KR20100033549A - System, game server, terminal, and computer program product for link point scaling in a multiplayer location-aware game - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for scaling a link point in a multiplayer location-aware game comprises a plurality of clients capable of executing a client-side game application and a network entity capable of communicating with the plurality of clients. The plurality of clients are capable of communicating across at least one network to play a multiplayer location-aware game. The network entity is capable of determining a number of clients participating in the multiplayer location-aware game. The network entity is capable of determining a location of each of the clients participating in the multiplayer location-aware game. The network entity is capable of determining a size of at least one link point based on the number of clients and based on the location of each client.

Description

System, game server, terminal, and computer program product for link point scaling in a multiplayer location-aware game}

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for operating multiplayer electronic games, and more particularly to systems, network entities, terminals, and computer program products that provide link point scaling in multiplayer location-aware games.

Multiplayer electronic games are popular entertainment, and their popularity continues to grow as more and more devices, especially mobile devices, are made to support this type of game. Multiplayer games initially only required the use of personal computers connected via a wired interface to a network such as the Internet. As wireless networks and wireless Internet access become more prevalent, multiplayer games have taken full advantage of these wireless capabilities. Cell phones and other mobile electronic devices connected via wireless networks are beginning to offer games. In addition, dedicated wireless mobile gaming devices were born. These wireless mobile game devices allow users to participate in multiplayer games away from personal computers and wired network connections. For the purpose of this application, the term "game device" will be used to refer to all devices capable of playing over a network, whether the device is a personal computer, a cell phone, a game console, a mobile game device or any other. It doesn't matter whether it's a type of device, whether it's the Internet, a cellular telephone network, or any other type of network, whether network communication is wired or wireless.

A feature of many mobile electronic communication devices is presence enabling, which allows users of the devices to determine whether other users are online and able to communicate. The attendance function can be utilized to some extent in multiplayer game systems. The attendance function provides status information of one player to other players in the game system. This state information allows other players to know whether a particular player can play the game at that particular point in time. This state information may change depending on the type of game device. For example, for a personal computer with a wired internet connection, the status information may include whether the player is online or whether the player is currently participating in a particular game. In the case of a cellular phone or other mobile device, the status information may include the geographic location of the user and the latency of the network to which the mobile device is connected.

Similar to attendance status, many mobile electronic devices feature location awareness. Location recognition allows mobile electronic devices or a server with which the mobile electronic device communicates to determine a physical approximate location of the mobile electronic device. Various techniques are known for determining the physical approximate location of a mobile electronic device. One known technique is to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) for mobile electronic devices. The GPS receiver determines the physical approximate location by triangulating signals received from at least three other GPS satellites. Using another known technique called cell ID, the mobile electronic device determines the identification number of the cellular tower with which it communicates. By comparing this tower identification number with a database of cellular towers, it is possible to obtain the position of the cellular tower and thus the approximate position of the mobile electronic device. Different techniques allow for physical location determination with different accuracy. Cell ID typically enables position determination to an accuracy of approximately 200 to 300 meters. GPS usually enables position determination to an accuracy of approximately 10 to 20 meters.

Location awareness in mobile electronic devices has enabled the development of location aware multiplayer games. Location-aware multiplayer game applications typically run on a game server having the ability to determine the physical location of the mobile communication devices being used to play the game. The physical locations of each device and thus each player's physical locations are used by the game application to enable location awareness functions that enhance the gaming experience. For example, a player may create an electronic note associated with a particular geographic area so that the note can be read by other players entering the same geographic area. In addition, game applications allow players who interact and are physically close to each other to meet personally to exchange game-related items.

Location-aware multiplayer games can be played by a large number of players physically located on a large geographic area. For example, some popular multiplayer games can be played by hundreds or even thousands of players across the United States. Since it is difficult or impossible for a player to interact with so many players or even just monitor them, developers of location-aware multiplayer games usually have the purpose of limiting certain activities into one or more small subsets, We will define a small subset of the whole game area. These small subsets are called link points. Game developers will usually predefine the location, size, shape, and number of link points in the game area. For example, if the entire game area is the United States, then the game developer can define thousands of link points across the United States. In general, every part of the game area is defined to exist in one and only one link point, so that no link point overlaps any other link point.

Game developers usually predefine the shape of each link point as a rectangle, but other shapes, such as hexagons, can also be used. The typical size of a link point is 200 square meters, but game developers may choose any size for each link point. The game developer may select different sized link points in different regions based on the number of game players expected in a particular region. For example, a game developer can select relatively small link points for urban areas, wider link points for outlying areas, and widest link points for rural areas. As such, a game developer may attempt to maintain a fairly consistent number of players per link point.

One reason that a game developer attempts to maintain a consistent number of players per link point is that certain game features fall within the same link point, within adjacent link points, or less than a certain distance or less than a certain number of link points. It can only be utilized by players in link points. For example, a game application may allow only one player to see the location and / or activity of other players that are less than five link points away from that player. By limiting the number of link points at which one player can see the location and / or activity of other players, it limits the number of other players that must be monitored to prevent the game from becoming too complicated or difficult. In addition, a game application may allow only one player to participate in certain interactions with players who are within the same link point. For example, if two players are in the same link point, only one player may be allowed to exchange private electronic communications with the other player. This restriction encourages players to move from one link point to another, allowing for physical interaction between players.

Since the size of the link points is chosen by the game developer, problems may arise when the game developer incorrectly defines or improperly defines the size of the link fonts. Since the size of the link points is usually based on the expected number of players in a particular region, there is a possibility that the game developer may incorrectly predict the number of players. If the number of players is less than expected, the link points may be considered too large and may not be able to interact with enough other players to think the game is interesting and fun. If the number of players is more than expected, the link points may be considered too small and players may find it difficult to monitor or interact with many other players within the same or adjacent link points.

Problems that can arise when a game developer incorrectly or incorrectly defines the size of link points are particularly problematic during the period immediately after the initial release of a new game. Until the first days and weeks of new games are available, usually the number of players can grow small and slowly. It is important to increase the number of players during this period so that players can enjoy the game and recommend it to other potential players. If the size of the link points is determined based on the expected number of long term players, the link points may be too narrow during this initial period. Thus, the interactions between the players may be limited as described above, so that early players may not enjoy the game and may not recommend this game to other potential players.

Thus, by allowing early players of a new multiplayer location-aware game to interact with a sufficient number of other players, a game experience can be enjoyed, allowing early players to recommend the game to other potential players. Systems, network entities, terminals, and computer program products are required.

Thus, a system, network entity, terminal, and computer program product are provided that scale (resize) link points of a multiplayer location-aware game based on certain criteria, such as the number and location of players.

In this regard, a system for scaling link points in a multiplayer location aware game includes a plurality of clients capable of executing a client side game application, and a network entity capable of communicating with the plurality of clients. The plurality of clients can communicate over at least one network to play a multiplayer location aware game. The network entity may determine the number of clients participating in the multiplayer location aware game. The network entity may determine the location of each of the clients participating in the multiplayer location aware game. The network entity may determine the size of at least one link point based on the number of clients and the location of each client.

The network entity may size at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum number of clients per link point. Alternatively, the network entity may size at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum number of link points between any two clients. The network entity may determine the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum distance between any two clients. The network entity may determine the size of the at least one link point based on the predetermined minimum link point size and the predetermined maximum link point size, wherein the predetermined minimum link point size and the predetermined maximum link point size are determined by the geographical location of at least one link point. Can vary depending on location

In addition to a link point scaling system in a multiplayer location aware game as described above, other aspects of the present invention relate to corresponding network entities, terminals, and computer program products for scaling link points.

A system, network entity, terminal, and computer program product are provided that scale (resize) link points of a multiplayer location-aware game based on certain criteria such as the number and location of players.

Referring now to the present invention in general terms, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to the same scale.
1 is a schematic block diagram of one type of system that may benefit from embodiments of the present invention;
2 is a schematic block diagram of an entity capable of operating as a mobile station, network entity, game server, proxy server, personal computer (PC) system, and / or game console, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating more specifically a mobile station according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary configuration of various entities of the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a flowchart of an operation of scaling link points in a multiplayer position-aware game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a diagram of a game area with a plurality of link points that may benefit from embodiments of the present invention;
7 is a drawing of a game area comprising a plurality of scaled link points in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
8 is a diagram of a game area that includes a plurality of scaled link points in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; Rather, these embodiments are given so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

1, a diagram is provided of one type of system that can benefit from the present invention. The system may include one or more mobile stations 10, each of which has an antenna 12 for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from one or more base stations (BS's) 14. Include. The base station is part of one or more cellular or mobile networks, each of which includes the components necessary to operate the network, such as one or more mobile switching centers (MSCs) 16. As is well known to those skilled in the art, a mobile network may also be called Base Station / MSC / Interworking (BMI) function. In operation, the MSC may route calls, data and the like to / from the mobile stations when these mobile stations originate and receive calls, data and the like. The MSC can also support connections to landline trunks when mobile stations are involved in any call.

The MSC 16 may be connected with a data network, such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and / or a wide area network (WAN). The MSC can be directly connected to the data network. However, in one typical embodiment, the MSC is connected to a gateway (GTW) 18, and the GTW is connected to a WAN, such as the Internet 20. Devices such as processing elements (eg, personal computers, server computers, etc.) can then be connected to the mobile station 10 via the Internet. For example, as described below, processing elements may include one or more game servers 22, routing servers 24, personal computer (PC) systems 26, game consoles 28, and the like. As such, each may include one or more processing elements disclosed in FIG. 1 and associated with those described below. As can be appreciated, the processing elements can include any of a variety of processing devices, systems, and the like, which can operate in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

BS 14 may also be connected to a signaling General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support node (SGSN) 30. As is known to those skilled in the art, the SGSN can typically perform similar functions as the MSC 16 for packet switched services. Like the MSC, the SGSN may be connected to a data network such as the Internet 20. SGSN can be directly connected to the data network. In a more general embodiment, however, the SGSN is connected to a packet switched core network, such as GPRS core network 32. The packet switched core network is then connected to another GTW, such as a GTW GPRS support node (GGSN) 34, and the GGSN is connected to the Internet.

While not every component of every possible network is shown and described herein, it is to be understood that mobile station 10 may be connected to one or more of a variety of different networks. In this regard, the mobile network (s) may support communication in accordance with any one or more of a number of first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G and / or third generation (3G) mobile communication protocols. Can be. More specifically, one or more mobile stations will be connected to one or more networks capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, one or more network (s) may support communication in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), and the like. In addition, one or more network (s) may support communication in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols, such as a Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) network employing Wideband Universal Mobile Telephone System (WTSDMA) radio access technology. As with TACS, some narrowband AMPS (NAMPS) network (s), like mobile stations in dual or higher mode, such as digital / analog or TDMA / CDMA / analog phones, You can benefit.

One or more mobile stations 10 may be further connected to one or more wireless access points (APs) 36. APs may be configured to communicate with a mobile station in accordance with one of several different wireless networking technologies, including radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth (BT), infrared (IrDA), or WLAN technology. APs may be connected to the Internet 20. As in the MSC 14, APs can be directly connected to the Internet. In one embodiment, however, APs are indirectly connected to the Internet via GTW 18. As can be appreciated, mobile stations and user processors (eg, game servers 22, routing servers 24, personal computer (PC) systems 26, game consoles 28), directly or indirectly, And network entities) and / or other devices, whether through the APs or the mobile network (s), by connecting to the Internet, mobile stations and user processors communicate with each other to communicate data, content, and the like. It may be to perform various functions of individual objects such as transmitting and receiving. As used herein, the terms “data”, “content”, “information” and similar terms are used interchangeably to refer to data that may be transmitted, received and / or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Can be. Therefore, use of such terms should not be taken to limit the concept and scope of the present invention.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, mobile stations 10 are connected via Internet 20 to game servers 22, routing servers 24, personal computer (PC) systems 26, and / or games. In addition to connecting to the consoles 28, instead of such a connection, one or more such entities may be directly connected with each other. As such, one or more network entities may communicate with each other by any one of a variety of different wired and wireless communication technologies, including, for example, RF, BT, IrDA, or LAN and / or WLAN technologies.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block of entities capable of operating as mobile station 10, game server 22, routing server 24, personal computer (PC) system 26 and / or game console 28. Figures are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Although shown as separate entities, in some embodiments, one or more entities are logically located together in a separate or entity (s), mobile server, game server, routing server, personal computer (PC) system. And / or one or more of the game consoles. For example, one entity can support game servers and routing servers that are logically separate or co-located. Also, for example, one entity may support personal computers and game consoles that are logically separate or co-located.

As shown, entities that may act as mobile station 10, game server 22, routing server 24, personal computer (PC) system 26 and / or game console 28 are generally memory. And a processor 38 coupled to 40. The memory may include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory and typically stores content, data, and the like. For example, memory typically stores content transmitted from and / or received by an entity. Also for example, the memory typically stores client applications, instructions, etc. that cause the processor to perform steps related to the operation of the entity in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As described below, for example, the memory may store client application (s) including a configuration utility, a content manager and / or a display manager. In this regard, the configuration utility may have the ability to, upon execution, configure the content server to receive or otherwise feed content. The content manager, when executed, may function to manage the receipt of content from a source, and / or the use of content received from a source. And the display manager can function to manage the presentation of the content received from the source. As described herein, each client application (s) includes software that is run by individual entities. However, it should be understood that any one or more of the client applications disclosed herein may alternatively include firmware or hardware without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In addition to the memory 40, the processor 38 may be coupled to at least one interface or other means for displaying, transmitting and / or receiving data or content and the like. In this regard, the interface (s) may include at least one user interface that may include a display 44 and / or a user input interface 46, as well as at least one communication for transmitting and / or receiving data, content, and the like. Interface 42 or other means. The user input interface may include any of a number of devices that allow an object to receive data from a user, such as a keypad, touch display, joystick or other input device.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 3, which illustrates one type of mobile station 10, mobile telephone, which may benefit from embodiments of the present invention. However, the mobile station shown and disclosed herein is merely an example of one type of mobile station that would benefit from the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. While several embodiments of a mobile station are shown and will now be described for purposes of example, other types of mobile such as portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, mobile game consoles and other types of electronic systems Stations can also readily utilize the present invention.

As shown, in addition to the antenna 14, the mobile station 10 may include a transmitter 48, a receiver 50, and a controller 52 or processor that sends and receives signals from the transmitter and the receiver, respectively. These signals also include signaling information and user speech and / or user generated data in accordance with the airspace interface standard of the applicable cellular system. In this regard, the mobile station may operate in accordance with one or more airspace interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. More specifically, the mobile station can operate according to one of several first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G and / or third generation (3G) communication protocols, and the like. For example, the mobile station can operate in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, the mobile station may operate in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, EDGE and the like. In addition, for example, the mobile station may operate in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols, such as a UMTS network employing WCDMA radio access technology. Along with TACS, some NAMPS mobile stations may also benefit from embodiments of the present invention, such as dual or higher mode phones (eg, digital / analog or TDMA / CDMA / analog phones).

The controller 52 includes circuitry necessary to implement the audio and logic functions of the mobile station 10. For example, the controller may be comprised of a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and other supporting circuits. Control and signal processing functions of the mobile station are assigned between these devices according to their respective specifications. The controller may additionally include an internal voice coder (VC) 52a, and may include an internal data modem (DM) 52b. The controller may also include the ability to run one or more client software programs that may be stored in memory (described below) as shown above.

The mobile station 10 also includes conventional earphones or speakers 54, a ringer 56, a microphone 58, a display 60, and a user input interface, all of which include a controller ( 52). Although not shown, the mobile station may include a battery for powering the various circuits needed to operate the mobile station, as well as providing mechanical vibrations of an optionally recognizable output. The user input interface that enables the mobile station to receive data may include one of several devices, such as a keypad 52, a touch display (not shown), a joystick (not shown), or other input device. In embodiments involving a keypad, the keypad includes a general number (0-9) and related keys (#, *) and other keys used to operate the mobile station.

Mobile station 10 may also include one or more means for sharing and / or acquiring data. For example, the mobile station may include a short range radio frequency (RF) transceiver or interrogator 64 to enable data to be obtained from and / or shared with electronic devices in accordance with RF technologies. Can be. The mobile station may be connected to other short-range devices such as, for example, infrared (IR) transceivers 66 and / or Bluetooth (BT) transceivers 68 that operate using Bluetooth brand wireless technology developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. The transceivers may be included further or alternatively. Thus, the mobile station may additionally or alternatively transmit and / or receive data from electronic devices by such techniques. Although not shown, the mobile station may additionally or alternatively transmit and / or receive data from electronic devices in accordance with various different wireless networking technologies, including WLAN technology, such as IEEE 802.11x technology.

The mobile station 10 may further include a memory that typically stores information elements associated with the mobile subscriber, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) 70, a removable user identity module (R-UIM), and the like. In addition to the SIM, the mobile station may include other removable and / or fixed memory. In this regard, the mobile station may include volatile memory 72, such as volatile random memory (RAM), that includes a cache area for temporary data storage. The mobile station may also include other nonvolatile memory 74 that may be mounted or removable. Non-volatile memory may additionally or alternatively include EEPROM, flash memory, and the like. The memories may store any of a variety of software applications, instructions, and information that the mobile station uses to implement the functions of the mobile station.

As can be appreciated, the various entities of the FIG. 1 system can be configured as one of a variety of different structures to perform any of several functions. For example, the entities of the FIG. 1 system may be configured as a centralized client-server architecture, a decentralized architecture, and / or a proxy architecture. In addition, or alternatively, for example, the entities of the FIG. 1 system may be configured as a predominant structure in a Scalable Network Application Package (SNAP) (formerly Sega Network Application Package) provided by Nokia for applications such as in a gaming environment. have.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, one or more mobile stations, PC systems and / or game consoles also include one or more game servers 22 and routing servers 24. Can act as clients 76 within the game structure. In the depicted architecture, similar to the conventional client-server architecture, game servers run games and manage their status. The clients can then play the game by running client-side game applications that communicate with the game servers and iteratively changing the game state of the game operated and managed by the game servers.

Also under the structure shown, clients 76 are connected to routing servers 24, which in turn are connected to game servers 22. As such, routing servers route data packets between one or more clients 76 and game servers 22, and / or other clients to assist in the operation of each entity in its structure. As shown, routing servers may be connected directly or indirectly through one or more other routing servers between clients and groups of one or more routing servers. In this regard, one or more routing servers may also be connected to other routing servers such that routing servers may be connected between one or more groups of other clients, such as one or more clients and groups of clients connected with other routing servers. have.

Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a flowchart of an operation of scaling link points in a multiplayer location aware game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The operation shown in FIG. 5 may be utilized for scaling, i.e., resizing some or all of the link points including some or all of the game area. The game area is the entire area in which a particular multiplayer location aware game can be played. Game areas are usually selected by game developers and can be multi-country regions (such as Western Europe), single nations (such as the United States), regions or parts of a nation (such as Honshu Island in Japan), or cities (such as Los Angeles). It may include. As described above, a game area usually includes a plurality of link points, or sub-regions, selected by the game developer, and the set of link points constitutes the game area.

Scaling link points such as those shown in FIG. 5 may be performed repeatedly, periodically (eg, once a day) or, if desired, aperiodically. In the early days after new game releases, operators of new games may want to perform these scaling operations more frequently. When the game is complete and the number of players has stabilized, game operators will try to perform these actions less frequently, or even stop performing them at all.

The scaling operation of the link point may be executed by a game server executing a server side game application and operating a multiplayer location aware game. Alternatively, scaling operations of link points may be performed in one network entity separate from the game server. Such a network entity may communicate with a plurality of clients playing a multiplayer game. Such a network entity will determine the size of the link points and send the size of the link points to the game server.

Due to the above-described problems that can occur when there are too few players for the size of the link points, the game developer sets the criteria to be used by embodiments of the present invention to determine whether the size of the link points should be scaled and desired. Will determine how to scale the link points. Many different criteria are chosen to determine what to do if we want to scale link points. For example, a game developer may choose a preferred ratio of players to link points, such as 1: 1, so that the size of the link points changes if the link points exceed the number of players. In addition, the game developer can select the desired minimum number of possible interactions for each player. This may be desirable in games where players are only allowed to interact with other players in the same link point or adjacent link points. In such a game, when there are a small number of players and these players are scattered throughout the game area, some of the players may not be able to interact with any other players in the game. Embodiments of the present invention may increase the size of link points until all players are able to interact with at least one other player. Similarly, the game developer may predetermine the maximum number of link points between any two players or the maximum distance between any two players so that the size of the link points increases if the predetermined maximum is exceeded.

In addition to criteria related to the number and location of players, game developers may predetermine the minimum and maximum allowable link point sizes. The minimum link point size is usually the intended link point size when the game enters maturity and the number of players has been adjusted to a certain level. The maximum link point size may be as wide as the game area, such that the game area may consist of only one link point, but will generally be narrower than the entire game area.

Referring again to FIG. 5, as shown in block 80, the number and position of all players in the game area is determined repeatedly. The number and location of players will be interpreted to determine if the predetermined criteria described above are met (block 81). If the predetermined criterion is not satisfied, it will usually be determined whether the size of the link points can be increased until it meets the criterion. If it is determined that the link point size is already equal to the maximum predetermined size (block 100), no further action will be taken until the operation shown in FIG. 5 is rescheduled to be executed. The criterion may not be met, but it should be appreciated that no further action will usually be taken because the link point size is at a predetermined maximum.

If at block 100 it is determined that the link point size is already equal to the maximum link point size, the link point size will be increased by a predetermined increment to produce the proposed increased link point size (block 102). The predetermined increment by which the link size is increased can be defined in several different ways. For example, the size may be increased by a certain percentage or by a predetermined meter. This proposed increased link point size will not yet apply to the game, but the proposed increased link point size can be interpreted to determine whether the increased link point size will satisfy the criteria (block 104). If the proposed incremental link point size causes the criteria to be satisfied, the proposed incremental link point size will be applied to the game, causing the link points constituting the game area to be enlarged by the proposed size (block 108). No further action will be taken until the operation shown in FIG. 5 is rescheduled to execute.

If it is determined in block 104 that the proposed incremental link point size will not be made to meet the criteria, the proposed incremental link point size will be compared with a predetermined maximum link point size (block 106). In block 106, if it is determined that the proposed incremental link point size is equal to the predetermined maximum link point size, the proposed new size will be applied to the game because the link point size cannot be increased beyond the proposed new size (block 108). ). At block 106, if the proposed incremental link point size is less than the predetermined maximum link point size, a new, larger proposed incremental link point size will be generated (block 102). Blocks 102 through 106 will be repeated until certain criteria are met or the maximum link point size is reached, so that the proposed incremental link point size is applied to the game as long as it meets the criteria or is equal to the maximum link point size. . No further action will be taken until the operation shown in FIG. 5 is rescheduled to execute.

If it is determined in block 81 that the predetermined criterion is satisfied, it will typically be determined whether the size of the link points can be reduced while continuing to meet the criterion. If it is determined in block 82 that the link point size is already equal to the minimum predetermined size, no further action will be taken until the operation shown in FIG. 5 is rescheduled to execute.

If at block 82 it is determined that the link point size is already equal to the minimum link point size, the link point size will be reduced by a predetermined increment, resulting in the proposed reduced link point size (block 84). The predetermined increment by which the link size is reduced can be defined in several different ways. This proposed reduced link point size will not yet apply to the game, but the proposed reduced link point size can be interpreted to determine whether the reduced link point size will still meet the criteria (block 86). If the proposed reduced link point size no longer meets the criteria, the proposed reduced link point size will not apply to the game and the link point size will remain unchanged (block 88). No further action will be taken until the operation shown in FIG. 5 is rescheduled to execute.

If the proposed reduced link point size continues to meet the criteria, the proposed reduced link point size will be stored in memory (block 90). The proposed reduced link point size will be compared with a predetermined minimum link point size (block 92). In block 92, if it is determined that the proposed reduced link point size is equal to the predetermined minimum link point size, the stored new proposal size will be applied to the game because the link point size cannot be reduced beyond the proposed new size (block 98). In block 92, if the proposed reduced link point size is larger than the predetermined minimum link point size, a new, smaller proposed reduced link point size will be generated (block 94). This newly proposed reduced link point size will not yet apply to the game, but this newly proposed reduced link point size will be analyzed to determine whether the new reduced link point size will still meet the criteria (block 96). When the newly proposed reduced link point size no longer satisfies the criteria, this newly proposed reduced link point size will not be applied to the game, and the previously proposed reduced link point size stored in memory will not be used. Will be applied (block 98). No further action will be taken until the operation shown in FIG. 5 is rescheduled to execute.

 If the newly proposed reduced link point size can still meet the criteria, the newly proposed reduced link point size will be stored in memory to replace the previously stored value (block 90). Blocks 90 through 96 may be repeated until the predetermined criterion is no longer met, so that the most recently stored, suggested reduced link point is applied to the game (block 98). No further action will be taken until the operation shown in FIG. 5 is rescheduled to execute.

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a game area of a typical multiplayer location-aware game that may benefit from embodiments of the present invention. The game area 120 of FIG. 6 includes a plurality of link points, shown as small squares, one of which is labeled 122. Game area 120 includes 560 link points as a grid of 28 link points vertically and 20 link points. In the multiplayer location aware game of FIG. 6, each link point may have a predetermined size of 200 meters by 200 meters. Each number shown in game area 120 represents a player of a multiplayer location-aware game. In this figure, there are 28 players associated with this game. In a typical multiplayer location-aware game, the interactions between players may be limited in some way, such that only players in the same link point or adjacent link points can interact with each other. If this game area 120 is an example of a game with such a limitation, it can be seen that only a few of the 28 players shown in FIG. 6 will not be able to interact with other players. Only players 2 and 3, players 13 and 14, players 16 and 19, and players 22 and 24 may be able to interact. The remaining 20 players will not be able to interact with other players, have a less interesting game experience, and are less likely to recommend this game to anyone else. Based on certain criteria, such as players versus link points, or a minimum number of interactions, embodiments of the present invention typically increase the size of the link points shown in FIG. 6 to increase more interactions and increase between players. Will intrigue the game.

7 is a diagram of a game area 120 in which the size of link points is increased according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the game area 120 of FIG. 7, the size of the link points has been increased such that the link points (one of which is denoted 124) are 16 times larger than the link points of FIG. 6. The game area 120 of FIG. 7 now contains only 35 link points, where each link point has a size of 800 meters by 800 meters. It can be seen that the size of the link points of FIG. 7 will usually allow much more interaction between players as compared to the size of the link points of FIG. 6. Each of the 28 players in FIG. 7 is in the same link point as another player, or in a link point adjacent to another player. In this way, each player can interact with at least one other player, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game. As the number of players increases, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the invention will usually reduce the size of the link points so that the link points ultimately return to the size indicated in FIG. 6.

8 is a diagram of a game area 120 in which link points have increased in different sizes throughout the game area, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The game area 120 of FIG. 8 has link points 16 times larger than the link points of FIG. 6 (one of which is denoted by 124), and link points four times larger than the link points of FIG. 6 (one of which is 126). Are indicated by). Since the right lower section of the game area 120 is more concentrated with players than other sections of the game area, the size of the link points in that right subsection will not need to be increased by the link points in the other sections. Embodiments of the present invention may allow link points in different sections of the game area to be increased or plasticized to a different degree.

The method of scaling the link points of a multiplayer position-aware game can be implemented by computer program product. The computer program product includes computer readable storage media, such as nonvolatile storage media, and computer readable program code portions, such as a series of computer instructions executed within the computer readable storage media. Generally, computer programs are stored by a memory device and executed by associated processing units, such as processing elements of a server.

In this regard, FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of methods and program product according to the present invention. It will be appreciated that each step of the flowchart and a combination of the steps of the flowchart can be implemented by computer program instructions. Such computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable device to generate machine language, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device create a means for implementing the functions specified in the step (s) of the flowchart. . Such computer program instructions may be stored in a computer readable memory that can instruct a computer or other programmable device to operate in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory perform the functions specified in the flowchart step (s). It is possible to create a product that includes an instruction means to implement. Computer program instructions may also be loaded on a computer or other programmable device such that a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device may be executed in the flowchart step (s). A computer-implemented process may be created to provide steps for implementing particular functions.

Thus, the steps of the flowchart support a combination of means for performing certain functions, a combination of steps for performing certain functions, and program instruction means for performing certain functions. It will also be appreciated that each step of the flowchart, and a combination of steps in the flowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform particular functions or steps, or a combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. .

Those skilled in the art will be able to contemplate various modifications and other embodiments of the invention that enjoy the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms have been used in this specification, they are used only for the purpose of description and are not intended to limit the invention.

Claims (24)

In a system for scaling link points of a multiplayer location-aware game,
A plurality of clients capable of executing a client side game application and communicating to play a multiplayer location-aware game over a network; And
A network server capable of communicating with a plurality of clients,
The network server can determine the number of clients participating in a multiplayer location aware game; The network server can determine the location of each of the clients participating in the multiplayer location-aware game; The network server may determine the size of at least one link point based on the number of clients and the location of each client,
The link point is a small subset of the entire game area, the link point is used for the purpose of confining activities into the small subset, and all parts of the game area are within one and only one link point so that any link A system, characterized in that a point does not overlap with any other link point. The system of claim 1, wherein the network server can determine the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum number of clients per link point. The system of claim 1, wherein the network server can determine the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum number of link points between any two clients. The system of claim 1, wherein the network server can determine the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum distance between any two clients. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the network server can determine the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum link point size and a predetermined maximum link point size. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined minimum link point size and the predetermined maximum link point size can vary based on the geographic location of at least one link point. A network server for scaling link points in a multiplayer location aware game,
A processor capable of executing a client-side game application and communicating with a plurality of clients capable of communicating over a network to play a multiplayer location-aware game,
The processor may determine the number of clients participating in a multiplayer location aware game; The processor can determine the location of each of the clients participating in the multiplayer location-aware game; And the processor may determine the size of at least one link point based on the number of clients and the location of each client. 8. The network server of claim 7, wherein the processor is capable of determining the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum number of clients per link point. 8. The network server of claim 7, wherein the processor is capable of determining the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum number of link points between any two clients. 8. The network server of claim 7, wherein the processor is capable of determining the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum distance between any two clients. 8. The network server of claim 7, wherein the processor is capable of determining the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum link point size and a predetermined maximum link point size. 12. The network server of claim 11, wherein the predetermined minimum link point size and the predetermined maximum link point size can vary based on a geographic location of at least one link point. A terminal for scaling a link point of a multiplayer location-aware game,
A processor capable of executing a client-side game application and communicating with a network server to play a multiplayer location-aware game with a plurality of clients over a network;
The processor may interface with at least one of the plurality of clients based on the size of at least one link point determined by the network server; The processor may receive the size of at least one link point determined by the network server when the network server sizes the at least one link point based on the number of clients and the location of each client,
The link point is a small subset of the entire game area, the link point is used for the purpose of confining activities into the small subset, and all parts of the game area are within one and only one link point so that any link And the point does not overlap with any other link point. The method of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to receive the size of at least one link point determined by the network server when the network server determines the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum number of clients per link point. Terminals, characterized in that possible. 15. The at least one link of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum number of link points between any two clients. Terminal characterized in that the size of the point can be received. The size of at least one link point determined by the network server when the network server determines the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum distance between any two clients. Terminal, characterized in that can be received. The at least one link point determined by the network server when the network server determines the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum link point size and a predetermined maximum link point size. A terminal, characterized in that to receive the size of. The terminal of claim 13, wherein the predetermined minimum link point size and the predetermined maximum link point size may vary based on a geographical position of at least one link point. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program for scaling link points of a multiplayer location-aware game, the computer program comprising program code portions,
The program code portions,
A first executable portion capable of determining the number of players participating in a multiplayer location aware game;
A second executable portion capable of determining the position of each of the players participating in the multiplayer position-aware game; And
A third executable portion capable of determining the size of at least one link point based on the number of players and the position of each player,
The link point is a small subset of the entire game area, the link point is used for the purpose of confining activities into the small subset, and all parts of the game area are within one and only one link point so that any link And the point does not overlap with any other link point. 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the third executable portion determines the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum number of clients per link point. 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the third executable portion determines the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum number of link points between any two players. 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the third executable portion determines the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined maximum distance between any two players. 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the third executable portion determines the size of at least one link point based on a predetermined minimum link point size and a predetermined maximum link point size. 24. The computer readable storage medium of claim 23, wherein the predetermined minimum link point size and the predetermined maximum link point size may vary based on a geographic location of at least one link point.

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