System, method and handheld controller for multi-player gaming
First Claim
1. A handheld game controller for a multi-player game facilitated by a game server running a game software for the multi-player game, the game server in communication with a display system and a plurality of game controllers in proximity to the display system including the handheld game controller, the game server providing display signals for displaying a primary game display of the multi-player game on primary display means of the display system, the handheld game controller comprising:
- a controller display means;
an input means comprising a touch-sensitive layer overlaid on the controller display means to form a touch-screen;
a communication interface configured to communicate with the game server to enable participation in the multi-player game by a user of the handheld game controller;
a processor configured to operate a game software module corresponding to the multi-player game, the game software module being operable by the processor to provide a secondary game display on the secondary display means, the secondary game display including a first area corresponding to a first function, and to enable a first portion of the touch-sensitive layer overlying the first area to become active to enable participation in the multi-player game by the user; and
a memory configured to store computer program instructions comprising the game software module,wherein the secondary game display enabled by the game software module is complementary to the primary game display; and
wherein the handheld game controller is configured to download the computer program instructions comprising the game software module in response to player input received via the input means requesting the game software module without requiring the multi-player came to be preselected by the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication mans for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers. The plurality of game controllers are located in proximity to the large display screen such that it is visible to game players manipulating the game controllers while playing the multi-player game.
119 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A handheld game controller for a multi-player game facilitated by a game server running a game software for the multi-player game, the game server in communication with a display system and a plurality of game controllers in proximity to the display system including the handheld game controller, the game server providing display signals for displaying a primary game display of the multi-player game on primary display means of the display system, the handheld game controller comprising:
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a controller display means; an input means comprising a touch-sensitive layer overlaid on the controller display means to form a touch-screen; a communication interface configured to communicate with the game server to enable participation in the multi-player game by a user of the handheld game controller; a processor configured to operate a game software module corresponding to the multi-player game, the game software module being operable by the processor to provide a secondary game display on the secondary display means, the secondary game display including a first area corresponding to a first function, and to enable a first portion of the touch-sensitive layer overlying the first area to become active to enable participation in the multi-player game by the user; and a memory configured to store computer program instructions comprising the game software module, wherein the secondary game display enabled by the game software module is complementary to the primary game display; and wherein the handheld game controller is configured to download the computer program instructions comprising the game software module in response to player input received via the input means requesting the game software module without requiring the multi-player came to be preselected by the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19)
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18. A handheld game controller for a multi-player game facilitated by a game server running a game software for the multi-player game, the game server in communication with a display system and a plurality of game controllers in proximity to the display system including the handheld game controller, the game server providing display signals for displaying a primary game display of the multi-player game on primary display means of the display system, the handheld game controller comprising:
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a controller display means; an input means comprising a touch-sensitive layer overlaid on the controller display means to form a touch-screen; a communication interface configured to communicate with the game server to enable participation in the multi-player game by a user of the handheld game controller; and a processor configured to operate a game software module corresponding to the multi-player game, the game software module being operable by the processor to provide a secondary game display on the secondary display means, the secondary game display including a first area corresponding to a first function, and to enable a first portion of the touch-sensitive layer overlying the first area to become active to enable participation in the multi-player game by the user, wherein the secondary game display enabled by the game software module is complementary to the primary game display; wherein the processor is configured by the game software module to receive a packet from the game server and to generate a sensory output on the handheld game controller synchronized with a visual display shown on the primary game display using the received packet.
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Specification