GB2476487A - A multi-device multimedia system - Google Patents

A multi-device multimedia system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2476487A
GB2476487A GB0922511A GB0922511A GB2476487A GB 2476487 A GB2476487 A GB 2476487A GB 0922511 A GB0922511 A GB 0922511A GB 0922511 A GB0922511 A GB 0922511A GB 2476487 A GB2476487 A GB 2476487A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
episode
media content
serialised
electronic device
executable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
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GB0922511A
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GB0922511D0 (en
Inventor
Juraid Anwer
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Key Criteria Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
Key Criteria Technology Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by Key Criteria Technology Ltd filed Critical Key Criteria Technology Ltd
Priority to GB0922511A priority Critical patent/GB2476487A/en
Publication of GB0922511D0 publication Critical patent/GB0922511D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2010/052185 priority patent/WO2011077149A2/en
Publication of GB2476487A publication Critical patent/GB2476487A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A63F13/12—
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/32—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using local area network [LAN] connections
    • A63F13/323—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using local area network [LAN] connections between game devices with different hardware characteristics, e.g. hand-held game devices connectable to game consoles or arcade machines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
    • A63F13/216—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types using geographical information, e.g. location of the game device or player using GPS
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/60—Generating or modifying game content before or while executing the game program, e.g. authoring tools specially adapted for game development or game-integrated level editor
    • A63F13/69—Generating or modifying game content before or while executing the game program, e.g. authoring tools specially adapted for game development or game-integrated level editor by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/70—Game security or game management aspects
    • A63F13/71—Game security or game management aspects using secure communication between game devices and game servers, e.g. by encrypting game data or authenticating players
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/10—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
    • A63F2300/205—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform for detecting the geographical location of the game platform
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/40—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network
    • A63F2300/403—Connection between platform and handheld device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
    • A63F2300/53—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers details of basic data processing
    • A63F2300/532—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers details of basic data processing using secure communication, e.g. by encryption, authentication
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/60—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program
    • A63F2300/609—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2221/00—Indexing scheme relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/21—Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/2111—Location-sensitive, e.g. geographical location, GPS

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Technology Law (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A multi-device multimedia system for executing serialised media content (e.g. games, movies, music) on a plurality of electronic devices (e.g. gaming console, mobile phone, personal computer, digital satellite box) comprises a first electronic device having a first set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content loadable thereon, the first set of one or more episode(s) being executable on the first electronic device, and a first verification key being producible by the execution of the first set of one or more episodes(s) on the first device. The system includes a second electronic device having a second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content loadable thereon, and the first verification key being operable to unlock second set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content on the second electronic device. The second set of one or more episodes being executable on the second electronic device and a second verification key being producible by the execution of the second set of one or more episodes(s) of serialised media content on the second electronic device. The second verification key being operable to unlock a third electronic device; and thereon the third set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content being executable on the third electronic device. The content on a device may only be executable if the device is placed at a particular geographical position.

Description

Multi-device Multimedia System
Technical field
[0001] The invention relates to a multi-device multimedia system for systematically executing serialised electronic media content on a plurality of electronic devices such as, for example, a personal computer, gaming console, broadcast device, and a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or the like. The invention relates further to a method of executing serialised electronic media content on a plurality of electronic devices.
Background art
[0002] Previously, systems for experiencing serialised electronic media content comprised, for example, the use of a device for gaming such as a gaming console, mobile gaming device, personal computer or mobile computer used for gaming, or a multimedia player, personal computer or mobile device used with a media-on-demand system.
[0003] In the case of gaming, the media is generally described by the generic term computer game.' A platform on which such games can be played can be a personal computer, a gaming console or the like. Many types of mobile devices, such as mobile phones, also have gaming capabilities. The term gaming device' is used generically to refer to such devices or platforms that include the necessary software for a user to play a game.
[0004] A serialised computer game is produced and sold in small units that build into a recognisable series and it is known as an episodic video game. This is opposed to the case where computer games are larger and produced as separate game versions or expansion packs, which add on to an existing computer game.
[0005] Such a series making up an episodic computer game may or may not have continuity, but always shares settings, characters, and/or themes. The episodic series does not have a dominant "first" game and each instalment is a main event that drives the core experience of the game forward. The user of such an episodic video game buys an episode of the video game and then experiences it by playing the episode on a gaming console (if it is a console game) or on a personal computer (if it is a pc game). Once the user has played the game and experienced it completely, the user might be ready for the next episode in the game and will then buy and play it if it is available, or wait for the next episode of the game to become available, and then buy it and play it.
[0006] In the case of a multimedia player used with a media-on-demand system a user is able to access media from either a server device or the Internet on demand when required. In one application of this technology the user is able to start watching the media such as a video on one multimedia and if needed is able to stop at a certain point during the video and bookmark the position. When the user is then next able to continue watching the video, the user is able to access on demand the same video and watch it from the point of the bookmark made previously. In some applications of this technology it is also possible for the user to watch the video from the point of the bookmark on a different device from what was previously used to watch the initial part of the video.
[0007] There are also further available systems for playing computer games. Many current games can be played in isolation on a single gaming device or as part of a multiplayer game across different gaming devices which are in communication with each other directly or via a gaming server for that game on the Internet or other network.
[0008] For many current computer games, when a game is played on a particular gaming device the user is able to build up and improve on a gaming profile unique to them. This gaming profile includes, for example, their game status.
Each time the user plays the game on that gaming device, the gaming profile can be changed and the game status improved and updated. However, if the user then wants to play the same game on another gaming device, their gaming profile and status cannot be transferred to the other device and they have to start again with building up and improving another gaming profile, etc. This means that a user cannot advance and improve their unique gaming profile when moving from one particular gaming device to another.
[0009] Many computer or console games allow the user to replicate' their gaming on a number of different gaming systems by using a connection to the Internet and allowing a user to store a small profile of the game online. This profile includes their game status and will allow them to play the same game on their own gaming device or on another such device that is also connected to the Internet, without having to restart the game from the beginning again each time they play on a new gaming device. Internet-based gaming servers allow users to save their gaming profiles and status online, and thus they can improve and update their gaming status by playing the particular game through the online game server.
[0010] The current invention differs in that all the operability and experience provided to a user of the electronic media is not centred on a single device such as the gaming console or personal computer, but also uses further separate devices such as a mobile phone handset as essential parts of the media experience to a user. A user will be able to experience certain aspects of the media and certain levels' of the media not normally available to them if the media content was only experienced on one particular type of electronic device. The reason for this is that not all parts of the media content will be capable of being executed on only one electronic device. The advantage of this is that the user will be able to experience the media content on a more varied and wider scale, thus increasing the enjoyment and entertainment value of the media.
[0011] A further advantage of the current system is that it will allow software developers the ability to further develop software for electronic media that will be operable at many different levels across a plurality of electronic devices for execution by a user of the experience offered by a particular type of electronic media. This will provide users with the ability to experience the electronic media in different ways and across many different levels on various different types of electronic devices.
Disclosure of the invention
[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a multi-device multimedia system for systematically executing serialised media content on a plurality of electronic devices, the multi-device multimedia system comprising: -a first electronic device having a first set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content loadable thereon, the first set of one or more episode(s) being executable on the first electronic device, and a first verification key being producible by the execution of the first set of one or more episode(s) on the first device; -a second electronic device having a second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content loadable thereon, and the first verification key being operable to unlock the second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the second electronic device; -the second set of one or more episode(s) being executable on the second electronic device, and a second verification key being producible by the execution of the second set of one or more episode(s) on the second electronic device; -the second verification key being operable to unlock a third set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on a third electronic device; and -the third set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content being executable on the third electronic device.
[0013] Further according to the invention the multi-device multimedia system may comprise further electronic devices which each have a further set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content loadable thereon.
[0014] In one form of the invention, execution of a set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on an electronic device may only occur once a particular event has occurred.
[0015] According to the invention the individual sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content may only be executable in order of their allocated sequence. In this way, each set of one or more episode(s) may only be executable after the preceding set of one or more episode(s) has been executed.
[0016] Further according to the invention each set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content may only be executable on the electronic device allocated to that set of one or more episode(s). In this way, a first set of one or more episode(s) may only be executable on a first device, a second set of one or more episode(s) may only be executable on a second device, and a third set of one or more episode(s) may only be executable on a third device.
[0017] In one form of the invention each electronic device may include software for implementing the media content of its allocated sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content. The software on each electronic device is configured such that only the allocated serialised media content is executable on each electronic device.
[0018] In a further form of the invention a set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content may only be executable on its allocated electronic device once a particular event has occurred. This event may be the placement of the electronic device at a particular geographical position.
[0019] The electronic devices may be connectable to each other directly or via a communications link. The electronic devices may further be connectable to a server or the Internet via a communications link, such as, for example, a broadband link. Preferably the communications link is a wireless link.
[0020] The electronic device may comprise a personal computer, a gaming console, broadcast device or mobile device such as a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable gaming device or a portable media player.
[0021] The electronic devices may also be connectable to further communication and/or positioning systems to provide further data for the execution of the serialised media content.
[0022] The different electronic devices may typically be operable to display different types of views, or play different types of media from the available serialised media content. Further, the electronic devices can periodically synchronise data relating to the serialised media content.
[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of executing serialised electronic media content on a plurality of electronic devices, the method comprising: -executing a first set of one or more episodes(s) of the serialised media content on a first electronic device; -producing a first verification key once the first set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content has been executed; -unlocking a second set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content on a second electronic device by means of the produced first verification key; -executing the second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the second electronic device; -producing a second verification key once the second set of one or more episode(s) of the media content has been executed; -unlocking a third set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content on a third electronic device by means of the produced second verification key; and -executing the third set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the third electronic device.
[0024] Further according to the invention the method may comprise executing further sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content on further electronic devices.
[0025] In one form of the method of the invention, executing a set of one or more episode(s) on an electronic device may only occur once a particular event has occurred.
[0026] According to the invention the method may further comprise progressing each of the sets of one or more episode(s) sequentially, the individual sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content being executable in order of their allocated sequence.
[0027] Further according to the invention the each individual set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content may only be executable on its allocated electronic device.
[0028] A set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content may only be executable on an electronic device once a particular event has occurred.
[0029] The method may further comprise interacting with an external data source via an electronic device during execution of a set of one or more episode(s) of media content. The method may even further optionally comprise communicating data between an electronic device and a further electronic device during execution of a set of one or more episode(s) of media content.
[0030] Other aspects can include synchronising media data between the static and mobile devices, and communicating media data between an external server and an electronic device.
Brief description of the drawings
[0031] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of a multi-device multimedia system for systematically executing serialised media content on a plurality of electronic devices according to one embodiment of the invention.
Detailed description of the invention
[0032] A flow diagram of one embodiment of a multi-device multimedia system for systematically executing serialised electronic media content on a plurality of electronic devices according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates the main logic processes and steps performed by the user of one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. The embodiment of the system as illustrated in Figure 1 comprises four electronic devices to be used by the user, namely, a first electronic device, device 1; a second electronic device, device 2; a third electronic device, device 3; and a fourth electronic device, device 4. Devices I to 4 may each comprise a personal computer, server, digital satellite box, broadcast device, mobile device, gaming console, mobile or laptop computer or other such device. The mobile device can also comprise any one of a number of hand-held mobile devices such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal media player (MP3 player, for example), hand-held gaming device, and the like. The broadcast device may be any device capable of broadcasting analog or digital signals over the air or by streaming over the Internet, and includes devices such as, for example, a cinema projector, radio transmitter, or digital electronic streaming device.
[0033] In the multi-device multimedia system the first electronic device, device 1, may be a personal computer and may have a first set of one or more episode(s) of serialised electronic media content thereon. In one embodiment of the invention the first set may comprise the first three episodes of serialised electronic media content such as, for example, a movie, a video, a computer game, or an audio file. In the case of the media content being a movie, the first three episodes could be made up of the first three sequences of the movie.
[0034] It will be understood that electronic media content in the form of a movie or video may be played on various devices of the multi-device multimedia system of the invention and that these devices may include, for example, a television and it may then be through a digital satellite device; a computing device and it may then be through a media streaming device connected to the Internet; or a cinema screen and it may then be through a projector device in a cinema.
[0035] In the case of the media content being a computer game, the first three episodes could be made up of the first three levels or gaming sequences of the computer game. In the case of media content being an audio file, the first three episodes could be made up of the first three movements in a music piece or it may be the first three sections of a piece of music.
[0036] It will further be understood that the electronic media content in the form of a computer game or audio file may include computer gaming content or audio files that may be streamed from the Internet by means of various types of electronic devices.
[0037] It will be noted that the system according to the invention may comprise further electronic devices which each have a further set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content loadable thereon. It will be further noted that a set of one or more episodes(s) may be pre-loaded onto an electronic device or it may be deliverable thereto for loading and use by a user.
[0038] In further embodiments of the invention the media content in each set of one or more episode(s) may be comprises of only one type of media content or it may be comprised of a mixture of two or more types of media content.
[0039] It will also be understood that in the system according to the invention a device may be used for execution of more than one set of episode(s) of serialised media content. In this way, for example, the first electronic device and the third electronic device may be the same device.
[0040] In one embodiment of the invention a user starts using the multi-device multimedia system at 100 and at the first step the user is prompted for device I at 102. The user then locates device I at 104 and once device I has been activated the user then executes first set of episodes I on the personal computer, device 1, at 106.
[0041] The first set of episodes is then executable on device 1, the personal computer.
In one embodiment of the invention the first set of episodes I is comprised of a movie which can, for example, be played by a user by using a multimedia player device and software which are available on the personal computer. Once the movie has been played and the user has completed watching it on the personal computer, an authentication or verification key is produced on the personal computer.
[0042] At step 108, Figure 1 illustrates where the system checks whether the set of episodes I has been executed by the user and if this action is complete. If it is (NO), the execution of the first set of episodes I on device I continues at step 106. If it is (YES), the user obtains an authentication or verification key for use on a second electronic device, device 2, at step 110. Device I may be used to assist the user in obtaining the authentication or verification key or the user may obtain it in another way.
[0043] The authentication or verification key may be a token, code or message given to the user by a trusted mechanism, to show that the user has completed execution of the first set of episodes. The authentication or verification key may be downloadable from the Internet, or it may be sent to the user via an email message, text message or the like. The key may also be obtained in another way, such as, for example by the user purchasing a particular product from a store, where the key is packaged with the product or the key may be purchased from a mechanical or an electronic Internet based vending machine.
[0044] The user is then prompted to locate the second electronic device, device 2, at step 112. The user may be prompted in various types of ways such as, for example, by device I itself, by a message, such as an electronic message, received by the user or by the same means as the authentication or verification key has been sent to the user. Device 2 comprises the second electronic device and may be, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone.
[0045] The user then locates device 2 at step 114 and enters the authentication or verification key for device 2 at step 116, which unlocks and allows the user access to the second set of episodes 2 on device 2. The user then executes the set of episodes 2 of the multimedia content of the system on device 2 at step 118. At step 120 the process checks whether episode 2 has been completed by the user. If it is (NO), execution of episode 2 on device 2 continues at 118.
[0046] If it is (YES), the user obtains an authentication or verification key for use on a third electronic device, device 3, at step 122. The user is then prompted to locate the third electronic device, device 3, at step 124. Device 3 may be, for example, a mobile device such as a PDA or mobile computing device.
[0047] At 126 the user is prompted to place device 3 at a particular geographical position 1. Geographical position I may also be at least one geographical position out of a possible selection and may be, for example, a position situated at a particular commercial or retail store, a building, or other location.
[0048] It will be noted that in order for some parts of the media content to be executed on a particular electronic device it may be necessary for the device to be connected to another device via a communication link, such as wireless broadband or cable. It might also be necessary for the electronic device to be connected to other communication and/or positioning systems to provide further data for the execution of the media content, such as GPS positioning systems, if it is required for the user to place the device at a particular geographical position. In this way the device will be able to locate its geographical positioning information by use of the GPS positioning system. This will also allow communication between various electronic devices to be used for periodic synchronisation of data relating to media content.
[0049] At step 128 of the system there is a check to establish whether device 3 has been placed at geographical position 1. If it is (NO), the system will again check whether device 3 has been placed at geographical position I at 128.
[0050] If it is (YES), the user is provided with an authentication or verification key which may be entered on third electronic device, device 3, at step 130 and the user is then allowed access to the third set of episodes 3 on device 3. The user then executes the set of episodes 3 of the multimedia content on device 3 at step 132. At step 134 of the system there is a check whether episode 3 has been completed by the user. If it is (NO), execution of episode 3 on device 3 continues at 132.
[0051] If it is (YES), the user receives a further authentication or verification key for use on a fourth electronic device, device 4, at step 136. The user is then prompted to locate the fourth electronic device, device 4, at step 140. Once the user has located device 4, the authentication or verification key for device 4 is entered and the fourth set of episodes 4 is unlocked for use by the user, allowing the user to then execute the fourth set of episodes 4 on device 4 at step 144.
[0052] At step 146 of the system there is a check whether episode 4 has been completed by the user. If it is (NO), execution of episode 4 on device 4 continues at 144. If it is (NO), execution of episode 4 on device 4 continues at 144.
[0053] If it is (YES), the user's experience of the multimedia content of the system is over at 148.
[0054] It will be noted that each set of episodes 1, 2, 3 or 4 may be comprised of one or more episodes of serialised media content.
[0055] The multimedia system of the invention may be used for systematically executing many different types of serialised electronic media content on the plurality of electronic devices. The media content may include a movie or video, digital music, such as MP3 format, computer or console games, digital television video or mobile media versions of computer or console games. Each set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media is only able to be experienced on a particular device, as a particular set may only be executed on a particular type of electronic device to which it has been allocated. In this way, the first set of one or more episode(s) may only be executable on the first device, the second set of one or more episode(s) may only be executable on the second device and so on.
[0056] In addition to the above restriction on the use of the types of electronic devices by the user, there is a further restriction placed on the user. The sets of one or more episode(s) may also only be experienced by the user in order of their allocated sequence, so as to progress each of the sets sequentially. The individual sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content may thus only be executable on the electronic device allocated to them and in order of their allocated sequence. In this way, the second set of one or more episode(s) may only be executable after the first set of one or more episode(s) has been experienced by the user and the user has obtained the authentication or verification key to unlock the second set of one or more episode(s). Further, the third set of one or more episode(s) may then only be executable after the second set of one or more episode(s) has been experienced by the user and so on.
[0057] A further restriction may also be placed on the user to the serialised electronic media. The execution of the first set of one or more episode(s) on an electronic device of the system may only occur once a particular event has occurred. This event could be, for example, that the user is required to go to a particular geographical position such as, for example, enter a particular commercial or retail store, a building or the like. The geographical position may also be at least one geographical position out of a possible selection, and the user's selection of a position will be dependent on which geographical position is more accessible to them.
[0058] In an alternative form of the invention, the serialised electronic media content on the electronic devices may be a mixture of different types and/or different parts of serialised electronic media such as, for example, movies, videos, music, games, and audio files. In further embodiments of the invention each of the different electronic devices may typically display different views, or be operable to play different types of media from the media content. In this way, audio files will typically be allocated to a media player such as an MP3 player or a mobile phone with audio player capability. As there are many other different types of electronic devices which are capable of playing audio files such as MP3 files, these other devices might also be used in the system for allocation to execute of this type of media content.
[0059] In the same way media content which comprises a video or a movie, may be allocated to a computing device or mobile device having video media player ability, or to a broadcast device such as a projector in a cinema or a digital media streaming device. In the case of the media content being a movie to be shown on a cinema screen by a cinema projector, the verification key may either be or be linked to a movie ticket which allows the user to watch the movie in a particular cinema.
[0060] Similarly, media content which comprises gaming content may be allocated to a gaming console, a computing device having gaming capability, or a mobile device having gaming capability.
[0061] It will be understood that the user will be able to experience certain aspects of the serialised electronic media and certain levels' of the media content not normally available to them if the media content was only experienced on one particular type of electronic device. Each type of electronic media which can be a part of the multi-device system is capable of executing particular types of or portions of the serialised electronic media content which forms part of the system. This gives the user the ability to experience the media content in various different ways and to varying degrees. The advantage of this is that the user will be able to experience the media content on a more varied and wider scale, thus increasing the enjoyment and entertainment value obtainable from of the media content.
[0062] Each of the electronic devices which form part of the system of the invention may include software for implementing the media content of the sets of one or more episode(s) which are specifically allocated to that device. By way of example in one embodiment of the invention a personal computer may include software for implementing a first set of three episodes of serialised computer game content. Further, a mobile device may include software for implementing the media content of the second set of one episode of serialised mobile game content, and a server may include software for implementing the media content of a third set of six episodes of serialised Internet game content. The software on each device is configured such that a particular set of the one or more episodes of the serialised media content can only be executable on that particular device and not on any other device. In addition, each set of episodes may only be executed in the sequence required by the system.
[0063] The different types of electronic devices which form part of the system according to the invention may be connectable to each other via a communications link such as a broadband connection. This communication link can be wired such as, for example, a cable, USB, Firewire or the like, or wireless such as, for example, BluetoothTM, WiFiTM or other IR connection, but is preferably able to accommodate high bandwidth demand.
[0064] It will also be noted that the term "broadband" is used as having its relative meaning and not its precise meaning.
[0065] Software for implementing, and files and software comprising the sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content may be pre-installed on the electronic devices included in the system or may be downloaded onto the electronic devices by the user. Pre-installed software and files on the electronic device may require an appropriate verification or authentication key prior to activation for use.
[0066] The software and files can be installed in the usual manner. For example, it can be loaded onto a device from a CD or through the communications link from another device. Alternatively, the software can be downloaded toan electronic device from a server via a broadband connection or directly from the Internet via a broadband connection. The appropriate verification or authentication key may be required before the required software and files can be downloaded and installed on an electronic device.
[0067] In one embodiment of the invention one or more of the electronic devices may act as a connected key' allowing the user of one device of the system the functionality to access data stored on another one or more of the electronic devices which are included in the system and which are connected to each other via a communications link. An example of such functionality is a computing device also performing key tasks associated with a mobile phone from a virtual' representation of the phone on the computing device. In this way data may also be exchanged between the electronic devices which form part of the system.
[0068] In one embodiment of the invention incorporating serialised media content in the form of a game, a mobile device such as a mobile phone can be used to perform some of the game processing for executing a set of one or more episodes of the serialised game to complement another set of one or more episodes of the game being played on the computing device or gaming console.
Through the system the user can be given the further ability to play the game on the mobile phone while the mobile phone is connected to the computing device of gaming console (for example via a cable or via wireless Bluetooth), and the computing device or gamin console will then follow' the user through the gaming world providing a more detailed and rich multimedia experience such as enhanced game views on the computing device or gaming console display, additional sounds, etc. This leads to the level of feedback to the user being increased. In this case, the mobile phone is acting in a similar way to a remote gaming handset input device connected to the computing device or gaming console. One example of this is by displaying a detailed three dimensional map of a gaming world on the computing device or gaming console, while the user sees a reduced complexity view of this gaming world on the mobile phone. In another example, the user plays the game on the computing device or gaming console while the mobile phone is continually updated with game statistics and location information. This information can then viewed on the mobile phone and can be transferred to another computing device or gaming platform by a communications channel such as, for example, wireless BluetoothTM orWiFiTM.
[0069] When connected to the computing device or gaming console, the mobile phone can also receive large updates of game data via the local wireless Bluetooth, wireless WiFiTM or electronic cable.

Claims (27)

  1. Claims 1. A multi-device multimedia system for systematically executing serialised media content on a plurality of electronic devices, the multi-device multimedia system comprising: -a first electronic device having a first set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content loadable thereon, the first set of one or more episode(s) being executable on the first electronic device and a first verification key being producible by the execution of the first set of one or more episode(s) on the first device; -a second electronic device having a second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content loadable thereon, and the first verification key being operable to unlock a second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the second electronic device; -the second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content being executable on the second electronic device and a second verification key being producible by the execution of the second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the second electronic device; -the second verification key being operable to unlock a third set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the third electronic device; and -the third set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content being executable on the third electronic device.
  2. 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, which comprises further electronic devices which each have a further set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content loadable thereon.
  3. 3. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein execution of a set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on an electronic device only occurs once a particular event has occurred.
  4. 4. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the individual sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content are only executable in order of their allocated sequence.
  5. 5. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each set of one or more episode(s) is only executable after the preceding set of one or more episode(s) has been executed.
  6. 6. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content is only executable on the electronic device allocated to that set of one or more episode(s).
  7. 7. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first set of one or more episode(s) is only executable on the first device, the second set of one or more episode(s) is only executable on the second device, and the third set of one or more episode(s) is only executable on the third device.
  8. 8. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each electronic device comprises software for implementing the media content of its allocated set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content.
  9. 9. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the software on each electronic device is configured such that only the allocated serialised media content is executable on each electronic device.
  10. 10. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content is only executable on its allocated electronic device once a particular event has occurred.
  11. 11. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the event is the placement of the electronic device at a particular geographical position.
  12. 12. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic devices are connectable to each other via a communications link.
  13. 13. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic devices are connectable to a server or the Internet via a communications link.
  14. 14. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the communications link is a wireless link.
  15. 15. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic devices comprise a static computing device, a gaming console, broadcast device, a mobile computing device, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable gaming device or a portable media player.
  16. 16. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic devices are connectable to other communication and/or positioning systems to provide further data for the execution of the serialised media content.
  17. 17. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the different electronic devices are operable to display different types of views, or play different types of media from the serialised media content.
  18. 18. A multi-device multimedia system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic devices periodically synchronise data relating to the serialised media content.
  19. 19. A method of executing serialised electronic media content on a plurality of electronic devices, the method comprising: -executing a first set of one or more episodes(s) of the serialised media content on a first electronic device; -producing a first verification key once the first set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content has been executed; -unlocking a second set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content on a second electronic device by means of the produced first verification key; -executing the second set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the second electronic device; -producing a second verification key once the second set of one or more episode(s) of the media content has been executed; -unlocking a third set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content on a third electronic device by means of the produced second verification key; and -executing the third set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content on the third electronic device.
  20. 20. A method as claimed in claim 19, which comprises executing further sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content on further electronic devices.
  21. 21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein executing a set of one or more episode(s) on an electronic device only occurs once a particular event has occurred.
  22. 22. A method as claimed in any of claims 19, 20 or 21, further comprising progressing each of the sets of one or more episodes(s) sequentially, the individual sets of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content being executable in order of their allocated sequence.
  23. 23. A method as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22, wherein each individual set of one or more episode(s) of serialised media content is only executable on its allocated electronic device.
  24. 24. A method as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23, wherein a set of one or more episode(s) of the serialised media content is only executable on an electronic device once a particular event has occurred.
  25. 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the event is the placement of the electronic device at a particular geographical position.
  26. 26. A method as claimed in any of claims 19 to 25, which further comprises interacting with an external data source via an electronic device during execution of a set of one or more episode(s) of media content.
  27. 27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26, which further comprises communicating data between an electronic device and a further electronic device during execution of a set of one or more episode(s) of media content.
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