Computerized method and system for generating a gaming experience in a networked environment

• US 20060194632A1
• Filed: 02/25/2005
• Published: 08/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Cluts, Jonathan C., Heath, Pamela J., Hendrickson, Gregory L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,460,108 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/42
• 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 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• 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 2300/302 specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5533 using program state or machine event data, e.g. server keeps track of the state of multiple players on in a multiple player game
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4131 home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices home automation data switching networks exchanging configuration information on appliance services H04L12/2807

Abstract

Methods and systems for generating a gaming experience, e.g., an immersive gaming experience, in a networked environment are provided. Gaming experiences generated according to the methods provided herein transform a localized, networked environment into a “virtual game space”, thereby encouraging group and/or team play. Comprehensive assessments about nearby and/or common household devices, systems (e.g., lighting or sound systems), and/or other networked objects (e.g., clothing, furniture, fabric, etc.) are made and dynamically and intelligently woven into the fabric of the game itself. In this way, any networked device within the environment may be called upon to act as a game controller or input/output device, allowing game challenges to be expanded across a room, a home, and even a neighborhood. Methods for scaling a gaming experience uniquely to each environment, depending on the availability and capabilities of networked devices, are also provided.

Claims

1. A computerized method for generating a gaming experience in a networked environment, the method comprising:

identifying any networked devices in the networked environment;

determining the availability of any identified networked devices for incorporation into the gaming experience; and

incorporating at least one available networked device into the gaming experience.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining an effect the at least one available networked device is to have on the gaming experience upon incorporation; and

implementing the determined effect.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein if a plurality of networked devices are determined to be available for incorporation into the gaming experience, the method further comprises:

determining if any of the plurality of networked devices are related devices; and

if it is determined that any of the plurality of networked devices are related devices, incorporating one or more of the related devices into the gaming experience according to at least one filter.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the networked devices comprise one of a lighting system, a lighting device, an audio system, an audio device, a personal computing device, a tablet computing device, a personal digital assistant, a wired telephone, a cellular telephone, an appliance, a furniture item, a clothing item, a garment, fabric, a remote control unit, a pointing device, a game controller, a camera, a television display unit, and a projection display unit.

5. A computerized method for building a gaming experience for a networked environment, the method comprising:

receiving a first data entry identifying a first networked device for incorporation into the gaming experience;

receiving a second data entry identifying an effect the first networked device is to have on the gaming environment if present in the networked experience; and

publishing the first and second data entries to a gaming community.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

receiving a third data entry identifying a second networked device for incorporation into the gaming experience; and

receiving a fourth data entry identifying an effect the second networked device is to have on the gaming experience if present in the networked environment.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising determining whether the first and second networked devices are related devices.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein if the first and second networked devices are determined not to be related devices, the method further comprises publishing the first and second data entries to the gaming community.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein if the first and second networked devices are determined to be related devices, the method further comprises:

receiving a data entry identifying at least one filter to be applied to the second data entry and the fourth data entry; and

publishing the at least one filter to the gaming community.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the first networked device comprises one of a lighting system, a lighting device, an audio system, an audio device, a personal computing device, a tablet computing device, a personal digital assistant, a wired telephone, a cellular telephone, an appliance, a furniture item, a clothing item, a garment, fabric, a remote control unit, a pointing device, a game controller, a camera, a television display unit, and a projection display unit.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the second networked device comprises one of a lighting system, a lighting device, an audio system, an audio device, a personal computing device, a tablet computing device, a personal digital assistant, a wired telephone, a cellular telephone, an appliance, a furniture item, a clothing item, a garment, fabric, a remote control unit, a pointing device, a game controller, a camera, a television display unit, and a projection display unit.

12. A tool for building a gaming experience for a networked environment, the tool comprising:

one or more game templates; and

at least one customization option, selection of which permits incorporation of an available networked device into the gaming experience.

13. The tool of claim 12, wherein the at least one customization option permits identification of an effect the available networked device is to have on the gaming experience upon incorporation.

14. The tool of claim 12, wherein the at least one customization option permits identification of a plurality of networked devices for incorporation into the gaming experience.

16. The tool of claim 12, wherein the at least one customization option permits identification of a first networked device and second networked device, and wherein the first and second networked devices are related devices.

17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the customization option permits the identification of at least one filter to be applied to the first and second networked devices.

18. The tool of claim 16, wherein the first and second networked devices each comprise one of a lighting system, a lighting device, an audio system, an audio device, a personal computing device, a tablet computing device, a personal digital assistant, a wired telephone, a cellular telephone, an appliance, a furniture item, a clothing item, a garment, fabric, a remote control unit, a pointing device, a game controller, a camera, a television display unit, and a projection display unit.

15. The tool of clam 12, wherein the available networked device comprises one of a lighting system, a lighting device, an audio system, an audio device, a personal computing device, a tablet computing device, a personal digital assistant, a wired telephone, a cellular telephone, an appliance, a furniture item, a clothing item, a garment, fabric, a remote control unit, a pointing device, a game controller, a camera, a television display unit, and a projection display unit.