WO2018209405A1 - Role-play synchronisation system - Google Patents

Role-play synchronisation system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018209405A1
WO2018209405A1 PCT/AU2018/050479 AU2018050479W WO2018209405A1 WO 2018209405 A1 WO2018209405 A1 WO 2018209405A1 AU 2018050479 W AU2018050479 W AU 2018050479W WO 2018209405 A1 WO2018209405 A1 WO 2018209405A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
role
play
portable digital
digital device
player
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2018/050479
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gemma PEPPER
Original Assignee
Big Special Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2017901906A external-priority patent/AU2017901906A0/en
Application filed by Big Special Pty Ltd filed Critical Big Special Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2018267696A priority Critical patent/AU2018267696B2/en
Priority to EP18801269.4A priority patent/EP3624910A4/en
Priority to US16/614,990 priority patent/US11311799B2/en
Publication of WO2018209405A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018209405A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/32—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using local area network [LAN] connections
    • A63F13/327—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using local area network [LAN] connections using wireless networks, e.g. Wi-Fi® or piconet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/40—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
    • A63F13/44—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment involving timing of operations, e.g. performing an action within a time slot
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/45—Controlling the progress of the video game
    • A63F13/48—Starting a game, e.g. activating a game device or waiting for other players to join a multiplayer session
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/50—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress
    • A63F13/54—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/814—Musical performances, e.g. by evaluating the player's ability to follow a notation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/822—Strategy games; Role-playing games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/847—Cooperative playing, e.g. requiring coordinated actions from several players to achieve a common goal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/92—Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a role-play synchronisation system and, more particularly although not exclusively, to such a system wherein players are equipped with apparatus and instructions which provide
  • a playwright may write a play.
  • the play may be made into a movie.
  • the term "role playing” refers to interactions between players in a venue in which they physically act as characters they have been assigned. In the context of the invention this role playing action manifests as the player undertaking a series of physical movements under instructions from audio provided.
  • the audio may include elements of vocal performance, musical expression and sound effects which guide the player to interpret their guided movements as elements in a scripted story. As such a player not only physically moves in time to the instructions but come to experience the narrative and emotional journey of the character he or she is acting.
  • a system for synchronising role-play amongst two or more role-players comprising :
  • a portable digital device closely associated with each role-player
  • each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory; the processor in communication with input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the
  • each portable digital device in communication with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play; a downloadable role-play and synchronisation application which is downloaded and stored on and executing on each portable digital device;
  • each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each character in the role play which incorporates :
  • each player is bound both
  • each portable digital device has a plurality of portable digital devices
  • participating in the role-play commences execution of its respective script at the same time based on a synchronization signal communicated between all portable digital devices participating in the role-play.
  • the synchronisation signal is sent when all portable digital devices participating in the role-play signal that the player associated with each portable digital device indicates they are ready to
  • the input/output apparatus includes radio communication apparatus in communication with a local transmitter/receiver .
  • the local transmitter/receiver is a Wi-Fi router.
  • the radio communication apparatus includes apparatus operating according to Wi-Fi radio protocol .
  • each role-player wears headphones to hear the audio files specifically associated with their chosen character, enabling them to physically enact the action as directed by the audio recording .
  • the headphones substantially exclude external sound from being perceived by the player wearing the headphones.
  • the portable digital devices check each other periodically and continuously for timing differences .
  • one of the portable digital devices may assume the role of a server to applications running on others of the portable digital devices participating in a role-play .
  • a one of the portable digital device assumes the role of a server under predetermined
  • each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory
  • each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each role playing character.
  • the suite of audio files includes the characters' internal dialogue.
  • the suite of audio files includes dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play.
  • the suite of audio files includes directions for individualised, co-ordinated choreographed movement .
  • the method further including each portable digital device participating in the role-play commencing execution of its respective script at the same time based on a synchronization signal communicated between all portable digital devices participating in the role- play .
  • the synchronization signal is sent when all portable digital devices participating in the role-play signal that the player associated with each portable digital device indicates they are ready to
  • a system for enabling role-play amongst two or more role-players comprising:
  • a portable digital device closely associated with each role-player
  • each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory; the processor in communication with input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the
  • each portable digital device in communication with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play; a downloadable role-play application which is downloaded and stored on and executing on each portable digital device;
  • each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of a role-play synchronisation system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a logic diagram of a mechanism for a methodology by which a player may join a role-play game of figure 1,
  • Figure 3 is a logic diagram of a mechanism for synchronising audio input to the various players
  • Figures 4A-4F comprise screenshots presented to players in the role-play game of figure 1 on their portable digital communications devices .
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of a role-play synchronisation system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • system 10 is comprised of multiple players 11, each having a portable digital device 12.
  • Each portable digital device 12 includes an
  • input/output apparatus in communication with a processor and a memory.
  • the input output apparatus communicates with headphones 15 whereby each player 11 can receive an audio stream 16.
  • each audio stream 16 includes at least dialogue and movement directions 14 A, 14 B, 14 C... for each respective player.
  • the dialogue and movement directions are specific to each player, each player 11 assuming a different role in a role- play operating under the system 10.
  • the audio stream 16 may include internal monologue.
  • the audio stream 16 may include movement directions for the player.
  • the audio stream 16 May including other characters speaking back.
  • the audio stream may include sound effects.
  • the audio stream may include a musical score.
  • any one or more of these may be customised, specific and unique to each player as compared with the audio stream received by any other player.
  • the portable digital devices 12 communicate over a local area network.
  • the local area network is hosted by a router.
  • the network is hosted by a Wi-Fi router 17.
  • the radio ' network may extend at least tens of meters and, in some instances up to 200 m or more thereby allowing extensive movement and distribution of the role- play in a predetermined volume.
  • the venue may be a hall. In other instances it may be multiple rooms of a building. In yet other instances it may extend into an open area. In any event, it is a requirement that the role play is bound by both geographical location and time; that is, all players must be playing the same role play at the same time and be physically at the same location.
  • one of the portable digital devices may assume the function of a server in a client/server arrangement for the system 10.
  • an additional portable device not actually participating may perform the function of
  • each processor within each portable digital device 12 may vary from device to device thereby requiring not just an initial synchronisation for the start event but ongoing, periodic synchronisation events. In preferred forms these events are regulated is rated by the server communicating across the radio network established via the Wi-Fi router 17.
  • FIG. 2 With particular reference to figure 2 there is shown a flow diagram for at least one arrangement for joining a role-play game.
  • At least one portable digital device 20 assumes the role of a server whilst others of the portable digital devices 21 assume the role of client and are available for connection to headphones 15 for each player .
  • Figures 4A-4F comprise screenshots presented to players in the role-play game of figure 1 on their portable digital communications devices.
  • the end result of applying at least some of described embodiments is a workable system of providing synchronised audio streams not just on an initial basis but on an ongoing basis such that the players within any given role-play may perform individualised, coordinated,
  • the instructions may include character's internal dialogue, dialogue between characters, sound effects and music as well as directions for players to physically perform movement appropriate to the story.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A system for synchronising role-play amongst two or more role-players; said system comprising: A portable digital device closely associated with each role-player; each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory; the processor in communication with input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the application stored in the memory; each portable digital device in communication with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play; a downloadable role-play and synchronisation application which is downloaded and stored on and executing on each portable digital device; a suite of audio files for each portable digital device participating in the role-play; each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each character in the role play which incorporates: a) The characters' internal dialogue; b) Dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play; c) Directions for the individualised, co-ordinated choreographed movement of the player; d) Sound effects, and; e) Musical score,and wherein content of the roleplay, experienced through listening to the audio files, requires the player and their co-players, to physically enact a series of pre-determined, choreographed and co-ordinated movements which are a key component of the roleplay experience.

Description

ROLE-PLAY SYNCHRONISATION SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a role-play synchronisation system and, more particularly although not exclusively, to such a system wherein players are equipped with apparatus and instructions which provide
individualised, coordinated choreographed movements for all participants in a role-play.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the modern day authors of works are looking for multiple avenues through which to communicate the product of their work. So, for example, a writer may write a book. The book may be made into a movie.
[0003] Alternatively a playwright may write a play. The play may be made into a movie.
[0004] These additional avenues are advantageous to the author in terms of promoting their work and deriving income and reputation therefrom.
[0005] It would be advantageous if an additional avenue could be provided for authors to exploit their work.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above
disadvantages or provide a useful alternative.
Notes
[0007] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of".
[0008] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.
[0009] Definition: in this specification, the term "role playing" refers to interactions between players in a venue in which they physically act as characters they have been assigned. In the context of the invention this role playing action manifests as the player undertaking a series of physical movements under instructions from audio provided. The audio may include elements of vocal performance, musical expression and sound effects which guide the player to interpret their guided movements as elements in a scripted story. As such a player not only physically moves in time to the instructions but come to experience the narrative and emotional journey of the character he or she is acting.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[00010] Accordingly, in a first broad form of the
invention, there is provided a system for synchronising role-play amongst two or more role-players; said system comprising :
A portable digital device closely associated with each role-player;
each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory; the processor in communication with input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the
application stored in the memory;
each portable digital device in communication with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play; a downloadable role-play and synchronisation application which is downloaded and stored on and executing on each portable digital device;
a suite of audio files for each portable digital device participating in the role-play; each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each character in the role play which incorporates :
a) The characters' internal dialogue;
b) Dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play;
c) Directions for the individualised, coordinated choreographed movement of the player; d) Sound effects, and;
e) Musical score, and wherein content of the roleplay, experienced through listening to the audio files, requires the player and their co-players, to physically enact a series of pre-determined, choreographed and co-ordinated movements which are a key component of the roleplay experience.
[00011] Preferably, each player is bound both
geographically and in time; players play the same role play while physically attending the same location.
[00012] Preferably, each portable digital device
participating in the role-play commences execution of its respective script at the same time based on a synchronization signal communicated between all portable digital devices participating in the role-play.
[00013] Preferably, the synchronisation signal is sent when all portable digital devices participating in the role-play signal that the player associated with each portable digital device indicates they are ready to
commence the role-play.
[00014] Preferably, the input/output apparatus includes radio communication apparatus in communication with a local transmitter/receiver .
[00015] Preferably, the local transmitter/receiver is a Wi-Fi router.
[00016] Preferably, the radio communication apparatus includes apparatus operating according to Wi-Fi radio protocol .
[00017] Preferably, during role-play, each role-player wears headphones to hear the audio files specifically associated with their chosen character, enabling them to physically enact the action as directed by the audio recording .
[00018] Preferably, the headphones substantially exclude external sound from being perceived by the player wearing the headphones.
[00019] Preferably, the portable digital devices check each other periodically and continuously for timing differences . [00020] Preferably, one of the portable digital devices may assume the role of a server to applications running on others of the portable digital devices participating in a role-play .
[00021] Preferably, a one of the portable digital device assumes the role of a server under predetermined
conditions .
[00022] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of role playing wherein players and thei co-players, physically enact a series of pre-determined, choreographed and co-ordinated movements which are a key component of the roleplay experience; the method including the steps of:
Providing portable digital devices closely associated with each role-player; each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory,
Arranging communication of the processor with
input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the application stored in the memory,
Connecting each portable digital device with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play,
Providing a suite of audio files for each portable digital device participating in the role-play; each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each role playing character. [00023] Preferably, the suite of audio files includes the characters' internal dialogue.
[00024] Preferably, the suite of audio files includes dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play.
[00025] Preferably, the suite of audio files includes directions for individualised, co-ordinated choreographed movement .
[00026] Preferably, the method further including each portable digital device participating in the role-play commencing execution of its respective script at the same time based on a synchronization signal communicated between all portable digital devices participating in the role- play .
[00027] Preferably, the synchronization signal is sent when all portable digital devices participating in the role-play signal that the player associated with each portable digital device indicates they are ready to
commence the role-play.
[00028] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a system for enabling role-play amongst two or more role-players; said system comprising:
A portable digital device closely associated with each role-player;
each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory; the processor in communication with input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the
application stored in the memory;
each portable digital device in communication with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play; a downloadable role-play application which is downloaded and stored on and executing on each portable digital device;
a suite of audio files for each portable digital device participating in the role-play; each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each
character in the role play which incorporates :
a) The characters' internal dialogue;
b) Dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play;
c) Directions for the individualised, coordinated choreographed movement of the player; d) Sound effects, and;
e) Musical score, and
wherein content of the roleplay, experienced through listening to the audio files, requires the player and their co-players, to physically enact a series of pre-determined, choreographed and co-ordinated movements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00029] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein :
[00030] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a role-play synchronisation system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention,
[00031] Figure 2 is a logic diagram of a mechanism for a methodology by which a player may join a role-play game of figure 1,
[00032] Figure 3, is a logic diagram of a mechanism for synchronising audio input to the various players
participating in the role-play game of figure 1,
[00033] Figures 4A-4F comprise screenshots presented to players in the role-play game of figure 1 on their portable digital communications devices .
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
First Preferred Embodiment
[00034] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a role-play synchronisation system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,
[00035] In this instance system 10 is comprised of multiple players 11, each having a portable digital device 12. Each portable digital device 12 includes an
input/output apparatus in communication with a processor and a memory.
[00036] The input output apparatus communicates with headphones 15 whereby each player 11 can receive an audio stream 16.
[00037] In preferred forms each audio stream 16 includes at least dialogue and movement directions 14 A, 14 B, 14 C... for each respective player. In preferred instances the dialogue and movement directions are specific to each player, each player 11 assuming a different role in a role- play operating under the system 10.
[00038] In further preferred forms the audio stream 16 may include internal monologue.
[00039] In further preferred forms the audio stream 16 may include movement directions for the player.
[00040] In further preferred forms the audio stream 16 May including other characters speaking back.
[00041] In further preferred forms the audio stream may include sound effects.
[00042] In further preferred forms the audio stream may include a musical score. In particular preferred forms any one or more of these may be customised, specific and unique to each player as compared with the audio stream received by any other player.
[00043] In a further to your preferred form the portable digital devices 12 communicate over a local area network.
[00044] In a particular preferred form the local area network is hosted by a router.
[00045] In a further particular form the network is hosted by a Wi-Fi router 17.
[00046] In use all portable digital devices 12 which are intended to participate in the role-play of the system 10 are set to communicate over a common radio network via the Wi-Fi router 17.
[00047] The radio' network may extend at least tens of meters and, in some instances up to 200 m or more thereby allowing extensive movement and distribution of the role- play in a predetermined volume.
[00048] In some instances the venue may be a hall. In other instances it may be multiple rooms of a building. In yet other instances it may extend into an open area. In any event, it is a requirement that the role play is bound by both geographical location and time; that is, all players must be playing the same role play at the same time and be physically at the same location.
[00049] As part of an initial set up, it needs to be established precisely which portable digital devices 12 will participate in the role-play. It is essential that exactly the number of devices are joined to the network as the number of characters in the narrative to be acted.
[00050] In a particular preferred form of the invention one of the portable digital devices may assume the function of a server in a client/server arrangement for the system 10. Alternatively, an additional portable device not actually participating may perform the function of
client/server .
[00051] In use as a first step to commencing a role-play it is required that a common start event be applied to all portable digital devices 12 participating in the role-play whereby or commence transmission of the respective audio streams 16 at substantially the same time and maintain synchronisation thereafter.
[00052] In many instances it is known that the regulating timing for each processor within each portable digital device 12 may vary from device to device thereby requiring not just an initial synchronisation for the start event but ongoing, periodic synchronisation events. In preferred forms these events are regulated is rated by the server communicating across the radio network established via the Wi-Fi router 17.
[00053] With particular reference to figure 2 there is shown a flow diagram for at least one arrangement for joining a role-play game.
[00054] In this instance at least one portable digital device 20 assumes the role of a server whilst others of the portable digital devices 21 assume the role of client and are available for connection to headphones 15 for each player .
[00055] A particular logic flow is illustrated in a sequence block diagram within figure 2.
[00056] As illustrated with particular reference to figure 3 once all portable digital devices are connected in a client/server relationship, preferably across a local radio network such as a Wi-Fi network orchestrated by a router 17 there is an initial synchronisation sequence followed outlined in the block flow diagram within figure 3.
[00057] You will be observed that there is
synchronisation not just for the commencement of a role- play but synchronisation in a periodic ongoing fashion in order to ensure continued synchronisation of the audio streams 16.
[00058] It will be appreciated that if the respective streams 16 lose synchronisation, even by only one second, this can be significantly distracting to the players 11. Beyond a certain point the role-play may become unplayable or may assume comic proportions.
[00059] Figures 4A-4F comprise screenshots presented to players in the role-play game of figure 1 on their portable digital communications devices.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[00060] the end result of applying at least some of described embodiments is a workable system of providing synchronised audio streams not just on an initial basis but on an ongoing basis such that the players within any given role-play may perform individualised, coordinated,
choreographed movements. In preferred forms, at the same time, they are aware of the performance of other players within the same role-play and by virtue of the
synchronisation and the creative elements within the audio, a meaningful interaction is facilitated in accordance with the intentions of the authors of the work from which the role-play is derived.
IN USE
[00061] In use the invention, with reference to the drawings, provides a system and method of role playing in which players are guided to act out a story according to instructions provided on portable digital devices. The instructions may include character's internal dialogue, dialogue between characters, sound effects and music as well as directions for players to physically perform movement appropriate to the story.

Claims

1. A system for synchronising role-play amongst two or more role-players; said system comprising:
A portable digital device closely associated with each role-player;
each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory;
the processor in communication with input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the
application stored in the memory;
each portable digital device in communication with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play; a downloadable role-play and synchronisation application which is downloaded and stored on and executing on each portable digital device;
a suite of audio files for each portable digital device participating in the role-play; each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each
character in the role play which incorporates :
a) The characters' internal dialogue;
b) Dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play;
c) Directions for the individualised, coordinated choreographed movement of the player; d) Sound effects, and;
e) Musical score, and wherein content of the roleplay, experienced through listening to the audio files, requires the player and their co-players, to physically enact a series of pre-determined, choreographed and co-ordinated movements which are a key component of the roleplay experience.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein each player is bound both geographically and in time; players play the same role play while physically attending the same location.
3. The system of claim 1 or 2 wherein each portable digital device participating in the role-play commences execution of its respective script at the same time based on a synchronization signal communicated between all portable digital devices participating in the role-play.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the synchronisation signal is sent when all portable digital devices
participating in the role-play signal that the player associated with each portable digital device indicates they are ready to commence the role-play.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the input/output apparatus includes radio communication
apparatus in communication with a local
transmitter/receiver .
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the local
transmitter/receiver is a Wi-Fi router.
7. The system of claim 5 or 6 wherein the radio
communication apparatus includes apparatus operating according to Wi-Fi radio protocol.
8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein, during role-play, each role-player wears headphones to hear the audio files specifically associated with their chosen character, enabling them to physically enact the action as directed by the audio recording.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the headphones
substantially exclude external sound from being perceived by the player wearing the headphones.
10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the portable digital devices check each other periodically and continuously for timing differences.
11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein one of the portable digital devices may assume the role of a server to applications running on others of the portable digital devices participating in a role-play.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein a one of the portable digital devices assumes the role of a server under
predetermined conditions.
13. A method of role playing wherein players and their co- players, physically enact a series of pre-determined, choreographed and co-ordinated movements which are a key component of the roleplay experience; the method including the steps of:
Providing portable digital devices closely associated with each role-player; each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory,
Arranging communication of the processor with
input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the application stored in the memory, Connecting each portable digital device with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play,
Providing a suite of audio files for each portable digital device participating in the role-play; each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each role playing character.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the suite of audio files includes the characters' internal dialogue.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the suite of audio files includes dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the suite of audio files includes directions for individualised, co-ordinated choreographed movement .
17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, the method further including each portable digital device
participating in the role-play commencing execution of its respective script at the same time based on a
synchronization signal communicated between all portable digital devices participating in the role-play.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the synchronization signal is sent when all portable digital devices
participating in the role-play signal that the player associated with each portable digital device indicates they are ready to commence the role-play.
19. A system for enabling role-play amongst two or more role-players; said system comprising:
A portable digital device closely associated with each role-player;
each portable digital device including at least a processor in communication with a memory thereby to execute commands of an application stored in the memory;
the processor in communication with input/output apparatus as directed by the commands of the
application stored in the memory;
each portable digital device in communication with a local network thereby to place each portable digital device in communication with each other portable digital device participating in the role-play; a downloadable role-play application which is downloaded and stored on and executing on each portable digital device ;
a suite of audio files for each portable digital device participating in the role-play; each suite of audio files containing a file specific to each
character in the role play which incorporates :
a) The characters' internal dialogue;
b) Dialogue between the character and other characters within the role play;
c) Directions for the individualised, coordinated choreographed movement of the player; d) Sound effects, and;
e) Musical score, and
wherein content of the roleplay, experienced through listening to the audio files, requires the player and their co-players, to physically enact a series of pre-determined, choreographed and co-ordinated movements.
PCT/AU2018/050479 2017-05-19 2018-05-18 Role-play synchronisation system WO2018209405A1 (en)

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US20200179801A1 (en) 2020-06-11
EP3624910A4 (en) 2020-12-09

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