Apparatus, system, and method for effectuating modifications to a virtual space responsive to token detection

• US 9,517,404 B2
• Filed: 12/26/2012
• Issued: 12/13/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/26/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Disney Enterprises Incorporated (The Walt Disney Company)
• Original Assignee: Disney Enterprises Incorporated (The Walt Disney Company)
• Inventors: Vignocchi, John G., Kim, Jieun, Yazdian, Afsoun, Mkrtchyan, Armen, Nelson, Robert, Thurman, Tracy, Bunker, Jeffrey, Blackburn, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Laneau, Ronald
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILLIAMS, ROSS A
• Application Number:
  US13/727,413
• Publication Number:
  US 20140179443A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,448 Days
• Field of Search: 463 1- 6, 463 30- 33, 463 40- 42
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/40 Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/69 by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/79 involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/87 Communicating with other players during game play, e.g. by e-mail or chat
• 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 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5546 using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5553 user representation in the game field, e.g. avatar
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/572 Communication between players during game play of non game information, e.g. e-mail, chat, file transfer, streaming of audio and streaming of video
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8082 Virtual reality

Abstract

Exemplary implementations may facilitate modifications to characters and/or virtual items within a virtual space, or to the virtual space itself, made responsive to detection of a token. In some implementations, a physical accessory may depict a character in the virtual space. By way of non-limiting example, the physical accessory may include a toy figurine resembling the character. A detectable token (i.e., a physical object) may be removably attached to the physical accessory. According to some implementations, responsive to the physical accessory being detected along with the removably attached token, a modification within the virtual space may be made to the character and/or a virtual item associated with the character. In some implementations, detection of the token alone may effectuate such a modification.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to be detected by a token reader to effectuate a modification to a virtual space, the apparatus comprising:

a token configured to be detected using a token reader, the token being detectable based on a first signal conveying information associated with the token, the token being a standalone physical object, detection of the token effectuating a modification to one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify a condition of the virtual space, the virtual space being provided by a virtual space platform in communication with the token reader, wherein virtual space content associated with the modification to the one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify the condition of the virtual space is stored at a location other than the token, and wherein the one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify the condition of the virtual space include one or both of laws of nature of the virtual space, or weather depicted in the virtual space.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the token is configured to be removably attached to a first physical accessory, the first physical accessory being configured to depict one or both of a first character or a first virtual item, and wherein the token must be attached to the first physical accessory for the modification to the one or more aspects of the virtual space to be effectuated.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the token is configured to be removably attached to a surface of the token reader.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the token has a first overall shape, the first overall shape being different from the overall shapes of other tokens configured to be detected to effectuate modifications within the virtual space that are different from the modification to the one or more aspects of the virtual space.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein detection of the token in combination with detection of one or more other tokens effectuates one or both of (1) a modification to one or more aspects of the virtual space or (2) a modification to one or both of a character or a virtual item within the virtual space.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the laws of nature of the virtual space include a simulation of gravity within the virtual space.

7. A system configured to detect a token to effectuate a modification to a virtual space, the system comprising:

one or more physical processors configured by machine-readable instructions to;

implement the virtual space to determine views of the virtual space;

detect tokens based on signals received from a token reader, a given token being a standalone physical object, the tokens including a first token, the first token being detectable based on a first signal conveying information associated with the first token; and

effectuate a modification to one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify a condition of the virtual space responsive to detection of the first token;

wherein virtual space content associated with the modification to the one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify the condition of the virtual space is stored at a location other than the first token; and

wherein the one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify the condition of the virtual space include one or both of laws of nature of the virtual space, or weather depicted in the virtual space.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first token is configured to be removably attached to a first physical accessory, and wherein the first token must be attached to the first physical accessory for the modification to the one or more aspects of the virtual space to be effectuated.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein detection of the first token in combination with detection of one or more other tokens effectuates one or both of (1) a modification to one or more aspects of the virtual space or (2) a modification to one or both of a character or a virtual item within the virtual space.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the laws of nature of the virtual space include a simulation of gravity within the virtual space.

11. A computer-implemented method to effectuate a modification to a virtual space responsive to token detection, the method being performed by one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules, the method comprising:

implementing the virtual space to determine views of the virtual space;

detecting tokens based on signals received from a token reader, a given token being a standalone physical object, the tokens including a first token, the first token being detectable based on a first signal conveying information associated with the first token; and

effectuating a modification to one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify a condition of the virtual space responsive to detection of the first token;

wherein virtual space content associated with the modification to the one or more aspects of the virtual space is stored at a location other than the first token; and

wherein the one or more attributes of the virtual space that identify the condition of the virtual space include one or both of laws of nature of the virtual space, or weather depicted in the virtual space.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first token is configured to be removably attached to a first physical accessory, and wherein the first token must be attached to the first physical accessory for the modification to the one or more aspects to the virtual space to be effectuated.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

detecting one or more other tokens; and

responsive to detection of the first token in combination with detection of the one or more other tokens, effectuating one or both of (1) a modification to one or more aspects of the virtual space or (2) a modification to one or both of a character or a virtual item.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the laws of nature of the virtual space include a simulation of gravity within the virtual space.