System and method for interactive, multimedia entertainment, education or other experience, and revenue generation therefrom

• US 20070260695A1
• Filed: 04/17/2007
• Published: 11/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: James Fenton
• Original Assignee: James Fenton
• Inventors: Fenton, James
• Application Number:
  US11/787,838
• Publication Number:
  US 20070260695A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/207
• 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 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/47 involving branching, e.g. choosing one of several possible scenarios at a given point in time
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/87 Communicating with other players during game play, e.g. by e-mail or chat
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/537 for exchanging game data using a messaging service, e.g. e-mail, SMS, MMS
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/632 by branching, e.g. choosing one of several possible story developments at a given point in time
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/638 according to the timing of operation or a time limit
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/00 User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/10 Multimedia information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols

Abstract

A system and method provide a story line with which a participant may interact using various forms of media. Mechanisms to generate revenue in connection with the participating with the story line are also provided.

Claims

1. A system wherein a participant interacts with an evolving story line, comprising:

a system manager including memory and a processing unit, the system manager being connected to at least one form of media and at least one participant;

a message sent by the system manager to the participant that conveys information of the story line;

a response sent by the participant to the system manager that responds to the message; and

a subsequent message sent by the system manager that furthers the story line based on the participant'"'"'s response.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the message is an e-mail.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the message includes a hyperlink that reflects a possible response by the participant.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the participant is directed to the web page by clicking on the hyperlink.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system manager includes a timer, wherein a signal is transmitted from the participant to the system manager upon the participant'"'"'s review of the message and wherein the timer provides the participant with a certain amount of time to respond.