurality of game play
locations lies within the defined game play geographic region.
3. The method of claim 2, and wherein generating the geo-activity
game comprises: accessing information that identifies the subject
media content event at the interaction facilitator system;
accessing a media content event attribute for each of the third
plurality of game play locations, wherein the media content
attribute includes information that identifies at least one media
content event that is associated with the game play location;
comparing the information that identifies the subject media content
event with the information that identifies the media content event
associated with each of the third plurality of game play locations;
identifying a plurality of candidate game play locations from the
first plurality of game play locations, wherein the attribute
information that identifies the media content event that is
associated with each one of the plurality of candidate game play
locations corresponds to the information that identifies the
subject media content event, and wherein each of the candidate game
play locations lie within the game play geographic region; and
selecting the second plurality of game play locations for the
geo-activity game from the plurality of candidate game play
locations.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein a total distance of the path that
the community member is to traverse while they are playing the
geo-activity game does not exceed the maximum travel distance, and
wherein generating the geo-activity game comprises: determining a
mode of travel that the community member will be using during play
of the geo-activity game; determining the maximum travel distance
based on the determined mode of travel.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the geo-activity game
comprises: accessing information that specifies a predefined number
of game play locations, wherein a number of selected game play
locations does not exceed the predefined number of game play
locations.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to generating the
geo-activity game, the method further comprises: generating, at the
interaction facilitator system, an invitation that invites the
community member to participate in the geo-activity game;
communicating the invitation from the interaction facilitator
system to the mobile device of the community member; and receiving,
at the interaction facilitator system, an acceptance from the
mobile device, wherein the acceptance indicates that the community
member is willing to participate in the geo-activity game, and
wherein the geo-activity game is generated in response to receiving
the acceptance.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein generating the invitation
comprises: identifying one of a preference and a purchase history
the community member; identifying a plurality of candidate
incentives that are available at an incentive location, wherein the
incentive location is a location that the community member may
obtain an incentive after completion of the geo-activity game; and
selecting the incentive to be obtained by the community member from
a plurality of incentives based on the identified one of the
preference and the purchase history the community member.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that a community
member has consumed a subject media content event comprises:
receiving media content event consumption information at the
interaction facilitator system, wherein the media content event
consumption information is communicated to the interaction
facilitator system from one of the mobile device or a media device
that presents media content to the community member, and wherein
the media content event consumption information has an identifier
that identifies a media content event that has been consumed by the
community member using their mobile device or their media device;
comparing the identifier of the consumed media content event with
identifiers of a plurality of media content events of interest,
wherein the identifiers of the plurality of media content event of
interest are stored at the interaction facilitator system, and
wherein at least one community member dialogue video is desired for
each of the plurality of media content events of interest; and
selecting the consumed media content event as the subject media
content event when the identifier of the consumed media content
event matches the identifier of one of the plurality of media
content events of interest.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the received location information
is second location information, and wherein determining that a
community member has consumed a subject media content event
comprises: receiving first location information at the interaction
facilitator system, wherein the media content event consumption
information is communicated to the interaction facilitator system
from the mobile device of the community member, and wherein the
first location information is received before the second location
information; comparing the first location information with known
locations of a plurality of theatres; obtaining an identifier of a
media content event that is playing at the theatre that has a
location that is the same as the first location information;
comparing the identifier of the media content event that is playing
at the theatre with identifiers of a plurality of media content
events of interest, wherein the identifiers of the plurality of
media content event of interest are stored at the interaction
facilitator system, and wherein at least one community member
dialogue video is desired for each of the plurality of media
content events of interest; and selecting the media content event
that is currently playing at the theatre as the subject media
content event when the identifier of the media content event that
is currently playing at the theatre matches the identifier of one
of the plurality of media content events of interest.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that a community
member has consumed a subject media content event comprises:
receiving, at the interaction facilitator system, a specification
of an identifier of a media content event that has been consumed by
the community member, wherein the specification is generated by the
community member using their mobile device or a media device that
presents media content to the community member; comparing the
identifier of the consumed media content event with identifiers of
a plurality of media content events of interest, wherein the
identifiers of the plurality of media content event of interest are
stored at the interaction facilitator system, and wherein at least
one community member dialogue video is desired for each of the
plurality of media content events of interest; and selecting the
consumed media content event as the subject media content event
when the identifier of the consumed media content event matches the
identifier of one of the plurality of media content events of
interest.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the geo-activity game
comprises: defining a game play geographic region that encompasses
a geographic area that the geo-activity game is to be played in,
wherein the game play geographic region is based on a predefined
maximum travel distance, and wherein the determined current
location of the community member lies within the defined game play
geographic region; identifying a second plurality of incentive
locations from a first plurality of incentive locations, wherein an
incentive location is a location that the community member may
obtain an incentive after completion of the geo-activity game,
wherein each incentive location has a location attribute that
identifies a geographic location of that incentive location,
wherein the geographic location defined by the location attribute
of the of the first plurality of incentive locations lie within the
game play geographic region, and wherein the geographic location
defined by the location attribute of the of the other ones of the
first plurality of incentive locations lie outside of the game play
geographic region; selecting one of the second plurality of
incentive locations as an incentive location for the generated
geo-activity game; determining the game play route that defines the
path that the community member is to traverse while they are
playing the geo-activity game, wherein the game play route begins
at the current location of the community member, and wherein the
game play route ends at the selected incentive location for the
generated geo-activity game; and generating the geo-activity game
play list, wherein the geo-activity game play list includes
location information that identifies the geographic location of the
incentive location and identifies a plurality of geographic
locations that define the path of the game play route.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein generating the geo-activity
game and generating the geo-activity game play list further
comprises: identifying a second plurality of game play locations
from a first plurality of game play locations, wherein each game
play location has a location attribute that identifies a geographic
location of that game play location, wherein the geographic
location defined by the location attribute of the of the first
plurality of game play locations lie within the game play
geographic region, and wherein the geographic location defined by
the location attribute of the of the other ones of the fist
plurality of game play locations lie outside of the game play
geographic region; and selecting a third plurality of game play
locations from the second plurality of game play locations, wherein
the geographic location of each one of the third plurality of game
play locations lie along the path of the game play route, wherein
the generated geo-activity game play list identifies geographic
location information for each of the third plurality of game play
locations.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein generating the geo-activity
game and generating the geo-activity game play list further
comprises: generating at least one of a textual description of the
geographic location information for each of the third plurality of
game play locations, an audible description of the geographic
location information for each of the third plurality of game play
locations, and image information that shows a map of the geographic
location information for each of the third plurality of game play
locations; and communicating the at least one of the textual
description, the audible description and the image information from
the interaction facilitator system to the mobile device, wherein
the at least one of the textual description is presented on a
display of the mobile device being used by the community member
during play of the geo-activity game, wherein the audible
description is presented from a speaker of the mobile device being
used by the community member during play of the geo-activity game,
and wherein the image information is presented is presented on the
display of the mobile device being used by the community member
during play of the geo-activity game.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein generating the geo-activity
game and generating the geo-activity game play list further
comprises: identifying a plurality of intermediate game play
locations from the third plurality of game play locations that lie
along the path of the game play route; and identifying an end of
game play location from the third plurality of game play locations
that lies along the path of the game play route, wherein the end of
game play location is the last game play location where an activity
is performed by the community member during their play of the
geo-activity game, wherein the end of game play location is in
proximity to the incentive location, and wherein the generated
geo-activity game play list identifies geographic location
information for each of the plurality of intermediate game play
locations and the end of game play location.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein generating the geo-activity
game and generating the geo-activity game play list further
comprises: accessing at least one activity attribute that is
associated with each one of the third plurality of game play
locations, wherein the activity attribute defines an activity that
is to be performed by the community member while at the associated
game play location, wherein the generated geo-activity game play
list describes the activity that is associated with each of the
third plurality of game play locations.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein generating the geo-activity
game and generating the geo-activity game play list further
comprises: generating at least one of a textual description of the
activity that is to be performed by the community member while at
the associated game play location, an audible description of the
activity that is to be performed by the community member while at
the associated game play location, and image information showing
the activity that is to be performed by the community member while
at the associated game play location; and communicating the at
least one of the textual description, the audible description and
the image information from the interaction facilitator system to
the mobile device, wherein the at least one of the textual
description is presented on a display of the mobile device being
used by the community member during play of the geo-activity game,
wherein the audible description is presented from a speaker of the
mobile device being used by the community member during play of the
geo-activity game, and wherein the image information is presented
is presented on the display of the mobile device being used by the
community member during play of the geo-activity game.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the third
plurality of game play locations has a plurality of associated
candidate activity attributes that each describe a different
activity that is to be performed by the community member while at
that associated game play location, and wherein generating the
geo-activity game and generating the geo-activity game play list
further comprises: accessing a community member attribute of the
community member; comparing the community member attribute of the
community member with the candidate activity attributes; and
selecting as the activity attribute one of the candidate activity
attributes that match the community member attribute of the
community member, wherein the generated geo-activity game play list
describes the activity that is associated with each of the third
plurality of game play locations.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the third plurality of
game play locations has an associated estimated completion time
that is estimated for completion of the activity that is to be
performed by the community member while at that associated game
play location, and wherein generating the geo-activity game and
generating the geo-activity game play list further comprises:
determining travel times between each of the game play locations;
determining a total estimated time of game play for the
geo-activity game, wherein the total estimated time of game play is
the sum of the estimated completion time for each activity and the
determined travel times; comparing the total estimated time of game
play with a maximum total estimated time of game play; eliminating
one of the game play locations from the geo-activity game in
response to the total estimated time of game play exceeding the
total estimated time of game play; determining a new total
estimated time of game play and comparing the new total estimated
time of game play with the maximum total estimated time of game
play; and repeating the steps of eliminating one of the game play
locations from the geo-activity game in response to the total
estimated time of game play exceeding the maximum total estimated
time of game play, determining a new total estimated time of game
play, and comparing the new total estimated time of game play with
the maximum total estimated time of game play, until the new total
estimated time of game play is less than the maximum total
estimated time of game play.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein selecting an additional game
play location comprises: adjusting the game play route so that the
selected eliminated game play location no longer lies along a new
path of the game play route, wherein the new path extends from the
immediately prior game play location and the next game play
location that is after the eliminated game play location.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the third plurality of
game play locations has an associated estimated completion time
that is estimated for completion of the activity that is to be
performed by the community member while at that associated game
play location, and wherein generating the geo-activity game and
generating the geo-activity game play list further comprises:
determining travel times between each of the game play locations;
determining a total estimated time of game play for the
geo-activity game, wherein the total estimated time of game play is
the sum of the estimated completion time for each activity and the
determined travel times; comparing the total estimated time of game
play with a minimum total estimated time of game play; selecting an
additional game play location that is added to the geo-activity
game in response to the total estimated time of game play being
less than the total estimated time of game play; determining a new
total estimated time of game play and comparing the new total
estimated time of game play with the minimum total estimated time
of game play; and repeating the steps of eliminating one of the
game play locations from the geo-activity game in response to the
total estimated time of game play being less than the minimum
estimated time of game play, determining a new total estimated time
of game play, and comparing the new total estimated time of game
play with the minimum total estimated time of game play, until the
new total estimated time of game play exceeds the maximum total
estimated time of game play.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein selecting an additional game
play location comprises: determining a distance from a closest
point on the path of travel of the game play route to each of a
plurality of candidate game play locations; selecting the
additional game play locations that is to be added to the
geo-activity game based on the determined distance, wherein the
selected additional game play location has the shortest determined
distance from the closest point on the path of travel of the game
play route to each of a plurality of candidate game play locations;
and adjusting the game play route so that the selected additional
game play location lies along a new path of the game play route.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Participation on a social media platform, such as on a
social TV and movie platform, by individual community members may
be difficult to initialize. Such participation activities may
include generating and/or consuming (viewing) content reviews, such
as reviews pertaining to media content events. A media content
event review presents viewpoints and opinions of a community member
regarding an associated subject media content event.
[0002] Typically, a media content event as defined herein presents
theme-based visual and audio content to a user for their enjoyment
and/or for informative purposes (interchangeably referred to herein
as a thematic media content event). Examples of such theme-based
media content events include movies, films, serial programming,
sporting events, documentaries, newscasts, religious programs,
commercials (typically of short duration with advertising content),
or the like. Serial programming may present a continuing plot
and/or theme, often with the same cast of actors, in a sequential
episode-by-episode basis that is available periodically.
Advertisements, commercials or the like may be interspersed within
the media content event.
[0003] The initial participation by such community members may be
low at first because such community members may just want to sit
back, relax, and be entertained by activities occurring on the
social platform. In other instance, such as when the social
platform is beginning and thus has relatively little community
member participation and/or relatively few media content event
reviews to offer other community members, participation may be
relatively low. In other instances, such as with a new movie that
has just been released to the public for consumption, there may be
none or relatively few media content event reviews of the movie for
the community members of the social media platform to consume.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the arts to facilitate and
encourage interactions of community members with the social media
platform. More particularly, there is a need to encourage community
members to provide their media content event reviews of media
content events.
SUMMARY
[0005] An interaction facilitator system is operable acquire
community member dialogue videos generated by community members,
wherein each community member dialogue video includes dialogue
spoken by the community member that describes their viewpoints and
opinions regarding an associated subject media content event. In
accordance with an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, a community
member dialogue video is acquired from a community member while the
community member plays a uniquely generated geo-activity game
wherein the community member completes an activity at each of a
plurality of game play locations that lie along a game play route.
At the end of play of the geo-activity game, the community member
receives an incentive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Preferred and alternative embodiments are described in
detail below with reference to the following drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a community
member interaction facilitator system;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a hypothetical selected game play
geographic region that conceptually illustrates a plurality of
candidate end of game play locations and a plurality of candidate
intermediate game play locations;
[0009] FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a plurality of game play
routes that have been identified based upon a selection of the end
of game play location;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates the selected hypothetical candidate game
play route 302 that has been selected for the generated
geo-activity game; and
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative selected hypothetical
candidate game play route that has been selected for the generated
geo-activity game that has an end of game play location.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a community
member interaction facilitator system 100. Embodiments of the
interaction facilitator system 100 engage a participating community
member in a geo-activity game so that a community member media
content event review (interchangeably referred to herein as a
community member dialogue video) may be acquired from the
participating community member at some point during play of the
geo-activity game.
[0013] Embodiments of the interaction facilitator system 100 may
identify a current location of a community member of interest.
Then, based on a determined current location of the community
member of interest and a particular media content event that has
been watched (consumed) by the community member, embodiments of the
interaction facilitator system 100 generate a geo-activity game to
entice the participating community member to provide a community
member dialogue video that presents their viewpoints and opinions
regarding the associated subject media content event.
[0014] As enough community member dialogue videos and other types
of dialogue videos (that are all related to the same media content
event) are acquired from different community members and other
individuals who are knowledgeable about the subject media content
event, a conversation video may be generated. The conversation
video present opinions and topics about the subject media content
event which may be later consumed by other community members, as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,467,718, entitled "Apparatus, System,
and Methods for a Content Commentary Community" which issued on
Oct. 11, 2016, and which is incorporated by reference herein by its
entirety. The conversation video that emulates a conversation among
the community members and the other knowledgeable individuals who
appear to be discussing the subject media content event. A
requesting community member may then later consume the generated
conversation video to obtain various information concerning the
subject media content event. Preferably, the conversation video is
consumed by the requesting community member using a virtual world
reality presentation system or the like.
[0015] A generated geo-activity game is similar to a scavenger hunt
and/or treasure hunt, combined with a trivia contest. The
geo-activity game presents a sequence of activities that are to be
performed by the participating community member at a plurality of
game play locations. Preferably, the activities in the geo-activity
games are very enjoyable to perform.
[0016] Activities may include gathering a specified item at an
indicated game play location. For example, but not limited to, the
participating community member may be required to obtain and/or
purchase a promotional item that is related to the subject media
content event. Preferably, if purchase of a promotional item is
required, the cost to buy the promotional item is relatively low so
as not to inconvenience or be a financial burden the participating
community member. For example, an inexpensive a candy bar or the
like may have a wrapper that presents promotional materials
associated with the subject media content event. The participating
community member may be instructed to purchase the candy bar. Their
purchase may be confirmed based on point of sale information that
is generated by their purchase (such as when using a credit card or
debit card). Alternatively, the participating community member may
have to take a picture (capture an image) using their mobile device
126 of them opening and/or eating the candy bar. In some instances,
the acquired item may serve as a memento of the subject media
content event that may later remind the participating community
member of their geo-activity game play experience and/or of the
subject media content event.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally, an activity may require the
participating community member to perform and/or complete a
specific task at an indicated game play location identified on a
geo-activity game play list. For example, the participating
community member may have to take a picture (capture an image)
using their mobile device 126 of some physical object that is
located at the game play location. If the object is a billboard
advertising the subject media content event, the participating
community member may be tasked with taking their photograph or
video in front of the billboard. In some instances, completion of
the task may serve as a memento of the subject media content event
that may later remind the participating community member of their
geo-activity game play experience and/or of the subject media
content event.
[0018] Additionally, or alternatively, the participating community
member may be asked to solve and provide answers to various trivia
questions and/or other presented challenges. In some situations, a
trivia question is answered at a specific geographic game play
location (geo-location) indicated on the geo-activity game play
list that the participating community member must physically be at
when providing their trivia question answer. Preferably, the
geo-activity game activities are related to the subject media
content event.
[0019] Activity information for each particular game play location
is provided to the participating community member. The information
may include a clue of the like that the participating community
member is to solve so that they can determine the particular
activity that is to be completed at that particular game play
location. Alternatively, or additionally, an activity clue may be
provided that can be used to identify the next game play location.
That is, the current activity clue may be solved by the
participating community member so identify the next game play
location.
[0020] At some point during the geo-activity game, the
participating community member is solicited for a community member
dialogue video. During generation of the community member dialogue
video by the participating community member, the participating
community member verbally expresses their personal opinions and/or
personal viewpoints about a particular thematic content event
(interchangeably referred to herein as the subject media content
event). Audio capture devices (microphones) acquire audio
information as the community member is speaking (audible dialogue)
about the subject media content event. Image capture devices
(cameras) acquire video or still image information. Preferably, the
acquired video information includes a video image of the community
member who is generating the community member dialogue video.
Preferably, the acquired audio information includes a recording of
the community member's voice as they are speaking their community
member dialogue video.
[0021] Once the participating community member has completed all of
the activities proscribed by their unique geo-activity game, the
participating community member receives a geo-activity game
incentive. The geo-activity game incentive may be a reward, a gift,
an entitlement or the like. For example, the reward might be an
amount of cash, a credit, a gift certificate, money or some other
monetary-based and/or point-based award. Alternatively, or
additionally, the geo-activity game incentive may be an entitlement
voucher for an item and/or a service. The geo-activity game
incentive may be related to the subject media content event, such
as movie pass to a sequel or to another related media content
event, memorabilia related to the subject media content event,
and/or memorabilia related to other events. Other examples of
entitlements are gift coupons for products or services, such as a
free soda drink, popcorn, and/or candy that is available from the
concessions stand at a movie theatre. Alternatively, or
additionally, the gift coupon may be for purchase of a goods or
service that is unrelated to the subject media content event, but
is obtained by a vendor at a particular geo-location on the
geo-activity game play list. Any suitable incentive may be used in
the various embodiments.
[0022] The example embodiment of the interaction facilitator system
100 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a geo-location determination
module 102, a geographic route mapper module 104, an activity
generator module 106, an incentive selection module 108, a
geo-activity game generation module 110, a geo-location database
112, a processor system 114, a media content event database 116, a
communication network interface, and an optional clock 120. The
various modules and the geo-location database 112 reside in a
suitable memory medium. In some embodiments, the geo-location
determination module 102, the geographic route mapper module 104,
the activity generator module 106, the incentive selection module
108, and/or the geo-activity game generation module 110 may be
integrated together, and/or may be integrated with other logic
modules. Further, the various modules, the geo-location database
112 and/or the media content event database 116 may be implemented
using a distributed architecture system and/or a peer-to-peer
system wherein the various modules and databases reside in
different locations. Further, portions of the modules and/or
databases may be distributed in different locations. In other
embodiments, some or all of these memory and other data
manipulation functions may be provided by using a remote server or
other electronic devices suitably connected via the Internet or
otherwise to a client device. Other embodiments may include some,
or may omit some, of the above-described media processing
components. Further, additional components not described herein may
be included in alternative embodiments.
[0023] To facilitate description of operation of the interaction
facilitator system 100, FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified
hypothetical example operating environment 122. The interaction
facilitator system 100 is communicatively coupled to one or more
social media platforms 124, one or more mobile user devices 126,
and one or more media devices 152 via a communication network
130.
[0024] The communication network interface 118 communicatively
couples the interaction facilitator system 100 to the communication
network 130 via a suitable wireless or wire-based communication
signal 128. The communication network 130 is illustrated as a
generic communication system. In one embodiment, the communication
network 130 comprises a cellular telephone system, such as a radio
frequency (RF) wireless system. Accordingly, the mobile user
devices 126 includes a suitable transceiver configured to receive
and transmit wireless communications 132. Alternatively, the
communication network 130 may be a telephony system, the Internet,
a Wi-fi system, a microwave communication system, a fiber optics
system, an intranet system, a local access network (LAN) system, an
Ethernet system, a cable system, a radio frequency system, a
cellular system, an infrared system, a satellite system, or a
hybrid system comprised of multiple types of communication media.
Additionally, the various devices illustrated in FIG. 1 may be
implemented to communicate using other types of communication
technologies, such as but not limited to, digital subscriber loop
(DSL), X.25, Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet, Integrated Services
Digital Network (ISDN) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). Also,
embodiments of the media device 102 may be configured to
communicate over combination systems having a plurality of segments
which employ different formats for each segment that employ
different technologies on each segment.
[0025] Example mobile user devices 126 include a smart phone 134 or
the like, a smart watch 136, an augmented or virtual reality device
138, and a generic mobile device 140. A participating community
member 142 (interchangeably referred to herein as a user 142) uses
their mobile device 126 to participate in a geo-activity game that
has been uniquely generated for that particular participating
community member 142. The unique geo-activity game is based, in
part, on a determined geographic location (geo-location) of the
participating community member 142. Preferably, the geo-activity
game relates to the subject media content event that the
participating community member 142 has recently consumed.
[0026] Preferably, each of the mobile user devices 126 includes a
display 144 on which still or video images may be presented to
facilitate participation by the community member 142 while playing
the geo-activity game. Alternatively, or additionally, the mobile
user devices 126 may have one or more speakers 146 that are used by
the interaction facilitator system 100 to provide audible
information to the participating community member 142 during the
geo-activity game. Further, the interaction facilitator system 100
may use the displays 144 to provide visual information (video
images, still images, and/or textual information) to the
participating community member 142 during the geo-activity
game.
[0027] Further, each of the mobile user devices 126 preferably
include one or more input devices that are configured to receive
input from the participating community member 142 while they are
playing the geo-activity game. For example, the mobile user devices
126 may have an image capture device 148 (camera 148) that is used
by the participating community member 142 to provide image input
(video and/or still images) to the interaction facilitator system
100 during the geo-activity game. Alternatively, or additionally,
the mobile user devices 126 may have a microphone 150 that is used
by the participating community member 142 to provide audio input to
the interaction facilitator system 100 during the geo-activity
game. The generic mobile device 140 is intended to be any device
now known or later developed that may be used by the participating
community member to play a geo-activity game.
[0028] In practice when a unique geo-activity game is initially
generated, embodiments of the interaction facilitator system 100
identify the participating community member, identify a particular
subject media content event that is of interest (for acquiring a
community member dialogue video from the participating community
member), and a current location of the participating community
member. Optionally, a date and/or a time that the participating
community member consumed the subject media content event is also
determined.
[0029] Embodiments of the interaction facilitator system 100
identify a media content event that has been recently consumed by
the participating community member. The recently consumed media
content event may be identified using any suitable identifier, such
as the title or the like of the media content event. The
interaction facilitator system 100 may obtain media content event
consumption information that indicates what particular media
content events have been consumed, and when the media content
events were consumed, by a community member.
[0030] The participating community member may consume a particular
media content event in a variety of manners that can be detected by
embodiments of the interaction facilitator system 100. For example,
the consumption of a media content event may occur when the
participating community member uses their media device 152 to
present the media content event on a media presentation system 154,
such as a television 156 or the like. The presenting media content
event may be received in a suitable media content stream 158 that
is received by the media device 152. A video portion of the
presenting media content event is presented on a display 160. An
audio portion of the presenting media content event may be
presented using the speakers (not shown) of the television 156.
Alternatively, or additionally, the audio portion may be presented
using a surround stereo system 162 or the like that has one or more
external speakers 164.
[0031] In some embodiments of the media device 152, a suitable back
channel interconnection 166 to the communication network 130
enables the interaction facilitator system 100 to acquire media
content event consumption information that identifies the currently
presenting (or even a previously consumed) media content event that
was presented by the media device 152. The back channel
interconnection 166 is illustrated as a wire-based connector.
Alternatively, or additionally, the back channel interconnection
166 may be a wireless connection to the communication network 130.
In some situations, the media device 152 provides the media content
event consumption information identifying consumed media content
events to the interaction facilitator system 100. Alternatively, or
additionally, the interaction facilitator system 100 may generate
and communicate a query to the media device 152 requesting the
media content event consumption information identifying consumed
media content events. Alternatively, or additionally, the
participating community member may operate their media device 152
using a remote control 168 to communicate a request to the
interaction facilitator system 100 inquiring whether a geo-activity
game is available for the media content event that has been
consumed using their media device 152. If the participating
community member is eligible for participation in a geo-activity
game for that particular consumed media content event, then a
geo-activity game invitation may be sent to the participating
community member to participate in a unique geo-activity game that
is then generated for that particular participating community
member.
[0032] In other situations, the participating community member may
consume a media content event using their mobile device 126. The
mobile device 126 may provide the media content event consumption
information identifying consumed media content events to the
interaction facilitator system 100. Alternatively, or additionally,
the interaction facilitator system 100 may generate and communicate
a query to the mobile device 126 requesting information identifying
consumed media content events. Alternatively, or additionally, the
participating community member may operate their mobile device 126
to communicate a request to the interaction facilitator system 100
inquiring whether a geo-activity game is available for the media
content event that has been consumed using their mobile device 126
(or event their media device 152). If the participating community
member is eligible for participation in a geo-activity game for
that particular consumed media content event, then a geo-activity
game invitation may be sent to the participating community member
to participate in a unique geo-activity game that is then generated
for that particular participating community member.
[0033] In yet other situations, the participating community member
may consume a media content event at a theatre 170. Location
information identifying the locations of public or private theaters
may be stored by the interaction facilitator system 100. When a
detected current location of the participating community member is
determined that corresponds to or is the same as the location of
the theatre 170, then a reasonable assumption may be made that the
participating community member is consuming a media content event
that is playing at the theatre 170. Current location of the
participating community member may be determined based on a
determinable location of their mobile device 126 (who is presumably
in current possession of their mobile device 126). Alternatively,
or additionally, the location of the participating community member
at the theatre 170 may be determined from a point of purchase sale
using a credit card or the like, such as when a theatre ticket is
purchased or consumables are purchased at a concessions stand.
Alternatively, or additionally, the participating community member
may operate their mobile device 126 to indicate that they have
consumed a particular media content event at the theatre 170, and
to indicate that they would be willing to participate in a
geo-activity game associated with the recently consumed media
content event. Once the interaction facilitator system 100
determines that the participating community member has been at the
theatre 170 (based on the location-based media content event
consumption information), then an identifier of one or more media
content events that are currently playing at the theatre are
obtained. The identifiers of media content events that are
currently playing at the theatre can be obtained from any suitable
source, such as internet-based movie ticket outlets, web pages of
the theatre 170, or the like.
[0034] In other situations, the participating community member may
operate their mobile device 126 to indicate that they have recently
consumed a particular media content event, and to indicate that
they would be willing to participate in a geo-activity game
associated with the recently consumed media content event. The
participating community member may generate a geo-activity game
inquiry using their mobile device 126 or their media device 152.
The geo-activity game inquiry would include the media content event
consumption information identifying the participating community
member and would include information identifying the media content
event that has been consumed by the participating community member.
Optionally, the geo-activity game inquiry would include the time
(and date) of consumption of the subject media content event. If
the participating community member is eligible for participation in
a geo-activity game for that particular consumed media content
event, then a geo-activity game invitation may be sent to the
participating community member to participate in a unique
geo-activity game that is then generated for that particular
participating community member.
[0035] Preferably, the participating community member has just
completed, or has recently completed, consumption of the identified
subject media content event. In the various embodiments,
optionally, a time of consumption of the subject media content
event (defined by a date and/or a clock time) is compared with a
current date and/or time to define a consumption duration. The
optionally determined consumption duration is compared with a
predefined consumption duration threshold. If the determined
consumption duration is less than or equal to the consumption
duration, then a presumption can be made that the recollection of
the participating community member of the recently consumed subject
media content event will be accurate enough for the participating
community member to meaningfully articulate their viewpoints and
opinions regarding the recently consumed subject media content
event. If the determined consumption duration is less than or equal
to the consumption duration, then a presumption can be made that
the recollection of the participating community member of the
recently consumed media content event will not be sufficiently
accurate enough for the participating community member to
meaningfully articulate their viewpoints and opinions regarding the
subject media content event.
[0036] Next, embodiments of the interaction facilitator system 100
determine whether the recently consumed media content event (which
occurred within the consumption duration threshold) is a media
content event of interest for which a community member dialogue
video is desired. That is, a determination is made whether a
community member dialogue video should be acquired from the
participating community member for the recently consumed media
content event. For example, if the recently consumed subject media
content event has just been released to the public, the likelihood
is relatively high that there are not a large enough number of
acquired community member dialogue videos to generate a
conversation video that can be consumed by other community members.
In this situation, the interaction facilitator system 100 may
determine that acquiring a community member dialogue video for this
particular subject media content event is desired.
[0037] To determine whether the recently consumed media content
event is a media content event of interest (for which a community
member dialogue video is desired), the identifier of the recently
consumed media content event is compared with the identifiers of
the media content events stored in the media content event database
116. Here, an identifier of a particular media content event is
added into the media content event database 116 when a
determination is made that one or more additional community member
dialogue videos should be acquired from the social media platform
community membership. Thus, when a new media content event is
released for public consumption, the identifier of that mew media
content event is added into the media content event database 116.
As another example, if the social media platform is in the process
of initialization, the identifiers of many different media content
events may be added into the media content event database 116 so
that a plurality of conversation videos can be generated for
consumption by community members. As yet another example, a
determination may be made that a previously generated conversation
video should be modified, such as by changing the conversation
video to use newly acquired community member dialogue videos from
other community members (and by deleting selected previously
acquired community member dialogue videos). Alternatively, or
additionally, the duration of an existing conversation video could
be increased by adding additional community member dialogue videos.
In the various embodiments, the media content event database 116 is
maintained by the social media platform 124 and/or by another
interested party.
[0038] If the identifier of the recently consumed media content
event matches one of the identifiers of the media content events
stored in the media content event database 116, (and optionally, if
the determined consumption duration is less than or equal to the
consumption duration threshold), then embodiments of the
interaction facilitator system 100 may determine that the
participating community member is qualified to participate in a
geo-activity game that is uniquely generated for that particular
participating community member. Summarizing, this qualification
process to determine if the participating community member is
eligible to participate in the geo-activity game comprises (1)
determining if the media content event has been recently consumed
(determined when the consumption duration is less than or equal to
the consumption duration threshold) by the participating community
member, and (2) determining if the recently consumed media content
event is a media content event of interest (interchangeably
referred to herein as the subject media content event) where
acquisition of that participating community member's community
member dialogue video is desired.
[0039] Optionally, after qualification (identification of an
eligible participating community member and identification of the
subject media content event), embodiments of the interaction
facilitator system 100 query the identified community member to
inquire whether that community member would like to participate in
a geo-activity game. That is, embodiments generate and communicate
a geo-activity game invitation to the community member to
participate in a geo-activity game.
[0040] In an example embodiment, a query (the geo-activity game
invitation) is generated by the interaction facilitator system 100
and is then communicated to the mobile device 126 of the
participating community member. The query may indicate the subject
media content event, and/or may indicate the incentive that will be
provided to the participating community member after completion of
the geo-activity game. In one example embodiment, a text message
based geo-activity game invitation may be presented on the display
144 that the participating community member may respond to using a
reply text message. An icon or the like may be presented on the
display 144 or the display 160 that is selectable by the
participating community member to indicate their acceptance of the
geo-activity game invitation (or alternatively, to indicate their
declining of the geo-activity game invitation).
[0041] The participating community member may then respond
affirmatively to a geo-activity game invitation by indicating that
they wish to participate in the geo-activity game. That is, the
participating community member may accept the geo-activity game
invitation to participate in the geo-activity game. Or, the
participating community member may decline participation in the
geo-activity game. In some embodiments, if the participating
community member ignores the query or does not respond to the query
within some predefined query duration, then the absence of the
response is interpreted to be a declining response.
[0042] In some embodiments, the participating community member will
rate the subject media content event as part of their answer to the
invitation. Here, in response to receiving a rating from the
participating community member, play of the geo-activity game may
be initiated.
[0043] Optionally, a geo-activity game invitation will permit the
invited participating community member to specify a day, date,
and/or time that they wish to begin their participation in the
geo-activity game. Here, the participating community member will
specify the day, date, and/or time that they wish to initiate play
of the geo-activity game. The responsive specification made by the
participating community member may be made using their mobile
device 126 and/or the media device 152. In some embodiments, the
geo-activity game invitation may initially omit the option to
specify the day, date, and/or time. Here, the participating
community member may request this option and/or specify the day,
date, and/or time that they wish to play the geo-activity game. If
the participating community member specifies a later time to
initiate play of the geo-activity game, then the geo-activity game
is constructed based on the current user geographic location at the
time of initialization of play.
[0044] Alternatively, or additionally, the geo-activity game
invitation generated by the interaction facilitator system 100 may
specify a suggested day, date, and/or time to initiate play of the
geo-activity game. For instance, the determined current location of
the participating community member may not be particularly suitable
to begin game play. The current location may, for example, indicate
that the participating community member is otherwise currently
preoccupied with another task, such as while being at work or
school, playing in or attending a sporting event or the like,
visiting friends and/or family, etc. (interchangeably referred to
herein as a preoccupying activity). Here, a later alternative
initial geo-activity game play time may be suggested by the
interaction facilitator system 100. In some embodiments, activity
history of the participating community member may be used to
determine a suggested alternative start day, date, and/or time for
an initial geo-activity game play time. For example, the time that
the participating community member is no longer at work, at school,
or attending the sporting event or the like may be determinable or
may be known known. For example, a calendar maintained by or that
is accessible by the participating community member's mobile user
device 126 may be accessed to identify a suitable initial
geo-activity game play time when the participating community member
is not otherwise preoccupied. A suggested alternative initial
geo-activity game play time may be defined by the interaction
facilitator system 100 based on some predefined duration after the
determined conclusion of the preoccupying activity of the
participating community member. For instance, if the participating
community member is known to not be working on certain days and/or
at certain times, then the suggested alternative initial
geo-activity game play time may be based on those known days and/or
times when the participating community member is not preoccupied
with another activity.
[0045] When the participating community member accepts the
geo-activity game invitation to participate in the geo-activity
game, embodiments of the interaction facilitator system 100
generate a unique geo-activity game for the eligible participating
community member in response to the acceptance of the geo-activity
game invitation. The generated geo-activity game is generated, in
part, based on (1) a current determined location of the
participating community member, (2) a determined end of game play
location which is the location for the last geo-activity game
activity, (3) a determined route of travel for the geo-activity
game, and (4) identification of a plurality of intermediate game
play locations that lie along the determined route of travel.
Optionally, an incentive location is identified. The end of game
play location, the plurality of intermediate game play locations,
and the optional incentive location are generically referred to
herein as game play locations. The determined route of travel that
defines the path that the participating community member is to
traverse during their play of the geo-activity game is referred to
herein as the game play route. The generated geo-activity game play
list includes location information that identifies the geographic
locations of the incentive location, identifies geographic
locations of the game play locations, and/or identifies a plurality
of geographic locations that define the path of the game play
route.
[0046] Also, a predefined maximum duration of game play may be used
to generate the geo-activity game. The maximum duration of game
play is predefined such that the participating community member
does not spend an undesirable or unreasonable amount of time during
play of the geo-activity game.
[0047] The information to determine the current geo-location of the
participating community member that is determined by the
geo-location determination module 102 may be acquired in a number
of different manners. In some instances, the mobile device 126 that
is being used by the participating community member provides
location information that can be inferred to the same as the
current geo-location of the participating community member. For
example, the mobile device 126 may include a global positioning
system (GPS). The interaction facilitator system 100 may query the
mobile device 126 for the GPS information or the determined GPS
location. Alternatively, or additionally, the current geo-location
of the mobile user device 126 may be determined by cell tower
locations that detect control signals emitted by the mobile device
126. In some embodiments, the information to determine the current
geo-location of the participating community member is included in
the reply from the participating community member which accepts the
invitation to play the geo-activity game.
[0048] Alternatively, or additionally, information defining the
current geo-location of the participating community member may be
specified by the participating community member. For example, the
participating community member may specify an address or other
location identifier to the interaction facilitator system 100 using
their mobile device 126.
[0049] Alternatively, or additionally, a determined location
associated with consumption of the subject media content event may
be used to determine the current geo-location of the participating
community member. Here, if the subject media content event was
consumed at a theatre 170, and if the current time corresponds to
the end of presentation of the subject media content event (or if
the current time is shortly after the end of presentation by some
predefined threshold), then the current geo-location of the
participating community member can be assumed to correspond to the
address or other known location of the theatre 170. For instance,
the presentation start time and end time for the subject media
content event may be obtained from a media content event
presentation schedule that is maintained by the theater or another
entity.
[0050] As another example, the subject media content event may have
been presented to the participating community member by the media
device 152. Typically, the location of the media device is known,
which is the home address or another address associated with the
participating community member. If the current time corresponds to
the end of presentation of the subject media content event (or if
the current time is shortly after the end of presentation by some
predefined threshold), then the current geo-location of the
participating community member can be assumed to correspond to the
address or other known location of the media device 152. Here, use
of the media device 152, including presentation times and
information identifying consumed media content event, may be
communicated from the media device 152 to the interaction
facilitator system 100 via the backchannel 166.
[0051] After the current geo-location of the participating
community member has been determined and the subject media content
event has been identified, an end of game play location is
determined. An end of game play location is a geo-location for the
last geo-activity game activity. Upon completion of the activity
associated with the unique geo-activity game that has been
generated for the participating community member, play of the
geo-activity game concludes. The incentive location is a location
that where the participating community member goes to and acquires
their incentive for completing the geo-activity game.
[0052] The geo-activity game also includes information that
identifies a plurality of intermediate game play locations. An
intermediate game play location is a location where the
participating community member performs a designated activity. The
intermediate game play locations are located along the route of the
geo-activity game.
[0053] Accordingly, a geo-activity game play list includes
information specifying a path that the community member is to
traverse while they are playing the geo-activity game
(interchangeably referred to herein as a geo-activity game route),
location information identifying the location of a plurality of
intermediate game play locations that lie along the geo-activity
game route, information identifying an end of game play location
(which is the last game play location of the geo-activity game),
and optional information identifying an incentive location. These
end of game play locations, intermediate game play locations, and
incentive locations are collectively referred to herein as game
play locations. Further, the geo-activity game play list includes
information specifying each activity that is to be performed by the
participating community member at each game play location.
[0054] Information identifying location information and attributes
of a plurality of game play locations are stored in the
geo-location database 112. Attributes of these game play locations
include, but are not limited to, a media content event attribute,
an activity attribute, a location attribute, and an optional time
attribute.
[0055] The media content event attribute includes an identifier of
the media content event, such as a title or the like, that is
associated with each game play location. Further, the identifiers
of a plurality of different media content events may be associated
with the media content event attribute for a single game play
location. That is, a single game play location may be associated
with many different media content events.
[0056] The activity attribute includes an identifier and/or a
descriptor of at least one geo-activity game activity that is to be
performed by the participating community member while at that
particular game play location. Preferably, the activity attribute
is also associated with a particular media content event(s).
Further, instructions (text or images) that are to be communicated
to the participating community member that describes the tasks
and/or questions that are to be completed may be included in the
activity attribute. Further, a plurality of different activity
attributes may be associated with a particular game play location.
For example, the game play location may relate to a plurality of
different media content events, one of which may be the subject
media content event. Accordingly, a particular geo-activity game
activity that pertains to the subject media content event may be
selected from the activity attribute.
[0057] The time attribute identifies particular times and/or
durations that the game play location may be used (a qualifying
time) or a time that the game play location may not be used (a
disqualifying time) in a generated geo-activity game. For example,
if the end time of the geo-activity game is late at night, the end
time may be after the closing of the associated end of game play
location. Accordingly, that particular end of game play location
would not be selected when the geo-activity game was generated.
That is, the game play may have times that they may be used, and
other times that they may not be used, for play of a generated
geo-activity game. Here, if the time that the participating
community member is anticipated to be at during their play of the
geo-activity game does not fall within a qualifying time, then that
particular game play location will not be selected when the
geo-activity game is generated by the interaction facilitator
system 100. The current time that a geo-activity game is to be
played may be determined form information provided by the clock 120
or another remote or local time information device.
[0058] To determine the end of game play location, a game play
geographic region is initially defined. A plurality of different
end of game play locations will lie within the game play geographic
region. Preferably, the current geo-location of the participating
community member will lie within the game play geographic
region.
[0059] In an example embodiment, a radius of a predefined distance
is determined to define a circular game play geographic region.
Preferably, the current geo-location of the participating community
member is located at or near to (interchangeably referred to herein
as proximate to) the center or centroid of the circular game play
geographic region that is defined by the predefined radius. Any
suitable predefined radius may be used by the various embodiments.
Any suitable criteria may be used to define the radius of a
circular game play geographic region.
[0060] In an example embodiment, a maximum travel time is used to
define a travel distance. The maximum travel time is used to
compute the maximum travel distance that can be traversed by the
participating community member. That is, a determination is made of
how far (distance) the participating community member can travel
within the predefined maximum travel time. The travel distance is
then selected as the length of the radius. Here, travel times from
the current geo-location of the participating community member and
the outer edge of the circular game play geographic region is
determinable. Here, the maximum travel time is proportional to the
amount of time that play of the geo-activity game will require of
the participating community member.
[0061] The maximum travel time may be predefined based on a number
of factors. A first factor is how long of a play duration will be
required of the participating community member for completion of
the geo-activity game activities. The predefined maximum travel
time must be reasonable so as not to impose an undue burden on the
participating community member. Also, the maximum travel time must
not be so long that the participating community member will become
disengaged with the geo-activity game because it takes an
undesirable length of time to complete. For example, a five hour
duration to complete all geo-activity game activities of the
geo-activity game may be an unreasonable length of time for some
participating community members because they are likely to lose
interest in the geo-activity game and/or may choose to end their
participation in the geo-activity game before completion of all of
the geo-activity game activities. On the other hand, the maximum
travel time must not be so short so as to not encompass at least
one end of game play location. Further, the game play geographic
region must not be so small that a generated geo-activity game is
not an interesting challenge to the participating community member.
One skilled in the art appreciates that if a game can be completed
to quickly or easily, a game participant is more than likely to not
enjoy their participation in the game. For example, a predefined
maximum travel time of five minutes may be too short of a
duration.
[0062] The maximum travel distance may be further adjusted based on
a variety of factors. For example, travel mode of the participating
community member may be used to adjust the maximum travel distance.
If the participating community member is walking, then a relatively
short maximum travel distance may be used to define the game play
geographic region. On the other hand, if the participating
community member is riding a bicycle or the like, a larger maximum
travel distance may be used. And, if the participating community
member is driving a vehicle, an even greater maximum travel
distance may be defined. Here, each of the maximum travel distances
that are defined based on the mode of travel of the participating
community member will have the same, or approximately the same,
predefined maximum travel time.
[0063] The travel mode may be determined in a variety of manners.
In an example embodiment, a rate of travel of the mobile device 126
of the participating community member may be used to estimate the
travel mode. Here, a known average speed for walking, for riding a
bike, and travelling in a vehicle can be compared with the current
rate of travel of the mobile device 126. A match between the
current rate of travel of the mobile device 126, which can be
reasonably inferred to be the rate of travel of the participating
community member who is in possession of the mobile device 126, and
one of the known travel rates is used to determine if the
participating community member is walking, riding a bike, or riding
in a vehicle. Other modes of travel may be identified by the
various embodiments.
[0064] Alternatively, or additionally, the participating community
member may specify their mode of travel and/or their rate of
travel. Here, the participating community member may use their
mobile device 126 to specify this information, which is then
communicated to the interaction facilitator system 100. The
specified mode of travel may then be used to define the maximum
travel distance and/or to define a geo-activity game.
[0065] The number of intermediate game play locations of the
uniquely generated geo-activity game may also be used to adjust the
size of the game play geographic region and/or to define a
geo-activity game. For example, a geo-activity game may be defined
using ten game play locations. A that uses only ten intermediate
game play locations may result in a definition of a larger game
play geographic region than a geo-activity game that has five
intermediate game play locations. That is, when the geo-activity
game is generated by some embodiments, one of the optional
game-generation conditions is a predefined number of intermediate
game play locations, or a number range of intermediate game play
locations, that are to be used for the geo-activity game. That is,
information that specifies a predefined number of game play
locations is accessed. Then, a number of game play locations are
selected so that the total number of game paly locations does not
exceed the predefined number of or range of game play locations. In
some situations, if a larger number of intermediate game play
locations are required, then the game play geographic region may
have to be enlarged to ensure that the requisite number of
candidate end of game play locations are available for
selection.
[0066] Alternatively, or additionally, an estimated completion time
for each activity for each intermediate game play location may be
considered when determining the size of the game play geographic
region and/or in defining a geo-activity game. These estimated
activity completion times may be stored as time attributes. Here,
the estimated completion time for each activity for each
intermediate game play location is a duration of time that may be
known, may be determined, or may be predefined. The estimated
completion times for each intermediate game play location and the
estimated completion time of end of game play location are summed.
This total estimated completion time is then subtracted from a
predefined maximum game play time. If the total estimated game play
time is less than the predefined maximum game play time by some
predefined duration, then an additional game play location may be
added to the geo-activity game play list so that the new total
estimated game play time more closely approximates a predefined
desired duration of game play and/or the predefined maximum game
play time. On the other hand, if the total estimated game play time
is greater than the predefined maximum game play time by some other
predefined duration, then one of the game play location may be
selected and eliminated from the geo-activity game play list so
that the new total estimated game play time more closely
approximates a predefined desired duration of game play and/or the
predefined maximum game play time.
[0067] Alternatively, or additionally, the total estimated
completion time may be subtracted from a predefined maximum travel
time. The remaining time (the difference between the predefined
maximum travel time and the sum of the estimated completion times)
corresponds to a time that is available for the participating
community member to travel from the initial current geo-location of
the participating community member to the series of intermediate
game play locations and then on to the end of game play location.
If the total estimated game play time is less than the predefined
maximum game play time by some predefined duration, then an
additional game play location may be added to the geo-activity game
play list so that the new total estimated game play time more
closely approximates a predefined desired duration of game play,
the predefined maximum travel time, and/or the predefined maximum
game play time. On the other hand, if the total estimated game play
time is greater than the predefined maximum game play time by some
other predefined duration, then one of the game play location may
be selected and eliminated from the geo-activity game play list
such that the new total estimated game play time more closely
approximates a predefined desired duration of game play, the
predefined maximum game play time, and/or the predefined maximum
game play time.
[0068] The travel time between each of the game play locations (the
intermediate game play locations and the end of game play location)
may also be determinable. Any suitable time-of-travel algorithm may
be used by the various embodiments to determine the travel time
between each of the game play locations. When the determined travel
times, measured as a time duration, are summed with the sum of the
estimated completion times, that sum is compared with the
predefined maximum travel time. If the sum exceeds the predefined
maximum travel time, then one or more of the initially selected
intermediate game play locations may be removed from the
geo-activity game play list for a generated geo-activity game. Then
the sum is recomputed and then compared with the predefined maximum
travel time. The process continues on an incremental fashion until
the sum of the travel times and the sum of the estimated completion
time for each activity for each intermediate game play location and
the end of game play location is less than or equal to the
predefined maximum travel time.
[0069] Alternatively, or additionally, the estimated completion
time for each activity and the travel time between each of the game
play locations may be summed to define a total estimated time of
game play. The determined total estimated time of game play is
compared with a maximum total estimated time of game play. If the
determined total estimated time of game play exceeds the maximum
total estimated time of game play, then one or more intermediate
game play locations may be eliminated so that a new determined
total estimated time of game play does not exceed the maximum total
estimated time of game play. Here, a new path is determined that
extends from the immediately prior game play location to the next
game play location that is after the eliminated game play
location.
[0070] Alternatively, or additionally, the determined total
estimated time of game play is compared with a minimum total
estimated time of game play. If the determined total estimated time
of game play is less than the minimum total estimated time of game
play, then one or more intermediate game play locations may be
added so that a new determined total estimated time of game play
exceeds the minimum total estimated time of game play.
[0071] In other embodiments, any suitable geographic region may be
defined as the game play geographic region. For example, a city,
town or other geographic region may be subdivided into a plurality
of adjacent game play geographic regions (much like a region is
divided into a plurality of voting regions). Such game play
geographic regions may be defined using any suitable criteria, such
as a predefined maximum travel time and/or a maximum travel
distance. When the geo-activity game is uniquely generated, the
current geo-location of the participating community member is used
to select the game play geographic region for the geo-activity
game. Here, the game play geographic region that the current
geo-location of the participating community member is at is
selected.
[0072] Further, different pluralities of game play geographic
regions may be used for generating a geo-activity game. A first
plurality of relatively larger game play geographic regions may be
used when the participating community member is using a vehicle for
their travel between the intermediate game play locations and to
the end of game play location. A second plurality of smaller game
play geographic regions may be used if the participating community
member is riding a bicycle. And, a third plurality of even smaller
game play geographic regions may be used in the participating
community member is walking.
[0073] In response to acceptance of the invitation to play the
geo-activity game by the participating community member,
embodiments of the interaction facilitator system 100 determine the
current geo-location of the participating community member, and
then select or define a suitable game play geographic region that
encompasses the current geo-location of the participating community
member. Based on the game play geographic region, a plurality of
end of game play locations and intermediate game play locations
that lie within the game play geographic region are identified from
the geo-location database 112. That is, the geo-location database
112 comprises information about a first plurality of game play
locations, wherein the location attribute defines the geographic
location of that particular game play location.
[0074] Next, the media content event attributes for the plurality
of end of game play locations and intermediate game play locations
that lie within the game play geographic region are compared with
the identifier of the subject media content event. Those ones of
the plurality of end of game play locations and intermediate game
play locations that lie within the game play geographic region and
that have their media content event attribute that is associated
with the subject media content event are identified or selected as
candidate end of game play locations and candidate intermediate
game play locations.
[0075] In practice, there may be a plurality of candidate end of
game play locations that lie within the game play geographic
region. However, there may be only a single candidate end of game
play location. In the event that there are no candidate end of game
play locations that lie within the game play geographic region, the
size of the game play geographic region may be increased until one
or more candidate end of game play locations are identified (which
then lie within the enlarged game play geographic region).
[0076] The intermediate game play locations, the end of game play
location, and the incentive location (and their associated
attributes) are predefined prior to generation of a geo-activity
game. Preferably, there is a thoughtful reasoning that is behind
the selection of any particular game play location.
[0077] In some situations, a third party sponsors a particular game
play location based upon some desired outcome that the third party
has an interest in. For example, the third party may have a
marketing and/or sales objective that they wish to accomplish. For
example, if the game play location is a movie theatre, the third
party may wish to entice the participating community member to
purchase a theatre ticket, purchase consumable as a concessions
stand, and/or purchase promotional materials related to the subject
media content event or another media content event. If the third
party owns or manages a retail outlet, the game play location may
be at their retail sales store and the intent would be to entice
the participating community member to make one or more point of
sale purchases or the like while they are playing the geo-activity
game. The entity that is managing the geo-activity game may
optionally assess a charge or assess some other compensation to the
third party for inclusion of the location of interest as one of the
game play locations
[0078] In other situations, the game play location may have some
attribute that is anticipated to be of interest to the
participating community member. That attribute may optionally be
related to the subject media content event. For example, the game
play location attribute may be a famous park, statue, fountain,
museum, theatre, tourist site, or other notoriously well-known
location. Here, including such a location as a game play location
will result in a more interesting geo-activity game that the
participating community member is more likely to enjoy.
[0079] In yet other situations, a game play location may have an
attribute associated with the subject media content event and/or
another media content event. For instance, the location may be a
set location where a portion of the subject media content event was
filmed. As another example, the location may be the residence of a
famous actor. As yet another example, the location may have some
promotional object associated with the subject media content event,
such as a billboard, sign, figurine, or the like.
[0080] In the various embodiments, each intermediate game play
location and end of game play location has an associated activity
attribute. The activity attribute defines at least one activity
that a participating community member must perform and/or complete
before moving on to the next listed game play location. Preferable,
such predefined activities are relatively easy to complete and are
anticipated to be enjoyable to perform for the participating
community member.
[0081] FIG. 2 illustrates a hypothetical selected game play
geographic region 202 that conceptually illustrates a plurality of
end of game play locations 204a-204e and a plurality of
intermediate game play locations 208a-208n. Once the current
location of the participating community member is determined, the
game play geographic region 202 is defined. The game play
geographic region 202 is preferably defined to encompass the
current location of the participating community member, and more
preferably to have its center location in close proximity to or at
the determined current location of the participating community
member.
[0082] These end and intermediate game play locations
(interchangeably referred to herein as game play locations) each
have a media content event attribute that corresponds to the
identifier of the subject media content event. That is, the end and
intermediate game play locations are each related to the subject
media content event. Other end and intermediate game play locations
that are not related to the subject media content event that happed
to lie within the game play geographic region 202 are not selected
as candidate locations (because their media content event
attributes are not related to the subject media content event).
[0083] The current geo-location 206 of the participating community
member is also shown (denoted using a black filled circle symbol).
The plurality of candidate intermediate game play locations
208a-208n are denoted using a black filled diamond symbol. Traffic
streets 210 (denoted with light solid lines) indicate travel paths
that are available to the participating community member to travel
along for potential routes of travel. A river 212 is also
illustrated, along with a plurality of bridges 214a-214e that
permit travel across the river 212. Two highways 216a and 216b are
illustrated traversing the game play geographic region 202, wherein
a plurality of interchanges 218a-218d provide off ramps for
entering onto and off of the highways 216a and 216b.
[0084] The plurality of end of game play locations 204a-204e are
denoted using white filled square symbols. Some of the plurality of
end of game play locations 204a-204e are located within the
selected game play geographic region 202. Since these end of game
play locations 204a-204c have their locations that lie within the
game play geographic region 202, these end of game play locations
204a-204c are defined as, or are selected as, candidate end of game
play locations. In contrast, the geo-locations for those end of
game play locations that lie outside of the game play geographic
region 202 are not selected as candidate end of game play locations
(even though their media content event attributes correspond to the
subject media content event). Accordingly, in the simplified
hypothetical example of FIG. 2, the end of game play locations 204d
and 204e would not be selected as candidate end of game play
locations since their location lies outside of the game play
geographic region 202.
[0085] Similarly, the intermediate game play locations 208a-208k
have their locations that lie within the game play geographic
region 202. Accordingly, these intermediate game play locations
208a-208k are defined as, or are selected as, candidate
intermediate game play locations. In contrast, the locations for
those intermediate game play locations that lie outside of the game
play geographic region 202 are not selected as candidate end of
game play locations or candidate intermediate game play locations.
Accordingly, in the simplified hypothetical example of FIG. 2, the
intermediate game play locations 208l-208m would not be selected as
candidate intermediate game play locations since their location
lies outside of the game play geographic region 202 (even though
their media content event attributes correspond to the subject
media content event).
[0086] Optionally, incentive locations 220a-220b (denoted with a
black filled star) that identify one or more incentives that will
be accessible to the participating community member upon successful
completion of the geo-activity game. The information and various
attributes for these incentive locations may be stored in the
geo-location database 112. The incentive locations have associated
location attributes that define the location of that particular
incentive location. The incentive locations optionally have media
content event attributes that include the identifiers of one or
more media content events.
[0087] Further, incentive attributes (information identifying the
particular one or more different incentives that are available) may
be included with the information stored that has been stored in the
geo-location database 112 for each of the incentive locations. In
some instances, a particular incentive that is believed to be of
particular interest to the participating community member may be
selected as part of the process of generating a unique geo-activity
game as the incentive for the participating community member.
[0088] The selected incentive may, in some instances, be
particularly relevant to the subject media content event.
Alternatively, or additionally, the incentive may be relatively
valuable, and thus be very desirable to the participating community
member. Alternatively, or additionally, personal information such
as user preferences or user historical information for the
participating community member (interchangeably referred to herein
as a community member attribute) may be used to select a particular
incentive from among a plurality of available incentives.
[0089] For example, an incentive location may correspond to a movie
theatre. Available incentives at a movie theatre may be popcorn
available at the concessions in the theatre and/or a free ticket to
see a movie. If the participating community member has a preference
for popcorn, or typically purchases popcorn while at the theatre
(as determinable from historical purchase information), the free
popcorn may be selected for that particular participating community
member based on that participating community member's preferences
and/or purchase history. In contrast, another participating
community member may dislike popcorn, so free popcorn would not be
a selected incentive. Alternatively, or additionally, the
participating community member may not often go to a movie theatre.
Here, the selected incentive may be a free movie ticket to induce
the participating community member to go to the theatre.
[0090] Incentive locations preferably lie within the game play
geographic region 202. Preferably, incentive locations are in close
proximity to the candidate end of game play locations so as to be
readily accessible by the participating community member after
their completion of the geo-activity game. Alternatively, or
additionally, an incentive location may be the same as or may be
associated with one or more end of game play locations. For
example, the incentive location 220a lies within the game play
geographic region 202 and is in close proximity to the end of game
play location 204a. However, incentive locations do not need to lie
within the game play geographic region 202. For example, the
incentive location 220b lies outside of the game play geographic
region 202, yet is in close proximity to the end of game play
location 204a. Accordingly, if the unique geo-activity game ends at
the end of game play location 204b, the participating community
member can easily go to the incentive location 220b to obtain their
incentive.
[0091] Further, an end of game play location may also have
incentives. That is, the end of game play location and the
incentive location may be co-located. For example, the end of game
play location 204c is not associated with a particular incentive
location. Here, the end of game play location 204c is also an
incentive location and/or has its own associated incentives.
[0092] FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a plurality of game play
routes 302, 304 and 306 that have been identified based upon a
selection of the end of game play location 204a. The candidate game
play routes lie within the game play geographic region 202. In the
various embodiments, the interaction facilitator system 100,
executing the geographic game route mapper 104, identifies a
plurality of candidate game play routes that starts at the current
location of the participating community member and that ends at the
selected end of game play location (in this simplified hypothetical
example, the end of game play location 204a). Any suitable route
determination module now known or later developed may be used to
identify a plurality of candidate routes between the current
location of the participating community member and a selected end
of game play location.
[0093] Once a candidate game play route has been determined, then
those candidate intermediate game play locations that are in
proximity to that particular candidate game play route are
identified. As noted herein, a predefined number of intermediate
game play locations, or a predefined range of numbers of
intermediate game play locations, are defined for a generated
geo-activity game.
[0094] Here, the example first game play route 302 is in proximity
to six identified intermediate game play locations 208a-208f The
example second game play route 304 is in proximity to three
identified intermediate game play locations 208g, 208e and 208f.
The example third game play route 306 is in proximity to two
identified intermediate game play locations 208e and 208f In the
event that the predefined number of intermediate game play
locations is six, then the candidate game play route 302 would be
selected (since the other candidate game play routes 304 and 306 do
not lie in proximity to six candidate intermediate game play
locations).
[0095] As another example, a predefined range of five to seven
intermediate game play locations may be used to generate a
geo-activity game. Here, the candidate game play route 302 would
similarly be selected. The candidate game play routes 304 and 306
would be rejected (since the other candidate game play routes 304
and 306 do not lie in proximity to the predefined range of
candidate intermediate game play locations).
[0096] In some instances, a candidate game play route may not
include the predefined number or range of intermediate game play
locations. In such cases, the path of the candidate game play route
may be adjusted to then become in proximity to a nearby
intermediate game play location. For example, the candidate game
play route 304 may be adjusted so as to become nearer to the
intermediate game play location 208o, and thereby increase its
number of proximate intermediate game play locations to four.
[0097] Here, the game play location 208o is a determinable distance
308 from the closest point along the candidate game play route 304.
When a game play location does not lie along a candidate game play
route, embodiments determine the distance from that game play
location to the closest point along the candidate game play route.
The determined distance is compared to a predefined threshold
distance in an example embodiment. If the determined distance is
less than the predefined threshold distance, then the path of the
candidate game play route can be adjusted to add that game play
location. In this simplified example, the determined distance 308
is assumed to be less than the predefined threshold distance.
Accordingly, the path of the candidate game play route 304 may be
adjusted to include this game play location 208o.
[0098] Alternatively, or additionally, travel time associated with
traveling to and/or from the original candidate game play route 304
to the game play location 208o, here the distance 308, and/or a
change in the total travel time of the adjusted route may be
determined. The travel time and/or change in total travel time may
be compared with a predefined threshold time. If the determined
travel time associated with the distance 308 and/or the change in
the total travel time of the adjusted route is less that the
predefined threshold time, and the path of the candidate game play
route 304 may be adjusted to include this game play location
208o.
[0099] In some instances, a candidate game play route may include
more than the predefined number or range of intermediate game play
locations. In such cases, one of the identified intermediate game
play locations may be eliminated or de-selected. Such an eliminated
intermediate game play location may be identified based on one or
more elimination factors. An example elimination factor may be a
comparison of the activity attribute of the intermediate game play
location and a known user preference of the participating community
member. Here, if an activity attribute of the intermediate game
play location is different from the member's preference such that
it is likely that the participating community member will not enjoy
the associated activity as much as the activities of other
identified intermediate game play locations, then that particular
intermediate game play location may then be eliminated.
[0100] As another non-limiting example, the time to perform an
activity associated with an intermediate game play location may be
compared with a predefined time threshold. If the activity time of
the intermediate game play location exceeds the time threshold,
that particular intermediate game play location may be eliminated,
thereby reducing the total time required for play of the
geo-activity game. Here, a computed total time of estimated game
play may be compared to a predefined target total game play time. A
particular intermediate game play location(s) may be selected for
elimination when the new adjusted total time of game play is
reduced to the corresponding target total game play time. To
illustrate, the candidate game play route 302 may be adjusted so as
to eliminate the intermediate game play location 208b, and thereby
decrease its number of proximate intermediate game play locations
to five. Here, the candidate game play route 302 may be adjusted to
travel directly from the intermediate game play location 208a to
the intermediate game play location 208c, thereby reducing the
total game play time.
[0101] Additionally, or alternatively, the total travel time
associated with adjusting the path of the candidate game play route
may be compared with the original total travel time. If the total
travel time of the adjusted game play route is decreased by some
amount, then that particular game play location may be eliminated
from the geo-activity game. In some embodiments, the total game
play time change may be optionally compared with a threshold time
change. If the total game play time change is greater than the time
threshold, that associated game play location could be selected for
elimination. Alternatively, or additionally, for each candidate
game play location, a total game play time change may be
determined. The game play location associated with the greatest
change (decrease) in total game play time may be selected for
elimination from the geo-activity game.
[0102] As another non-limiting example, the distance of travel to
an intermediate game play location may be compared with a
predefined distance threshold. If the determined travel distance
exceeds the distance threshold, that particular intermediate game
play location may be eliminated, thereby reducing the total travel
time and/or the total distance of travel required for play of the
geo-activity game. Here, a computed total distance of travel may be
compared to a predefined target total travel distance. A particular
intermediate game play location(s) may be selected for elimination
when the new adjusted total time of game play and/or the total
distance of travel is reduced to the corresponding target
values.
[0103] One skilled in the art appreciates that the process of
generating candidate game play routes, identifying intermediate
game play locations that are proximate to the identified candidate
game play route, adjusting a candidate game play route to be more
proximate to a particular intermediate game play location, and then
final selection of the game play route from among the plurality of
candidate game play routes, is an iterative process. In some
embodiments, artificial intelligence algorithms may be used to
facilitate the selection of a candidate game play route that is to
be used for the generation of a geo-activity game.
[0104] FIG. 4 illustrates the selected hypothetical candidate game
play route 302 that has been selected for the generated
geo-activity game. The geo-activity game requires the participating
community member to traverse the game play route 302, complete the
activities associated with the intermediate game play locations
208a-208f and the end of game play location 204a, and then obtain
their incentive at the incentive location 220a. In this simplified
hypothetical example, the selection of this end of game play
location 204a was based on determining that the participating
community member is able to travel to the various intermediate game
play locations, end of game play location, and/or an incentive
location using a vehicle. Here, a portion of the game play route
302 has the participating community member entering the highway
216b at the interchange 218b and then exiting the highway 216b at
the interchange 218c, thereby necessitating travel using a vehicle
(since pedestrians and/or bicycle riders are typically not
permitted on a highway).
[0105] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative selected hypothetical
candidate game play route 502 that has been selected for the
generated geo-activity game that has an end of game play location
204b. The geo-activity game requires the participating community
member to traverse the game play route 502, complete the activities
associated with the intermediate game play locations 208g-208k and
the end of game play location 204b, and then obtain their incentive
at the incentive location 220b. In this simplified hypothetical
example, the selection of this end of game play location 204b was
based on determining that the participating community member is
travelling to the various intermediate game play locations, end of
game play location, and/or an incentive location by walking or by
using a bicycle. Here, the total distance of the game play route
502 is significantly shorter that the above-described game play
route 302 that is traversed using a vehicle. Further, the game play
route 502 is likely to be safer for the participating community
member (since a portion of the highway 216b is traversed during
travel along the game play route 302, which is very likely to be
quite dangerous to, or even illegal for, a person who is walking or
who is riding a bicycle).
[0106] At one of the end and intermediate game play locations, or
at another suitable location, the participating community member
will be asked to provide a community member dialogue video. During
generation of the community member dialogue video, the
participating community member verbally expresses their personal
opinions and/or personal viewpoints about the subject media content
event. If the participating community member generates their
community member dialogue video at a particular intermediate game
play location, then generation of the community member dialogue
video may be the designated activity that is to be performed at
that particular intermediate game play location.
[0107] Alternatively, a different activity may have to be performed
at that intermediate game play location before the participating
community member generates their community member dialogue video.
In such situations, the requisite activity is such that the
participating community member's recollection of the subject media
content event is improved so as to improve the quality and
meaningfulness of the community member dialogue video.
[0108] In the various embodiments, a geo-activity game play list is
presented to the participating community member using their mobile
device 126. The geo-activity game play list is a listing that is
presented to the participating community member that provides
detailed information about each of the end and intermediate game
play locations and the incentive. Preferably, the geo-activity game
play list presents an ordered listing of each of the intermediate
game play locations, indicates their geographic location (using a
suitable address or the like), and indicates the activity that must
be performed by the participating community member at each
intermediate game play location. Optionally, travel directions
between locations may be provided to the participating community
member. The geo-activity game play list would conclude with
information about the end of game play location, the activity that
is to be performed at the end of game play location, information
about the incentive location (if the incentive location is
different from the end of game play location), and/or information
describing the incentive (and optionally, information on how to
obtain the incentive).
[0109] In some situations, the geo-activity game play list may be
presented to the participating community member as audible
information that is presented from the speaker 146 of their mobile
device 126. Here, the audible information is presented in portions
that audibly describe a current portion of the game play route
and/or that audibly describes the activity that the participating
community member is to do at the current game play location. For
example, the audible information may describe a current portion of
the game play route that the participating community member is to
traverse to arrive at the next intermediate game play location or
the end of game play location. When the participating community
member arrives at the specified intermediate game play location
and/or the end of game play location, then the specific activity
that is to be performed by the participating community member is
audibly described. This process of audibly providing game play
travel instructions and/or activity instructions to the
participating community member continues until the completion of
the geo-activity game.
[0110] In other situations, the geo-activity game play list may be
presented as visual information on the display 144 of their mobile
device 126. In some situations, the visual game play information
may be presented as textual information that is read by the
participating community member. For example, textual game play
information may specify an address of a particular intermediate
game play location, end of game play location, and/or an incentive
location. Alternatively, or additionally, street names or the like
that are to be traveled upon may be listed as travel directions
that the participating community member is to follow during play of
the geo-activity game. Alternatively, or additionally, the textual
game play information may describe the particular activity that is
to be performed by the participating community member at the
current game play location. Alternatively, or additionally, the
textual information may provide specific instructions to receive
the incentive. For example, an access code, an entitlement code, or
the like may be given to the participating community member that
authorizes them to receive their incentive.
[0111] In some situations, the visible information may be an image
or a video clip that is presented on the display 144. The image or
video clip may be used to describe the activity that is to be
performed. As another non-limiting example, a map may be used to
illustrate the game play route, and/or a current portion or next
portion of the game play route. Alternatively, or additionally, if
the activity is to be performed in proximity to a particular
physical object, the visual information may show an image of the
physical object. For example, the activity may require the
participating community member to stand next to a billboard or
other promotional material associated with the subject media
content event, and then capture an image of themselves standing
next to the physical object. As another non-limiting example, an
image of the billboard or other promotional material may be
visually presented to the participating community member, wherein
the activity is performed in proximity to the billboard or other
promotional material.
[0112] In some embodiments, the current location of the
participating community member is constantly or periodically
monitored as the participating community member is playing the
geo-activity game. Here, the current location of the participating
community member will indicate to the interaction facilitator
system 100 where they are along the game play route on a real time
basis, or near real time basis. If the participating community
member fails to follow the currently described portion of the game
play route, corrective information to re-route the participating
community member may be provided.
[0113] Further, arrival of the participating community member at
the next game play location can be determined by monitoring the
current location of the participating community member. Upon their
arrival, further instruction information may be provided, such as a
description of the current activity that is to be performed at the
newly arrived-at game play location.
[0114] In some embodiments, proof of activity completion is
required before the participating community member proceeds to the
next game play location. After providing proof of completion of the
activity, information describing the next portion of the game play
route and/or the next game play location may be presented to the
participating community member.
[0115] Proof of activity completion may be determined in a variety
of different manners. If a promotional item or other physical
object is to be purchased or otherwise acquired, an image of the
purchase receipt may be captured using the camera 148 of the
participating community member's mobile device 126. As another
example, if the participating community member is required to take
a picture of some object or of themselves in proximity to an
object, the camera 148 can be operated to capture the requisite
image. The image information may then be sent to the interaction
facilitator system 100. Object recognition techniques can be used
by the interaction facilitator system 100 to analyze the received
image information, and then to determine whether the activity has
been satisfactorily completed.
[0116] If a promotional object or other object is to be purchased,
point of sale information may be communicated to the interaction
facilitator system 100. For example, a credit card or debit card
receipt may be communicated to the interaction facilitator system
100. Alternatively, or additionally, proof of purchase information
may be provided to the interaction facilitator system 100 by a
third party, such as the vendor, a bank, or a credit card
company.
[0117] In some instances, the participating community member may
report to the interaction facilitator system 100 that they have
completed the activity. For example, the participating community
member may use their mobile device 126, such as by operating a
numeric key pad or a touch sensitive screen, to specify completion
of the requisite activity.
[0118] In some instances, the participating community member may
verbally provide the activity confirmation to the interaction
facilitator system 100. For example, the participating community
member may place a telephonic call into the interaction facilitator
system 100. An electronic-based answering system may receive the
call and record the participating community member's voice. Speech
recognition algorithms may then determine the words spoken by the
participating community member. A natural language algorithm may
then determine whether or not the participating community member
has provided acceptable proof of activity completion based on their
spoken words.
[0119] In situations where a trivia question is asked, the
participating community member may use their mobile device 126 to
specify the trivia question answer. The answer may be specified by
operating a numeric key pad or a touch sensitive screen of the
mobile device 126 or of another electronic device. Alternatively,
or additionally, the participating community member may verbally
articulate their answer to an electronically-based answering system
at the interaction facilitator system 100 that is communicatively
coupled to their mobile device 126.
[0120] A preferred trivia question is a type of question that is
related to the subject media content event and that requires the
participating community member to be at a particular associated
game play location. Preferably, the trivia question pertains to the
subject media content event. The trivia questions may include a
clue or the like pertaining to the subject media content event or
some other type of clue that must be solved by the participating
community member to solve the trivia question. Trivia questions
and/or the associated clues may be presented using visible image
information and/or audible information depending upon the features
of the mobile device participating community member.
[0121] For example, the trivia question may ask for a description
or identification of a physical object that is located at the
associated game play location. The object may be related to the
subject media content event. An example clue may be an image of the
object or of other objects in the vicinity of the object of
interest. Audible words and/or readable text may be presented to
the participating community member to impart the trivia question
and/or clue pertaining to the physical object that is to be found
or identified. Alternatively, or additionally, clues needed to
correctly answer a trivia question may be found only at the
associated intermediate game play location and/or end of game play
location.
[0122] In some situations, a plurality of participating community
members may cooperatively participate in a generated geo-activity
game. For example, a group of friends may have just seen a movie in
the theatre 170 (FIG. 1). If one or more of the group of friends
are eligible community members, then a group invitation may be sent
from the interaction facilitator system 100 to the mobile devices
126. Upon acceptance of the group invitation, a unique geo-activity
game is generated. Here, selection of the game locations may be
based on preferences that are in common with the group of community
members.
[0123] The group of community members may traverse the game play
route together and cooperatively perform the associated activities.
Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the individuals of
the group of community members may be directed to one or more of
the game play locations to perform a specific activity associated
with that particular game play location, while other individuals of
the group of community members are directed to another different
game play location.
[0124] In some embodiments, an invitation that is sent to the
qualified community member provides a choice to play the
geo-activity game by themselves (a single player version) or to
play the geo-activity game with others. If the participating
community member elects to play with others, then the participating
community member may, in some situations, identify other community
members that they would like to invite to play the geo-activity
game. Invitations are then sent from the mobile device 126 of the
participating community member and/or from the interaction
facilitator system 100.
[0125] Alternatively, or additionally, if the invited participating
community member wishes to play with other community members, some
embodiments may automatically select one or more other community
members (who have also recently consumed the subject media content
event) that are then invited to play the geo-activity game with the
participating community member. That is, the invited community
member has responded to the invitation and has selected the option
to participate in a group-based geo-activity game wherein a
plurality of participating community members are playing the
group-based geo-activity game together.
[0126] Here, current location of the other community members are
compared with the current location of the participating community
member. The distance between one or more of these other community
members and the participating community member are determined. If
the determined distance is less than or equal to a predefined
threshold, then that other community member is invited to
participate in the geo-activity game. That is, other community
members who have also seen the subject media content event and that
are in relatively close proximity to the invited participating
community member are identified and then are invited to play a
group-based geo-activity game. This embodiment provides the
unexpected advantage of introducing community members to each
other, and therefore enhances the personal investment of the
community members in their involvement in the social community. In
some embodiments, sex of the participating community members may be
considered when defining a group of community members (similar to
known personal dating applications).
[0127] In some situations, the initial game play location is at or
is in close proximity to the participating community member who
requested a group-play version of the geo-activity game. In other
situations, an initial game play location is identified by the
interaction facilitator system 100 that is in close proximity to
all of the community members who have accepted the invitation to
participate in the group-based geo-activity game. This location is
provided to all of the participating community members, and play of
the group-based geo-activity game may then commence when all
participating community members are at the designated location.
[0128] When a group-based geo-activity game is being played by a
plurality of participating community members, the activities that
are selected for particular game play locations me be selected on a
variety of factors. Preferably, but not necessarily, the game play
activates pertain to the subject media content event. Some selected
activities may be such that all of, or most of, the plurality of
participating community members are able to participate in.
Alternatively, a game play activity at a particular game play
location may be defined for a particular one of the plurality of
participating community members. Such a selected activity may be
based on personal preferences and/or personal knowledge of the
particular participating community member.
[0129] Alternatively, or additionally, a plurality of different
game play activities may be defined for a particular game play
location. Here, each of the activities are tailored to a particular
one (or multiple ones) of the plurality of participating community
members. For example, a first game play clue may require males of
the plurality of participating community members to location and/or
identify information on a movie poster in the men's restroom at the
game play location, while a second game play clue may require
females of the plurality of participating community members to
location and/or identify information on another movie poster in the
women's restroom at the game play location. Once the multiple game
play activities have been completed at the current game play
location, then game play may progress to the next game play
location.
[0130] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the interaction facilitator system 100 are merely possible
examples of implementations of the invention. Many variations and
modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the
following claims.
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