Multi-player game employing dynamic re-sequencing

• US 7,244,181 B2
• Filed: 01/22/2004
• Issued: 07/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Advanced Programs Inc.
• Original Assignee: Netamin Communication Corp.
• Inventors: Law, Gabriel, Wang, Andy
• Primary Examiner(s): JONES, SCOTT E
• Application Number:
  US10/762,935
• Publication Number:
  US 20040152519A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,272 Days
• Field of Search: 463 1- 8, 463 40- 42, 700 90- 93
• US Class Current: 463/42
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/358 Adapting the game course according to the network or server load, e.g. for reducing latency due to different connection speeds between clients
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/50 characterized by details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/534 for network load management, e.g. bandwidth optimization, latency reduction
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5593 involving scheduling aspects
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3276 wherein the players compete, e.g. tournament
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/131 Protocols for games, networked simulations or virtual reality

Abstract

A solution for network latency inherent in a multiplayer online game involving more than two players. The solution is a dynamic re-sequencing and synchronization mechanism that enables seamless and simultaneous participation by remote users, such that an event can have an immediate and consequential effect on a related event without the unwanted effects resulting from network latency.

Claims

1. A method of compensating for network latency in an online multiplayer game requiting more than two participants, wherein the client structure of said game utilizes at least one server, comprising the steps of:

qualifying all participants in the game as members of either an active group or an awaiting group;

qualifying a member of said active group as an initiator;

qualifying at least one member of said active group as an intended receiver;

qualifying at least one member of said active group as an interceptor;

conveying an occurrence of an action, which is initiated by said initiator and directed to said intended receiver, first to said interceptor, wherein said interceptor becomes aware of said action first and has the initial opportunity to react to said action, and wherein a reaction by said interceptor results in an outcome signal; and

conveying said outcome signal to each of said initiator, intended receiver and interceptor at a specific time for each, wherein each of said initiator, intended receiver and interceptor will witness the reaction concurrently.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said outcome signal comprises instructions regarding the time to display said reaction.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said intended receiver has the initial opportunity to react to said reaction.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of qualifying an initiator comprises the step of determining which participant is in possession of a game object.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of qualifying at least one member as an intended receiver comprises the step of determining to which participant said initiator is attempting to convey a game object.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein said step of qualifying at least one member as an interceptor comprises taking into account one or more of:

established rules of said game, particular participant parameters defined by said game, and in-game situations.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein members of said awaiting group are qualified as members of said active group according to a pre-determined, game-specific formula.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said game comprises at least two teams, and wherein said initiator and said intended receiver are on the same team.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the conveying of an occurrence of an action comprises conveying a display of an occurrence of an action.