U.S. Pat. No. 12,296,258

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1illustrates a system environment100of a kind that may be used for implementing cloud based, or network based, services in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. System environment100comprises one or more client terminals102(for example, any of laptop102a, desktop102b, mobile device102cand/or set top box102d) interfacing through network104, with a server106(which server may comprise any cloud based computing device). Server106may be configured to provide cloud based service(s) to a requesting client terminal102, wherein a software application required by client terminal102is installed and run on server106, and video and audio output data from the software application is streamed to and rendered on client terminal102. The inputs received from a user or operator of the client terminal102are in turn transmitted back to server106and are used to control execution of the software application that is running on the server106.

In a cloud based gaming environment, a game application software is installed and run on a cloud based computing device configured to run the game application software—wherein the cloud based computing device may be integrated or coupled with server106. The game application software is run on the computing device and video and audio game play data is streamed from the computing device (optionally through server106) to a client terminal102, where it is rendered for display and/or audio playback. A game player who is operating client terminal102uses the interface controls of client terminal102to provide game play inputs—which are streamed back to the computing device on which the game application software is being executed and is used as game play control inputs for the game application software that is being run on said computing device. As a result, game players from any location can play a video game or a computer game without having to secure specialized video game consoles, software or graphics processing hardware—and relying instead on securing on-demand execution of the game application software by a cloud based server or cloud based computing device.

FIG.2illustrates a system environment200—which comprises one or more client terminals202(for example, any of laptop202a, desktop202b, mobile device202cand/or set top box202d) interfacing through a communication network such as a data network or the internet (not shown), with a cloud services server system206. The cloud services server system206may comprise (or may be coupled with) a plurality of discrete or distinct computing systems (computing device #1, computing device #2 upto computing device #n)—each of which may be configured to be provisioned with, and to instantiate and run a discrete instance of one or more game application software(s). As a result, cloud services server system206may utilize the plurality of discrete or distinct computing systems to simultaneously run game application software instance #1 (206a), game application software instance #2 (206b), upto game application software instance #n (206c)—such that video and/or audio data from each of these game application software instances206ato206cmay be streamed to one or more requesting client terminals202ato202d.

By way of an example:client terminal202amay request cloud services server system206for cloud based execution of a first game application software—and cloud services server system206may respond by (i) instantiating an instance of this first game application software (game application software instance #1) to run on a first computing device (hardware device #1), and (ii) streaming video and/or audio data from the instance of the first game application software to client terminal202a.client terminal202bmay request cloud services server system206for cloud based execution of a second game application software (which may be the same as the first game application software, or may comprise a different game application software)—and cloud services server system206may respond by (i) instantiating an instance of this second game application software (game application software instance #2) to run on a second computing device (computing device #2), and (ii) streaming video and/or audio data from the instance of the second game application software to client terminal202bclient terminal202cmay request cloud services server system206for cloud based execution of an nthgame application software (which may be the same as either of the first or second game application software(s), or may be different from both)—and cloud services server system206may respond by (i) instantiating an instance of this nthgame application software (game application software instance #n) to run on a nthcomputing device (computing device #n), and (ii) streaming video and/or audio data from the instance of the nthgame application software to client terminal202c.

For the purposes of this description “targeted content” shall mean any advertisement, network link, uniform resource locator, document, push marketing content or other data, that describes or relates to content associated with or offered by a cloud based software gaming service.

When targeted content for a cloud based software gaming service is displayed on a client terminal202, the displayed targeted content may be rendered on the client terminal202such that it includes an embedded link that directs a web browser (i.e. a web browser that is implemented within the client terminal202) to a cloud services server system206that is configured to host and/or implement a cloud based instance of the game application software for cloud based execution and delivery to the client terminal202. However, simply embedding a uniform resource locator that identifies the cloud services server system206and/or a location at which an executable instance of the game application software is hosted within the cloud services server system206is found to be unsatisfactory—since every user clicking on the link would require the game to be launched from the default initial game play state—and the user would thereafter have to experience the entire game play launch and flow in chronological order, including having to select a character or avatar, equip the character or avatar, and then starting the game from the initial game play state. This makes it difficult to effectively advertise or market specific game play aspects—for example, new levels, new characters, or new objects or powers for those characters.

The present invention addresses this requirement by using deep links to implement fine grained gaming session control in connection with cloud based software gaming services.

In the context of software applications (for example, mobile device software applications), deep linking consists of launching a second software application directly from within a first software application. The first software application presents a user with a uniform resource identifier (URI) that links to a specific location within the second software application—such that clicking or selecting this URI causes the first software application to launch the second software application, and to simultaneously pass to the second software application one or more arguments or parameters that cause the second software application to present specific content or a specific interface to the user.

For example, in the context of mobile device software applications—which tend to have a defined and specific content focus—it is often necessary or desirable to switch from one mobile device software application to another to meet different information needs. To avoid requiring a user to close or exit a current mobile device software application, navigate to an interface to access a different mobile device software application, launch the new mobile device software application, and then provide input to the new mobile device software application to meet the information need, deep linking enables the user to click on a link within a first mobile device software application, wherein the deep link launches a second mobile device software application, and additionally passes context information to the second mobile device software application, so that the user is presented with a targeted response or targeted content from this second mobile device software application upon launch. For example, a user may use a maps software application to identify nearby restaurants, and may want to make a reservation at one of the restaurants shown in the map interface. Instead of having to separately launch a restaurant reservation application and make a reservation through such restaurant reservation application, the user may instead click or select a deep link displayed in the maps software application. The deep link selected within the maps software application launches the restaurant reservation application, and simultaneously passes (from the maps software application to the restaurant reservation application) one or more argument strings identifying the restaurant which the user has selected in the maps application software. Based on the received argument strings, the restaurant reservation application presents the user with the reservation page for the desired restaurant, without the user having to first navigate and select the restaurant within the restaurant reservation application.

FIG.3illustrates a process flow within a system environment300for implementing deep linking based cloud gaming session control, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

As shown in system environment300ofFIG.3, targeted content for a cloud based game (for example targeted content for a new character or new playable avatar available within a cloud based game application software) is displayed on a display of a client terminal302(for example, on the display of a mobile device).

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, the targeted content (or data, content and/or instructions for displaying the targeted content on the client terminal302) may be transmitted from targeted content source server306to the client terminal302—responsive to which, client terminal302may display the targeted content on a display. In an embodiment, the targeted content source server306is a discrete data processing entity that is distinct from client terminal302and from a cloud gaming server304(that is described in more detail hereinbelow).

The targeted content that is displayed includes an embedded link. The embedded link may take the form of a hypertext markup language (HTML) hyperlink or any other form of hyperlink. In an embodiment, the embedded link may include one or more of (i) a uniform resource locator (URL) or other address identifier identifying a network location of a cloud gaming server304at which cloud based gaming software application (that is the subject of the targeted content that is displayed) can be accessed, (ii) a first identifier comprising a cloud based gaming software application identifier that uniquely identifies the cloud based gaming software application (iii) at least a second identifier that the cloud gaming server304is configured to recognize as an identifier of deep link parameter(s), (iv) one or more game play parameters that are linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s), and optionally (v) one or more query string based parameters for transmission to the cloud gaming server304, wherein said one or more query string based parameters are not linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore not recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s).

In response to a user clicking, tapping or interacting with the targeted content or hyperlink through client terminal302, a web browser implemented within client terminal302is directed to the cloud gaming server304that is identified by the embedded link—for example, based on the uniform resource locator (URL) or other address identifier identifying a network location of the cloud gaming server304at which the cloud based gaming software application can be accessed. The cloud gaming server304may be identified based on the uniform resource locator (URL) or other indicator of an address of the cloud gaming server304, that is included within the embedded link. Additionally, clicking, tapping or interacting with the targeted content or the embedded link through client terminal302results in the client terminal302transmitting to the cloud gaming server304, one or more of the additional data parameters stored within the embedded link—including one or more of (i) the first identifier comprising a cloud based gaming software application identifier that uniquely identifies the cloud based gaming software application, (ii) the second identifier that the cloud gaming server304is configured to recognize as an identifier of deep link parameter(s), (iii) the one or more game play parameters that are linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s), and optionally (iv) one or more query string based parameters for transmission to the cloud gaming server304, wherein said one or more query string based parameters are not linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore not recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s).

Based on the above additional data parameters from within the embedded link (within the targeted content that has been displayed) that are received at cloud gaming server304, cloud gaming server304initiates execution of an instance of the cloud based gaming software application identified by the additional data parameter(s) (i.e. identified by the first identifier within the embedded link), and initiates a communication session between cloud gaming server304and client terminal302—wherein game play data from the executed instance of the cloud based gaming software application is transmitted between cloud gaming server304and client terminal302over the initiated communication session.

The one or more game play parameters (that are linked or associated with the second identifier) which are included within the embedded link, and which are subsequently transmitted to cloud gaming server304, may comprise any one or more parameters that cloud gaming server304is configured to recognize and use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302. Thus, by selectively including such game play parameters within the embedded link in targeted content for a cloud based gaming software application, and by transmitting such game play parameters to a cloud gaming server304when the embedded link is clicked, selected or otherwise activated, the invention enables selective fine grained control of game play data that is delivered from the cloud gaming server to a client terminal during a cloud based gaming session.

It would be noted from the above that the embedded link may additionally include one or more query string based parameters for transmission to the cloud gaming server304, that are not linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore not recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s). In certain embodiments, these query string based parameters may include parameters that are not specific to the cloud based gaming software that is being advertised and/or to selection of game play data associated with the cloud based gaming software—and may instead include any other parameters or arguments that may require to be passed, or that may be optionally passed, to cloud gaming server304. It will be noted that these query string based parameters are not linked or associated with the second identifier—thereby enabling the cloud gaming server to differentiate between (i) parameters within the embedded link that are associated with the second identifier and which cloud gaming server304is therefore configured to use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302, and (ii) parameters within the embedded link that are not associated with the second identifier, and which cloud gaming server304may use for purposes other than for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302. In an exemplary embodiment, parameters within the embedded link that are not associated with the second identifier, is parameters that include attribution information to inform the cloud gaming server304about the targeted content source server306that requires to be credited for the clicked or selected targeted content.

FIGS.4and5are flowcharts illustrating methods for implementing deep linking parameter based cloud gaming session control, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG.4illustrates method steps of the invention that are implemented at a client terminal for the purposes of instantiating an instance of a cloud based gaming software application in response to clicking, selecting or otherwise activating an embedded link within targeted content that has been displayed on the client terminal. In an embodiment, the method ofFIG.4may be implemented within system environment300ofFIG.3, and in a specific embodiment, within client terminal302ofFIG.3.

Step402comprises receiving targeted content data for display on a client terminal display. The targeted content comprises targeted game content for a cloud based gaming software application (for example targeted content for a new character or new playable avatar within a cloud based gaming software application). The targeted game content may be transmitted to client terminal302from a targeted content source server306, for being displayed on a display of a client terminal302(for example, on the display of a mobile device).

The targeted content received at step402may additionally include data representing or defining an embedded network communication link, the embedded network communication link comprising one or more of (i) a uniform resource locator (URL) or other address identifier identifying a network location of a cloud gaming server304at which the cloud based gaming software application can be accessed, (ii) a first identifier comprising a cloud based gaming software application identifier that uniquely identifies the cloud based gaming software application (iii) a second identifier that the cloud gaming server304is configured to recognize as an identifier of deep link parameter(s), (iv) one or more game play parameters that are linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s), and optionally (v) one or more query string based parameters for transmission to the cloud gaming server304, wherein said one or more query string based parameters are not linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore not recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s).

Step404comprises rendering on the client terminal (in an embodiment, on a display of the client terminal display), a clickable instance of the targeted game content, wherein the rendered clickable instance of the targeted game content includes the embedded link comprising one or more of (i) the uniform resource locator (URL) or other address identifier identifying a network location of a cloud gaming server304at which an cloud based gaming software application (that is identified within the targeted content) can be accessed, (ii) the first identifier comprising a cloud based gaming software application identifier that uniquely identifies the cloud based gaming software application (iii) the second identifier that the cloud gaming server304is configured to recognize as an identifier of deep link parameter(s), (iv) the one or more game play parameters that are linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s), and optionally (v) the one or more query string based parameters for transmission to the cloud gaming server304, wherein said one or more query string based parameters are not linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore not recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s).

In an embodiment, the embedded link within the the rendered clickable instance of the targeted game content may take the form of a hypertext markup language (HTML) hyperlink or any other form of hyperlink.

Step406comprises responding to a user input that clicks or selects the clickable instance of the targeted game content, by transmitting to the cloud gaming server identified by the URL (i) the first identifier comprising a cloud based gaming software application identifier that uniquely identifies the cloud based gaming software application, (ii) the second identifier that the cloud gaming server304is configured to recognize as an identifier of deep link parameter(s), (iii) the one or more game play parameters that are linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s), and optionally (iv) one or more query string based parameters for transmission to the cloud gaming server304, wherein said one or more query string based parameters are not linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore not recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s).

In an embodiment, the one or more game play parameters (that are linked or associated with the second identifier) which are included within the embedded link, may comprise any one or more parameters that a cloud gaming server is configured to use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to an instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission back to the client terminal302. By selectively including such game play parameters within the embedded link in targeted content for a cloud based gaming software application, and by transmitting such game play parameters to a cloud gaming server304when the embedded link is clicked, selected or otherwise activated, the method enables selective fine grained control of game play data that is delivered from the cloud gaming server to a client terminal during a cloud based gaming session.

The embedded link may additionally include one or more query string based parameters, which although intended for transmission to a cloud gaming server, are nevertheless not associated with the second identifier. These query string based parameters may include parameters that are not specific to the cloud based gaming software that is being advertised and/or to selection of game play data associated with the cloud based gaming software—and may instead include any other parameters or arguments that may require to be passed or that may be optionally passed to cloud gaming server304. It will be noted that these query string based parameters are not associated with the second identifier—thereby enabling a cloud gaming server to differentiate between (i) parameters within the embedded link that are linked or associated with the second identifier and which the cloud gaming server304is therefore configured to use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302, and (ii) parameters within the embedded link that are not linked or associated with the second identifier, and which the cloud gaming server304may use for purposes other than for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302—for example parameters that include attribution information to inform the cloud gaming server304about targeted content source server that requires to be credited for the clicked or selected targeted content.

FIG.5illustrates the method steps of the invention that are implemented at a cloud gaming server304for the purposes of instantiating an instance of a cloud based gaming software application in response to clicking, selecting or otherwise activating an embedded link within targeted content that has been displayed on a client terminal302. In an embodiment, the method ofFIG.5may be implemented within system environment300ofFIG.3, and in a specific embodiment, within the cloud gaming server304ofFIG.3.

Step502comprises receiving at a cloud gaming server304, data transmitted from a client terminal302, the data comprising (i) a first identifier comprising a cloud based gaming software application identifier that uniquely identifies a cloud based gaming software application, (ii) a second identifier that the cloud gaming server304is configured to recognize as an identifier of deep link parameter(s), (iii) one or more game play parameters that are linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s), and optionally (iv) one or more query string based parameters, wherein said one or more query string based parameters are not linked or associated with the second identifier—and which are therefore not recognized by the cloud gaming server304as comprising deep link parameter(s).

The one or more game play parameters (that are linked or associated with the second identifier) which are included within the embedded link, may comprise any one or more parameters that a cloud gaming server is configured to use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to an instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission back to the client terminal302. By transmitting such game play parameters to a cloud gaming server304when the embedded link is clicked, selected or otherwise activated, the method enables selective fine grained control of game play data that is delivered from the cloud gaming server to a client terminal during a cloud based gaming session.

The query string based parameters transmitted to cloud gaming server304and that are not linked or associated with the second identifier may include parameters that are not specific to the cloud based gaming software that is being advertised and/or to selection of game play data associated with the cloud based gaming software. These query string parameters may instead include any other parameters or arguments that may require to be passed or that may be optionally passed to cloud gaming server304. Since these query string based parameters are not associated with the second identifier—the cloud gaming server304is enabled to differentiate between (i) parameters within the embedded link that are linked or associated with the second identifier and which the cloud gaming server304is therefore configured to use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302, and (ii) query string parameters that are not linked or associated with the second identifier, and which the cloud gaming server304may use for purposes other than for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302. In an example, the query string parameters may include attribution information to inform the cloud gaming server304about targeted content source server that requires to be credited for the clicked or selected targeted content.

Step504comprises selecting from among a plurality of selectable game play options associated with the identified cloud based gaming application software, a set of game play options identified based on the one or more game play parameters that are associated with the second identifier and that have been received from the client terminal302. The selected one or more game play options may determine selection of game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302. In an embodiment, the selected one or more game play options may include any one or more of a selected game play avatar, a selected game play profile, a selected game play map or game play level, selected game play equipment for a game play avatar, or selected game play skills or attributes for a game play avatar.

Step506comprises initiating a cloud based instance of the cloud based gaming software application, wherein the cloud based instance of said cloud based gaming software application is initiated after the cloud gaming server304receives the data transmitted from the client terminal302at step502.

Step508comprises initiating streaming of game play data generated by the cloud based instance of the cloud based gaming software application, from the cloud gaming server304to the client terminal302, wherein the streamed game play data has been determined or selected based on the set of game play options selected at step504. In an embodiment, one or more of game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, that is streamed from cloud gaming server304to client terminal302at step508is determined or selected based on the set of game play options selected at step504.

In view of the above, it would be understood that based on the data parameters that are included within the embedded link (within the displayed instance of targeted content) that are received at cloud gaming server304, the cloud gaming server304is enabled to initiate execution of an instance of the cloud based gaming software application identified by such data parameter(s), and is further enabled to initiate a communication session between with the client terminal302—wherein game play data is transmitted between cloud gaming server304and client terminal302over the initiated communication session.

The one or more game play parameters (that are associated with the second identifier) which are included within the embedded link, and which are subsequently received by the cloud gaming server304, may comprise any one or more parameters that cloud gaming server304is configured to use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302. By selectively including such game play parameters within the embedded link in targeted content for a cloud based gaming software application, and by transmitting such game play parameters to a cloud gaming server304when the embedded link is clicked, selected or otherwise activated, the invention enables the cloud gaming server304to implement selective fine grained control of game play data that is delivered from the cloud gaming server304to a client terminal302during a cloud based gaming session.

Further, it will be noted that the cloud gaming server304may optionally receive one or more query string based parameters that are not associated with the second identifier. These query string based parameters may include parameters that are not specific to the cloud based gaming software application that is being executed and/or to selection of game play data associated with the cloud based gaming software—and may instead include any other parameters or arguments that may be optionally passed to the cloud gaming server304. It will be noted that these query string based parameters are not associated with the second identifier—thereby enabling the cloud gaming server to differentiate between (i) parameters that are associated with the second identifier and which cloud gaming server304is therefore configured to use for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302, and (ii) parameters that are not associated with the second identifier, and which cloud gaming server304may use for purposes other than for selecting game play audio data or game play video data or any other form of game play sensory data, from among a set of selectable game play data corresponding to the instance of the cloud based gaming software application, for transmission to client terminal302—for example parameters that include attribution information to inform the cloud gaming server304about the targeted content source server306that requires to be credited for the clicked or selected instance of targeted content.

By implementing the teachings discussed inFIGS.3to5above, the invention provides effective solutions for advertising or targeted delivery of game content to users for creating awareness and interest in new cloud based gaming software applications or new offerings within cloud based gaming software applications. The systems and methods of the present invention enable users who are presented with targeted content relating to cloud based gaming software applications to be able to experience the targeted content in an efficient, interactive and user friendly manner—while simultaneously restricting the user experience only to the targeted content, and avoiding having the user navigate the entire game play interface or the entire game play flow in chronological order. The invention offers solutions for using embedded links and/or deep links within targeted content delivered to client terminals, for the purposes of implementing fine grained gaming session control between a cloud gaming server and the client control for cloud based delivery of software gaming services to the client terminal.

FIG.6illustrates an exemplary system for implementing the present invention.

FIG.6illustrates an exemplary system600for implementing the present invention. The illustrated system600comprises computer system602which in turn comprises one or more processors604and at least one memory606. Processor604is configured to execute program instructions—and may be a real processor or a virtual processor. It will be understood that computer system602does not suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality of described embodiments. The computer system602may include, but is not be limited to, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor, a micro-controller, an integrated circuit, and other devices or arrangements of devices that are capable of implementing the steps that constitute the method of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments of a computer system602in accordance with the present invention may include one or more servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, smart phones, mobile phones, mobile communication devices, tablets, phablets and personal digital assistants. In an embodiment of the present invention, the memory606may store software for implementing various embodiments of the present invention. The computer system602may have additional components. For example, the computer system602may include one or more communication channels608, one or more input devices610, one or more output devices612, and storage614. An interconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a bus, controller, or network, interconnects the components of the computer system602. In various embodiments of the present invention, operating system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for various softwares executing in the computer system602using a processor604, and manages different functionalities of the components of the computer system602.

The communication channel(s)608allow communication over a communication medium to various other computing entities. The communication medium provides information such as program instructions, or other data in a communication media. The communication media includes, but is not limited to, wired or wireless methodologies implemented with an electrical, optical, RF, infrared, acoustic, microwave, Bluetooth or other transmission media.

The input device(s)610may include, but is not limited to, a touch screen, a keyboard, mouse, pen, joystick, trackball, a voice device, a scanning device, or any another device that is capable of providing input to the computer system602. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input device(s)610may be a sound card or similar device that accepts audio input in analog or digital form. The output device(s)612may include, but not be limited to, a user interface on CRT, LCD, LED display, or any other display associated with any of servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, smart phones, mobile phones, mobile communication devices, tablets, phablets and personal digital assistants, printer, speaker, CD/DVD writer, or any other device that provides output from the computer system602.

The storage614may include, but not be limited to, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, any types of computer memory, magnetic stripes, smart cards, printed barcodes or any other transitory or non-transitory medium which can be used to store information and can be accessed by the computer system602. In various embodiments of the present invention, the storage614may contain program instructions for implementing any of the described embodiments.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the computer system602is part of a distributed network or a part of a set of available cloud resources.

The present invention may be implemented in numerous ways including as a system, a method, or a computer program product such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer network wherein programming instructions are communicated from a remote location.

The present invention may suitably be embodied as a computer program product for use with the computer system602. The method described herein is typically implemented as a computer program product, comprising a set of program instructions that is executed by the computer system602or any other similar device. The set of program instructions may be a series of computer readable codes stored on a tangible medium, such as a computer readable storage medium (storage614), for example, diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, flash drives or hard disk, or transmittable to the computer system602, via a modem or other interface device, over either a tangible medium, including but not limited to optical or analogue communications channel(s)608. The implementation of the invention as a computer program product may be in an intangible form using wireless techniques, including but not limited to microwave, infrared, Bluetooth or other transmission techniques. These instructions can be preloaded into a system or recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or made available for downloading over a network such as the Internet or a mobile telephone network. The series of computer readable instructions may embody all or part of the functionality previously described herein.

The invention accordingly enables implementing of fine grained gaming session control between a cloud gaming server and the client control for cloud based delivery of software gaming services to the client terminal.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the invention illustratively disclose herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein—and in a particular embodiment specifically contemplated, is intended to be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.