Systems and methods for delivering content over a network

• US 20060136964A1
• Filed: 11/29/2005
• Published: 06/22/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Gametap LLC (Metaboli SA)
• Original Assignee: Turner Broadcasting System Incorporated (Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.)
• Inventors: Herigstad, Dale Alan, Diez, Eric, Hughes, Diana Swift, Hosmann, Kevin John, Lewin, Blake P.
• Application Number:
  US11/289,782
• Publication Number:
  US 20060136964A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/34 using peer-to-peer connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/493 Resuming a game, e.g. after pausing, malfunction or power failure
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/71 using secure communication between game devices and game servers, e.g. by encrypting game data or authenticating players
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/77 involving data related to game devices or game servers, e.g. configuration data, software version or amount of memory
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/79 involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/401 Secure communication, e.g. using encryption or authentication
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/50 characterized by details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/552 for downloading to client devices, e.g. using OS version, hardware or software profile of the client device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5546 using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5586 for enforcing rights or rules, e.g. to prevent foul play
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/575 for trading virtual items
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/6018 where the game content is authored by the player, e.g. level editor or by game device at runtime, e.g. level is created from music data on CD
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/636 involving process of starting or resuming a game

Abstract

A content delivery system that uses a graphical user interface to introduce users to and allow them to select from available content. A game delivery system that uses game players, such as emulators, to execute software written to run on a plurality of game platforms. The systems include a scalable, dynamic interface that launches and manages game players in a manner that is largely transparent to the user, and a combination of linear and on-demand content provides users with a managed gaming experience not unlike that of interactive television. In addition, the system includes a graphical user interface for allowing a primary user of an account to set user-specific controls for one or more users listed on the account.

Claims

1. A content distribution system for presenting content to a user, said system comprising:

a client application configured for displaying a browsable catalog of content in a three-dimensional graphical user interface, the three-dimensional interface comprising one or more three-dimensional objects, wherein each of the three-dimensional objects is associated with a particular content criteria,

said client application further configured for receiving a selection of one of the objects, and in response to receiving the selection, displaying available content that meets the content criteria associated with the selected three-dimensional object.

2. A content distribution system according to claim 1 wherein the one or more three-dimensional objects includes a ring.

3. A content distribution system according to claim 2, wherein said client application is further configured for displaying an intermediate three-dimensional ring in response to receiving the selected three-dimensional ring, the intermediate three-dimensional ring including a list of content sub-criteria associated with the content criteria that is associated with the selected three-dimensional ring.

4. A content distribution system according to claim 3 further comprising:

a memory for storing games that can be distributed to a user, each game being associated with at least one content criteria and at least one content sub-criteria,

wherein, in response to selection of a content sub-criteria by the user, said client application is configured for displaying panels associated with each game that is associated with the selected content sub-criteria, the panels being displayed side by side across the graphical user interface.

5. A content distribution system according to claim 4 wherein said client application allows a user to navigate within the graphical user interface and select one of the panels, and in response to selection of a panel, said client application positions the selected panel in a center of the graphical user interface.

6. A content distribution system according to claim 2, wherein said client application displays two or more of the three-dimensional rings in a tiered format, such that the three-dimensional rings are stacked one above the other in the graphical user interface.

7. A content distribution system according to claim 6, wherein said client application allows a user to navigate within the graphical user interface, wherein said client application allows the user to selectively position one of the three-dimensional rings in a center of the graphical user interface.

8. A content distribution system according to claim 2 wherein a shape of the rings is selected from the group consisting of circular and angled segments.

9. A content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein said client application allows a user to navigate within the graphic user interface, wherein said client application allows a user to alter the perspective from which the content is viewed by the user.