TWI777554B - Method and computer-readable storage medium for providing a virtual element for display in a parallel reality experience - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for linking real world activity with a location-based parallel reality experience are provided. In particular, a game server hosting a parallel reality experience receives position data from a client device of a user and determines whether the client device is at a real world landmark associated with a geographic area. Responsive to determining that the client device is at the real world landmark, the game server cause the client device to present content incentivizing the user to travel to a real world location in the geographic area. The game server determines whether the client device is within proximity of the real world location based on sensor data. Responsive to determining that the client device is within proximity of the real world location, the game server causes the client device to display the virtual element at a virtual world location corresponding to the real world location.

Description

Method and computer-readable storage medium for providing a virtual element for display in a parallel reality experience

The present invention relates generally to location-based gaming, and more particularly to a system for linking real-world activities (such as commercial activities and/or data collection activities) with a location-based parallel reality game and method.

Computer-based and/or electronic gaming systems are known that provide a shared virtual environment for many players to interact in a virtual world. With the increased availability and connectivity of the Internet, many players from all over the world can interact and perform various game objectives in a virtual environment. Such game systems typically do not have a virtual world geography that is parallel to the real world. Location-based games use the real world as their equivalent geography. Some location-based games add virtual locations on a map that is parallel to the real world geography. However, such games usually focus on real-world goals. These games typically do not include a virtual game environment that is parallel to the real world and acts as a virtual game environment in which many players can interact and perform one of various game objectives in a parallel virtual world by navigating and performing actions in the real world. world.

Providing a parallel reality game that shares a virtual world with at least a portion of the real world can host a variety of interactions that may appeal to a community of players. Providing a virtual world with a geography parallel to at least a portion of the real world allows players to Tour the virtual world. Linking virtual elements in the virtual environment with real-world objects, locations, and actions in the real world can encourage players to move to and notice features in the real world that players would typically ignore. Providing virtual elements in the virtual world in the same locations as their corresponding real world objects and/or locations in the real world increases the perception that the virtual elements are hidden parts of the real world.

A parallel reality game may include game features that encourage players to interact in the virtual world, such as by interacting with a community of other players in the virtual world and through various game objectives in the virtual world. Certain game features may be provided to more closely link parallel virtual worlds with the real world.

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments.

An illustrative aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of providing an alternate reality experience, such as an alternate reality game. The parallel reality experience has a virtual world with a geography parallel to at least a portion of the geography of the real world, so that the user can navigate the virtual world by moving to different geographic locations in the real world. The method includes receiving location data from a client device of a user of the parallel reality experience, and determining whether the client device is at a real-world landmark associated with a geographic area. The method includes causing the client device to present content that motivates the user to move to a real-world location if the client device is at the real-world landmark. The real-world location is within the geographic area of the real-world landmark. The method further includes determining whether the client device is close to the real world location based on sensor data, and if the client device is close to the real world location, causing the client device to be in a virtual world corresponding to the real world location A virtual element is displayed at the location.

Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices, non-transitory computer-readable media, devices, and user interfaces for linking real-world activities with a location-based parallel reality game.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the related principles.

100: Location-Based Gaming Systems

110: Game Server

112: Universal Game Mods

114: Commercial Game Feature Mods

115: Game Library

116: Data Collection Module

120: Client/Client Device

125: Game Mods

128: Positioning device

130: Internet

140: Sponsor/Advertiser

150: Enterprise

200: Real World/Real World

210: Virtual World

212: Location

214: Location

222: Location

224:Location

230: Virtual Elements

232: Virtual Items

240: Landmark/Location/Object

250: Virtual Energy

300: Game Interface/User Interface

310: Display window

315: Player Information

320: Menu

330: Communication Interface

340: Audio Controls

400: Method

402: The server hosts the parallel reality game for multiple client devices

404: The server modifies the game data associated with the location-based game to include game features linked to real-world activities in the game

406: The server serves a parallel reality game that includes game features linked to real-world activities to one or more client devices

408: The client device receives game data from the server containing data associated with game features linked to real-world activities

410: The client device presents to the player a parallel reality game that includes game features linked to real-world activities

412: Client device includes receiving data associated with player interaction with game features

414: Client device provides data associated with player interaction with game features to server

416: Receive data at the server associated with player interaction with game features

418: Server modifies one or more game elements in an alternate reality game based on data associated with player interactions

500: Method

502: Receive a request to include a game feature linked to a commercial activity in an alternate reality game

504: Analyze requests to identify game features linked to commercial activity

506: Modify, update or add game material to include requested game features

508: Provide a player of an alternate reality game with access to an alternate reality game with requested game features

510: Receive player interactions associated with game features

600: Method

602: Hosting Parallel Reality Games for Multiple Client Devices

604: Modify game data associated with an alternate reality game to include game features linked to data collection activities in the real world

606: Serve an alternate reality game including game features to one or more client devices used by players of the alternate reality game

608: Receive data collected by players in accordance with data collection activities in the real world

610: Modification of data related to the real world based on collected data

700: Method

701: Managed user-participated parallel-reality experiences via client devices

702: Receive location data from the client device of the user of the parallel reality experience

703: Cause the client device to motivate the user to move to the real-world landmark if the location data received from the client device indicates that it is within a threshold distance from the real-world landmark

704: Determine if the client device is at a real-world landmark associated with the geographic area

705: If the client device is at a real-world landmark, cause the client device to present content that motivates the user to move to a real-world location within the geographic area

706: Determine if the client device is close to the real-world location/determination

707: Cause the client device to display a virtual element at a virtual location corresponding to the real world location if the client device is close to the real world location

A detailed discussion of embodiments for those of ordinary skill is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary computer-based system for implementing a location-based game in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention 2 depicts a representation of a virtual world having a geography parallel to the real world; FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary game interface for a location-based game according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary game interface according to the present invention; A server-client flow diagram of an exemplary method for linking real-world activities with a location-based parallel reality game of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary method according to the invention A flowchart of an exemplary method for linking a business activity with a location-based parallel reality game of an embodiment; and FIG. 6 depicts a method for linking data collection activities with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart of an exemplary method of a location-based parallel reality game linking.

7 depicts a flow diagram of a method for providing a virtual element in an alternate reality experience according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

priority claim

This application claims the rights of US Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 16/872,206, filed May 11, 2020, which is incorporated by reference.

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the embodiment and does not limit the invention. In fact, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield another embodiment. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Overview

In general, the present invention relates to a computer-based system and method for linking real-world activities, such as real-world business activities and/or real-world data collection activities, with a location-based parallel reality game. In particular, a game server hosting a parallel reality game may modify, update, or augment game data stored in a game database associated with the parallel reality game to include certain game features in the parallel reality game. in a real game. Game features may be linked to real-world commercial activities and/or data collection activities. For example, game features can be linked to activities in the real world, such that player actions associated with game features in the virtual world can lead to or encourage commercial activities and/or data collection activities in the real world. Linking a location-based parallel reality game with real-world activities in accordance with aspects of the present invention may have a technical effect of providing an efficient and improved selection of virtual game features associated with real-world activities, To further enhance the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world in the game.

More specifically, a game server may host a location-based parallel reality game having a player game area including a virtual environment having a geography parallel to at least a portion of the real world geography. The player may navigate a coordinate range defining a virtual space in the virtual world by navigating a geographic coordinate range in the real world. In particular, the player's location may be monitored or tracked using, for example, a positioning system (eg, a GPS system) associated with a player's mobile device. The player position information may be provided via a network to a game server hosting the parallel reality game, and may be used by the game server hosting the parallel reality game to update the player position in the virtual world. Therefore, when the player continuously moves around within one coordinate range in the real world, the player also continuously moves around within one coordinate range in the parallel virtual world.

The virtual world may contain one or more virtual elements linked to real world landmarks/locations. For example, a virtual world may contain various virtual elements associated with landmarks, museums, works of art, libraries, or other areas of interest in the real world. Virtual elements linked to real world landmarks/locations can provide the illusion that the virtual world is one of the hidden dimensions of the real world that players can interact with by playing an alternate reality game. For example, as the player navigates geographic coordinates in the real world, the player may discover and interact with virtual elements provided in parallel virtual worlds. Various game objectives may require players to interact with these virtual elements as part of a location-based game.

A location-based parallel reality game must contain a link between the real world and the parallel virtual world. In order to improve the link between the real world and parallel virtual worlds, certain game features can be linked to real-world activities (such as real-world business activities and/or real-world data collection activities) to enhance action pairing in the virtual world The impact of actions in the real world, And vice versa, thereby improving the user experience in alternate reality games.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, game features linked to real-world business activities may be included in an alternate-reality game such that player actions while playing an alternate-reality game may encourage or motivate the real-world of commercial activities. Sponsors, advertisers, businesses, and other entities may request that certain game features be included in an alternate reality game to increase the business or other entity's exposure to players of the alternate reality game.

For example, a sponsor, business or other entity may provide a request to host an alternate reality via a network to add certain game features linked to real-world business activities to an alternate reality game One of the games is a game server. The game server may analyze the request and determine whether to add the requested game feature to the game. Once the game server determines to add a particular game feature to the alternate reality game, the game server may modify, update, or add the game data to a game database associated with the alternate reality game to include the game feature. The game server may then host or provide access to the alternate reality game with the requested game features for a plurality of players of the alternate reality game.

As one example, an entity may attract customers to its real-world location by requesting that virtual elements or other game features be located at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to a location in a business activity associated with the entity in the real world . These virtual elements or game features may be designed to be beneficial or necessary to visit within the virtual world in order to achieve specific game objectives or achievements within the alternate reality game. Accordingly, sponsors and other events can attract customers to their real-world locations by requesting and configuring certain virtual elements to be located at specific locations within the parallel-reality game.

As another example, a business or other entity that desires to increase its visibility to customers may configure game features to link to real-world purchases of goods or services. For example, the real world The purchase of a particular item or service in the world may be linked to enhanced abilities, hidden game features or game objectives, or other items/events of value in the virtual world. This gives players of the alternate reality game an incentive to visit businesses or other entities to purchase goods or services, and to talk about their experiences with friends and other players of the alternate reality game.

As yet another example, an alternate reality game may include certain achievements or completion of certain achievements within the virtual world that are configured to distribute coupons, coupons, or other rewards useful in the real world to the alternate reality game. A bonus mod for the player of the game object. For example, a business or other entity may configure a coupon, discount, credit or other reward associated with the business to be distributed to players upon completion of certain game tasks or game objectives. This may use coupons, discounts, vouchers or other incentives to encourage real-world commerce based on player actions in the parallel virtual world.

As yet another example, a sponsor or other entity may configure the labeling or branding of certain virtual items, virtual locations, or other virtual elements in the virtual world. These branding elements can increase the visibility of sponsors or other entities to players of the game. If the branding element is valuable or powerful within the location-based game, word about the branding element can spread virally among players of the game, providing increased visibility for sponsors or other entities.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an alternate reality game may include game features linked to data collection activities in the real world. Game features may be directly linked to a data collection activity or indirectly linked to a data collection activity. The data collected by the player as a result of performing data collection activities may be in the form of a photo, a sound recording, textual information, or other suitable data (eg, location of WiFi hotspots, Bluetooth connection, etc.). The collected information can be sent to a game server, which can analyze and use the data to improve the data in relation to the real world. The improved data can then be made available to various platforms such as search engines, encyclopedias, geospatial systems (eg, map services, virtual globe services, etc.) and other platforms) access.

An exemplary game feature directly linked to data collection activities may include a game objective or mission in the virtual world that involves acquiring information about the real world and providing this information as a condition of game objective completion. For example, a game objective associated with a virtual element may require a player to take a photo of a particular landmark, artwork, storefront, or other feature positioned in the real world at a location that corresponds to the location of a virtual element. In return for completing the game objective, the player may receive a suitable reward, such as a virtual reward for the virtual world or a reward for the real world. For example, rewards may be in the form of virtual items/energy/currency or other virtual elements. Rewards may also include enabling some element of game play that may not be available to other players not interacting with game features (eg, hidden quests/items, power-ups, enhanced abilities, etc.).

An exemplary game feature indirectly linked to data collection activities may include placing virtual elements at specific locations in the virtual world, such that actions taken by players to interact with the virtual elements indirectly reveal information about the real world. For example, a virtual object may be positioned at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to a park, hiking area, or other location. By tracking player movements in the virtual world to navigate to virtual objects, the gaming system can also track corresponding movements in the real world, thereby providing an indication of the location of traversable paths in an area.

The accuracy and range of collected data in relation to the real world may be improved when multiple players interact with game features linked to data collection activities. For example, if multiple people take an image of an artwork or other feature, the photos will likely be taken from different angles. These different images can be combined to obtain a three-dimensional and/or panoramic view (eg, a street-level image) of an artwork or other feature that would not be possible using only a single photo. Additionally, by knowing where a player is in the real world at the time of the data collection action, location data can be correlated with the collected data to further enrich the collected data.

The player's location may be tracked using location data (eg, GPS data) generated by the player's client device. Based on the location data, the player may be prompted to move to a real-world landmark, move to a real-world location, and/or participate in a virtual experience at a real-world location. For example, a player near a coffee shop may be notified that a virtual coupon is available and reward the player visiting the coffee shop with an in-game bonus virtual item or virtual experience. As another example, a player in a grocery store may be directed to a particular aisle and prompted to pick up or otherwise interact with a particular product. If the player does so (eg, as determined by an image captured with a camera of the player's client device), the player may be provided with additional information about the product and/or a virtual reward within the game. Thus, everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping, can be an interactive experience in an alternate reality game.

Exemplary Location-Based Parallel Reality Game System

An exemplary computer-implemented location-based gaming system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The subject matter will be discussed with reference to an alternate reality game. A parallel reality game is a location-based game having a virtual world geography that is parallel to at least a portion of the real world geography, such that player movements and actions in the real world affect actions in the virtual world, and vice versa Of course. Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill will understand that the subject matter of the present invention is equally applicable to other gaming systems. In addition, the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a wide variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality among and among the components of the system. For example, systems and methods according to aspects of the present invention may be implemented using a single computing device or implemented across multiple computing devices.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary computer-implemented location-based gaming system 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The location-based gaming system 100 has The interaction of a plurality of players is provided in a virtual world of one of the parallel geographies. In particular, a geographic area in the real world can be directly linked or mapped to a corresponding area in the virtual world. A player can move around in the virtual world by moving to various geographic locations in the real world. For example, the system 100 can track a player's location in the real world and update the player's location in the virtual world based on the player's current location in the real world.

2 depicts a conceptual diagram of a virtual world 210 parallel to the real world 200 that can act as a game board for all players of a location-based game, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, virtual world 210 may include a geography parallel to that of real world 200 . In particular, a coordinate range defining a geographic area or space in the real world 200 maps to a corresponding coordinate range defining a virtual space in the virtual world 210 . A range of coordinates in the real world 200 may be associated with a town, neighborhood, city, campus, site, a country, continent, the entire globe, or other geographic area. Each geographic coordinate within the geographic coordinate range is mapped to a corresponding coordinate in a virtual space in the virtual world.

A player's position in the virtual world 210 corresponds to the player's position in the real world 200 . For example, player A positioned at location 212 in real world 200 has a corresponding location 222 in virtual world 210 . Similarly, player B positioned at location 214 in the real world has a corresponding location 224 in the virtual world. As the player moves around within a geographic location in the real world, the player also moves around within the coordinates that define the virtual space in the virtual world 210 . In particular, a positioning system (eg, a GPS system) associated with a mobile device carried by the player can be used to track a player's location as the player navigates a geographic coordinate range in the real world. The data associated with the player's position in the real world 200 is used to update the player's position within the corresponding coordinates that define the virtual space in the virtual world 210 . In this way, the player can simply use the corresponding geographic coordinate range in the real world 200 A continuous trajectory that travels while cruising within a range of coordinates defining a virtual space in virtual world 210 without having to check or periodically update position information at specific discrete locations in real world 200 .

A location-based game may include a plurality of game objectives that require the player to move to and/or interact with various virtual elements and/or virtual objects at various virtual locations in the virtual world. A player can move to these virtual locations by moving to the corresponding locations of virtual elements or objects in the real world. For example, a positioning system can continuously track the player's position, so that while the player is continuously navigating the real world, the player is also continuously navigating a parallel virtual world. The player can then interact with various virtual elements and/or objects at specific locations to achieve or perform one or more game objectives.

For example, referring to FIG. 2 , a game objective may require the player to capture or claim ownership of virtual elements 230 located at various virtual locations in the virtual world 210 . These virtual elements 230 may be linked to landmarks, geographic locations, or objects 240 in the real world 200 . Real-world landmarks or objects 240 may be artworks, monuments, buildings, businesses, libraries, museums, or other suitable real-world landmarks or objects. In order to claim these virtual elements 230, a player must move to landmarks or geographic locations 240 in the real world that are linked to virtual elements 230 and must perform any necessary interactions with virtual elements 230 in virtual world 210. For example, player A of FIG. 2 would have to move to a landmark 240 in the real world 200 in order to interact with or capture a virtual element 230 linked to that particular landmark 240 . Interaction with virtual elements 230 may require actions in the real world, such as taking a photo and/or confirming, obtaining or retrieving other information about landmarks or objects 240 associated with virtual elements 230 .

The game objective may require the player to use one or more virtual items collected by the player in the location-based game. For example, the player may have to move around the virtual world looking for Virtual items (for example, weapons or other items) that are useful as game objectives. These virtual items can be found or collected by moving to different locations in the real world or by performing various actions in the virtual or real world. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , a player uses virtual item 232 to capture one or more virtual elements 230 . In particular, a player may deploy virtual item 232 at a location in virtual world 210 proximate virtual element 230 . Deploying one or more virtual items 232 proximate a virtual element 230 may result in the capture of the virtual element 230 for a particular player or for a team and/or faction of a particular player.

In one particular implementation, a player may have to collect virtual energy as part of a location-based game. As depicted in FIG. 2 , virtual energy 250 may be dispersed at different locations in virtual world 210 . A player can collect virtual energy 250 by moving to the corresponding location of virtual energy 250 in real world 200 . Virtual energy 250 may be used to power virtual items and/or perform various game objectives in the game. A player who loses one of all virtual energy 250 may be disconnected from the game.

According to aspects of the invention, a location-based game may be a massively multi-player location-based game in which each participant in the game shares the same virtual world. Players may be divided into various teams or factions and may work together to achieve one or more game objectives, such as capturing or gaining ownership of a virtual element. In this way, location-based gaming can inherently be a community game that encourages collaboration between players within the game. During a location-based game, players from opposing teams can play against each other. A player can use virtual items to attack or hinder the progress of players of the opposing team.

Location-based games may have various features that enhance and encourage game play within location-based games. For example, a player may accumulate a virtual currency or other virtual reward that can be used throughout the game. Players may gain experience within the game as the player completes one or more game objectives. Experience and advance through each level. Players can communicate with each other through one or more communication interfaces provided in the game. Players may also gain enhanced "ability" or virtual items that can be used to accomplish in-game game objectives. Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill should understand that various other game features may be included in a location-based game without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the computer-implemented location-based gaming system 100 will be discussed in greater detail. System 100 may include a client-server architecture in which a game server 110 communicates with one or more clients 120 via a network 130 . Although one client 120 is shown in FIG. 1 , any number of clients 120 may be connected to the game server 110 via the network 130 . The server 110 may host a general game module 112 that controls the state of the location-based game for all players and receives and processes each player's input in the location-based game. On the client side, each client 120 may include a game module 125 that operates as a game application to provide an interface to the system 100 for a user. Game server 110 transmits game data to client 120 via network 130 for use by game modules 125 at client 120 to provide a local version of the game to players at locations remote from game server 110 . Server 110 may include a network interface for providing communication via network 130 . A network interface may include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

It will be appreciated that the term "module" refers to computer logic used to provide the desired functionality. Thus, a module can be implemented in hardware, firmware and/or software that controls a general-purpose processor. In one embodiment, a module is a code file stored on a storage device, loaded into memory and executed by a processor or provided from a computer program product, eg, stored in a tangible computer readable Computer-executable instructions in storage media such as RAM hard drives or optical or magnetic media.

Game server 110 can be any computing device, and can include one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can store instructions that cause a processor to perform operations. Game server 110 may include or be in communication with a game database 115 . Game database 115 stores game data used in location-based games to be served or provided to client(s) 120 via network 130 .

The game data stored in the game database 115 may include: (1) data associated with the virtual world in the location-based game (eg, image data for rendering the virtual world on a display device, location in the virtual world (e.g., player information, player experience level, player currency, current player position in virtual/real world, player power level, player preferences , team information, faction information, etc.); (3) data associated with game objects (for example, data associated with current game objects, status of game objects, past game objects, future game objects, desired game objects, etc.); (4) Information associated with virtual elements in the virtual world (for example, the location of virtual elements, the type of virtual elements, the game objects associated with virtual elements; the corresponding real-world location information of virtual elements; the behavior of virtual elements, correlation of virtual elements, etc.); (5) data associated with real-world objects, landmarks, locations linked to virtual-world elements (e.g., location of real-world objects/landmarks, descriptions of real-world objects/landmarks, links to real-world objects/landmarks) (6) game state (eg, current number of players, current state of game objectives, player leaderboards, etc.); (7) data associated with player actions/inputs (eg, current player position, past player position, player movement, player input, player inquiries, player communications, etc.); and (8) any other information used, related, or obtained during the implementation of a location-based game. Game data stored in game database 115 may be exported by system administrators and/or data received from users/players of system 100 (such as from one or more clients 120 via network 130 ). Fill in on-line or on-the-fly.

Game server 110 may be configured to receive requests for game data from one or more clients 120 (eg, via a remote procedure call (RPC)), and to respond to such requests via network 130 . For example, game server 110 may encode game data in one or more data files and provide the data files to client 120 . Additionally, game server 110 may be configured to receive game data (eg, player position, player actions, player input, etc.) from one or more clients 120 via network 130 . For example, client device 120 may be configured to periodically send player input and other updates (used by game server 110 to update game data in game database 115 to reflect any and all changed conditions of the game) to the game server 110 .

As shown, the game server 110 may include a general game module 112 . The general game module 112 hosts all players' location-based games and acts as the authoritative source for the current state of all players' location-based games. The generic game module 112 receives game data (eg, player input, player position, player actions, landmark information, etc.) from the client 120 and incorporates the received game data into the overall location-based game for all players of the location-based game in the game. The generic game module 112 can also manage the delivery of game data to the client 120 via the network 130 .

As will be discussed in more detail below, the game server 110 may further include a commercial game feature module 114 . Commercial game feature mods 114 may be separate from or part of generic game mods 112 . The business game feature module 114 may manage various game features within the parallel reality game that include links to a business activity in the real world. For example, the commercial game feature module 114 may receive via the network 130 (via a web interface) from the sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity to include game features linked to commercial activities in the parallel reality game request. Next, the commercial game feature module 114 may be configured to include such game features in in parallel reality games.

Game server 110 may further include a data collection module 116 . The data collection module 116 may be separate from or part of the general game module 112 . The data collection module 116 may manage the inclusion of various game features in the parallel reality game linked to a data collection activity in the real world. For example, data collection module 116 may modify game data stored in game database 115 to include game features linked to data collection activities in an alternate reality game. The data collection module 116 may also analyze data collected by players in accordance with data collection activities and provide the data for access by various platforms.

Other mods may be used with game server 110 . Any number of modules can be programmed or otherwise configured to implement the server-side functionality described herein. Additionally, various components on the server side can be reconfigured. For example, game database 115 may be integrated into game server 110 . Other configurations will be apparent in view of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular configuration.

A client 120 can be any portable computing device that can be used by a player to interface with the gaming system 100 . For example, a client 120 may be a wireless device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable gaming device, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a navigation system, a handheld GPS system, a wearable computing device, a One or more processors, a display or other such device. In short, a client 120 can be any computer device or system that can execute a game module 125 to allow a player to interact with the game system 100 .

The client 120 may include one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can store instructions that cause a processor to perform operations. Client 120 may include various input/output devices for providing information and receiving information from a player, such as a display screen, touch screen, touch pad, data entry keys, speakers, and/or one suitable for speech recognition microphone. Client 120 may further include a network interface for providing communication via network 130 . A network interface may include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

The game module 125 executed by the client 120 provides an interface between a player and the location-based game. Game module 125 may present a user interface on a display device associated with client 120 that displays a virtual world associated with the game (eg, presents images of the virtual world) and allows a user Interact in the virtual world to perform various game objectives. Game module 125 may also control various other outputs to allow a player to interact with the game without requiring the player to view a display screen. For example, the game module 125 may control various audio, vibration, or other notifications that allow the player to play the game without looking at the display screen. Game module 125 may access game data received from game server 110 to provide the user with an accurate representation of the game. Game module 125 may receive player input via network 130 and process the player input and provide updates to game server 110 .

Because gaming system 100 is used for a location-based game, client 120 is preferably a portable computing device, such as a smartphone or other portable device, that can be easily carried or otherwise transported with a player device. A player can interact with the virtual world simply by carrying or transporting the client 120 in the real world. Client 120 may include a positioning device 128 that monitors the position of a player during game play. Positioning device 128 may be any device or circuit used to monitor the location of client 120 . For example, the positioning device 128 can be located by using a satellite navigation and positioning system (eg, a GPS system, a Galileo positioning system, GLObal Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), BeiDou satellite navigation and positioning system), an inertial navigation system, A dead reckoning system, based on IP addresses, by using triangulation and/or proximity to cellular towers or Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth beacons, camera-based visual positioning technology and/or or other suitable techniques for determining position to determine actual or relative position.

As the player moves around the real world with the client 120 , the positioning device 128 tracks the player's position and provides the player's position information to the game module 125 . The game mod 125 updates the player's position in the virtual world associated with the game based on the player's actual position in the real world. In particular, the player's location in the virtual world may correspond to the player's location in the real world. The game module 125 may provide player position information to the game server 110 via the network 130 so that the general game module 112 knows all player positions throughout the game. It should be understood that the location information associated with the player is only utilized after the player has been notified that the player's location information is to be accessed and permission is granted on how the location information is to be utilized in the context of the game. Additionally, any location information associated with the player will be stored and maintained in a manner that protects the privacy of the player.

Network 130 may be any type of communication network, such as a local area network (eg, an intranet), a wide area network (eg, the Internet), or some combination thereof. The network may also include a direct connection between a client 120 and the game server 110 . In general, communication between the game server 110 and a client 120 may use any type of wired and/or wireless connection using a variety of communication protocols (eg, TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP) via a network interface , encoding or format (eg, HTML, XML, JSON) and/or protection scheme (eg, VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

The technologies discussed herein refer to servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, as well as actions taken and information sent to and from such systems. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a wide variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For example, the server programs discussed herein can be implemented using a single server or multiple servers working in combination Shi. Databases and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

Additionally, in contexts where the systems and methods discussed herein access and analyze personal information about a user or utilize personal information such as location information, the user may be provided with control over whether a program or feature collects information and controls whether and and/or an opportunity to receive content from the system or other applications. Do not collect or use such information or data until the user is provided with meaningful notice of what information will be collected and how it will be used. Information is not collected or used unless the user provides consent, which the user may withdraw or modify at any time. Thus, the user can control how information about the user is collected and how the information is used by the application or system. Additionally, certain information or data may be disposed of in one or more ways prior to storage or use such that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, the identity of a user may be handled such that the user's personally identifiable information cannot be determined.

Example game interface

FIG. 3 depicts one particular embodiment of a gaming interface 300 that may be presented on a display of a client 120 as part of the interface between a player and gaming system 100 . Game interface 300 includes a display window 310 that can be used to display virtual world 210 and various other aspects of the game, such as player position 222 and the location of virtual elements 230, virtual items 232, and virtual energy 250 within virtual world 210. User interface 300 may also display other information, such as game data information, game communications, player information, and other information associated with the game. For example, the user interface may display player information 315, such as player name, experience level, and other information. User interface 300 may include a menu 320 for accessing various game settings and other information associated with the game. User interface 300 may also include a communication interface 330 that enables communication between the gaming system and players and between one or more players of the location-based game.

According to aspects of the invention, a player can interact with location-based games by simply carrying a client device around in the real world. For example, a player can play a location-based game by simply accessing an application associated with the location-based game on a smartphone and moving around in the real world with the smartphone. In this regard, the player does not have to continuously view a visual representation of the virtual world on a display screen in order to play the location-based game. Accordingly, user interface 300 may include a plurality of non-visual elements that allow a user to interact with the game. For example, the game interface may provide an audible notification to the player when the player is approaching a virtual element or object in the game or when an important event occurs in the location-based game. A player may control these audible notifications with audio controls 340 . Different types of audible notifications may be provided to the user depending on the type of virtual element or event. The frequency or volume of audible notifications may increase or decrease depending on a player's proximity to a virtual element or object. Other non-visual notifications and signals may be provided to the user, such as a vibrating notification or other suitable notifications or signals.

Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill will understand that many game interface configurations and underlying functionality will be apparent in light of this disclosure. The present invention is not intended to be limited to any one particular configuration.

Example Server-Client Flowchart

Figure 4 depicts a client-server flow diagram of an exemplary method (400) for linking real-world activities with a parallel reality game in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary method ( 400 ) may be implemented using any suitable computing system, such as the client-server configuration of system 100 of FIG. 1 . Additionally, although FIG. 4 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or configuration. Using the disclosure provided herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, reconfigured, combined and/or adapted in various ways without departing from the invention category.

At (402), a server hosts the parallel reality game for a plurality of client devices. For example, the game server 110 may host the parallel reality game for the plurality of client devices 120 via the network 130 . The player may access the parallel reality game by communicating with the game server 110 via the network 130 through one or more client devices 120 . In this manner, the game server 110 acts as an authoritative source of events for the alternate reality game.

At (404), the server may modify game data associated with the location-based game to include in the game a game feature linked to a real-world activity. For example, game server 110 may modify, update, or add game data to game database 115 such that a game feature linked to a real-world activity is included in the parallel-reality game. A game feature linked to a real-world activity may be any game designed to motivate or encourage player activity in the real world (including real-world activities that are not directly related to the overall game objectives of the alternate reality game) feature. In certain embodiments, a game feature linked to a real-world activity may be a game feature linked to a real-world business activity or a game feature linked to a real-world data-gathering activity. Exemplary game features linked to real-world activities, such as real-world business activities and/or real-world data-gathering activities, will be discussed in greater detail below.

At (406), the server serves a parallel reality game that includes game features linked to real-world activities to one or more client devices. For example, game server 110 serves parallel reality games including game features linked to real-world activities to one or more client devices 120 via network 130 . At (408), a client device, such as client device 120, receives game data from a server that includes data associated with game features linked to real-world activities. Next, the client device will render the parallel-reality game containing game features linked to the real-world activity. Now to a player (410). For example, a client device 120 may display a visual representation of the virtual world. The virtual world may include game features, such as a virtual element positioned at a particular location in the virtual world, to encourage or motivate player activity in the real world.

At (412), the client device includes receiving data associated with player interactions with game features. For example, a client device 120 may receive data due to player actions for one of the game features in an alternate reality game. Data associated with a player interaction may include data associated with a player navigating to a location of a particular virtual element and interacting with the virtual element. As another example, data associated with a player interaction may include data associated with actions taken by a player to complete a game objective or task. As another example, data associated with a player interaction may include data associated with a player's use of an ability enhancement or other enhanced ability provided to a player as part of a game feature linked to real-world activities. At (414), the client device provides data associated with player interactions with game features to the server.

Data associated with player interactions with game features can be received at the server (416). For example, game server 110 may receive data associated with player interactions with game features from a client device 120 via network 130 . Next, the server may modify one or more game elements in the parallel reality game based on the data associated with the player interaction (418). For example, game server 110 may update game data stored in game database 115 associated with a player to record player interactions with game features linked to real-world activities. Additionally, the server may update game data to provide a reward, such as a virtual reward suitable for parallel-reality games to interact with game features linked to real-world activities. The virtual reward may include a virtual item, virtual energy, virtual currency, ability enhancements, enhanced abilities, experience points, or any other suitable reward.

Linking commercial activities with a parallel reality game

FIG. 5 depicts a method for combining business activities according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart of an exemplary method (500) linked to a parallel reality game. The exemplary method ( 500 ) may be implemented using any suitable computing device(s), such as game server 110 of FIG. 1 . Additionally, although FIG. 5 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or configuration. Using the disclosure provided herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, reconfigured, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

At (502), the method includes receiving a request to include a game feature linked to a commercial activity in an alternate reality game. The request may be to include in the parallel reality game a game feature linked to a commerce in the real world, such as any game feature that can be used to augment or incentivize commerce in the real world. For example, the game feature may be the location of a virtual element in the virtual world. In particular, game features may include positioning a virtual element in the virtual world at a location that corresponds to the location of a business in the real world to attract potential customers to the location of the business. Alternatively, the game feature may be linked to the purchase of an item or service in the real world, or may include providing a player with a reward applicable to a commercial transaction in the real world.

According to one aspect of the invention, requests can be received from a remote computing device via a network. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , sponsor/advertiser 140 , business 150 , or other entity may provide requested data to game server 110 via network 130 . Request data may include a request to include a specific or general game feature in the game. The request data may be submitted to the game server using a suitable user interface, such as a web application hosted by the game server 110 or other computing device in communication with the game server 110 . The request may be part of an auction or other suitable format for submitting a request for a feature.

Requests can also be made to an administrator, operator, or related to an alternate reality game Associate with other individuals. For example, a sponsor, advertiser, business, or other entity may directly interface with an entity associated with an alternate reality game in person, via telephone, by email, or through other communication interfaces. The entity associated with the alternate reality game can then format the request and provide the request data to a game server (such as game server 110 ) associated with the alternate reality game for processing and analysis.

Once a request for a game feature linked to a commercial activity is received, the request may be analyzed to identify the game feature linked to the commercial activity, as shown at ( 504 ) of FIG. 5 . For example, the request can be analyzed to identify the number and type of game features included in the request. Requested game features may also be analyzed to determine whether a particular feature is suitable for addition to an alternate reality game during a particular stage/phase of the game.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, a commercial game feature module 114 associated with game server 110 may analyze request data to identify suitable game features to include in the game. The commercial game feature module 114 may access predetermined criteria and compare the requested data to determine whether the requested data satisfies the predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may be for the format, content, or other attributes of the requested game feature or the requested material itself.

In a particular implementation, the commercial game feature module 114 may periodically analyze all request data received and select which particular features to include in a particular stage/phase of the parallel reality game. For example, the commercial game feature module 114 may enforce a limit on the number of game features included in an alternate reality game linked to commercial activities. In this manner, the commercial game feature module 114 may manage the inclusion of requested game features in the alternate reality game to prevent any requested game features from interfering with the overall theme, goal, or other attributes of the alternate reality game.

At (506) of FIG. 5, the method may include modifying, updating or adding game data to Contains requested game features. For example, the commercial game feature module 114 may manage game data stored in the game database 115 so that certain requested game features are included in the alternate reality game. Updating game data may include, for example, positioning virtual elements at designated locations in the virtual world, providing virtual items and/or enhanced abilities to specific players, associating tags or brands with virtual elements in the virtual world, and/or A reward engine is implemented to distribute rewards suitable for commercial transactions in the real world to players who achieve certain achievements or accomplish specified game objectives in the virtual world.

At (508), the player of the alternate reality game is provided with access to the alternate reality game having the requested game feature. For example, game server 110 may host or provide access to an alternate reality game with requested game features for one or more clients 120 via network 130 . Game features may be requested from all players of the alternate reality game or to selected players of the alternate reality game.

In one embodiment, the game feature is only accessible by players within a predefined radius around the location of the commercial activity linked to the game feature in the real world. For example, the game server 110 may continuously monitor the location of the players of the parallel reality game by receiving location information from the client 120 via the network 130 . Based on this location information, the game server 110 can identify players within a predefined radius of the commercial activity. The predefined radius can be set to any amount. Game server 110 may provide access to game features only to those players within a predefined radius.

At (510), the method may include receiving player interactions associated with game features. Player interaction may include a suitable interaction with a virtual element positioned in the virtual world corresponding to a location in a commercial activity, an enhanced ability obtained through a commercial activity or the use of virtual items, or other suitable interaction. Players with game features may be monitored and tracked, for example, by game server 110 interactive. This information may be provided periodically to sponsors or other entities requesting game features to allow sponsors or other entities to track the value or effectiveness of game features in encouraging commercial activity.

Exemplary Game Features Linked to Commercial Activities

Exemplary game features linked to real-world business activities will now be discussed in detail. While exemplary game features will be discussed for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill, using the disclosure provided herein, will understand that the scope of the present invention includes one that can be used to encourage, augment, or enhance real-world business activities Any game feature of an alternate reality game.

An exemplary game feature linked to a business in the real world includes positioning a virtual element at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to the location of a business in the real world. A virtual element can be any virtual element associated with an alternate reality game, such as a virtual element associated with a game objective, a virtual item used in an alternate reality game, a virtual item that can be collected as part of an alternate reality game Virtual energy or other suitable virtual elements. One or more game objectives can be associated with the virtual elements to encourage players to interact with the virtual elements. In order to interact with the virtual elements, players of the parallel reality game will have to move to the corresponding locations of the virtual elements in the real world. Thus, positioning a virtual element at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to the location of the business in the real world can motivate the player to move to the location of the business in the real world. This can increase the exposure of a business and encourage business activity at a particular business or other entity in the real world.

For example, with reference to FIG. 1, a sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity may, via network 130, associate with sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150 a correspondence for positioning a virtual element in the virtual world with sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150 or other entity associated with a location of a business activity (such as a retail or other point-of-sale location) a request associated with the request data is provided to the game server 110 . The commercial game feature module 114 can analyze the request and update the stored game data Game data in library 115 to include virtual elements at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to the location of business activities in the real world. The commercial game feature module 114 may also identify players within a predefined radius of real-world commercial activity based on location information provided from the client 120 via the network 130. The game server 110 may then provide the identified player with access to the alternate reality game with the requested game feature. Players with access to game features will be encouraged or motivated to move to the location of the commercial activity in the real world in order to interact with virtual elements in the virtual world.

Another exemplary game feature linked to real-world business activity may include linking game features, game objectives, or virtual items with real-world item or service purchases. In particular, the purchase of real-world items/services may provide a player with enhanced abilities, access to hidden or locked game elements, virtual items, virtual energy, and/or other game features. This may incentivize players to move to real-world businesses or other entities, purchase items or services linked to game features, and spread the word about items or services among friends and other players of the alternate reality game.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, a sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity may request, via network 130, a real-world one of an item or service associated with sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity Purchase request data is sent to game server 110 to trigger access to virtual items, enhanced abilities, or other enhancements in the virtual world. The commercial game feature module 114 may analyze the request and update the game data stored in the game database 115 . In order to obtain or unlock an enhanced ability, virtual item or enhancement, a player will have to purchase the product or service linked to the enhanced ability or item. After a player makes a purchase, the game server 110 may be notified of the purchase.

In one embodiment, a player may associate a purchase of an item or service A code is entered into a user interface associated with the alternate reality game. The code may be transmitted via network 130 to game server 110, which uses the code to unlock player enhancements. Additionally or in the alternative, sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity may notify game server 110 of the purchase.

Once game server 110 is notified of the purchase, game server 110 may modify game data stored in game database 115 to add enhanced abilities, virtual items, access to hidden areas, or value to the player Other game features are provided to players who make real-world purchases. In this way, players are encouraged to engage in real-world commerce in order to level up in the virtual world.

Another exemplary game feature linked to real-world business activities involves assigning rewards applicable to real-world business transactions to players of the parallel-reality game for certain achievements or game objectives within the parallel-reality game. For example, game server 110 may implement a bonus module that tracks player progress and/or achievements in an alternate reality game. Upon reaching certain objectives or completing certain game objectives, the reward module may provide the player with a reward applicable to a commercial transaction in the real world.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, a sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity may send a request via network 130 to a reward module to distribute a coupon or coupon to players who achieve a predetermined game objective or achievement The data is provided to the game server. Rewards modules may monitor player progress in an alternate reality game and provide discount coupons or credits to players upon completing a game objective or other achievement. Coupons or other vouchers may be used by players as part of a real-world commercial transaction. Coupons or other vouchers provide a real-world item of value to both the player and the business or other entity based on actions that take place in the virtual world. Therefore, the link between the virtual world and the real world is enhanced so that actions in the virtual world can lead to incentives and increased business activity.

Another exemplary game feature linked to business activities in the real world may include labeling or branding virtual elements and/or virtual elements in the virtual world with a brand/advertising associated with a business or other entity in the real world. Location. For example, a business or other entity may pay or configure certain brands or advertisements to be displayed in conjunction with virtual elements or virtual locations in the virtual world.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, a sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity may, via network 130, tag a request with a logo or other indicia associated with the sponsor/advertiser 140, business 150, or other entity to or request data for specific virtual items in the branded virtual world to be provided to the game server. The commercial game feature module 114 can analyze the request and update the game data so that certain virtual elements are tagged or branded in the virtual world. As the player navigates the virtual world by moving in the real world, the player is exposed to tagged or Branding and/or advertising associated with branded virtual items. Accordingly, the exposure of a business or other entity to players of the alternate reality game may be increased, potentially leading to increased commercial activity in the real world.

Linking data collection activities to parallel reality games

Information in the real world is constantly changing. The collection of data related to the real world has many applications. For example, updated data about the real world may be used to enhance or enrich data about real world locations, objects, features and other information available online or in other platforms. A parallel reality game with one of the virtual worlds parallel to the real world can be used to help gather information about the changing real world.

Figure 6 depicts a real-world A flow chart of a method (600) in which data collection activities are linked to a parallel reality game. The exemplary method ( 600 ) may be implemented using any suitable computing device(s), such as game server 110 of FIG. 1 . Additionally, although FIG. 6 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or configuration. Using the disclosure provided herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, reconfigured, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

At (602), the method includes hosting a parallel reality game for a plurality of client devices. For example, the game server 110 may host the parallel reality game for the plurality of client devices 120 via the network 130 . The player may access the parallel reality game by communicating with the game server 110 via the network 130 through one or more client devices 120 . At (604), the method includes modifying game data associated with the alternate reality game to include a game feature linked to a data collection activity in the real world. For example, the data collection module 116 may manage game data stored in the game database 115 so that certain game features linked to data collection activities are included in the alternate reality game. A game feature linked to data collection activities in the real world can be any game feature that can directly and/or indirectly result in the collection of data about real world objects, features, or other information associated with the real world.

An exemplary game feature directly linked to data collection activities may include a game objective or mission in the virtual world that involves acquiring information about the real world and providing this information as a condition of game objective completion. For example, a game objective associated with a virtual element may require a player to photograph a specific landmark, artwork, storefront or other feature positioned in the real world at a location in the real world corresponding to the location of the virtual element photo. In return for completing the game objective, the player may receive a suitable reward, such as a virtual reward for the virtual world or a reward for the real world. For example, the reward may be in the form of a virtual item/energy/currency or its form of his virtual elements. The virtual reward may also include enabling some element of game play (eg, hidden quests/items, power-ups, etc.) that may not be available to other players not interacting with the game features.

An exemplary game feature indirectly linked to data collection activities may include placing virtual elements at specific locations in the virtual world, such that actions taken by players to interact with the virtual elements indirectly reveal information about the real world. For example, a person may place a virtual element in a park or hiking area. The gaming system can then track player movement in a park or hiking area as part of an alternate reality game to allow the player to navigate the virtual world. By tracking the player's corresponding movement in the real world as the player navigates the virtual world, information about the location of traversable paths in an area can be gathered. Additionally, the player's movement rate in a particular area and/or the player's height can be monitored to infer terrain information associated with an area in the real world.

At (606), the method includes serving an alternate reality game including game features to a player of the alternate reality game using one or more client devices. For example, game server 110 may provide game data associated with game features to client device 120 via network 130 . At (608), the method includes receiving data collected by the player in accordance with data collection activities in the real world. For example, game server 110 may receive the collected data associated with a real-world object in accordance with a game object or mission within an alternate reality game. The collected data may include a photo, a sound recording, textual information, or other data collected by the player, such as the location of WiFi hotspots or Bluetooth connections.

According to one particular implementation, the collected data may be location information associated with the player that is tracked by the game server 110 as the player interacts with the game features. For example, a game feature linked to data collection activities may include placing a virtual element at a specific location in the virtual world. The game server 110 can monitor the position of a user in the real world as the user navigates the real world to move to corresponding positions of virtual elements in the virtual world. this location Information can be used to infer real-world properties, such as the location of traversable paths in the real world, terrain information, the location of specific objects in the real world, and other information.

After receiving the data, the method may include modifying (eg, updating, enriching, adding, or other suitable modification) the data associated with the real world based on the collected data (610). For example, data collected by players in accordance with data collection activities can be used to update information about real-world objects, features, locations for use by various platforms (such as online search engines, encyclopedias, geographic information systems (eg, map information systems, virtual globe information) system), etc.) for later access.

As multiple players interact with game features linked to real-world data collection activities, the accuracy of the data collected may increase. For example, if multiple players take photos of an artwork from multiple different angles, the photos can be used to generate a three-dimensional and/or panoramic view of a artwork.

Additionally, by knowing where a player is in the real world at the time of the data collection action, location data can be associated with the collected data to further enrich the collected data. For example, if N players provide a photo of an artwork at a geographic location with one of longitude X and latitude Y and one player provides a photo of the artwork at a different geographic location with one of longitude Z and latitude W, then For example, the game server 110 or other computing device may determine that the actual position of the artwork is near X, Y and not near Z, W.

An exemplary application of modified real-world data includes updating data associated with an alternate reality game, such as data stored in game database 115 . In particular, data in a game database associated with real-world objects linked to virtual features may be enriched based on data collected in accordance with data collection activities. In this way, the alternate reality game can be made to more closely conform to changing real-world conditions as identified by data collection activities linked to game features in the alternate reality game. By providing information for enriching game data related to the real world A method for improving the link between the real world and the virtual world, thereby providing an augmented parallel reality, one of the parallel reality games.

Although the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific illustrative embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that alterations, variations, and equivalents to these embodiments may readily occur to those skilled in the art upon gaining an understanding of the foregoing . Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is by way of example and not limitation, and the present invention does not exclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the subject matter as would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill.

Link virtual elements to the real world

Game server 110 may place virtual elements at locations in the virtual world to motivate users to visit corresponding real world locations. For example, the game server 110 may place an attractive virtual element at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to a location (eg, a retail location) associated with a commercial activity in the real world. By alerting the user to the presence of this virtual element, the game server 110 can motivate a user to go to the real-world location. Once the user is at the real world location, the game server can reward the user with virtual elements for reaching the real world location. Alternatively, the game server may launch a virtual experience in which the user can earn virtual elements (eg, by completing one or more tasks in an augmented reality or virtual reality environment). The game server may continue to link other virtual elements and/or virtual experiences to other real-world locations associated with commercial activities so that users may encounter such virtual elements or virtual experiences as they travel around the real world .

7 depicts a flow diagram of a method (700) for providing a virtual element in an alternate reality experience according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary method ( 700 ) may be implemented using any suitable computing device(s), such as game server 110 of FIG. 1 . Additionally, although FIG. 7 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, discussed herein The methods described are not limited to any particular order or configuration. Using the disclosure provided herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, reconfigured, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although FIG. 7 is primarily described with respect to an alternate reality game played by a plurality of users, the same approach can be applied to other alternate reality experiences.

At ( 701 ), the method includes hosting a user to participate in an alternate reality experience via the client device 120 . For example, the game server 110 may host an AR experience (such as an AR game) for users to access via the network 130 using the client device 120 . At (702), the method includes receiving location data from a client device 120 of a user of a parallel reality experience. The game server 110 can monitor the position of the client device 120 as the user moves around the real world.

At (703), the method includes causing the client device 120 to motivate the user to move to the real world if location data (eg, GPS data) received from the client device 120 indicates that it is within a threshold distance from a real-world landmark world landmarks. A real-world landmark may be a location associated with a real-world business activity, such as a grocery store, sporting goods store, restaurant, or other commercial property. The client device 120 may motivate the user by displaying a virtual item that guides the user to a real-world landmark.

In one embodiment, the game server 110 may determine that the user is using a mode of transportation (eg, walking, biking, or taking a ride) based on location data and/or other sensor data received from the client device 120 public transport) to determine the threshold distance. For example, if the user's transport speed is lower than two meters per second, the server 110 may determine that the user is walking. As another example, if the client device 120 is near a train station on a public transportation route to a real-world landmark, the server 110 may determine that public transportation is available (and thus the threshold distance may be greater than Walking is only an option). Additionally or alternatively, one or several modes of transport available to the user may be determined from user preferences.

In one embodiment, if the game server 110 determines that the client device 120 is within a threshold distance of a real-world landmark, it causes the client device 120 to display an indication that there is a virtual element available at the real-world landmark and/or Or a notification for a virtual experience. Alternatively, the game server 110 may cause clients of multiple target users, such as users who frequently visit the real-world landmark or real-world landmarks with commerce similar to the type of commerce at the real-world landmark. Device 120 displays virtual items. Additionally, the game server 110 may cause multiple client devices 120 within a threshold distance of real-world landmarks to play in the virtual world (such as a virtual billboard at a visible location, text overlaid on the sky, or the like) ) to display an announcement.

In another embodiment, server 110 causes one or more client devices 120 to display an indicator within the virtual world or on a map of the virtual world indicating virtual locations corresponding to real-world landmarks. For example, a user may see a virtual item (eg, a tennis ball, balloon, etc.) overlaid on the real world (eg, overlaid on a video feed generated by one or more cameras of the user's client device 120 ). or AR characters). The position of the virtual item may change over time, moving towards real-world landmarks corresponding to the virtual item or experience. Thus, if a user follows a virtual item, the virtual item guides the user to a real-world landmark (eg, a user might follow a bouncing tennis ball to a sports equipment store to play a virtual tennis game and receive it at the sports equipment store) to a discount coupon for a discount on one of the tennis equipment). Virtual items that guide users to real-world landmarks can take a direct route (eg, in the case of a balloon, they can float over buildings, rivers, and other obstacles, encouraging users to find their destination and identify traversable routes there). Alternatively, the server 110 or client device 120 A recommended route to real-world landmarks can be determined (eg, based on a map database indicating traversable routes), and the virtual item can be followed by the user at an appropriate speed (eg, based on the user's determined mode of transport) at Move on the recommended route. For example, if the user is walking, an AR character may summon the user to follow them and follow a recommended route that adheres to sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian safety routes.

At (704), the method includes determining whether the client device 120 is at a real-world landmark associated with a geographic area. If the location data indicates that the client device 120 is within a geographic area associated with the real-world landmark or within a predetermined distance (ie, 100 meters) from the real-world landmark or geographic area, the game server 110 may send the client Device 120 is considered "at" a real-world landmark. A geographic area may correspond to inside a building or structure of a real-world landmark, a parking lot around a real-world landmark, or any other land (ie, gardens, paths, and roads) that corresponds to a real-world landmark.

At (705), the method includes causing the client device 120 to present content that motivates the user to move to a real-world location within the geographic area if the client device is at the real-world landmark. A real-world location may be a specific location within a geographic area or the location of a real-world object within a geographic area. For example, a real-world location may correspond to a box of cereal in a grocery store, a roller coaster in a theme park, an exhibit in a museum, a logo in front of a business, and the like. In some embodiments, the content may be a notification indicating that the user can find a particular real-world object at a real-world location or a particular virtual element in the virtual world at a real-world location. In other embodiments, the notification may indicate that the user will find a particular virtual experience in the virtual world at the real-world location (eg, a raid, battle, gathering, etc.) and may be associated with virtual items that guide the user to the real-world location Combine. For example, the content may include a virtual corner that guides the user to a real-world location with a real-world object or virtual experience color. The virtual experience may include an objective for a user to complete to receive a virtual reward, such as virtual energy, virtual currency, ability enhancements, enhanced abilities, or experience points in the context of an alternate reality game. In further embodiments, the notification may include one or more time periods when the virtual element or virtual experience is available at the real-world location. Additionally or alternatively, game server 110 may provide information about virtual elements or virtual experiences for display to users outside of the alternate reality game (eg, by creating a post on a social media system, sending an email or instant message, generating a push notification or the like). These can attract a user's attention and motivate them to move to a real-world location at a particular time or set of times.

In embodiments where the real-world location is inside a building or structure, once the user is at a real-world landmark (or the location of a geographic area corresponding to a real-world landmark of a building or structure), the game server 110 The user's client device can be instructed to track the location of the client device using an indoor positioning system. Indoor positioning systems can be aided by Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, optical frequency modulation, map data depicting real-world landmarks, and/or a visual positioning system. The visual positioning system may use image data captured from one or more cameras of the client device 120 to determine the user's location within the real-world landmark. For example, the visual positioning system may compare image data with map data that may be stored in game database 115 describing real-world landmarks. This map data may include a visual map inside the real-world landmark, which in some embodiments may be collected from client devices 120 from other users or associated with an administrator of a business at the real-world landmark A previous image data of the client device 120 is obtained. Additionally, game server 110 may use a routing algorithm with map data to determine various paths that users within real-world landmarks can take to reach real-world locations, and direct usage based on the location of the client device and the routing algorithm By.

At (706), the method includes determining the client device 120 (and implicitly, using ) is close to the real-world location. In some embodiments, game server 110 may view client device 120 as a is "close to" a real-world location. In other embodiments, game server 110 may use sensor fingerprinting on data received from client device 120 to determine whether client device 120 is close to a real-world location. In a further embodiment, "proximity" may refer to a user being able to enter and exit the real-world location in the presence of obstacles around the real-world location. For example, client device 120 may not be considered close to a location at a location where an obstacle blocks the user's ability to get in and out of the real-world location (ie, a wall is intermediate the user and the real-world location). The game server 110 may view the client device 120 as being "close to" the real-world location based on image data depicting the real-world location (or a particular real-world object). For example, a real-world location may correspond to the location of a particular brand of cereal in an aisle in a grocery store. When positioned in the next aisle or over a particular brand of cereal on another floor of a grocery store, the client device 120 may be near the particular brand of cereal in the aisle. However, from these locations, the client device 120 does not approach the real-world location, and does approach the real-world location when the image data depicts a particular brand of grain.

The game server 110 may determine (706) whether the user is approaching a real-world location based on the image data. Game server 110 may use a machine learning model to match image data received from client device 120 to a set of previously captured reference images of real-world locations or a computer model of real-world locations. For example, if the real-world location corresponds to a particular aisle in a grocery store, the game server 110 may input a combination of image data and map data into the machine learning model to confirm that the user is in the correct aisle. Alternatively, the game server 110 may use a machine learning classifier or another form of image recognition on the image data to determine whether the image data depicts a real-world object (eg, a box of a particular brand of cereal in the aisle) ,thereby The client device 120 is instructed to be close to the real world location. In some embodiments, game server 110 may consider transparency, viewing angle, lack of texture/pattern, 3D geometry, and partial occlusion in the image data when making the determination (706).

At (707), the method includes causing client device 120 to display a virtual element at a virtual location corresponding to the real world location if client device 120 is proximate to the real world location. For example, in a grocery aisle, once the user has reached the grocery aisle, a virtual coupon may appear next to the box of cereals of that particular brand in the virtual world. In some embodiments, game server 110 causes client device 120 to include a virtual experience at a virtual location, and after the user satisfies a goal of the virtual experience, game server 110 may cause client device 120 to display virtual elements. Examples of goals for a virtual experience include winning a game in the virtual world, interacting with a real world object, or performing an action in the real world. For example, in a grocery store, game server 110 may cause client device 120 to display one of the avatars who want to play a game next to that brand of cereal. If the user plays a game with the avatar, the game server 110 causes the client device 120 to display a virtual coupon as a reward to the user. Additionally, game server 110 may cause client device 120 to display information about real-world locations, information about real-world objects, and/or information about virtual elements at virtual locations. This information may include descriptions or user comments of virtual elements or real-world objects.

An exemplary application of the exemplary method (700) is to augment a regular experience of one or more users. Routine experiences may be everyday experiences a user has, such as doing chores, running errands, and working. For example, during a shopping experience, the game server 110 may cause one or more client devices 120 to motivate the user to go to a retail location and use virtual elements or virtual experiences to draw the user's attention to the retail location specific product. In addition, the method (700) can be integrated with a shopping list from a user at the retail location, so that by passing through one of the retail locations The itinerary guides the user to find items on the user's shopping list and actually transforms the user's shopping experience. For example, a virtual world at a retail location may appear to be a carnival, and users may play a carnival game in the virtual world to win virtual coupons for items on their shopping list when they shop at the retail location. In some embodiments, the game server 110 may create a virtual experience for a plurality of users to experience together. For example, for users shopping together for a shopping list, game server 110 may cause each user's client device 120 to direct each user to different items throughout the retail location, allowing them and the like to find together on the shopping list of every thing.

In another exemplary application of the method (700), the game server 110 may traverse a real-world location by causing one or more client devices 120 to guide new employees at a real-world location through a scavenger hunt to communicate with Other users working at real world locations meet to augment a human resources event. The game server 110 can use facial recognition of image data from the user's client device 120 to monitor which users a user is meeting with as the user moves around the real-world location. Additionally, in another exemplary application, game server 110 may augment an experience at a sightseeing location, such as a museum, theme park, or historic landmark. For example, game server 110 may cause a client device 120 to guide a user through a museum on an educational journey to learn exhibits while earning virtual rewards that can be applied at the museum's gift shop.

Although the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific illustrative embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that alterations, variations, and equivalents to these embodiments may readily occur to those skilled in the art upon gaining an understanding of the foregoing . Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be taken by way of example and not by way of limitation, and the present invention does not exclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the subject matter as would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill.

400: Method

402: The server hosts the parallel reality game for multiple client devices

404: The server modifies the game data associated with the location-based game to include game features linked to real-world activities in the game

406: The server serves a parallel reality game that includes game features linked to real-world activities to one or more client devices

408: The client device receives game data from the server containing data associated with game features linked to real-world activities

410: The client device presents to the player a parallel reality game that includes game features linked to real-world activities

412: Client device includes receiving data associated with player interaction with game features

414: The client device provides data associated with player interaction with game features to the server. server

416: Receive data at the server associated with player interaction with game features

418: Server modifies one or more game elements in an alternate reality game based on data associated with player interactions

Claims (28)

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for providing a virtual element for display in an alternate reality experience having one of at least a portion of a geography parallel to the real world A virtual world of geography that allows a user to navigate the virtual world by moving to different locations in the real world, the instructions, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform operations including: A client device of a user experiencing a user receives location data; determining whether the client device is within a threshold distance from a real-world landmark located within a geographic area; in response to determining that the client device is in the proximity within a limited distance, causing the client device to present content that motivates the user to move to the real-world landmark; determining whether the client device is at the real-world landmark; in response to determining that the client device is at the real-world landmark, causing the client device to present content that motivates the user to move to a location in the real world within the geographic area; determining whether the client device is proximate to a location in the real world based on sensor data from the client device the location; and in response to determining that the client device is proximate to the location in the real world, causing the client device to display the virtual element at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to the location in the real world. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the content that motivates the user to move to the real-world landmark directs the user to a virtual object of the real-world landmark Taste. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein the virtual item guides the user to the real-world landmark by traversing a recommended route from a current location of the client device to the geographic area. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, the operations further comprising: receiving second sensor data from the client device; determining a transportation mode of the user based on the second sensor data; and determining the threshold distance based on the transport mode. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the content that motivates the user to move to the real-world landmark includes a notification indicating that the virtual element is available at the real-world landmark. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the virtual element is linked to a virtual experience located at the location in the virtual world that corresponds to the location in the real world, and causes the user Displaying the virtual element by the client device includes: transmitting, by the server, data indicating a goal of the virtual experience to the client device; and in response to determining that the user has satisfied the goal, causing the client device to display the virtual world in the virtual world to display the virtual element. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the bit in the real world setting corresponds to a real-world object, and wherein causing the client device to display the virtual element includes: causing the client device to prompt the user to interact with the real-world object; and in response to determining that the user interacted with the real-world object , which causes the client device to display the virtual element in the virtual world. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the content that motivates the user to move to the location in the real world includes a notification indicating that the virtual element is at the location in the real world. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the content that motivates the user to move to the location in the real world comprises traversing from a current location of the client device to the location in the real world A avatar for a recommended path. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the alternate reality experience is an alternate reality game. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the location in the real world is associated with a business in the real world, and the virtual element is a virtual coupon for the business. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the location in the real world is associated with a business activity in the real world, the operations further include: The client device is caused to display a route to the location, wherein the route is determined based on a shopping list associated with the client device. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, the operations further comprising: receiving an indication from a second client device that a second user has retrieved an item from the shopping list; updating the shopping list to remove the item; and causing the client device to display a second route to the location, wherein the second route is based on the updated shopping list. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein determining whether the client device is at the real-world landmark comprises: receiving location data for the client device; and indicating that the client device is at the location data in response to the location data Within the geographic area or within a predetermined distance of the geographic area, the client device is determined to be at the real-world landmark. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the location is within a structure, the operations further comprising: sending instructions to the client device to track a location of the client device using an indoor positioning system . The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the indoor positioning system comprises a visual positioning system, the operations further comprising: receiving image data captured by the client device; determining a location of the client device within the structure by comparing the image data with map data for the location; and causing the client device to display an indication from the location ( position) routing information for a route to that location. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the sensor data includes one or more images captured by a camera of the client device and determining whether the user is approaching the real world The location includes: generating current image data from the one or more images; comparing the current image data with stored image data derived from previously captured images of the location in the real world; and responsive to identifying the current image A match between the image data and the stored image data determines that the user is close to the location in the real world. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the location in the real world is associated with a real-world object, the sensor data comprises one captured by a camera of the client device or a plurality of images, and determining whether the user is approaching the location in the real world includes: analyzing the one or more images to determine whether the real world object is depicted; and responding to at least one of the one or more images The real-world object is depicted, and the user is determined to be close to the location in the real-world. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the location in the real world is within the real-world landmark. A method for providing a virtual element for display in a parallel reality experience having a virtual world with a geography parallel to at least a portion of the geography of the real world so that a user can use the Navigating the virtual world by moving to different locations in the real world, the method includes: receiving location data from a client device of a user of the parallel reality experience; determining whether the client device is at a distance from a location within a threshold distance of a real-world landmark within the geographic area; in response to determining that the client device is within the threshold distance, causing the client device to present content that motivates the user to move to the real-world landmark; determining the whether the client device is at a real-world landmark; in response to determining that the client device is at the real-world landmark, causing the client device to present a message that motivates the user to move to a location in the real world within the geographic area content; determining whether the client device is proximate to the location in the real world based on sensor data from the client device; and causing the client device to be responsive to determining that the client device is proximate to the location in the real world The device displays the virtual element at a location in the virtual world that corresponds to the location in the real world. A computer-implemented method of providing a virtual element in an alternate reality experience having a virtual world having a geography parallel to at least a portion of the geography of the real world a world so that a user can navigate the virtual world by moving to different locations in the real world, the method comprising: linking, by a server, a virtual element to a real world at a location in the real world The data of the object is transmitted to a client of a user of the parallel reality experience; in response to the user interacting with the real-world object, the data is modified by the server to include the virtual element in the virtual world at a location corresponding to the location in the real world; and providing, by the server, the modified data about the virtual element of the virtual world to the client device. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the virtual element is a virtual reward for the interaction. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, further comprising: modifying the data to include information about the real-world object at the location in the virtual world. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, further comprising: transmitting, by the server, a message to the client device that invites the user to interact with the real-world object as a goal of the parallel reality experience. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for providing a virtual element for display in an alternate reality experience having a At least a portion of the geography parallels a virtual world of a geography so that a user can navigate the virtual world by moving to different locations in the real world, the instructions, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute one of the following Operation: Data indicative of a virtual element being linked to a real-world object at a location in the real world is transmitted by the server to a client of a user of the parallel reality experience; causes the client device to display The user may obtain an indication of access to the virtual element in the virtual world by interacting with the real-world object in the real world in a specified manner; based on sensors generated by the client device data determining that the user has interacted with the real-world object in the specified manner; and causing the client device in the virtual world to correspond to the real-world object in response to determining that the user has interacted with the real-world object in the specified manner The virtual element is displayed at one of the locations in the real world. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 25, wherein the virtual element is a virtual reward for the interaction with the real-world object in the specified manner. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 25, wherein the virtual element is associated with a brand and the real-world object is also associated with the brand. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 25, wherein the virtual element includes information about the real-world object.

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