U.S. Pat. No. 12,121,796

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described system and methods of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and not unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the system. Accordingly, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements.

In general, the embodiments presented herein relate to a mobile application and gaming platform wherein users can engage with one another by racing a virtual vehicle in a virtual environment. To access and utilize vehicles in the gaming platform, the user utilizes a camera in communication with a computing device to capture an image of a vehicle in the environment. The image data is transmitted to an optical recognition engine to determine the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Once the make, model, and year of the vehicle have been determined, the system references a vehicle database to determine the operational specifications and aesthetic characteristics of the vehicle. The operational specifications can include the acceleration, top speed, handling characteristics, and other operational characteristics known in the arts. The aesthetic characteristics of the vehicle can include color options, tire and wheel options, trim options, in addition to customizable options of the vehicles exterior or interior components. Further, the database can include performance options and upgrades as known in the arts.

In some embodiments, the user captures an image of a vehicle in the environment using a camera in communication with a computing device. The user may then access a virtual vehicle corresponding to the captured vehicle while engaging with the gaming platform.

FIG.1illustrates the system100including a plurality of users105who are in operable communication with a computing device110having an application system115downloaded to local or remote memory. The computing device110can include, but is not limited to, a video game console, handheld device, tablet computing device, a mobile phone, a laptop, a smartphone and/or the like. One or more databases120are configured to store vehicle and user related data as described hereinabove. Each user105is in communication with one another via a network125. The computing device can include a camera to capture images of an object, such as a vehicle.

The network125includes any technically feasible type of communications network that allows data to be exchanged between the computing device110and external entities or devices, such as a web server, a database, or another networked computing device. For example, network125may include a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless or Wi-Fi® network, Bluetooth®, and/or the Internet, among others.

FIG.2illustrates the application system115having a plurality of modules. The applications system, in general, provides a gaming platform wherein users of the system can capture a vehicle, which corresponds to a virtual vehicle. Users may then compete with the virtual vehicle on the gaming platform. The application system115may be comprised of a user interface module202providing mobile application functions on the computing device as known in the arts. The optical recognition module204receives image data from the camera of the computing device and compares the optical image data to image data stored in the external database to determine the make, model, and year of the vehicle in addition to other vehicle specifications as described hereinabove. A vehicle customization module206stores vehicle customization components and allows the user to alter the virtual vehicle to include the customization components, and thus alter the vehicle specifications. The gaming module208provides a means for users to compete with one another. In one example, the gaming module208allows users to race against one another using virtual vehicles. A communications module210permits users to communicate with one another while engaging with the various features of the application system115.

FIG.3illustrates a block diagram of the computing device110which can include at least one network interface302through which the computing device110may communicate with external components of the system either directly or via the network125. Computing device110further includes a processing system300programmed or otherwise arranged to implement the system as described hereinabove. Processing system300may include one or more processors304, and a memory module306. The processing system300is coupled to the network interface302to enable the processing system300to communicate via the network125with the devices and computing devices of the gaming platform in addition to various components of the system.

The steps and/or actions of a method or system described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor (such as processor(s)304), or in a combination of the two. Processor(s)304include any suitable processor implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, any other type of processing unit, or a combination of different processing units, such as a CPU configured to operate in conjunction with a GPU. In general, processor(s)304may be any technically feasible hardware unit capable of processing data and/or executing software applications. Further, in the context of this disclosure, the computing elements shown in computing device110, processing system300, network125, and/or system100may correspond to a physical computing system (e.g., a local computing device or server, a networked computing device or server, etc.) or may be a virtual computing instance executing in a virtual machine and/or within a computing cloud service.

Software programs, including software modules (such as the modules illustrated inFIG.2) may reside in a memory (such as memory306) and/or in an application system (such as application system115) inside a memory (such as memory306) which may be RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, firmware, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM or DVD or Blu-Ray®, server storage, database storage, cloud storage, and/or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor, such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some embodiments, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a computing device. Additionally, in some embodiments, the events and/or actions of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a machine-readable medium and/or computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product. Memory306includes various software programs (including application system115) that can be executed by processor(s)304, computing device110, and/or other devices of system100and application data associated with said software programs, including software that embodies modules, devices, and/or components described in this disclosure; that runs methods, steps, and processes such as the software, methods, steps, and/or processes described in this disclosure; and/or that when executed causes, provokes, and/or triggers the operations, determinations, selections, comparisons, functions, and/or results intended as described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, some and/or at least part of the software programs reside in one or more devices and/or components of computing device110and/or system100other than memory306. For example, in some embodiments, software that operates the circuits or electronics of the camera of the computing device110and/or circuits that operate, drive, or lead to the camera (such as circuits of an input/output device) reside in firmware that is part of the camera circuits and/or firmware of the circuits that operate, drive, or lead to the camera. In embodiments of the present invention, the processor(s)304receives code instructions of application system115from memory306and executes the code instructions of application system115to generate the signals and instructions that operate or cause the operation of the various modules, components, and/or devices of the computing device110and/or of the application system115itself.

In one or more embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage medium may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection may be termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. “Disk” and “disc,” as used herein, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

FIG.4illustrates a screenshot of the racing interface400provided on the display of a computing device. The racing interface400illustrates racing content401presented within the racing interface400in which various racing events occur dependent on user controls. A first vehicle402controlled by and corresponding to a first user, and a second vehicle404controlled by and corresponded to a second user. In such, each user experiences user-customizable interactive racing content401which allows the user to interact with a virtual racing environment406. A status indicator408to indicate the status of each user as determined by their progress, position, speed, or other metric during a race scenario. A control interface410provides vehicle control to the user which may include a steering wheel, acceleration and deceleration controls, transmission gear shift controls, and other controls common in virtual vehicle control systems.

In some embodiments, each vehicle (e.g., the first and second vehicle illustrated inFIG.4) corresponds to a vehicle acquired by a specific user of the system. In such, each vehicle has pre-determined characteristics determined by the user corresponding to the vehicle. For example, although two users may be racing the same vehicle make and model, each user may have customized their corresponding car to have specific characteristics, resulting in differing performance characteristics for the vehicles, and thus resulting in various outcomes of a race depending on the opponent, race conditions, etc.

As used herein, a video game can be an electronic game which involves human interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a computing device within a racing environment. It should be appreciated that the racing environment can be executed within a computing device as described herein. The computing device can include, but is not limited to, a video game console, handheld device, tablet computing device, a mobile phone, a laptop, a smartphone and/or the like. The racing environment can include one or more user interactive elements. Elements can include, but are not limited to, playable characters, non-playable characters, environmental elements, and the like. Further, the racing environment can conform to any genre including, but not limited to, a simulation genre, a strategy genre, a role-playing genre, and the like.

As used herein, the term “environment” is used to describe a physical space surrounding a user of the gaming platform. In some examples, the environment can include a parking lot, roadway, racetrack, or other location where vehicles are present. The term “virtual environment” is used to describe the virtual space in which users interact with one another, such as a virtual raceway.

FIG.5illustrates a customization interface500wherein the user may select from various customizable components and/or features related to a plurality of vehicles corresponding to the user. For example, customizable components520may include engine, transmission, exhaust, fabrication, tires, brakes, and the like which may affect the performance of the vehicle. Customizable features may include exterior and/or interior color, wheels, trim, and the like which may affect the aesthetic characteristics of the vehicle. Credits510earned during gameplay (i.e., by winning races against opponents or accomplishing in-game tasks) may be utilized to permit the user to purchase vehicle components or aesthetics. In an alternative embodiment, the user may utilize in-game purchasing to purchase credits which can be used to purchase the customizable component or feature.

In some embodiments, the user corresponding to the vehicle may earn points that permit the purchase of components and/or features, which may customize the in-game performance and appearance of the vehicle with which the user utilizes to race an opponent (e.g., another user).

FIG.6illustrates a results interface600wherein the user may review results of a race with another user. For example, a results portion620provides the standings for each user who engaged in the racing scenario. As illustrated, the first user (Player1) won the race in 15.106 seconds. The results interface may include statistics for the race, including starting statistics, shifting statistics, length of the race, final time taken to complete the race or phases thereof, among other statistics known in the arts. Each statistic may earn the user credits or other accolades. A plurality of selectable tabs630may be provided to allow the user to navigate through various interfaces of the system. For example, the selectable tabs630may include a “Reset” tab, a “Share” tab, a “My Profile” tab, an “Upgrade” tab, and a “Next” tab. For example, the Share tab may permit the user to share the results of one or more races with other users of the system, social media systems, or contacts. In another example, the Upgrade tab provides the user with the customization interface as shown and described inFIG.5, or may provide other means for upgrading the vehicle, the users profile, their membership, or likewise customizable features of the system.

FIG.7illustrates a schematic of the vehicle identification system, comprising a vehicle700an in environment. A camera710is operated by a user to capture image data of the vehicle700. The image data may include audio, video, or still image data of the vehicle700. The image data is transmitted to a memory module720, which stores the image data and which is then transmitted to a server engine730that processes the image data to determine one or more of the following: a vehicle make, a vehicle model, a vehicle year, a vehicle color, a tire type, a wheel type, vehicle aftermarket accessories, and other identifying characteristics of the vehicle corresponding to the image data provided by the camera710. To identify the vehicle700, a comparator740may be utilized to compare the vehicle image data with stored image data for a plurality of vehicles. Once the vehicle700is identified, a vehicle statistics module750determines statistics for the vehicle which will correspond to performance characteristics of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the server engine730is implemented by the application system115. In some embodiments, the server engine730resides in, operates in and/or with, is in a server connected to, and/or is otherwise part of the network125. In some embodiments, an instance of the server engine730is implemented partially or entirely by the application system115while another partial or entire instance of the server engine730resides in, is in a server connected to, and/or is otherwise part of the network125. The server engine730, through a gaming module708that incorporates the characteristics of gaming module208, is configured to implement the game logic, game rules, data routing, communication routing, and/or the like, enabling the users105to use the application system115to play the game with other users105. The gaming module708provides the gaming platform based on implementing the game logic, game rules, data routing, communication routing, and/or the like, and enabling the users105to use the application system115to play the game with other users105(including coordinating the operation and communication between all other modules of the application system115/815, as discussed below the nextFIGS.8-10). In some embodiments, the server engine730, via the gaming module708, is configured to transmit real-time communications between different application systems115that reside in various computing devices110operated by different users105, and/or saves such communications for later transmission (for example, when a particular user105is not using, is temporarily disconnected from, has a slow connection to, or is logged out from the game server, the server engine730, the network125, and/or the application system115).

The camera710is configured to capture photos and/or video. In some embodiments, the camera710includes a microphone and is configured to capture audio, photos; video; audio and video; photos with associated audio; video and photos (either with or without audio) in intermittent, simultaneous, concurrent, and/or concomitant manner; and/or the like.

Note that the functions and operations of comparator740appear to overlap with those of the optical recognition module204. In some embodiments, optical recognition module204sends the optical image data stored in memory306/memory module720to the database120and/or server engine730. The server engine730receives from the optical recognition module204and/or takes from the database120the optical image data and/or previously stored image data, followed by the comparator740comparing the optical image data to the previously stored image data to determine the make, model, and year of the vehicle in addition to other vehicle specifications as described hereinabove. In some embodiments, the optical recognition module204takes, requests and/or receives the previously stored image data and compares the optical image data to the previously stored image data to determine the make, model, and year of the vehicle in addition to other vehicle specifications as described hereinabove. In some embodiments, the optical recognition module204and/or the comparator740determines which type of virtual vehicle to assign, produce, or unlock in application system115and/or gaming module208/708based on the make, model, and year of the vehicle determined or selected from comparing the optical image data to the previously stored image data. In some embodiments, the optical recognition module204and/or the comparator740determines the make, model, and year of the vehicle from the optical image data, and/or which type of virtual vehicle to assign, produce, or unlock, by using artificial intelligence, as discussed below regarding optical recognition module904and classification module905ofFIG.9.

Through the use real-time or delayed vision object recognition, objects, logos, artwork, products, locations and other features that can be recognized in the image and/or video stream can be matched to data associated with such to assist the user with vehicle recognition and determining information and/or services, which may be beneficial based on such vehicle recognition. In specific embodiments, the data that is matched to the images in the image stream is specific to vehicle performance databases, vehicle aftermarket parts databases, vehicle specification databases and the like.

FIG.8illustrates a block diagram of a system800that incorporates the characteristics of system100. The system800includes a computing device810, other computing devices810-D, a database820, a network825, and internet822. The computing device810(which incorporates the characteristics of computing device110) connects to the database820(which incorporates the characteristics of the database120) and also connects to a network825(which incorporates the characteristics of the network125). The computing device810, through a communications device821, connects to the database820and to the network825via internet822. Other computing devices810-D that include other application systems815-D, which incorporate the characteristics of application systems815, also connect to the database820and to the network825via the internet822.

The internet822is to be understood as (but not limited to), whether public and/or private, any local, regional, national, and/or global network of computers, servers, and/or electronic devices relying on, whether public and/or private, any general or particular infrastructures and systems (for example, servers, databases, domain name system or DNS servers, nameservers, internet layers, wired communication systems, wireless systems, satellite systems, optical communication systems), network protocols (such as HTTP, HTTPS, TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, FTP, SMTP, ICMP, and VPN), and communication devices that enable the connection and the transmission and reception of packets, data, signals, and/or information between the computers, servers, and/or electronic devices connected to the internet822, including but not limited to the past, current, and future versions of the internet. In some embodiments, internet822and network825are equivalent to each other and refer to the same thing.

WhileFIG.1shows that the database120is inside the network125,FIG.8shows the database820outside the network825. In some embodiments database120,820is inside and/or outside the network125,825. In some embodiments, the network125,825includes and/or is connected to the server engine730ofFIG.7(or to the one or more servers that implement server engine730). In some embodiments database120,820is implemented partially or entirely inside memory306,812.

The computing device810includes a processor811connected to a memory812, the communications device821, and an input/output device840(or I/O device840). The memory812, which incorporates the characteristics of memory306and/or memory module720, contains the executable code that comprises the application system815, which incorporate the characteristics of application system115. The memory812is connected to the I/O device840and the communications device821. The processor(s)811receives code instructions of application system815from memory812and executes the code instructions of application system815to generate the signals and instructions that operate or cause the operation of the various modules, components, and/or devices of the computing device810(including memory812, communications device821, I/O device840, user interface842, and/or camera/imaging device844) and/or of the application system815itself.

The I/O device840is connected to a camera/imaging device844, which incorporates the characteristics of camera710, and a user interface842. The I/O device840includes the hardware, firmware, and/or software for the computing device810to interact with other components and devices, including the camera/imaging device844, the user interface842, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the computing device810, through the I/O device840, connects to the database820and to the network825via the internet822, overlapping with and/or replacing the functions of the communications device821, and/or overlapping with and/or replacing the communications device821itself.

The user interface842includes devices capable of providing input and/or output, such as, a touch-sensitive screen or touchscreen, speakers, a microphone, and so forth. In some embodiments, interface842includes devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, buttons, a display, an external display, indicator lights, haptic devices and sensors, a universal serial bus (USB) port, and/or the like. The interface842is configured to receive various types of input from a user105and to also provide various types of output to the user105, such as audio, displayed digital images or digital videos or text, with or without audio. In some embodiments, the user interface842is configured to sense, accept, record, detect, capture, receive, and/or input the touches, pressings, gestures, speech, voice, and/or commands (such as voice commands, tactile commands, detected gestures, and/or the like) associated with the operation and execution of the application system815, including but not limited to the racing interface400, the customization interface500, and/or the results interface600, and including those from the user105which include those that would cause the camera/imaging device844to operate and/or capture content as described herein. In some embodiments, the user interface842is configured to perform, show, emit, sound off, deliver, and/or output the images, graphics, text, animations, photos, audio, and/or video associated with the operation and execution of the application system815, including but not limited to the racing interface400, the customization interface500, and/or the results interface600. In some embodiments, the user interface842is embedded and/or integrated with the computing device810. For example, the computing device810may have a display (where the display is the user interface842) on the housing that encloses the computing device810. In some embodiments, the user interface842is, partly or entirely, wirelessly coupled with the computing device810. For example, in some embodiments, the computing device810is wirelessly coupled to a wireless display with a wireless speaker (where the wireless display and speaker are parts of the user interface842that output visual and/or aural content) and a touchscreen (where the touchscreen is part of the user interface842that inputs tactile commands and outputs visual content) mechanically coupled to the housing that encloses the computing device810.

In some embodiments, the I/O device840is not directly connected to one or more of camera/imaging devices844and/or the user interfaces842. In such embodiments, the I/O device840connects wirelessly to the one or more of the camera/imaging devices844and/or the user interfaces842through the internet822and/or through the network825via the communications device821.

The communications device821sends and/or receives data between the computing device810and the database820, the network825, the other computing devices810-D, the other application systems815-D, external entities or devices, and/or the like through the internet822. Data includes, but is not limited to, information, signals, connections, requests, responses, credentials, authorizations, rejections, packets, transfers, images, photos, text, graphics, video, audio, content, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the communications device821sends and/or receives data through the network825. In some embodiments, the communications device821sends and/or receives data wired and/or wirelessly. In some embodiments, the computing device810, through the communications device821, connects to the user interface842and/or the camera/imaging device844, overlapping with and/or replacing the functions of the I/O device840, and/or overlapping with and/or replacing the I/O device840itself.

In some embodiments, the communications device821(and/or other components, software, hardware, and/or circuits of the computing device810) is(are) configured to determine a physical and/or geological location of the computing device810based on one or more location signals. In some embodiments, the computing device810and/or the communications device821include a location module configured to determine the physical and/or geological location of the computing device810based on one or more location signals. The one or more location signals include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, shared location information between the computing device810and other computing devices810-D, location signals and/or signals with location information based on one or more of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) constellations (GPS and GIS, QZSS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, GLONASS).

The communications device821(and/or the location module) is(are) configured to send the physical and/or geological location of the computing device810. The computing device810is configured to associate the physical and/or geological location to any input from the communications device821and/or the I/O device840. For example, if the user105finds a vehicle700and captures a photo or image of the vehicle700through the camera/imaging device844, the communications device821(and/or the location module) associate the current physical and/or geological location of that photo or image of the vehicle700. The applications system815, through the communications device821, is configured to send the image data of the photo or image of the vehicle700along with the physical and/or geological location of the vehicle700to the database820for storage and/or to the other application systems815-D. With the image data and location information of the vehicle700(received directly and/or received from the database820), the users105of the other application systems815-D are notified of the availability and location of the vehicle700, and can decide whether to go to that location and capture an image of the vehicle700.

FIG.9illustrates the interactions and operations between modules of the application system815and the various devices and components illustrated inFIG.8. To focus on and explain the operation of the modules of the application system815inFIG.9, references to computing device810and memory812are removed, and connections between devices and with modules of application system815are expanded into the representative signals that come in and out of each module. Connections between most devices illustrated inFIG.8are maintained (or expanded) inFIG.9.

FIG.9illustrates application system815including a user interface module902, an optical recognition module904, a vehicle customization module906, a gaming module908, and a communications module910. The optical recognition module904includes a classification module905. In some embodiments, the classification module905is a separate module, not included in optical recognition module904.

The user interface module902generates an application output signal902-O based on the state of the game and/or parameters generated by the application system815and/or the gaming module908, which incorporates the characteristics of gaming module708. The state of the game is the situation that the game presents to user105. For example, when the user105is playing the game, like when the game displays the results interface600and waits for input from the user105as described above for the results interface600, such as the user105selecting any of the plurality of selectable tabs630, such situation is the result of the user interface module902generating the application output signal902-O based on the state of the game and/or parameters. The state of the game results in the application output signal902-O including the content (such as audio, sounds, video, photos, images, graphics, and/or the like), information, signal, parameters, and/or data that corresponds to and/or causes the generation of one or more user interface output signals940-UO, and therefore results in the displaying, presenting, or output related to the state of the game, which is outputting the content including displaying the results interface600to the user105. The game parameters are the data and/or information that describes, details, customizes and/or tailors the gaming experience to the user105, including data and/or information that describes, details, customizes and/or tailors at least one of the state of the game, content corresponds to the state of the game, content to output and display (for example, when the content includes music but the user selected no music or no sound), all the elements illustrated inFIGS.4,5, and6(whether or not enumerated, identified, described and/or mentioned in this disclosure) and all elements mentioned in relation toFIGS.4,5, and6in this disclosure, how long the game has been idle, whether there is a network or internet connection, the name and/or handle and/or identifier of the user105, the operational state of the application systems815, the operational state of the computing device810and/or its components, the state of the game and/or the game parameters of other application systems815-D, the operation state of other computing devices811-D, any and all other elements or characteristics or details mentioned in this disclosure, and/or the like.

The user interface module902is configured to send the application output signal902-O to the I/O device840. The application output signal902-O is a signal that contains content data (data of audio, video, images, photos, text, graphics, haptic sensation instructions, other content, and/or the like) that causes the I/O device840to generate one or more user interface output signal940-UO and to send the output content signal to one or more components or devices of the user interface842. The I/O device840is configured to process (including analyze and/or responds to) the application output signal902-O. Based on the application out signal902-O (and/or based on the analysis and/or response to the application output signal902-O), the I/O device840is configured to generate a user interface output signal902-UO configured to cause the user interface842(or one or more components or parts of the user interface842) to generate an intended output to the user that is intended as part of the status, operation and/or execution of the game, the application system815, and/or the computing device810. For example, at a particular moment of the game, when it is intended for the user105to hear a sound, see the results interface600, and read a text from another user105, the user interface output signal902-UO causes a speaker of the user interface842to make the desired sound, and cause a touchscreen to display the results interface600plus the text from the other user105.

When the user105interacts in any manner with the user interface842that corresponds to a desired input or action in the game, the user interface842(or the corresponding component(s) or device(s) of the user interface842) senses or detects such user input and generates a user input signal940-UI. The user input signal940-UI contains the data or information that corresponds to the inputs provided by the user105to the user interface842. The user interface842is configured to send the user input signal940-UI to the I/O device840. The I/O device840is configured to process the user input signal940-UI and to generate an application input signal e based on the user input signal940-UI.

The user interface module902is configured to receive and process the application input signal902-I. The user interface module902determines to which of the other modules to send the user input received based on the application input signal902-I. For example, if the application input signal902-I is text to be sent to other users105, the user interface module902send the text, recipient information, and any other relevant information to the communications module910; but if the application input signal902-I is a racing command during gameplay, the user interface module902sends the racing command information to the gaming module908. In some embodiments, the interface module902sends all information to the gaming module908for routing. In some embodiments, the interface module902sends all information to all modules, leaving each module to determine whether to process the information.

The optical recognition module904is configured to generate the application camera signal904-O based on a user input signal940-UI that orders the operation of the camera/imaging device844. The optical recognition module904is configured to send the application camera signal904-O to the I/O device840. The application camera signal904-O is a signal that contains data and/or information for operating the camera/imaging device844. The I/O device840is configured to process (analyze and/or respond) to the application camera signal904-O. The I/O device840is configured to generate a camera output signal940-CO based on the application camera signal904-O and/or the processing of the application camera signal902-O. The camera output signal940-CO operates the camera/imaging device844, including causing the camera/imaging device844to capture and/or record photos, audio, video, and/or the like, as was previously described above in the discussion ofFIG.8.

The camera/imaging device e is configured to transform the captured and/or recorded content to a camera input signal940-CI. In some embodiments, the camera/imaging device844is configured to generate the camera input signal940-CI based on the captured and/or recorded content. The camera/imaging device844is configured to send the camera input signal940-CI to the I/O device840. Generally, the camera input signal940-CI will be raw and need processing for use by the optical recognition module904and/or the application system815. The I/O device840is configured to process the camera input signal940-CI and to generate the application image signal904-I based on the camera input signal940-CI and/or the content of the camera input signal940-CI. The camera input signal940-CI is a signal that contains the content captured and/or recorded by the camera/imaging device844in a format that can be processed, used, accepted, and/or understood by the optical recognition module904.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the optical recognition module904includes a classification module905which incorporates the characteristics of comparator740. The classification module is configured to implement and/or train an artificial intelligence system, machine learning system, deep learning system, neural network system, convolutional neural network system, and/or the like, including combinations of such systems operating to achieve different determinations and/or classifications, and/or combinations of such systems that feed into other such systems. In some embodiments, the classification module905operates separately from the optical recognition module904. The classification module905is configured to classify image data of vehicles. In some embodiments, the classification module905determines a plurality of vehicle specifications, and associates the plurality of vehicle specifications with a virtual vehicle on a gaming platform provided by a gaming module based at least on the application image signal904-I. In some embodiments, the classification module905is configured to associate one or more vehicle specifications with a virtual vehicle on a gaming platform provided by a gaming module based at least on the application image signal904-I. In some embodiments, the classification module905is configured to determine one or more vehicle specifications based at least on the application image signal904-I. In some embodiments, the classification module905is configured to classify image data into vehicle specifications and/or virtual vehicles based at least on the application image signal904-I. In some embodiments, other basis on which the classification module905bases determinations, associations, and/or classifications include the application input signal902-I, the application image signal904-I, the communications input signal910-DI, the network input signal910-NI, and/or any part or subcomponent of any such signals, as discussed above and below in this disclosure.

The vehicle customization module906, which incorporates the characteristics of vehicle customization module206, stores vehicle customization components and allows the user105to alter one or more virtual vehicles to include the customization components, and thus alter the vehicle specifications. In some embodiments, the vehicle customization module906includes vehicle specifications and/or virtual vehicle specifications that the optical recognition module904and/or the classification module905use and/or access to inform the determinations and/or classifications, to compare with image data in the process of determinations and/or classifications, and/or to train models used for determinations and/or classifications.

The communications module910is configured to generate a content data output signal910-DO that contains data, content, and/or information to be stored in the database820. The communications module910is configured to send the content data output signal910-DO to the communications device821through the internet822and/or the network825. The communications device821is configured to process, analyze, and/or respond to the content data output signal910-DO. The communications device821is configured to generate a database output signal921-DO based on the content data output signal910-DO and/or the processing of the content data output signal910-DO. The communications device821is configured to send the database output signal921-DO to the database820through the internet822, the network825(not shown inFIG.9, seeFIG.8), a direct connection between the database820the communications device821, and/or the like. The database output signal921-DO communicates with and/or operates the database820, including causing the database820to connect, authenticate, verify user, receive and/or accept and/or store content (photos, audio, video, game parameters, vehicle specifications, and/or the like), transmit and/or send content, transform information, duplicate data, read records, delete records, save records, and/or the like. The database820is configured to connect, authenticate, verify user, receive and/or accept and/or store content (photos, audio, video, game parameters, vehicle specifications, and/or the like), transmit and/or send content, transform information, duplicate data, read records, delete records, save records, and/or the like, based on the database output signal921-DO.

The database820is configured generate a database input signal921-DI to transmit and/or send stored content and/or responses to the communications device821based on the database output signal921-DO. In some embodiments, the database820is configured to generate the database input signal921-DI based on content and/or data stored in the database. The database820is configured to send the database input signal921-DI to the communications device821. Generally, the database input signal921-DI will be wrapped in headers, divided into packets, transformed to fit communication protocols, and/or the like, and need processing for use by the communications module910and/or the application system815. The communications device821is configured to process the database input signal921-DI and to generate the content data input signal910-DI based on the database input signal921-DI and/or the data, content, and/or information of the database input signal921-DI. The content data input signal910-DI is a signal that contains the stored content sent by the database820and/or a response from the database820(for example, a transmission of a message indicating that the saving of data in the database820was successful, a response from the database820that a requested image is not available, etc.) in a format that can be processed, used, accepted, and/or understood by the communications module910.

Furthermore, the communications module910is configured to generate a communication output signal910-NO that contains data, content, and/or information to be sent through the network825to one or more of the database820(not shown), other computing devices810-D (not shown), and/or any other possible electronic devices (for example, displays connected via Wi-Fi® to the computing device810, speakers connected via Bluetooth®, and/or the like). The communications module910is configured to send the communication output signal910-NO to the communications device821. The communications device821is configured to process, analyze, and/or respond to the communication output signal910-NO. The communications device821is configured to generate a network output signal921-NO based on the communication output signal910-NO and/or the processing of the communication output signal910-NO. The communications device821is configured to send the network output signal921-NO to the network825through the internet822, a direct connection between the network825and the communications device821, and/or the like. The network output signal921-NO travels through the network825and communicates with and/or operates the database820, other computing devices810-D, and/or any other possible electronic devices (hereinafter “receptors”), including causing the receptors to connect, authenticate, verify user, receive and/or accept and/or store content (photos, audio, video, game parameters, vehicle specifications, and/or the like), transmit and/or send content, transform information, duplicate data, read records, delete records, save records, share location information, share vehicle location information, coordinate active gameplay, and/or the like. The receptors are configured to connect, authenticate, verify user, receive and/or accept and/or store content (photos, audio, video, game parameters, vehicle specifications, and/or the like), transmit and/or send content, transform information, duplicate data, read records, delete records, save records, share location information, share vehicle location information, coordinate active gameplay, and/or the like, based on the network output signal921-NO.

The receptors are configured to generate a network input signal921-NI to transmit and/or send data, information, content, location, game coordination data, and/or responses to the communications device821based on the network output signal921-NO. In some embodiments, the receptors are configured to generate the network input signal921-NI based on data, information, content, events and/or the like that are initiated from the receptors. The receptors are configured to send the network input signal921-NI to the communications device821. Generally, the network input signal921-NI will be wrapped in headers, divided into packets, transformed to fit communication protocols, and/or the like, and need processing for use by the communications module910and/or the application system815. The communications device821is configured to process the network input signal921-NI and to generate the communication input signal910-DI based on the network input signal921-NI and/or the data, content, and/or information of the network input signal921-NI. The communications input signal910-DI is a signal that contains the content, data, response and/or information sent by the receptors in a format that can be processed, used, accepted, and/or understood by the communications module910.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that in embodiments where the computing device810and/or communications device821have a location module, as disclosed above in the discussion of the location module inFIG.8, the data, information, content, and/or signals coming into the communications device821(or into a separate location module), whether through the database820, the internet822, network825, I/O device840, and/or directly to the location module, may include the past or current physical and/or geological location of the computing device810, the other computing devices810-D, and the vehicle700, as well as the physical and/or geological location associated with the content, data, information, and/or signals from I/O device840and/or from communications device821.

FIG.10illustrates a gameplay process of the operation of a system, including systems100and800, for capturing vehicle images, determining a vehicle and/or vehicle classification, and associating the vehicle and/or vehicle classification with a virtual vehicle on a gaming platform. The process starts at step1010, where the system is in gameplay and is in a state for capturing content (one or more images, photos, sounds, videos, audio, and/or the like) of the environment including a vehicle, such as vehicle700. Next, in step1020, generally via a camera/imaging device844through the optical recognition module904and in response to an input command form a user105via a user interface842, the process captures one or more images (or any other content, as has been discussed above) of a vehicle. The process transforms or processes the one or more images into image data, and/or generates image data based on the one or more images.

In step1030, the process determines one or more vehicle specifications based on the one or more images and/or image data. Next, in step1040, the process classifies the image data as at least one virtual vehicle based on at least one of the content of the image data and the vehicle specifications. In some embodiments, the process classifies the image data and determines the vehicle classification based on the image data classification. In some embodiments, the process classifies the image data and generates an image data classification that corresponds to a virtual vehicle.

In some situations, the image data cannot be classified, or the image data and/or the vehicle specifications cannot be generated or determined. For example, if a photo of a vehicle is taken in extreme low light, with blurred lenses, while moving or shaking the camera/imaging device844and/or the like, the photo (image data) will not have enough information, detail, and/or content for processing. Step1042addresses these issues. In step1042, the process determines whether the determination of the vehicle classification and/or the classification of the image data, whether a virtual vehicle is associated with the image data, and/or whether the association of the image data with one virtual vehicle was successful. In some embodiments, the process in step1042determines whether the steps1030and/or1040were successful. If there was no success (as in the answer to the process in step1042is “No”), the process moves to step1045. In step1045, depending on the programming of a particular embodiment and/or the preferences of and/or selected parameters of the user105, the process requests another image (moving back to step1020), provides the user105potential image data classifications as a vehicle/virtual vehicle (once a vehicle/virtual vehicle is selected and the image data classified as the selection by the user105, the image data is considered classified, moving the process back to step1042or to step1050(not shown)), or the process stops. If the process moves back to step1042after image data classification at step1045, the process at step1042determines that there is success (as in the answer to the process in step1042is “Yes”) and moves on to step1050.

At step1050, the process associates the classification of image data with the virtual vehicle that corresponds to such classification. In some embodiments, at step1050, the process associates the image data with the virtual vehicle that corresponds to the classification of the image data. In some embodiments, at step1050, the process associates the vehicle contained in the image data with the virtual vehicle that corresponds to the classification of the image data. In some embodiments, at step1050, the process associates the vehicle contained in the image data with the virtual vehicle that corresponds to the classification of the vehicle contained in the image data.

Note that while a vehicle in the image data might be identified and/or classified, it might still be possible that a virtual vehicle is not available to the user (for example, the virtual vehicle is not programmed or does not exist, the user105needs to go through other tasks in the gameplay or needs credits, etc.). Step1052addresses these issues.

In step1052, the process determines whether the association in the step1050was successful. If there was no success (as in the answer to the process in step1052is “No”), the process moves to step1055. In step1055, depending on the programming of a particular embodiment and/or the preferences of and/or selected parameters of the user105, the process requests another image (moving back to step1020), provides the user105potential virtual vehicles for association (once a virtual vehicle is selected by the user105and associated with the classification discussed at step1050, the association is considered successful, moving the process back to step1052), or the process stops. If the process moves back to step1052after the association at step1055, the process at step1052determines that there is success (as in the answer to the process in step1052is “Yes”) and moves on to steps1057(and if there is location/GPS functionality, also to step1070, as illustrated inFIG.10).

A successful association means that the vehicle (or the image data or any underlying classification of the vehicle, the image data, the content of the image data, the vehicle in the image data, and/or the like) is associated with a selected virtual vehicle. Note that the user105, during gameplay or otherwise, may have already obtained or may already have access to the selected virtual vehicle. At step1057, the process determines whether the user105has the selected virtual vehicle. If there is no (as in the answer to the process in step1057is “No”), the process moves to step1060. At step1060, the process provides or gives access to the user105of the selected virtual vehicle in the gaming platform. In other words, the user105can now use the selected virtual vehicle in the game. If there is yes (as in the answer to the process in step1057is “Yes”), the process moves to step1065. At step1065, the process provides a selected virtual vehicle alternative to the user105. The selected virtual vehicle alternative may be credits, points, access to other virtual vehicles, additional customization options, opportunities to “level up,” and/or the like, which may be random, imposed, or selected by the user105. After step1060, and in the applicable scenarios, after step1065, the process stops (except for the steps1070and1080, if applicable as discussed below). When the process stops, the user is directed back to another state of the game and/or to other sections or aspects of the gameplay.

As stated above, as the process goes through the path to step1057, if there is location/GPS functionality, the process proceeds in parallel to step1070. At step1070, the process determines the location of the computing device810. If the location is obtained, the process moves to step1080, at which the process transmits the images, image data, type of virtual vehicle that was associated, and the location of the computing device810at the moment of capture of the image data (the location of the computing device810at step1020). The user105may or may not be informed of the process moving to steps1070and/or1080, and the user105may or may not be given an opportunity to stop the process from moving to steps1070and/or1080through previously selected settings and/or game parameters, and/or through an immediate alert prior to proceeding to step1070and/or1080. Once step1080is performed, the process stops as to this location/transmission leg, but continues with the steps on and after step1057if applicable.

It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the connections and the inputs and outputs between devices and modules discussed above, while shown inFIG.9and discussed as directly occurring between devices and modules, they are processed, ordered, caused, operated, and/or coordinated by the processor811executing the application system815.FIG.9shows various connections, inputs, and outputs occurring between devices or between devices and modules (and, as application system815resides in memory812, therefore, occurring between devices and memory812). However, in some embodiments, one or more of the connections, inputs, and/or outputs illustrated inFIG.9are sent, received, processed, implemented, and/or occur through or via the processor811and/or other intermediary electronics.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.