SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GAMING DONGLES

• US 20110124418A1
• Filed: 02/04/2011
• Published: 05/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Walker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Original Assignee: Walker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Inventors: FINCHAM, CARSON C. K., HAYASHIDA, JEFFREY Y., WALKER, JAY S., SAMMON, RUSSELL P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,591,343 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/44
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/216 using geographical information, e.g. location of the game device or player using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/201 Playing authorisation given at platform level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/205 for detecting the geographical location of the game platform
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/208 for storing personal settings or data of the player

Abstract

Some embodiments are associated with gaming dongles. Some gaming dongles may store value that is utilized to play a video game and/or to participate in a video game tournament. Some gaming dongles may determine and/or store gaming signatures, biometric information, and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) information. Some gaming dongles may be removably coupled. Some gaming dongles may have two or more portions that may be substantially irreversibly separated, such as by snapping-off one portion from the other.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a first connector oriented to removably couple to one or more of (i) a gaming device, and (ii) a gaming input device;

a first memory in communication with the first connector, the first memory storing at least a portion of a game program;

a secure perimeter, comprising;

a second memory in communication with the first connector, the second memory storing an indication of an amount of value, wherein some portion of the amount of value is consumed by an execution of the game program;

a second connector in communication with the second memory, wherein the second connector is oriented to interface with a device operable to replenish the amount of value; and

a GPS device in communication with one or more of;

(i) the first connector;

(ii) the second connector;

(iii) the first memory; and

(iv) the second memory.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are the same.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connector comprises a magnetic stripe reader.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connector comprises a wireless communication device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first connector and the second connector comprise a USB connector.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein both of the first connector and the second connector comprise a USB connector.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first memory and the second memory further stores instructions, that when executed by a processor are operable to:

determine, for a game based on an execution of the game program, a gaming signature of a player of the game.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein a determination of the player'"'"'s gaming signature is based on input received via an input device operated by the player.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

the gaming device, wherein the gaming device is in communication with one or more of the first memory and the second memory via the first connector; and

the input device, wherein the input device is in communication with the gaming device.

10. The system of claim 7, further comprising:

the processor.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is disposed within the secure perimeter.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the GPS device is disposed within the secure perimeter.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the GPS device is operable to prevent the game program from being executed based on positioning information sensed by the GPS device.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the second memory further stores an indication of a result of a game based on an execution of the game program.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the second memory further stores an indication of a software version of the game program.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a biometric device in communication with one or more of;

(i) the first connector;

(ii) the second connector;

(iii) the first memory; and

(iv) the second memory.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the biometric device is operable to prevent the game program from being executed based on biometric information sensed by the biometric device.

18. A system, comprising:

a first dongle portion, comprising;

a first connector oriented to removably couple to a gaming device; and

a first memory in communication with the first connector, the first memory storing a game program;

a second dongle portion, comprising;

a second connector oriented to removably couple to the first dongle portion; and

a secure perimeter, comprising;

a second memory in communication with the second connector, the second memory storing an indication of an amount of value, wherein some portion of the amount of value is consumed by an execution of the game program; and

a GPS device in communication with one or more of;

(i) the first connector;

(ii) the second connector;

(iii) the first memory; and

(iv) the second memory.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the GPS device is disposed within the secure perimeter.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the GPS device is operable to prevent the game program from being executed based on positioning information sensed by the GPS device.