U.S. Pat. No. 10,583,353

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of the invention are shown. This present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

The invention is directed to an online card game (e.g. 5-card draw poker, Texas Hold'em) conducted among a plurality of players using corresponding wireless devices (e.g. cellular phones, smart watches). In particular, each of the players accumulates physical activity points from the onboard activity trackers (e.g. pedometer, multi-axis gyroscope) of the wireless device. The players compete in the card game and receive a first set of cards after hitting a threshold activity level.

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a communication system10according to the present disclosure is now described. The communication system10illustratively includes a server11comprising a memory13and processor12coupled therewith, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices (e.g. cell phone devices, tablet computing devices, etc.)15a-15din communication with the server via a network (e.g. the illustrated Internet)14. Each mobile wireless communications device15a-15dillustratively includes a memory17a-17dand processor16a-16dcoupled therewith.

A given mobile wireless communications device15afrom the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a-15dis configured to cooperate with the server11for executing an online multi-player game (for play by a respective user) with other mobile wireless communications devices (and their corresponding users) via the server11. In other embodiments, the server11may be omitted, and the local devices could operate using a mesh network/crowd sourced approach to sharing the backend of the online multi-player game.

In several of the embodiments illustrated, the online multi-player game comprises an online poker game. As will be appreciated, the online poker game can comprise a digital version of any variant of the traditional card game of poker, such as, 5-card draw poker, Texas Hold'em, for example. In some embodiments, the online multi-player game may alternatively comprise a generic card game, or another online digital game with incremental sequential steps in gameplay.

The given mobile wireless communications device15ais configured to monitor an athletic activity of a respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The given mobile wireless communications device15amay comprise one or more of a multi-axis gyroscope, an accelerometer, an altitude detection device, a global positioning system (GPS antenna, a heartrate monitor, and a pedometer. The given mobile wireless communications device15ais configured to use these onboard devices to measure the athletic activity of the respective user. The measured athletic activity may comprise one or more of steps, miles, linear measurement of altitude displacement, floors climbed, elapsed time period with increased heartrate, etc.

The given mobile wireless communications device15ais configured to operate the online poker game to award a plurality of physical activity points for a set measured athletic activity. For example, the user may receive 1-point for each step/floor measured, but other exchange rates could be used. The given mobile wireless communications device15ais configured to cause the online poker game to deal at least one card when the respective user exceeds at least one athletic activity threshold. In other words, the progress of the cards being dealt is controlled by the user accumulating athletic activity.

In one exemplary embodiment, the online poker game comprises 5-card draw poker, and the user would receive five cards upon hitting 10,000 steps (e.g., in a one-to-one exchange for steps and points, accumulating 10,000 physical activity points). After passing a first athletic activity threshold (here 10,000 physical activity points), the user can receive additional cards to enhance chances of winning the card game with additional activity, thereby passing additional athletic activity thresholds. For example, for each additional 1,000 physical activity points accumulated by the user, the given mobile wireless communications device15ais configured to cause the online poker game to deal an additional card, permitting the user to improve the quality of the user's poker hand.

The online poker game would include a set time period for completion of a hand of poker. Once the set time period has expired, the activity tracking ends, and the users compete in the online card game with the drawn cards. Given the inherent chance element of the online poker game, accumulating more activity may improve your chances of winning, but it does not guarantee a winning hand, thereby allowing users with less accumulated activity to win the online card game in some circumstances. Advantageously, this permits users with lesser physical activity points to have a chance at beating other users with a greater amount of physical activity points, which improves user engagement in athletic activities. This is in contrast to typical competitions within personal fitness applications where a physical activity leader may possess an insurmountable lead, causing trailing players to disengage from the online competition.

an exemplary embodiment of the online poker game is now described. The online poker game provides an initial splash screen for “stepping poker”, a registration portal for creating a gamer profile (e.g. username, password, email, and user physical characteristics, such as user weight and height) on the server11, and an interface for inviting friends to the online poker game (e.g. by polling the onboard stored contacts or the stored contacts on cloud service providers, such as Microsoft Exchange, Google).

The online poker game provides a menu of icons for selecting a current game from a plurality of online poker games, each game operating based upon athletic activity as noted herein. The potential game selections comprise 5-card draw poker, joker poker, high score poker, 1-deck draw poker, 1-deck poker unlimited, and poker unlimited. The game selection interface also includes a button for accessing a bank database, discussed herein.

Also, once the user selects or long-presses a game icon, the online poker game would proceed to a rules screen, providing the detailed rules for the selected online poker game. The user selects the duration (i.e. the aforementioned set time period) of the online poker game. In other words, the user would have to accumulate the needed physical activity points to complete a hand of poker before the end of the selected time period. The user selects the amount for the wager for the online poker game. As discussed herein, the disclosed online poker game includes a plurality of gaming chip types.

In the illustrated example, the user selects 5-card draw poker, and the games progresses. The game interface includes a plurality of indicators, such as a remaining time period indicator, a current hand indicator, a jackpot amount indicator, an athletic activity points indicator, and indicators for the current hand of other users. With the completion of the game, in the illustrated embodiment, the hand of poker, the user is provided with an interface to summarize winnings, and an interface with a button to play the same game again, which transitions to the next step, which permits the user to select other users to play another online poker game. Of course, in other embodiments, the game could include more than one hand of poker. In the next illustrated example, the user selects poker unlimited as the current game, and the games progresses.

As part of the gamer profile stored at the server11, the server is also configured to maintain a database for stored gaming chips (i.e. a bank database) within the online poker game. The interface for the user to access the bank database is shown. In the interface, the user can add or buy more gaming chips (e.g. providing a credit card interface or another payment provider interface, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay), withdraw the gaming chips (e.g. using the same payment provider interface), or gift gaming chips to another user.

Also, the bank database maintains data for a plurality of gaming chip types. In the illustrated embodiment, the types of gaming chips include gold, i.e. redeemable, and black, i.e. non-redeemable. Depending on the local jurisdiction, the gold gaming chips may be redeemable for local currency, or credits for purchase of products. In some embodiments, the bank database may only monitor a single type of gaming chip that is non-redeemable.

Of course, since the black gaming chips are non-redeemable, there is no withdraw option. In other words, the black gaming chips have value only within the online poker game. Nevertheless, the black gaming chips can be purchased and transferred similarly to the gold gaming chips.

The online poker game includes an interface for using the gaming chips to purchase items on affiliate websites or to donate the gaming chips to affiliate charities.

Another aspect is directed to a method for operating the given mobile wireless communications device15ato execute the herein disclosed online poker game. Yet another aspect is directed to a method for operating the herein disclosed communication system10to execute the herein disclosed online poker game.

Example components that may be used in the mobile wireless communications device15a-15dofFIG. 1are further described below with reference toFIGS. 2-5. Examples of applicable communication devices include pagers, cellular phones, cellular smart-phones, wireless organizers, personal digital assistants, computers, laptops, tablet computing devices, smart watches, handheld wireless communication devices, wirelessly enabled notebook computers and the like.

The mobile device is a two-way communication device with advanced data communication capabilities including the capability to communicate with other mobile devices or computer systems through a network of transceiver stations. The mobile device may also have the capability to allow voice communication. Depending on the functionality provided by the mobile device, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities). To aid the reader in understanding the structure of the mobile device and how it communicates with other devices and host systems, reference will now be made toFIGS. 2-5.

Referring first toFIG. 2, shown therein is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a mobile device100. The mobile device100includes a number of components such as a main processor102that controls the overall operation of the mobile device100. Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through a communication subsystem104. The communication subsystem104receives messages from and sends messages to a wireless network200. In this example embodiment of the mobile device100, the communication subsystem104is configured in accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and General Packet Radio Services (CPRS) standards. The GSM/CPRS wireless network is used worldwide and it is expected that these standards will be superseded eventually by Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS). New standards are still being defined, but it is believed that they will have similarities to the network behavior described herein, and it will also be understood by persons skilled in the art that the example embodiments described herein are intended to use any other suitable standards that are developed in the future. The wireless link connecting the communication subsystem104with the wireless network200represents one or more different Radio Frequency (RF) channels, operating according to defined protocols specified for GSM/GPRS communications. With newer network protocols, these channels are capable of supporting both circuit switched voice communications and packet switched data communications.

Although the wireless network200associated with mobile device100is a GSM/GPRS wireless network in one example implementation, other wireless networks may also be associated with the mobile device100in variant implementations. The different types of wireless networks that may be employed include, for example, data-centric wireless networks, voice-centric wireless networks, and dual-mode networks that can support both voice and data communications over the same physical base stations. Combined dual-mode networks include, but are not limited to, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or CDMA2000 networks, GSM/GPRS networks (as mentioned above), and future third-generation (3G) networks like EDGE and UMTS. Some other examples of data-centric networks include WiFi 802.11, Mobitex™ and DataTAC™ network communication systems. Examples of other voice-centric data networks include Personal Communication Systems (PCS) networks like GSM and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems.

The main processor102also interacts with additional subsystems such as a Random Access Memory (RAM)106, a flash memory108, a display110, an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem112, a data port114, a keyboard116, a speaker118, a microphone120, short-range communications122and other device subsystems124.

Some of the subsystems of the mobile device100perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. By way of example, the display110and the keyboard116may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over the network200, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list.

The mobile device100can send and receive communication signals over the wireless network200after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of the mobile device100. To identify a subscriber, the mobile device100requires a SIM/RUIM card126(i.e., Subscriber Identity Module or a Removable User Identity Module) to be inserted into a SIM/RUIM interface128in order to communicate with a network. The SIM card or RUIM126is one type of a conventional “smart card” that can be used to identify a subscriber of the mobile device100and to personalize the mobile device100, among other things. Without the SIM card126, the mobile device100is not fully operational for communication with the wireless network200. By inserting the SIM card/RUIM126into the SIM/RUIM interface128, a subscriber can access all subscribed services. Services may include: web browsing and messaging such as email, voice mail, Short Message Service (SMS), and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS). More advanced services may include: point of sale, field service and sales force automation. The SIM card/RUIM126includes a processor and memory for storing information. Once the SIM card/RUIM126is inserted into the SIM/RUIM interface128, it is coupled to the main processor102. In order to identify the subscriber, the SIM card/RUIM126can include some user parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using the SIM card/RUIM126is that a subscriber is not necessarily bound by any single physical mobile device. The SIM card/RUIM126may store additional subscriber information for a mobile device as well, including date book (or calendar) information and recent call information. Alternatively, user identification information can also be programmed into the flash memory108.

The mobile device100is a battery-powered device and includes a battery interface132for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries130. In at least some example embodiments, the battery130can be a smart battery with an embedded microprocessor. The battery interface132is coupled to a regulator (not shown), which assists the battery130in providing power V+ to the mobile device100. Although current technology makes use of a battery, future technologies such as micro fuel cells may provide the power to the mobile device100.

The mobile device100also includes an operating system134and software components136to146which are described in more detail below. The operating system134and the software components136to146that are executed by the main processor102are typically stored in a persistent store such as the flash memory108, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that portions of the operating system134and the software components136to146, such as specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as the RAM106. Other software components can also be included, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The subset of software applications136that control basic device operations, including data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on the mobile device100during its manufacture. Other software applications include a message application138that can be any suitable software program that allows a user of the mobile device100to send and receive electronic messages. Various alternatives exist for the message application138as is well known to those skilled in the art. Messages that have been sent or received by the user are typically stored in the flash memory108of the mobile device100or some other suitable storage element in the mobile device100. In at least some example embodiments, some of the sent and received messages may be stored remotely from the device100such as in a data store of an associated host system that the mobile device100communicates with.

The software applications can further include a device state module140, a Personal Information Manager (PIM)142, and other suitable modules (not shown). The device state module140provides persistence, i.e., the device state module140ensures that important device data is stored in persistent memory, such as the flash memory108, so that the data is not lost when the mobile device100is turned off or loses power.

The PIM142includes functionality for organizing and managing data items of interest to the user, such as, but not limited to, email, contacts, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. A PIM application has the ability to send and receive data items via the wireless network200. PIM data items may be seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network200with the mobile device subscriber's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system. This functionality creates a mirrored host computer on the mobile device100with respect to such items. This can be particularly advantageous when the host computer system is the mobile device subscriber's office computer system.

The mobile device100also includes a connect module144, and an IT policy module146. The connect module144implements the communication protocols that are required for the mobile device100to communicate with the wireless infrastructure and any host system, such as an enterprise system, that the mobile device100is authorized to interface with. Examples of a wireless infrastructure and an enterprise system are given inFIGS. 4 and 5, which are described in more detail below.

The connect module144includes a set of APIs that can be integrated with the mobile device100to allow the mobile device100to use any number of services associated with the enterprise system. The connect module144allows the mobile device100to establish an end-to-end secure, authenticated communication pipe with the host system. A subset of applications for which access is provided by the connect module144can be used to pass IT policy commands from the host system to the mobile device100. This can be done in a wireless or wired manner. These instructions can then be passed to the IT policy module146to modify the configuration of the device100. Alternatively, in some cases, the IT policy update can also be done over a wired connection.

The IT policy module146receives IT policy data that encodes the IT policy. The IT policy module146then ensures that the IT policy data is authenticated by the mobile device100. The IT policy data can then be stored in the flash memory106in its native form. After the IT policy data is stored, a global notification can be sent by the IT policy module146to all of the applications residing on the mobile device100. Applications for which the IT policy may be applicable then respond by reading the IT policy data to look for IT policy rules that are applicable.

The IT policy module146can include a parser (not shown), which can be used by the applications to read the IT policy rules. In some cases, another module or application can provide the parser. Grouped IT policy rules, described in more detail below, are retrieved as byte streams, which are then sent (recursively, in a sense) into the parser to determine the values of each IT policy rule defined within the grouped IT policy rule. In at least some example embodiments, the IT policy module146can determine which applications are affected by the IT policy data and send a notification to only those applications. In either of these cases, for applications that aren't running at the time of the notification, the applications can call the parser or the IT policy module146when they are executed to determine if there are any relevant IT policy rules in the newly received IT policy data.

All applications that support rules in the IT Policy are coded to know the type of data to expect. For example, the value that is set for the “WEP User Name” IT policy rule is known to be a string; therefore the value in the IT policy data that corresponds to this rule is interpreted as a string. As another example, the setting for the “Set Maximum Password Attempts” IT policy rule is known to be an integer, and therefore the value in the IT policy data that corresponds to this rule is interpreted as such.

After the IT policy rules have been applied to the applicable applications or configuration files, the IT policy module146sends an acknowledgement back to the host system to indicate that the IT policy data was received and successfully applied.

Other types of software applications can also be installed on the mobile device100. These software applications can be third party applications, which are added after the manufacture of the mobile device100. Examples of third party applications include games, calculators, utilities, etc.

The additional applications can be loaded onto the mobile device100through at least one of the wireless network200, the auxiliary I/O subsystem112, the data port114, the short-range communications subsystem122, or any other suitable device subsystem124. This flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of the mobile device100and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using the mobile device100.

The data port114enables a subscriber to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of the mobile device100by providing for information or software downloads to the mobile device100other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto the mobile device100through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to provide secure device communication.

The data port114can be any suitable port that enables data communication between the mobile device100and another computing device. The data port114can be a serial or a parallel port. In some instances, the data port114can be a USB port that includes data lines for data transfer and a supply line that can provide a charging current to charge the battery130of the mobile device100.

The short-range communications subsystem122provides for communication between the mobile device100and different systems or devices, without the use of the wireless network200. For example, the subsystem122may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components for short-range communication. Examples of short-range communication standards include standards developed by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth, and the 802.11 family of standards developed by IEEE.

In use, a received signal such as a text message, an email message, or web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem104and input to the main processor102. The main processor102will then process the received signal for output to the display110or alternatively to the auxiliary I/O subsystem112. A subscriber may also compose data items, such as email messages, for example, using the keyboard116in conjunction with the display110and possibly the auxiliary I/O subsystem112. The auxiliary subsystem112may include devices such as: a touch screen, mouse, track ball, infrared fingerprint detector, or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressing capability. The keyboard116is preferably an alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. However, other types of keyboards may also be used. A composed item may be transmitted over the wireless network200through the communication subsystem104.

For voice communications, the overall operation of the mobile device100is substantially similar, except that the received signals are output to the speaker118, and signals for transmission are generated by the microphone120. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, can also be implemented on the mobile device100. Although voice or audio signal output is accomplished primarily through the speaker118, the display110can also be used to provide additional information such as the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

Referring now toFIG. 3, an example block diagram of the communication subsystem component104is shown. The communication subsystem104includes a receiver150, a transmitter152, as well as associated components such as one or more embedded or internal antenna elements154and156, Local Oscillators (LOs)158, and a processing module such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)160. The particular design of the communication subsystem104is dependent upon the communication network200with which the mobile device100is intended to operate. Thus, it should be understood that the design illustrated inFIG. 3serves only as one example.

Signals received by the antenna154through the wireless network200are input to the receiver150, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in the DSP160. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, by the DSP160. These DSP-processed signals are input to the transmitter152for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over the wireless network200via the antenna156. The DSP160not only processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in the receiver150and the transmitter152may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP160.

The wireless link between the mobile device100and the wireless network200can contain one or more different channels, typically different RF channels, and associated protocols used between the mobile device100and the wireless network200. An RF channel is a limited resource that must be conserved, typically due to limits in overall bandwidth and limited battery power of the mobile device100.

When the mobile device100is fully operational, the transmitter152is typically keyed or turned on only when it is transmitting to the wireless network200and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Similarly, the receiver150is periodically turned off to conserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) during designated time periods.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a block diagram of an example implementation of a node202of the wireless network200is shown. In practice, the wireless network200includes one or more nodes202. In conjunction with the connect module144, the mobile device100can communicate with the node202within the wireless network200. In the example implementation ofFIG. 4, the node202is configured in accordance with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) technologies. The node202includes a base station controller (BSC)204with an associated tower station206, a Packet Control Unit (PCU)208added for GPRS support in GSM, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)210, a Home Location Register (HLR)212, a Visitor Location Registry (VLR)214, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)216, a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)218, and a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)220. This list of components is not meant to be an exhaustive list of the components of every node202within a GSM/GPRS network, but rather a list of components that are commonly used in communications through the network200.

In a GSM network, the MSC210is coupled to the BSC204and to a landline network, such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)222to satisfy circuit switched requirements. The connection through the PCU208, the SGSN216and the GGSN218to a public or private network (Internet)224(also referred to herein generally as a shared network infrastructure) represents the data path for GPRS capable mobile devices. In a GSM network extended with GPRS capabilities, the BSC204also contains the Packet Control Unit (PCU)208that connects to the SGSN216to control segmentation, radio channel allocation and to satisfy packet switched requirements. To track the location of the mobile device100and availability for both circuit switched and packet switched management, the HLR212is shared between the MSC210and the SGSN216. Access to the VLR214is controlled by the MSC210.

The station206is a fixed transceiver station and together with the BSC204form fixed transceiver equipment. The fixed transceiver equipment provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage area commonly referred to as a “cell.” The fixed transceiver equipment transmits communication signals to and receives communication signals from mobile devices within its cell via the station206. The fixed transceiver equipment normally performs such functions as modulation and possibly encoding and/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the mobile device100in accordance with particular, usually predetermined, communication protocols and parameters, under control of its controller. The fixed transceiver equipment similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, if necessary, any communication signals received from the mobile device100within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary between different nodes. For example, one node may employ a different modulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than other nodes.

For all mobile devices100registered with a specific network, permanent configuration data such as a user profile is stored in the HLR212. The HLR212also contains location information for each registered mobile device and can be queried to determine the current location of a mobile device. The MSC210is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the data of the mobile devices currently in its area of responsibility in the VLR214. Further, the VLR214also contains information on mobile devices that are visiting other networks. The information in the VLR214includes part of the permanent mobile device data transmitted from the HLR212to the VLR214for faster access. By moving additional information from a remote HLR212node to the VLR214, the amount of traffic between these nodes can be reduced so that voice and data services can be provided with faster response times and at the same time requiring less use of computing resources.

The SGSN216and the GGSN218are elements added for GPRS support, namely packet switched data support, within GSM. The SGSN216and the MSC210have similar responsibilities within the wireless network200by keeping track of the location of each mobile device100. The SGSN216also performs security functions and access control for data traffic on the wireless network200. The GGSN218provides internetworking connections with external packet switched networks and connects to one or more SGSN's216via an Internet Protocol (IP) backbone network operated within the network200. During normal operations, a given mobile device100must perform a “GPRS Attach” to acquire an IP address and to access data services. This requirement is not present in circuit switched voice channels as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) addresses are used for routing incoming and outgoing calls. Currently, all GPRS capable networks use private, dynamically assigned IP addresses, thus requiring the DHCP server220connected to the GGSN218. There are many mechanisms for dynamic IP assignment, including using a combination of a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server and a DHCP server. Once the GPRS Attach is complete, a logical connection is established from a mobile device100, through the PCU208, and the SGSN216to an Access Point Node (APN) within the GGSN218. The APN represents a logical end of an IP tunnel that can either access direct Internet compatible services or private network connections. The APN also represents a security mechanism for the network200, insofar as each mobile device100must be assigned to one or more APNs and mobile devices100cannot exchange data without first performing a GPRS Attach to an APN that it has been authorized to use. The APN may be considered to be similar to an Internet domain name such as “myconnection.wireless.com.”

Once the GPRS Attach operation is complete, a tunnel is created and all traffic is exchanged within standard IP packets using any protocol that can be supported in IP packets. This includes tunneling methods such as IP over IP as in the case with some IPSecurity (IPsec) connections used with Virtual Private Networks (VPN). These tunnels are also referred to as Packet Data Protocol (PDP) Contexts and there are a limited number of these available in the network200. To maximize use of the PDP Contexts, the network200will run an idle timer for each PDP Context to determine if there is a lack of activity. When a mobile device100is not using its PDP Context, the POP Context can be de-allocated and the IP address returned to the IP address pool managed by the DHCP server220.

Referring now toFIG. 5, shown therein is a block diagram illustrating components of an example configuration of a host system250that the mobile device100can communicate with in conjunction with the connect module144. The host system250will typically be a corporate enterprise or other local area network (LAN), but may also be a home office computer or some other private system, for example, in variant implementations. In this example shown inFIG. 5, the host system250is depicted as a LAN of an organization to which a user of the mobile device100belongs. Typically, a plurality of mobile devices can communicate wirelessly with the host system250through one or more nodes202of the wireless network200.

The host system250includes a number of network components connected to each other by a network260. For instance, a user's desktop computer262awith an accompanying cradle264for the user's mobile device100is situated on a LAN connection. The cradle264for the mobile device100can be coupled to the computer262aby a serial or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, for example. Other user computers262b-262nare also situated on the network260, and each may or may not be equipped with an accompanying cradle264. The cradle264facilitates the loading of information (e.g., PIM data, private symmetric encryption keys to facilitate secure communications) from the user computer262ato the mobile device100, and may be particularly useful for bulk information updates often performed in initializing the mobile device100for use. The information downloaded to the mobile device100may include certificates used in the exchange of messages.

It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the user computers262a-262nwill typically also be connected to other peripheral devices, such as printers, etc. which are not explicitly shown inFIG. 5. Furthermore, only a subset of network components of the host system250are shown inFIG. 2for ease of exposition, and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the host system250will include additional components that are not explicitly shown inFIG. 3for this example configuration. More generally, the host system250may represent a smaller part of a larger network (not shown) of the organization, and may include different components and/or be arranged in different topologies than that shown in the example embodiment ofFIG. 5.

To facilitate the operation of the mobile device100and the wireless communication of messages and message-related data between the mobile device100and components of the host system250, a number of wireless communication support components270can be provided. In some implementations, the wireless communication support components270can include a message management server272, a mobile data server274, a contact server276, and a device manager module278. The device manager module278includes an IT Policy editor280and an IT user property editor282, as well as other software components for allowing an IT administrator to configure the mobile devices100. In an alternative example embodiment, there may be one editor that provides the functionality of both the IT policy editor280and the IT user property editor282. The support components270also include a data store284, and an IT policy server286. The IT policy server286includes a processor288, a network interface290and a memory unit292. The processor288controls the operation of the IT policy server286and executes functions related to the standardized IT policy as described below. The network interface290allows the IT policy server286to communicate with the various components of the host system250and the mobile devices100. The memory unit292can store functions used in implementing the IT policy as well as related data. Those skilled in the art know how to implement these various components. Other components may also be included as is well known to those skilled in the art. Further, in some implementations, the data store284can be part of any one of the servers.

In this example embodiment, the mobile device100communicates with the host system250through node202of the wireless network200and a shared network infrastructure224such as a service provider network or the public Internet. Access to the host system250may be provided through one or more routers (not shown), and computing devices of the host system250may operate from behind a firewall or proxy server266. The proxy server266provides a secure node and a wireless internet gateway for the host system250. The proxy server266intelligently routes data to the correct destination server within the host system250.

In some implementations, the host system250can include a wireless VPN router (not shown) to facilitate data exchange between the host system250and the mobile device100. The wireless VPN router allows a VPN connection to be established directly through a specific wireless network to the mobile device100. The wireless VPN router can be used with the Internet Protocol (IP) Version 6 (IPV6) and IP-based wireless networks. This protocol can provide enough IP addresses so that each mobile device has a dedicated IP address, making it possible to push information to a mobile device at any time. An advantage of using a wireless VPN router is that it can be an off-the-shelf VPN component, and does not require a separate wireless gateway and separate wireless infrastructure. A VPN connection can preferably be a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/IP or User Datagram Protocol (UDP)/IP connection for delivering the messages directly to the mobile device100in this alternative implementation.

Messages intended for a user of the mobile device100are initially received by a message server268of the host system250. Such messages may originate from any number of sources. For instance, a message may have been sent by a sender from the computer262bwithin the host system250, from a different mobile device (not shown) connected to the wireless network200or a different wireless network, or from a different computing device, or other device capable of sending messages, via the shared network infrastructure224, possibly through an application service provider (ASP) or Internet service provider (ISP), for example.

The message server268typically acts as the primary interface for the exchange of messages, particularly email messages, within the organization and over the shared network infrastructure224. Each user in the organization that has been set up to send and receive messages is typically associated with a user account managed by the message server268. Some example implementations of the message server268include a Microsoft Exchange™ server, a Lotus Domino™ server, a Novell Groupwise™ server, or another suitable mail server installed in a corporate environment. In some implementations, the host system250may include multiple message servers268. The message server268may also be adapted to provide additional functions beyond message management, including the management of data associated with calendars and task lists, for example.

When messages are received by the message server268, they are typically stored in a data store associated with the message server268. In at least some example embodiments, the data store may be a separate hardware unit, such as data store284, that the message server268communicates with. Messages can be subsequently retrieved and delivered to users by accessing the message server268. For instance, an email client application operating on a user's computer262amay request the email messages associated with that user's account stored on the data store associated with the message server268, These messages are then retrieved from the data store and stored locally on the computer262a. The data store associated with the message server268can store copies of each message that is locally stored on the mobile device100. Alternatively, the data store associated with the message server268can store all of the messages for the user of the mobile device100and only a smaller number of messages can be stored on the mobile device100to conserve memory. For instance, the most recent messages (i.e., those received in the past two to three months for example) can be stored on the mobile device100.

When operating the mobile device100, the user may wish to have email messages retrieved for delivery to the mobile device100. The message application138operating on the mobile device100may also request messages associated with the user's account from the message server268. The message application138may be configured (either by the user or by an administrator, possibly in accordance with an organization's information technology (IT) policy) to make this request at the direction of the user, at some pre-defined time interval, or upon the occurrence of some pre-defined event. In some implementations, the mobile device100is assigned its own email address, and messages addressed specifically to the mobile device100are automatically redirected to the mobile device100as they are received by the message server268.

The message management server272can be used to specifically provide support for the management of messages, such as email messages, that are to be handled by mobile devices. Generally, while messages are still stored on the message server268, the message management server272can be used to control when, if, and how messages are sent to the mobile device100. The message management server272also facilitates the handling of messages composed on the mobile device100, which are sent to the message server268for subsequent delivery.

For example, the message management server272may monitor the user's “mailbox” (e.g., the message store associated with the user's account on the message server268) for new email messages, and apply user-definable filters to new messages to determine if and how the messages are relayed to the user's mobile device100. The message management server272may also compress and encrypt new messages (e.g., using an encryption technique such as Data Encryption Standard (DES), Triple DES, or Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)) and push them to the mobile device100via the shared network infrastructure224and the wireless network200. The message management server272may also receive messages composed on the mobile device100(e.g., encrypted using Triple DES), decrypt and decompress the composed messages, re-format the composed messages if desired so that they will appear to have originated from the user's computer262a, and re-route the composed messages to the message server268for delivery.

Certain properties or restrictions associated with messages that are to be sent from and/or received by the mobile device100can be defined (e.g., by an administrator in accordance with IT policy) and enforced by the message management server272. These may include whether the mobile device100may receive encrypted and/or signed messages, minimum encryption key sizes, whether outgoing messages must be encrypted and/or signed, and whether copies of all secure messages sent from the mobile device100are to be sent to a pre-defined copy address, for example.

The message management server272may also be adapted to provide other control functions, such as only pushing certain message information or pre-defined portions (e.g., “blocks”) of a message stored on the message server268to the mobile device100. For example, in some cases, when a message is initially retrieved by the mobile device100from the message server268, the message management server272may push only the first part of a message to the mobile device100, with the part being of a pre-defined size (e.g., 2 KB). The user can then request that more of the message be delivered in similar-sized blocks by the message management server272to the mobile device100, possibly up to a maximum predefined message size. Accordingly, the message management server272facilitates better control over the type of data and the amount of data that is communicated to the mobile device100, and can help to minimize potential waste of bandwidth or other resources.

The mobile data server274encompasses any other server that stores information that is relevant to the corporation. The mobile data server274may include, but is not limited to, databases, online data document repositories, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications.

The contact server276can provide information for a list of contacts for the user in a similar fashion as the address book on the mobile device100. Accordingly, for a given contact, the contact server276can include the name, phone number, work address and email address of the contact, among other information. The contact server276can also provide a global address list that contains the contact information for all of the contacts associated with the host system250.

It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the message management server272, the mobile data server274, the contact server276, the device manager module278, the data store284and the IT policy server286do not need to be implemented on separate physical servers within the host system250. For example, some or all of the functions associated with the message management server272may be integrated with the message server268, or some other server in the host system250. Alternatively, the host system250may include multiple message management servers272, particularly in variant implementations where a large number of mobile devices need to be supported.

Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the IT policy server286can provide the IT policy editor280, the IT user property editor282and the data store284. In some cases, the IT policy server286can also provide the device manager module278. The processor288of the IT policy server286can be used to perform the various steps of a method for providing IT policy data that is customizable on a per-user basis. The processor288can execute the editors280and282. In some cases, the functionality of the editors280and282can be provided by a single editor. In some cases, the memory unit292can provide the data store284.

The device manager module278provides an IT administrator with a graphical user interface with which the IT administrator interacts to configure various settings for the mobile devices100. As mentioned, the IT administrator can use IT policy rules to define behaviors of certain applications on the mobile device100that are permitted such as phone, web browser or Instant Messenger use. The IT policy rules can also be used to set specific values for configuration settings that an organization requires on the mobile devices100such as auto signature text, WLAN/VoIP/VPN configuration, security requirements (e.g., encryption algorithms, password rules, etc.), specifying themes or applications that are allowed to run on the mobile device100, and the like.

Referring now additionally toFIG. 8, another embodiment of the communication system10′ is now described. In this embodiment of the communication system10′, those elements already discussed above with respect toFIG. 1are given prime notation and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this communication system10′ illustratively includes a server11′ comprising a memory13′ and processor12′ coupled therewith, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15d′ in communication with the server. As will be appreciated, the server11′ may comprise a remote computing device in communication with the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15d′ over a network14′, such as the Internet. The server11′ may also comprise a virtual server provided via a cloud computing service, such as Amazon Web Services, as available from Amazon.com, Inc., of Seattle, Wash.

Each mobile wireless communications device15a′-15d′ (e.g. cellular phone, tablet computing device, desktop computer) illustratively includes a memory17a′-17b′ and processor16a′-16b′ coupled therewith. For illustrative clarity, only two mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15b′ are depicted in detail, and it should be appreciated that the other mobile wireless communications devices15c′-15d′ may be similarly constituted.

The communication system10′ illustratively includes a given mobile wireless communications device15a′ from the plurality15a′-15d′ thereof, and a given activity tracker device19a′ carried by a respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The given mobile wireless communications device15a′ is illustratively configured to execute an online card game with other mobile wireless communications devices15b′-15d′ via the server11′. In other words, the respective users of the given mobile wireless communications device15a′ and the other mobile wireless communications devices15b′-15d′ are competing in an online multi-player card game (i.e. an online card tournament).

The given mobile wireless communications device15a′ is illustratively configured to wirelessly communicate with the given activity tracker device18a′ for monitoring an athletic activity of the respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The given activity tracker device18a′ may comprise a wearable wireless fitness tracker device18a′ separate from the given mobile wireless communications device15e. For example, the wearable wireless fitness tracker device18a′ may comprise an activity tracker device, such as a Fitbit Smartwatch, as available from Fitbit, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.

In other embodiments, the mobile wireless communications device15b′ may include a housing19b′ carrying the processor16b′ and memory17b′. Here, the activity tracker device18b′ may comprise an integrated activity tracker device (e.g. an onboard gyroscope or an accelerometer) carried by the housing19b′. The athletic activity of the respective user may include at least one of a value of steps, a value of stair steps, a linear distance value, or a set time period (e.g. 5 minutes) where the user's heart rate is greater than a threshold, such as being in the cardio zone, for example. Once the respective user exceeds the value, the user is awarded a set amount of points for the online card game.

In embodiments where the athletic activity is heart rate based, the activity tracker device18a′ would need to include a heat rate monitor device. Also, the point system of the online card game could progressively award more points as the heart rate increases. For example, 5 minutes of moderate heart rate earns 200 points, and 5 minutes of cardio zone heart rate earns 500 points.

The given mobile wireless communications device15a′ is illustratively configured to communicate with the server and cause the online card game to deal at least one card when the respective user exceeds at least one athletic activity threshold or a set value of points. It should be appreciated that the online card game could award cards directly based on the at least one athletic activity threshold, and that the points are simply an easily quantifiable proxy for the at least one athletic activity threshold.

The given mobile wireless communications device15a′ is illustratively configured to communicate with the server11′ and cause the online card game to deal a plurality of sequential cards when the respective user exceeds a corresponding plurality of athletic activity thresholds. In other words, as the respective user performs more athletic activity, the user is dealt more cards.

More specifically, the online card game includes a minimum number of cards, and the server11′ is configured, when the respective user has been dealt a number of cards greater than or equal to the minimum number of cards and when the respective user exceeds a subsequent athletic activity threshold, to deal a new card and permit the respective user to replace an existing card with the new card in the online card game. This permits the respective user to elect a most desired card for the existing hand of cards, thereby further encouraging the respective user to accomplish more athletic activity.

Also, the server11′ is configured to operate the online card game to have a time limit. The server11′ is configured, when the time limit has expired and when the respective user has been dealt a number of cards less than the minimum number of cards, to end the online card game for the respective user (i.e. the user is disqualified and removed from the game). In some embodiments, the game administrator (i.e. the person who set up the online card tournament) may elect that these users with less than the minimum number of dealt cards could be automatically dealt a full hand at the conclusion of the set time period.

Also, the server11′ is configured, when the time limit has expired and when the respective user has been dealt a number of cards greater than or equal to the minimum number of cards, to complete the online card game for the respective user with previously dealt cards. For example, the online card game comprises a poker card game, such as 5-card draw poker, joker poker, high score poker, 1-deck draw poker, 1-deck poker unlimited, and poker unlimited, or another card game, such as Spades, Hearts, etc.

Another aspect is directed to a method of operating an online card game within a communication system10′ comprising a server11′, a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15d′ in communication with the server, a given mobile wireless communications device15a′ from the plurality thereof, and a given activity tracker device18a′ carried by a respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The method includes operating the server11′ and given mobile wireless communications device15a′ to execute an online card game with other mobile wireless communications devices15b′-15d′, and operating the given mobile wireless communications device to wirelessly communicate with the given activity tracker device18a′ for monitoring an athletic activity of the respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The method further includes operating the server11′ and given mobile wireless communications device15a′ to cause the online card game to deal at least one card when the respective user exceeds at least one athletic activity threshold.

Another aspect is directed to a method of providing an online card game for a plurality of users communicating over a network14′ (e.g. Internet) within a communication system10′. The communication system10′ includes a server11′, a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15d′ associated with the plurality of users, a given mobile wireless communications device15a′ from the plurality thereof, and a given activity tracker device18a′ carried by a respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The method includes rendering a gaming interface on each of the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15d′ for the online card game, and causing the given mobile wireless communications device to wirelessly communicate with the given activity tracker device18a′ for monitoring an athletic activity of the respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The method further includes causing the online card game to deal at least one card when the respective user exceeds at least one athletic activity threshold.

Another aspect is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method of providing an online card game for a plurality of users communicating over a network14′ (e.g. Internet) within a communication system10′. The communication system10′ includes a server11′, a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15d′ associated with the plurality of users, a given mobile wireless communications device15a′ from the plurality thereof, and a given activity tracker device18a′ carried by a respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The method includes rendering a gaming interface on each of the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices15a′-15d′ for the online card game, and causing the given mobile wireless communications device to wirelessly communicate with the given activity tracker device18a′ for monitoring an athletic activity of the respective user of the given mobile wireless communications device. The method further includes causing the online card game to deal at least one card when the respective user exceeds at least one athletic activity threshold.

Referring toFIGS. 6A-7N, another exemplary embodiment of the online poker game is now described. In particular, the logic flow of the online poker game is depicted with a set of wireframes. In this illustrated embodiment, the online poker game requires a smart watch or mobile wireless communications device that has the ability to count steps. It is a poker game that allows the player to challenge other players. Players can invite their friends and play a private tournament. To play the game, the player needs to make 2000 steps to receive a random card. The player needs to make 10,000 steps to complete the five cards (i.e. a complete hand of cards within the poker game). They can continue to walk to receive more cards to get better cards in hand (2,000 steps=1 card). After 24 hour time period, the player with the best cards will win the pot.

FIGS. 6A-6Jrelates to user logging in or creating a new account for the online poker game. InFIG. 6A, if the user already has an account, the user may enter the login credentials. The user may also log in using Facebook or Gmail account credentials. If not, the user may create a new account.FIGS. 6F-6Gguide the user through the activity tracker pairing process, i.e. an external activity tracker.FIG. 6Lshows an interface of the respective user to join existing tournaments. If the user taps the “Join” button, the user will be directed to the next screen. If the user wants to change the tournament date, the user may tap forward/back arrow icon or tap the calendar icon. If the user wants to change the black chips required, the user may tap the down arrow icon and will be given an option of 500, 1000, or 5000.FIG. 6Mprovides an interface where if the user has already joined a tournament, the user will not be able to join another tournament. The “Join” button of the other tournaments will be grayed out once the user already joined a tournament.FIG. 6Nprovides an interface where the user can join the tournament as long it hasn't started yet. The jackpot price will increase as more players join.

FIGS. 62-6Qprovide an interface where the user will get a random card every 2,000 steps completed. The user will need to get 5 cards to avoid disqualification (i.e. the fifth user).FIGS. 6R-6Sprovide an interface where the user can create a tournament. The user may select the required black chips (e.g. 500, 1,000, or 5,000). If the user taps the date, the user will be able to change the date of the tournament. The user may slide up/down to change the date.

FIGS. 6U-6Vprovide an interface where the user can create a friendly match.FIG. 6Wprovides an interface where the user can access a corresponding Facebook account to invite connected users on the social media network.FIGS. 6Z-7Aprovide an interface where the user can receive a wildcard. If the user taps the “Wildcard” icon, the interface will show the best cards the user could use (i.e. an optimum hand). The user may tap the selected card to accept or choose a different card. If the user chooses a different card, the interface will show all the remaining cards in the user's deck and will allow the user to choose the card desired. Once the user selects a card, the user will not be able to change. Wildcards can only be used in friendly games and computer challenge games.

FIGS. 7B-70provide an interface where the user can elect for a rematch.FIGS. 7E-7Gprovide an interface where the user can elect for a computer opponent match.FIGS. 7H-7Nprovide an interface where the user can view a daily price, and adjust profile/settings within the online poker game.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.