KR100746185B1 - Method and device for automatically connecting a mobile terminal device to a cellular network server by means of an interchangeable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for automatically connecting a mobile terminal having a cellular network interface with an interface for connecting a swappable memory to a remote cellular network server where a network address can be retrieved, wherein the exchangeable memory is transferred to the mobile terminal. Detecting a connection to a terminal, retrieving the network address of the server, and setting up a connection over the network to the server.

Description

Method and device for automatically connecting a mobile terminal device to a cellular network server by means of an interchangeable memory}

The present invention relates to online access of a mobile terminal for a multiple access online application. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for simplifying access to such online applications by using interchangeable memories that can be connected to the terminal. The invention also relates to hotswappable memory cards that can be inserted / modified into the terminal without powering off the device. The invention further relates to a simplified setup of an online application for users with matching preference profiles to access the application.

The present invention is based on the background problem of contacting participants of a multiple access online application in the case of a wireless network online game.

Procedures for performing different multiple access online applications are provided by taking the online games of EP 1 066 867 and EP 1 066 868 as an example. Document EP 1 066 867 describes general procedures required to play such an online game. Document EP 1 066 868 discloses the procedures necessary for playing such an online game using a low power radio link between single user devices. None of these documents discloses the procedure for how multiple players are acquired to start a game round simultaneously. Document EP 1 066 868 discloses one approach that allows a user to join and / or leave a running game.

When waiting for the launch of a multi-access online application, the user still needs to access menus and connect to networks to find a gaming partner. This requires extra effort to indicate obstacles or thresholds, which can prevent technically inexperienced users from entering multiplayer gaming.

Traditionally, multiplayer games require a manually performed search for the game partner.

Participants of multiple access online applications, such as online games, typically do not know each other. The problem to be solved is to offer the possibility to connect users who are trying to join an online game based on similar preferences.

Both cited documents fail to disclose an easy way to lower the threshold for using multiple access online applications. Both documents also fail to disclose a way in which a large number of people, who do not know each other and therefore cannot agree to participate in a multi-access online application, can play on their own.

Therefore, it is desirable to simplify access to multiple access online applications for an individual user so that the user does not face a problem when searching for and connecting to a suitable server.

Therefore, it is desirable to have the possibility of contacting each other users who are going to participate in multiple access online applications based on similar or identical preferences.

It is further desirable to provide users with the possibility to connect to the server and find a partner with basically the same preferences and the same gaming strength.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method is provided for automatically connecting a mobile terminal to a remote network server. The mobile terminal includes an interface for connecting a switchable memory and has a cellular network interface capable of retrieving the network address of the server.

The method includes detecting that exchangeable memory is connected to the mobile terminal, retrieving the network address of the server, and setting up a connection to the server via the network.

The server is adapted to provide a multi-access online application for a plurality of mobile terminals, each mobile terminal connected to a wireless communication network and associated with users. Other applications can be started on this server.

Exchangeable memory devices may be "hot swappable". That is, this memory device can be inserted / modified in the terminal without powering off the terminal. When the user wants to start a multiplayer game, the user no longer has to access the menus and connect to the network to find a suitable server and game partner. No extra effort is required and therefore technically inadequate users can easily access multiplayer gaming.

The present invention does not specify the type of server, so the server may be a suitable server specialized in finding game opponents, such as game players for multiplayer online gaming.

In one example embodiment, the server address may be stored in the swappable memory and retrieved from the swappable memory via the interface for connecting the swappable memory. By storing a server address in the exchangeable memory, a server suitable for the application software (or data) stored in the memory can be automatically selected / connected. Another advantageous application is in coded access to a server with limited access, where the inserted interchangeable memory device acts as a key to store the access code for accessing the server. This solution can be applied in the case of network games, for example, assuming that the game contacts a server that actually keeps parts of the game.

In another example embodiment of the method, the server address is stored in a memory in the mobile terminal and can be retrieved directly from the memory in the terminal. By storing a server address in the mobile terminal, the operator's default server can be selected, for example in the storage of the terminal. In game applications where the actual network only notifies available players and the players connect directly to each other's addresses, the connected default server can be connected substantially independently to the actual application stored on the exchangeable memory device.

It is also reasonable to store a default server address in the terminal and store one in the swappable memory so that the user can select or choose a preferred contact address by changing settings in the device and / or module. .

Another example embodiment further includes making the cellular network application active and operating in an online mode. This application may for example be stored in the replaceable memory module.

A basic implementation of the present invention is in a server based application in which a terminal only gains access to server applications via an online connection of a cellular or cellular telephone network. The memory module functions as a remote key for accessing or remotely controlling an application running on the remote server. Activation can be performed by connecting to a server address allowing broad access to the cellular network application.

When an application is stored in the exchangeable memory module, activation may include loading cellular network game (CNG) software or CNG access software on the terminal (TD) or processor of the terminal. Activation may be performed by executing the software on the replaceable memory device (which may require a dedicated processor in the memory or execution module).

The advantage compared to the previous solutions is that users can basically take no action except insert the appropriate card into the device when they want to start a multiplayer game. Clearly the settings will still have to be set. This will save users time and make it easier for users who do not know how a multiplayer game actually starts.

Memory device insertion is recognized and can therefore be used to trigger certain actions. In the present invention it is used to launch and run an application stored on a memory device.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the interchangeable memory stores application ID data of the cellular network application and the application ID data is retrieved and sent to the connected server.

The memory device is identified in advance and special actions can be taken accordingly. When a game memory device is inserted, after detecting the insertion, the game ID and additional information such as a version number can be sent to the network server. The network server can then automatically associate other users with the same game inserted for multiplayer gaming, for example. Certainly this can be most beneficial under specific settings so the user will not be forced to do it. Removing the card / disabling the settings will only clear the flag for the network to which only players who actually want to play and are inserting the right card.

In another additional embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises: making a user confirmation request to set up a connection to the server address over the network, and only if the requested user confirmation is detected. Setting up a connection over the network.

The confirmation request may, for example, comprise displaying the request on the display of the terminal. The confirmation request may include a request for a setup menu for individual flags. Since it can be expected that the use of an online game may be charged, for example, to provide an online connection, it may be useful to specifically inform the user before the billable service begins.

It may also be possible for a user to like to play the game in an offline mode with no expense.

In another example embodiment, the method further comprises determining a user's preference data with respect to the cellular network application, and storing the preference data in the interchangeable memory. Determination of the preference data may be performed by requesting the server for menu settings or data obtained during setup of the online application menu.

In another example embodiment, the method further comprises retrieving preference data of the user with respect to the cellular network application stored in the exchangeable memory, and transmitting the preference data to the connected server. By using the user's preference data sent to the server, the server can select matching groups of online users for the multiuser online application, without the user having to enter their preferences at each setup of the online connection. The preference data can be used when connecting game servers or intermediary servers.

Insertion of a valid memory device will preferably also send a signal to the network to automatically start searching for the game partner. The network server can then automatically match different users with the same game inserted for multiplayer gaming by their preference data and game ID, for example. It may be beneficial to do this automatically under unique settings so that the user is not forced to do so. Removing the card / disabling the set value can only clear the flag for the network to which only players who actually want to play and who are inserting the right card will be involved. If the server has access to all the data needed to form the matching game teams, the server can inform potential players at the best possible time and invite them to a game or competition.

In an example embodiment, the cellular network application is a cellular network game. Game applications for cellular phones and other cellular network communication terminals today require a relatively small amount of memory space, and games can be downloaded over a cellular network from servers such as Java applications. However, in order to install more sophisticated and more complex high quality games on a mobile cellular terminal, it may be presumed to deliver such game software stored on exchangeable storage media. The storage media can be for example a multimedia card (MMC). This memory module based on game software is known from (portable) game consoles. With respect to cellular terminals the present invention offers the possibility for users to play against each other even over much longer distances and without having to be careful about the connection or the correct choice of the opponent. This connection is automatically set up and the game partner can be selected from a remote server.

For example, it is possible to play against each other by sending only game movements over the cellular network so that each terminal can make the entire game situation online in real time.

The problem that the user does not know which server to connect to in order to find the game opponents he has faced in the old days is that the device selects an appropriate server and connects to that server when the user inserts memory (exchangeable). Solved by

Along with the setup of a connection to the server, for example, the game's version number and ID number and optionally the user's ID can be transmitted to the server.

The game ID number may code the title and version of the game. The game ID number may code a unique serial number of the game. This is particularly useful when dealing with copyright, as the identity of the game can be related to the identity of the phone and to the identity of the SIM card.

If two different games with the same serial ID number are detected at the server, the online access may be interrupted and the user or game ID number may be excluded from further online or server access. This can be combined with the requirement to replace or repair the memory module, so that the owner of the original module can receive a replacement with a new serial number.

The memory may provide access data for the server or provide a hint as to which server to connect to. The entire process may require multiple user verification steps.

In another example embodiment, the method further comprises determining game state data of the cellular network game, and storing the data in the exchangeable memory.

In this embodiment it can be expected that each user terminal requires a memory module to participate in the online game. Each of the memory modules may be required to store and contain at the end the terminal portion of game software participating in a CNG (Cellular Network Game).

In another example embodiment, the method further comprises retrieving game state data of the user regarding the cellular network game stored in the exchangeable memory, and transmitting the preference data to the connected game server.

By storing the actual game state data, it is possible to save the game state of the running game in case of interruption or interruption of the online connection which is easily generated when using the game while traveling. Game state data storage can provide increased playability even in the case of connected state fading caused by using an underpass. Game state data storage may provide memory module functionality when the game is played in offline mode. The stored game state may include data such as the actual gaming level, the number and addresses of possible competitors, and the like.

All previous methods may be downgraded as a pull and push procedure that pulls data (eg server address and preference data) from the memory device and pushes it to the server.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for automatically operating a cellular network application from a switchable memory device. The method includes detecting a mobile terminal connected to or to be connected to the switchable memory, retrieving a network address of a cellular network server, and a script that causes the connected terminal to set up a network connection to the server address, and Sending a server address and the script to the connected terminal.

These methods may be downgraded as a pull and push procedure that pulls data (eg, server address and preference data) from the memory device and pushes it to the server.

In another example embodiment, the method further comprises retrieving preference data of the user with respect to the cellular network application, and transmitting the preference data to the connected terminal. Note that preference data may be pre-stored in the memory module (perhaps as default settings). Note that preference data may be related to one or more than one other users. Note that the preference data may include a script for connecting the desired (user selectable) game server.

In another example embodiment the method further comprises activating and operating the cellular network application stored in the interchangeable memory in an online mode.

In another example embodiment the cellular network application is a cellular network game. By using cellular network games stored in a memory device, the present invention provides multiplayer games based on a memory module. Game details are proposed to be sent to a network server under the insertion of a game card. How the server knows game units having the same installed (or available games) and potential game participants can be easily selected and notified.

It may also be possible to run game software on the memory module.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a software tool comprising program code means for executing the method described above when said program product is run on a computer or a network device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided that is downloadable from a server for executing the method described above, the program product being a program for performing all of the steps of the preceding methods when running on a computer or network device. Contains the code.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising program code means recorded on a computer readable medium for executing the methods described above when the program product is running on a computer or a network device. Is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer data signal is provided. This computer data signal represents a program embodied on a carrier wave and causing the computer to perform the steps of the method described in the preceding description when returning from the computer program computer or network device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminal for automatically connecting to a remote network server is provided. A network server is proposed that provides a multiple access online application destined for a plurality of mobile terminals in which each mobile terminal is connected to a wireless communication network. The terminal comprises a cellular network interface, a user interface, a processor connected to the network interface and the user interface, an interface for connecting exchangeable memory, a detector for detecting the exchangeable memory, a component for retrieving a server address and the server or server Contains components for linking to addresses.

The interface may be a wireless communication network interface for exchanging data with at least one server of a server address or other terminals connected to the wireless communication network. The user interface may include a display and user input components such as a keypad, keyboard, joystick, and the like. A processor is coupled to the network interface and the user interface. The terminal further includes an interface for connecting the replaceable memory. The terminal further includes a detector for detecting a connection of the exchangeable memory, a component for retrieving the server address, and a component for connecting to the server via the cellular network interface.

The detector for detecting the connection of the exchangeable memory relates to the hot swap capability, in which the auxiliary device can be inserted / modified into the device without turning off the power. If insertion of the memory device is recognized, this may trigger some operations. Insertion of a swappable memory device may signal the network to automatically start searching for a game opponent.

It is also possible to provide a separate payment database in the memory module such that the prizes that players quarrel could be free bonus games, free connections or valuable privileges.

In another example embodiment the interface for linking the swappable memory is an interface for linking the swappable memory including the address of the server and the component for retrieving the server address may retrieve the server address from the swappable memory. It is suitable for searching. This allows the device to automatically connect to a server related to the contents of the connected memory module.

In another example embodiment, the mobile terminal further includes a store for storing the address of the server. This storage is coupled to the processor of the mobile terminal. The component for retrieving the server address is adapted to retrieve the server address from the repository. This allows the server address to be retrieved while the connection of the swappable memory device is actually detected, without having to wait for the memory device to be fully recognized or to establish a memory access to the swappable memory. By storing a server address in the mobile terminal, for example, the operator's default server can be selected. This may be beneficial in cases where the network only notifies available players and the players connect directly to each other's addresses.

In another example embodiment, the terminal is further configured to retrieve application ID data of the cellular network application stored in the connected switchable memory and to transmit the application ID data to the connected server. It is also possible to retrieve the ID data of the memory module.

This is combined with a method for notifying users (eg, identified by a user or device ID or by ID data of a memory module) that they have a preference profile that matches at least one other user so that each mobile terminal connects to the wireless network. And each mobile terminal may be provided for accessing a multiple access online application intended for a plurality of mobile terminals associated with users. When the memory module is inserted into the terminal, the mobile terminal connected to the wireless communication network server is associated with a single user. The method includes automatically sending, via the network, a preference profile to the server connected to the wireless communication network, the preference profile including both identification (ID) data and preference data retrieved from the memory module. The method further includes receiving a notification over the network from the connected or informed server, the notification including an offer to gain access to the multiple access online application according to the preference data. do. The notification includes data to enable access of the mobile terminal to the multiple access online application. This can be done, for example, as a announcement of possible game partner network addresses (eg phone numbers). This may be done as a publication of game numbers and server addresses for server based multiple access online applications.

Determination and notification of users with matching preference profiles is best performed with individually configured cellular network servers. The preference profile is intended for access to a multiple access online application, each destined for a plurality of mobile terminals, each connected to a wireless network and each associated with the users. The network server includes an interface, a user database and a processor. An interface is provided for connecting a server to a wireless communication network so that the server can receive and send data to terminals connected to the wireless communication network. A user database is provided for storing data received from the terminals via the wireless communication network and the interface, namely user ID data and user preference data. A processor is coupled to the interface and the database to process the received data and to send and receive data and notifications.

The interface is configured to receive at least one preference profile from the at least one mobile terminal, the ID data and the preference data. The database is configured to store the data received via the interface in a user database. Furthermore, a component for comparing the received preference data with preference data of the at least one other user stored in the database with respect to groups of preference data provided, and a component for determining a plurality of users having matching preference data. do. Moreover, once matching preference data has been found, a component is provided for sending a notification to each of the mobile telephones having matching user preference data.

In another example embodiment, the terminal is further configured to activate an online application of the memory device at that time if the replaceable memory is detected.

In another additional example embodiment the interface for connecting a replaceable memory is an interface of a multimedia card. As such, a memory module with standardized dimensions can be used without the need to develop new kinds of mechanical or electrical structures.

In another additional example embodiment the cellular network application is a cellular network game. The terminal may be displayed as a cellular enabled portable game console.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a replaceable cellular memory device is provided. The exchangeable cellular memory device includes an interface for connecting to a mobile terminal, a data store for storing at least one address of a server, and a reader for retrieving the server address from the data store. Preferably the exchangeable memory device comprises a data store containing a script for connecting the terminal to the server. Advantageously, said exchangeable memory device also contains a storage controller for sending said script and said server address to said mobile terminal.

The replaceable cellular memory device may be hot swappable to suit the aforementioned terminals.

In another example embodiment the interchangeable cellular memory device further stores and contains a cellular network application, software or script. In a similar embodiment the memory device may recognize the insertion into an individual terminal, which may be used to trigger some operations. It may be used, for example, to launch from a terminal application on a memory device by a push or pull process if the settings are set correctly.

In another example embodiment of the exchangeable cellular memory device the data store further stores application ID (identification) data of the cellular network application. The ID may be an application ID, a memory device ID or may indicate a user ID. It is also possible to retrieve and store a terminal ID or Subscriber Identification Member (SIM) card ID from the terminal.

In another example embodiment the exchangeable cellular memory device further stores at least one set of preference data related to the application preferences of the user of the application.

Preference data can be used to determine and notify users with matching preference profiles for accessing multiple access online applications in a wireless network. A multiple access online application is intended for a plurality of mobile terminals, each of which is connected to a wireless communication network and is associated with the users, each provided with a memory module according to the present invention. The use of preference data includes receiving, storing, comparing preference data, and determining similar preference data and notifying users determined to have matching preference profiles.

By receiving from the at least one of the mobile terminals the preference profile with identification (ID) data and preference data relating to at least one of the users, a database can be stored. The ID data and the preference data may be transmitted simultaneously or subsequently within one or multi-stage data exchange. The use of ID data may be fundamental in nature, for example to prevent the occurrence of a "double personality", i.e., to provide a user with a double set of entries in the data database, and to allow the server to play against the user himself. Proposal can be prevented. The preference data may be (in relation to multiplayer online game applications), for example, the game itself, gaming intensity, preferred virtual characters or preferred virtual characters or teams (or clubs) in role play games.

Note that the expression 'server' in the following may be used to indicate a server device and server functionality, which functionality may be provided within the terminal, and therefore the server may be an actual terminal associated with the user.

This received ID data and the received preference data are then stored for further access in a user database containing preference data of at least one other user. The greater the number of database entries, the more likely it is to find a game partner with the next received player and its set of preferences. The data can be stored for a long time or deleted after a group of players becomes setupable.

A plurality of users with matching preference data will be determined by comparing received and stored preference data with preference data of the at least one other user. For games it is necessary to ensure that the next game round will not be terminated too soon by a single outstanding player. The preference data may include, for example, a preferred game time, for example, every Saturday from 8 pm to 10 pm. It is also possible to evaluate the similarity of slightly different preferences, allowing the game to start even if the preferences do not fully match. The degree of matching may be determined in the preference data by the user.

Stored preference data may be used to determine the best time period (preferred time of the day or week) to conduct an online game competition, using the stored data to determine the period of time where the number of gamers who voluntarily participate is probably the highest. Because it is easily possible. The preference data may be related to the preferred game version or the desired game level. The preference data may be related to the desired number of game partners for multiplayer games.

The server retrieves groups of participants or users of at least two players with similar matching profiles. The number of online players required for the game may not be two, as in the case of team sports games, which may include two different teams and may employ a "referee" player.

This search may be performed repeatedly or only once for a new set of received identification and preference data.

Once the number of matching sets of preference data has been determined, the server sends a notification to each of the mobile terminals with matching user preference data. This notification may accompany advertisements such as future game session events such as suggestions for online competitions.

The multi-access online application may be a distributed or centralized application. That is, the application can be run separately from different terminals or can be concentrated as a server device application. A multi-access online application may be an online game, because popular online game environments require at least two participants in the game and require online skills. If the user can contact the game server, he or his terminal can be expected to meet all the requirements to join the game. A multi-access online application can be any kind of online application that performs best with at least two unknown users accessing the application.

The stored preference data suggests that users who wish to participate in multi-user online applications such as online games automatically register them with the server and insert their preferences into the server with the insertion of the memory module. Therefore, the server may send an invitation or rendezvous address to launch the online application in case of preferences that fit well with one or more other players. The game can begin if enough players are invited (or individually invited).

The present invention proposes that potential participants of a multiple access online application, such as an online game session, send their intent to participate and the desired type of application to the server and the server stores this information in a database. If another potential participant with the same interest is found, the potential participant is informed, for example by SMS, and the application can be started by the participant or via a server.

In another example embodiment the replaceable cellular memory device is a multimedia card. As such, memory modules with standardized dimensions can be used without the need to develop new kinds of mechanical or electrical interface structures. When using standardized memory modules, it may even be possible to use a terminal, for example a communicator, without having to employ a dedicated adapter module to run a gaming application which is not originally designed for this kind of application. The MMC may store multi-user enabled online application software, server addresses or addresses of other gaming devices with or without explicit user confirmation. This automated server contact can be implemented to automatically connect to a game server or other gaming device, with or without explicit user confirmation, by a script encapsulated in an MMS or stored on the memory device (eg WAP deck). And the script may be stored in the replaceable memory device.

In another example embodiment the cellular network application is a cellular network game. It is an implementation of a replaceable cellular online game memory device that, if the corresponding setting is enabled, causes the game in the device to automatically start in online mode by insertion into an individual terminal.

In another example embodiment the interchangeable cellular memory device comprises a storage capable of storing at least one cellular network game state. It represents an implementation of a replaceable cellular online game memory device combined with a memory card to store other game states in the case of offline games or even online games. Online game state storage applications will not be easy to understand, but for games with a relatively small number of possible parameters, an online game partner with the correct game state can be found. In the case of chess it is a little difficult to find the matching game states of the two, but in the case of noughts and crosses it will always be possible to find the number of matches.

However, if you play in multiplayer mode, gaming will be much more available to the user and there are operators even after revenue, so the insertion of a valid MMC card can send a signal to the network to automatically start searching for the opponent.

A network system is also provided for enabling automated access of multiple network terminals having memory modules inserted for multiple access online applications via a wireless network by a network server. The network system includes network terminals and memory module devices connected to the wireless communication network, and a network server connected to the wireless communication network. The network system according to the present invention is characterized in that the network terminals are terminals according to the foregoing description, the memory modules are memory modules according to the foregoing description, and the network server is a network server according to the foregoing description.

The term "matching" includes similarities and fittings of all kinds and degrees in comparisons between data and profiles. It specifically includes the same, similar and complementary profiles. "Complementary" includes acceptable differences of all degrees and types.

Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a replaceable memory device and a terminal,

2 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a memory device, a terminal, and a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 shows a signal flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention,

4 shows a conventional star topology of terminals connected to a server,

5 shows an example implementation of a network server to enable access to multiple access online applications such as online games.

1 illustrates a block diagram of an implementation of an exchangeable memory device and a block diagram of a terminal. 1 provides a mobile cellular communication terminal 2 on the left side comprising a processor 1, a user interface 3, and a cellular network interface 5 with an antenna indication. The cellular terminal 2 further comprises a memory module interface 4 and a memory module presence detector 7. The processor 1 is connected to a user interface 3, a cellular network interface 5, a memory module interface 4 and a memory module presence detector 7.

1 provides a replaceable memory module 6 comprising a memory module interface 8, an interface depicted by block 14, and a memory controller, a data store 16 and a data store 18.

It is also possible for the terminal detector 10 to be provided in the memory module to determine if the memory device has actually been inserted into the terminal. The terminal detector 10 may also be connected to the interface and memory controller 14.

The processor 1 of the terminal 2 can detect the insertion of the memory device 6 by the memory module detector 7 and therefore starts operation at that time if the memory device is connected to the interface 4. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal may automatically search for memory module data identifying the module. The read device data may include a script that may be executed in the processor. In an embodiment according to the invention, the script derives server address data. This script may allow a processor to contact the server address via the cellular interface 5. The script and server address may be stored in the memory controller or in storage 16 or storage 18. At the same time or subsequently the script may load and start application software such as a terminal executable multiplayer game on the processor 1 via interfaces 8 and 4.

When such operations are caused by the terminal 2, if the presence of the memory is detected through the detector 7, the method can be described as pulling data from the memory device 6. When such operations are caused by the memory device 6, if the presence of the memory is detected by the detector 10, the method can be described as pushing data from the memory device 6.

The exchangeable memory device 6 is shown with a reservoir 18 and a reservoir 16. Although both reservoirs can be implemented in a single chip, different possible features and functions can distinguish them. One storage may be permanent storage (eg ROM) and one other storage may be implemented as multiple access storage (eg RAM). Thus, one repository can store or download updates, applets, service packs, or even new or changed server addresses, for example, while the permanent store contains game IDs, memory device serial numbers, etc. Alternatively, the application software itself may be downloaded. When using this approach, it is also possible to allocate a portion of the recordable memory to store one or more game states that provide memory card functionality, so that the user can assign records to access previously reached game levels. You no longer need to record or remember it. Recordable memory may be used to store a user's preference profile for online games.

Access rights for the terminal, server and / or user may distinguish between the storage 16 and the storage 18.

2 shows a signal flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, vertical lines 16, 18, 14 and 8 represent interchangeable memory devices, line 2 represents a mobile terminal and line 22 represents a cellular online server. Line 36 represents the time axis in the figure.

In the memory device, lines 16 and 18 represent different reservoirs, line 14 represents a controller and line 8 represents an interface. The method starts with connecting the replaceable memory module to the terminal 2 via the interface 8, which is indicated by the first horizontal double arrow. In the next step the server address information is retrieved from the storage 16 and transmitted to the terminal 2 via the storage controller 14 and via an interface. The terminal contacts the cellular network server 22 over the cellular network using the received server address. The insertion of the memory device and the retrieval of the address and access to the address referenced by parentheses 20 represent the minimum functionality of the present invention. It is also possible for the server address to be retrieved from the memory device of the terminal to speed up the process of connecting to the server, in which case the server address may be reflected from the memory module to the terminal during the previous insertion.

In the following it may be assumed that the example in the figures deals with multiplayer online gaming. Cellular network multiplayer gaming basically requires three items. The games themselves are the most important. Game servers 22 offer the possibility to play multiplayer games (which can be integrated into one of the user terminals). Other players may be needed.

The communication in parentheses 30 indicates loading the terminal game software from the storage 18 to the terminal 2 via the storage controller and interface 8 of the memory device.

If the software has been downloaded, the online game can start in online terminal server mode. Note that in this example no measures are taken to connect the user to another online player.

3 shows a signal flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, vertical lines 22, 24, 26, 28 and 34 represent different devices. Line 36 represents the time axis. The devices 24, 26, 28 and 34 may represent terminals according to FIG. 1 in which replaceable memory modules 6 are inserted. The device 22 represents a cellular network server. The server 22 may serve as a game server (running a game application) or an intermediary server (configured to allow users to contact the game server or other users to start an online game).

The users register themselves with the intermediary server 22 during the period indicated by reference numeral 20 'and declare or send their preference data (and ID data) to the server 22.

So the example in the figures deals with multiplayer online gaming. Cellular network multiplayer gaming basically requires three items. The games themselves are the most important. Game servers offer the possibility to play multiplayer games (which can be integrated into one of the user terminals). Other players may be needed.

The method described in this figure is intended to help individual players find each other. It is very easy to happen that potential multiplayer does not end up having a multiplayer game because there are currently no available players registered on the server. This would be a problem if game servers are run by a fragmented market and all participants can only register with a particular server. In particular, when using online games provided by a software company, the market can be defragmented because all participants automatically register with the game's own server. This may enable a scenario where users of different consoles of different manufacturers can compete with each other in a single online game that also runs on the software company's server. In this case ID data and / or preference data may be used to define protocols and data formats for data exchange. Especially in the early days when the greatest boost is needed, there will not be many players with devices from other manufacturers and it is most beneficial for online gaming if all potential players can participate in online gaming.

Users or CNG players are typically assumed not to know other potential CNG players. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to have the server 22 know what people are interested in playing and what their preferences are for playing. Suppose that the users of terminals 24, 26 and 28 want to play a scat and have basically matching preference data. It is also assumed that the user of terminals 34 wants to play a multiplayer adventure game.

According to the present invention, participants for an online game session send their gaming intent and the desired game to a server, which stores this information in a database. This can be done, for example, via a direct WAP connection to the intermediary server 22.

Scat is a game that requires three players. After the user / terminal 24 is automatically registered with the insertion of the memory device it sends its data to the server 22 and the server immediately stores this data (assuming no other Scott players are already registered). There are different parameters defined by the player, for example, when he wants to play, what game he wants to play, what difficulty level, what connection.

The next user who registers himself with the server is the user of user terminal 26 and also the user who wants to play the scat with matching preferences. This user inserts his memory device into his terminal and automatically registers himself with the server 22. Scat as a game requires three players, and therefore has not yet reached the threshold number of players to start the game. The server may inform the terminals 24 and 26 via notification that the game is likely to start immediately if the number of players increases and that only one additional player is needed.

User 34 can insert a multiplayer adventure game and automatically connects to server 22. It can be expected that no matching preferences are found and that the data of terminal 24 is stored in the server. The preferences received from the user 34 do not match the preferences received from the terminals of 24 and 26. Therefore, the extra operation may not be performed. It is also possible to send a notification to the user 34's phone suggesting him to play the scat instead of waiting for the server, since two (potential) Scat players are waiting for a "third person." In addition, assuming that user 34 is not interested in the scat, server 22 waits for another player to register.

The next user to register is the player 28 sending matching preferences for playing the scat. It may not be necessary for all users to be automatically registered under the insertion of a memory device. The server checks the preference data and determines if the number of players with matching preferences is large enough to start the game.

The server then performs a matching operation between the different players and sends a connection request to those players if they want to play the game. The server then sends notifications 30 to each of the terminals 24, 26, 28 to inform them that a group of players has been found sufficient to start the game. In the example shown, the notifications may further include the address of at least one of the other players, so that the user can set up the connection and start the game, for example by sending a notification such as SMS to one of the other players.

If all players want to start the game, they can contact the server and start playing the game over a wireless network such as a cellular telephone network.

Notifications 30 may be considered an invitation to join the game. Similarly, the invitation may include an "entry ticket" in the form of an entry code, entry script, etc. that may allow access to a dedicated game server. If all invited players accept the invitation, the game or competition may begin.

If another player is found interested in the same game, the players may be informed, for example via SMS, and the game may be started by the players or via the server. If other players are found interested in the same game, they may be known to the players, for example by MMS and the game may be started automatically by confirmation of the players via the server.

In the server-based version shown, the CNG software is located on and operated by the server. The CNG software can be located, for example, in a Multi Media Card (MMC) inserted into a mobile terminal. The CNG software can be downloaded from the server 22 to the terminal or to the MMC card inserted in the mobile terminal. A server is needed and therefore terminals 24, 26, 28 can only communicate with the server.

Terminals 24, 26 and 28 are also capable of playing a terminal based version (not shown) in which CNG software is located on and operated by the terminals. In this case no server is needed and therefore the terminals 24, 26, 28 only communicate between them.

In order to demonstrate the operations of further implementations that may be performed when contacting the server, an overview of some possible operations following the connection to the server is discussed in the following. If a multiple access online application is run on the server, then the contacted server may allow each of the notified mobile terminals to access the multiple access online application by the server. This application is particularly useful if a multi-access online application is running on the server itself, so that the server can automatically manage access permissions and startup of applications such as game rounds. In the case of an online gaming application, the insertion of a memory device into the terminal may induce a server to start a game and select a virtual environment or assign another kind of virtual equipment to players. Note that in particular wireless communication networks the device may be connected to the network without actually changing the data with any devices connected to the network. Thus, ID data and preference data can be delivered to the server through a messaging system without the need for a permanent connection.

The ID and preference data may be transmitted via general packet radio service (GPRS), multi media messaging (MMS), short message service (SMS), or through any suitable messaging system.

A server may further access the application in accordance with the received data to enable access to the multiple access online application. Elements of data sent and received and messages or notifications are only required for terminals connected to the wireless network. In contrast, accessing the application requires the setup of a direct connection to the device providing the multi-access online application (for server based applications).

It can be seen that the selection of server-side competitors or game opponents and the automated setup for terminal-side online games of this method allow each other to complete.

The notification may be carried out via a short message (SM) or via a multimedia message (MMS). The transmission of contact or preference data of the server may be performed via a short message (SM) or via a multimedia message (MMS).

4 shows a conventional star topology of terminals connected to a server. The illustrated star topology includes a plurality of terminals 24, 26, 26 and a central server 22. According to the invention, each of the single terminals 24, 26, 26 registers themselves independently and automatically with the intermediate server 22 (20 ′). In the description of the figures, server 22 is represented as a 'mediation server' to emphasize that it is in gathering different potential online application users. During registration 20 'each of the terminals typically subsequently sends an intent to play a skat (card game with 3 participants), for example. This game is chosen as an example because it can be played on devices with low software complexity and relatively low processing power. In the case where three players with nearly identical preferences are found, the mediation server 22 sends a message to each of the terminals 24, 26, 26.

The intermediary server 22 may include game server functionality for the scat game and therefore the skat game may be played through data exchanged between the server and the terminals. In the case shown, the terminals 24, 26, 28 can be represented by mobile telephones and the communication lines 20 ′, 30 ′ are for example provided by a mobile telephone network and the game server 22 is a centralized mobile telephone network. It's a game server. In this case, the terminals represent game controllers of the (scat) videogame. Star topology is based on the idea that a single simulation is run in one place and terminals exchange player movements with each other and do not run the simulation itself. A single game server running a single program features a star topology. Star topology corresponds to a hierarchy in which the server is the master and the terminals represent slaves.

The presented use case relates, for example, to multiparty games provided and deployed in cellular telephone networks. The actual game logic and intelligent components are located in server 22, which controls the game flow and ensures data exchange 20 'between different game opponents 24, 26, 28. The server also controls the connection state of clients (mobile gaming users). If a client is out of coverage or range (either temporarily or permanently), the server can recognize it within a reasonable period of time. This period will of course depend on the type of game. Turn-based games, for example chess or scat, can tolerate long periods of time as compared to high speed shooting or running games.

Another usage scenario deals with multi-party games launched by one mobile game partner using wireless communication means for game data exchange purposes. The wireless communication means may be Bluetooth, general packet radio service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telephone Standard (UMTS), wireless local area network (LAN), infrared, or the like. Whatever connection is used for this gaming party, one of the game partners must act as a server and control the exchange of data between different opponents. The gaming device serving as server 22 for this game will play the same role as the network based (centralized) server 22 described in the paragraph above. The use of short-range communication paths can be applied to detect game opponents when interchangeable memory is inserted in congested places. The use of short-range communication paths is also applicable where two matching players are detected in the same network cell to enable bypass of the cellular network by using direct short-range player-to-player connections.

The devices of FIG. 4 may play a distributed game after an intermediary server sends messages to each of the terminals 24, 26, 26. This message includes cellular communication addresses (eg phone numbers) that set up a direct connection between players playing the game. The server selects players according to the number of required players coded in the preference data (ie, three), the preferred duration of play and the estimated gaming intensity. The scat game also includes a plurality of interconnected terminals 24, 26 and 26, for example, played with a star topology in which terminal 28 may represent a game server. According to other embodiments, this topology may be implemented as a telephone or a plurality of gaming capable telephones interconnected via a short range radio. As one of the alternatives to star topology, an interwoven structure is also possible characterized by a decentralized game program that exchanges only movements between single interface devices. So there may be additional connections between the terminals 24 and 26. It is also possible to build (unidirectional) ring structures.

All the described topologies have in common that they require the minimum required players to begin a multiplayer game. The present invention provides a method of gathering players (not known to each other) who want to participate in an online game.

5 illustrates an implementation of a network server for accessing a multiple access online application such as an online game. Within server 66 a database of players 72, 74 is provided. Players will enter data 62 via their mobiles, for example using WAP services. Players can enter data via their mobiles, such as using SMS or MMS services. Messages or data of users (including user IDs and preference data) are received via modem or network interface 70 via a hard wired portion of a communication network 60 such as a cellular telecommunications network.

Processor 68 stores the received data in a database. The database of players may be divided into a player ID database 72 and a preference database 74. Processor 68 of server 66 manages databases 72 and 74, and matches are retrieved when appropriate. Match numbers can only be retrieved from the preference database 74. If a match is found, a notification in the form of SMS or MMS, for example, will be sent to the registered participants. These notifications or messages may include information that allows the game to start under conditions entered in the preferences database and, if appropriate, allows the player to join or start the game. Algorithms for matching matching gamers or their preferences are not described in detail here. Algorithms for mingling gamers will probably include a few more candidates before actually sending a request for two-player games, because they will not necessarily be available even if people enter their data into the database.

To demonstrate further implementations of the operations that may be performed when contacting the server, some possible operations following the connection to the server are outlined in the following. The contacted server may then grant access by the server to the notified mobile terminals if the multi-access online application is running on the server. This application is particularly useful if a multi-access online application runs on the server itself, so the server can automatically manage the launching of the application, such as access rights and game rounds. In the case of an online game application, the insertion of a memory device into the terminal allows the server to start a game, select a virtual environment, or assign another kind of virtual equipment to the players. Note that, in particular, in the case of wireless communication networks, the device may be connected to the network without actually exchanging data with any device that is also connected to the network. Therefore, ID data and preference data can be transmitted to the server through the messaging system without the need for a permanent connection. The ID and preference data may be transmitted via a general packet radio service (GPRS), multi media messaging (MMS) short message service (SMS), or any other suitable messaging system.

A server further accesses the application in accordance with the received data to enable access to the multiple access online application. Elements for sending and receiving data and messages or notifications are only required for terminals connected to the wireless network. In contrast, the access operation for the application requires the setup of a direct connection to the device providing the multi-access online application (in the case of a server based application).

It can be seen that the selection of the server side, the competitors or game opponents, and the automated setup of the online game on the terminal side of this method are completed with each other.

The notification may be carried out via a short message (SM) or via a multimedia message (MMS). The transmission of contact or preference data of the server may be performed via a short message (SM) or via a multimedia message (MMS).

Wireless network games may be located primarily in a server or in terminals.

In the server-based version, CNG software resides on and runs on a server. In this case the terminals basically serve as remote controllers for the game application running on the server. The terminals serve as the controllers and screens of the video game, the wireless network functions as a controller cable and a TV cable, and the server serves as a video game console running game applications. In this scenario, players can change the game's settings before the game begins.

In the terminal based version, the CNG software is located on and operated by the terminals. CNG software can be located, for example, in an MMC card inserted in a mobile terminal. The CNG software can be downloaded from a server to the terminal or to an MMC card inserted in the mobile terminal.

In the case of the terminal-based version of CNG, the server can only serve as a middle country to communicate the movements of the players involved between the terminals, allowing each of the terminals to write their own scenario in some (basically independent) manner. have.

In this case, the contact with the server has only a function of causing a primary contact between the players, so that the terminals can directly connect with each other through a wireless communication network, a cellular telephone network, or even Bluetooth to start a game and bypass the server. This may be done automatically under insertion of the memory device into the terminal.

Devices automatically contact intermediary servers that cause only primary contact between players and, for example, a remote application or game server, and terminals connect each other directly to a dedicated game server, or the intermediary server hands the group of users to a dedicated game server. It is also possible to over.

The terminal may be configured by the memory device to send a preference profile including ID data and preference data stored in the internal database to the server via the network. The processor is further configured to receive a notification from the server that includes an offer to gain access to the multiple access online application according to the sent data in the preference profile. The received notification includes data that enables the mobile terminal's access to the multiple access online application.

An element of the invention is that the game automatically starts in multiplayer when the appropriate media is inserted.

Other elements of the invention reside in the manner in which the player is registered with the broker or game server and the server may send notifications based on the data in the database.

The present invention improves the usefulness of online applications such as online games and is therefore important in any multiplayer gaming business.

This application contains, with the help of examples, a description of embodiments and embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments presented above and that the invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the features of the invention. The embodiments presented above are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the possibilities of implementing and using the invention are limited by the enclosed claims. As a result, various options for implementing the invention as defined in the claims, including equivalent embodiments, are also within the scope of the invention.

Claims (34)

A method for automatically connecting a mobile terminal to a remote cellular network server, the mobile terminal having an interface for connecting a switchable memory and a cellular network interface, the network address of the server being searchable; Detecting that an exchangeable memory is coupled to the mobile terminal; Retrieving the network address of the server; And Establishing a connection to the server via the network. The method of claim 1, wherein the network address of the server is stored in the switchable memory and the network address of the server is retrieved from the switchable memory. The method of claim 1, wherein the network address of the server is stored in the mobile terminal and the network address of the server is retrieved from the mobile terminal. 4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by making a cellular network application stored in the switchable memory active in an online mode. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the exchangeable memory stores application ID data of a cellular network application, the method further comprising retrieving the application ID data and the application ID data associated with the application ID data. And transmitting to the server. 4. A user confirmation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a user confirmation is sent to a user interface for setting up a connection to said server address over said network. Include the needs, Only when the requested user confirmation is detected, establishing a connection to the server at the server address over the network. 4. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the exchangeable memory stores a cellular network application, obtaining user preference data relating to the cellular network application, and obtaining the preference data from the exchangeable memory. And storing therein. 4. The server of claim 1, wherein the exchangeable memory stores a cellular network application, retrieving a user's preference data relating to the cellular network application, and the preference data being linked to the linked server. The method further comprises transmitting to. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the exchangeable memory stores a cellular network application and the cellular network application is a cellular network game. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining game state data of the cellular network game, and storing the data in the exchangeable memory. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising retrieving game state data of the user for the cellular network game stored in the exchangeable memory, and transmitting preference data for the game to a connected game server. A method for automatically operating a cellular network application from a switchable memory device, the method comprising: Detecting a mobile terminal coupled to the exchangeable memory; Retrieving a script that causes a network address of a cellular network server and the connected mobile terminal to set up a network connection to the cellular network server at the network address; And Transmitting the network address and the script to the connected mobile terminal. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising retrieving user's preference data for the cellular network application, and transmitting the preference data to the connected mobile terminal. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising operating said cellular network application stored in said exchangeable memory in an online mode. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the cellular network application is a cellular network game. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program product comprising program code executed on a computer or a network device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 3, 12 and 13. Read by a computer storing a computer program product comprising program code downloadable from a server that is executed on a computer or a network device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 3, 12 and 13. Possible storage medium. delete A mobile terminal for automatically connecting to a remote cellular network server having a server address, Cellular network interface, User interface, A processor coupled to the network interface and the user interface, The terminal is Interface for connecting interchangeable memory, A detector for detecting an operational connection of said exchangeable memory, A component for retrieving a server address, and And a component for connecting to said server address via said cellular network interface. 20. The server of claim 19, wherein the interface for linking swappable memory is an interface for linking swappable memory including the address of a server, and the component for retrieving the server address replaces the server address with the swappable address. Mobile terminal adapted to retrieve from memory. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a store for storing the server address, wherein the store is coupled to the processor, and wherein the component for retrieving the server address is adapted to retrieve the server address from the store. Mobile terminal. 22. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the mobile terminal is further configured to retrieve application ID data of a cellular network application stored in the connected switchable memory and to transmit the application ID data to the connected server. terminal. 22. A mobile terminal according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein said mobile terminal is further configured to run an online application of said memory if said replaceable memory is detected. 22. A mobile terminal as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21, wherein said interface for connecting a replaceable memory is an interface of a multimedia card. 22. A mobile terminal according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein said exchangeable memory stores a cellular network application and said cellular network application is a cellular network game. An interface for connecting to a mobile terminal, A data store for storing at least one address of the server, and And a reader for retrieving the server address from the data store. 27. The exchangeable cellular memory device of claim 26, wherein the data store further stores cellular network applications. 28. The replaceable cellular memory device of claim 27 wherein the data store further stores application ID data of the cellular network application. 28. The interchangeable cellular memory device of claim 27 wherein the data store further stores at least one set of preference data related to preferences of a user of the cellular network application. 28. The replaceable cellular memory device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the replaceable cellular memory device is a multimedia card. 28. The replaceable cellular memory device of claim 27, wherein the cellular network application is a cellular network game. 31. A replaceable cellular online game memory device according to claim 30, wherein said data store further stores at least one cellular network game state. 28. A replaceable cellular online game memory device according to any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the storage contains a script that causes the connected mobile terminal to set up a network connection, and the reader is configured to retrieve the script. Replaceable cellular online game memory device adapted for use. 34. The exchangeable cellular online game memory device of claim 33, wherein a storage controller is provided to send the server address and the script to the interface.

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