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Interactive game system

  • US 6,227,974 B1
  • Filed: 05/06/1999
  • Issued: 05/08/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/27/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. For use with a system in which an interactive game is transmitted via a communication network to a multiplicity of viewer units, and in which each viewer unit includes an interface device and a television, and the interface device is coupled to the communication network, a gaming method for playing the interactive game at a player unit which is in two-way communication with a virtual reality kit activated by a player and including at least a two-way link with the player unit, and for viewing the game played by the player at the multiplicity of viewer units, the method comprising:

  • encoding, at a headend, a first version of the interactive game as a non-pay program by employing a first gaming program code and transmitting the first version of the interactive game to the multiplicity of viewer units;

    encoding, at the headend, a second version of the interactive game by employing a second gaming program code and transmitting the second version of the interactive game to the player unit as a pay program which is received over a separate data stream;

    transmitting, from the player unit, a payment authorization signal to the headend;

    enabling the player to interactively play the interactive game, via the virtual reality kit, by performing actions in a virtual reality environment defined by the second version of the interactive game in response to said step of transmitting a payment authorization signal to the headend;

    detecting the actions of the player and obtaining a stream of detection signals therefrom;

    transmitting the detection signals to the headend via the communication network;

    processing, at the headend, the detection signals to implement the actions of the player in an avatar which simulates the player; and

    electronically inserting the avatar in the first version of the interactive game which is transmitted to the multiplicity of viewer units.

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