U.S. Pat. No. 10,022,619

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations may be found in a system and method for multi-player video gaming. Exemplary aspects of the method may comprise a first gaming system communicatively coupled to a second gaming system. The first gaming system may be operable to receive metadata from the second gaming system. The metadata may comprise one or more viewing modes associated with a game being rendered at the second gaming system. The one or more viewing modes may correspond to in-game views of a user associated with the second gaming system.

In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes associated with the game may be rendered at the first gaming system. In an embodiment, the first gaming system may simultaneously display the one or more viewing modes and the game being rendered at the first gaming system.

In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes that correspond to the user of the second gaming system may comprise one or more pre-defined views of a character associated with the user of the second gaming system. In an embodiment, the first gaming system may be operable to resize a playing area of the game being rendered at the first gaming system, to display a plurality of regions.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system may be operable to display the one or more viewing modes associated with the second gaming system in one of the plurality of regions. In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes may correspond to one or more real-time video feeds associated with the game being rendered. In an embodiment, the first gaming system may be communicatively coupled to the second gaming system via a remote server.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a network environment100for multi-player video gaming, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. With reference toFIG. 1, there is shown a network environment100. The network environment100may comprise a first gaming system102a, a second gaming system102b, a first display device104a, a second display device104b, a first remote controller106a, a second remote controller106b, a first user108a, a second user108b, a communication network110, and a server112.

The first gaming system102amay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be enable communication with the remote server112and/or the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to communicate directly with the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to communicate with the second gaming system102bvia the remote server112. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to receive multimedia content from the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to receive multimedia content from the remote server112. Examples of the multimedia content may include, but are not limited to, games, add-on content, playable demos, movie trailers, movies, videos, themes, applications, and/or updates on latest multimedia content. Examples of the first gaming system102amay include a game console.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay execute a plurality of program codes that may be stored on a removable medium and/or disk. In another embodiment, the first gaming system102amay receive an electrical signal via a wired cable from a plurality of devices, such as a Universal Synchronous Bus (USB) and/or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI). Examples of such devices may include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a touch screen device, a laptop, a tablet computer, a television, a video display, and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay remotely communicate with the first remote controller106avia a wired connection or short-range communication.

The first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected to the first display device104aand the second display device104b, respectively, via a wired connection. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected to each other using a cable, such as a cross-over cable.

For the sake of brevity, all the elements of the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bare shown identical in configuration and circuitry. However, different configurations and circuitry may be deployed in the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102b, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the plurality of gaming systems connected to each other may or may not be assembled from the same manufacturer.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be connected to the first display device104avia a wired connection. However, the connection between the first gaming system102aand the first display device104amay extend to a wireless connection or other suitable connection. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay utilize a wireless adapter to connect to the first display device104a.

The first display device104amay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to connect to the first gaming system102a. The first display device104amay be operable to display multimedia content from the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the first display device104amay communicate with the first remote controller106avia a short-range communication network. Examples of the first display device104amay include, but are not limited to, a touch screen device, a laptop, a tablet computer, a television, a video display, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor and/or television, Light Emitting Diode (LED) monitor and/or television, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor and/or television, a smartphone, and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA) device.

The first display device104amay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to provide a display of the multimedia content. The first display device104amay be further operable to render display of one or more features and/or applications of the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the first display device104amay be further operable to receive an input from the first user108a, via a touch-sensitive screen. The first display device104amay be realized through several known technologies, such as, but not limited to, LCD display, LED display, Organic LED (OLED) display technology, CRT, and/or the like.

The first remote controller106amay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to communicate with the first display device104aand/or the first gaming system102a. The first remote controller106amay provide a plurality of input commands to the game being rendered on the first display device104a, in order to control one or more characters in the game being played. In an embodiment, the first remote controller106amay be connected to the first gaming system102avia a wired connection. In another embodiment, the first remote controller106amay be connected to the first gaming system102autilizing wireless communication protocols. Examples of the first remote controller106amay include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a gamepad, a paddle, a trackball, and/or a touch screen device. Further, the first remote controller106amay include a plurality of game controllers assembled by a manufacturer of the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the first remote controller106amay include a plurality of game controllers designed to play a specific genre of games, such as shooting games and/or car-racing games. The first user108aand the second user108bmay communicate with the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102b, via the first remote controller106aand the second remote controller106b, respectively.

The communication network110may comprise a medium through which the first gaming system102amay communicate with the remote server112and/or the second gaming system102b. Examples of the communication network110may include, but are not limited to, the Internet, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, an ad-hoc wireless network, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a telephone line (POTS), and/or a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). Various devices in the network environment100may be operable to connect to the communication network110, in accordance with various wired and wireless communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), ZigBee, EDGE, infrared (IR), IEEE 802.11, 802.16, cellular communication protocols, and/or Bluetooth (BT) communication protocols.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected directly to each other using a wired connection, such as an Ethernet crossover cable. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected to each other via a switch and/or a hub, such as an Ethernet hub. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected to each other through a peer-to-peer network using various peer-to-peer protocols, such as Direct Connect.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected to each other via a wireless network, such as an ad-hoc wireless network, the Internet, and the like. In such an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be provided with a wireless adapter, such as a network interface controller, to connect to the wireless network. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be provided with a wireless capability to connect to a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aor the second gaming system102bmay perform the role of a base station for a Wi-Fi network such that other gaming systems communicating with the first gaming system102aor the second gaming system102bmay connect to the Wi-Fi network via the base station.

The remote server112may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to host a plurality of applications. Such plurality of applications may include, but are not limited to, games, add-on content, playable demos, movie trailers, movies, videos, themes, applications, updates related to firmware, audio-visual conferences, and/or live video sessions.

The remote server112may facilitate multi-party network games between the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102b, and/or other gaming systems communicating with the remote server112. Examples of such multi-party network games may include, but are not limited to, racing games, card games, combat games, championship games, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the functionality or the role of the remote server112may be executed by the first gaming system102a, the second gaming system102b, or other gaming systems connected to the communication network110. The first gaming system102aor the second gaming system102bacts as a server that facilitates communication with other gaming systems. In an embodiment, the remote server112may be part of the first gaming system102aor the second gaming system102bor other gaming systems connected to the communication network110.

In operation, the first gaming system102amay receive metadata from the second gaming system102b. The metadata may comprise one or more viewing modes associated with a game being rendered at the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the viewing modes may correspond to in-game views of the second user108b, associated with the second gaming system102b.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay receive the metadata directly from the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay receive the metadata from the remote server communicating with second gaming system102b.

In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes may correspond to one or more out-of-game views of a plurality of users. The one or more out-of-game views may include, but are not limited to, one or more views of the plurality of users captured from one or more image capturing devices, such as a web-camera.

In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes associated with the game may be rendered at the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the one or more views rendered at the first gaming system102amay be displayed simultaneously with the game being rendered at the first gaming system102a.

In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes that correspond to the second user108bof the second gaming system102b, may comprise one or more views of a character associated with the second user108bin the game. In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes that correspond to the user of the second gaming system102b, may comprise one or more pre-defined views of a character associated with the second user108bin the game.

In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes may be displayed on a second display device104bdifferent from the first display device104adisplaying the game. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to resize a playing area to display a plurality of regions of the game being rendered at the first gaming system102a.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to display one or more statistics associated with the game in one of the plurality of regions. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to display the one or more viewing modes associated with the second gaming system102b, in one of the plurality of regions.

In an embodiment, the metadata may comprise one or more of data for instant messaging, text-based chatting, gaming system messaging, social media monitoring, shared images, audio-video data, and/or invitations to other games. In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes may correspond to one or more real-time video feeds associated with the game being rendered.

In an embodiment, the first user108aand the second user108b, associated with the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102b, respectively, may be located remotely with respect to each other. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay exchange information with the remote server112and/or with each other via the communication network110.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay display a variety of multimedia content by resizing a graphical user interface (GUI) of the first display device104ainto a plurality of regions. The content to be displayed on the plurality of regions of the first display device104amay be set by the first user108a. In an embodiment, the plurality of regions of the GUI of the first display device104amay be displayed in a grid-like manner. Each of the plurality of regions may be sized evenly or sized differently. In another embodiment, a playing area of a game may be displayed at the center of the grid-like display of the GUI of the first display device104a. The multimedia content may be displayed in the plurality of regions positioned around the playing area of the game. In an embodiment, the plurality of regions on the GUI of the first display device104amay display varied multimedia content in a picture-in-picture format.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay utilize a grid of eight display devices to provide additional screen space. The central display device may display a playing area of the game being played by the first user108a. The other seven displays out of the eight displays may be utilized to display video feeds of other network players. In an embodiment, a plurality of display devices that may be linked to corresponding plurality of gaming systems may be positioned in a grid-like manner to provide the additional screen space required to display the multimedia content. Each display device of the plurality of display devices may display a different feature and/or application of the game being played by the first user108a, associated with the first gaming system102a.

In another embodiment, the playing area of the game played by the first user108a, may be displayed on the first display device104a. However, a variety of multimedia content may be displayed on a plurality of other display devices linked with the first display device104aand or the first gaming system102a, via Universal Synchronous Bus (USB) interface or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or suitable means known in the art.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay display different perspective views of the second user108bor other users in the game being rendered based on the metadata received from the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay display different perspective views of the second user108b, or other users in the game being rendered, based on the metadata received from the remote server112. In an embodiment, the different perspective views of the second user108bmay comprise real-time views or online video feeds of in-game characters associated with such users in an ongoing game being played by the first user108a.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay display different perspective views of the second user108bor other users in the game being rendered based on the metadata received from the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay display different perspective views of the second user108b, or other users in the game being rendered, based on the metadata received from the remote server112. In an embodiment, the different perspectives may comprise real-time views or online video feeds of characters associated with users in a game different from the game being played by the first user108a. For example, the first user108amay be playing a car-racing game and the second user108bmay be playing a wrestling game. The first gaming system102amay display different perspective views of a wrestling character associated with the second user108b, on the first display device104a.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be further operable to display historic video feeds of other players in the game based on the received metadata from the second gaming system102bor other gaming systems communicating with the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be further operable to display historic video feeds of other players in a game based on the received metadata from the remote server112. The historic views may include video feeds of characters associated with the other players in the game at pre-defined time intervals.

In an embodiment, the first user108amay be playing a game of chess and the second user108bmay be playing a car-racing game. The processor202may be operable to display a position of a car associated with the second user108b, in the second lap in a ten-lap race while the second user108bis currently in the sixth lap. In an embodiment, the first user108aand the second user108bmay be playing the same car-racing game. The processor202may be operable to display the car associated with the second user108b, from a previous lap of the second user108b.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to display a plurality of views of the second user108b, or other known players in a game. Such views enable the first user108ato capture facial expressions of the second user108b, or other users being monitored. The monitoring of the facial expressions by the first user108amay be crucial in a variety of games involving decision making. Examples of the plurality of views of the second user108bmay include, but are not limited to, a front view, a back view, a top view, a zoom-in view, a zoom-out view, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the plurality of views may be captured by one or more image-capturing devices (not shown) installed at the physical location of the second user108b. Examples of the image-capturing devices may include, but are not limited to, a built-in camera, a surveillance camera, an internet protocol (IP) camera, a motion detector camera, a motion sensor camera, a remote camera, a range-finder camera, and/or a three-dimensional (3-D) laser camera.

In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay be operable to facilitate live chat sessions between players in a game through the remote server112. The live chat sessions may be displayed in a picture-in-picture format on the first display device104a. In an embodiment, the live chat sessions and sharing of media files among the group of players may be facilitated by one of the second gaming system102bor other gaming systems communicating with the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the live chat sessions and sharing of media files among the group of players engaged in gaming may be facilitated by the remote server112. Examples of media files may include, but are not limited to, audio files, video files, images, news, text files, and/or other files of interest to be shared among the group of players. In an embodiment, one of the second gaming system102bor other gaming systems communicating with the communication network110may enable invitations to latest and/or newest games to be shared among players in the game. In an embodiment, the remote server112may enable invitations to latest and/or newest games to be shared among players in the game. The game played among players while sharing media files may be the same game or a different game.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 2is explained in conjunction with elements fromFIG. 1. With reference toFIG. 2, there is shown a first gaming system102a. The first gaming system102amay comprise one or more processors, such as a processor202, a memory204, a display controller206, an input/output (I/O) device controller208, and a transceiver210.

The processor202may be communicatively coupled to the memory204, display controller206, the I/O device controller208, and the transceiver210. The processor202may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to execute a set of instructions stored in the memory204. The processor202may be implemented based on a number of processor technologies known in the art. Examples of the processor202may be an X86-based processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, and/or other processor.

The memory204may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to store the received set of instructions. The memory204may store a plurality of multimedia content that the processor202may display on the first display device104a. The memory204may be communicatively coupled with a secondary storage device, for example, a hard disk or external storage device, such as a compact disc (CD). Such a communicative coupling may enable the memory204to buffer multimedia content retrieved from the secondary storage device or the external storage device.

The memory204may be implemented by the use of various multimedia database management systems that are well known to those skilled in the art. The memory204may be implemented based on, but not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a storage server and/or a Secure Digital (SD) card. The display controller206may be operable to control one or more display devices, such as the first display device104a. The display controller206may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to generate audio and/or video signals for a plurality of games being rendered on the first display device104a. Further, the display controller206may be operable to control necessary timing of a plurality of video synchronization signals to enable rendering of the plurality of games on the first display device104a. In an embodiment, the display controller206may be a graphics-card and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

The I/O device controller208may be operable to control one or more input/output (I/O) devices, such as the first remote controller106a. The I/O device controller208may comprise various interfaces between the I/O devices and the processor202. In an embodiment, the I/O device controller208may be an add-on software or hardware, which allows connection of additional I/O devices to the first gaming system102a. The I/O device controller208may be connected to a plurality of I/O devices. Examples of the input devices may include, but are not limited to, the first remote controller106a, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, a microphone, and/or a camera. Examples of the output devices may include, but are not limited to, the first display device104aand a speaker. In an embodiment, the first remote controller106amay be connected wirelessly to the first gaming system102avia I/O device controller208.

The transceiver210may be coupled to the communication network110. The transceiver210may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to communicate with the remote server112via various communication interfaces. The transceiver210may implement known technologies for supporting wired or wireless communication with the communication network110. Examples of the transceiver210may include, but are not limited to, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor (DSP), a coder-decoder (CODEC) chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and/or a local buffer. The transceiver210may communicate via wireless communication with networks, such as the Internet, an Intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN). The wireless communication may use a plurality of communication standards, protocols and technologies including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for email, instant messaging, and/or Short Message Service (SMS).

In operation, the processor202may be operable to receive metadata from the second gaming system102b. The metadata may comprise one or more viewing modes associated with a game being rendered at the second gaming system102b. The viewing modes correspond to in-game views of a user associated with the second gaming system102b.

In an embodiment, the processor202may receive the metadata directly from the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the processor202may receive the metadata from the remote server communicating with second gaming system102b.

In an embodiment, the first user108amay provide one or more instructions to the game rendered on the first display device104avia the first remote controller106a. The instructions may be generated based on a selection of alphanumeric characters or pressing of a pre-specified button on the first remote controller106a.

In an embodiment, the processor202may be operable to execute instructions enabling provision of multiple third-party services, such as a video on demand service, photo-editing service, and/or the like.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an exemplary scenario for implementing the disclosed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 3is explained in conjunction with elements fromFIG. 1andFIG. 2. With reference toFIG. 3, there is shown a screen shot of a GUI300of the first display device104a. The GUI300of the first display device104acomprises a plurality of regions. The plurality of regions comprises a game playing window302, a first view window304, a second view window306, a second player camera view308, a multimedia-sharing window310, an instant messaging (IM) window312, a game invitation window314, a third view window316, a fourth view window318, and a third player camera view320.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first user108amay select a game on the first display device104aby utilizing one or more pre-defined buttons on the first remote controller106a. In an embodiment, the game may be played by utilizing a game stored on an optical disc and/or a hard disk.

Based on receiving the selection of the game, such as, “soccer”, the processor202may control the first display device104a, to render one or more features of the selected game. The selection of the game may be received by the second display device104b, associated with the second user108b. In an embodiment, the first user108aand the second user108bmay be engaged in the same game through their respective gaming systems, that is, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bvia the communication network110. For the sake of simplicity,FIG. 3will be described with reference to a first player302a, which corresponds to the in-game character of the first user108aand a second player302b, which corresponds to the in-game character of the second user108b.

The game playing window302displays a game of soccer being played in real time by the first user108a. The game includes a plurality of players, such as the first player302a, the second player302b, and a third player302c. The first player302aand the second player302bmay belong to the same team while the third player302cmay belong to an opponent's team. The first user108amay play the game by utilizing a plurality of functions and/or operation buttons on the first remote controller106a.

A plurality of views of the second player302bmay be displayed on the GUI300of the first display device104a. For the sake of simplicity, two in-game views of the second player302b, in the first view window304and the second view window306, have been shown.

The first view window304and the second view window306comprise in-game views of the second player302b, associated with the second user108b. The one or more real-time video feeds of the second player302bcomprises views of the second player302b, in the game being played. In an embodiment, the views of the second player302bmay include, but are not limited to, a top view, a side view, a first-person view, an angular view, and/or the like.

In an embodiment, the first view window304displays a first-person view of the second player302bwhen such a view is selected to be displayed by the first user108a. The first gaming system102amay display a real-time video feed of an environment (field-view) of the soccer game from the eyes of the second player302b. As shown, the first-person view emulates the actual view of the second player302bin the game. The second player302bwould see the first player302aon the left and the third player302con the right. In such a case, the first user108amay strategize the next move in the game based on a location of the second player302bon the field. The ability of the first user108ato view the real-time video feeds of the second player302b, associated with the second user108b, may prove beneficial when the location of the second player302bis not captured in the current view being shown on the game playing window302.

In an embodiment, an icon304amay be provided on the first view window304, to switch a current view of the second player302bto a different view. The different view may be selected from a plurality of pre-defined views available. The first gaming system102amay render the plurality of pre-defined views of the second player302bon the GUI300of the first display device104a. In an embodiment, the plurality of pre-defined views of the second player302bmay be rendered based on the metadata received from the second gaming system102bor other gaming systems communicating with the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the plurality of pre-defined views of the second player302bmay be rendered based on the metadata received from the remote server112. The ability of the first user108ato switch views among the plurality of pre-defined views available for the second player302b, may enable the first user108ato capture specific views of the second player302bon the field of the game being played.

The second view window306displays a top-view of the game when such a view is selected to be displayed by the first user108a. The first gaming system102may display a top-view of the field, similar to an eagle's-eye view capturing the second player302bon the field of the game. As shown, 22 players playing the soccer game on the field are shown. In an embodiment, the second player302bon the field may be identified by an identifier. Examples of the identifier may include, but are not limited to, highlighting, blinking, and/or labelling the second player302b. In such a case, the location of the second player302bon the field may be easily identified, and the first user108amay move the first player302abased on the captured location of the second player302b. Similar to the first view window304, the second view window306may be provided with an icon306a, to switch a current view of the second player302bto a different view from a plurality of pre-defined views.

In an embodiment, the plurality of views of the second player302bin the game may be captured through a plurality of pre-defined viewpoints. Examples of the pre-defined viewpoints may include, but are not limited to, views captured from a goalpost, or a bottom view captured from shoes of the second player302b, or a lateral view from either side of the field with the second player302bas the focus of attention. A person with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pre-defined viewpoints may vary based on the game selected to be played and the game environment being rendered on the first display device104a.

In an embodiment, the plurality of views of the second player302b, on the first view window304and the second view window306, may be referred to as one or more viewing modes that correspond to in-game views of the second player302b. The one or more viewing modes may be switched by the first user108a, based on the icon304aor icon306aon the first view window304and the second view window306, respectively.

The second player camera view308displays a front-view of the second user108b, captured via one or more image capturing devices, such as a web-camera. The web cameras may be installed at the physical location of the second user108b. The front-view may capture the facial expressions of the second user108b. An icon308amay be provided on the second player camera view308, to switch a current view of the second user108bto a different view. The different view may be chosen from a plurality of pre-defined views available based on the positions of the web cameras. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay render such a plurality of pre-defined views of the second user108bon the GUI300of the first display device104a, based on the metadata received from the second gaming system102bor other gaming systems communicating with the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102amay render such a plurality of pre-defined views of the second user108bon the GUI300of the first display device104a, based on the metadata received from the remote server112.

Further, a plurality of views of the second user108bmay be captured by the image capturing devices. In an embodiment, the first user108amay select one or more views to be displayed on the region that corresponds to the second player camera view308. A person with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the front-view of the second user108bis shown for illustration and the pre-defined views of the second user108bmay be selected to be displayed on the region that corresponds to the second player camera view308.

In an embodiment, a plurality of views of users who correspond to the team players, such as the second user108b, may be captured. The plurality of views comprises real-time video feeds of the second user108b, which may be streamed via the remote server112, the second gaming system102b, or other gaming systems communicating with the first gaming system102a. Such plurality of views of the second player302bmay facilitate live audio and/or video chatting and/or conferencing with the second user108b. In an embodiment, the live audio and/or video chatting and/or conferencing with the team players may enable strategizing and planning of the game being played by the team. Such video conference gaming may allow the team players to exchange comments and/or suggestions with each other, thereby enabling team bonding and interaction.

The multimedia-sharing window310displays multimedia content shared between the first user108aand the second user108b. The multimedia-sharing window310may provide a medium for a group of players to interact by sharing and/or exchanging multimedia content. It is to be understood that the sharing of multimedia content is not limited to the two users, the first user108aand the second user108b, and may extend to a plurality of users on the communication network110. Furthermore, the multimedia content may be shared with non-playing users or random users who may be playing the same game as the first user108a. In an embodiment, the multimedia content may be shared with non-playing users or random users who may be playing a different game than the first user108a. In such a case, the non-playing users or random users may be connected to the communication network110via their respective gaming systems. Examples of the multimedia content may include, but are not limited to, movie trailers, themes, applications, updates on latest multimedia content, audio files, video files, images, news, text files, and/or files of interest to be shared among a group of players. In an embodiment, the first user108amay minimize the multimedia-sharing window310while playing a game.

The IM window312displays various interactions, such as instant messaging conversations of the first user108awith other users. The instant messaging conversations may be initiated by the first user108a, or other users. For example, as shown, the second user108bsends an instant message to the first user108a, to share a comment on a recent goal scored by the first user108avia the IM window312. In an embodiment, the IM window312may enable text-based chatting between the first user108aand other users across various messaging platforms and communication networks. In an embodiment, the IM window312may facilitate game system messaging between the first user108aand other users. The gaming systems102aand102bmay be provided with an in-built messaging feature to communicate and/or chat with a plurality of users within the gaming environment. In an embodiment, the IM window312may enable social media monitoring to receive social media updates from one or more social networking websites to which the first user108asubscribes.

Further, as shown in the IM window312, another player “John3” communicates with the first user108a, to enquire regarding the latest games in car-racing. In an embodiment, the player “John3” may not be playing the same game as the first user108a. Further, “John3” may not be aware of the game being played by the first user108a, and may initiate a random chat with the first user108a.

In an embodiment, the instant messaging conversations may not be limited to a plurality of users engaged in team-play and may extend to other users not involved in the same team or same game. In an embodiment, the first user108amay minimize the IM window312while playing a game.

In an embodiment, the GUI300may display a monitoring window (not shown) that may enable the first user108ato monitor a plurality of feeds, such as news feeds and/or activities of other users, linked with one or more accounts of the first user108a. In an embodiment, the one or more accounts of the first user108amay be associated with services provided by one or more third-party social media service providers.

The game invitation window314displays a group of players sharing game invitations with each other. For example, as shown, the first user108areceives a game invitation from the second user108b(denoted by “Rambo2”) regarding the game, “ABC_RACE”. Sharing invitations to a plurality of games is not limited to two players and may extend to multiple players. In an embodiment, the game invitations may be sent to non-team players, or random players who may be playing the same game as the first user108a. In an embodiment, the game invitations may be sent to random players, who may be playing a different game from the first user108a. In such a case, the random players may be connected to the communication network110via their respective gaming systems. In an embodiment, the first user108amay minimize the game invitation window314while involved in gaming.

The third view window316, the fourth view window318, and the third player camera view320display views associated with a third user, which is similar to the first view window304, the second view window306, and the second player camera view308. The third view window316and the fourth view window318display plurality of views comprising real-time video feeds of a third player (not shown) associated with the third user engaged in the soccer game. The third player camera view320displays a view selected from a plurality of views of the third user captured from the image capturing devices, such as web-cameras installed at the physical location of the third user. In an embodiment, the third user may not be involved in the soccer game or may be playing a different game from the first user108a.

The first user108amay select a first-person view of the third team player belonging to the same team as the first player302a. Based on the selection, the third view window316displays the first-person view of the third team player located towards a goalpost of the field. The third view window316may display a goalkeeper located at the end of the field based on the location of the third user in the game. Accordingly, the goal-keeper is shown in the region that corresponds to the third view window316.

Similarly, based on selection of a view from the plurality of views, the first user108amay select an elongated top-view of the game to be displayed on the fourth view window318. In an embodiment, the fourth view window318may display the third user on the captured elongated top-view. The third user may be identified on the captured elongated top-view by an identifier. In an embodiment, the team players of both teams involved in the soccer game may be displayed by suitable identifiers. Such an identification of team players of both the teams may ease planning the next move for the first user108a, based on location of all players scattered on the field.

In an embodiment, the first user108amay observe a specific view of a team player located close to the first player302awithin the game. Such a view may ensure passing of a ball to that team player while moving towards a goalpost. In another embodiment, the first user108amay choose to observe a view from the plurality of views provided for a team player based on location of the first player302ain the game.

In an embodiment, the first user108amay customize the GUI300of the first display device104a. The first user108amay select the plurality of regions (or windows) to be displayed based on interest. For example, the first user108amay be involved in a car-racing game and may not desire the multimedia-sharing window310, the IM window312, and/or the game invitation window314to be displayed until the first user108afinishes the car-racing game. In an embodiment, the first user108amay apply settings to the GUI300of the first display device104a, such that when the first user108ais involved in gaming, a selected plurality of windows must be minimized until the game concludes. Such settings of the GUI300may save effort to apply settings every time the first user108ais engaged in gaming.

FIG. 4is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for multi-player video gaming, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 4is described in conjunction with elements ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2andFIG. 3. The method400may be implemented in the first gaming system102a, which may be communicatively coupled to the remote server112via the communication network110. In an embodiment, the method400may be implemented in the first gaming system102a, which may be communicatively coupled to the second gaming system102b.

The method400begins at step402and proceeds to step404. At step404, the selection of a game is received at the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the game is selected by the first user108aby pressing a plurality of predetermined buttons on the first remote controller106a, which may be associated with the first gaming system102a.

Based on the received selection of a game, a suitable GUI of the game environment associated with the game may be displayed on the first display device104avia the display controller206. If the selected game is a multi-player game, the remote server112may be connected by the first gaming system102avia the communication network110. A plurality of users may be connected with the first gaming system102avia such a connection. A connection may be established between the second user108bvia a second gaming system102band the first user108avia the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the functionality of the remote server112may be performed by the second gaming system102b, or other gaming systems in communication with the first gaming system102a.

At step406, metadata comprising one or more viewing modes associated with the game being rendered at the second gaming system102b, may be received at the first gaming system102a. The one or more viewing modes correspond to in-game views of the second user108b, which may be associated with the second gaming system102b. In an embodiment, the same game may be played by the second user108bas the first user108a.

At step408, the viewing modes that correspond to the in-game views of the second user108bassociated with the second gaming system102b, may be displayed at the first gaming system102a. In an embodiment, the viewing modes may be displayed simultaneously with a playing area of the game on the first display device104a. Accordingly, a GUI, similar to the GUI300shown inFIG. 3, may be displayed on the first display device104a.

In an embodiment, the second gaming system102bmay be connected to the remote server112via the communication network110. In such a case, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected to each other via the communication network110. In an embodiment, the first gaming system102aand the second gaming system102bmay be connected directly to each other. Further, the second user108bmay select the same game, “soccer” using the second remote controller106b. In an embodiment, the second user108bmay choose to be a part of the same team as the first user108a.

In an embodiment, the one or more viewing modes may be rendered on the first display device104aby resizing the GUI300of the first display device104ainto a plurality of regions, as shown inFIG. 3. In another embodiment, the GUI300of the first display device104amay be rendered by utilizing a plurality of additional displays. In such a case, the display functionalities and/or operations may be executed by the processor202on each of the plurality of additional display devices.

In an embodiment, each gaming system that is connected to the communication network110(FIG. 1) and involved in gaming with the first user108a(FIG. 1) may be shown one or more viewing modes associated with the first user108a. In accordance with the present disclosure, a system (FIG. 2) for multi-player video gaming is disclosed. Exemplary aspects of the disclosure may comprise one or more processors and/or circuits, such as the processor202(FIG. 2), in the first gaming system102a(FIG. 1). The processor202may be operable to receive metadata from a second gaming system102b(FIG. 1). The metadata may comprise one or more viewing modes associated with a game being rendered at a second gaming system102b(FIG. 1). The one or more viewing modes may correspond to in-game views of a second user108b(FIG. 1) associated with the second gaming system102b.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a non-transitory computer readable medium and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory machine readable medium and/or storage medium. Having applicable mediums stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer for multi-player video gaming. The at least one code section in a first gaming system102a, associated with a user108a, may cause the machine and/or computer to perform the steps comprising receiving metadata from a second gaming system102b. The metadata comprises one or more viewing modes associated with a game being rendered at the second gaming system102b. The one or more viewing modes correspond to in-game views of a second user108bassociated with the second gaming system102b.

The present disclosure may be realized in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion, in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected computer systems. A computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein may be suited. A combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, may control the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present disclosure may be realized in hardware that comprises a portion of an integrated circuit that also performs other functions.

The present disclosure may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program, in the present context, means an expression, in a specified language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly, or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.